Original Impetus Project: Back/Step

Everyone has a role to play in this convoluted game of chess. The question is, shall you make the first move to win the game? Or is there a deeper meaning in all this?

• Rules
• Story
• Map
• Links / Resources

• > This roleplay follows the rules of KH-Vids in its entirety. Treat them as an extension of the rules currently listed.
  
  > This roleplay is rated above PG-13. Thus, swearing is allowed to be slipped here, and any sexual and violent themes that pass PG-13 rules should be put in spoilers. If things get too hardcore, it doesn't belong, and I won't allow it.
  
  > If you're confused on something, contact me either by a DM here on KH-Vids, or send me a buzz on Discord. There is nothing worse than to make a mistake when it could be clarified so it can be avoided.
  
  > 1 character per person.
  
  > Wish to kill off a character? Ask me AND who controls the character first before you start throwing dangerous magicks around.
  
  > No Godmodding or metagaming allowed in any capacity. I get angrier for every 'missed' attacks or 'movements that don't count'.
  
  > Mary or Gary Stues are not allowed. Every character has a fatal flaw, and an all-perfect character is a boring one. Give your character some depth.
  
  > Posts should generally be 1-3 paragraphs at minimum, but I won't penalize you for putting in the extra effort. Just make sure to put breaks in between paragraphs.
  
  > Each player is given a week per post. I understand that some of you have obligations, but if you're going to be too busy to participate at some point, let me know, and I'll move on.
  
  > Give respect to earn respect. We're all fellow RPers here, and the best stories are made when people work well together.
  
  > I, or any administration I see fit to appoint, reserve the right to change or modify rules as needed.
• ☉Chapter 1 - Baggage
  ☉ Chapter 2 - Sinner
• 
  
  Population: 8,744,835
  Chrinistar City sits close to the edge of the Florida peninsula, just off near Tampa. Thanks to the Alyx Wave, part of the climate shifts between arid to humid on the dime, with Purgos and Downtown landlocked by a small desert region and Arkadian acting as a coastal shirk. The only viable port in and out of the city by freshwater trade means lies in between the territorial halves of Purgos and Corps Row, Downtown and Kings, and running through Teslar, dividing the latter to east and west.
  
  
  • Teslar District
  • Arkadian District
  • Kings District
  • Cardiff District
  • Corps Row District
  • Downtown Chrinistar District
  • Purgos District

  • The semi-rural part of Chrinistar, given in honor of the founder of A-7 and the 5 Gaian Physic Laws thanks to his continued contribution to superhuman society as a whole. Makes up 35% of the city’s land, and by Teslar’s wishes, he willed it to be his land as a haven for his last and now defunct project, the Teslar Academy for Superhumans.
    
    Otherwise somewhat green land with a few sparse residences, bus stops, and areas of interest.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Teslar Academy of Superhumans - Ermand Teslar’s last project before an early retirement; a means to allow Superhumans to enter the workforce with their powers as catalysts for coexistence. This place was ground zero for the Chrinistar Timestop, which caused Teslar’s resignation of A-7 and the boarding school becoming desecrated. Built by the headmaster’s own abilities, it’s an academy with crumbling rooms supposedly bigger on the inside, and rumor has it that it can support well over 500 students despite its modest size. Around the back of the academy looks to be similar to an arena of sorts.
    • Rowland Forest - A small plot of forest that surrounds the Academy and leads to the cemetery. Not thick enough to be overtly dangerous, but not small enough to get lost, this forest sticks out like a few sore thumbs in the sparse territory.
    • Teslar Cemetery - Local cemetery near Teslar Academy. Most of the departed were people that the headmaster supposedly knew personally.
  • Residential district of the middle-class and well-off. Not too many sights aside from many houses that dot the coastline that borders outward of the city. Many great (and infamous) families live, or have lived here in the past. The second smallest single district in the city.
    
    Border territory, occasionally rains there more often due to being near the coast.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Valin Residence - Home to the only current resident and ex-vigilante, Theodore Valin. He is the elder brother to Rex Valin, the supposed perpetrator of the Chrinistar Timestop, forcing him to stop being a vigilante. The rest family left because they couldn’t face the “disgrace” left behind by their youngest son, while the eldest remained, hoping his youngest brother could be pardoned. Maybe he has clues to what happened?
    • Evernathy Residence - Home to Valencia Evernathy. Her husband had passed from a cardiac arrest during the Alyx Event and her daughter was killed during the Chrinistar Timestop. Now, she’s a broken woman on the brink of depression, pills, and perpetual grief. Valencia claims that her daughter and Rex Valin were apparently close, and the latter had made a promise to the mother he couldn’t keep.
  • Inner city, twin district to Cardiff. Contains mostly the middle to poor class. Likened to almost be similar to Queens, New York in some respect. The territory being closer to Downtown makes it a partial place of commerce.
    
    Busy territory with bustling streets and crowds.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Maxwell Prosthetics - Home to Arnoldo Maxwell, and key area to improving technology. The story goes that Maxwell not only started the shop with his father, making prosthetic parts for the poor since he was 10 years, but he also went to Teslar Academy before it shut down and he was close friends with Rex Valin. Otherwise, he’s a valuable source of information and technology… For a price of course.
    • Black Oracle Tavern - Somewhat seedy bar with musical entertainment stage. A lot of anti A-7 and anti Church supporters come here to drown their sorrows. Others have stories, some pertaining to more… particular slabs of information.
  • Inner city, twin district to Kings. Contains mostly the middle to poor class. Likened to almost be similar to the Big Apple, New York in some respect. The territory being closer to Arkadian makes it a partial place of entertainment.
    
