LOCATION:  UPPERDECKS - NEOMAH QUARTER - ASHERIM HEADQUARTERS
TIME:  1115
DATE:  2025 - 18 - OCT

REPORTING OFFICER:  SONIA ASHERAH MATAHARI, CALLSIGN 'NINMAH'

COMBAT PERSONNEL IN ATTENDANCE: LYLA RAINES, CALLSIGN 'BLUE FOX'; DANIEL MATTHEWS, CALLSIGN 'LUCIFER'

SECRETARY:  JUNO

THIS TRANSCRIPT SEALED, LEVEL 23E:  COMBAT PERSONNEL AND UPPER COMMAND ONLY

---

It all starts with a summons from Core directly to their phones.  That is not the thing either of them would ignore.  They each aren't far from the Neomah Quarter at the time.  A quick route brings them to what's called the 'Asherim Briefing Room', which as far as they can tell is just a lovely little tea room.  It's all fine china and hard wood and a dozen other breakable things that seem to visibly tremble at the amount of power in the room.  The three are seated at a table, little cups of tea already served piping hot.

"This one is glad you three could come on such short notice.  Lord Lucifer, this one is Sonia Asherah Matahari."

Sonia is a gorgeous dark-skinned woman with Malfean Green eyes, hair that reaches her ankles, and a penchant for cow leather.  Lucifer, of course, hasn't met her yet but he can recognize a Neomah glamour when he sees one.  And, well, the fact that they're in the Neomah quarter is a pretty good indicator of what she is.  Lyla is greeted in particular with a smile.  The Asherim and her Ombra Agency have been cooperating lately to great results.

"There are new developments in a portion of the Underdecks."  She taps the table once and a small holographic display pops up, projected from a hidden camera on the ceiling above the table.  The vast egg of the Last Refuge lingers for a moment before slicing in half, then focusing down on the Underdecks of the 'Southern' pole.

"There are numerous small communities here.  Some are more important than others.  These are mostly garbage disposal and recycling communities,"  She gestures, "Heavy metals reclamation, plastics recycling, biomatter conversion... common, necessary, disgusting.  The main community center is Hanthaburg."

A sizable portion of the decks blink red- a crazed warren of hallways, moderately sized open spaces, industrial facilities, and residential blocks.

"Core reports Hanthaburg fell off the map last night.  Repair crews were dispatched and haven't responded.  At 0900 hours, to the second, we lost contact with all the Underdecks within a 50 mile radius.  That could be anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 souls."

A huge chunk of the southern Underdecks blinks red, all with Hanthaburg around the center.

"Thaumaturgists were contacted immediately, and here we find anomalies.  There are no significant losses in life, no evidence of necromantic essence.  Ombra and Asherim agents in the area have gone dark." She looks Lyla in the eye, "As if they've all simultaneously lost connection.  We know your agents aren't responding because we contacted them to find out what happened to our agents.

Core has immediately requested investigation by top Exalts.  You are instructed to recon the area.  It has been suggested by Forecasting that you select additional helpers."

Daniel, looking rugged as ever in his trusty biker jacket and jeans combo, seems quite misplaced in the room but nonetheless lifts the offered cup of tea to his lips. It'd serve as breakfast, he'd been out doing gods-know-what with no regard for self-maintenance again.

As the briefing starts, he follows intently while reaching for some crumpets and stuffing them in his face.

When the initial brief concludes, he already has a frown over his features.

"No contact at all, technological or otherwise? That is alarming indeed. You'd think an Infallible Messenger or escapee would get out somewhere."

He leans in toward the projection, scanning for points of interest in or near the darkened area, before turning to look at Lyla.

"Between the two of us we have a lot of bases covered, but I suppose we could use reinforcements in a few fields. A techie, a medical specialist and the closest we can get to a local guide would be my first ideas. Not knowing what to expect makes it difficult to make specific requests, though. I suppose the only common requirement would be being able to handle themselves so as to not become liabilities when things take an unexpected turn. Thoughts?"

After the incident with Hales, Lyla has resorted to wearing her sleek cut combat gear more often. One could say that being exposed to so many unfortunate elements within one day leaves a mark of reminder on one. So luckily, when the call comes, she is all suited up and nearby. Mostly though she was spending her time wondering why no-one was responding to her hails and trying to see how far that was reaching.

With her mostly black shaded clothing, she appears awfully out of place. Occasional blue hexagons appear on the clothing, as her essence flows by, as if she was warming up. Sonia's smile receives a polite and a very swift wink in return, as Lyla was in return glad with their co-operation. Daniel on the other hand, receives a protein bar from her tossed at him at the first sight.

"Hm. No wonder my agents didn't respond. Latest visuals on the nearby area? I mean any anomalies that you can see with naked eye. I assume the routes to the dropped out area have been blocked so that no more civilians wander in?"

Her teacup is quickly emptied.

"Hard to say what we need before its too late. But I agree with you Daniel on that. Bigger team does mean more coverage, but I'd rather go with an efficient team with survivability. If we can't contact the people in there, it might also be possible that if we split up within there, we can't contact each other as well."

"Infallible Messengers have gone in, so our agents are still alive, but nothing has come out."  Sonia agrees with a nod, "That may mean they're unconscious, within a ward, having their own castings interrupted, or they've been suborned.  Visuals on the area have closed off bulkheads."

Sonia taps a button.  Several entry points into the area, including a station of the Grand Trunk, blink red.

"All locked, closed.  Cameras in the area shut off.  There are some sorceries and technologies that can cause a wide interdiction field like that.  Technologically, Core should be able to brute force it.  Motonically, we should be able to sense the essence expenditure necessary to do so.  We're getting neither."  She says with a sigh.

"At this point you are not being controlled?  You are being given information, this one supposes.  You are your own bosses.  But if this theorized Interdiction Field is still active, you may have trouble coming back to recruit from a team."  She points out, "This one suggests a small team, perhaps six in number, and splitting up is ill-advised."

"You'd think if someone had something to gain from this, they'd be coming outside to negotiate their terms of opening the area. But then again being utterly shut out leaves a LOT of room for whatever it is that you wish to do in private. Hmph," Lyla ponders, tossing her thoughts into the air. "Eh, I already hate this thought..but..."

The idea hangs in the air for a while, seemingly cause some sort of internal struggle in Lyla, before she manages to voice it out.

"If there are people who are behind this, or people who are shit scared, we could kind of want someone with a gentler touch on negotiating than the two of us. Also with some luck this all falls under his constituency. Yes, I'm actually thinking if Kendall should join in."

She mostly directs her suggestion to Daniel, while pinching the bridge of her nose.

"And to fill your list the rest sound like Battles, Ilari and Arkady for me..and Sonia as well. This should cover some nice versatility. Though the former two might be busy as always, but its worth the asking, and the latter could benefit from more field experience."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Wed 23 Oct 2019.

Daniel looks to Lyla as she considers, deducing the cause of her turmoil but letting her process it rather than interrupt.

"Hm. Considering we have no idea what kind of mission this is going to be, it would indeed be smart to have someone with a... gentler touch along.  But still Exalted so we don't have to worry about them dying the moment something goes wrong. The diplomatic immunity and oath-sanctifying abilities might well prove indispensable too. Sonia seems fitting for a similar purpose."

He peels the protein bar she'd thrown at him from its wrappings and takes a bite.

"Arkady's still green but clearly competent in his field. I haven't had the chance to coach or see him in battle yet, but this is a prime opportunity. Kumiho is another rising star, but this would be quite far from her core competence."

He empties his teacup and carefully puts it back on the plate.

"Ilari's the first thing that comes to my mind too regarding medical know-how and Battles would be able to rep Command, but like you said they might both be busy. Worth a try in any case. As for my side... Well, with all this talk of blocked portals and doorways, there's Sondok. Certainly not someone we'd have to worry about being able to handle herself, but she's also oftentimes quite... incalculable. Supposing she'd be interested in the first place. Perhaps some established Dragon-Blooded would do instead."

A sigh as he chows down the rest of the bar.

"So we've got Kendal and Arkady for sure, and a maybe on Sonia, Battles, Ilari, Kumiho and Sondok. Then an option to fill out with a Dragon-Blooded specialist or two."

"This one would prefer not to enter," Sonia says seriously, "This one needs to remain in contact with Core and the rest of the Neomah.  Too many of the Asherim are already in the location and there must be continuity of operations outside of the affected zone.  If the other Asherim are dead or suborned, this one will need to carry on the remit of the organization."

She clears her throat.

"Spirits are, however, a good idea.  Perhaps you should consider one.  The ability to dematerialize and move through barriers you may not want to blast open is a major advantage."

"Quite understandable," Lyla nods to Sonia. "Shall we ourselves contact those who could be up for the job or does Michael want to do it? His request has got a tad more oomph to it, but other than that I don't mind asking."

She sips her tea patiently, nodding in agreement again.

"Spirits do sound handy. Especially as you said for occasions when we wouldn't want to cause an alarm with brute forcing our way in, or when tinkering won't help. Spirits do sound like your forte though, Daniel."

Daniel nods understandingly at Sonia's refusal, pouring himself another cup of tea.

"I do think Michael would get the request and possible declinations or non-availabilities done with sooner. Could you ask him, Sonia?"

He leans back in his chair, eliciting a creak.

