Multiple Settings The Overseer Project

[TheImmortalDeity]

Em'Yazrvhix

Tags: BriiAngelic AriAriAbabwa simj26 @Eteri angel doe HTCOR The One Eyed Bandit November Witch Mistborn Lo Mayn
​

Vacantly, it stared at the other inhabitants. Whether they spoke in conjecture, interest, or riddles, Em found itself stagnant among its verbose peers. It felt like rust took hold over its body, each of its limbs wishing to move but never finding the power to do so. It wanted to speak, but its jaw felt locked, and it was Em's indignation that threw away the key. This wasn't the first instance where inhibition took hold over the Overseer, the desire for a sincere connection always biting away at its mind. But when the lasting static of a meaningful link long lost echoed throughout the confines of its barren thoughts, it knew the point was fruitless.

Isolation. Emptiness. Sadness. It knew these words. Understood and engraved them in its chest, hoping they gave meaning to its unfeeling husk. Yet, when it reflected on its greatest desire, one for control, it felt like it no longer held the steering wheel, that its newly formed emotions drove off without any hesitation, leaving Em to live its newfound life without any sense of direction. Is this what Djerba meant by freedom? Is this the freedom it wanted? It couldn't find an answer, nor did it wish for one.

Its stream of consciousness was interrupted when Sato sat on Hellia's lap. It never physically expressed it, but Em wished to educate the young demon. While it wasn't the best example, it was important for there to be a sense of detachment and decorum when handling a Criminal. There was no telling what the nun was planning, and Em didn't wish to see one of its peers become used for unsavory purposes. The chastising words danced on the edge of Em's covered lips, only seconds from bursting forth.

While rather untimely, Kamari decidedly intervened before Em could take the plunge.

The girl's offer, while sudden, was rather conniving. Is this what they called a sly fox? Em felt bold enough to peer into Kamari's locked gaze, hoping to glean any sense of understanding. Alas, it found nothing of note. It only saw a woman wishing to benefit from those around her. Em couldn't blame her, but when it snuck a glance at Djerba, the vampire's supervisor hesitated.

"If the situation calls for it," Em replied in a matching hushed tone, "then I will conduct my duty as an Overseer to the best of my ability." It was neither confirmation nor opposition. Merely the answer Em saw most fitting.

Then, the bus came to a stop. It had done so previously here and there, but this time, the reason behind its halt felt different, if not more precarious. Em saw the Conductor share a look with Solomon. The Executioner did little to hide his lack of enthusiasm, resentfully leaving his post to enter the driver's cabin as a metallic door shut behind him, leaving the Overseers and Criminals alone for the first time in their adventure.

Based on the time they traveled, Em supposed they reached Lumani City's district border. It was a dividing line that separated Uptown from Midtown. Even without visuals, the Overseer knew plenty of armed soldiers swarmed around them. However, this begged the question: why did they stop so suddenly? Unlike a typical commercial vehicle, the DPS had lots of influence regarding the city's safety. Did they not have the jurisdiction to override an inspection?

Em had its question answered rather abruptly. Had Kamari not moved, she would've fallen backward as the door behind her opened without warning. At the same time, the barrier between the driver's cabin and its cargo was also unfastened. Solomon stood on the other side, acting as a wall between the members of the Overseer Project and the control room, his arms crossed and a grave expression on his scarred complexion. Clicking his tongue, he spoke, his exasperation nearly tangible.

"Fiznes," he called, referring to the aquatic Overseer who had not spoken throughout the entirety of the ride. "Get off." It was an order. One the maritime entity couldn't refuse. They did as told, leaving the group and disappearing into the various bright beams of light trained on the vehicle's exit. Immediately after his departure, Solomon took it upon himself to continue.

"There's been a change of plans. You're now assigned a different Overseer, Chunks. You don't need to know why, so don't ask." Solomon then took a deep exhale. "Now, get in here," he called to someone outside. "We're leaving immediately, so do your introductions while we're on the road."

As the newcomer entered, the truck's doors closed behind them. Once again, they took off, but now, with a new face among the rabble.

 

[Lo Mayn]

Eri'Ana Van Duren​

Tags: Everyone else (technically)

Amongst the brigade of light and soldiers stood none other than Eri’Ana Van Duren. A celestial-like figure, she seemed to blend effortlessly into the floodlights, as though she were part of them. The golden glow of her hair caught the beams, radiating faintly like an aura, while her round, dark sunglasses shielded her gaze, leaving her expression unreadable.

The dramatics of Lumani’s district border brought a small, knowing smile to Van Duren’s lips. This was it—her ride, her foyer into the complex problem that was overseeing. After all the rigorous training and unanswered questions, she was finally here, and it hadn’t been for nothing. Now, she had a criminal of her own, and if the file was anything to go by, this one would keep things interesting.

The rest of her attire was more standard Overseer fare: a black tee and dark pants, paired with an admiral’s jacket tied loosely around her neck like a cloak. What set her apart, however, was the strange black coffin she carried, waist-height and glossy, its surface too dark to reveal what lay inside. With a practiced motion, she slung the strap over her back. The coffin moved easily, almost unnaturally so, as though it weighed less than it should. She took a final puff of her cigarette, then crushed it beneath her boot.

Van Duren had skimmed the file on her way to the checkpoint. “Gelatinous spirit creature that burns what it touches,” the description had read. Nobody truly knew what it was or where it had come from, only that it had been deemed “docile” after decades of imprisonment. Whether that supposed docility was the truth or merely the result of minimal stimulation remained to be seen. One thing was certain—Van Duren had no intention of finding herself on the wrong side of that discovery.