    Busy territory with bustling streets and crowds.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Cardiff Battledome - Home of the sport of Jetskate Soccer and host to many later legal gladiatorial combat matches. On the surface, a lot checks out, but everyone knows that the owner, Amadeus Karthage, tends to run his own, more illegal gig during “special nights”, as he calls it.
    • Ellsee's Nightclub - Popular night club out of the twin districts, sporting a top-tier dance floor and even karaoke rooms. The Vacuoe Twins, two twins with music control powers and a mad taste for music, frequent there as DJs. Both are graduates from Teslar Academy and each have plenty to say about what happened there.
  • Capital territory and second largest district in the city. All major policing forces and political endeavors reside there. Busiest part of the city overall, dawn, afternoon, and dusk.
    
    District is the busiest of both Kings and Cardiff combined.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Arthur Chrinistar Town Hall - Home and office to the mayor of the city.
    • A-7 Council Sector-1 - HQ and Capital of the council of seven that delegates and polices superhumans. Sits behind the Town hall, and is structurally like a barracks. Able to house at least an entire military force. Depending on how you approach your problems, these guys could be your best friends or worst possible foes.
  • Considered “Port” district of the city, and third-largest territory on the map. Despite its industrial nature, it’s considered the second poorest area on the map. Not a lot seemingly goes on here… if you can overlook the occasional drug smuggling and black market deals.
    
    Port district with the only source of a freshwater trade route in the entire city and one of the dividers between the east and west parts of the city.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Scardino Casino - Home to the superhuman crime boss of the European mafia, Dom Scardino, and his daughter. While a bit more proper in the 21st Century, they aren’t too above making underhanded deals to benefit “the family”.
    • Abydos Hotel - [DATA REDACTED]
    • Edison Docks - Only port in the city. Easy area for smuggling, along with a few nearby warehouses for shady business.
  • The true poverty district and the smallest piece in the city. It comes as no surprise that Purgos is both the most overlooked and uninhabited part of the entire city. This slab of territory is known to be home to the cultists belonging to the Church of Eight Hands, but nothing can be done, because the mayor is worried about causing mass panic simply to siege a near-empty piece of the city.
    
    Composed of poverty, abandoned streets and desecrated areas, and one of the dividers between the east and west parts of the city.
    
    Landmarks
    
    • Church of the Seven Sovereigns - One of the few churches still under operation despite the mass poverty surrounding it. Despite too many diverging religions, the building and their pastors remain under the guise of their one true god and Christianity. However, there have been some rumors regarding that it’s a front for the cultists, the actual Church of Eight Hands, and supposedly, it came under new management after the Chrinistar Timestop resolved. Try not to take this area lightly.
• 
  
  • Main Thread (You are here!)
  • Inventory Thread
  • OOC/Sign-Up’s Thread

☉ Chapter 1 - Baggage

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​

Date - March 2nd, 2021, 05:45
Location - Corps Row District, A-7 Council Sector 1, Prison Block A, Cell 103
Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - Prisoner Processing

A knock was heard at the cell door. Sgt. Terrence Kelly, aged 35 and in service for 3 years at A-7, slid open the small metal peephole into the dark cell, peering for his current assignment
“Prisoner A-721, today’s the hearing. Time to get up and at ‘em.” He grunted through the hole. Prisoner A-721, however, did not move. Instead, he sighed, rubbing his eyes, blinking upward. The guard tried again.
“Come on, man,” He said, formality slightly breaking. “You need to get up or the Head’s gonna be on my ass. Get up, make this easier on both our lives, so that I can open the door, make sure you ain’t got nothing suspicious on ya, and take you down so that the men upstairs can bug you about nonsense ‘till you can come back here, and I can get my fat paycheck.”
The prisoner looked to the guard with incredulous striking deep brown eyed look meeting the guard’s own deep blue.
“Hold up, who said anything about a fat paycheck?” The prisoner responded, sitting up from his cot with a tired smirk. He sounded much younger than the sergeant.
“Just received a promotion not more than a few days.” Terrence responded. “And I’d like to keep it, if you don’t mind.” The man tilted his head through the hole. “So are we gonna get this over with..?”
A-721 simply nodded. He stood up from his cot as the lights activated their white lights in the room, illuminating a chrome colored cell, with a toilet, a small desk with some paper and pencils, and a modest cot that folded into the wall. The prisoner folded his cot inward to the wall, and stood facing the door, raising his figure to a T-pose. Terrence, seeing this, promptly shut the peephole, swiping his keycard on the card reader.
“Opening Cell 103!” Terrence called. The door slid open with a dull mechanical whine, opening to reveal A-721 in the flesh as the sergeant stepped in.

Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - Safe Room 1

Despite his age, A-721 stood full height at 5’11”. He had pale skin, 2 tones lighter than average, not too tan, but not too light, sitting somewhere in between. His hair was raven-black, curly and messy, with some strands falling over his own face, as if no matter how much he groomed, they remained in their exact manner. He wore a grey jumpsuit with a marking of the A-7 council’s symbol on the right side of his chest, an encircled hand holding a handful of lightning bolts and scripture tattooed on the wrist, and his prisoner name on his left. On his face sat a tired grimace, as if his smile faded with age, and wire-rimmed, beveled square glasses, sitting in front of deep brown, almost abyss-like eyes, with slight marking of bags, as if he had one too many nights of insomnia. A-721 always looked and acted like he lacked sleep.

