Futuristic Project Lazarus | Main

[april]

THE LAZARUS PROJECT

chapter 1 - introductions

Deep underground in the heart of Wyoming there exists a facility completely hidden and unknown to the public. This facility houses some of the most advanced technology and some of the most brilliant minds that the United States has to offer, and even deeper it holds what could likely be one of the United States biggest assets and simultaneously one of their largest moral failings.

For 22 years Project Lazarus has been experimenting on kidnapped citizens, imbuing them with abilities beyond the scope of any average human and using them to conduct covert operations. All in the name of science and profit. These individuals were slaves, there was really no other way to put it, at least no way that would be correct.

The hum of an engine echoed through the air, accompanied by several others. A bus could be seen traveling down an unmarked dirt road, multiple humvees both in front and behind it, escorting it. None of the vehicles had any distinctive markings, nor could a single thing be seen on the inside of the vehicles due to the mirrored and tinted windows. This was a common occurrence in this area though nobody would ever know it because of how tightly Lazarus had the place shut down.

Several minutes passed before the convoy approached what looked to be a busted old mine entrance. Every vehicle put the brakes on and cut their engines, silence filling the air where the noise used to be. A few more minutes passed of this silence before a very loud click broke it, followed by a hiss and grumble as the mine entrance lifted into the air revealing a ramp going down to a large platform with several consoles lining the outside. The vehicles restarted their engines and drove slowly down the ramp, forming a line of vehicles across the platform.

Two people clad in full tactical gear stepped out of the first humvee and approached the consoles. They started by removing their face coverings and pulling identification cards from their pockets as well as removing their gloves. The two seemed to be in perfect sync as they placed their hands on a screen at the base of the consoles - a hand scanner. Once they were prompted that the scan was complete they faced a camera at the top of the console where another scan commenced, this time of their face, they then inched their faces closer to the camera and a second scan took place. “Voice authentication required.” a robot voice called out. The first person grasped a microphone and spoke into it, “Captain Bollis.” the second individual followed afterward, “Lieutenant Rand.”

With that complete a box opened that had been covering two keycard readers. The two simultaneously swiped their identification cards and Captain Bollis swiftly pressed another button on the console and there was a jolt before the platform began to steadily lower further into the ground. “Lieutenant, once we are locked in at Level 5 you will escort this batch to the medical wing while I make my report to Mr. Karst, understood?”

The lieutenant gave a swift nod and began to walk towards the bus, posting himself at its door and waiting. Captain Bollis pressed a button on his vest and turned back towards the console. “Captain James Bollis, reporting in. 6 vehicles on the elevator platform on our way down to Level 5 with batch #8938, there are 16 subjects in this batch. Let squad 7 know to be ready for escort upon arrival, Lieutenant Rand will be onsite to assist. Call Dr Fields in as well.”

 

[april]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Olivia Fields

OVERSEER OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

“Dr Fields, you’re being called to Level 5 for the new batch of subjects.” the voice over her shoulder was soft and reserved. It belonged to her assistant, June. She raised her eyes from the screen she had been looking at and rubbed her fingers across the bridge of her nose underneath her glasses. She let out a small sigh and stood, turning to face the timid girl that had been assigned to assist her.

”Alright, radio over and let them know I’m on the way. Can you retrieve all available files on this batch and send them to my tablet?” She asked, placing her hands into the pockets of her lab coat, beginning towards the door without waiting for an answer. She pushed through the door and began down the hallway towards a lift that would take her to where she needed to go. Once she stepped on and pressed the button she began a slow descent towards the Level 5 medical wing.

She swiftly retrieved her tablet from her pocket and began scrolling through the files, they were normal identification documents, some personal data such as contacts and even private messages between friends and the likes, as well as a basic rundown of their medical records. All of these would contribute towards which programs and projects these subjects would be placed in, though ultimately the final decision was left to her. Not a single one of them would begin the experimentation phase without her final approval, just the way she liked it.

None of the 16 individuals being brought in today particularly piqued her interest, they were pretty run of the mill and the chances of them being placed in any of her pet projects were relatively low, but they would still get proper placements. A ding sounded and the door to the lift opened, she stepped out and was greeted by Lieutenant Rand and his band of guards escorting the subjects into the medical wing. They would first step into what appeared to be a lobby room, chairs all around and a desk with a receptionist at it. “Ms Wendy, get Hank out here please.” She said, nodding towards the woman behind the desk.

”Of course.” She responded quickly, getting up quickly and disappearing down the hall, reappearing a moment later with a doctor following closely behind her.

”Hank! You know the drill. The usual initial tests, anything interesting pops up you’ll report directly to me before any additional testing.” She said, looking over the tired looking doctor a moment before averting her gaze back to the group of brand new subjects. “I‘m sure you all have questions, maybe you’re confused or just want all of this to be done and over with. Well, unfortunately I am not here to answer any of those questions, nor will this be over anytime soon. Your time at Project Lazarus has just begun.”

 

[april]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Castle Brooks

ANUBIS SQUAD HANDLER

Meanwhile, 1 level below where Dr Fields had begun her “orientation,” Castle was being prepped to receive their new squad. “You did well co-handling Jupiter Squad, we think you’ll do more than okay with a squad of your own.” it was somebody from administration, though Castle could not quite remember their name. “Now, most of these subjects have had experience on other squads, though that isn’t to say you won’t have any trouble with them. You’ll need to keep them under control, after your joint training session you’ll be assigned your first mission. Be ready.”

Castle did not respond, nor were they expected to, the administration worker certainly wasn’t expecting them to as they were already disappearing down the hall. Castle knew what was expected of them and what the next steps were as well. They made their way from the briefing room they had been in and started towards the dormitories, they were going to meet their new squad, whether that squad wanted to or not.

”Move all new Anubis Squad members into meeting room B, please.” Castle said over the radio. Their team being ready before they got there would make things simpler for them as they wouldn’t have to go and retrieve anybody. As they walked they reviewed the files made available to them on the tablet the institution had provided them. It would help if they knew about their squad mates before meeting them, so at the very least they knew what they were getting into.

A few moments later they were standing at the door to the meeting room, apprehensive to open the door. They knew the way these people thought, they were one of them, if only briefly. They didn’t know each other, but regardless of that fact, Castle was the enemy to these people, or at the very least they worked for the enemy. A sigh left their lips before they entered the room, looking around at the faces seated at a large round table.

”Good morning. I’m Castle, some of you may have seen me around before, others may not have. Regardless of that, we will all be getting to know each other a bit better from here on out because you have all been assigned to the Anubis Squad of which I am the leader and handler. I’d like to start by asking each of you to introduce yourselves.” They said, taking a seat at the head of the table and looking around at each of them.

.wren leviohsa Ghostiiys LXI JellySquishies SavannahSmiles Pepsionne Shotgunpenguin

 

[Shotgunpenguin]

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Marcus Decovo
Location: Meeting room B
Status: Groggy, apprehensive

Marcus was no stranger to being an early riser. When he was a teen during hunting season his father made sure that the two of them were out of the door by daybreak. In college he always scheduled his classes for early in the morning so that it wouldn't get in the way of his night job. And when he was working as a teacher he had to not only be at the school before any of the students arrived, but also be conscious enough to teach a group of hyper-active children. The one constant that stuck with him throughout all of that was the miracle elixir known as coffee. Able to turn his barely conscious mind into a ready to go machine, he couldn't imagine having to live without a cup in the morning.