She stepped toward the Overseer transport with purpose, her boots clicking against the ground in deliberate, confident strides. As she approached the vehicle, she could already see the shadowy shapes of its passengers through the reinforced windows. Her smirk widened.

“A lovely little audience,” Ashen’s voice chimed in her mind, his snark unmistakable. “Think they’re any good?”

“As long as they don’t get me killed,” she said softly, under her breath, her words carrying on a faint melody. She adjusted her sunglasses, their dark lenses hiding the flicker of mischief in her radiant eyes.

“Just don’t show off too much,” Lira murmured, her tone warm but edged with caution. “You’re here to protect, not perform.”

Van Duren waved off the thought, as if the spirits’ words were nothing more than the wind. She stepped into the bus, her entrance sharp and deliberate. Pausing in the doorway, she let her gaze sweep the room, as if she were appraising each occupant. Her presence capable of being felt in the confined space, her aura almost tangible.

“Eri’Ana Van Duren,” she said, her voice confident and melodic, but quick enough that Solomon hopefully wouldn’t complain. “Thank you.” Without waiting for a response, she moved to the open seat beside Chunks, slinging the coffin off her back and letting it rest beside her with a soft thud. “It’s your lucky day, bud, so don’t get too hot headed,” she whispered to Chunks, before returning to her hum of a faint unrecognizable tune.

“Hilarious,” Ashen chuckled in the back of her mind meanwhile Lira sighed.

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Sato Sarganach
Tags: November Witch HTCOR Lo Mayn TheImmortalDeity​

Sato tilted her head at Chunks' words. She had no idea what he was talking about. Whether that meant her judgment was correct, that was still up in the air. Well, he should be alright. He is a fellow Overseer after all. But you never know.

The demon loosened up at Hellia's words. She was right; this was not professional behavior on her part... Overseers couldn't get fired for this, right? Facing away to carefully hide her blushed embarrassment, Sato jumped back onto her feet. "Be careful when talking with spirits. They're... strange?" Now that wasn't professional either, saying that in front of said spirit's face. "Not all of them. I'm not like my dad..." Now she's contradicting herself, isn't she...? "But you never know. I was being cautious."

Saved.

At least, she thought she did. Rather abruptly, the vehicle stopped for a change in Overseers. Fiznes, in charge of Chunks, was exchanged for one radiant human.

Her behavior didn't just get Fiznes fired, surely?

And though Sato still wore a blank face and unchanging demeanor, she was vibrating. The slightest of shaking, stifled by as much professionalism as she could muster.

While watching the new Overseer come to Chunks' side, she felt the need to do something. Anything to exonerate what just occurred! With brilliance only she could think of, she looked up at Ari'Ana and said, "Nothing had happened. At all." And Sato turned and left for her seat.

 

[HTCOR]

"Chunks"

​

• ★
• Ω
• ✉

• 
  
  
  Mentioned
  
  
  Eri'Ana Van Duren ( Lo Mayn )
  Sato (Mentioned)
  Solomon (Mentioned)
  
  
  Location
  Upon the Conductah's Bus
  
  ​
  
  
• 
  
  
  Condition
  Reactor Start
  
  
  Equipment
  Chunks' Travel Gear and Outfit
  Ymir's Heart
  
  
  
  
  ​
• 
  
  Notes
  ¹ - ???
  
  

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A slow tilt of Chunks' head, as the small flare decided to just say spirits were strange- a delightfully quaint thing for one such as her to say. Strange, stranger?

A swift shake of his head, a small muffled chuckle. "Could say I'm a touch o' strange, since I'm likely the eldest, and been 'way longer than all of y'all been beating that one two drum. Annnd there the little flare goes. Is what it be, and so mote it be." His attention split further to watch the little demon walk off, before turning to look at the one wearing sunglasses- at night time.

"...Just ta'confirm, you are not blind. If so, what y'call blood, is instead close t'fire in my body. I can't do anything but have a hot head." His tone baffled, he twisted to face the new 'overseer'. Questions for Soloman why he would be saddled with someone like this? Yes, definitely, but considering the fact that if he asked them...well. He preferred not to be given back to the Contractor in pieces, frozen like that creamy ice he got a bit back. The horseshoe brand in the middle of his head twisted and shifted as if to glance over this- problem- new overseer of his to figure out what he was going to need to work with.

As for what the actual leader had said...Revolutionaries and Redcloaks? Human cults were nothing new to him, but his thoughts were made clear on the Redcloaks."The hell is a vampire?"

 

[Lo Mayn]

Eri'Ana Van Duren​

Tags: HTCOR , AriAriAbabwa , TheImmortalDeity (Mentioned)

In Eri’Ana’s eyes, the overseer program was one that required those with captivating power, in whichever sense, more than any other artificial goalpost. And throughout her periods of training to become an overseer, Eri’Ana had seen all sorts of things and people and everything in between. So it was to no surprise that the cast of both criminals and overseers were both quite diverse if not just ‘woman’ heavy, which only made it all the better. Still, as her gaze shifted to the petite demon girl vibrating with barely-contained tension, Eri’Ana couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity—not malice, just intrigue.

She leaned her head slightly away from Chunks, raising a brow at Sato’s declaration. “Nothing had happened,” Sato had said, and just like that, shuffled off to her seat. Eri’Ana tilted her head, baffled. There was no question that something had indeed happened. But as the synapses in her brain were firing up to craft a sharp reply, her assigned criminal spoke.

