[center][h1][color=662d91][u]Delta End: Chapter 1[/u][/color][/h1][/center] [center][h2][color=662d91]An Exercise in Futility[/color][/h2][/center] [hr] [center][h2][color=662d91]Current Location: 2nd Pillar Tower, Delta Office[/color][/h2][/center] [hr] Time is not linear. Such is a fact that has been known to scholars and later on the general public for quite a long time by now. While time-traveling remains science fiction, even in the realms of science fiction, the deepened understanding of time gained over time only created more questions than it did answer existing ones. Yet, despite the weird flexible nature of time, one can pinpoint certain key moments of history, where a moment of significance occurred. Moments, whose ramifications would not be clear even to those involved until much, much later in time. Relatively speaking. For Nevyn, time provided structure. The soft ticking of his outdated analog watch would remind him of the constant flow of time; A constant progression. It was the sound of the world moving forward, it reminded him that he could not afford to sit still. Not after everything that had happened before. [center][hider=Nevyn] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/977965396546175057/977965517631520798/Chesed2.jpg[/img] [/hider][/center] [center][hider=Alayna] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/977967973543338035/1015273393387479120/85051899_p0.jpg[/img] [/hider][/center] A sharp dinging noise from Nevyn's watch announced the arrival of another key moment: The formation of the Delta unit at precisely 10 am. As if automated, Nevyn would turn around to face his new crew precisely when his watch struck 10, standing in the middle of the conference area, facing all supporting staff as well as the agents that by now have all but one gathered at the entrance of the room. His eyes gazed sharply over each individual agent, a bright smile was plastered on his lips as he placed his now empty mug on the desk behind him. His assistant Alayna was standing beside him, hiding her smile beneath the mask which had 4 actual, functioning eyes on it, bringing into question whether it was an actual mask, an augmentation, or part of her body. With Nevyn standing at roughly 6'1 (1.85m), he was quite a lot taller than the averagely sized Alayna at 5'7 (1.70m). The assistant was nervous, seeing all these different new faces standing in front of her. While supporting staff was mostly comprised of 'normal' people, Agents were known to be a little eccentric, or in other words, a little [i]extra[/i]. Even though she was anxious to meet them, she was wondering whether they'd make for a good unit. As if feeling her worries, Nevyn reassuringly put a hand on Alayna's right shoulder for a brief moment and then stepped forward to greet his new Agents. He extended his arms outward to make the grand announcement. [center][h2][color=0072bc]Welcome everyone![/color][/h2][/center] Nevyn waited for a moment to make sure he had everyone's attention. The Commander was fully aware that one Agent was still missing as he had been carefully watching her on the cameras just a moment ago, however, time was not waiting for him so neither would he wait for her. His voice was gentle yet vociferous- Nevyn wanted to make sure that everyone would hear him loud and clear. By now, the Commander had lowered his arms again and his eyes were scanning each Agent individually. [center][color=0072bc]"I am very pleased to see that you all decided to join. Each and every one of you was handpicked by me personally for this unit specifically. I saw a certain quality in each of you that I sought after when recruiting Agents. What quality that is shall be revealed in due time. For now, however, introductions are in order. My name is Nevyn Diseth. I am the Commander of this division, and as such, will be your Commander moving forward.[/color][/center] Nevyn did a signature butler-y bow to express his respect to the new recruits. [center][color=0072bc]"To give some background to myself, I used to be a Fixer going by the codename "Orchestrator". While I still use that codename, you may also call me Commander.[/color][/center] The Commander paused for a moment, looking over to Alayna who was glaring back at him with all eyes available. [center][color=0072bc]"Now, normally I'd now spend some time telling you about my past experiences, how I used to be an Agent, about some missions I undertook- But unfortunately, we are very short on time today, so such social pleasantries will have to wait. You are now Agents, and I was already given the first mission for you to complete.[/color][/center] Nevyn stepped to the side, using his right arm to gesture towards the holographic table in the middle of the conference area behind him. With a few swift inputs on her holographic tablet, Alayna changed the holograph to now depict the picture of the wanted terrorist wielding her crystalline staff. [center][hider=???] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1011237910357475409/1014200591171453038/64975970_p0_1.jpg[/img] [/hider][/center] [center][color=0072bc]"If you've been anywhere within the second Pillar recently, you've likely seen this face. She is the person responsible for the Plaza-Attack that killed dozens of innocent people yesterday. Our current suspicion is that it was a political assassination. While we don't know this woman's name, we know that she is associated with the terrorist and mercenary organization WIZARD. She wields a powerful Anima capable of creating sharp crystals which appear to pierce pretty much anything they get launched towards."