Machinations of Light's Glory - death, decisions, doom

Nebty's face fell.

"Grim psychic emanations indeed. A terrible tragedy has befallen the Order of Light's Glory." She walked over to the bodies of the dead monks. Kneeling down, she touched each of their faces in turn.

"I could not protect you, my children. I am sorry." She looked back up at Mr. Lawrence.

"The Church will take care of their funeral rites. They are my responsibility."

This unit is only capable of processing organic nourishment blocks and electrical energy for sustenance. Wine limits blood flow to the symbiote brain and thus limits processing capabilities. The offer to ingest wine has been formally declined.

Of course. The Nano-cleanse activation sequence is all setup and ready to go once you are ready. It doesn't appear that we can learn much more of use from the bodies. You'll have to excuse my lack of emotion around the dead. It's an occupational hazard.

Nebty nodded her thanks.

"I shall perform the rituals later tonight. The bodies must first be laid out in the chapel."

With a wave of her hand she summoned several worker androids to move the bodies.

Nebty looked up at Vi, distracted from watching the bodies of her monks being removed to the chapel.

Rising to her feet, she said, "well I shall certainly try my best." She extended a hand, artificial joints whirring.

"But you have me at a disadvantage. I don't believe we have met before. I am Nebty, High Priestess of the Church of the Light, and you are?"

A cringing figure draws Olivia's eye as she glances over the gathered crowd. She stares momentarily, her eyes blinking rapidly before widening. Bringing her hands to her mouth, she all but shrieks at the wincing figure.

"AIIIEEE! Ann-sama! Genki desu ka, is it really you?"

Bits of wreckage flaking off her, she dashes forward to greet the other woman, grasping her hands between her own.

"Neeeee? Ann-sama, you've grown up so much! And you look beautiful! How have you been, Ann-sama?"

Her neon hair perks upward of its own accord, completely out-of-time with Olivia's bouncing on her feet.

"Of course, I wanted to check in sooner, but you know the rules of the contract: once you've finished your six years of service, you're never to bother the Masters again. But I did oh so want to see Ann-sama -- and now I have, and she is so lovely!"

She cocks her head to one shoulder, mouthing her words despite the cigar still hanging off her lips.

"I never would have thought I would see you again after leaving Goshujin-sama and becoming a MEIDO, but I did! Didn't I tell you, Ann-sama? I'm a MEIDO now! Yes, me: a MEIDO. Who would have thought it?"

I take it then, that you are perhaps a meido Miss Zita. Or do you prefer Ozzo?

In my country such a role would likely not inspire enthusiasm so much as resignation, but the Arkiolojiss is a global organisation. I'm glad that some of us are apparently already acquainted anyway, it may perhaps help winnow the suspects list tomorrow. Another glass anyone?

"Olivia, it's a pleasure to see you again! Have you been well? It's been so long since we've parted ways."
Ann managed a strained smile.

"I shall take you up on this offer, Mr. Lawrence."
She was glad her parents would never see her like this, emptying a glass full of wine in a single go.

When it seemed clear that Vi would not accept the offered hand, Nebty retracted it.

"Crusade implies violence, Neopythia. My followers simply spread the gospel of the Light. No more, no less. It saddens me that you have interpreted what we do as an attack. Be assured that it was not my intention."

Nebty smiled.

"Salvation. We offer cleansing to tainted souls, balm to wounded hearts. We offer fulfillment to some and council to others. The Church does not rob you of your people, but we aid those who seek our help. Living is not a zero-sum game, Neopythia."

OH, Mister Lawrence it's totally okay to not be all sad and crying or whatever around the dead! They've totally moved on--well not entirely on--but definitely on from the bodies that are there and that means they're really of litter consequence so there's no use crying over them or feeling sad or anything because nine times out of ten the spirit that moves on is SO MUCH BETTER OFF you know and quite happy with what they're doing but that tenth time, whew! that can get really crazy what with a vengeful spirit sticking around to haunt the person that killed them or wronged them or took their seat on the bus or looked sideways at them that one time because--OH WOW this stuff is really good! Do you mind if I have another glass? It looks like some people already know each other--that's so wonderful! It's like a reunion! Oh and I hear that people have differing viewpoints on religion--I'm sure that will have us all giggling and talking and forming bonds throughout the days and nights here! I think it's great when people of differing viewpoints get together and talk about what they do and don't believe and it certainly seems to shore up people's own beliefs even if no consensus is ever reached and I do think it's important that people really believe in whatever they're going to believe in, you know, because sometimes that really helps them come to terms with dying and oh wow I could have SUCH a conversation about immortality and how it's so silly--but it's totally fine if you believe that's a thing--and I cannot WAIT until I get to know you guys!