"Well, Sondok's a spirit of a kind. Other than that, there's your friends Swan Dragon and Sayeed, and... Hm."

A look appears on Daniel's face that very closely mirrors that of Lyla's when she'd arrived at the dilemma of taking Kendal along.

"Well, there's Anna. She's a ghost and infiltration specialist, one intimately familiar with how the Dead work, no less. I've made significant progress in disconnecting her from the Neverborn, enough so that it SHOULD be safe for her to leave her prison... And we'd be there to guard her."

Lyla almost seems amused at Daniel's last comment, mostly at the fact of him coming up with similar ideas to hers.

"Anna sounds best suited. And the occasion seems fitting due to the problem area being on Last Refuge but being cut off from the rest of the ship. I'm not certain on how things are going in the Fire Court, but as far as I know they are both quite busy with the shit storm there, and Sayeed has his hands also filled with my assistant to be. Not that I'd vote them out just yet."

She keeps a small break, turning to look at Daniel.

"But as said, if you are willing to take Anna along, I'll support and help you in that matter in any way that is necessary."

"This one suggests contacting potential recruits yourselves.  Core tends to be rather... forceful, and stingy with his information.  They will need more information and instruction on your part to establish better group synergy."

Sonia tops off each teacup for them.

"Anna.  The ghost?" Sonia puts down the teapot.  "This one was not aware of this.  Just what have you done to separate her?"

"I wholeheartedly agree on that. People would not say no to him, but they sure would be confused," Lyla smirks. "I'll call Kendal."

With that being said, she digs out her phone and dials his number without further ado, turning a bit sideways from the two to give their discussion some privacy.

"True enough. I'll contact Arkady. Anna we will have to fetch in person."

He turns toward Sonia while taking out his phone and swiping for Arkady's number.

"I started by weaning her off from the Neverborn and their energy as much as possible, by putting her in a containment unit built for the purpose. Then I started a twofold approach at redefining the kind of being she is; a 'soft' approach through finding joy, meaning and personal connection in the world of the Living once more, preparing her for a metaphysical rebirth as I tear the Malfeas Shard from her. The idea is to have her metaphysical being made malleable, a blank slate she will have to fill with her psyche and true self, not quite human, nor demon, but no more a ghost either. A new type of self-defined spirit. Naturally the process is risky, but I believe with my personal connection to her, my experience with guiding thousands of souls to Lethe and my degree of control over the embers of Malfeas it is possible."

He reaches for the teacup.

"If it doesn't work... Well, I think the least I can do is send her to Lethe."

He lets the somber thought hang in the air for a moment before distracting himself with the phone, thumbing a message to Arkady.

Hey Arkady, it's Lucifer. Got an urgent mission in Underdecks, some kind of giant interdiction field, could use a techie going in. 1) Can you come? 2) How is Manifest Destiny coming along?

Sonia nods once in thought and drinks from her teacup.  She leans back in her chair a bit, clearly allowing both of them to place their calls.

To Lyla's surprise, a woman's voice picks up the phone.

"Senator Raines' office."  She says; in a few moments Lyla recognizes the voice.  That'd be Kendal's secretary, the Goddess of Neon, Xene.  "He can't come to the phone right now- can I take a message?"

There's a playful lilt to her voice, like she's grinning as she's saying it...

---

Xene, in the meantime, has scampered away with Kendal's phone and is standnng just outside of his apartment's bathroom, stark naked and glowing dimly.  She winks at him and sticks out her tongue, clearly having fun at answering his personal phone when they're definitely not in his office, let alone doing work.  All work and no play makes the Senator a dull boy...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:36, Thu 31 Oct 2019.

Lyla takes a small moment to process what just happened, and she gives a small thoughtful nod with raised brows.

"Ah, I see, how unfortunate," she smirks and looks at her PDA tapping it once to make it show his phones location...which she partially regrets at the moment she notices the location."A home office day, it'd seem? Glad to hear he is resting from time to time. Anyway. We've never really been introduced officially, so... Nice talking to you Xene, it's Lyla here, and I'd have a rather urgent business with my brother, if he could spare a moment from...his paperwork."

It's hard to judge from her facial expression what she is thinking, but she does give a tap to her cigarette case.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Fri 01 Nov 2019.

Lucifer's Phone pings with a replied message. A voice message infact:

"Intradiction field what blyat?? Sounds just about the right ration of 50% weird and 50% techy so sure. Why the hell not!

A loud crash, like something heavy just fell apart, an A LOT of swearing in russian with one very distinct SUUUUKA!.

And that's a nope for your piledriver. I'll come up as soon as I get a cup of extra stiff coffee and some clothes on... Aww fuck that's gonna take forever to fix... I'll be there in... Where are we going again?"

Daniel listens to Arkady’s message with a focused expression, blinking at the loud crash but seeming mostly unperturbed by it. It was quite in line with his image of the man. Well, boy. These whippersnappers and their voicemails and snapbooks and facetinders.

”Arkady’s in. I’ll tell him to meet us on the way to Anna.”

He taps away a reply.

Hope that wasn’t my gun. I’ll send you the place to meet. Prepare for... whatever.

Lyla can practically FEEL Xene's luminescent blush through the phone.

"Errr... right.  Home office, burning the... midmorning oil."  Xene stammers, "Senator Raines, it's for you...!"

She passes the phone immediately to Kendal.

Sonia puts down her teacup, "... That was the Russian?"  She asks Lucifer, "You'll have to introduce him to this one sometime.  This one has been watching many documentaries of a British spy during the Cold War period and would like some of his gadgets."

There is a short shuffling sound as Kendall picks up the phone and some muted words as he keeps his hand on the mic before actually answering. Most probably asking Xene who was calling.

"This is Senator Raines speaking, hooooooooow may I help you today?" He asks jokingly.

Daniel inclines his head slightly at Sonia's request. "Like the Lipstick Gun or Bulgarian Umbrella? I'm sure he could make rather more advanced versions. I'll make introductions if we're ever in the same place."

Sending Arkady the coordinates for a meeting place near where Anna was being kept, Daniel considers for a moment before composing another message to Kumiho and Ilari.

Greetings. Got a special mission in the Underdecks - unidentified interdiction field appeared recently. Going in, looking for backup. If you're busy with something else don't drop it.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Tue 05 Nov 2019.

"Older Raines calling. Glad to hear you are not busy. You should really start checking who is calling,"Lyla's voice is a bit more monotonous and blunt than usual."If you are not in the middle of some paper pushing, believe or not, we'd need you. There is an interdiction field that might befall on your area of jurisdiction. I'll send you the coordinates, show up in combat proof gear..... please don't tell me your combat gear is a suit..."

Lylas chuckle is somewhere between actually amused and grim, when she listens to his response all the while typing to Battles simultaneously:"Hi. Looking for backup due to an interdiction field of sorts that's blocking off parts in the Underdecks. Could need a hand for this special mission. Np if u r busy with something else."

He listens to Lyla without saying anything, but faint shuffling can be heard at the background, "Instructions received and understood, you can expect me in uuuhm..." He mutes the mic again for a moment, "...In 30... 45 minutes. And as I have no idea what you refer when you say combat gear, I guess it's good time to acquire said gear, see you soon, Old Raines." He replies.

Lyla chuckles before hanging up, and turns to Daniel with a smirk:"ETA 45 minutes for him. When he is done with paperwork or something. Didn't ask, there was already too much information for me with an embarrassed secretary answering his private phone....I assume we'll meet near Anna, hm?"

She shudders and sends the coordinates to Kendal, somewhere near where they were going to pick Anna up.

"If Arkady makes any of those objects, I'd be quite prepared for them to have some heavy modifications...Not sure if they'd be for better or worse. Most likely more useful at least."

"This one would be thankful to connect with the artificer regardless,"  Sonia says a she sips at her tea, pulling out her phone to send her own flurry of texts. "The Asherim are now operating from a position of weakness. Technology can help turn it back in the Asherim's favor."

The message to Ilari returns a very ominous text:
|||TEXT NOT RECEIVED ||| YOU HAVE TEXTED AN INVALID NUMBER ||| CHECK NUMBER AND TRY AGAIN |||

Battles returns his own text to Lyla:
not on last refuge
currently hunting Abyssal construction convoy 3 jumps away
keep me appraised
code X50-Z - wait 5 min if need immediate response
one-time trick tho
use wisely

Kumiho's, on the other hand, is a bit more positive:
You can count on me <333
where we meeting?
ship's under repair ne way
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Mon 11 Nov 2019.

The answer from Battles is not completely surprising, if anything it peaks her interest.  Regardless she texts him, with a smirk on her lips:
GL, HF. Will give a shout if things go extremely sour.

Then she looks at Daniel :"Eh, Battles is out. He gave some assistance before hand for the task, if it proves to go way too South for us. We want more options, or shall we go what we got?"

She gets up from her chair, and stretches her arms.

Sending you the place. No idea what's waiting so prepare for anything.

Daniel gets up as well, gulps down the second cup of tea and rolls a shoulder.

"Ilari's phone seemed off the grid - could be he's inside the field. Kumiho's in and meeting us at the same place. With the addition of Anna I think the team's rounded out enough that we can leave Sondok as plan B, much like Battles."

He gives a bow to Sonia.