Of course, this was before he was turned into a prisoner against his will, stuck with a multitude of painful needles and injected with liquids, and forced to preform highly dangerous and illegal tasks under the threat of death or worse. And so with bags underneath his eyes and a general distaste for consciousness, Marcus reported to meeting room B as per his orders. Dressed in his usual outfit, he was grateful for the dark tinted sunglasses that helped to drown out the lights on his way over. Opening the door, his eyes scanned the room and felt a slight relief that he was the first to arrive. The meeting room was familiar in a mass produced kind of way, similar to the ones that he had been in before with slight minute differences. Walking over to the large wooden table he took a seat off to it's side, propping his elbows onto the table and trying to blink away his tiredness.

"God I wish they'd let me have a coffee maker. Hell, I'd even take one of those pod coffee things. But no, it's apparently too much of a hassle when I could just get a cup from the cantina. Bloody pricks." He let out another sigh before throwing his head back. He quickly snapped to attention however when the handle of the door began to turn. Soon the once empty room was filled with others, subjects such as himself who were all given the same instructions as he was. He recognized a few of the faces, although it was mostly because they would occasionally pass by each other during their daily routines. He gave them slight nods as they entered, but otherwise kept to himself. That was until a very small, very pale looking girl entered into the room. Marcus couldn't help but scowl, not at the girl herself but at the organization for having someone so young in their facility. He turned his gaze down to the table, both to avoid looking at her and to dissuade anyone from trying to converse with him.

Eventually, after what seemed like an hour of waiting, the door opened once again. This time it was not another subject, at least not in the same way that everyone already present in the room was. Agent Castle, he had heard the name thrown around a few times in his old squad. They were an anomaly amongst the subjects, having been granted a position in the organization itself for their work. Regarded as one of the best field agents there were, Marcus could only imagine what they had to do in order to get to their position. And now, they were apparently going to be leading the assembled group in a new squad. At the very least they didn't seem combative, asking the group to introduce themselves to each other.

"Guess I'll start." Marcus rose from his seat before addressing the room. "Marcus Decovo, thirty seven. Nine years of residence, eight of which were in service. My power is as follows." Holding out his hand palm side up, dark flecks slowly formed together into the appearance of an eyeball the size of his fist. "I can create servitors that transmit visual and auditory information directly to me. I see what it sees and I hear what it hears. The servitors can stick to non-living matter and have a range of vision of one hundred and eighty degrees. The servitors can also grow appendages in order to traverse areas." As he said this, the servitor in his hands slowly unfolded six spindly legs like that of a spider before raising itself onto them. "In my previous squad I provided reconnaissance as well as acting as communications between squad members." With his piece said, Marcus returned to his seat with servitor still in hand. "The servitors can be dismissed at will, leaving behind no trace." To demonstrate, the servitor in his hand slowly began fading away in his hand before disappearing entirely.

Mentions: april .wren leviohsa Ghostiiys LXI JellySquishies SavannahSmiles Pepsionne ​

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⛧ c o d e d _ b y _ s p o o k i e ⛧

Code credit: @spookie

 

[leviohsa]

I set fire to the rain, and I threw us into the flames. When it fell, something died, 'Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time...

azaria winters

"Again."

Azaria's voice was certain, yet monotonous as her maroon-hued eyes stared down the makeshift building in front of her. Her gaze looked much more striking at the moment, thanks to the angular black liner that was drawn around both eyes. The building was small, maybe enough to fit one room, but its image has consumed her thoughts for days. Pure concrete bricks, with no furniture inside. Her newest training regime: Crush the structure. Said structure stood alone in a grassy field, completely artificial and manufactured thanks to the ever-innovative technology of Lazarus. Azaria knew she wasn't outdoors, but the cool winds that lifted her platinum hair nearly convinced her at times.

The woman had been at it for a mere half an hour, and had gotten nowhere. Despite her frustrations, her exterior kept a look of calm, minus the slight furrow of her brow. Her brow only creased more at the staff member's response.

"I'm afraid that's all the training you're allowed today. Instead, you are to report to meeting room B." Ah, her new squad. Azaria simply nodded, her now relaxed gaze wandering, watching the digital landscape fade away to reveal reality. An empty room, lit entirely by LED lights hung from the ceiling, with the only real object being the structure she had tried to crush earlier. With a small huff, Azaria turned away from the building, and towards the door from which she came.

Azaria was clad in a black halter top and tight-fitting black denim jeans, which were adorned with a simple (and immensely cheap) brown faux leather belt. The sound of her black combat boots hitting the tile beneath her echoed along the walls as she made her way to the so-called meeting. Her demeanor was the same as always. Calm, poised, and wary. Her ever-tired eyes simply kept their gaze in front of her, unfazed by the other experiments passing her on either side.

The blonde was used to being summoned. It has been years since her first squad summons, and she figured this would be just as tedious as all the others. Full of introductions and intel for their squad leader. More importantly, for the squad members. Despite Azaria's distaste for making friends in this god-forsaken place, she at least knew better than to not even bother getting to know her coworkers. She learned this the hard way, and nearly paid the fatal price.

Eventually, Azaria made it to the room, opening the door to find no one except for a single person, who sat in one of the many leather chairs that surrounded the wooden conference table. Her deep crimson eyes narrowed as she eyed him down. Hm. He's been here for a while, the same as her. She wasn't sure of much else, though. Making her way to the very end of the table, she took a seat, keeping her posture upright thanks to rigorous training given to her.

Pale, tattooed arms laid to rest her calloused hands in her lap as more subjects filled the room. Azaria only greeted them with a plain, emotionless gaze. She didn't feel the need to pretend she cared. Why should she? This was a job, one that nobody here exactly signed up for. Well, not everybody, at least.

Time passed, and soon the Squad leader, named Castle, made themself known. Azaria simply nodded at her new leader, before looking over to the man to the left of her, named Marcus Decovo.

"I can create servitors that transmit visual and auditory information directly to me. I see what it sees and I hear what it hears. The servitors can stick to non-living matter and have a range of vision of one hundred and eighty degrees. The servitors can also grow appendages in order to traverse areas."

Interesting. A pair of eyes and ears. Her gaze lowered to watch the weird little eyeball appear in the palm of his hand.

Kind of gross, but useful nonetheless.

Letting Marcus finish, Azaria knew she needed to go next, despite the dread she felt building up in her gut,

“My name is Azaria.” The woman looked between each of her new coworkers, “I have the power to manipulate gravity. I can assume that you don’t need a show and tell for that..” Her voice was bored, but articulate. “I am trained in combat, as I am usually in the front lines on missions, which I have been sent on for probably…” she looked up, doing the math, “six or seven years. Do with that what you will.”

mood | Bored, expectant.

scroll

location | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

outfit | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

tag | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[Ghostiiys]

»Eliza Bishop

『 Location : Meeting room B 』

A small lump laid in the middle of a small twin bed , the room it resided in almost pitch black as to not irritate its sensitive eyesight. Although the security it felt was just an illusion that it willingly bought into, for any moment now the lights would be turned on and the guards would guide it somewhere it didn't want to be. Curling tighter into its blanket as the multiple footsteps became louder and louder. Then silence before an intercom into her room buzzed at first causing the bundle to react. "Ouch..." Eliza whispered as she clasped her hands onto her ears.