Well most of you. I think we'll have to kill someone tomorrow so I probably won't get to know that person really well but just know, whoever that ends up being--even if it's me know that I totally WANTED to get to know you and it's cool because EVERYONE dies and there will probably be a lot more people right after you anyway unless we all turn out to be really good at our jobs which we probably are because I can already tell you're all really attentive and strong and wonderful people!!

Well, after a quick search for any physical evidence, nothing of substance has turned up.

[MONKS, DECEASED - 62 count] - clearly the work of the Scythe of Antioch, according to records.
[WINE - 226 casks] - Mr. Lawrence seems to have already discovered this. Well done, chummer.
[TORTOISE SHELL, GEAR-ENCRUSTED] - kitsch, obviously useless. Discard.
[HOLOTAPES, ARCHIVAL - 12 count] - corrupted and unrecoverable. Discard.

One thing that is for certain - the last monk died less than 24 hours ago. There have been no signs of vehicle departure, orbital extraction, or arcane exfiltration from the site.

[CONCLUSION, 452?]

The cultists are still here. This is a certainty.

I'm afraid in my case feeling as I do... it's not exactly a plan. Anyway, I think I understand what you are saying; that perhaps sometimes death can be more of a gift than it might at first seem. I think that is how the High Priestess would see things too.

Me, I'm not so sure I'm ready to face whatever is at the end of this life just yet. However, I'm definitely a believer in second chances.

"Such a loaded term, 'suspects.' I prefer 'persons of interest.'" Dazzler, no longer bothering with a codename since her secret has come out, studies a glass of white wine. The background hubbub coalesces within her hand into a series of tiny flickering beams from her fingertips, turning the wine the exact shade of a well-mixed Tequila Sunrise. Casually, she drifts over to a raised platform at one end of the room, equipped with some fairly sophisticated sound equipment - bit surprising, for a monastic community. "Wine, glitterati, awkward small talk, tense mingling...all we seem to be missing is the dancing."

Dazzler slides a minidisc from a hip pocket and pops it into a slot, then picks up a mic. Smooth jazz begins to play as a disco ball effect slowly fades up and glitters across the floor. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the Arkiolojiss, and welcome to what could be some of our last night on this world. Allow me to lift the mood a bit."

"Hey there, you with the stars in your eyes..."

Nebty's eyes widened, then closed in pleasure.

"I love this song," she whispered to no one in particular.

Ann took another wine glass, confusion written all over her face.
"Somehow, this feels like a class reunion."

Nebty, startled out of her reverie, watched Neopythia go. Sighing sadly, she crossed the floor towards the green-haired singer. The song ended, and Nebty was about to clap, but she held herself back, remembering that the sounds of metal against metal might cause a panic. Instead, she attempted to catch the singer's eye.

Yeah, tell me about it. All we need now is an evil twin and this would be just like "As The Solar System Turns". Not that I watch that.

As Ozzo grabs hold of the young noblewoman's hands, the air behind Ann de La Vallière begins to warp and quiver, colours in the environment rippling away to reveal a monochromatic figure wreathed in the austere official MEIDO dress - external cochlear enhancements, facial deindividualizer, respiratory purifier, self-cleaning fabric, the works. The official ANARCHY MEIDO logo is emblazoned across the hem of the starched white apron in solid black, a colour that is only worn by the highest-ranking members in the guild. Everything perfectly fits the MEIDO standard, from the angle of the bow at her throat to the length of her black fringe. The only hints of personality are the (optional) company motto printed in tiny letters on the back of her apron (WE WILL CLEANSE THE WORLD) and the icy green eyes glaring straight at the wriggling mass of colours on Ozzo's head.

"MEIDO 0220!"

A voice rasps out from behind the mask in distorted, almost undecipherable tones, and the MEIDO frowns.

"Sukoshi machinasai. Kore wa a sai-shin model that has not been shiken'd in the field. Please allow for an adjustment period of wakarimasen minutes."

Her eyes flash red for a second as her voice-synth adjusts itself, making a sound that sounds suspiciously similar to a human clearing its throat. Another sign of a personality then - verisimilitude has been out of fashion for a while now.

"Sumimasen... MEIDO 0220!"