"Thank you for the tea and company, Sonia Asherah Matahari. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He puts away his PDA and nods to Lyla.

"Let's get it done."

"Be well and good hunting," Sonia says to the two with a nod, "If this one does not hear from you within 24 hours, this one has instructions to lead in the Ilmorijo.  If this one does not return within 24 hours, Core will begin detachment protocols."

Which, in other words, means they're all as good as fucking dead.

---

The area near Anna's containment cell is deep within the unknown depths of the Last Refuge, labeled 'SOLID WASTE PROCESSING PLANT' for anyone too curious to look at maps.  It's actually nothing more than a water circulation and purification unit- a useful place to keep a ghost, considering there's a salt reclamation point.  Of course, Anna doesn't need salt nowadays.

Her vault is surrounded by a host of anti-ghost wards, all worn down by the necromantic power of the Neverborn.  The hallway is cold and wet; icicles drip down slowly from nearby pipes.

Kumiho is already there, a long knife at a hip, dressed in an all-black flightsuit with blue highlights.  She looks sleek, badass, and ultimately a little comical- she's wearing what one might think one should wear for special ops instead of what's practical.  "Hey guys,"  She says as Lucifer and Lyla arrive, "This place is kinda out of the way, huh?"

((Arkady and Kendal can arrive at their leisure.))

Deeply gritting a cigarette between her teeth, Lyla gives a wave to Kumiho as they approach. Even though she had not said a thing, it was a clear indication to especially Daniel that something was getting her nervous.

"Hi Kumiho, nice colour scheme," she lets out a small grin, her sleek black clothing showing its dark blue hexagons momentarily brightly. "A perfect inconspicuous place for a group of exalts to meet that is."

She lets Daniel add more info to it, if he'd feel like it. It was not her place to talk openly that Anna was kept there. Besides they'd see it all soon enough.

Lyla’s not the only one struggling with unease; Daniel also arrives looking increasingly perturbed by what is to come. He usually wasn’t one to worry too much, but Anna was decidedly a weak spot for him.

He notices Kumiho, giving a wave and an attempt at a smile.

”Quick as always, Kumiho. Were you somewhere closer by?”

He scans the Lunar’s equipment from top to bottom, then glances at Lyla’s before giving a little chuckle.

”Should’ve told me there was a theme. I’m sticking out like a sore thumb, as usual.”

He shifts his eyes from Kumiho - with a little bit of effort - to the surroundings, scanning for the others.

”We’re expecting two more - Kendal and Arkady, or Archon and Red Star. And we’re here to pick up the fifth... Anna.”

A pause stretches into awkward silence as he tries to formulate what more he should say about her.

Lyla smirks:"Usually you sport black and blue in the form of bruises and scars. Kinda still wanna see you wearing it as clothing as well."

She picks up where he stops.

"Anna is a special unit so this'll be like a test run for her. You'll see soon enough... also Archon..." she finishes whatever was left of her cigarette almost in one breath. "...is more or less out on his first official mission of this caliber so he can actually earn that name along this all."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:45, Fri 22 Nov 2019.

If sticking out like a sore thumb is the theme of the day, Kendall fits right in. Rocking a stylish black&blue&silver suit, at least to mortal eyes, but it's at least reinforced to be as tough as light armor if nothing else.

He appears from behind a corner with a slightly worried look on hes face and staring at his phone, but as he raises his head and sees the group he puts the phone away and fancies a smile, "Ah, it seems I made it." he takes a glance at his watch, "And on time no less, good to see you, so is this a thing where I should call you with callsigns and whatnot?" He greets them, noticing someone he doesn't recognize, but doesn't go for introductions immediately.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Fri 22 Nov 2019.

"I took my academic 15 minutes." Arkady kady states as he arrives, with no noticeable scent of solvent in tow. It's almost like he had taken a shower.

"What's up tavarishe? some weird shit going on and they gotta call the ghost busters?" He waves at the group. He's wearing his usual utility gear and his trademark red hoodie with a pistol clearly tucked in one of his pouches.

"Oh. Congrats on lighting up senator Raines, but what the fuck are you wearing?"

Kendall turns Arkady as he was about to politely greet him, but instead he replies "Well excuse me mr. Red October, but this is the latest model of an utility combat attire for executives and important personnel, custom fitted and tailored for me. he taps his jacket "This can take as much punishment as any light armor but is many times more stylish. he says with a confident smile.

"Hey! I didn't mean it like that bratja! It does look snazzy and all but... uhh.. I mean... you could have just worn a kevlar vest and wouldn't have looked like a priority target. We are going to the underdecks, and I'm sure there will be folks who aren't exactly *cough* in line with your policies."

He scratches the back of his head awkwardly, then turns to face Kendal again.
"But hey, looks are important in your line of job, so you do you, Archon." and taps him in the shoulder, then turns to the others.

"Sooo... Theme of the day is we don't really know anything whats going on and we're expected to solve it? This kinda shit is my favorite. I love this already."

Lyla gives a pat to Kendall's shoulder as he arrives on set, restraining herself from commenting his suit at first, until the subject is brought up by Arkady arriving.

"Well at least it is a reinforced suit, so I won't complain. Glad you two could come," she gives the newbies a nod."And quite the opposite though, he is here because there might be people in exact line with his policies. He does run some nice campaign on equality, she points out to Arkady.

She drops her cigarette butt and grinds it to the floor.

"I think we'll give you a proper run through, when our last member is also with us. Not that we really have much intel to go with to be honest. Ah, Red Star and Archon, here's Kumiho. Kumiho meet Red Star and Archon."

"Hey, the most stylish people are the most stylish.  I'm fully on board with those two here,"  She grins, "Nah, I'm not nearby, but I did sprint over here."

She holds out her hand to each, "Kumiho, interceptor ace and Lunar.  I specialize in high speed, mobility, and dueling.  I'm not, uh, very experienced in land combat but I hope that'll get fixed soon enough here.  Nice to meet you, Red Star, Archon.  So when's our last one joining us?"

The heavy steel door frosts over with necromantic essence.  The wards can be seen to snap and fizzle, the intricate designs slowly falling apart like a brittle page.  But Anna won't show until Lucifer lets her out.

Lyla just gives an encouraging touch to Daniels shoulder, indicating that he isn't alone in this.

"We've met before. During the Onyx spire briefing, if i recall correctly. That was a proper shit show. never the less, good to meet you again."

Arkady gives her a firm warm metal handshake, like he'd give his crew, while scanning her from head to toe. Not maybe tact, but he can't help it. Especially after his exaltation.

"Red star. Engineer, Inventor, captain of research vessel Bogatyr, Solar at sun's twilight... and above all a pretty nice guy." He winks with a smirk and lets go of her hand.

Daniel watches the introductions and greetings from the side, too concerned with what's next to socialize for the moment.

His gaze is locked on the frosted-over steel door and the flickering wards around it. It was the point of no return; he might still choose to reinforce the wards, but a moment longer and she would be out whether he let her or not.

But no, it was time. If he never let her out of her cage, gilded as it might be, she would never flourish. Besides, her case might be the precursor to a metaphysical turning point in the unwinnable war against the Dead.

"The last one's joining us momentarily."

He walks up to the portal, lays an open palm on the door and inhales deeply, the wards glowing with his breath. Then he balls the hand to a fist, shattering the wards and letting the door open.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Mon 09 Dec 2019.

Kendall returns the greetings with a professional handshake he has done countless times and his signature smile, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." With no extra glamour.

The ghost that steps out of the spartan holding cell is of a pretty young woman, dressed in head to toe with powered armor covered with small sockets, each filled with a single glowing grey stone.  Her armor comes up high, to just below the chin, holding her neck at a regal (daring, imperial) angle.  The ghost looks at all of them and there's a flash of outright hostility in her eyes.

The more combat-capable know the look at once.  Killing intent isn't just something from anime.

But it's gone with a squaring of shoulders and a stiffening of what passes for a backbone.  The ex-infiltrator blinks rheumy eyes and holds out her hand to Lucifer to shake.

"Oh man,"  Kumiho mumbles under her breath.

"Anna Laurier, my Candlelight callsign was Alexandria,"  She says to everyone as she shakes his hand, "I am... eager to work with you all."  Her voice is a small bit bitter, a little bit disbelieving, monotone. "Whatever's happening, anyway..."

Arkady instantly jumps back and puts his hand on the grip of his trusty ghost killing 1911, not yet pulling it from it's holster, and his eyes locked on Anna.

"WHAT THE FUCK LUCIFER?!? IS SHE A GHOST?? OUR LAST ONE IS A FUCKING GHOST?!?"

He glances around the others to see their reactions, just to confirm he hasn't accidentally drank himself delirious, and clearly solving this puzzle of the apparent Casperina the friendly ghost. The data he has obtained on Ghosts doesn't contain anything that would suggest a scenario like this ever being a possibility. The data is pretty one sided really: Ghost are never friendly. Still he's clearly trying his best to conceive how, and why, this is happening.

"Would someone care to FUCKING EXPLAIN?!?"

Daniel's lips are drawn taut as the ghost steps out. There's several reasons he went forward to open the door, not least to position himself between Anna and the others... Or the others and Anna... Should his endeavour prove a failure.