"Good Morning Eliza, Rise and shine, you're being called into a meeting." The monotone voice stated before continuing. "You know the drill."

Eliza's regime was probably more complex than others, being a complex individual who demanded some resemblance of a routine as hard as that was in this wretched place. Eliza in particular was not one to respond well to change, even if it was something as mundane as a meeting instead of breakfast. Eliza stood up from her bed before turning around and lifting her arms over her head as if she were about to be detained, which wasn't far from the truth. The doors opened behind her as a staff member with two guards entered to administer a sedative and then escort her. Due to her tougher skin, the needle that was used seemed excessive but Eliza truly couldn't feel the prick dig into her flesh. "Why must I take this? Where is breakfast?" She asked, Her irises receded into slit pupils due to harsh light.

"No breakfast until after the meeting, not my rules." Although the attending staff stated it like they were reading off a script, Eliza could see them tense up, everyone who attended to her knew the risk of allowing her to go hungry, hence the sedative to keep her calm enough to stave off the hunger. "Hmm" was all she could muster before being grabbed by her upper arms and escorted out of her room. Truthfully Eliza was still groggy so she wasn't planning on spooking them, plus she didn't think it would be worth an infraction this time. Eliza barely had any amenities given to her due to her being.. her. She shuffled across the hallways in her fluffy slippers, Standard clothes could not be given to her due to multiple reasons, so to her peers, she looked like she came out of a stereotypical mental hospital. But due to her care team petitioning for her Eliza was given higher quality gowns and a striped long-sleeve shirt to keep her warm, the fuzzy socks were a nice addition too.
The doors to the meeting room were opened for her as the staff let go of their grip, thankfully the sedative kept Eliza quite calm, for most this was just a mild inconvenience but Eliza had trouble with the lack of control and change of routine, like an old house cat whose owners brought in a new kitten. She sat down in an available seat not giving anyone a greeting but watched their squad leader intently. Even though her eyes seemed vacant she was eyeing him like prey. But she was snapped out of her thoughts by two individuals who introduced themselves. Her expression soured when they began explaining their abilities, Eliza was not comfortable with displaying herself like she was in a talent show. Although the servitors seemed like they would be delicious snacks, especially if he could just conjure them whenever he wanted. An unlimited buffet for Eliza perhaps?
"I am Eliza, My power is quite complicated to explain and I don't wish to rip my clothes off to demonstrate... I presume my abilities are on file squad leader. But to explain to everyone else..." She stopped speaking for what seemed like an extended amount of time as she tried to find an easy way to explain herself. "I have tendrils that protrude from my back, their tips are covered in sharpened keratin. You've all noticed my disfigured face which helps make room for my proboscis and spits acid." Eliza figured explaining was better than scarring her teammates so soon. "I have not had much placement in other squads but I've been trained to kill and eat the bodies in a quick manner. Fun fact about me, Man flesh is my favorite, Pregnant mothers come second, and while children are delicacies I've only had a few.''

''The elderly are too stringy and chewy."

code by @Nano

 

[Pepsionne]

cyrus ward

location

lazarus facility

mood

n/a

outfit

n/a

mentions

april

shroud.

Cyrus cracked open his eyes, pupils dilating softly to accommodate the darkness that blanketed the room. The only light was a hazy blue glow from his aquarium that fought weakly through the air, only to dissipate a few feet out from its source. The air was stagnant and cold. It left a trail of goosebumps on the skin not covered by clothing or blankets. He had been waking earlier than his alarm recently. There were these--dreams that had been plaguing him. Cyrus wasn’t sure how to understand them. They felt confusing and random, snippets from a life that felt like some kind of resurfaced memory. Yet they were things he had no knowledge of having lived. There was always something--off about the dreams though. They could never be fully happy or surface any clarity of emotion. A darkness would creep in eventually, pulling at the edges of his sanity and sending him spiraling into a torrent of confusion. And then he would wake up.

He didn’t bother trying to track the time spent laying with his eyes trained on the dark smudge of the ceiling. It was almost part of his morning routine at this point. In time, soft classical music filled the small space in a growing crescendo, the sound paired with an orange glow that stretched and grew in strength as the seconds ticked by. The Scientists tasked to his maintenance and care had found this the best combination to wake Cyrus up in as gentle a fashion as possible. Regular alarms had resulted in--well, less favorable outcomes.

The man sat up, hands rubbing the warm sleep from his eyes as he did so. He breathed in and out slowly, focusing on the rise and fall of his chest like instructed. A borderline meditative habit that had been given to him in rehabilitation. It was a quick way for him to affirm, yes he was solid, yes he was breathing, yes he was--human. Cyrus had strict routines he was to follow in his day to day. Routine kept him focused. Routine kept him clear. His index finger moved to rest on the silver metal band nestled snugly around his thumb. After he had become Shroud, any sense of human adaptability had been stolen from him. Now, all he had were the routines set for him by the staff and the ring they had created to keep his body from slipping away from him once more. He would be stupid not to follow them, not like he had any options to replace them with anyways. After freshening up at the small sink that had been allowed to him, Cyrus began pulling on his clothes, swathes of black fabric that covered every inch of skin from others.

“You’re like this piece of paper, Shroud.” He remembered one of the rehabilitation specialists telling him. Her finger pointed softly to a nearly blank piece of paper. Faint lines could still be made out if you tilted your head to catch the light just right, but that’s all they were. Ghost images that hinted at what once was--and what was now no more.

“There was once someone before you, someone deep inside that you still feel coming through at times.” Cyrus watched with an empty, bottomless stare as she traced over the paper with a pencil. The lead created thick, charcoal colored lines to marr the expanse of endless white. Now it was harder than ever to tell a sketch had existed on the paper beforehand. “The things you feel, moments of confusion and frustration, that’s your past self that has faded into the background. You’re fighting to come back,” She smiled softly and placed the pencil within Cyrus’ palm. “Let us help you.”

A knock snapped Cyrus from his silent reverie. He turned to look at the door, hurriedly situating the last articles of clothing on himself. The first knock was always a warning. The second would signal an entry.

“Good morning Shroud,” A lax voice preceded the figure that it originated from, the Scientist pausing to scan a code at his door. “How are we feeling today?” Oliver smiled at Cyrus, tired eyes softening a fraction now that he had entered the room and was face to face with the man inside.

“Good,” Cyrus responded.

“Wow, just good? I know you can do better than that, Shroud. Come on! How did you sleep? How does your body feel from yesterday's training? Really dig in for me,” Oliver beamed at him before turning his attention down to a tablet in his hand.

