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apocalypsehowcomm2023-06-16 07:57 am
Event - The 25,000 Light Year View
The atmosphere in the lower level gym at ADI headquarters is… tense, to say the least. Nia, Neil, and Rae are present with the rest of those remaining at the organization (or willing to come when called by Neil and Rae for a final statement) seated in benches and chairs that have been dragged in. It's not the usual, orderly meetings that some might have gotten used to for mission briefings.
Neil speaks first. "Thank you, everyone, for coming in. Lot's been happening, but we've come to… an understanding about where we need to go. The artifacts that were in the Vault have all been accounted for or noted as destroyed in some manner with a few exceptions. We're still chasing- ADI is still chasing those down with help from anyone who might want to give it. Won't pretend this is going to be a kumbaya moment, so let's get down to brass tacks. There's an apocalypse on. Whatever this organizations stands for now, its original mission was to uncover and stop those. That's still my mission."
"Mine, too," Rae chimes in.
"It's one we all share," Nia adds.
Neil nods before continuing. "So, we stop this, and we go our separate ways. I'll be leaving ADI and starting my own organization. We've seen a large number of threats in the Appalachian region and a lot of folks heavily impacted by decisions ADI's made. I'll be taking my organization there. Already been in touch with our- with ADI's field agents in the region. Some will be joining me. Along with a certain newsperson who keeps sniffing around. We'll do what we can to do right by the people who've been hurt most. That's going to be our focus. Support and security. We're not feeding the Hunt anymore by running down threats."
Rae steps up next. "And I'll be going where I need to. Lot of threats out west. If you're looking to do some good that won't be working for the Hunt… maybe think about heading that way."
Nia is the last to speak. "And I'll be staying here in Gloucester. ADI will be staying. And I will be its final Warden. We're stopping Zyrian, then we're figuring out what the hell is going on with Dogtown to get all of you people from other worlds home. Or at least stop anyone else coming in. After that? I'm out. What happens after that is still in the works. But Neil's agreed to stay in touch to help with everything… once I'm gone." There's a flicker of emotion across Neil's stoic expression. Regret, frustration… grief. "But right now, we look to Wolf Trap. I-"
There's a pause, and Neil and Rae look to Nia in concern as she puts a hand to her temple. She recovers, though. "Huh… We look to Wolf Trap, Virginia. We'll have buses to get everyone down there. We'll be arriving just as Copernicus' launch of the New Horizon's project is underway. That's where Zyrian Steel's going to do his ritual. We need to find the server rooms at the event. Those are important."
Rae squints at Nia, "You sure?"
Nia nods. "Yeah. I'm real sure about that. It'll be dangerous, though, and that's not the- it's not the only threat that's gonna be there."
Neil's looking wary. "Nia?"
"There's something else. The Web? It's not just the Vast that's involved in this, I don't think. It would make sense, right?" She shakes her head. "We'll be facing multiple Entity threats down there, not just the Vast. And I'm sure Zyrian's gonna kick the ritual off on the last day, once he's had time for-for something… not sure what. But he's a dramatic bastard, if nothing else. And timing's everything."
Neil and Rae exchange uncertain looks before Neil speaks up again. "Coming is voluntary, like always, but we'll want boots on the ground to cover as much ground as possible. They'll be holding the biggest events and productions at the Filene Center stage. But we're expecting tech booths scattered all throughout the park. Be on your guard."
"And bring a gun," Rae advises.
(click the map for a larger version)
Fortune
Something is wrong with her appearance, it's a little too sharp, a little too unreal.]
I would, actually? That would be fantastic?
[It's a little snarled, a little angry. Even though there's no good path to her, he starts trying to make his way over to her anyway, one hand hovering above the handgun on the holster strapped to his hip and thigh.]
no subject
It would be, wouldn't it? What do you think you want, then, little weasel? What would help you in this trying hour?
no subject
[He’s immediately on edge—well, on more of an edge than he already was, wondering if she was somehow behind the weaseling and crabbening of their previous field trip.]