[/color][/center] As he was speaking, Nevyn accentuated his words with hand gestures. [center][color=0072bc]"Your first mission is to hunt down and either capture or kill this person. This mission is of utmost importance as she poses a serious threat to the general public. If you can successfully take her down, it will proof your worth as a new division of our SU."[/color][/center] The Commander nodded towards his assistant, who once again changed the hologram to a different scene. This time, a seemingly ran-down restaurant located in some backstreets somewhere in the second Pillar was shown. [center][color=0072bc]"A very hot tip seems to indicate that she is currently hiding at this location. Therefore you will have to dispatch [i]immediately[/i] as she is constantly on the move."[/color][/center] Finally, the hologram turned back to a map of the second Pillar, as it had been before, now with a certain point of interest marked in red. Nevyn turned back towards his Agents and put his hands in the side pockets of his coat. [center][color=0072bc]"I realize that I am throwing you in the cold water. However, view this as a test of sorts. Prove your worth to me. Prove that you were the right choice for this unit."[/color][/center] Nevyn paused briefly and closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly reflecting on something in his mind. Like the dutiful employee she was, Alayna was quick to take over. She clumsily stumbled forwards, almost dropping her device, before adjusting her posture and speaking with surprising confidence and composure. [center][color=f49ac2]"You heard him! Agents, you must dispatch immediately. To your left-"[/color][/center] Alayna raised her right arm to point toward the large electronic door that was located on the left side of the room, relative to the Agents. [center][color=f49ac2]"Behind that door you will find your lockers. They have been programmed to only open to you and you alone and they contain all the gear you will need. Headsets for communication, your holo-badge, PDA, suit for those who want to wear them, and Anima for those who did not bring their own. A fitting one has been selected for you. Make sure to connect to channel 4 on the headset. You will receive further instructions from your Commander from there and you can also communicate with your supporting staff. Each headset contains a personal AI, meaning you can control it simply by speaking. Try it out as you see fit. Furthermore..."[/color][/center] Alayna took a moment to read over her notes on her holographic tablet. [center][color=f49ac2]"If you go further you will find the vehicle bay. Take the troop transporter that has been prepared for you. It can carry up to 12 people so it will be enough for you. Rokkit will be the pilot, as per the Commander's orders. Use it to fly to the location that will be marked on your PDA."[/color][/center] Once again Nevyn tapped on Alayna's shoulder, this time to stop the very eager second in command as she was practically burrowing the new recruits with information. Afterwards, he stepped forward and added a pause for dramatic effect, letting all of that information sink in. [center][color=0072bc]"You are all Agents now. A cut above the rest; Otherwise you wouldn't be standing in front of me today. You live to protect the people of this city from threats that go beyond what normal people can even begin to comprehend. As such I have very high expectations for all of you. On top of that...while this is your first mission, it certainly is not without importance. This terrorist has killed dozens of innocent people who were just minding their own business.[/color][/center] The last part had some emotions added to it as the topic seemingly even affected a veteran like Nevyn. [center][color=0072bc]"Hunt her down and make her pay. You've been given your instructions- So go out there and learn by doing. If you have any important questions you may ask me now, for any other questions you can come see me once you have returned to HQ. I'll be ready to answer anything I can."[/color][/center] Nevyn stepped back slightly to lean against the table behind him while showing a confident grin. [center][color=0072bc]"Good luck, Agents."[/color][/center] After his speech, Nevyn was quick to check his watch again. 14 minutes had passed since all the present Agents had entered the HQ. Such a short time, really, relatively speaking. Yet it was a moment of huge significance: A moment of multifaceted importance- It was the start of a new story and the beginning of the end of another. For yet another, third story, it was merely another step towards its goal. How significant this moment for the recruit Agents was, however, was yet to be decided. It was up to them to make use of this opportunity they had been given. For them to find meaning and purpose in this very moment. Once the Agents had passed towards their locker and vehicle bay, Nevyn would quickly stop Shorty in wherever she was trying to head. [center][color=0072bc]"You're a somewhat unfamiliar face. Let's talk for a bit."[/color][/center] In regards to Adalia, Alayna was instructed to keep watching the cameras. Should she still make it inside she would simply be ushered towards the vehicle bay. And if she didn't, Alayna would instruct Rokkit via headset communication to pick her up in front of the tower. Both options being quite embarrassing of course- A predicament of her own making.