Cyrus stood silently, listening to the soft thump of Oliver’s fingers working across the glass screen. He shuffled a bit uncomfortably in his spot, frustration beginning to bubble up as he unsuccessfully tried to grab hold of the elusive feelings in his chest.

“Sleep was--good,” He managed finally. “Body feels--good.”

Oliver nodded slowly. “Alright, I won’t push you too hard today buddy. It’ll be a big day for you, you’re meeting your new squad! Let’s see it’s uh---it’s around here somewhere.” Oliver fell silent for several seconds as he scrolled rapidly through his tablet in search of something. “Ah--here. Squad Anubis. Squad leader Castle Brooks. Let’s get going on checking through your vitals and we’ll get headed over there to meet everyone. Sound good Shroud?”

Cyrus nodded, holding an arm up and out for Oliver to begin his examination. Typical to every morning, Oliver chatted rapidly about a number of things Cyrus was never able to keep up with. Simple things about food he had eaten, a mishap with coffee. He simply couldn’t relate to the mundane things that Oliver used to bridge the gap in between them, despite continuing with this routine for several years now. At the very least, he felt comfortable around Oliver after having known him for so long. His was one of the few faces Cyrus felt was worth the effort to remember.

“Alright, this is where I leave you off I’m afraid,” Oliver said once the pair paused in front of a door some ways down one of the labyrinth like hallways of the facility. He gave Cyrus’ arm a gentle squeeze, winking as he said, “Do your best, Shroud.”

Cyrus gave him a soft nod before pushing through the doors to the meeting room. Inside was a large table where several people had already claimed seats. Soundlessly, Cyrus selected a seat towards the entrance. His posture was neat yet emotionless, lacking any fidgeting or readjustments. The man only moved when called to attention by the squad leader making their arrival known to the group. Cyrus examined their figure as they addressed the group gathered at the table. It was important for him to cement his squad leader’s face into his memory first. Castle Brooks. The leader introduced themselves just as Oliver had said earlier. His gaze settled on the other subjects seated within the room, introducing themselves like Castle had instructed. Cyrus listened, but it was impossible for him to remember their names let alone their powers. Not now at least, it would take much more time and effort. He focused on the steady rise and fall of his chest, staving off the frustration of his inability to fully keep up with those around him.

Expression and body language hidden by his clothing, Cyrus uttered a simple, "Shroud," for his introduction, soft voice sounding fragile in the air. He held up his hand, allowing the black gloved figure to dissipate into a haze of smoke. The dark cloud wisped in slow spread through the air, curling and flexing against the gentle tug of air flow in the room. He then reformed the body part and set it back down on the table to rejoin his other hand.

coded by natasha.

 

[.wren]

wylie somner

current location: meeting room b
currently conscious: Wylie

​

White, slightly cushioned walls, like they were composed of a pillowed headboard; a mini kitchen containing nothing but a fridge, cabinets lined with assorted plastic tableware and dishes, straws, spoons, napkins, a microwave oven, and sink. Those were the main furnishings of Wylie's room. The only think seperating the corner kitchenette from the rest of the room was a half wall counter and two barstool chairs in the main room. A small bathroom, complete with a tub and showerhead, toilet, and sink was located across the walkway from the kitchenette. Next to the bathroom was a small closet with a sliding door that had various shelves and drawers filled with clothing and his mandated hospital-like scrubs which he was to wear over any clothing of his choice. Next to the double-size bed provided was a small nightstand with a digital clock on top. Finally, in the corner there was a window, although it wasn't real. It was merely a piece of plexiglass with a screen behind it that can be changed by the lazarus staff, or automated to mimic a daylight cycle. It was the closest thing to the outside world that the man was going to get.

It was only about 7:00 AM. Much earlier than Wylie would prefer to wake up, or would usually wake up. He was currently curled up under the sheets and comforter of his bed, head just slightly on his pillows, and his comforter reaching just over his shoulders so Wylie could tuck the extra in. While he was fast asleep, a scientist personally assigned to him walked in the room and placed a hot cup of coffee on the counter. She then messed with the window screen in Wylie's room, making the lights much brighter than they were before. As the lights brightened up, Wylie groaned and stretched before grabbing the covers and pulling them over his head. The scientist just shook her head and let out a small laugh before ripping the covers off of Wylie against his grip. Unable to hold the blanket while staying in bed, Wylie's grip slipped away, and he was left lying on the bed with nothing but his pajamas and pillows.

"It's time to get up. You have a meeting in an hour and I don't want you getting in trouble with your squad handler on the first day." The woman told him. Although she spoke in a joking manner, she was serious as well. Mainly, it was because, though rare that staff is put to blame, she did not want to be reprimanded for her subject's actions, in the rare case that something does go wrong. "I'm just going to ask you a few questions, the usual, give you some medicine, and send you off for the meeting. I have a cup of coffee from the cafeteria that I picked up for you that I'll heat up before you go, understand?" she asked.

Wylie gave a simple nod and grabbed a clean, soft sweater and some gray sweatpants to wear under his scrubs. After changing in the bathroom, Wylie sat back down on his bed and faced the scientist. He knew she was going to start the conversation anyways, so there wasn't any point in trying to be talkative. Not only was Wylie too exhausted to start it, he was too exhausted to be able to continue it on top of everything else he would have to do this morning.

"Alright, let's begin." the woman said as she pulled up a document on her tablet that contained a record of every response he had provided, plus blank templates for imputting further responses. "Can you start by telling me your name?"

"Wylie." the man replied nonchalantly.

"Okay, next question. How old are you?" the woman continued as she wrote down his behavior and replies.

Wylie paused for a moment, as if there was some hesitation before giving a definite answer. "Twenty-four."

The woman nodded. "What gender do you identify as?"

"Male."

"Alright. What is your last name?"

Again, Wylie paused before finding an answer he was confident with. "Somner"

"I have one final question for you. Can you tell me your date of birth?" The woman asked. This time, she had a curious look on her face, as if she knew the answer, but also knew what Wylie would probably reply.

As the scientist guessed, Wylie started thinking. "Three... Three, seven... Twenty-four..." he thought aloud. "Three, seventeen. So that's... uhhhh-- March seventeenth? It sounds about right."

The woman nodded again and finished writing her notes down. After she finished, she put her tablet in her pocket and walked over to the microwave. "Time for your morning meds, then I'll heat up your coffee. Once I heat this up, drink it on your way to Meeting Room B. I can't have you falling asleep in the meeting, it's important afterall. Plus, I'd like to avoid as much confusion as possible, got it?"

Wylie simply nodded. "Got it," he replied as the scientist placed the coffee in the microwave and powered it on. As it heated up, Wylie walked over to one of the barstools and sat down on it. meanwhile, the woman grabbed a thick plastic cup and filled it with cold water. Then, she handed the man both the cup and two small pills. Wylie immediately swallowed them and raised his tongue to the roof of his mouth while it was open to prove that he had swallowed it.

"Perfect." The woman said with a grin. The microwave then beeped signaling it was done. She then handed Wylie the coffee as he drank the rest of his water. "Okay, so. Once you are done the meeting, make your way down to my office. Then, after that, you'll pretty much have a free day. Sound good?" she asked. At this point, she had made her way over to the door and opened it for Wylie so he could make his leave.