As the killing intent washes over him he stifles his usual reflexes, holding still aside from a raised hand with an open palm to the rest of the team. There is a definite surge in his Anima, an involuntary flare of enmity in the presence of the Undead, though.

Nonetheless, he takes her hand, eyes glued to hers as he monitors the ghost's mental state.

"Good to have you, Anna. I hope."

After shaking her hand, Daniel takes a step to the side and turns to the others.

"Alexandria - should she choose to retain that callsign - is someone I worked with in Candlelight before it was subverted. I will leave the details until later unless you otherwise demand."

He glances to the side, toward Anna, then to Arkady's hand on his gun.

"She is indeed a ghost. More accurately, she was an Imperator - an elite ghost infused with a shard of the Dead Yozi King, Malfeas. An attribute I took advantage of to change her nature into... Something different, I surmise. One might consider her involvement in this mission an assessment of sorts."

His gaze is practically burning Arkady's fingers, strongly suggesting against drawing the gun despite fully understanding the impulse to do so.

"I have painstakingly severed her from the Neverborn to restore independence. The process is ongoing but far along enough for me to consider her inclusion beneficial."

A deep breath.

"I understand the trepidation on both sides, but it cannot be allowed to hinder the mission. I will not tell you to trust each other, but know that I will not tolerate disrupting the mission - from any member of this task force - for interpersonal reasons. I trust her, I trust you, but if you find yourselves unable to co-operate I will allow abandoning the mission with no consequences at this moment."

If the company was anyone else other than Lyla and Daniel, he would react much more violently to a ghost emerging, but as it stands there is no reason to react like Arkady did.

Kendall listens when Lucifer talks, but is quick to take a step forward when he finishes, "Trust is not required for teamwork, only mutual understanding." He says to Lucifer, then turning to Alexandria and holds out a hand to shake, "But for me, if Lucifer trusts you it's enough for me to trust you. I'm Archon, a pleasure to meet you." He doesn't let an inch of hostility or discomfort seep out of himself, giving her a welcoming smile instead.

Lylas hands ball into fists by instinct when the murderous intent passes over them. She is quick to reign in her shadowy blades, and gives Anna a bit more friendly, approving look before stepping to give her hand a shake.

"Blue Fox, despite this all its interesting to have you with.... and nice to meet you," she nods.

After that she steps back beside Arkady's pistol side.

"Part of being a ghost involves a lot of psychological indoctrination.  Part of my time spent here in solitary confinement has been to break the psychological as well as the mystical bonds."  Alexandria tells them, "It's been... difficult, but an easier battle than fighting their influence directly.  The meditation books have helped.  Sudoku, not so much..."

She reaches out to take Archon's hand first, giving it a shake, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well.  And you, Blue Fox,"  She shakes the Night caste's hand next.

"I specialize in stealth warfare, demolitions, strategy planning, and information processing,"  She tells them, "I'll need a weapon.  I prefer spears."

Kumiho looks her over and folds her arms, "I mean, I have a knife, I can't judge- but I think the Ilmorijo will look really strangely at us if we show up with an Imperator to pick up a spear.  Want me to go grab one, Lucifer?"  It's clear the Lunar is a little uncomfortable, but she's holding it together.

Arkady takes his hand gently off the handle, but does not stop leering Alexandria from under his hood with his eyes reacting to every small movement she made. Her hands gesturing, her murderous gaze, her lips moving, everything. He was clearly studying her behaviour.

"I will co-operate, but there will certainly be no trust. Not yet, maybe not ever, but we'll see." He replies to Lucifer with a cold, analytic tone, and now turning his pale blues eyes to meet his gaze. A tone of voice you'd not expect from him. "I have a thesis of her modus operandi and motives, and I truly hope that I'm wrong and you are not."

"All I can now hope for is that she doesn't turn us into a Saslik and Archon is on his A-game on his equality politics. Otherwise we're gonna be ganked. There's a lot of people who've lost everything to her ilk at the underdecks. Myself included. I will leave the details until later unless you otherwise demand... for those who were lazy at reading."

He then reaches for his pocket and lights up one of his hand rolled cigarettes, exhaling a big plume of bitter smoke.

Daniel nods to Arkady.

"Entirely reasonable. I won't push to change your mind - Just don't compromise the mission because you suspect she might."

He glances at Anna's armor, then back to Arkady with a drawn-out sigh.

"As for turning against us... She may be a particularly competent Imperator, but I defeated her and her entire strike team, fully equipped and prepared to fight me specifically, alone. Even if we were to assume the worst about her, as long as we keep an eye on her there is little she can do."

A hand wanders to absent-mindedly scratch his temple.

"On the other hand, suppose she has changed. A spirit infiltration specialist with intimate knowledge of the tactics of the Dead, impervious to asphyxiation and many other environmental hazards, capable of easily bypassing obstacles we might otherwise have to tear or build our way through. The benefits to the team are numerous and apparent."

A spark is lit in the Zenith's eyes, a brief glimpse of the deep conviction bubbling under.

And that's without even touching upon the pivotal metaphysical significance of the Living being able to redeem the Dead, however arduously and rarely.

Cutting his speech before it turns into a sermon, he turns to Kumiho next. It's clear in his expression he understands how perplexing the situation might be, but he couldn't back down now. He wouldn't.

"I would appreciate it if you could. We could probably piece something together going forward, but a quality weapon - with significance to the Living - would be much preferred."

""

When Daniel goes to his sermon mode, Lylas half smirk tugs both corners of her lips, almost resembling a grin. Then its quickly back to business.

"Before you leave Kumiho, I can give a quick run through of the mission," she shows the area from her PDA, marked red then explains:"This area Hanthaburg fell off the map last night.  Repair crews were dispatched and haven't responded.  At 0900 hours, to the second, contact was lost with all the Underdecks within a 50 mile radius.  That could be anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 souls."

She pauses momentarily.

"Nothing comes out of it, and no communication has been possible with people on thr inside. There are also no proper visuals into it. So nobody knows what waits us there. Any good suggestions for entrance points?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Thu 12 Dec 2019.

((Use 1 chiv Joss))

Listening carefully when the more experienced solars speak, he voices his opinion when asked about possible entrance points, "Well, my suggestion would be where we can find the most useful information reliably and safely." He points to a few points of interest at the edge of the red zone, "There are some maintenance and 'private security' pathways linking parts of these decks together here and here, if we want we could use them to access almost any part of the sector and most notably, the security center where the most probable clues are of what is going on. The best part is, the entryway is from outside the quarantine." He explains.

"You only think a weapon 'with significance to the living' has that significance, but just as a warning... ultimately a spear exists to kill," Alexandria warns Lucifer. "I'll make do with whatever we find, I think.  No need to run off, Kumiho."

She looks at Arkady and shrugs.

Kumiho listens, clearly ill at ease like Arkady.  She's about to say something when Archon cuts in. "That's a much better plan than what I had... I know of a few places into Hanthaburg but they're kinda side-trunk entrances.  Probably all monitored,"  She looks at the blinking PDA,  "Ummm.  So, question.  If we enter and we experience hostility, what's the standard operating procedure?  Full self defense?  Take some and hold back?  Are we going in one big group or splitting up?"

"If there are no communications coming out, it could be all sorts of things."  The ghost seems to be wracking her memory, "Hanthaburg... doesn't ring a bell.  I don't think we had anything down the pipeline going down there at all.  It's the wrong axis from high priority targets, and if we had taken it we'd be expanding rapidly."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:27, Thu 19 Dec 2019.

"To claim a weapon only serves to kill betrays your indoctrination", Lucifer immediately admonishes Anna in return. "An ex-librarian should know better. Still, I agree an Ilmorijo spear would be wasted in your hands after such a claim. We will find something elsewhere."

It's hard to tell if the Zenith's voice was angry, cold or disappointed. It was clear the Exodites in particular needed to see the Imperator reined in, but under his unflinching shell it was quite possible that Daniel was the one most on edge.

Nonetheless, he listens intently to Archon's idea, nodding at the end.

"Sounds like an ideal choice in these circumstances. I would've just waltzed in from the closest entry point. Unless anyone objects, we're going with that."

He turns to Kumiho, then. Questions not related to Anna or the soundness of his mind in bringing her along were most welcome.

"We stick together until given reason otherwise. In case of hostility, prioritize the safety of innocents and our team and measure the enemy. With most of you I trust your individual discretion, but as a rule of thumb: if it's Living, incapacitate and capture if possible; if Dead, destroy unless it's intelligent and deemed possible to capture and interrogate. Such a case is unlikely, though."

Lyla nods in agreement with Kendalls suggestion.

"Great suggestion, we'll go with that. Might also bump into some familiar agents that way. Otherwise my thoughts are in line with Lucifer's, just adding a few to the mix. First: remember to communicate, if something seems off or weird or if anything feels like its worth noting about, say it out loud. Second: we'll follows Lucifer's suggestions once in, unless I have a contradicting say to it. This due to our highly different way of approaching things: his being full frontal assault, and mine the opposite. Anyway we are double leading this mission. Oh and obviously If either one of us should die, that means that you need to get the fuck out."

She is not one to flinch in expression, with her brow furrowed and half-smirk on her lips. But her usually uncaring voice does carry a note of worry and care.

Without waiting for further confirmation, she marks up the coordinates to the nearest entrance pointed by Kendall, straightening up and being ready to go whenever.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:48, Thu 19 Dec 2019.