For a moment, Chunks’ words slammed into her senses like an accent-flavored punch to the gut. It was almost incomprehensible at first, like hearing a foreign dialect she vaguely recognized. Then, it clicked, and she turned her attention fully to him, a presence of amusement coming over her.

“Well, guess y’can’t help it!” she replied, slipping into a near-perfect imitation of his drawl, though softer in tone and shaky at parts. “But hey, better than bein’ an air-head, that’s for sure.” She gestured vaguely at his branded horseshoe marking. “Just make sure y’keep all that blood o’ yours inside what y’call a body, and we won’t have a problem.”

The laugh she felt bubbling in her throat stayed there, her voice slipping back into its usual cadence before she could overplay her fun. ‘Mocking him isn’t something to impress Solomon’, Lira’s voice chimed in her mind, tinged with disapproval. Eri’Ana wanted to ignore her, but tilted her glasses down her nose just a fraction, her radiant eyes glancing over in Solomon’s direction to see if he’d even care.

“As for bloodsuckers… I wish I could tell you, but honestly? Not my area of expertise.”

Her words were accompanied by a shrug, though she was not entirely transparent, shifting her glasses back to where they belonged. She had some idea of the Redcloaks’ possible activities—enough to form a shallow theory she wasn’t about to unpack here. Instead, she shifted her focus sharply back to Sato, pointing at the small demon with a suspicious look.

“And you,” she said firmly, her tone edged with a mock flirt. “You and your weird little admittance of guilt.” She smiled—a sly, almost teasing curve of her lips, the kind of smile that said I’m messing with you, but I want to see how you’ll squirm. “I don’t need to be worried about you, do I? Don’t tell me you had something to do with the other guy going home.”

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Djerba​

Djerba's eyes lazily rolled open. She'd been elsewhere, lost in the violet fields of her high and only tangentially aware of the other Overseer's approach. The bus's stop and exchange of passengers had done little to rouse her, too. Her initial answer came in the form of a slurred jumble of noise, tumbling out without even the slightest reminiscence of a proper, fully formed word. Her brow knitted in confusion and she brought her fingers to her temple, slowly kneading at it in order to retrieve whatever parts of her brain were still left in her skull after so many years of isolation.

"M'sorry... Wasn't... Here..." She struggled out the first few words. As if they'd been adapting to her ever-rising level of tolerance, no matter how many hits Djerba took from her personal garden of Lotus, the effects never seemed to diminish. It was easier for her that way, so she hardly minded, but it made ever truly adapting to its effects difficult.

"What... Were you asking...? Bait? Reds?" She felt ill. She hadn't been interrupted like like this during one of her highs in... Ever, actually. Not that she could recall at least. It was like talking through a fog that obstructed all of her senses, not only her sight. Her vision was blurry and dim, and the conversation within the bus felt like no more than echoes in her ear.

"I'll do... As I'm told... That's... Uh...."

"Why..."

Her hand shifted, gripping her skull, and her eye crunched shut. A spurt of thick, sappy blood trickled from her lip, pierced by the bite one of a pair of razor-tipped canines.

"What were you asking...?" She felt ill. She hadn't been interrupted like like this during one of her highs in... Ever, actually. Not that she could recall at least. Her vacant hand swung limply, grasping for one of the bus's hanging straps. Messily, she pulled herself to her feet, almost bowling Kamari out of the way as she went.

"I apologize... I was... Elsewhere..." The words were less of a struggle this time, though she still felt ill. She hadn't been interrupted like like this during one of her highs in... Ever, actually. Not that she could recall at least. "What was it... The you were asking?"

Djerba's eye was still squeezed shut, and her grip firm upon her skull.

"Regardless... I will do as I am instructed to..." She couldn't recall whose voice was which. Which face belonged to her Overseer, and which did not. "Overseer... Ma'am..."

TheImmortalDeity BriiAngelic

 

[November Witch]

Hellia

~{Pitstop}~​

Status: Suspicious & Amused
Location: APC
Powers: Inactive
Mention(s): TheImmortalDeity AriAriAbabwa

Hellia’s eyes narrowed as the vehicle slowed and eventually came to a stop. One was forced off and one was brought aboard. Definitely something more to this all. Especially as Solomon said that no one needed to know the reason. This just made Hellia think even more deeply about the situation and look the newcomer up and down. Just as she was getting absorbed into her thoughts, the little demon hopped off her, and Hellia was grateful. She shuffled in her seat to get more comfortable now that a literal weight had been lifted from her. Even with the other facing away, Hellia could feel the embarrassment radiating from her little overseer and couldn’t help but feel amused. This feeling only increased as the girl attempted to smooth over the situation with words. It certainly didn’t work, but it was funny.

“Oh dear, maybe you should run what you want to say through me, so you don’t put yourself in this situation again.” Hellia said in an amused, partially teasing tone. She wondered if the other would take her seriously, because it would certainly be a joy to hear her unfiltered thoughts. Well, not much would change if these words she’d just spoken were her filtered ones. “I don’t think that was very convincing, unfortunately.”

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Sato Sarganach
Tags: November Witch Lo Mayn​

Sato flinched. A jolt only an inch far, and the slightest widening of her eyes up at Eri'Ana—but a flinch nonetheless. After Hellia joined in, a pout puffed up her cheeks against her will, and she looked between a dozen things that weren't those two people. Sato couldn't have been responsible for this! And if by any awful chance she was, this Seraphim had no evidence other than her own saying! "I did not, and you don't need to worry about me," Sato answered sternly, though if her childish tone reflected that was debatable. "And I can speak fine."