He just nodded, picked up the cup of coffee with both hands, and made his way down the hall. It wasn't a far walk to the Meeting Room from his quarters; just a couple of turns around the corner. Wylie sipped the coffee he was given on the way there. It was black, but not too heavy of a roast that it was just some bitter brown liquid. It still had some flavor to it.

Soon enough, Wylie found himself at the door and walked in. To his surprise, he wasn't late. In fact, only four people had arrived before him, so he wasn't going to be the last, at least. There was a man, most likely in his mid-thirties; a young woman with long locks of hair; another young woman with silky smooth-looking black hair; and someone, or something else. It confused Wylie just a bit, to say the least, but regardless, he took a seat at the table, and finished the coffee he was provided.


It wasn't long before the rest of the group arrived. Not too long after that, their new handler arrived as well. Wylie didn't know what to think of the handler at first glance, but he didn't look too intimidating at least. Castle. That was the name to remember. He’ll have to write that down later.

He was glad that the people before him stepped up to make introductions first, mainly because he had no idea what to say. The man was named Marcus, the one woman was Azaria, the other woman was Eliza, and the ghostly figure, that most likely was a normal person before they were changed by the scientists, was named Shroud.

At this point, there was no waiting for someone else to take on the job of introducing themselves.

“Wylie. Uhm, my ability is called Astral Manipulation. Basically I can trap people’s consciousnesses inside a sort of personal realm. And there’s more to it, but that’s all that really matters. I think the Squad Handler has information on that too.” he said the last part with a bit of a mumble. Then he looked around the room, waiting for someone else to go next.

He wasn’t going to explain his other parts right now, he was going to explain it, or have one of them explain it when the time comes.

coded by .wren on RPN​

 

[JellySquishies]

Project: Gilgamesh

Maeve Eisner

Experiment #00626

Level 7, Lazarus

”Your presence has been requested in Meeting Room B.”
​

Dark blue eyes stared impassively at the guard who had walked over to the table to give Maeve the update, watching them intensely in silence since the moment they had come into the cantina for her. There were few and far between of other experiments who sat at the tables this early in the morning. The warmth of the mug in her hands and the steaming, bitter liquid that resided inside of it were her only solace this time of day when she finally had a valid excuse to leave her room. She, like the others who were in the cantina, we’re the graveyard shift. The ones who nights were often plagued with those they lost and couldn’t rest anymore with their eyes drying slowly while they stared unflinching at the ceiling above their bed.

But in those long moments of uncomfortably still silence of looking down at the guard that loomed over her table at the edge of the room, Maeve turned her eyes to the coffee, staring at the reflection on its calm surface.

“Understood.” The woman answered, her tone gruff but quiet as her grip on the mug grew tighter. For a moment, she didn’t stir from her spot, not even when the guard nodded at her answer and had turned to leave. Only after walking a few steps and not hearing Project Gilgamesh rise to her feet to follow did they look back to check for sure. Watching with mistrust in their visor hidden eyes at the blank-faced woman sip her coffee. The tension in the room rose to uncomfortable levels, the kind that made all the extra eyes in the room turn to look toward them. Her gaze didn’t shift from the guard as impatience seethed off of them in waves, but none more so than the annoyance that oozed from her.

A feat considering her face remained unchanged, though a small smile could probably be hidden by the mug as she brought it to her lips again to drink. The click of the guards boots echoed uncomfortably loud in the quiet room, instantly ruining what peace its inhabitants had.

“That means now, #00626.” They added after slamming their hands on the table, stressing how they wanted her going right then and not in her own time. It was infuriating to watch her continue to drink unaffected while staring back at them. But the second the mug was pulled away from her lips did she finally respond, her head tilting to the side.

“Oh.” The woman mused out loud before getting up with mug in hand and started walking in the same direction that the guard had, moving slowly until they had started to move with her. Keeping the person in tactical gear in her line of sight the whole time as she walked with them through the hallways, her pace just a little bit slower so that they could seem like they were leading her around. She knew where to go, it wasn’t the first time she had been in Meeting Room B, far from it actually. Though she knew from the whispers and the extra eyes during her training sessions, a general idea of what this was for. Apparently having earned some insight for the eighteen years she had been here, not that it was any consolation.

Her lips turned further into a frown the closer the door to the room became, her resting face growing more unhappy despite the coffee in her hand. It remained mostly full as she refused to sip at it and walk at the same time. The door was opened for her and she slipped inside, her eyes landing on a familiar face. Familiar in the sense she knew he was one that has been her longer than most. He knew her just the same from how he nodded his head back the second they locked eyes. She didn't make eye contact with the blonde woman she could only vaguely recall having passed by recently while leaving a test room, no doubt that it was more than a coincidence. Another someone who was wearing layers to hide within while the other woman with peculiar "scarring" around her mouth that was no doubt part of her ability wore a more durable hospital gown. The last one of note was a boy swaddled in comfort clothing drinking coffee intermittently. However, all of them looked better than the man who was seemingly the oldest experiment here.

The bags beneath his eyes drew her attention and without a word she placed her mug on the table in front of him as she went to the seat in the corner furthest from the door. Sitting down and letting her gaze rest on the door, seemingly unfocused as others filtered through it. Her expression soured as the number of people who were deposited in the room like prized cattle, even more so when their ages started to get lower and lower. By the time Castle had come in, she had already been stewing in unfavorable emotions, so she was in no mood to placate the interaction that would soon follow.

“Good morning. I’m Castle, some of you may have seen me around before, others may not have. Regardless of that, we will all be getting to know each other a bit better from here on out because you have all been assigned to the Anubis Squad of which I am the leader and handler. I’d like to start by asking each of you to introduce yourselves.”

Her hands that had woven together in front of her, tightened their hold on one another as she continued to stare down the Agent in front of them all. Their Handler, and fellow experiment, though they were much more highly regarded than any of them to the administration of Lazarus. Then the intensity of her gaze died down, almost as if she had zoned out entirely as her eyes slowly moved away to watch the others stand up and speak. Not directly at them, but in their general direction, listening but it was a gamble to all those but her on whether they thought she retained any of it.

She did.

Her thoughts already piecing some ideas together on why they had been placed together, changing with each new explanation of their powers being added to the mix. Some more clear than the rest their role to play, or at least the role she assumed Lazarus had put them to play.

Marcus was the type to be a relay for information and a generally supportive role, with very little involvement in front-line activities as he best served Lazarus by being their literal eyes and ears. No doubt, he would have a direct line to Castle and most likely the administration in some way.

Azaria was the most familiar of them all, as Maeve was keenly familiar with that type of power from a testing session that had happened only a few days prior. Controlling gravity even with a limited range is invaluable, especially if she was meant to be front-line support and fighter as she can easily make any of the more offensive abilities hit much harder. The combat experience would also make her vital for the less stable subjects.

A.K.A. Eliza. It was nice to be able to put a name to the horror stories that were whispered amongst the administration when they thought she wasn't listening. Though she only knew of the aftermath of Eliza's ability, and knew very well before her comment about her preferences in human meat, that her position was solely that of glass cannon or stealth kill and clean up all in one.