According to the file that Terrence read when he first gained post in guarding A-721, the prisoner’s Occuli supposedly turned a heavy crimson when his powers were used, but the soldier rarely ever saw his ward angered by anything, even other prisoner’s shenanigans during recess, and a mechanical Ordinance collar around the boy’s neck prevented his LV from ever going higher than 1, rendering power use near useless and impossible. Not to mention, the prisoner had suffered trauma, so he could only manifest only the Occuli in his right eye. Not that he ever attempted.

Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - Safe Room 2

A-721’s track record in terms of behavior was flawless, and because of it, he was transferred from the rowdy Prison C Block to the much more lenient Prison A Block in less than 6 months. He rarely caused an issue, and complied with all procedures during more stressful events, never even disobeying the guards, including the ones who were so power drunk to start abusing the prisoners in some cases. No, A-721 was extremely docile. Almost to the point where he was lifeless.

Granted, he did have a personality, but it almost seemed like a shade of one. Outside of Terrence’s initial brief, he knew very little about who he was guarding aside from his initial crime; breaking the 2nd Gaian Physic Law of Time, stopping the entire US for 25 minutes and 13 seconds in a bubble that not only was caused on the end of Mavericking that resulted in inconsistencies, but weakened his own power to almost nothing. Terrence spoke a bit about his life as a means to help garner more information, but it yielded close to nothing from the closed vault that was Rex Argus Valin, youngest of a family 4 and runt of the litter.

Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - Checkpoint

Sgt. Terrence entered, holstering his M4 to his back as he began to pat down his prisoner for any weapons, even though he knew Rex wouldn’t have armed himself. Though the boy never revealed much, he had no motive to escape. Every part of his demeanor said that he wanted nothing more than to live out his sentence in peace. It’s been 4 years since he was sentenced, and with 1 more year to go, it was about time again for Rex’s yearly hearing from the Council of 7. As the sergeant finished patting Rex down, he stepped back, taking his M4 again to low-port carry, and motioned his head to the prisoner to follow. Rex obeyed, following the sergeant out of his cell.

As they entered the hall, lined with rows and rows of mostly empty cells, two other nameless guards came up from the rear as Terrence took out a pair of chrome-like ring handcuffs, turning around to Rex. Rex, who knew what came next presented his wrists, to which the soldier secured each ring on Rex’s wrists. A light on one of them went from red to green, followed by a metal hum as the two rings forced Rex’s arms together. As long as the prisoner’s LV was below 5, they would be unable to force the magnetized cuffs off. And so, Terrence, Rex, and the two guards bringing up the rear navigated the halls, toward the North Gate. They passed the South Gate without any problems, past security screening as the heavy metal doors of the gate closed behind them.

“How are the kids?” Rex suddenly asks listlessly to Terrence. He was referring to the sergeant’s children, whom the latter told Rex a few months back.
“Billy’s beginning to speak rather well.” Terrence replied. “Felicity and I are planning on getting him to start school early because he’s learning so fast and we’re running out of things to give him as input. As for Molly...” The man grimaced a bit. “I’m a bit worried how she’s developing. She just turned 5 not more than a few days ago.”
“Ah.” Rex stated, eyes fluttering. “Congratulations.”
Terrence scoffed half-heartedly. “Yeah well, growth is all well and good. We’re just worried she’ll...”
“Develop as a superhuman?” Rex asked, finishing Terrence’s sentence, causing him to look sidealong at his ward, nodding.
“She hasn’t developed powers yet, and Felicity and I don’t have the superhuman gene in either of our family lines,” Terrence said. “But with the chance that regs can still produce a superhuman child in this day and age, and since it’s impossible to know, I’m worried that we’ll be unable to handle it.”
“You still love your daughter, no?”
Terrence’s face contorted into one of incredulity. “Of course I love my daughter!” He exclaimed. “I’d never trade her for the world! And I can deal with her being a superhuman just fine, thanks. You’re literal training wheels for that.”
“I feel honored.” Rex’s tone held salted amusement.
“It’s just that I’m worried that Felicity won’t.” Terrence continued, his tone more leveled. “She’s had a bad experience with superhumans in the past and she’s just wanting to be a good mother. As for Molly, it’s a matter of whether her abilities would be a challenge should we need to register her and if it’ll change her for the worse.”
“Terrence.” Rex said. He had stopped, causing the sergeant to stop and turn back. This little stop, however, didn’t sit well with one of the guards bringing up the rear.

Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - The Cantina

“Hey, keep moving, scum.” The soldier to the left replied, his voice only made harsher by his radio synthesizer. He tapped Rex’s back with the side of his rifle barrel. Rex’s eyes lowered to half-lids, looking back to the instigator. Normally, he’d punch people like them. But now wouldn’t be the time nor place.
“No, it’s fine.” The sergeant reassured waving his hand to try to allow Rex to speak his piece. But the soldier wouldn’t budge.
“With respect, sergeant,” The left soldier replied, “This one has an appointment with the A-7’s themselves. And last I checked, they have a tight schedule. So they can’t afford to make time for a criminal to do whatever. Especially superhuman scum like him who stopped the world to a crawl.”
“And last I checked, you have a lot to learn on your first day here, Private Micheals.” Terrence growled, stepping past Rex. “Do you know why this scum that you refer to isn’t sitting in C Block? Because he doesn’t act like an entitled little **** like you, newbie.”
The private took a step back, surprised.
“Yeah that’s right. I know you and your buddy are new.” Terrence said, arrogantly, and with every reason to be. “I’ve been taking care of this one for at least 2 years now, going on 3. So I know every single soldier tasked to this post in rotation. You both also keep your battle goggles on, which also gave it away that you're new to this. Let me both give you a pro tip; you only get to walk my shoes when you learn how to give respect. Obviously, Basic training hasn’t taught you any of it. So you know what?” The sergeant glowered at the two. “You can both take a hike back to Block C for the rest of your shift. I’ll take A-721 to the North Gate on my own. Now get the hell out of my sight.” He motioned with his trigger hand, making a sweeping motion. “Shoo.”

Rex knew that Terrence was a Drill Sergeant when he served the US Army 4 years back before entering under A-7 contract, but rarely had he seen a guard defend a prisoner out of sheer respect. Still, he said nothing, watching almost boredly as the scene unfolded. The left soldier, dumbfounded at the response, said nothing. His right counterpart on the other hand, only sighed tiredly, replying, “Yes sergeant. Right away.” He grabbed his partner, saying. “C’mon, bub. This is what happens when you can’t keep your damn mouth shut.”
Terrence only tsk’d as the two privates walked off in the opposite direction, leaving him and Rex alone.
“You were saying?” He inquired, facing back to the prisoner after the soldiers were out of earshot.

Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - Safe Room 3

“...There is nothing worse than treating a child differently because they’re not considered normal.” Rex continued, as he began to walk forward, eyeing the sergeant, moving in front.
Terrence followed, bringing up Rex’s rear as he listened. “There is nothing in this life that defines ‘normal’. Nothing in my life nor yours classified as normal.” Rex looked to his jailer. “How you raise your child is how she’s going to define herself in this world. If you treat her like some sort of freak, she will never see her as enough for those around her. Or, she may even consider herself too much to the point where others will fear her.”

Current Track - Underhell Chapter 1 OST - Safe Room 4

They reached the end of that hall that opened into a room leading to the North Gate, wide and spacious like that of the South Gate. 4 guards stood firm in each corner of the room, observing the newcomers.
“You and your wife are her parents. Her guides.” Rex stated, not in the voice of someone with exhaustion, but in a voice of someone who held wisdom beyond his age. “Love her and teach her to cultivate her gifts and rise above her flaws. Guide her, and she will make your proud, superhuman or not.” He looked sidealong to Terrence, a thin smile forming across his face. “Believe me. I know. My folks never learned to teach me, instead opting to snub who I was. Now, they get to pay the price for it as their embarrassment. Hmph.” He grunted at the thought as he approached the North Gate entrance.

The sergeant could only stare at Rex, surprised at his words. Despite the boy only being 21 years old, Rex’s words gave away more depth to his personality than any of what the 3 years of guarding him had garnered. It also gave the soldier some comfort, knowing his fears were not unfounded, and granted him some extra confidence to what his family had ahead. He followed Rex, standing beside him, waving to the gate operator on the upper rail to open up the North Gate.
“Thank you, Rex.” Terrence said earnestly. To his surprise, Rex gave him a patient, yet sincere smile.
“You’re welcome, sergeant.” He replied.

The North Gate, which led to the front of the A-7 Barracks and led into the Town Hall, opened slowly with a dull grinding of gears, pulleys and levers. Soon, the Gate sat wide open, an open maw leading to the Room of 7.
“North Gate, Open!”
Terrence patted Rex’s shoulder. “Well.” He said. “Show must go on. Let’s get going.”
Rex, however, did not move, his face becoming downcast and out of vision of the sergeant’s sight, causing the sergeant to look back in concern at his prisoner.
“Rex?” Terrence asked.

The boy looked up a bit, and a twinge of pity was felt in the soldier’s stomach. There was a small light now in Rex’s eyes, but they seemed to be almost dying, as if that whatever compelled Rex was slowly dying out, the boy seemingly only relighting his spark for this moment. He spoke.
“Y’know sergeant, you’ve been very good to me for these past few years I’ve been locked up here.” Rex said, his usual insincere tone replaced with one of almost longing. “You’re a respectful man, and from what you’ve told me you have a loving wife and family. My advice to you is to spend as much time with them as possible.” He looked down to his hands. His right one had begun to tremble, as if he’d remembered something, using his left to grapple it and calm down. “...Any moment you don’t have time to cherish, you’ll regret not having spent it, even ones that you don’t put much stock into.” He looked back up to the sergeant giving a sad, almost forced smile. “Maybe in another life, we could’ve been friends. I would’ve liked that.”
Terrence blinked, unsure what to make of what Rex was saying. He instead played it off with a playful scoff.
“Well thanks, man I really appreciate it!” He replied. “Maybe we still could after you finish your sentence. Hell, maybe the Council may consider letting you off the hook early for making my job easier!” He laughed.
Rex didn’t laugh with his jailer. Instead, his face became further downcast. When he looked back up again, his face was cold, almost emotionless.
“I hope for your family’s sake and for mine, that you’ll choose a safer occupation than this.” He said quietly. “I don’t think Gaia will allow me to stay put any longer. Not after today.”
Terrence’s good vibes faltered a bit. “W-what do you mean-?” He asked carefully.