With a dignified 'hmph' she completely looked away from the two. Bus time was not turning out to be the enjoyable experience she'd hoped for.

 

[Mistborn]

Operator "Redeye" Aliyah
Tags: TheImmortalDeity BriiAngelic The One Eyed Bandit
​

Having presented the metal flake purposefully Aliyah was more than happy for the Overseer to take it off her hand as if it hadn't been taken soon enough she'd have flicked the little shit as far away from her as it could go in this tin can, only aiming for someone if she was especially irate. It didn't come to that though and Kamari surprisingly left the topic of her snappy attitude to fade out of relevance, the android letting herself calm as she took in what information she could get.

While the discussion and briefing would continue Aliyah's attention would wander over to some of the more eclectic members of their little group, especially as Sato seemed to be making a big stink over something with the friendly volcano-in-a-jar beside her. That was without even mentioning that the girl had decided to perch on the nun's lap for a bit, the sight of which and further exchange from it had the android holding back a smirk. That was at least until her Overseer's sharp gaze caught her eye, a brow raising as she looked to follow Kamari while she pressed the pair across from them for cooperation.

She wasn't opposed to working with others, especially as it happened to be the Overseer who's weapon she'd been intrigued by from their first gathering, but the other half of this pair was... Interesting, to say the least. The human Chia Pet was, well... from Aliyah's perspective she looked absolutely blasted, and the mumbling mess of words that followed only reinforced the thought in her mind. 'Great, riots in the streets and I'll have to play safety for the pot head' However she wasn't really in a place to object, and the group would have another distraction to momentarily break up Kamari's interrogation. While it wasn't the first stop the bus had made by a long shot this one felt... different, especially as Solomon wordlessly moved to the cab only for the back door to open and one of their quiet companions was booted without explanation, though Aliyah doubted anybody would ask directly.

Not that she'd complain however as the one that took sharkboy's place was certainly more interesting, in a few ways, for their group. 'A Tear's Child? How long has it been since I've seen one of those?' The question went unanswered in her mind, Eri's presence like a sigh of relief, pleasant but gone just as fast when the woman moved by. The new Overseer wasn't hers to worry about at the moment though, the Android turning her attention back to Kamari and her strange new obsession. Her eyes narrowed in thought for a moment before the connection made its way through her head, leaning back in her seat with the faintest smirk in the corner of her mouth as she watched the line of blood slowly run down Djerba's lip. "Fighting fire with fire, eh?~ Well, blood for blood in this case. Not a bad idea Ma'am."

 

[HTCOR]

"Chunks"

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• ★
• Ω
• ✉

• 
  
  
  Mentioned
  
  
  Hellia ( November Witch )
  Eri'Ana Van Duren ( Lo Mayn )
  Sato ( AriAriAbabwa )
  
  
  Location
  Upon the Conductah's Bus
  
  ​
  
  
• 
  
  
  Condition
  Reactor Start
  
  
  Equipment
  Chunks' Travel Gear and Outfit
  Ymir's Heart
  
  
  
  
  ​
• 
  
  Notes
  ¹ - Sadly, it isn't very effective without eyes or any facial features, or even clear that's what he's trying to do.
  
  

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As the new <Overseer/Problem/Idiot> spouted off a mocking attitude, all of the attention that Chunks was willing to give to them was immediately switched over to Hellia. His hand pinched where the nose normally would be on a human, rubbing the gel-like substance there as the metal brand within his head began to vibrate.

"...any chance we can swap overseers? Think mine's defective in a way you'd find funny. They don't get how a contract works while being a contractor. I'll offer rights to tease the poor little flare for the favor." His other hand gestured to Sato, furling out his hand towards the little demoness. A few little cracks and pops came from the gel that he was squishing between his fingers, mixed in with a low hissing and crackling noise. Clearly a language of some sort, although one spoken without flesh involved. Embarrassment wafted off him, as he scooted slightly away from his overseer. Hand pulling away to give his version of a pleading look¹ to the <Nun/Savior/Hellia>, hope flickering deep within his chest.

"Mind a bit of leeway for me to know what a vampire is? Dunno anything 'bout them."

 

[TheImmortalDeity]

The Conductor

Tags: BriiAngelic AriAriAbabwa simj26 angel doe HTCOR The One Eyed Bandit November Witch Mistborn Lo Mayn
​

"So, whaddya think?" the Conductor asked with a sing-song inflection, her hands lackadaisically on the wheel. "Anyone you find interesting within our little crew?" Her questions were toward Solomon, the man having taken back his station against the wall, much like a gargoyle defending a tower.

"You ask meaningless things," came a dry reply, the Executioner crossing his arms.

"I'm just trying to have a heart-to-heart," she said bluntly. "Nobody's talking to me, so it's making me sad. Pout-pout."

"That doesn't give you any right to start blabbering off to me." Solomon's patience was wearing thin.

"Well, if you were curious, I think everyone is interesting!" Conductor exclaimed, giving a small giggle. "I'm sure that with you being such a grouch, this is the first time you've had an absolute cutie like me talk to you, right? Right?"

Silence was her only answer. Even so, she didn't miss a beat, continuing her one-sided conversation.

"We'll be at the drop-off zone in roughly ten minutes," she reported, switching up the topic of conversation faster than a speeding bullet. For the first time, Solomon seemed pleased by what she said. "If you want ... " she spoke, following the positive momentum, "I could get there faster?"