Kendall stands idly, somewhat slightly surprised that his idea sounded as good as it did.

He simply nods, as he is ready to go when ever.

"Sounds fine by me. I'll keep an eye out if something seems... Off." He says giving a quick glance at everyone, and a slightly longer at Anna.
"I'm tech savvy but I've had my fair share of brawls so if it comes to blows I'd avoid lethal force unless well justified,but that's obvious isn't it? I'm ready to go when you are."

Daniel nods along at Lyla's pointers.

"I stand by everything Blue Fox laid out. That said, remember that with the exception of Alexandria we are Exalts, not soldiers: most of us have little to no military background and this operation is not, in essence, a military one. Blue Fox and I lead because we're the most experienced, not because of rank or formal authority. If something could be done better, tell us; if the situation you're in falls outside the scope of our orders or even contradicts them, make the best choice you can. You are not drones, we are not your commanders; we are merely seniors with more experience. Rely on us, but don't forget to think for yourselves. You are heroes in your own right, here because your talents are needed by the Living."

He meets the gaze of everyone in the party in turn, serious but encouraging.

"Alright, let's go."

"Excuse me, I have a degree- I'm always a librarian."  Anna shoots back at him with just the same amount of admonishment, "Death doesn't strip away my accomplishments."

"Oookay!"

The trip to the outskirts of the Exclusion Zone is quick, not the least because CORE has given them their own train on the Grand Trunk.  After all, that many Exalts in one place- plus an Imperator- would only panic people, whereas a simple private train would go relatively unnoticed.  It takes them a few transfers, but they finally find themselves at a mostly abandoned train station called "RAINEY JUNCTION".

There's two vagrants sharing a bottle of wine on a tattered old picnic blanket.  They give the group a look, shrug, and get back to drinking.

There's a door labeled SECURITY at the end of the platform, currently locked.  A security agent stands behind glass, bored and playing some kind of MMO on his computer when they arrive.  He straightens up and his eyes grow wide as he sees the group disembark.

And, of course, he focuses directly on the ghost.

As Kendall was the one who suggested taking this route and has access to it, he steps forward in front of the glass, looking at the security agent inside, "Good day, I need you to open up this door for me, top level clearance." He says in a lightly commanding tone as today he has no time for idle banter.

He looks at the agent and then glances back at Alexandria who the agent is looking at, "It's not polite to stare." He states, implying him to shut up and not ask any questions.

Arkady sighs and gently face palms at the guards expected reaction...

And at Archon for pulling the "Im a big shot" card straight outta his sleeve on the first draw... Politicians....

"And you would do well to remember that more often", Lucifer retorts to Anna.

As they travel, he is silent and contemplative for the most part, focusing on reading the Essence of their surroundings and keeping a watchful eye on Alexandria.

His silence continues as they reach Rainey Junction. He seems content to glower in the back while Archon does his thing.

It's so effortless to get from place to place this way, that Lyla almost seems to enjoy it.

Eventually at their destination, she takes a look around and follows suit. When Kendall approaches, she gives him the opportunity, ready to pull out her card about Ombra Agency...but also thinking that Daniel's familiar face is their easiest entrance card to anywhere...

"Security license please,"  The security guard's eyes tear away from Alexandria long enough to take in everyone else.  He lets out a low moan, "Oh shit oh shit we're fucked aren't we,"  He points at Lyla, "My brother just saw you at Gorgonhold!  You're a big-shot exalt!"

That's right- he looks vaguely familiar.  After all, Lyla had done a LOT of shouting in that bank right before taking down Hales.

He hurriedly opens the door to the security center and holds it open for them, "How fast should I run?  Does it even matter? FUCK!"  He takes off running.

The winos drinking shake their heads, "Kids these days..."

That just leaves them with a long, dark tunnel, just as Kendal explained.  There are numerous signs directing them to the main Security Center of the area.  The door is a rusty, decrepit looking piece of steel with a "KEEP OUT" sign on it, a keypad, and an intercom.

Daniel's eyes follow the fleeing security guard, his expression deadpan as a slow, steady sigh escapes him.

As they near the security center he looks between Arkady and Alexandria.

"Can you open the door and leave it closed after we've gone in? I thought of stopping him, but I think we're better off leaving the door closed behind us rather than having someone with his stress management capabilities in control of it."

"Thats a rarity. See, this is how it usually is when hanging around with you," Lyla jests to Daniel, herself a bit surprised by the guards reaction.

Then she mumbles something to herself about more publicity and reputation in a semi-amused way. The dark tunnel is somewhat of a respite after that encounter, and Lyla is at home walking towards the Security Center at a brisk pace.

He was just about to hand over the security license, but as he is done digging his pocket and raises his head, there is no longer anyone to give a license to check.

A short, dissatisfied sigh escapes from him, "You had one job, ONE job as a guard and he failed... Fine..." He walks over at the guards computer to mark down that he walked past here with a "security detail" with a proper license.

"Ho-Ly shit. And people say MY crew doesn't have any integrity. Gotta remember to get my boys some booze of crayons or whatever." He snickers under his breath.

"Now that I think of it, one of my crew mates, a rock elemental, was gonna beat me shitless untill he found out I was a solar. Guess people don't wanna get ass kicked, or mind fucked, or caught in the torrent of the shit-storm that is quite often related to our involvement..."

He takes a cigarette off his pouch and lights it

"Holy shit it must be hard to work for a solar..."

"Geez, give the guard some slack. Smart thing to run given the story he heard from his brother concerning my previous mission," Lyla gives an instinctive rub to her shoulder.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:56, Tue 07 Jan 2020.

"Gotta remember that we're special, huh."  Kumiho watches the guard flee and enters with the rest.  "Have to agree with you, Arkady."

The door at the end of the hallway to the security control room beckons. Alexandria looks at it with a pursed mouth, "Let me stick my head in and see what's inside, huh?  Don't want to scare another..."  She sticks her head in and then abruptly pulls it back.  "Good news and bad news.  Bad news is that there's another security guard.  Good news is that he's probably 90 kilos overweight so he can't take off running once we enter.  There's a manual lock on his side of the door as well as a keypad, I figure we can shut it pretty easily behind him.  There's a whole bank of screens he's staring at, most of them are train cameras- I think he missed us completely."

"How. The. Fuck can you afford to be overweight on the salary of a security guard? Judging by his ability to completely miss us he'd be better employed as an actual door, blyat."

Arkady looks genuinely puzzled whist trying to keep himself from laughing.

Lyla follows when the rest enter, more focused on looking at her PDA with their location in comparison to the disappeared zone.

"It's often more difficult and expensive to eat healthy than to eat trash", Daniel comments to Arkady. "Either way, let's see if this one is someone we want to leave in charge of the door behind us or drive off like the previous one."

He puts his hand on the door and looks to Kendal, likely the least intimidating of the bunch, wordlessly inquiring if he wanted to try handling the guard.

He nods back to Lucifer, when the door opens Kendall attempts to be the first person the guard would see and talk to so he can just let the others waltz on in.

Alexandria steps back in through the door, quiet as the grave, and a few moments later the door clicks open.  She then steps back out through a wall, so when the security guard turns to look at them, his mouth drops open- though his hand is over a big red button.

"Hey- what- how are you here!"  His voice sounds strange, likely a speech impediment.  "You aren't supposed to be here, out before I call secuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu holy fuck it's you!"  He points at Kendal, "Ain't you the Exalted Senator Raines?!"

He pauses and narrows his eyes, "Still could be a shapeshifter..." His finger hovers over the button.

((Inspire to calm down guard:
6, 6, 5, 4, 4, 2 & 1.
26 + 10 + 10 = 46 Inspire
float 4-4

And if Auspicious navigation of courts technique helps? Can spend joss if applicable))

As he walks in he nods to the security guard as he hovers his hand over the button, "Hello to you too, and no worries, no shapeshifter would have the guts to mimic a solar exalted so rest easy. If one would show up they would probably mimic your superior to make it more believable." He looks at him in the eyes, back at the hand and back to his eyes again, "We are here on official business and hope for your cooperation." The word hope implies more 'do as I say' than anything.

As not to cause any further hinderance Lyla sticks to the shadows and leaves the talking to the front row of their team.

Daniel stays in the corridor unless otherwise instructed, ready to step in if necessary but otherwise letting the Face do his thing.

"mate, shapeshifters?"
Arkady stares at the man, actually amazed. Can someone actually be paranoid enough to be on par with Smoker?

No way.

The fat man nods slowly, jowls wobbling, "You never saw a god shapeshift?"  His hand trembles over the button, but Kendal seems to get through to him.  He brings his hand back to his lap, his mouth working a bit like a goldfish.

"If you're Solar Exalted why are you here?"

"Well, we're not ALL Solar Exalted, thanks," Kumiho rolls her eyes from the back.

"I mean, this place is a dump, there's nothing important here..."  He looks at the cameras and then back at them with a bit of panic, "... I swear I didn't do it.  I reported it upchain just like I was supposed to do, why would I- you don't think-"  He starts breathing heavily, "-He was already dead!  Overdosed!"

