CLOSED PARALOGUE The Evrensel Conflict: Paralogue 1 -- The Cyber-Hangover

[Wade Von Doom]

THE STORY SO FAR:
​

Various heroes from across the multiverse were kidnapped. In a flash of bright light, they were taken from their homes and brought to a station floating in the deep reaches of space, just along the edges of whatever galaxy they had been brought to. The station was run by an AI system, collecting not only dozens of 'scattered,' but weapons and items of importance, all held here for reasons unknown.

Yet, the station was infiltrated by another band of heroes, ones that knew of the AI and its meddling of universes. Yet, their memories of how and why they found out were... hazy, at best. Like something had blocked out their memories, like a mental scar. Still, with a combination of force from both them and the rescued heroes, along with a good amount of luck that they even survived in one piece, they took the station and made their escape with it before reinforcements arrived. But questions still remain:

What happened to the invading hero team? Why are their memories of how they teamed together scrambled? How did they find out about the AI? What is the AI? Why is it doing this? And how does it have the ability to travel between world? Most importantly, WHAT is it doing to these worlds?

For now, while they try to understand the station's systems, along with how to use it to travel safely between universes, everyone takes the time to explore the station and discover its secrets, and make it their new home for the time being.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE EVRENSEL CONFLICT PRESENTS...
CYBER-HANGOVER

STARRING:

Alec Duggan -- @Wade Von Doom
Oliver -- @BazusoTheGrey
Anri -- @Girania the Knightess
Agatha Brandt -- @Valkan
Abby Delano -- @Amber Franklin
Chika Kobayashi -- @Otomos
Chicago -- @PolyesterH
Artyom Kar -- @The Wanderer
Jeremy Welles -- @Apothecary Bruce
Xenon -- @Raffia Kiryuin
Flynn the Volatile -- @littlekreen
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STATION COMMAND DECK
​

It was the best thing to call it in Alec's mind. The lay out of the station itself was a bizarrity to understand, as all decks below this one could be changed, reconfigured, and even moved if they wanted to from this place, and trying to understand how to properly manage this strange 'ant-farm' layout boggled the mind unless you were a super-computer. Or, just too clever for your own good.

It also had, what could best be described, as a 'multiverse map.' The orb in the center of the massive console could morph into whatever shape it needed to be to calculate the correct and fastest route to take between worlds, realms, clusters, star systems or galaxies, as well show an overview of the universe itself, or whatever planet the station could orbit.

This wasn't to mention the view above it, projecting the exterior of the space around the station itself to give the user a view of what it looked outside. Alec figured this must be the 'bridge' section of this place.

But there was one prevalent issue weighing on Alec's mind before they could continue on their journey for the mysterious AI and venture through the multiverse itself. That being supplies.

This place had none. There were some medics and healers, sure, but not enough food to feed them all, nor proper medical supplies should healers not be available. This didn't even count ammunition for their weaponry, or things like beds for their new living conditions. There was a garden, sure, but it was filled with magical plants and god knows what kinds of spirits. They hadn't ventured far enough into the place to discover if it was safe enough to use for harvesting crops from.

They needed stuff now. Thankfully, however water worked in this place, it seemed safe enough to drink and use to wash with, so they had some time to come up with a plan. And Alec just about had one thought through by the time he pinged people through the comms.

'ANY AVAILABLE HANDS WHO WISH TO VOLUNTEER FOR PLANETARY SCOUTING, MEET ME UP IN THE COMMAND DECK. TOP FLOOR, TAKE AN ELEVATOR... IF YOU CAN FIND ONE -- ALEC' He figured some of the lads on the station would love a chance to explore a new world and get out of this place for some proper fresh air. See the sights of multiverse exploration.

 

[noob13241]

Van- Freeloader in Cyberdrunk
For plenty of his job line, they tend to develop one of two attitudes when it comes to job opportunities. Either extreme paranoia, digging into every detail to possibly tear any and every advantage into their favor...or the happy-go-lucky fools who take any job that catches their eye to skip away from any boredom they're dealing with...

Van would never call himself happy-go-lucky ever, but one cannot deny that besides his temper, he'd rival even the most foolish harem protag in his desire to stick his nose into more jobs than he has the right in doing...
The other reason is he's got literally nothing he can do besides sparring with others. Better doing this than nothing after all.

So, the thief boy would simply be found making his way up to that command deck...Not through an elevator though, that's too much trouble to go looking for in this ridiculously large station.

Instead, others would find Van blitzing his way through the air as he goes to find his own way up.