The amplifier screeches at the end of the exclamation, no doubt a deliberate effect created by the synth instead of a malfunction.

"Get your kitanai hands off ojou-sama..." The MEIDO's right arm whirrs open in the swiss-army knife fashion of the latest generation of MEIDO apps, revealing a blur of compact weapons and tools as she moves in close beside the youngest heir of the de La Vallière family. One of the equips crunch into place, the rest folding away as she swings her arm up to point the long metallic cylinder right at Ozzo's forehead.

"Or I will disinfect you."

Her finger tenses on the trigger of her multi-purpose sanitizing spray. Her eyes crinkle up as she sweeps her eyes over the freshly-minted MEIDO's atrocious violations of the official MEIDO uniform regulations, which somehow manage to be less insulting than the countless violations of basic posthuman aesthetics.

"And what is this bakana nonsense about MEIDO ni narimashita? I only oboeteiru of approving your probationary license, MEIDO 0220. As the founder of MEIDO Corps. and Head of Posthuman Resources, I officially assign you 10 demerits for MEIDO-ing without prominent declaration of probationary status, 5 demerits for that kimochi warui hairjob, and 5 demerits for gross uncleanliness. Please oboete, in order to cleanse the sekai, we must first cleanse ourselves. I will not let you within a five-meter radius of Ann-ojou-sama until you pass all my sanitary requirements."

She nods to her new mistress.

"Ann-ojou-sama, hajimemashite. Ashi wa MEIDO 0, but my previous master liked to call me "Ana", meaning "hole" in Japanese, presumably because the number 0 looks like one. I am aware of ojou-sama's wishes to set forth on this quest to Light's Glory alone, but your otou-sama hired me on a temporary keiyaku and arranged for my assignment to this mission in order to ensure your anzen and comfort at all costs. Please rest assured that you will live through this trial, Ann-ojou-sama. I am MEIDO 0 because my mission fail rate is 0."

"Thanks for the wine Dan. It's been awhile, hasn't it? How have you been? Holding up okay?"
Pull out Smirk #32:Knowing, teasing, a hint of blackmail, and enough kindness and genuine affection that it's practically a smile.
Lean in. Whisper.
"Still sleep with your stuffed turtle Nemmy?"

*Fontaine sat motionless in the small (by his standards) transport vehicle, bearing an unreasonably thick armor plating for such a vessel, that approached the island; carrying nothing more than one of the female students (the driver) from his private Phoenix school in the middle of nowhere, and a few small provisions; some were his to take with him to the island, and some were hers for the ride home. The female driver had spent the hours along the way repeatedly attempting to make small talk with him, commenting on things such as:

"I've never been over here before; this is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting!!"
"Did you remember the time I got my friends together and we pulled that prank on you?"
"Say, why are you wearing all the damn armor all the time? One would think you were someone's target or something...."

It was true, however; he WAS afraid of Death. He FEARED Death. He was given a very unfair and undeserved second chance at Life, and refused to let it go to waste. He had remembered trying to send several of his disciples in his steed to deal with this matter; all of which were met with discontent and discouragement, both from those who initiated him into this project AND his students. Ultimately, and begrudgingly, he agreed to join the farce that was the Campaign of Light's Glory; to seal off the Scythe that had somehow been released from it's imprisonment.

He could only think to himself, "Why?" A looming DOOM had taken over his very being (though you would never notice it, because of all that damn armor). Escape, still, was but a fleeting dream; Salvation, remained beyond all Hope. His Misfortune, the Pain of his Past Life, left him wondering if his Judgement Day had finally arrived; to find out if he was worthy of the New Life he had, or if all the blood, sweat, and tears he had given to Repent was all for naught.*

"Well... we're here.... Nice place they've got you working, isn't it? Say, it's getting pretty last about now, right? Just how long have we...."

*Fontaine jolted out of his depression upon hearing the news. He slowly rose out of his seat, the Behemoth size that he was now nearly taking up the entire space of the ship; the vehicle still in motion. His armored boots clanked against the floor as he turned around and stepped forward towards the supplies to grab the few provisions he had taken with him. The female student, amidst her chatter, suddenly slammed the brakes on the transport vehicle, nearly colliding with the island; he, however, hadn't noticed the event, as it had no impact on him whatsoever. Hell, he barely feels ANYTHING these days; having worn his Protective Shell for so long, it's become a second skin.