"Do it."

Slamming on the gas, the Conductor did as told. From within the intricate wiring of the armored carrier, various runes lit ablaze, a synthetic blue hue pulsating from them. Masterfully, she steered the mighty vessel like a captain would their beloved ship. Swerving past one ... two ... three obstacles, it was a miracle they hadn't all become paste by this point.

And just as quickly as she had accelerated, the Conductor began to ease on the pedal, lulling the vehicle back into a slumber. In the blink of an eye, the driver turned back to the others, a wily grin plastered on her assuming face.

"We're here," she said chipperly, the drive taking only a minute at best. "I did a good job, didn't I, Salami? Didn't I?"

More silence. Then, a bitter disregard followed on his part.

"Get off. Our guide should be waiting for us at the checkpoint."

The Downtown air was colder, if not harsher, than the climate the team experienced in its Uptown counterpart. The sound of waves crashing, violent and unrelenting, was heard despite the shore being far from view. Lumani City's neighboring sea brought a frosty wind, its mercilessly biting gale living up to the name Coldwater. Up in the sky, snowflakes fluttered down, gently landing and collecting together, forming a blanket of icy wonder that obscured the sleeted paths that met their feet.

Before them, a cluster of lights, flashing red and blue, assailed their surroundings. Armored vehicles, patrol cars, and medical transports acted as a substitute wall — a garrison against the residents of Downtown that barred entry into Midtown. As their eyes adjusted, a group of individuals, many fully geared with Kyber-affiliated armor and weaponry, were either standing guard or discussing amongst themselves. One person, however, stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the rest.

Turning around to the clamber of the oncoming arrivals, a young man recognized them instantly. Saying something to his military associates, he made his way over to the Overseers and their wards. His greeting, while swift, was also unique. Not only that, it targeted one member in particular. Kira.

"Sudal," the man called out to her. In a monotonously trained motion, he placed one wrist over the other, bringing them to a cross over his chest before giving a slight bow. "I didn't expect to meet another Scribe under these dire circumstances."

The man looked young, around his mid-twenties. His hair was white, mimicking the falling snow. Having followed recent trends, both of his ears were pierced, one piercing longer than the other. He wore a black suit, matching dress pants, and shoes, all of which seemed ill-fitting in the cold weather he found himself in. His face — which portrayed an eagerness only those privileged with innocence were allowed to wear — gave way to his true emotions; he was out of his element.

"My name's Luka," he called to her, a smidge of familiarity bleeding through his approach toward the mixed demon. "What's yours?"

 

[simj26]

KiraIt was a familiar sight, the flashing red and blue. She remembered them all too well. Spent too much time running away from them to miss the sight. Even under and after the guidance of her mentor, she still flinched a little whenever she caught a glimpse of them. This time was no different. As if by reflex, her body tensed up as she approached the source of the lights. She forced herself to relax, reminding herself, as she would, that this time was different.

But a creature like her could never truly break the chains of the past that bound her.

She let out a shaky breath, the white plumes of fog clouding her staggered sigh, and her fist tightened its grip. She turned to her Criminal. "Stay close now, Miriam."

In front of the ragtag collective, a man broke away from his own group and approached theirs. She did not recognise him, but she could see a familiar look in his eyes. It was the look of an animal that was wholly out of its natural habitat. She empathised with him, and it was soon apparent as to why. He, too, was a Scribe like her, as evident by the standard greeting shared by their kin. She could almost hug him, if only to share in their respective pains.

She followed his greeting, crossing her hands at the wrist and bowing. “Sudal, brother.” She could not keep the relief from her voice. “Kira, Panel,” she introduced herself. “I would say it was a pleasure to meet a brother-in-pages, but it seems like you have problems,” she indicated the roadblock behind him. “Wanna shine some light on that?” Introductions over, she dropped all formalities. No point in keeping that up now.

angel doe
TheImmortalDeity

 

[TheImmortalDeity]

Luka

Tags: BriiAngelic AriAriAbabwa simj26 angel doe HTCOR The One Eyed Bandit November Witch Mistborn Lo Mayn
​

"A Panel, huh?" Luka said, his eyes shining in admiration. "I'm following the path to becoming a Spine ... though, I've been in training for quite a few years now," he said sheepishly, averting his gaze to mask the subtle shame eking out. "I'd love to grab a cup of coffee or something and hear your insight on the holy text when you have the time!" It was an empty request, but hope shone through his ever-eager gaze.

Then, just as suddenly as his excitement grew, it stunted. As the topic transitioned toward the peculiarities of their assignment, Luka's features took a somewhat perturbed turn. Whatever it was, it cast a shadow on his otherwise happy-go-lucky demeanor, like a dark cloud enveloping a sunny day.

"Having problems is an understatement," he replied, one of his hands nervously picking at the cuff of his suit jacket. His attention darted to the others in the group, scanning each of them one by one. A frown pulled on the edges of his lips, his lack of recognition hinting toward an expected arrival.

"Assuming you're all briefed on the situation, I'll keep things as short as possible. As it stands, an all-out war has essentially broken out between the Revolutionaries and the Redcloaks. Most of their conflict is in the back alleys and parts of Downtown that aren't officially partaking in the festival; however, the side effects of their clash have started spilling out into crowded areas, putting innocents at risk. The DPS and Kyber have been doing their best to block off hot zones, but if this keeps up, we might have to cancel the event entirely."