---

Alec would receive a ping of his own from his position in the command deck...albeit, not one of a message, but one from the cameras detecting motion outside.

And then a ping of minor damage from that camera...repeatedly. By the time they'd see what's going on, said camera would have sent over a hundred pings as Alec would see live of Van just, sitting outside of the command deck. Poking that camera constantly.

The constant beeps might wanna suggest he let him inside or that's gonna be a constant background noise for the meetup...not even mentioning the wait time he'd have to experience before that either.

 

[FACELESSFACESFECKINGFLYING]

Idan Graves - Oh Lord, give me sobriety, but do not give it yet!


"Fuckin' ell..." Idan muttered under his breath, amazed at the huge quantities and selections of alcohol the tinker-tech AI could provide on demand. Hell, Idan was originally amazed by the existence of an AI that DIDN'T want to do blatantly nefarious shite - at least according to its claims. When he learned it served alcohol - some of which were from different dimensions - Idan didn't waste any time exploring his coping methods with the 'unfamiliar fuckin' situation, filled with capeshite' he found himself in.

Unfortunately for some, Idan's coping mechanisms weren't found through traditional drinking - not that he would've trusted alcohol from an AI anyways - but rather through some experimental bomb-crafting. With this in mind, he proceeded to order a large array of high-proof alcoholic drinks, starting with Moonshine and working his way up to Spirytus Rektyfikowany.

Which brings us to now, where after muttering in amazement at the wide arsenal placed before him, Idan got to work - storing as many bottles as he could fit within his rugsack and arms, before rushing to one of the dozens of bedrooms aboard the station. Like a man possessed, he locked the door and began tearing away at the bed's sheets, forming them into makeshift rags for his high-proof Molotovs. The immense euphoria he found within the sensation of crafting them - and thinking of the safety they offered him - was a much needed high. If he was going to be trapped in this cape-bullshit without protection, he would make his own protection - just like he had always done so before.

As Idan finishes wrapping his last molotov - practically an ethanol-bomb given its 192 Proof - he hears a voice on the intercoms, asking for volunteers to participate in planetary scouting. Normally, Idan would involve himself as little as possible with a such a dangerous situation - but after making such flammable beauties - each begging to be used - he decides he can manage a bit of risk with his new protection. As such, Idan opens the bedroom door and begins wandering to the nearest elevator - his filled rugsack making a 'clinking' noise with every footstep.

 

[BazusoTheGrey]

Fifth Grade Fixer - Oliver

In the room next to Idan's, Oliver sat still, idly listening to the sounds of clinking bottles and tearing sheets as he stared down at his assorted belongings. Listlessly, he began to inspect the items, turning them over in his hands and occasionally bringing them closer to his body's singular eye. After a few minutes, he finishes, placing the items back into their respective places. A couple of minutes after, he repeats the process, inspecting the tools of his trade and the few personal belongings that he cares for. Occasionally he finds something that changes the routine, a smudge to be cleaned or a tear in his uniform that he sews up with the limited tools he had in his bag, but in the end, he once again places his things onto the table in front of him and repeats the process.

He has done this five times now.

Really, there wasn't anything better to do in this situation he thinks. He had already interacted with a few of his new... workmates (fellow escapees? He'll figure out what to call them later) in the bar, and despite the reactions to some of his work stories he figures that the rapport he's starting to build was solid enough.

Just as he's about to begin his sixth round of inspection, the voice on the intercom catches his attention.

'ANY AVAILABLE HANDS WHO WISH TO VOLUNTEER FOR PLANETARY SCOUTING, MEET ME UP IN THE COMMAND DECK. TOP FLOOR, TAKE AN ELEVATOR... IF YOU CAN FIND ONE -- ALEC

Hmph, didn't sound like the most exciting gig, but work was never an unwelcome thing.

Standing from his chair, Oliver packs his belongings and swiftly dons his uniform. His white button-up shirt came first followed by a tie with a sloppy knot his boss would have thrown a fit over. Next came his two-piece black suit consisting of a double-breasted jacket which was buttoned up and hemmed pants that reached just above the joints of his feet. Finally, Downpour Office's signature navy blue raincoat went overtop the ensemble, its hem reaching down onto his knees. Inspecting himself in the mirror, Oliver chortles at his own appearance. Even with three years of experience, it still tickled something funny when he saw himself wearing his uniform.

Slinging his duffel bag onto his back, his new shanker into its sheath, and his trusty zweihander over his shoulder (he should probably give something to that mech pilot for the help he gave in getting it back to him), Oliver steps out of the room and heads to the nearest elevator as well.