The Student apologized profusely for the near collision, but Fontaine simply shook his head; he would've told her it was alright, but the Voice Amplifier inside his GasMask-shaped helmet wasn't activated to allow him to do so. He pulled out his Top Hat from a small, rather plain-looking, yet very well kept treasure box and placed it on his head; why he wears this still remains a mystery amongst his students, and several hilarious rumors were spread as a result.

His vessel landed safely onto the Island; a rather fair distance away from where there were other ships... and other people (poor girl is clearly scared stiff). The doors shifted aside; Fontaine's massive frame nearly filling the space the doors left behind. His Phoenix Red Cape... Mantle... whatever you wish to call it, stood out brightly as it nearly covered both the front and back of his body. A mechanical whirr began as the front-lower portion of his Mask opened slightly; a mechanical sigh followed shortly after. The rather obvious 'Eye' on the center of the Mask began to flicker between a bright and dull red, giving the indication that he was slowly joining the Waking World.*

Is there something wrong with death cults? I suppose I can see why some people would be afraid of them and I can understand maybe disliking one if they were forcing someone to make a decision to end their lives without properly consulting the person to see if that's what they really wanted to do. It can be SO easy to get caught up in a groupthink, you know? I certainly know what with my three point seven-five million cyberyoutube followers and all that bad press we got but I don't hold it against those reporters because they did't take the time to understand where we were coming from, you know, and that's just a regular old knee-jerk reaction that I can completely understand since for so long everyone was all "death is horrible!" and "it's the end!" and "you can't take it with you!" and while that last one is totally true the other two are not so much but I completely understand people not thinking that way because maybe they haven't talked to me yet so if anyone wants to talk about it I can completely assure you that we're all going to die anyway, even the people that think they aren't, so we might as well get used to the idea and not be afraid of it because it isn't so much the end of everything as the end of a chapter and then you get to move forward into the next one. I'm not quite sure where "salvation" comes into it because I'm pretty sure that there's a whole lot more complications--well maybe not more but just different ones--once you die and become something else but I bet there's also hundreds of millions of good things that come with that transition so let's all just be really happy that we'll be together for the next couple of weeks and hopefully save the world--if only momentarily because like I said, it's not like anyone is really going to live forever so in actuality we're only saving the world for the moment.

I don't suppose the people that are trying to end the world might not just want to come forward and save us all a lot of trouble? I'd really appreciate it!

"Why the hell does no one ever think to give more then a cursory sweep through the Clusterfuck Section?!!" She downshifted with a growl, barely skimming the surface of the floating rock before narrowly dodging the next few suspended clumps. It wasn't quite a dogfight, getting the ship through the field since it actually had pretty decent reactionary arctorps and a control core that didn't jack up after each ping. Nonetheless, there were a couple more dents and a few memorable scrap fractures to the slim Erscorz then when it'd been given over to her use.

Aww, come on. You love it. She gave that the absentminded hair flick it deserved, the fine filaments of her mohawk weaving into an Abitemis insult before disentangling into a cloud of faintly waving strands as steady hands worked the panels. Another metallic thump as a passing projectile plinked across the left wing and she adjusted their passage through the latter gravel patterns with a quarter turn to the wheel. They were coming some ways out of the worst parts and into actual porting range of the Trisangelus. Of course, that meant connection was spotty for a few minutes. She hit the jump when the pullmagnets turned green and then stuck the ship in idle, propping a hip on the desk. "Make yourself useful and read me the coordinates again."

The AI obeyed, rattling off the destination plane in exaggerated mechanical tones. "Hahaha. Fuck you very much, this is your stop." Mentally calculating the logistics, she punched the plush upholstery of the seat with affection. They weren't too far off target then, and not as late as previously envisioned. It was a job well done, all things considering.

Will I see you again?

Pulled out of her thoughts by the sentiment and complex makeup of that query she contemplated the words, weighing the situation and how much of the truth to speak. After long moments, she finally shook her head with no small measure of regret. "Likely not. I go to the end, and what I find there..." In the space of what should have been an awkward silence there was only understanding. Grimness and philosophy had been companions on their adventures. The AI trilled twice and rocked the Erscorz in encouragement. Off you get, then.

----------------------------

The ship hummed with a jarring intensity as it drifted to near a meandering stop next to the others. Not that she was paying much attention to that, being somewhat preoccupied with the mishmash of wires and trip ups. Just as they'd been getting ready to swap out, some idiot new at the docking panels had accidentally discharged a yagreiv pulse and hit the lesser rims of the outer port, scrambling controls. She'd have been to the center for words in a hot minute had this been any other time. MaistraBiblioEshwar was mid transfer, but in the wash of the waves and vibrating frequencies her access point to Light's Glory had somehow activated. In a ship with an unknown percentage of it's controls fried, and an AI half hovering outside of the vessel she was a bit hard pressed to direct more then a few lurid curses at the general direction of the Sec-Detail.