Shroud.... Was one of the harder ones to hear, despite how brief he was. His body language alone showed discomfort and unease even under all the layers and means to hide away. The mannerisms were uncomfortably familiar, and she wondered whether he actually knew what his name was anymore. Or had Lazarus stripped that from him?

Wylie on the other hand somehow conveyed less than Shroud while saying more. Whether it be nerves or intentional, she accepted that there was more to him than he let on. Though from his stature now, he was probably going to be someone who would be side-lined with Marcus, unless his abilities required physical contact. She doubted that, but couldn't deny the possibility entirely, things were usually not as they seemed. Especially when Lazarus was involved.

There were still some that had not spoken yet, but most had, and she knew prolonging the inevitable would only further the annoyances of everything later. So biting the bullet, she scanned the table and let her gaze focus on Castle as she stood up from her seat. Looking more like she was in her mid-twenties instead of closer to her mid-thirties, it would have been easier to mistake her for someone who hadn't been here for eighteen years and only hated mornings like any other rational adult. Her eyes, however, were far to jaded and dark to confused for lost at this moment.

Her distinct clothes another clue; a white cropped hoodie overtop a black sports bra with black pants. The thick black collar around her neck was more than a fashion statement, and for some, recognizable as to what it was since her blue hair wasn't down to hide the more sketchy parts. Her fingertips still touching the wooden tabletop, she let her toneless and low voice break the silence while addressing herself.

"Project Gilgamesh, Experiment Number Zero-Zero-Six-Two-Six." She began, her narrowed gaze on Castle growing uncomfortably blank as she recited the information in the very same way all of the faculty had always done like the broken record it had become. Looking away, she began to roll up her sleeve and revealed the scars that littered her arm as she rolled up the fabric up near her elbow before holding her hand up at shoulder level for all to see as her eyes flashed a pale green.

"Ability: Equip."

Merely rolling her wrist, a trainer butterfly knife appeared in her hand like she had been hiding it in her sleeve that was no longer there, the fake rounded plastic swinging as she performed a trick with it, letting it leave her hand to brush against her knuckles before she was meant to catch it again-

But as she continued to rotate her hand so her palm faced upwards, the trainer had disappeared again, and the blue-haired woman was starting to unroll her sleeve back down. The tips of her hair looked slightly lighter.

"Specialization with weaponry and combat." With that, she sat back down in her chair, a tired and irritable look faintly taking form on her features as she leaned back into her chair. Arms crossed in front of her as she looked at the remaining people left who hadn't spoken up. The youngest one earning a less upset look from the older woman whenever her blue eyes landed on her.

_{Interaction: Shotgunpenguin (Marcus) april (Castle)
Mentioned: @AnubisSquad} ​

Code by Serobliss

 

[SavannahSmiles]

mood

Nervous

location

Meeting Room B

outfit

click for outfit

mentions

tags

april

freya

spectre

Freya's eyes snapped open, one hand flying to cup her throat as she gasped for air as the fingers of her other hand dug into the soft blanket that covered her form. She laid there for several moments, trying to calm down as she reassured herself that she was fine, she was safe in her room, she wasn't in the water drowning. Once the trembling had subsided she slowly pushed herself upright, her locks of hair pooling around her as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. It was still dark in her room aside from the soft lighting from the crescent shaped lamp hanging on her wall but she figured the lights would be coming on soon.

Pushing the blankets back, she swung her legs over the side of her bed and stood, stretching her arms above her head with a sigh. Freya used the spare time she had to dress herself before her designated scientist would arrive to perform a routine check-up and tell her what her schedule was going to be that day.

Sitting back down on the bed to wait, Freya found her mind turning back to her abrupt awakening. Freya was no stranger to nightmares, she had a few regular ones that she cycled through but the one about drowning always left her shaken. They weren't even nightmares about events she had experienced, they were all from the different deaths she had experienced in the memories of the ghosts that had gotten too close before she had had a chance to ward them away.

But Freya has learned from her mistakes and has gotten better at keeping the ghosts at a distance, even if the nightmares lingered as a reminder of what can happen if she wasn't careful.

She was drawn from her inner reflections as her lights brightened and a knock proceeded her door opening. In stepped a slender blonde woman holding a tablet. Marie gave Freya a smile as she stopped a few paces from the bed, pulling up a document on her screen.

"Good morning Freya, how did you sleep?"

"I had a nightmare, the one about drowning." Freya answered as she clasped her hands into her lap.

"Any nose bleeds or migraines?" Freya shook her head as Marie's fingers tapped around on the screen. It was silent for a few moments before Marie turned her attention back to the girl. "You have a meeting this morning, Room B. You're being introduced to your new teammates and squad leader on Team Anubis today. Let's check your vitals and then you can get going."

Freya bobbed her head in agreement, extending one pale arm out so Marie could take her blood pressure. Ten minutes later Marie had everything noted down and was ushering Freya out the door and down the twisting hallways, nudging her towards a door with an encouraging smile. "This is it, you'll do great."

Inhaling a deep breath, Freya stepped inside the room, magenta eyes roving over the space. She was one of the last ones to arrive and she hurried to an unclaimed seat, sinking down into it and folding her hands in her lap as she tried to peek curiously at the individuals seated around her, giving those that caught her looking a shy smile.

A figure entering into the room caught her attention, Freya giving the person her full attention as they introduced themselves as the Squad Leader and asked everyone to introduce themselves. One by one, her new teammates stood up and explained what their ability was. A it continued down the line towards her, she felt a sense of awe pushing aside her nervousness. Everyone had such interesting abilities; she hoped that she would be able to make herself useful to the team.

When it was her turn to speak she rose from the table and cast her gaze around at those at the table with a small smile. "Hello everyone, my name is Freya. My ability is rather hard to demonstrate so I will explain what it is I can do." She tucked some strands of white hair behind her ear as she continued, "I am able to summon and communicate with the spirits of those that have died. I am also able to reanimate and control corpses. Since my ability does not have many defensive purposes, I have been trained in hand to hand combat and in how to wield a knife."

With her piece said, Freya returned to her seat, waiting patiently for the rest of the members of the squad to introduce themselves.

nine lives

 

[LXI]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

ART BY SRRO @srro_yo on Twitter

Leviathan

FIELD VETERAN | ASSIGNED SQUAD ANUBIS

Levi had been awake, but he couldn’t leave until someone came to process the morning check in. If he could have it his way, he would bypass the routine. He was a functioning adult and when he woke up was not dictated by a clock, provided he didn't oversleep. There were many tests and what not to gauge him as an experiment, but unlike the other experiments he had a favorite among them. Combat, which he was hoping to at least use his free time to practice should it not be in the working itinerary. Since he was up, he did practice a little on his own while in the shower allowed to him. It had been a conflicted addition to his room, but it’s limited, and time sensitive water supply and ‘good boy’ points had eventually led to him having the small luxury of its installment. And due to that limitation, he had to learn to use it efficiently and without having staff thinking he was going to rebel like the Dreamer, whatever that guy’s name was.