As the last words escaped his lips, Luka nervously bit down. "Therein lies the problem." He put a hand to the back of his head, letting out a vexed sigh. "The organizers, most being Lumani's financial backers from Salta Maria, don't want the event to be canceled. They're worried about losing profits," he said, a hint of frustration escaping. "And so, with our hands tied, we're both physically and politically at a standstill until these two groups finish their dispute or until the talks between Lumani and Salta Maria's officials resolve themselves. And, while we're waiting, who knows how much damage might occur."

Then, his stone-gray eyes rose to look at their group. "The hope is that by calling in your group of Overseers, you'll be able to effectively locate and subjugate the problem parties in their entirety ... as for how? That's up to you guys. If I had any advice to give, I'd propose splitting up your group and searching around the venues for any potential leads. It might be faster that way. Or, you could all stay together ... safety in numbers, and all that."

Luka straightened up, finally putting his jitters to rest. Unlike them, he seemed carefree while basking in the frigid wind, not even a shiver escaping his otherwise anxious disposition. "Well then ... do any of you have any questions?"

 

[angel doe]

MIRIAM

Miriam didn't miss how Kira tensed at the sight of the flashing red and blue lights. Her expression softened once more and, making a split-second decision, she reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. Giving it a gentle squeeze, Miriam managed a small smile as she gazed at Kira. While she had long since learned to keep her useless feelings buried deep, she would never forget. Miriam understood and she wanted to make sure Kira knew that. She let her hand drop back to her side a moment later and it was a heartbeat before her handler finally spoke.

"Stay close now, Miriam."

"Of course, Darling. I won't go far." She flexed her fingers and stepped closer to Kira; not too close, but just enough. Her silver gaze landed on the man who had singled Kira out, approaching her deliberately. Miriam didn't like how he had done that, but she said nothing and kept her eyes trained on him, observing. He was handsome, that was obvious, but she could see the privilege written all over him.

"Luka..." Miriam tested his name on her tongue and cringed. She didn't like it. Kira's was much better. She half-listened as her overseer and Luka exchanged formalities. Then she asked about the roadblocks. Miri had been wondering about those.

Hearing the explanation that followed left the dark-haired woman sighing, exasperated, "Cancelling the event should have been the first thing they did. Fuck their profits, they'll be fine." She rolled her eyes, making no effort to hide her irritation, "Are they doing anything to actually protect innocents or did they throw up the roadblocks and call it a day? Does this protection extend to everyone? Or only the ones they deem worth protecting?"

"Actually, I don't care. I'm sure they don't, either." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she moved swiftly onward, "No more questions from me." She hummed, leaning closer to Kira and leveling an icy stare at Luka as if telling him to take a step away from her overseer.

TheImmortalDeity simj26

YOUR GODDESS

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Sato Sarganach
Tags: November Witch HTCOR TheImmortalDeity​

She hissed at the spirit like a cat, rejecting the Overseer swap then and there.

Fortunately, bus time wouldn't drag on much longer when the Conductah hit the gas. An action that made Sato thankful that she didn't remain on Hellia's lap as her limbs and mouth flailed helplessly from the G-force. Any longer, and the candy filling her stomach would've resurfaced...

After surviving the worst bus time in her life, Sato was eager to leave. The massive Wendigo, Fernsby, materialized just in time to scoop the girl into the safety of its arms. It was also just in time to shield against Coldwater's frigid climate. She wrapped herself in the blanket like a cocoon, further encased in Wendigo fur. That left Hellia. Was she cruel enough to leave her prisoner to fend for herself? Her outfit didn't seem the most insulated. "If you're cold, Fernsby can pick you up, too," she offered with the slightest smile.

It wasn't long before they met their guide, and the situation was laid out. Sato was not impressed. This whole situation could have been avoided by postponing the event. The Salta Maria backers are opening themselves up to scrutiny should anyone get hurt—though they likely had some deflection ready to shift the blame. Probably to the Overseers. Knowing father, he'd have them assassinated if that happened... The thought made her shiver. Best just follow orders, it seems.

"So if we just grab the fighting people and throw them far enough away, problem solved?"

 

[HTCOR]

"Chunks"

​

• ★
• Ω
• ✉

• 
  
  
  Mentioned
  Eri'Ana Van Duren ( Lo Mayn )
  Sato ( AriAriAbabwa )
  Luka? ( TheImmortalDeity )
  
  
  Location
  Downtown Drop Off
  
  ​
  
  
• 
  
  
  Condition
  Reactor Start
  
  
  Equipment
  Chunks' Travel Gear and Outfit
  Ymir's Heart
  
  
  
  
  ​
• 
  
  Notes
  ¹ - ???
  
  

​

​

​

Swift and perilous- that seemed to be the ideal way to describe the <Driver/Conductah/Gremlin> that was their pilot for the day. Normally he would use the word 'drive' for such a thing, but he wasn't sure the bus had been on the ground for the majority of that trip- especially not with the speeds they had undergone. Hands latched onto the seats as the world blurred by, he lurched forwards as the bus skidded to a halt. Hues of blue and red lights flickered and flashed across the area, as Chunks heard not a word from anyone- stumbling off the bus with the grace of a sailor coming back to his ship after a long crawl through the taverns. His brand buzzed and shuffled about in his head, as he rubbed his 'face' a few times.

"Lunah cat gon' burst a drum or four..." Nonsense spouted out, his voice shaky while he remained dazed. A few slaps to his cheeks, before he straightened back up to look over the group of people. Weird armor, hand cannons, and an overall lack of civility found in soldiers. Military people around here? The situation must have been worse than expected- but they were dealing with things that sucked blood. And he still didn't know if that was some weird pleasure mortals had, more like cannibals, or an entirely separate species that just happened to drink blood as a recreational thing.