I’m looking for Zyrian Steel, actually. You seen him around?
no subject
Small, sniffing around, territorial, aggressive...small nose, what a slinky, sneaky, needy little thing you are.
I've seen him. He was wandering about the first day of this little party. Haven't...seen him in...hmmm...a whole sun and half a samba from our band. I suspect he's plugging in.
no subject
I guess I just come off as weasely to you, then.
[LIKE, IT’S VERY ACCURATE]
I wasn’t expecting to get called out like that…but—
Needy, wait—am I really that needy?
[A muttered grumble. He can practically hear Rodney’s reaction to that.]
That’s…actually also surprisingly helpful.
Have you seen him, oh, I dunno, just, acting weird, when you last saw him? I mean, whatever is for weird for him. Was he just mingling around, or have you seen him talking to certain people?
no subject
Hmm...does the open air or deep ocean ever seem excited? Jubilant? No, he was ever much the same...and yet calm. More content. He ran his hot hair as he often does in crowds and talked his conversations better than a spider weaves her Web, but then again, he is a tycoon, that's to be expected.
My little weasel, who he's talking to doesn't matter...the Vast hardly needs specific faces, they're all too small for it anyway. Ask me again. Be clever.
no subject
[Uncanny, but okay. He pauses, certainly wanting to appear clever.]
I don’t suppose you heard what he was talking about…or the places he went to?
no subject
[She taps a long nail against her lips and peers up at the ceiling as though trying to remember.]
Something about an 'eye opening' experience for his new app he's rolling out. Odd, don't you think? All this focus on medical technology and life improvements...and he moves on to some app on people's phones. Lovely things, phones, good for reaching out and spreading information like a virus. One person tries a thing and loves it, then sends it on to another five and another ten from there. On and on like an inelegant but effective spiral. Now...what would the Vast want with an app? Where might it go to see such a thing come to fruition, I wonder?
no subject
[He'd thought that you pick one and you're done, but clearly there's multiple fears involved. Did he find a bunch of avatars and pay them off?]
Harvesting fear, I guess? But with the Vast...that's weird. That sounds like whatever it goes is gonna be bad news. That app's gotta come from somewhere, or maybe signals are involved...
no subject
[Her voice turns sweet and sticky.]
I'm a friend. I'm here, am I not? But you're sniffing and climbing closer. Signals might very well matter.
no subject
[She’s helping him though, so he doesn’t think she’s overtly malevolent. But he could be wrong.]
Those signal head things came here…he’s using those. How the hell do you even control those things…
no subject
But! [She raises a slightly too long finger up and then brings it in front of her smile.]
You've got one down. Sing so sweetly to them and they'll dance all you like. Just like The Puppet's band playing in the plaza. Have you heard them? They're terrible. Anyway, the signal heads are a cause, yes, but not a solution on their own. They only broadcast. Your trouble, among many, is the source. Corrupt the source, distort the origin aaanndd...?
[She holds her hand out in the air between them, palm up as though waiting his response.]
no subject
[That's...an interesting revelation.]
What do you mean, sing? Literally sing, or do you actually know how to control them?
Distort the origin and we get the rest of the afternoon off. We have to find the source.
no subject
They’re controlled through frequencies, everything they do is frequency. Find their favorite song and you’re in, but it doesn’t matter. They’re also fed the same as he is, if you can starve the man, you’ll wither the monster.
You’re sniffing around the money, my weasel. Now it’s all about location, location, location.
no subject
[And potentially useful, later on, if they can find the right ones to use.]
Location—that would have to be wherever the most tech would be and the least amount of interference. Control room. Server room.
[He snaps his fingers.]
Got it! Wait—what about you? You know, we could really use your help.
no subject
There you go...and what about me, clever boy? You've got the answers, you've got the scent of blood, what could little old me do now? Besides...I'm just here to make sure you don't lose your footing.
There are several interested parties rooting for you and your friends. Gotta come home in one piece!