The Bureau of Anomalous Control and Containment

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"If you're well read, then yes. Khaemweset was just another Pharoah most likely killed by his court over internal politics. The BACC likes to hide things behind mundanity, even to their own people. They're quite good at it too." he said, taking the photo back, "The real answer to who he was and why he was killed is..." he stopped, taking time to choose carefully, "Not fully understood by the BACC at this time. We know he was buried in all kinds of anomalous contraband, which is why his tomb was placed under BACC surveillance when it was discovered."

Beside the table, Theo was collecting glass and porcelain and placing it on the tray. After most of it had been picked up, the suit of armor gathered the tea tray and left the room.

"The sarcophagus was stolen a few weeks ago. A group assaulted the compound around the tomb and made off with the sarcophagus. I don't think I need to stress how concerning it is that a group large enough to conduct an armed attack knows about the BACC. " he paused, "These people are going to make a move and alert the BACC again soon. If my... predictions, let's call them; are correct, they'll alert the BACC to their existence tomorrow. They've been running around, making little errands, but they'll slip up tomorrow and the BACC will have its first lead. Which is why I specifically asked for you."

He stood up, "I can't tell you everything yet. But know that you play a crucial role in something that will happen soon. Once the time is right, you'll know more. For now, I need to remain absolutely quiet about what we talk about. Letting anything slip may result in dire consequences. I will be keeping a close eye on you."

"For now, you're dismissed," he said, walking around the desk, towards the door and pushing it open. The door creaked, the hinges damaged by Vanya's entrance, "We'll talk more soon. When we have the time. Be ready for tomorrow, the call will come early. And I want to see you two in action."

Theo came back at that moment, carrying a new tray of tea, "I've prepared another serving, si-"
"They were just about to leave, we don't need it anymore."
"I... very well, sir..."
 
Lizbet was listing to both what was being said, and what was carefully being left out. she was used to watching people closely, and listening with more than her ears. While she could not hear any of the directors thoughts, she could hear loud and clear that they were not fully trusted to know everything about their current assignment. She was used to a certain level of secrecy, even when working with Rupert, but this felt like flying blind.

Her eyes followed the director as he moved and she glanced over at Pickman and pressed her lips together at being called lunchmeat again. She wasn't sure if he meant that as a term of endearment or as a label for a future meal of some kind. She looked away before that thought had a chance to fully cement itself in her mind. She had to work with him, and she couldn't be constantly afraid of him.

Hiding the truth was what this organization was all about, and again it was something she was used to dealing with, but now she was being confronted with the idea that history as she knew it wasn't reliable. She didn't exactly like that she couldn't rely on her extensive knowledge. Her brows furrowed and she leaned forward in her chair a bit, "How were these thieves able to get past the anomalous things in the tomb to get the sarcophagus? Who else is equipped to handle such things?" Was there now a rogue group similar to themselves, made up of people like herself and Pickman?
 
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Pickman kept a neutral face as the Director explained the current situation. While the Director continued to talk the metaphorical gears in Pickman's head were already turning. First of all any power or force able to take on BACC directly should have been at least known about already. How this mysterious enemy kept in the shadows from even the Director was suspicious. Secondly, the attacking force itself threw up even more questions. BACC has a nearly limitless resource pool and it's agents are the best around. That means the enemy is both well funded and has powerful agents of their own.

Snapping back to reality, Pickman listened to Lizbet's questions and nodded in agreement. "Lunchmeat has a point, if these guys can blow past not only the random anomalies but also a BACC team....they must be pretty beefy..like both metaphorically and physically. Sounds fishy but I dunno much anyways. Just point me at whoever needs to be eaten and I will get it done. I can leave all the hard thinking to Lunchmeat." Putting on a toothy smile, Pickman resumed his act of being a foolhardy and oblivious ghoul.
 
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"Once we have more information, we can decide on an approach. For now, you're to standby. And remember. Not a word to anyone about this." He took at seat behind his desk, "Show them out, Theodore. And get someone to fix the door..." he said, glancing down at the splintered wood near the office.

Theodore stood up a bit straighter and gestured for Pickman and Lizbet to follow. He was still carrying the new tea tray, "Right this way, please watch your step."

Theodore clanked with each step as he escorted them back to the exit.
"Deepest apologies for the... incidents. I've been informed that you'll be working with Dr. Cartwright. Your security clearance should have been updated. If you ever need to return to this library, the guards outside should allow you in." He held open the heavy wooden door, "Have an excellent evening."

Vanya and Rupert were waiting outside. The guards seemed apprehensive after the recent 'episode' and shifted nervously, gripping their rifles tightly.

The two almost barreled Pickman and Lizbet over as they stormed up, throwing questions at them,
"What happened-"
"He better have a good explanation-"
"Has he mentioned what you'll be doing?"
"What did he tell you?"
 
Lizbet stood and followed Theodore through the mess of wooden fragments and out the door. She nodded when Theodore spoke of their clearance being updated and wondered exactly what that meant and entailed but did not ask. The guards were still there with rifles bared and she walked past them offer up a slight smile as she did. She was feeling a little relief from the stress when Rupert rushed up to her and began a barrage of questions.

Her eyes grew wide and she bit her lip. Oh how she wanted to tell him EVERYTHING! Needed to really, but her head just shook and she took off running. She knew if she stood there and looked at Rupert she wouldn't be able to keep the mission a secret. She trusted him implicitly, so why the director didn't want Rupert to know about this was a mystery to her, but orders were orders. Even when she hated it, they were still orders.

As she ran she bumped into things and telekineticly righted them so she could keep going. She was grateful for her gloves, because she knew touching these things would likely send her mind into a fit of denial or terror. She made it all the way to the first floor door before she ran out of steam and slowed to a walk. She needed time to sort through things and settle the mental chaos that was making her skin tingle and her hands itch. She felt guilty leaving Pickman to handle their mentors alone, but she had to have space and time to settle herself.
 
Pickman sighed unhappily as he was escorted out of the office. He honestly did not want to be part of this top-secret mission. Pickman liked going at his own pace and leaving the decision making for others. Kicking a few of the larger woodchips out of the way, Pickman blinked in surprise as Vanya began questioning him.

When Lizbet ran away, Pickman could not help but giggle childishly. "Aww! Lunchmeat is so pure!" Looking back at Vanya, Pickman scratched his chin as he tried to think of a way to tell her what was going on without getting in trouble. "Sorry Vanya, I am under orders not to tell anyone anything. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to update my diary that I keep hidden in my closet. Buhbye!"


Strolling away, Pickman hoped Vanya would understand the hint he was trying to give her. "Hrmmm....I wonder if Lunchmeat is gonna be ok?"
 
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