When Saul came in to start the mundane process, Levi had already dressed himself. Gray cotton long sleeve, dark pair of pants, and a red worn but well cared for scarf, wrapped around like a neck warmer. The staff always wanted to attribute his pull to the color red as a sign of his fancy to violence. But didn’t everyone have a little fight to them? He wasn’t sure what colors had to do with that, other than people trying to explain things instead of just letting them be. “Good morning, Saul, do you have any good news for me?”

“If you consider getting assigned to a new squad good news, then yes.” Saul answers toneless not looking up from his tablet. The taps on the screen are interrupted as Levi walks up and swipes it from his hand with a sigh of protest from the older man, “Levi…”

“- Subproject: Tempest, Codename Leviathan is to report to meeting room Bravo with inhibitor for new team Anubis’ assembly- Awooooo,” Levi howls in imitation to a hound as he lazily hands back the tech to Saul, ”What, my old team gave me the boot? Do I get a severance package?” The last line was the only to invoke a small chuckle from the man who gripped his tablet back from Levi. It didn’t spare the irritated glare sent his way.

“You and I both know that the only severance package you’d get would end with you in a body bag,” he leaned into Levi’s face,” And that bag would be if they felt particularly fond of you. I don’t know why you were moved, that’s outside my pay and therefore not my problem.” He sighs as matter-of-factly, moving to a wall made of metal tiles, numbers and code are crunched and a tiny section of the wall whirrs and moves to open revealing the safe of his inhibitor. A red ornament that looked like a hair piece of some kind. “Now since you already know what you should be doing, we can hurry with this and have you one your way and out of my hair.” Levi bored into him as he comes over, not in the vexation of having his inhibitor applied, but because the man had no hair, he was already bald.

As he walked into meeting room B, there were several people in their chairs. Their faces noted and as introductions were made, associated and compared with estimations. His most entertaining hypothesis on what they would be like in a round of sparring.


Marcus. He may have called them servitors, but they were eyeballs, even with their 'ears.' The part where they formed little crab legs almost made him laugh out loud, so he had covered his mouth as the eyeball had risen on its pipe cleaner legs. Marcus didn’t seem to be fitted for combat, his ability making him more obvious for surveillance work.

Azaria. She didn’t seem as creatively interesting, though that was no testament to what she could do with her ability. Gravity certainly made falling down hurt, but it sounded like some scientific hype up of telekinesis at its surface level. What was more interesting was that she was trained in fighting, the front lines, which surely had to make for a great sparring partner.

Eliza. The lady-creature sounds like she enjoys eating people, which while may be highly ambiguous, cleaning bodies in any capacity by the norm was handy. Thinking about this morning’s earlier conversation with Saul, he wondered if he’d get to be devoured by Ms. Eliza. Ok, Sussy Susan.

Shroud. He was very simple-worded and more to the point than the rest of them, though Levi sees that’s due to his challenges to socialize. Shroud reminded him of, oh what’s his name…. Lionel! The kid from Charlie Brown who always walked around with his blanket.

Wylie. Everyone as an experiment had a penchant for being odd in some manner, but even with this truth, some were more so than others. There’s more to it but that’s all that really matters- well, I beg to differ. Levi was quite skeptical of what was or wasn’t important, but he could figure it out late in time. It would not renounce his own friendly air. A personal realm, is it already furnished, or do we get to bring our own baggage?

Maeve. She was boring, aside from her ability and how he would shorten her name to 626- the number a fond string of numbers, reminiscent of his favorite movie as a kid, Lilo and Stitch. While boring she was clearly experienced, maybe that’s just what happened to old folks, the way they talk gets boring. Her ability though, appeared to equip any weapons, well that’s definitely handy. And given her specialization in combat and weaponry, she had to at least be fun hand to hand. Well, as long as she doesn’t pull out nay bombs.

Freya, she seems like such a sweet girl, for someone with a ghastly power. Oh my goodness, am I going to get to fight ghosts!? Even in only just meeting her, she reminded him of his twin sisters, stirring a little homesickness inside, but it wasn’t something incapable of brushing off the table. He was curious to see her proficiency in hand to hand combat, but also not interested in going all out with her in the expectation she was not at his level.

"And saving the best for last," the ginger begins seconds after Freya seats herself, an inviting and cheery demeanor, the candor of his voice brims with energy, but remains steady, not so fast or hyper to where no one could understand him. This part had grown annoying to him over his years in the field. It was necessary, but no less tiring to sit and wait for the usual shy, tentative, and reserved experiments to get out their 'Hi, my name is-' as if anyone wanted to be in the situation. Which is why this lot added some pleased feelings having rounded it out. "My codename is Leviathan, but you may call me Levi. I'm sure we all and look forward to working together," he looks to Castle at this part, smile still bright and prim on his face, "on whatever we'll be working on."

Castle. He'd heard of him in passing, though only really his name, nothing else that may have been mentioned. His face seemed familiar, do he'd likely seen him before, but they probably never interacted. Regardless, while it was a fact and protocol, the word handler was distasteful to hear, let alone address. "I've been here for about nine years and my abilities surround water manipulation. I excel in combat, and enjoy it, but I also perform stealth, recon missions as needed. I’d like to show my stuff in the rooms or the field than try to amuse you with parlor tricks like the rest of you.” As he seats himself he looks back to Castle. “So, what’s next Boss. Are we going around with ice breakers? Got a reserved room?”

 

[.wren]

wylie somner

current location: meeting room b
currently conscious: Wylie

​

Three people introduced themselves after Wylie did. Maeve, Freya, and Leviathan. Wylie already was assuming that he would not remember the majority of this. The other three were no stranger than the rest of the misfit group.
Maeve seemed intimidating. Although speaking only what was required, she managed to get it across and well-known that she had little interest in being here. Not only that, but looks can say more than words. Judging by the collar, she must have a habit of trouble, which doesn’t seem entirely contrary to her irritable state.
Freya on the other hand didn’t seem phased by the task or situation at all. It was almost like she wasn’t completely down to earth. Considering she could talk to the dead, it wasn’t too far off. Maybe her mind was wandering the spirit realm or something if that was how that worked.
Leviathan, or Levi, was the last one to make his introduction. It seemed like he did that almost on purpose. For all Wylie knew, he was trying to survey the crowd, and what he had to cooperate with. Is he giving Wylie an off look, or is that just his interpretation of it? Either way, he was very energetic, and maybe even a bit cocky in a way. Like some of the earlier subjects, he also seemed to have a good idea of what this was going to be like.
Despite being here for 6 years, Wylie had never actually been on a squad. Given, it took him much longer to train considering the staff had to train 5 people, but couldn’t make any specific one of them show up. It was pure chance more often than not.

Wylie picked up his cup of coffee, only to realize it was actually empty. He thought there was a bit left. Oh well.
Wylie ended up pulling out a notebook of his and quickly jotting an overview of what he had learned so far down.