Fighting for balance had been touch and go in the beginning, but then she'd finally resorted to magic and hit the kill switches. Or something that had done well enough to keep the ship level instead of corkscrewing. Most to all her attention was directed in retracting the AI, up until the Alert had pinged the screen with the message that had her diving for the control panel. It was a safety measure that activated in only the more complex scenarios, detonating the Erscorz upon arrival at one's destination. She'd managed to disable the threat when they broke the cloud cover but then inexplicably, Maistra had began fusing to the screen and bringing up all sorts of red flags. Containing the AI proved a challenge, particularly as it was no longer communicating in anything coherent. Resolving the ship to rights yet again had her tearing out some...things so they didn't feature a problem. It wasn't as though it'd be much for the skies with all the trouble in recent events.

Eventually, the absence of motion registered. Maistra took advantage of this break in concentration to shoot straight for the desk where personal effects were scattered. "Goddammit Maist, what're you doing?!!"

One of the knickknacks lit up, as if in answer. It began to spin, knocking everything in the vicinity skittering away and then shot up to hover in the air. She recognized it as it quivered there, one of those small organisms that lived the sea. Fins, a split in the tail and that slivering of scale. A..fish? The thing flicked out, scales scattering as it grew in size, until it was about the size of a cross hybridized lychdrafrui and just as glowingly luminescent. It hit her then, as the eyes opened. The AI must have siphoned off a bit of magic from the systems to keep from dying out and then sought a container to avoid shutdown. At least it'd have a few stores in reserve this way...though it was a bit unorthodox.

"Welcome to the world, MaistraBiblioEshwar." It's face scrunched up in dislike and she laughed.

"Alright, we'll shorten it. How about...Mibbles, yeah?" This the fish (?? clownfish? no, it had no stripes so, goldfish?) nodded agreeably to. It obviously wasn't capable of speech yet but would no doubt improve in leaps in bounds. Rather neat end to the situation so she grinned with infectious humor and nudged the fish with her fingers before slinging the knapsack onto her back. The fish paddled to her hair and burrowed partway into it as she jammed the unlock with her fist. The door hissed with obvious displeasure as it jerkily lowered, granting a levered view of the proceedings.

"Ah, people. Plummy."

All right, the rest of you [REDACTED]. While the successful raid on the wine cellar and the torch songs lightened the mood, it's about time we remembered the [REDACTED] gravity of our situation.

Seals: Broken. [CORRECT]

End of the world, the universe, and reality as we know it? Imminent. [CONJECTURE]

So you Owls, Doves, Phoenixes, Falcons - you party, you pray, you do what you have to do.

I am leading the Raven School in a circle.

The five of us are going to begin this investigation and save the [REDACTED] world.

Consultant Equis - if anyone tries to disrupt our circle within the critical window of the casting time? Stab them in the [REDACTED - ANATOMICAL IMPOSSIBILITY]

I am also leading my school in a circle.

Join me, my fellow Doves, and may the Light be with you all.

I will totally be joining my school in the casting tonight which will be super awesome!!! I'll bring some candy to give us the boost we need to get this done!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I may have had some already.

I'm following Nebty in a circle.

Olivia shakes her head fervently at Dan Lawrence's question, her curls flashing.

"I am not a meido, I am a MEIDO: Monasterical Examination and Investigative Department Operative. But you may call me Ozzo-san."

"Ann-sama, you drink so quickly! Goshujin-sama always worried about the liquor cabinet."

Ozzo pouted as the other MEIDO's spray nozzle digs into her forehead. Her curls power down into dullness, settling down to rest upon her shoulders. She ducks under her superior's arm, her hands still clasping Ann's, until her old charge stands separates her from the bristling Ana.

"Stop calling me by that name, Ana-san, you know how I dislike it. You always ruin everyone's fun. Why don't you ever bother the other MEIDOs?"

She clutches Ann's hands more tightly, grinning cheerfully at her, glancing past her shoulder to keep the disinfecting spray at bay.

"Sumimasen. Goshujin-sama has burdened you with the most overbearing MEIDO in our entire corps. But fear not, Ann-sama! Ozzo-chan will protect ojou-sama! Don't worry about what Ana-san said, I am perfectly certified and clean. Kanojo o mushi shite kudasai. I've never had charges I've never been able to clear!"

