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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)
no subject
He winces at the memory. Yeah. Not his proudest moment.
"Observe sounds like a plan. I think I'm just going to-- Wait, your roommate has a tail, too? It's just going around these days, isn't it..."
no subject
Much more interesting than locking yourself in a supply closet.
"What do you mean it's going around..?" They tilt their head at Carter.
"Is growing a tail something that's become a contagion as of late?"
no subject
He hesitates there. Sheppard isn't exactly great at hiding his condition but that doesn't mean Carter just wants to rat him out. Annoying as he could be sometimes.
"I've met people at medical who suffered a similar condition."
He gives a shrug.
"Maybe it's an ADI thing. You know, all that Hunt business..."
no subject
"Really? That's alarming. You know, I work in research. Maybe I could help you look into that. If you're interested."
Raine shrugged, noncommittally.
"My roommate's tail showed up before the things about Nia came to light. Around Buffalo. When did you first see them?"
no subject
Carter frowned. When did he first learn about Sheppard's changes? Everything had been such a convoluted mess lately he can't even remember... Said something about his life, he guessed.
"I definitely had a lot of work cut out for me after Buffalo. Pincers. Feelers. Rodent teeth... The tail thing was earlier, I think. But it might be worth looking into. Like I said, partly turning into a crab once was enough, I don't need to grow fur or turn into a Huntbeast."
He wondered about that, too. Would his own patron Entity be pissed off about that?
no subject
"That does sound like an awful lot," They smiled sympathetically at Carter. "I'll see what I can come up with. You said it was.. earlier? Than Buffalo?"
They paused, one hand on their hip as they thought for a beat.
"Do you know how earlier? That might help me narrow down my search."
sorry this is so late!
He looks away for a moment.
"There's so many things happening around here. It's hard to keep track. I just... I don't know."
Except that's not the whole truth. Except there is a flicker there. Maybe one of recognition for Raine, who knows. Maybe they can sense Carter's Web affiliation.
It's hard to tell, but one thing is for sure. He's very adamant about the idea of control and keeping an uphold of it.
"So you've been looking into people, huh?"
That's ok! Glad to have ya back
"I'm apart of the research department. I do research. Sometimes people happen to be apart of that, but... not always."
It's because Raine didn't miss the flicker. It's why their answer is so much of a non-answer. They can acknowledge something- Reminiscent of the covens at home, reminiscent of a fear they've studied well, know well.
"I've been interested in how the artefacts and the other things we come across affects people long-term. Partly because I've had my own personal experiences now, and I think it's important to keep track of those of us in the ADI's mental health."
There's a pause.
"Wouldn't you agree?"