Anubis Squad (Other Members)​

Marcus, ability includes servitors (controllable portable eyes and ears)
Azaria, Gravity manipulation
Eliza, can grow tendrils, likes to eat people
Shroud, whispy, shadow-like body parts
Maeve, ability equip
Freya, ability to communicate with ghosts and spirits)
Levi, ability water manipulation

Squad Handler: Castle

Assuming that the above would be enough to give whoever has to take over next a good idea of what’s going on Wylie shut the notebook and kept it face down on the table waiting for Castle’s follow-up instructions.

coded by .wren on RPN​

 

[Shotgunpenguin]

━━━━━━━❦━━━━━━━









━━━━━━━❦━━━━━━━

Marcus Decovo
Location: Meeting room B
Status: Expectant, intrigued

Marcus let out a muffled moan of pleasure as the dark and hot brew slowly worked it's way through his body. While it was a bit light for his tastes he appreciated the generosity from one of few subjects that were actually more experienced than him. It was a rarity, even if it didn't sit right that one so young was a superior in that regard. He couldn't quite put a name to the face, however the large black and metallic collar around her neck was very distinctive. Something to keep her in line maybe? Regardless, he would have to try and pay her back if he got the chance. Generosity was hard to come by, and if they were to be working together than it would be a nice to start off on a positive note. He offered an appreciative raise of his mug to the woman and let the scowl on his face lighten for a few seconds, after which his face returned to his usual frown.

Marcus sipped on the coffee, listening as the other subjects introduced themselves and described their abilities. Some were more forthcoming than others, whether it was due to their personalities or not wishing to reveal more about themselves than necessary was anyone's guess. He made sure to make mental notes about his new squad mates, from how their powers could be used in the field to their attitudes during their introductions.

First came the blond woman who was the second to enter the room. Introducing herself as Azaria, the woman described her powers as gravity manipulation. Marcus couldn't help but roll his eyes as she explained that she would not give a demonstration due to her powers being self-explanatory. The reason why Marcus had given a visual example was to prevent any incidents in the field. He learned that the hard way when on a mission with his old squad, one of his squad mates mistook his servitor for a hostile ability and shot it. The pain caused him to curse out loud, almost revealing his position. From that point on he always made sure to show new squad mates exactly what his cameras looked like. Still, depending on the scale and level she could control gravity Marcus could see her in a combat role or aiding in infiltration.

Next was a woman with long black hair, multiple facial scars and dressed in a patient gown who introduced herself as Eliza. Marcus couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she admitted that she would need to disrobe to properly demonstrate her ability. His other eyebrow soon followed as well as his eyes as the woman explained her ghoulish ability, as well as her preference for human flesh. Being both a man and having flesh he felt that he could be forgiven as he shifted his seat away from the cannibalistic women. "Note to self, be careful with my servitors around her. They might as well look like walking appetizers to her." Still, as gruesome as it may be, he could see the benefits of both her appendages and apatite for flesh.

Next to speak up was a person wrapped in a number of cloaks, leaving very little of themselves visible. They only spoke a single word, Shroud, in a voice that was barely more than a whisper. They raised a gloved hand, and slowly it dissipated into a black smoke that gently ebbed and flowed before returning it to normal. Based on their demonstration it seemed that they could transform and control parts of or all of their body into that smoke. Marcus wondered how that felt, could specific parts be recognized or was it all just one large haze? He'd assume the former if their demonstration was anything to go by, but for all he knew Shroud had to be conscious of what parts went where. Infiltration would be Marcus's guess, being able to pass through grates and ducts to reach their target location.

Afterwards, a young man swaddled in comfortable clothing by the name of Wylie introduced themself. Astral manipulation, or something to due with a persons consciousness, was their ability. Marcus was vaguely familiar with the concept of the conscious and subconscious, although the astral portion went completely over his head. Depending on the requirements to use his power, he could see the young man holding a role in infiltration or support. What happened in the realm was anyone's guess, although he had a feeling that the details were already provided to Castle.

The young man returned to his seat, and now it was the woman who had given her coffee to Marcus's turn to speak up. She introduced herself by a code-name, followed by a sequence of numbers, before rolling up the sleeves of her hoodie. Multiple scars of varying sizes dotted her arm creating a mishmash of discolored skin that lead to an outstretched hand. Suddenly, as if it were created out of nothing, a butter fly knife was being spun across her knuckles before just as suddenly vanishing. It was almost like something out of those old RPG's his friend Jacob used to play, being able to grab and use weapons from thin air. A clearly combat focused role which impressed Marcus greatly. Eight years of service put him as one of the more experienced subjects, although his role of reconnaissance probably helped his odds in that regard. Serving and surviving for longer than him, and in a direct combat role at that, was an achievement in his book.

Eventually, the small and pale girl that sent pangs of discomfort through Marcus stood and introduced herself. Freya was her name, and her power was as morbid as it was shocking. Shifting forward in his chair, he couldn't help but blurt out "Wait, ghosts are real?!". Composing himself, he coughed into his fist and leaned back into the chair. Barring the ramifications of the information, Freya was also apparently a trained in hand to hand combat. Which meant that she was probably better than Marcus in that regard. For what skill he had with firearms he was inversely just as bad at hand to hand engagements. Still, the thought of someone so small and frail looking being forced to fight for her life didn't sit right with Marcus. Maybe he would ask Azaria or Gilgamesh to keep an eye on her in the field. It was a long shot, but hopefully they would feel just as odd as he did.

Finally came a blond headed man who introduced himself as code name Leviathan, although he informed the group that Levi was also fine. He was odd compared to the others, seeming a lot more lively and open about the situation. Nine years of residence, the same amount of time as himself. In a way it was reassuring to have others with experience under their belt, but it still sent a slight pang through his heart as he glanced at the young man. He wasn't too old, maybe no older than twenty five, but even then that meant that he was taken when he was sixteen. Just old enough to get their learners permit and experience being able to drive. Shaking his head clear of the thought, he instead focused on Leviathans power. Manipulating water, while it may sound simple depending on the extent of the manipulation it could be a versatile and dangerous ability indeed.

A varied squad, both in regards to their abilities and their levels of experience. With members able to fill in certain roles depending on the mission, but also be able to adapt should the mission change. Between Castle and Gilgamesh the group had multiple experienced members, although that was most likely by design if you took into consideration the other members. Castle was not only an experienced subject but also skilled enough to be recognized and elevated above their status of subject. Because of this, there may be some aggression towards them and a passive resistance to their orders. That was where Gilgamesh came in. Their status as one of the most experienced subjects would hopefully draw respect from their squad mates, making it more likely that they would follow orders. Even if a subject resented Castle, few would step out of line overtly, especially if Gilgamesh followed her orders.

Finishing the last of his cup of coffee, Marcus spoke up in regards to Leviathan's question. "I believe that this was the ice breaker. Or at least as much as we felt like breaking. I'd wait until our first joint training session to see if we can even work together. We get past that, and maybe we can see about getting to know each other." Regardless of how well a team looked on paper, if there was no chemistry between squadmates than there was no point. Their performance would suffer and sooner or later someone would slip up. No, it was better to have a lesser team that could work together than an all-star team that couldn't even stand to be in the same room with each other.
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⛧ c o d e d _ b y _ s p o o k i e ⛧

Code credit: @spookie