[h1][center]Dr. Ellie Price[/center][/h1]
[hr]

[color=#8FAF9A]“Ellie is fine.”[/color] Her chin dipped subtly, smile faint with warmth as she corrected her name. Prefixes were formal and better done without, though not for lack of professionalism. [color=#8FAF9A]“Nice to meet you, Avalon.”[/color] Ellie’s eyes crinkled, Erin’s voice curt as the director seemed adamant to cut the pleasantries short.

… Perhaps shorter than intended?

Ellie could only guess vaguely at that with several pulled straws. She complied regardless, the cheap chair sat in with perfect posture. Back straight, chin held high, legs folded over one another and her hands rested on a knee that twitched with anxiety at the expectations.

She held no illusions to the fact that this was wholly lacking professional decor, with the exception that Erin was determined to fake it anyway. And surprisingly good at it. Ellie smiled at that, at least.

No red carpet, no applause, no dancing to the whims of a gold star and a pat on the back like a puppy chasing affection and recognition. Good, that meant the work was getting the attention it deserved from people who weren’t just fishing promotions.

Or compliments.

The poor excuse for a briefing room dimmed, then lit up with the projector light casting the space in something intense and focused. It made Ellie straighten just a hair tighter, her brown bun shifting as she fumbled with the edges of her glasses.

The Homeland Party, she confessed to hating politics in all forms. Apolitically-minded, probably.

But these folks? Just the mere glimpse of thoae faces made Ellie’s skin crawl, the smile from Erin’s earlier play at professionalism faltered to a sad frown.

[color=#8FAF9A]“Extremists, I believe.”[/color] The doctor piped up, her attention flicked to Avalon; gauging her colleagues reaction, perhaps. [color=#8FAF9A]“PA party offshoot. Must’ve read it in the papers once.”[/color] Ellie nodded, unsure what else to divulge. [color=#8FAF9A]“Heard they have a cult following calling themselves the Homeland Brothers.”[/color] She sighed, her fingers flexed to splay on her knee.

[color=#8FAF9A]“I remember a particular case crossing my hands involving their name,”[/color] Her voice steadied, the Welsh lilt tightening. [color=#8FAF9A]“Officer wanted my input on particular bruise patterns.”[/color] One of the rare times she was asked to consult a non-murder case. [color=#8FAF9A]“Violent beating, though not rage induced. Almost like calculated punishment.”[/color]

Ellie paused, lips thinning.

[color=#8FAF9A]“I’m afraid that’s all I know.”[/color] She dipped her chin again, shoulders sagged. Her piece was spoken.