 

[Girania the Knightess]

She's Still Alive!?
Anri

The girl was bored. The place was fun for a small while, but Anri found the lack of variety when it came to the station's hallways to be mind-numbing. It was sterile, minimalist, and sucked the fun out of exploring its depths. It got to the point where she found herself practicing basic maintenance on her rifle multiple times throughout the waking hours. Something so easy and simple that she only needs to do that once a day. Yes, she could have joined in with the antics of the others, but she got lost easily in this place, and by the time she got to them, whatever they were doing or talking about would be finished.

Luckily, her exploration had given her a sense of where the lifts (or elevators, as they call them here) were. So when the call was made for people to explore some place new, Anri jumped at the chance. Her preparations were unnecessary, as all she needed was already on her person. She just ran to the last lift she passed by, and jumped to press the button with the biggest number. Waiting to get there was boring too, but at least there was that weird feeling when the lift move.

 

[Valkan]

Agatha Brandt

These are confusing times for Agatha. One moment she is working on one of her bikes, the next, a flash of green light drags her out of her garage and into a very strange space station. It had a very puzzling design. For one, it was immense. On top of that, rooms moved around in strange ways. It reminded her of the grand staircase on that one wizard book series she loved. Apparently, just before her arrival, a group of people taken from different universes were in a fight here with malevolent robots led by a maniacal AI. Crazy wouldn't even begin to describe it. And yet, that was now her reality.

Sitting in the floor of the bedroom she chose for herself, Agatha was doing an inspection of her limbs, making sure there were no mechanical flaws and that they were usable at max capacity. Her bedroom is a rather simple one, with little room, but able of doing its job.

Once she was done doing her check-up, she put her clothes back on and put away her tools. She was considering looking for Van to do some training. But a voice spoke through the intercom. An Alec, which if she recalled correctly is the leader of the ones who have been doing this for a while now, was looking for volunteers for a mission. Having not much else to do, and wishing to help out with the state of affairs, Agatha headed out.

It took a few moments of wandering, but Agatha located an elevator. Setting it to head to where she imagined the command center of this place was, the elevator came to life and started going upwards. Once at the meeting spot, she looked around. Alec was standing with his back facing her. Since no one else was around yet, and there was some noise that likely caught his attention, Agatha decided to pull his leg a little. Using her finely trained sense of stealth, she slithered her way towards him. When she was right behind him, she poked his back with two of her fingers and said "Bang!" then prepared in case he'd turn aggressive due to the surprise of a sneak prank. Though she did wonder what kind of reaction he'd have to this.

 

[Otomos]

Kobayashi Chika

Chika was given plenty of resources to maintain her equipment. She had pletny options to distract herself. She had plenty of time for the dead to claw at her mind. Despite the numerous amounts of distracting activities and plethora of strange creatures and people to interact with, she finds herself retreating to the lonesome, but comfortable acts of meditation. The voices of the dead were intent on having her go on a rampage, regardless of her chances of surviving against beings of unknown and varied abilities. Their bloodlust had not settled nor faded since they first haunted Chika, so she had elected to find a secluded space to calm her mind.

Though the solitude and quiet helped for a time, it did not take long for it to work against her. Without interaction with others, the voices had plenty of time to bear down on her mental faculties. Without a proper activity to distract her, her body grew restless. Chika found herself in a conundrum. If she remained in self-imposed seclusion, she would leave herself at the mercy of the spirits. If she interacted with others, then she risks the voices driving her mad anyway and lashing out, possibly bringing injury or death to either herself or others. She was not in a very good situation.

Then a voice echoed through the setting, making it known that people were needed for a task. Perhaps that was what she needed? An objective to achieve, a goal to pursue. The samurai chose to volunteer herself. She may be alongside others, and will likely interact with even more, but as long as she had something to work towards, she could focus on that and drown out the spirits.

She moved to where she needed to be...

 

[Wade Von Doom]

The ping for the camera alarm rang out as a subtle 'gong' noise, but as Alec was still unfamiliar with most of the console layout, he actually had no idea what it was. Then another rang, this time louder, as the camera got hit with something. And again, and again, and again, and Alec was frantically looking over everything to try and understand what the hell was making the ping. It got worrying after a while, and he was all by himself up here, so there was no one who could help him if it turned out there was an air leak and the station was about to decompress violently.

It finally dawned on him to look up at the ceiling to see outside. Only to see a giant eyeball taking up a third of the space. "AH!" He shouted. "What the?!--" The eye blinked, and a finger bonked against the camera lens. Instead of an Eldritch eye monster with opposable thumbs, like Alec thought for a quick second, it was just Van messing about outside in need of an entrance back inside. "Oh, for god's sake," Alec muttered under his breath, before retreating over to the corner of the room to open a makeshift airlock for the young lad.