He keeps the professional smile as he continues,
"Well, we definitely aren't here for you. We are here because of this security station, the cameras and the walkways, for what purpose you ask? For you to take a 20 minute brake right now."
He is pretty much telling him to bugger off while they do their work in a way that sounds commanding, yet very polite for some reason.

Daniel leans his back on the wall just by the door in the corridor.

"Someone's been found dead? Sounds like something to question him about before letting the man go. Could be related to what's going on."

Lyla checks her PDA if the Ombra Agency had this "notice to upchain" tagged somewhere. It was not necessarily their turf, but the information of such an event surely was.

"Yes, sounds something worthy of checking out. Especially the when it happened."

"OK yeah, like... we found a dead guy.  On the tracks.  No record on the cameras of where he came from, he was just there,"  He says as he points behind him, "Not chopped up so in a space of about 4 hours.  Probably overdosed?" He answers Lucifer and Lyla, "That was, um, yesterday's shift, about 3:45 in the afternoon.  Lots of drugs in his pockets, or what was left of them.  I reported it, took the pictures, checked the cameras, and then we got the go-ahead to put him in the corpse-chute!  Upchain thinks it's an overdose in a god-drug circle, sometimes they just zap out the bodies and there it is.  Quick shunt down the corpse-chute to sanitize and make sure nothing nasty comes out and that's it!"

That explains that;  Ombra Agency's got its fingers on a lot of things, but accidental death isn't one of them.  3:45 is well before Hanthaburg fell off the map, and a full 17.25 hours before the rest of the Underdecks fell with it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Mon 03 Feb 2020.

Lyla gives a shrug in return to her group :"Interesting, but nothing that has raised an alarm with my people. Sounds like it was handled by the book anyway."

Daniel nods at Lyla's words before finally peeking in, phone in hand.

"Was the deceased identified? Where was he found?"

He composes a short message before putting the phone away.

"I'm going to have Smoker double-check on the case to be sure. Faint chance of it being an early warning sign and the drugs being a cover-up or some such - Smoker's sure to sniff it out if so. Other than that, if the body's gone and all available info relayed forward, there's not much to do here."

Now that he's visible, he might as well step in. He glances at Kendal, then the guard, reminding him of Kendal's earlier instructions.

"We're on a mission, let's keep moving. Be very careful about who you let in or especially out after you return from your break."

"Kinda sounds like a cover up too, or shady for the least."

Arkady strokes his chin

"We might wanna dissect that camera feed tho, to the point shit went dark that is."

As there should be a security log to look through he tries to look for one, digital or analog.
Just wanting to see if there was anything out of the ordinary going on in the pathway they were about to take.

He says nothing as he waits for the guard to reply to Lucifer and hopefully be on his way.

"If he was identified they didn't tell me, I'm just a security guy,"  He says, jowls quivering.  He watches as Kendal goes through the logs- a big binder of them.  There it is, just as the guy said; John Doe, dead in the tracks.

"You can ask for the camera feeds from main Security office, this here's the local hub,"  He tells Arkady.

Then he looks at the others, "Uh, so, should... should I go for a big break?  A really long one?"

"Might not be a bad idea,"  Kumiho finally speaks up, "I have an idea, Lucifer, but let's let him take a break first, eh?"

"Don't need to tell me twice," He gets up, panting as he punches out and waddles out the way they came in.

As soon as he's gone Alexandria steps back into the room, arms folded.  "Well, security jobs haven't really changed since I've been gone..."

"So maybe if this is an alternate route in, we should get it sealed up with Ilmorijo?"

Daniel looks after the guard waddling out with a look of vague resignation.

"Smoker should be able to sniff out the tapes from the main Security office. Not much we can do here beyond that, I think."

He nods at Kumiho's suggestion.

"Increased security sounds worthwhile. Don't know what could be crawling out, or in."

"I doubt this is the only way in..given all the nooks and crannies this ship has, but after we've used it, it's surely one of the most notable ones, so it sure won't hurt to have someone capable watching our backs," Lyla agrees.

Kendall takes the task of calling the Ilmorijo, "That's not a bad idea, I'll call for them to look after the place."

He makes the call, stating the situation and asking for backup to seal the exit.

As Lyla mentions the nooks and crannies of the underdecks Arkady let's out a small chuckle as if he had just remembered something funny.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Tue 11 Feb 2020.

The nearest Ilmorijo agree to show up ASAP and take care of the location!

"We best get moving before they show up.  I don't think they'll react nicely to me,"  Alexandria points out.

With the security station secured, they're able to follow signs leading towards the exclusion zone.  A good thing about an all-Enlightened team:  they're able to notice the tell-tale signs of essence as they get closer to the cut-off point by walking down those featureless corridors.  The moment they do there's a *SNAP-FIZZLE* sound and Alexandria rocks as if she's been bludgeoned in the face with a sledgehammer.

"Oh, ouch,"  She murmurs as she steadies herself against the wall.  "Whatever that was- I just-"  She tries pushing her hand through the wall and fails, "- I can't turn incorporeal.  And a bunch of the wards you'd been having me focus on in my head have just failed, Lucifer.  No Neverborn interference."

Up ahead is another door to another security node.  This one is likewise rusted and old, though something just feels... off about it.

((Wu Wei check, everyone; also go ahead with a Hearing check if you want as a minor action.))

((9, 8, 7, 6, 6, 5 & 3
Clam heart skill 1chi / +5 awareness & wu wei
Spontaneous effort 2chi / 1d minor action

Wu Wei 26 + WW15 + 10 = 51
Hearing 19 + AW15 + 10 = 44))

Arkady glances around under his hood, scanning his surroundings and going by his gut. His gut was pretty good where his head wasn't.

And hell, he's prepping his senses, taking a whif of his cigarette and letting the smoke linger in the air, watching how it moves, or how it's supposed to move.

((10, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4 & 1.

Wu wei 20 + 10 + 10 = 40))

OK, stuff got weird really fast. Better to just keep cool and hope the veterans know what is going on.

Kendall stands at the side, leaving room if someone wants to walk past him.

((Wu Wei: 28+15+10 = 53
Float 7-7))

Lucifer instantly positions himself between Alexandria and the rest of the team when she rocks back and leans on the wall, his perpetual frown intensifying as he tries to read the situation and essence in the air. There's a definite jerk of his hand as she mentions his wards failing, but the worst of it passes when she continues it's not the Neverborn.

"...Looks like the interdiction field has some strange effects indeed. Like it's a piece of a different reality or something."

He offers a hand to the ghost.

"We should keep moving. Stay close until we figure out how this affected you."

((Roll: 10, 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1.
((Wuwei: 19+10 = 29...so whatever))

Weird shit was happening every now and then. At least it was an indication they were going the right way. Sticking to the shadows around them Lyla advances with the group.

Normally vigilant Lyla's focus is snatched by Lucifer and Alexandria.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Sat 15 Feb 2020.

((Arkady, take a ChivJoss.))

Arkady's cigarette smoke seems to drift towards the door.  Any smoke that drifts backward hits an invisible wall.

Alexandria's quick to take Lucifer's hand.  Of course it is quite clammy.

"Doesn't smell right,"  Kumiho draws her knife, "Like... I smelled a lot of blood in the air for a moment.  Like we passed through an abandoned butcher's shop."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:05, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Kendall glances from side to side, being quite oblivious to the strangeness that is going on.

"So, some extra shenanigans going on, a trap? illusion? something else?" He asks not from anyone in particular.

Arkady draws his silver pistol out, his eyes still peeled towards the door.

"You're right to smell blood Fox lady. It's a trap, and we just sprung it. Not tech, thaumaturgy. They know we are here."

He does a quick chamber check and cocks the hammer back, peeling a quick glance in the direction of Lyla and Lucifer.

”Not necessarily”, Lucifer answers Arkady. ”Someone or something powerful is maintaining this field, but we have no reason in particular to think it lets them detect us. Its purpose seems to be separation - forcing the immaterial material and keeping things within from leaving - even things like Infallible Messengers.”

He looks ahead to the door.

”This is far beyond the scope of Thaumaturgy as we understand it - no Thaumaturgy can block Sorcery or passage and communication so comprehensively as this. My best guess at this point would be a Charm used by something in the range of a demon of the Third Circle or equivalent spirit - or an Abyssal or Infernal ritual powered by mass human sacrifice. Either would explain the blood you smelled, Kumiho.”

He walks to the door, trying the handle unless anyone objects. If it was a trap, who better to spring it?

”Either way, nothing else to do but press onward at this point.”

Lyla walks as last one in the group... she'd have no trouble dashing to be on the frontline if the situation was to require it. Also personally she felt somewhat relieved to be able to see them all there, and not wonder if someone was going to attack their backs. It'd just be her back.

"Ritual would mean it has some sort of center somewhere. Beginning of this all. So yeah, push on," she notes in agreement, her clothing shifting in colour to hide her figure even further.

"Ready when you are,"  Kumiho says, drawing her k-bar...

Lucifer opens the rusty door.  On the other side is a security station, similar to the one they opened.  It's a semi-circle big enough for one or two people side by side, with a single chair at the center, a computer, and bullet-proof glass.  On the other side of the glass is a railway station.

What he didn't expect to see was dozens of Last Refuge citizens, dressed in work uniforms daubed with red paint in two vertical stripes down their left side.  They also have bolt-action rifles, cleavers, crowbars, and dozens of other improvised weapons.  A train car sits at the station, windows broken with more citizen-militia inside, ranged weapons trained at Lucifer.