Just as Terrence had finished his sentence, the emergency klaxons began to sound.
“Attention! Massive power surge detected! Tier 4 anomalous power surge affecting facility systems! Main and reserve power systems compromised...-“
The loudspeaker’s female voice pitched awkwardly downward as the lights began to go out one by one. Soon, the North Gate entrance sat open and in the dark.

Darkness.
Soldiers shouting, running to and from their posts, trying to find the cause.
A metallic hum of struggling cuffs, and the breaking of a metal Ordinance collar.
An impact is heard in the sound of a heavy punch.
The sound of heavy beeping of various LV detectors on soldiers raising above LV 50.
One crimson Occuli glows in the dark, like a monster’s eye.
More shouting.
Clicking of safeties off on various M4s.
Shooting, accompanied by the smell of belched rounds and smoking barrels.
More punching is heard, some accompanied by the sound of broken wrists and legs and soldier’s cries of pain.
Silence falls.
The smell of gunpowder remains.
A retreat of footsteps, hurrying at an even pace, leaving their one chance of redemption behind in the smoke of combat.
A late outcry of one who’d never accept the cards he’d been dealt.

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Current Track - Zayde Wølf - OBLIVION

Back/Step​

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“To live without hope is to cease to live.” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky​

Date - April 12th, 2021, 15:32
Location - Corps Row District, A-7 Council Sector 1, North Gate, Office 31

Nicholas Jafreet sat in a office chair in one of A-7’s many office rooms, flipping a coin listlessly, metallic clinking the only break in the silence of the room as the skin of his finger met metal. He was sitting in front of a television screen showing footage of nearly 1 month ago, the current frame right as the power outage occurred; 0600 hours precisely. He’d seen the footage about 12 times at this point, knowing what happens from to back. Right at the moment that Rex Valin, his so-called model prisoner, had waltzed out from the North Gate scott-free amidst the confusion that was the attack on the Sector that morning, a Tier 4 power surge that knocked out both the main and reserve power system, also hitting 1/3 of the city’s power grid as collateral.

And because of the entire situation, never in Nicholas’ career as Speaker of the Council of 7 had he been more stressed. And no one, not even the Council’s best electricians and brightest scientists could figure out how such an event happened or why, and currently it doesn’t help that the top brass is breathing down his neck and the current hired help of vigilantes isn’t enough to search for one man. Rex, for all intents and purposes, had vanished.

Gaia must have been smiling upon Nicholas to some degree, as no one had gotten hurt. Apparently the target of the attack was A-7, as most of the bulk of the anomalous surge was directed toward the barracks, and during Rex’s escape, he was gracious to allow the soldiers who pelted him with hundreds of 5.56 NATO rounds in the dark to live another day to see their families, including a certain Terrence Kelly, currently now Staff Sergeant.

Nicholas grew tired of flicking the coin, catching in a fist, his blue eyes temporarily flickering to a royal purple as he felt the coin crushing into itself. Nothing added up about that day. Rex was supposed to serve a 4 year sentence with the chance of 1 year early parole, for his crimes and 3 years into it, being docile as can be, suddenly a coincidental event comes along, opportune for a superhuman like him to waltz out and he takes it? He couldn’t have planned this.

Which is why action needed to be taken. Because of what he did and what he was capable of he was public enemy number 5, right behind the top 4 people of interest in the Church of Eight Hands, Rex needed to be detained and questioned. Nicholas himself couldn’t do anything about it, what with the growing concern of the instability of Temporal and Dimensional Fractures. Supposedly, after the Chrinistar Timestop and Rex’s subsequent arrest, the Fractures, rifts in time and space that usually went in an outward direction, had somehow become more frequent in occurrence. They were also becoming larger and more difficult to resolve.
The Church of Eight Hands were also another problem; Sarkic cultists who worshiped the goddess Yaladabaoth and wanted to bring her back along with the dark ages with blood rituals and sacrifices of the flesh. This made them the most dangerous individuals in the city, and they were growing in numbers significantly by the day.
Thirdly and lastly, the city was falling into further turmoil with regs protesting to eliminate the ‘superhuman’ threat. 21 years later and there was still no ease in tension between supers and regs, and seemingly had only gotten worse.

No, Nicholas’ hands were too full. Rex definitely took priority, but he needed to be dealt with by an outside party. A-7 simply had no manpower to spare at the moment. He looked back at the manila folder on the table, eyes once again skimming over the four profiles in front of him. He fished through his pocket, taking out his phone, dialing on it, then putting it to his ear.

“Lily?” He said. “Yes. Right. I need you to make a call to a certain officer at the Chrinistar PD.” He looked over to the top-most profile on the folder. “Jay Rompaye? Yes. Yes. Tell him that the Council requests his presence as soon as possible. Thanks.”

 

​

"I want a Venti Carmel Frappuccino, sub mocha with 2% milk, light ice, two scoops of vanilla bean powder, extra caramel drizzle, light mocha drizzle, some chocolate powder, extra cinnamon powder, light nutmeg powder, extra vanilla powder, add some cinnamon dolce topping and dark chocolate curls, extra whip and extra butterscotch topping~"

Danni stood at the counter, staring blankly at the customer for a moment with no expression whatsoever on her face. She was dress in her black apron, rubber gloves and boots on, her hair done up in a bun to keep it out of her face. There was a line almost out the door at this point, people wanting their coffee or tea, and this prick just wanted a complicated order done, stat. Holding back a sigh, Danni put it all in the system as fast as possible, putting it all in by memory. "Name please?"