Once he was inside, Alec asked the important question. "The hell were you doing out there?"

The others then started coming into the deck. Idan and Oliver, with Anri right behind them, and Chika following soon after. "Hello Oliver," he waved to the cyborg, since he was the only guy he was familiar with. "I take it you two are the weird hobo man and Samurai-- BAH!" He screamed as he felt and heard Agatha poke him from behind... Not like that.

"DAH-- Jesus, fuck- Who are you?!" He asked her, turning dramatically.

 

[LenxKaitoYaoi]

Voláre had issues with this place. One major one being the only people he knew here were Ziv and Luer, and Ziv was the only one that really tried to make an effort. He wasn't really sure he even knew anyone else's names! He was too shy to speak up and try to socialize… So here he was, just trying to find a room to read quietly in and mind his own business while he could. He just wanted to go home to his mother. He wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how much he could do in his current situation.

In this moving box that beeped he found himself lost. He wasn't sure where to go. He knew little to nothing about this place and its layout. He simply stared at the numbered buttons, unsure which one to press. After a few very long minutes of staring he panic-pressed all of them, and then panicked about what it might have done. He retreated to the corner of the elevator and cowered behind his tome as this box moved and stopped at each floor.

 

[Valkan]

Agatha Brandt

Agatha took a couple of steps back. Seeing as before she was noticed, more people came into the room. Van was among them. She was still committed to the act regardless. She struck as Alec was busy talking. Needless to say, the surprise had landed amazingly well, more than she would have liked actually. This is the man leading the group, after all.

It made quite a bit of sense to answer Alec's question, first and foremost. Agatha stood in a midpoint between a rigid stance and a casual one as she spoke, she was off the clock anyway. And with no underlings to be the example to. "Sergeant Agatha Brandt, New Munich Police Department" she then sighed. "... Or at least I was, until I was transported into this mess". Her face, which showed a bit of tension, relaxed into a smile "Not that it matters here. Just Agatha Brandt is what I am here" She extended her right hand towards Alec, waiting for a handshake "Sorry if that prank was not to your taste, Lieut... Rather, Leftenant Duggan, I wanted to test you a little".

Agatha took a glance around the room. It was filled with technology years beyond what she was used to, and it made sense, given the fact that it was designed for matters related to Multiverse travel. Then her gaze scanned the other people in the room. There was Van, an eastern-looking warrior, what looked like a full cyborg (unlike a partial one like herself) named Oliver, what she had to agree with Alec on looking like a hobo (not a very professional comment, but this wasn't her room to speak), and a literal child with a rifle. Quite a colorful bunch. She hoped this all went smoothly.

Agatha glanced over to Van, and catching his field of vision, she smiled and nodded his way.

 

[noob13241]

Van- Freeloader in Cyberdrunk
Alec would only get a blunt three-word answer that both explains everything and nothing at all. "It was easier." All the context clues were there to fill in the blanks of it, but it certainly wasn't a good answer regardless...although the blank absolute stare the boy gave him with that answer gives little room to speak back against his reasoning without making a fuss over things.

And as he walks off space jitters out of his limbs, Van looks around at the others in the room, recognizing...just about everybody there.
Most were part of the same group to take the station, but others were familiar with having also had a mission in taking control of the place too. And the one exception to that is Agatha, who he's already met, nodding in her direction in reply to her own...

No, he feels like there's still someone here.

While his 6th sense might not be the most adept, there's still a point when someone is overwhelmingly aware of others to the point where someone paying attention can sense it...but looking around the room, there's nobody particularly obvious, and Alec would've addressed them otherwise...

It's at this point he connects the dots as he turns to the open elevator doors and walks to the cowering person within. Standing a few steps from entering, there's a firm question from the taller boy, with annoyance at the vibes Voláre gives off causing him to raise his voice to be as stern as his own stare, all aimed at the hooded boy.

"Are you joining or not?"

 

[FACELESSFACESFECKINGFLYING]

Idan Graves - Oh Lord, give me sobriety, but do not give it yet!
Idan snicked at the disruption, taking a small bit of punitive delight in Alec's surprise. 'What right did'e have to call ME - of all the freaks aboard this station - weird?' Idan thought to himself, slightly frowning before shaking it off his face.