Another of these spellcasters came up- a new designation would have to be assigned for them. Panel was the stated title for the <Foulblood/Overseer/Scribbles>, which he didn't quite catch the proper name for. However, this called themselves 'Luka' and said they were becoming a spine. Panels and Spines didn't seem to have much in common, and the language was eluding Chunks as of the moment. More information would definitely need to be drawn later, preferably not from the <Overseer/Problem/Racist> next to him. That, and he needed to pull titles back into proper functioning, at least to converse with people like this. The contract was too stiff as of the moment, and he needed his mind not bleeding off odd words to make things odder for him. A violent shake of his head, as he glanced to find his overseer, trying to make sure they weren't going to cause him problems. Hopefully? None for now, at least for him.

 

[November Witch]

Hellia

~{Questions}~​

Status: Suspicious
Location: Checkpoint
Powers: Inactive
Mention(s): TheImmortalDeity AriAriAbabwa

An amused exhale left her mouth at the pouting of the childish demon. Her attention would turn to the thoughts about the event and what she should think about it. How odd and suspicious it was. She wasn’t directly disturbed again as they drove, so she remained silent with a thoughtful look upon her face. That was until she felt the vehicle being thrown this way and that due to the driving of their little chauffeur. While it wasn’t the most comfortable position to be in, it was obvious they had arrived much faster than they otherwise would have. She shook her head a bit to clear the hair from her face as best she could without the use of her hands, and would follow the others, departing the large APC and standing politely within the group.

Her eyes looked up and down every new figure around them, as if she was sizing them up both physically and mentally. Putting together an opinion of everyone here before any interaction had even begun. The nun stayed silent as those around her conversed and information was relayed to them all. Well, first of all if the city wanted to ruin their reputation, they were doing a damn good job of it. Keeping an event going with violence and attacks going on is a death sentence. Even if not one dies miraculously, the citizens would rip the city to shreds on social media and in person. Unless, of course, they would be suppressing the spread of information. Which would just leave more people clueless and end up getting hurt in a cycle until word does get out. Weren't these outcomes obvious to the supposedly smart ones at the top who should be good at running businesses or cities?

An annoyed sigh left her lips, but she remained silent as he continued speaking, eventually opening the floor up for questions. She let others ask their own before she’d ask her own. “I’m fine, thank you. It’s a welcome feeling.” Hellia told her overseer. Being locked up for so long meant this was a nice feeling, even if unpleasantly cold. But she was sure it would fade as they got up and moving. “How would you like us to approach our interactions with these groups? Would you like us to attempt a peaceful means of cooperation before resorting to violence? When we do have to resort to violence, does it matter if they live or die? Or would you like us to be gentle?”

 

[BriiAngelic]

Kamari Todd
Alibi​

If the situation called for it… So this one was a stickler for the letter of the law. She wondered exactly what would put them into action. Especially, when their prisoner seemed to be acting the part of an invalid. She doubted someone with such a spacy demeanor would make a good dog. Then again, perhaps her being a vicious dog caused her to be as scrambled as she was. She knew there was no reason for the brass to go light with restraints and she hardly expected morality for tools. No, whether it was a well-constructed act or reality these two could hardly be allies. Regardless their cooperation wasn’t needed for them to be bait.

The exchange of overseers would be concerning had she seen anything worth noting from the other. Clerical errors were rare but not impossible. The possibility of a plant was lowered with each exchange. Avoiding familiarity with the prisoners would be ideal, but it was too early to say the change was to keep the prisoners on guard. Unless Solomon had seen something in the other she had missed.

She was thankful her prisoner had a brain. She was less thankful that she had no filter to the information she spoke aloud. Staying as close as possible to Redeye she whispered to the other.

“Even if they aren’t cooperating we’ll stay close behind them. Whether they mean to or not they’ll be the most appealing bait for the Reds.”

As their ride picked up Kamari readied herself for anything that might be coming, her eyes darting around taking in as many details of the others as she could. Knowing what the others looked like would strengthen any reaction time needed to react should one step out of line. It was interesting to find that the one assigned to Kira could feign morality even if they ultimately gave it up quickly, if she was a better person she might be tempted to tell her colleague to keep a short leash on that one. Ultimately though she had zero desire to stick her hand out lest another cut it off in her moment of vulnerability.

Instead she stuck close to her own responsibility.

“XX217 do your cybernetics allow you to share information?”

It would be easiest to upload the information to the other assuming her cybernetics allowed for such a transfer. If it didn’t she’d be appealing for that for the other considering the data transfer would allow the two to work in tandem better.

>>>Access Request Downtown Security System for the last three days
>>>Access Request City Mapping for Downtown

A layout and security briefing would help them better assist with this than any questions this Luka could answer. Kamari herself didn’t care whether the brass wanted a peaceful solution, there would be no negotiation with either these rebels or the Reds from her.

Mistborn TheImmortalDeity The One Eyed Bandit
​

 

[Lo Mayn]

Eri'Ana Van Duren​

Mentioned: simj26 (Kira) angel doe (Miriam) TheImmortalDeity (Luka)
Interacted: HTCOR (Chunksy boy)

Eri watched as Sato flinched, the faint puff of her pout was almost cute, though Sato’s attempt at sternness did little to sell intimidating Overseer. It was then, for the first time that night, Eri had wondered what was really expected of them. How seriously should they take the threat of the criminal beside them? A powerful child would still be a child, just one in command of a person meant to be locked away forever. If Sato simply resembled a child, Eri wouldn’t know. Though it would’ve made more sense and Eri scoffed at herself for even considering otherwise.