"Zane"

Your order is going to drive me INSANE. Danni printed out the ticket, placing it on a Venti cup and handing it to the next available barista while handling his transaction. "Thank you, please wait right over there. Next?"

The next person to step up just stood there and stared at the menu for a while. Danni stood there, shifting in place as she tapped her fingers nervously on the counter. The customer countinued to stare... and stare... and stare...

"Um... sir...?" Danni finally piped up. "Can I help you?"

"... What sizes do you have?"

Danni wanted to slap herself in the forehead, but she offered a smile anyways. "We have short, tall, grande, venti, and venta."

"... Not small, medium, and large...?"

"N-No. Short is small, tall is regular, grande is-"

"Ooooh, I get it now."

"Yeeees. So, what will you have?"

"... Do you have non-caffeinated drinks?"

The customers behind this man were rolling their eyes and groaning, and Danni could feel the pressure mounting. "Um... We have decaf coffee? Or hot chocolate? Or a chocolate chip Frappuccino?"

"Ooo! Chocolate chip Frappuccino sounds great. I'll take a large- excuse me, a grande."

"Great, name?"

"Berry."

The transaction went by quick enough with Danni ushering the next customer in line.

"Hi, I'll have a Venti Iced Carmel macchiato with 10 pumps of Sub Vanilla with Caramel Syrup with 25 pumps of Caramel Sauce, Nonfat, and Extra Caramel Drizzle."

Danni blinked at the customer for a moment dumbfoundedly before the barista behind her yelled, "Order of a Venti Carmel Frappuccino for Insane?!"

Her shoulders hunched as her cheeks turned a bright red. 4:30pm couldn't come soon enough...

 

Date - April 12th, 2021, 15:35
Location - Corps Row District, A-7 Council Sector 1, North Gate, Office 56
Transmissional Line open; call secured. Call to Jaycob Van Rompaye successful.

"Y'ello, Jay here, and what can I do for you?" Asked Jaycob as he answered. On the other line, a female responded.
“Hello Jaycob. My name is Lily.” The voice said. “I’m the secretary of the Speaker of the Council of 7. He’s requested that you come to Corps District immediately.”
A noticeable scoff was heard. "What does the Council of 7 want with me? I know I am irresistible and all, but I thought they had too big sticks up their butts to ever even see that. Anyways, it might be a little difficult. My Chief Officer is a bit peeved at me. I doubt he will let me just walk out of here, or believe me when I tell them that the Council of 7 called for me. Now he, he is a real stick in the mud.”
There was a noticeable pause for a few moments on Lily’s end. Then, a dial tone is heard before the voice on the other end returns.
“I have entered into the PD’s system and flagged your personnel as on assignment.” She said. “An email will be sent to your Chief Officer momentarily. He should be receiving it by now as we speak. Do you need any transportation accommodations?”
"Thanks doll. I wouldn't say no to transportation. I could always take one of the cop cars, but I think it is too flashy. And will you be picking me up personally?
A light giggle is heard from Lily. “As nice as that would sound, I’m afraid the Speaker has other tasks for me at the moment. A black car will be arriving at your location in precisely 25 minutes. The license plate is XVN-234. It will take you directly to Sector 1. In the car, there will be a blue keycard. You must keep it on you at all times or you will not be allowed to enter. Present it to the guard as you enter the building, and they will let you past the North Gate. The Speaker will be waiting for you. Alright?”
"Alright. Alright. The driver better be hot though. I will get there when I get there. See ya."

Transmissional Line closed.

- - -​

Date - April 12th, 2021, 16:00
Location - Chrinistar PD, Entrance

True to Lily’s word, a black car slid up quietly to the sidewalk of the Chrinistar PD at precisely 4pm. It was glossed down, as if it was furnished for the elite, and black tinted windows prevented passerby from properly seeing inside. It sat there, waiting for Jay to step out.

 

Date - April 12th, 2021, 16:27
Location - Corps Row District, A-7 Council Sector 1, North Gate, Office 31

Current Track - Skullgirls OST - An Uncertain Fate

A knock on the door and an immaculately enthusiastic voice disturbs Nicholas from his thoughts.
"The highlight of your day has arrived at last. Hope you're happy!"
Nicholas blinked, both in exasperation and subtle annoyance, sighing deeply. He stood up from his office seat, and walked up to the door, pressing his hand to the scanner on the wall to the door frame. Since Rex’s escape, A-7 had begun to retrofit the barrack doors with magnetic locks which activate in the event of a lockdown. However, vault doors, like the North and South Gates, would take time to tweak.

The door scanner winked green at Nicholas’ handprint, opening to reveal himself. He was shorter than Jaycob by a margin, standing 5’7”. His hair was brown and curled neatly on his head. He wore a simple white suit and black bowtie, complete with pointed curtails and ironed gray slacks. His eyes were a striking blue and was fair skinned. He would’ve even been handsome, if it weren’t his neutral scowl he always wore, as if he was thinking too hard.
“My highlight, huh?” He said, his scowl leering up to Jay. “My kind of highlight would be making sure that A-7 gives me the right to throw reprobates and troublemakers from here to Ares.”

• InfoGram: Planetary Dynamics

• 
  The only habitable planet in the universe is referred to as Gaia, named after one of the 7 gods that supposedly ruled it. It is the 3rd planet in the system, with Hermès being the 1st, Aphrodite being 2nd, Ares being 4th, Zeus 5th, Chronos 6th, and Posiden at the very end.