Her fingers curl Ann's around a small parcel before she abruptly lets go to flip backwards. Several paces away, she waves, her hair once more alit.

"A little phone charm to remember me by! Matane! I'll be seeing you!"

*Fontaine slowly stepped forward from his transport vessel; the few possessions he brought with him, including the treasure box he keeps his Top Hat in, all neatly collected onto one arm. His GasMask helmet finally reaching a medium between the bright and dull red it was juggling between; a slightly robotic voice escaping the Mask.*

Good evening, everyone. I sincerely apologize for my late arrival; my driver had a difficult time finding the Island. I hope to be able to get to know each and every one of you well... though, now seems like a bad time, as we appear to be already forming Circles, from what I can see everyone milling about.

*Fontaine's free hand slowly extended upward, stopping just slightly next too and ahead of his GasMask; it clenched gently into a fist, the Point Finger pointing straight upward.*

Should this be the case, I volunteer to lead the Phoenix's in Tonight's Circle.

Unfortunately, the Ravens school is unable to perform a scrying circle tonight as one of our members is prevented from doing so. If any of the other schools have similar issues, one of us may substitute. If there is anything I can do to help, inform me promptly.

What in the [REDACTED] are you talking about, Owl?

"...Sooner than you think!"

Olivia pops up once more beside Ann, resting her still-ashen forearms upon her shoulder. Snatching Ann's wine glass, she bears the drink aloft like a torch, before beginning to run in a wide circle around the young woman.

"Ann-sama, it's really been too long. We should play. Let's play! Isshouni! All the Falcons come join my Circle!"

Ana's eyes flicker rapidly as Ozzo flips away into the distance.

"As soon as ashi-tachi save the sekai, I'll have to see to it that her MEIDO license is revoked. Ann-ojou-sama, if I may."

She adjusts her spray to a more gentle setting and starts carefully disinfecting every single body part that Ozzo touched.

"If you would hand me whatever MEIDO 0220 gave you, I can make sure it's safe and clean as well, if you want."

As the rest of the crew start speaking, she nods.

"Ii dechu. As soon as we're done with the cleansing of the physical self, we should ensure the cleanliness and purity of our group as well. Regardless of her questionable competence and general lack of proper MEIDO etiquette, I will join MEIDO 0220 in casting tonight."

"I assume you're hanashite about the Owl gakkou, General PARA, esteemed shipper of the holy yaoi. If that is indeed the case, you'll pardon me from suspecting that there is something, ah, tainting your nakama, as it were. Is your member truly prevented from doing so, or merely... abstaining for... less than kirei reasons? I warn you, I don't take well to spots. I make it my personal mission to get rid of every single one of them, regardless of how stubborn the stain. Perhaps, kyoban, we should all focus our scrying efforts on members of the Owl school. It never hurts to be too ki wo tsukemasu, ne?"

"This is why I don't normally do Reality Show appearances. I don't care if it is good PR for my new movie, these people are WAY too into this shit. It's like a freaking LARP in here."

Still smiling professionally behind his mask, the young blonde man glances around, then double-checks the short message he got telling him to come to the temple. "Well, according to this I'm on the Green Team- sorry, the Falcon School. So, I guess I'll help the weird Japanese girls."

*Fontaine paused for a moment to face the... MEIDOs, he believes he heard one of them call out. A quizzical voice emitted from his GasMask.*

... What are these two even talking about?

"The lady's just mistaken. Perhaps a bit enamored of our initiative, or one of us." She winked at the smartly dressed pilot. "Whatever the case, twas a minor slip. I'll admit, I am somewhat sympathetic if not curious after the issue but thanks well enough for coming straight out to state yer intentions." Walking further to the group she mimed a jaunty little wave.

"Soli'Sturm, here. Sorry I wasn't in time for the pleasantries." A sharklike grin.

"I'll be casting in the Raven circle. And cheers to you lot too." She strode over to the refreshments table to snag a glass.

This unit will compel the human symbiote to channel magic in Nebty's circle.

Kohei stood by his transport ship and grumbled. Two Reds hadn't arrived yet and trouble was already starting. He dropped his cigarette, smothering it on the ground with a boot before walking over to the heavily armored pointing fellow.

I'll join this guy's (Fontaine) circle.

Kohei nods curtly to Fontaine and Cormac.

Gentlemen.