Event - Dogged

[apocalypsehowmods]

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Dogged

The message goes out to everyone on ADI's network. It seems to be something captured live. It's Pam Ruan, head of HR who holds a prosthetic finger up to her lips before whispering, "Everyone's pushing for transparency right now, right? Figuring out where threats are coming from and sharing. I think that should come at all levels. Let's see what Nia's talking about with Mr. Zyrian Steel, hmm?"

The camera flips around as Pam clearly creeps closer to an office door. There are muffled voices, and Pam sets the phone face up before using one hand to shove the thing under the door. The video shows a sliding picture of the office's bland ceiling for a moment before coming to a stop. The voices become much clearer.

"-down in Wolf Trap," a masculine voice is saying. Presumably, Zyrian Steel. "There's just no need for that."

"Zyrian, this ain't a negotiation." Nia Lehrer's voice is familiar to most people working at ADI at this point. They've likely heard her speak in some pre-recorded training videos at the bare minimum. Nia's tone is no nonsense and clearly on the edge of snapping in frustration. "You're not hiring us. I'm sending my people down to Wolf Trap next month. We've got evidence of those signalhead things being on the march, one down that way, your kick off for New Horizons in the park, and evidence out of there about the Lullaby Girl from some of my people."

There is silence.

"You remember her? Ava? Or Amber, it seems like. She's the one you gave us those Lucidio masks to help train our people against. Frankly, I'd be surprised if you don't remember her, Mr. S." Another drawn out pause. "You ain't been straight with me for a long time. You ain't been straight with ADI since Tawnya was Warden. You tell me you need us in Buffalo, payback for helping in Wolf Pen and Cortana and the mobile med units, and not only do half the staff come back with crab claws and whiskers, but I find out you're using us for business politics." There's venom in her tone. "Or were you just going to stay quiet about Etcher's enterprises competing with your own software companies? ADI is not your personal attack dog. You are our client. And I thought my friend. But I'm about 30 seconds away from firing you from both."

Further silence, then a heavy sigh. "And I was going to offer to send you and your staff on such a nice retreat." There's the sound of a chair being pushed back. "Warden, I think you misunderstand the nature of our relationship. You are the dogs. I am the master. I hold your leash. Or have you forgotten just how much technology I've donated to ADI over the years, how many of your systems run on things I built? We've had a mutually beneficial relationship up until now- Well… you and I have. Tawnya got to be a problem before the end, too. But I made sure that was taken care of."

"You self-aggrandizing son of a-"

"You're a much more practical woman than she ever was, even with those shiny ideals you hold so dear. You'll compromise for the greater good, to protect what's yours. Such a good Warden, looking out for her charges."

"What are you talking about? And get your hands the hell off my desk."

"Haven't you ever wondered about the title? Warden. Odd name for a leader of any organization, even one like yours. But maybe not so odd when you consider your more eldritch masters." A scoff. "The Hunt always does pick out the most oblivious avatars, doesn't it? What does a Warden do?" A beat. "She controls the monsters, Nia. Sniffs them out and contains them. And she goes after the poachers coming after her prey. Tell me, have you ever noticed how you're always picking up on threats far afield with uncanny precision. It's been getting stronger, hasn't it? Tawnya was the same way. As was her predecessor, I imagine."

"That's not- I wouldn't ever…"

"Wouldn't you, though? Every time you sent your own dogs after a threat, reveled in it, you were being such a good Warden, instilling terror in the hearts of your enemies, ADI's enemies. So many cults know who and what you are and they fear it. Fear the Warden of ADI, famed avatar of the Hunt. Even now, I know you've compromised yourself. Have you considered what that's done to you? You let that Visionary kid stay alive. I rather think that might have been the start of your slide, hmm? Making exceptions, just this once.

"Now," he continues, voice growing louder and footsteps starting toward the phone, "I realize this is a lot to take in, to think about. Why don't you do that self-reflection while I attend to other matters? You are doing good work, puppy. I need a dependable pet to take care of all those nasty pests who keep trying rituals. But no need to worry about the New Horizons launch, really. I'll just-" Zyrian pauses and everyone will have a view of a middle-aged caucasian man with dark, slightly graying hair and a beard. He's wearing khakis and a Hawaiian shirt, and he's looking down at Pam's phone.

"Well… fuck." He stomps a heeled shoe on it and the transmission ends abruptly.

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Comments

[rainestorms]

[Raine is quiet for a moment as they sat down themself.]

I understand why you are worrying about it, though. The artefacts.. They're designed to hurt their victims and they're designed for their victims to hurt others- even if it's not intentional. That's.. hard to grapple with. Hurting people.

[A beat.]

Knowing about it.

[Maybe this was beginning to feel like a talk they should have with themself.]

But what the artefact did to you wasn't your fault. I'm sorry it happened.

[Raine wanted to change the subject. Or at least, stop talking about artefacts when their own was currently still rendering them invisible.]

How is the tea, by the way?

[ruevealing]

[Solemnly, Rue nods along with Raine's words, grateful that if nothing else, they at least understand what the owlbear feels during all of this.]

Thank you, of course. I know it was not myself, but - I suppose I am most fearful of how others see me. Many judge on appearances and there is very little I can do more to soften how frightening I must be. A beast in a beautiful dress is still a beast.

[But Raine changes the subject rather abruptly, enough so that Rue's feathery brows lifts in surprise. They take a sip of their tea then, just a sip, before returning their cup to their tea plate.]

It's quite lovely, thank you.

[rainestorms]

[They didn't mean to change the subject so quickly, but honestly they're trying not to think of the consequences of their actions. Whatever those may be.]

Of course. I just want to help my friend.

[Raine fell quiet, and though they don't realise it, the medallion does its work to make them disappear, almost entirely. Their voice is barely audible, but they speak anyways.]

You know, Eda and I could come over here if you'd like. We can bring snacks again. Any excuse to buy ice cream for Eda is a good one. And she likes to know you're okay.

[ruevealing]

She does, doesn't she?

[To all of the above. Eda has always been so caring with Rue, the first friend they made in this realm.]

Would it be quite alright if I let you know later this afternoon? To speak plainly, I have been quite the obnoxious, moping spouse. I should like to spend some time with Knickolas and talk through what happened. But after our time together, I think I might enjoy time with my dear friends. Thank you, Raine. For being here for me.