“Moreover,” He said, pointing to Jay’s left arm, “It seems that you’ve neglected to put on your LV Bangle. You’re lucky your job at the PD has granted you some liberties in allowing you to live normally, otherwise, I wouldn’t be the one arresting you for neglect of public notice. But I will allow it. Especially for the assignment I have for you.”

• InfoGram: Level of Violence

• 
  LV, or Level of Violence, is a unique phenomena exclusive to superhumans. Acting like an invisible output wave, it signifies as a means of the individual outputting power. Regular humans normally can’t sense LV in superhumans, leading to the creation of LV Bangles being placed on the arms for public safety. However, at higher outputs, superhumans and regular humans alike can sense the LV of the perpetrator, with symptoms ranging from simple goosebumps to a heavy sense of dread. The higher a superhuman’s LV, stronger the effect that is felt by individuals around them, and increases with distance.
  
  LV is unique in the sense that it can easily fluctuate while it can increase when a superhumans will to stand firm grows, it has been shown that it can drop severely, even going as far into negative range. In this case, a superhuman’s powers become inoperable, and their strength becomes the same, if not less, than a regular humans.

The Speaker brought up his hand in greeting. “My name Nicholas Jafreet. I am the current Speaker of the A-7 Council.” His usual leer loosened a bit as he attempted a small approachable smile. “I’ve seen your file, Mr. Rompaye. Quite a track record you have, if I do say so myself. I’d assume it would be hard for someone like yourself to transition from a street upbringing to the police force. Especially with your powers.”

 

Date - April 12th, 2021, 16:28
Location - Corps Row District, A-7 Council Sector 1, North Gate, Office 31

Nicholas listened calmly to Jay’s explanation, only raising his eyebrow questioningly when Jay brushed his ego. Mental note to his file said that he was egotistical, but it did remind Nicholas of a particular individual during his younger years. He smirked as to when Jay mentioned how much he loathed paperwork. Typical, considering his power, Watchdog, as the scientists called it, had the ability to infiltrate technology to arm it, gather or disseminate information, or even manipulate it to his will. Brick and mortar was all well and good, but thanks to the Alyx Wave and the appearance of Artificials among superhumans in particular, it was no wonder that the world was at least 3 years ahead of its time technology-wise.

“I can assure you, in that case, that what I have called you for is a bit more... unorthodox than how A-7 operates, Jay.” Nicholas calmly reassured, feeling slightly more at ease. “Currently, I have brought you here because my superiors need you and your particular set of skills, both during your time as a police officer, your time with your previous...” He looked at the sheets again. “Gang... and because your abilities will assist you in gathering your team.”

He threw a manila folder on the table toward Jay. “My superiors have asked me to clean up a certain situation that had occurred a while back and that has begun to fester.” He said, looking a bit more serious. “Problem is that we do not have the manpower to deal with at the moment due to the increase in Fabrics that keep appearing on the streets and the occasional string of murders caused by the Church of Eight Hands; both of which I would assume the PD has been dealing with as of late.” He motioned to the folder, sitting back down in the office chair. “Inside that file contains 3 individuals that you will need to speak to and bring back here, containing information regarding their powers and other miscellaneous information about them. Then, I will speak to you all your task en masse. One of them in particular needs to be brought in for questioning. All in all, they all will be needed if you want your task to succeed.”

 

As the clock ticked closer to the holy time of 4:30, another challenge was thrown Danni's way. Mark was a simple man, dressed rather plainly and strode into the coffee shop. Despite seeing that Danni was very clearly getting ready to leave, he stood in front of the counter. "Helloooo, I'm ready to have my order taken." He called, impatiently at that as he repeatedly tapped his fingers atop the counter.

​

He spent a fair bit of time deciding on what he wanted to do as getting some amount of fresh air was something that he did want to do today. The main problem was what exactly that could he do that wouldn't leave a trail back to him. Anything he bought was paid for in cash and if his name was needed for anything, he generally gave a fake one. A bit extreme they might've been, but needed all the same for the off chance that someone did recognize him.

This deliberation had ended with him decided just to go outside and go for a walk. The means for getting fresh air would be achieved and if he kept to himself, then he should be able to avoid drawing attention to himself. With the risks seeming as minimum as they did Zeke felt better about taking this quick walk and went to grab his jacket and headed out. Zeke stopped outside and looked up towards the sky and just stood there, enjoying the gentle breeze that was blowing. It was nice and allowed him to relax somewhat before setting off on his walk.

 

​

She wasn't fond of petty theft towards rush hour. Not anymore at least, now that the cops knew that time was an easy grab to meet their arrest quotas. In fact her thefts usually did best at night. Who could be that surprised though when the girl's powers comprised entirely of shadows. It was getting cold in Downtown Chrinistar, what with the night coming soon so close to the water. But it was April, and the best spot she could hope for was by the ocean where it was colder. If it were summer this would undoubtedly be the hot spot.

She walked down the back alleys with a sandwich in hand and her backpack fastened in front for this area. Generally no one stole from her, but it didn't not happen. She kept only her inside hoodie's hood up to hide her hair. Her outside hood of the thicker jacket staying put. When she reached the end of the alley she finished her sandwich and dusted off her hands. She quickly turned into a shadow and scurried up the wall.