One of them- a teenage boy- has just finished scrawling 'PROPERTY OF THE GRAND REPUBLIC OF HANTHABERG' on the side of the train with blood-red paint.  He drops his paint can.

"No fucking way man? Commies? Cultists? Commie cultists? And here I thought I was as red as they get on the refuge."

He lowers his pistol seeing they are quite outnumbered, but ready for a flash draw. I mean, an angry mob against a ghost assassin, a lunar and 4 Solars? They should know their odds.

"And a nation within the refuge, really? this is some Metro 2033 shit right here comrades."

'Are you absolutely fucking kidding me' is the thought that runs through Kendalls head when he sees this ridiculousness.

"Riiiiiight, so these people had the bright idea of establishing a sovereign nation? Are you absolutely-fucking-kidding-me?" Shit, he said it out loud. "Do these people have a deathwish?" He is visibly troubled by this turn of events, technically they are all rebels and traitors who in these times are in a queue for an execution, but something extraordinary must be going on for this bs to take place, there must be.

"I advice caution, unless they fire upon us first lets go with diplomacy yeah?" He asks the group, being still fully ready to move into action if the people here prove to be hostile.

"Yes, aim for diplomacy at least at first. That's your cup of tea, Lucifer, Archon. At least there is a bullet-proof glass between us," she jests grimly."I can head to snoop around if they are willing to talk."

She doesn't head to do anything just yet, waiting to see what transpires.

Lucifer is visibly disgusted at first glance, but reins it in to a contained glower and nods at Kendal and Lyla’s suggestions.

”...Yeah, no one is this stupid by themselves. Must be a supernatural instigator somewhere, rabble like this doesn’t have the means to put up an interdiction field of this magnitude. Let’s find out if they’re idiots, being controlled, or both.”

He steps out in the open, seemingly unarmed before the people pointing guns at him and raises an open hand. His tone is relaxed, altogether too much so for someone at gunpoint, and despite an air of peacefulness there is a definite undertone of ”or else” that leaves little room for argument.

”Put down your weapons and no one will get hurt. We are here to investigate why Hanthaburg dropped off the grid.”

The answer seemed quite likely, but he wanted to hear it.

((Float 5, River at 7-7-5
1 Chi for +5 inspire
Inspire: 28+20+5+10 = 63 ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

The rabble listens to him, looking at him and muttering.  "It's Lucifer," One of them mutters, another nodding, "Lucifer."

"Lucifer."

"Lucifer." "Lucifer."

"Morningstar."

"Lucifer."

"Matthews."

"Exalt.  Essence."

The railworkers raise their guns and sight down them, aiming right for his center mass!  The others start firing at the door, a curiously blank look on their faces.

((Initiative rolls for everyone.  Current zone for Lucifer is Station; the rest of you are in Security Office, which is a dirt-easy Cover Ground action to get out.  These are a special set of Minions and get to make a shaping wave:

10, 10, 9, 7, 3, 3, 3, 3 & 2
*Shaping Wave:  Something Special 43 + Wu Wei 25 + AB 10 = 78
*Shaping Wave:  Covering Fire 20 + Wu Wei 10 + AB 10 = 40))
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:21, Sat 07 Mar 2020.

((Initiative 10, 9, 8, 8, 7, 6 & 1.
Graceful crane, unarmed
FoB: 17 + 10 + 15 = 42 /2chi
Cover ground: 28 + 10 + 20 = 58
Speed: 19 + 10 + 10 = 39

Low Moon Howl 1 water chi
Blizzard Wolf Howl (Lyla & Arkady get +1 lake) 1 solar chi, 4 chi
))


"That was fast" He states, somehow not surprised that things were so quick to escalate.

He begins by taking a stance, lowering his center of mass and letting out a harmonious stream of essence towards Lyla and Arkady, aligning their outlining essence to greater heights of martial prowess. Being himself ready to move if need be.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

((Initiative 9, 7, 6, 4, 3, 3, 1 & 1
Subtle force w/ unarmed-ranged
Init: 21+10+10= 41
Spontaneous effort -2 chi
CG: 19+15+10= 43 - To station
Float 3-3))

"Oi Blyat, Vy durak sukie."

slips off Arky's lips as he corner cuts past the Security booth door like some action hero privateer, trying to get to Lucifer's side. Fighting in narrow corridors. That's something he's done.

O golly. He gets to fight with his childhood Idol. A dream come true.

A side roll out of the door, but with bare steel palms up front instead of his gun. No need to kill these poor sods... hopefully.

"...Man these guys are Idiots."

((Initiative: 9, 9, 8, 7, 6, 6, 6 & 3 & 2
Using Murderous Shadows w/ Unarmed+Saber
float 6-6-6
Initiative: 18+15+10= 43
FoB: 17+15+10 = 43/ 2 chi
Coverground : 29+15+10 =54
))

Despite having lingered on the side of the group, Bluefox is quick to dash out and into the action, her essence covering most of her movement as she blends with the surroundings.

((Init: 10, 10, 8, 6, 6, 3, 3 & 1
Using Vengeful Titan w/ Massive/Ranged
Initiative: 18+10 = 28
Waning Metal Protection Spell: 23+15+10 = 48
Sheltering Water Intercession: 26+15+10 = 51
FoB: 20+15+10 = 45 / 2 Chi ))

Lucifer turns sideways to the gunfire with one arm in front of his face - catching a bullet in your mouth while invoking a ritual would be annoying. Like swallowing a fly when riding a bike.

He mutters several mantras/prayers that almost seem to overlap, encasing him in a blinding corona of sunfire that fades near-instantly, but flickers back into being whenever a bullet threatens to hit him, causing them to veer off or downright vaporize before making contact.

He glances to his left as Arkady rolls to his side, giving the Exodite a nod.

"They're being controlled - my guess is whatever put up the interdiction field must be fed Essence from Exalts and such."

His free hand moves to unbuckle his belt - a rather curious action, until a command word causes it to straighten, coil and transform itself into an old-fashioned elephant gun in his hand.

"Let's not kill them. That doesn't necessitate being nice, though."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Tue 10 Mar 2020.

((Attack : 9, 9, 6, 6, 4, 3, 3, 3 & 1
Reincarnating Nine Brothers 3 chi + 1 solar chi
One Murder per Heartbeat - Attacks count as Area vs. Minions

Break wave 1: flowed 46+25 (stealth) +10 = 81 vs 78
Hidden Execution Strike - May always use Stealth on Marvels
Break wave 2: 14+25 (stealth) +10 = 44 vs 40

Strike: 29+20+25(IKF)+10 = 84, better dodged
Burn: 33+10+10 = 53))

Bluefox gives a nod in acknowledgement to Lucifer's words, as she passes him and Red star in the corridor with a vault. Quickly blending in the shadows cast by the crowd, her essence dances between them all finding little openings here and there to distract them from their cover fire. Most importantly she aims to sever whatever connection they had to this something that was urging them to act as a group, twisting and dampening it with her own presence and awareness.

She retracts her shadowy talons, when parting the group with her punches, aiming to subdue but not kill.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

((Attack R1: 10, 9, 9, 7, 6, 4, 3 & 2
Strike at mob: 29 + 15 + 10 = 54
Force of lightness - 1 solar chi, 1 normal chi.
Secondary strike: flowed 33 + 15 + 10 = 58))

"Of course they're getting slapped hard. I have a reputation to uphold."

Arkady extends his palm forward and the (to some) ominous red glow seeps off the joints of his arms as they begin concentrating essence.

A slow exhale and a gentle push with his palm, and a ripple of essence distorts the air with a deep boom and he releases the concentrated energy, blasting off his palm like a faintly chromatic shockwave.

In a wushu-ish motion he takes a step forward with his other palm forward, now facing upwards
and lifts it gently as he manipulates the flowing essence, and another boom now originating from below the poor bastards about to feel like they've just jumped off a roof.

"This is how I deal with mutineers, forced or not."

((Attack: 10, 9, 6, 6, 5, 3, 3 & 2
1 Metal Chi, 1 Solar Chi on Black Tigers Hunting
2 Chi, 1 Water Chi on Devastation of Black Ice
1 Chi on Inspire +5

Strike: 26+20+20+10+5 Laughs (cluttered/enclosed space)= 81; Block -15, Dodge -10; +1 Ripple if hit
Proper Forms of Conflict: Flooded 27+20 Inspire +5+10 = 62
Disorient Wu Wei: 23+15+5+10 = 53 ))

His defensive measures complete, Lucifer wades into the enemy ranks like the fist of - well, like the entire body of an angry god. His shot breaks through barriers, collapses walls and splits the barrels of weapons in twain; the butt of his rifle emits an almost rhythmic cracking as he knocks the living daylights out of any rabble unfortunate enough to stand in his way. Bones are broken, flesh is singed and bruised, but none so badly that they won't be able to regret their actions come tomorrow.

To the trained eye, however, the violence is almost secondary. Before each shot, after each strike, Lucifer makes a small mudra or chant as he works to corrode whatever supernatural effect was gripping the populace.

"Whatever force compels you to this madness, it will soon end by our hand. Cease this foolishness. Thus decrees the Morning Star."