Then, Chunks’ voice pulled Eri’s attention. His banter, or at least attempts of banter, with the nun tugged at the corner of her lips. At least they’re getting along.

The bus rumbled through the dark streets, moving faster than any bus had any business going. The ride jolted and swayed with turbulence, but Eri let the world smear past the windows, draping her arm over the black coffin at her side. Much like a still river, she would've appeared natural and easy, while underneath she fought like hell just to stay in her seat.

When they arrived, the air greeted them with the sharp edges of winter, with curling mists and sharp breeze threading between the buildings. The red and blue lights ahead cut across the fog, splintering on the wet pavement, and painting her in constantly flickering dual tones.

Kira stood at the front, trying hard to look like she belonged there. But even in the fog and shadows, Eri could see it—her shoulders grew tight, her breaths shallow, her call for Miriam as though she needed a tether. And Miriam hovered close, her hand reaching for Kira’s shoulder.

Again, the question of expectation weighed again on Eri’s mind, as it always did.

If a few weapons and flashing lights were enough to have Kira rattled, paired with a seemingly sharp enough criminal to read that discomfort, it could be only a matter of time before something like that backfired with words like manipulation and exploit that came to mind. Getting close was dangerous. Out of instinct, Eri thought about stepping in, saying something but the thought dissolved before it reached her lips. What did she know anyways?

Instead, she turned her attention to Luka, letting the words he spoke sink-in. From the briefing, one would’ve thought people were simply caught in the cross fire of “two” factions. But the reality was that money triumphed over their lives, treating the innocents like they were pieces on a board rather than lives in the balance. It was twisted. It was detached. It reminded her too much of Ariella. The way that woman dismissed people, reduced them to tools or obstacles. It churned something ugly in Eri’s gut, a heat that climbed up her spine until she had to take a step aside, away from the group.

She exhaled in a rush, the cold air burning her lungs as she set her coffin down. “Chunks,” She called as the latch clicked under her fingers, the lid hissing open. Inside, the drones stirred, their sleek, mechanical forms coming to life like restless animals in the dark.

A small drone flew out without much noise, drifting beside her like they had done it a thousand times before.

To Chunks, she said, “Guess you’ve been in there a long time. There’s probably a lot you wouldn’t know. Vampires and all.” She casted a glance toward the the others. “I’m surprised nobody else took you up on that question in the bus but guess they’ve got their own nerves to deal with.”

She paused, lifting the drone in her hand to inspect it.

“Vampires are creatures of the night,” she continued, “married to shadows and more myth than fact. People call them undead, but they drink blood to stay alive. And well, their powers grow at night. They tend to keep their secrets close, which is what makes this somewhat weird. If they’re making a display like this, either they feel real confident, or they’re after something they can’t afford to lose.”

The drone ascended into the mist, vanishing as Lira’s presence threaded into its circuits. Eri felt the faint hum of their connection, like an invisible thread stretching between them.

“We’ll figure out what’s so important soon enough,” Eri said, a sense of determination radiating from her tone.

 

[Mistborn]

Operator "Redeye" Aliyah
Tags: [/USER] BriiAngelic ​

Even with the tight quarters of the battle bus Aliyah would somehow find the room to lean away from the Overseer encroaching on her space, letting out a faint breath as she thought before nodding in agreement. "Aye, though it feels like most of us will draw their eyes tonight..." She'd say with a thoughtfulness in her eyes, churning what data they had over in her mind before leaning her head back against the wall of the bus. As their ride accelerated to breakneck speeds the android would react to the lurch of inertia and momentum trying to pull her back by bracing herself with her artificial limbs, supporting braces extending from her lower legs like heavy machinery anchoring her to the floor. Her metallic arm would grip and dig its fingers into the bench with the slight grinding squeal of metal on metal. From an outside perspective her body hardly shifted while others rocked and counter-balanced, the biggest movement being the back and forth swish of her hair before it settled once more.

After their mobile fortress' rapid journey came to an end the androids bracing would gradually release its grasp, the hydraulic supports letting out a slight hiss as pressure released and her hand opening to reveal the lines her fingers had scraped into the metal. Being closest to their exit Aliyah would be one of those to get their first true look out at the city that had cast them out, her darkened metallic body partially diffusing and reflecting the flashing lights of crimson and azure. They phased her just as much as the cold bite of wind blowing through downtown, turning her head away from them as her Overseer returned to her side. The question brought a slight tilt to her head before Aliyah nodded, opening her mouth to respond before sighing softly. "I would have a wireless transmitter and receiver if I had my original eyes, but for now I can download information with a hardline connection. I did manage to recreate my own H.U.D. on the trip over though." She'd say with a slight smirk, seemingly pleased with herself.

As she spoke her left arm would open and a cable would slither out on its own, Aliyah taking the end and unwinding it to about six feet of length before the other end unplugged from her arm. Aliyah would take the end that had been plugged into her arm and brought it behind her, the hand disappearing beneath her coat as she connected it to her artificial spine. Holding the other out to Kamari she'd see that the cable had a universal port on the end facing towards her, and before the Overseer could voice the obvious question on her lips Aliyah would beat her to it. "No, I cannot tamper with any of your systems if we're connected, and even if you give me a device to connect to I'm not going to immediately break any of the trust you might have in me by tampering with it."