When at the top she reformed right near her cozy temporary home on the roof. It had a tarp and cloth underneath it and a couple of old couch cushions. Another person had a spot right nearby coughing and waving in her direction. She sat in her spot and opened her bag to pour out a bunch of already scratched scratch tickets and began checking them over as she pulled out a canteen and sipped at it. She looked below towards the other side to see a drug deal happening and she scoffed feeling like they were too loud and easily going to get caught. But she kept her mind on her own business until she head it starting to break into more of a fight. Where she motioned to the other homeless guy to lockdown in case any cops came.

 

​

Four-thirty, it was finally here. It was a hectic day to say the least. Everyone wanted their orders done just right, chilled or warmed at just the right temperatures, have certain shots in certain drinks... Danni was about to take off her apron and finally call it a day when suddenly there was a voice at the counter. Danni looked to her shift supervisor who nodded to her to finish the job which she groaned and slipped her apron back on and trudged back over to the cash register, forcing a smile on her face. "Yes? How may I help you?" She adjusted the bangle on her left wrist, tucking it under her long sleeved shirt with her gloved hands.

 

Finally some service, he thought that he would never get to this point even if had only been a few minutes really. "Yes, I would like a Trenti iced coffee, 12 pumps of sugar-free vanilla, 12 pumps of sugar-free hazelnut, 12 pumps of sugar-free caramel, 5 pumps of skinny mocha, a splash of soy, coffee to the star on the siren's head, ice, double-blended. Oh and a with extra caramel and extra whipped cream, layered if you don't mind and a banana. You were writing this all down right?" And that is exactly what he ordered, completely serious.

 

​

Danni just blatantly stared at the customer. "E... excuse me? You... want it all in the same... cup...?" Danni shrugged her shoulders and put it all down, trying to hide her face of disgust as she put the order in. "I'll... get it to you right away. Name?" After getting a name, she ducked her head and went to the bar, quickly putting the order together in her head as she was mumbling to herself it was a weird day today. What was it with people and weird orders of coffee? Couldn't anyone just have a normal order of coffee? After about five minutes and managing to do what the customer had wanted, she took his payment and handed it over to him. "Here, enjoy and have a lovely day." With that, Danni hastily took off her apron and took her tips from the tip jar, grabbing her messenger bag and shoving her headset on. She pushed play on her playlist and marched out of the coffee shop, head down low as she started to walk off as fast as she could to the store. She didn't notice the cop that was leaning outside her work, her mind was elsewhere at the time.

 

​

Danni shoved her gloved hands in her pocket, trying to get in the beat of her song.

Today was not fun to say the least and she wanted to get home to her cat as fast as possible. But it seemed like life had other plans for her instead.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she felt a familiar surge swell up inside of her. But for nowhere it to go, god it hurt so bad. She held her stomach with one hand and winced as swatted the hand away with the other, whirling around to see an unfamiliar face and a cop badge flashed in her face. Danni's eyes went wide as she immediately took off her headset and stood there like a deer in the headlights, processing half of the information that was just spilled to her. She caught him saying her full name, saying he needed to talk to her. "It's not about Tiffany, is it?" she finally said, stepping back and holding her messenger bag strap as she stood there staring at the cop. She looked at the unmarked car and back at the officer. She wasn't so sure about this whole situation...

 

​

Danni was stunned to say the least of what was happening. Here she was trying to live as quietly as possible. She didn't make a fuss. She didn't even partake in the vigilante acts that one could participate in given their powers. Hell, she didn't even use her powers. Well, only for special effects in her rock performances but nobody seemed to know that. Was it because...?

She pushed those thoughts down and swallowed, taking the folders in her hands and looked at them. Shadow manipulation? Dark and Light powers...? Why would the A-7 need them? And here was her file... It was nerve-wracking to say the least to see her name there with her job, what she did, where she lived, her powers... everything was there. They had her on complete watch. Nothing was really private it seemed. She was feeling nervous just standing there and so she closed the files and carefully handed them back to Jay. "You can call me Danni," she said quietly, taking off her headset from around her neck and wrapping the chord around itself as she put the headset in the bag. "I'll come along, but I don't know how much help I will be to you. I don't... really use my powers."

 

​

Danni was taken aback by the chivalry she was being shown and said an awkward thank you to him as she fumbled with her hands that were about to reach for the door herself. Danni did as she was told to do, sitting down in Jay's car as she waited patiently. She only had a vague idea what was going on, which she didn't like in the slightest, but if the A-7 was really involved, she didn't want to piss them off.

She wasn't really sure where they were going until they were driving into the downtown area. Her stomach started to churn as she wondered to herself what had she gotten herself into. She placed her messenger bag on the floor and opened it, pulling out black and white converse shoes. She slipped off her rubber boots and put them away, last were her gloves. She hesitated for a moment, staring at her hand before she slipped off the glove, seeing a little spark of electricity as she pulled it off. She clenched her fist and looked up, taking the phone in her hands and looked down at it. "So... this is how we're going to find one of the other two...?" She didn't have to be told twice to tuck her valuables away and made sure to secure her messenger bag in the trunk of Jay's car, keeping her ID and phone on her in her front jean pocket. She pulled her hoodie up over her head as she walked, feeling quite vulnerable without her gloves and boots, but it wasn't often she visited this side of town and she wanted to be prepared. She glanced down at the spare phone in her hands, then around their settings before glancing up at Jay. "What's... your power? If you don't mind me asking..."