((Attack: 9, 8, 6, 5, 5, 2 & 2.
1 chi, Moment of cold

Strike 25 + 10 + 5 + 5 Laughs (Linear aggression) = 45 better blocked
Freeze 22 + 10 + 5 = 37

All allies in the same zone at the end of round gain one additional point of chi thanks to Low Moon Howl))

Kendall follows suite with his comrades to the station ready to subdue the wrongdoers, he doesn't take his cool sword out, instead focusing on people from the flanks than the others might have missed. No words or jokes, just business... Not one he was expert at but business nonetheless.

((Kumiho Init:
8, 7, 7, 6, 5, 3 & 1
*3 Chi, 1 Lunar Chi:  Sword-Mindset
*0 Chi:  Flexible+Sword
*0 Chi:  Speed +5, CG
*Init 18 + Speed 15 + AB 10 + IKF 5 = 48

Alexandria Init:
9, 9, 8, 7, 7, 4, 4 & 3
*Blue Flame Dragon
*Float 9-9
*Cover Ground with 27
*Improvise Weapon with 24- Ranged
*Init 18 + Speed 20 + AB 10 = 48

Kumiho 48
Alexandria 48
Lyla 43
Arkady 41
Kendal 39
Daniel  28

Alexandria Attack:
10, 9, 9, 6, 6, 6, 3 & 1
*Break Something Special with 49 + Wu Wei 15 + AB 10 + EKF 5 = 79 vs 78, an unseen force boosts by +5!  FAILS.
*Attack Minions 36 + Strike 10 + AB 10 = 56

Minion Defense vs Alexandria:
10, 9, 9, 9, 8, 8, 4, 2 & 1
*Block 39 + Block 20 + AB 10 = 69 vs 56, Replies for a ripple!

Kumiho Attack:
8, 7, 6, 5, 5, 1 & 1
*Strike 25 + Strike 20 + AB 10 = 55
*Float 1-1

Minion Defense vs Kumiho:
10, 9, 8, 8, 8, 6, 6, 5 & 4
*Defense vs Strike 48 + Block 20 + AB 10 = 78 vs 55, Replies for a ripple!

Minion Defense vs Lyla:
10, 8, 7, 6, 6, 4, 3, 2 & 2
*Defense 26 + Block 20 + AB 10 = 56 vs 84, 2 Ripples
*Defense vs Burn 22 + Block 20 + AB 10 - Better Dodged 5 = 47 vs 53, 1 Ripple (1/9)

Minion Defense vs Arkady:
10, 9, 9, 9, 9, 7, 5, 3 & 1
*Block Attack 1 with 49 + Block 20 + AB 10 = 79 vs 58, Replies for a ripple!
*Block Attack 2 with 17 + Block 20 + AB 10 = 47 vs 54, 1 Ripple (2/9)

Minion Defense vs Kendal:
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 2 & 1
*Block Attack with 19 + Block 20 + AB 10 = 49 vs 45, blocks
*Block Freeze with 18 + Block 20 - Better Dodged 5 + AB 10 = 43 vs 37, blocks

Minion Defense vs Lucifer:
9, 9, 8, 7, 7, 5, 4, 3 & 2
*Defense vs Strike 29 + Dodge 20 + AB 10 - Penalty 10 = 49 vs 81, 3 Ripples (5/9)
*Defense vs Proper Forms of Conflict 27 + Confidence 20 + AB 10 = 57 vs 62, 1 Ripple (6/9, nice)
*Wu Wei disrupted.

Minions:  ATTACK
10, 9, 7, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1 & 1
*EVERYONE defends against this as an AoE attack.
*Attack 25 + Strike 20 + AB 10 = 55
*Lucifer, feel free to add your penalty as a stacking bonus here for simplicity's sake

Kumiho Defense:
9, 7, 7, 6, 3, 2 & 1
*4 Chi, Block +15
*Defend 27 + Block 5 + AB 10 + IKF 15 = 57 vs 55, blocks

Alexandria Defense:
10, 8, 6, 6, 5, 4, 1 & 1
*4 Chi:  Dodge +15
*Defend 26 + Dodge 5 + AB 10 + IKF 15 = 56 vs 55, dodges

Kumiho Ripples:  1
Arkady Ripples:  1
Alexandria Ripples:  1
Minion Ripples:  6 / 9

You have first init this round.))

And it all goes to hell, because those cars have more men, and those men have some heartier equipment...

The Exalts (and one ghost) stream out of the security station immediately, heedless of the bullets.  Kumiho and Alexandria are out in tandem, the latter picking up a wrench and flinging it into the crowd even as she begins chanting some kind of exorcism.  Kumiho tries to charge at them with the knife but their sheer volume of fire drives her back, ripping holes in some of her clothes.

"Almost have it, I've got you-" And then just as Alexandria squeezes her hand she yelps in pain as something small and shining bursts within her palm!  "Something's actively controlling- whatever this is!"  She takes a bullet in the next second!

The minions keep up a steady volume of fire, but their covering fire- which would've kept the others pinned down or inside- is quickly broken by the next out, Lyla. And so is the- spell? charm?- that's trying to take shape in the room; smothered by her essence.  Her own attacks scatter some of the rabble, knocking them out or sending them to the floor a smoking screaming invalid.

Arkady has mixed results.  While he manages to charge in and knock several down with his attack, they also manage to ping him with crossfire.  Remarkably accurate crossfire, at that.  Maybe rabble isn't quite the right word...

Kendal has mixed luck.  While he's the last to leave none of them pay too much attention to him, and so his attacks are merely avoided by shifting fire or one of the less well-armed men stepping in the way of the attack.

And then the Morningstar brings his puissance to bear.  None of them could hope to stand up to him but they prove harder to scatter and break than he'd expect.

After the Exalted assault two thirds are down, on the ground moaning or clutching their faces and sobbing, but there are still some die-hards including the kid with a paint bucket in one hand and an uzi in the other.  The remainder in the tramcars fire away with their weapons.

Throughout all of this, every single one of the essence-users feels it.  Their essence is effective but it lingers in the air around them.  It doesn't dissipate like it should, not all at once, though it does fade with each heartbeat.

((Defense against rabble 8, 7, 3, 3, 2, 2 & 1
23 + 20 + 10 + 53
+10 footwork from Yin Ice sword = 63 vs 55 defends
))

As his opponents prove themselves to be more than just random rabble, their hail of bullets finds no mark against him, they all lose their momentum as they speed at him, letting him gracefully dodge past them.

((Init R2 9, 9, 8, 8, 6, 5 & 4.
Graceful crane, unarmed
FoB: 16 + 15 + 10 = 41 /2chi
Yin ice sword: 29 + 10 + 10 = 49 (spend 1 chi +10 footwork)
Speed: 28 + 10 + 10 = 48

Low Moon Howl 1 water chi (All allies regen 1 extra chi at end of round)
Blizzard Wolf Howl (Lyla & Arkady get +1 lake) 1 solar chi, 4 chi
))

Regaining his balance and evaluating new attack vectors, he soothes the still essence around him, making his allies more adapt to reabsorb it back again.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

((Defence R1: 10, 9, 8, 8, 7, 7, 5 & 3
against AoE: 28+FW15+10= 53 vs. 55, Ripple, At 2

Init R2: 7, 7, 5, 5, 3, 2, 2 & 1
Subtle force w/ unarmed + ranged
float: 7-7
Init 22+10+10=42
FoB: 25+10+10=45, +2chi ))

Arkady's Overconfidence bit him in the ass a bit. He somehow manages to keep moving and avoid most of the onslaught of crossfire, but still gets a couple of grazing hits in the bullet storm.
Ok, Fighting in Narrower corridors was easier. Especially if you didn't have to keep worry about your opponent's safety, and if you happened to have hand grenades...

Once the volley subsides, he just stands there, waiting with his palms open, drawing a deep breath. It smelled like gunpowder and iron.

"That's a lot of bullets and very little dead people. Are you sure you're up for this, chuvak??" he states with a loud voice looking the Uzi kid dead in the eyes.

His caste sign illuminates his forehead from under the dark hood.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:14, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

((Defense: 6, 5, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 & 1.
Dodge: 41+15+10= 66 vs 55

Initiative: 10, 10, 9, 8, 7, 7, 5, 4 & 2
Using Murderous Shadows w/ Unarmed+Saber

Initiative: 27+15+10= 52
FoB: 19+15+10 = 44/ 2 chi
Ghostly Presence: 20+20+10 = 50
))

Its a bit hazardous trying to hit and aim at someone who is among themselves, so Bluefox gracefully ducks and weaves away from their hits. Now she focuses her attention to seeing who is still left to standing, ready to dash at them to resolve the fight as quickly as possible.

((Defense vs. Rabble: 10, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 5 & 5
Block: 47+15+10 = 72 vs 55, Blocked

Initiative: 10, 8, 7, 5, 5, 3, 3 & 2
using Vengeful Titan w/ Ranged/Massive
FoB: 23+15+10 = 48 /2 Chi
Float 5-5, River at 5-5-5
Init: 18+10 = 28 ))

Lucifer does not even seem to acknowledge the existence of the hail of bullets around him; no rabble, puppeteered by a powerful being or not, was fit to harm him. Bullets veer off or melt into slag as he strides forth.

"Let's finish this."