As the presumably(?) German woman introduced herself and began looking around the room, Idan started to feel a little self-conscious about his rags and wraps. On the streets of Brockton Bay, looking like a beggar meant being ignored (unless you happened to be the wrong-color of beggar in Nazi territory) - but here on an interdimensional space-station, filled with capeshite, and under this woman's scrutiny? Idan couldn't help but feel a little underdressed.

.Somethin' I can fix later.' Idan thought to himself, suppressing any lingering doubts before he casually walked towards Alec and Agatha. Turning towards Alec, he introduced himself. "M'name's Idan Graves. I dabble a little somethin' in improvised demolitions. Not much of a fighter, but I've been 'round the block a few times 'nd know when to cut ties - if ya catch my drift. Truth be told, I'm goin' a bit crazy locked up in this little metal hellhole and I'm wonderin' what exactly do you mean by 'Planetary Scouting'?" He finished with a curious look.

 

[BazusoTheGrey]

Fifth Grade Fixer - Oliver
Oliver gave a light snort at the prank pulled on Alec and the miffed reaction coming from the rat right next to him.

When the rat walked up to Alec and the new girl to introduce himself, Oliver decided to follow up on his line of inquiry. Walking up to the group, Oliver slid into the conversation and casually pointed a mechanical thumb toward Idan. "What he said, a few more details on what we'll be doing or for how long we'll be out would be nice." He let the follow-up question hang for a second before he realized that out of all the people in the room, he only interacted with two of them. Hell, he even neglected to talk to the people he rode the elevator with. After mentally palming himself on the face, Oliver decided that now was better a time than any to introduce himself.

"Oh, yeah." He started, pointing a finger at Alec, "As he said, I'm Oliver, Fifth Grade Fixer of Downpour Office, 'Your friends on a rainy day.' A pleasure to be working with you guys." Finished with his introduction, he also extended a hand, more toward Agatha than Idan. The way she carried herself reminded him of his workmates back in the Zwei. He didn't know what a 'Police Department' was but it sounded close enough to 'Fixer Office' that he felt obligated to treat her with more respect.

 

[Wade Von Doom]

"Well, you tested me, well done. Is your prognosis that scaring people scares them? Because that's some grade A scientific research there, doctor," he remarked in a sarcastic, aggressive voice. He was already regretting making himself the point man on this mission.

"I'm thinking of finding a planet and scouting ahead to see if we can get any supplies on it. See, this whole system here," he pointed to the console for Idan and Oliver, "is completely out of my range of expertise, and until we can understand how this place travels exactly, not to mention the only one who could run this for us, our friend Wheatley, shorted himself out just from the quick jump we made to escape our robot friends, we're not going anywhere." It was at that moment, Alec noticed someone standing behind the others, as her short stature made Alec completely overlook her while addressing the others.

Anri. He didn't actually see her come in. ".... Uh," he bent himself to the side a bit to get a better look at her. "Whose kid is this?" He asked everyone

 

[FACELESSFACESFECKINGFLYING]

"Whose kid is this?" He asked everyone

"Oh! No worries 'bout 'er. She's good." Idan quickly assures Alec, before scratching at his chin. "Little absentminded 'ere or there-" He continues. "-but she knows how to use that tinkertech rifle of 'er's real well - nearly took out a giant fuckin' whirlwind of metal death with it." Idan vouches for the young girl, thinking back on how she handled the crazy situation from before. "Also, she's been real calm about the whole deal. Never cried or cracked. Though..." Idan trails off, as he attempts to think back on what he witnessed while being choked out. With his voice lowered in a whisper, he continues. "I think she might 'ave some sort of eatin' problem. 'Member 'er eating somethin' weird, but I can't quite place what."

 

[Valkan]

Agatha Brandt

Agatha chuckled dryly, "Make of that what you will, boss" She decided to not to comment on the fact that he was too open and relaxed for the leader of such an operation. Maybe she was still quite good at her job? Whatever, this was not her ship to sail. And regardless, this made her distrust the man in a combat situation. Who knows, maybe when push comes to shove, he will not present himself as a huge target. Until then, Agatha wouldn't trust her back on him.

More people came to introduce themselves, The one in ragged clothes was an "improvised demolitions" person, which to Agatha sounded more like an arsonist. And somehow, she felt more backed up by him than by Alec.

Questions about their mission were asked, so Agatha saved her breath. That said, the cyborg came to introduce himself. He felt even more reliable than Idan. His introduction inspired confidence in her. It also made her think that whatever a "fixer" is, has military implications. Agatha moved her stretched her hand away from Alec, and hook Oliver's. With a brief smile, she told him "Looking forward to working with you as well"

It was around then that the details of their job were explained. A supply run to a nearby planet. Sounded simple enough, but there were details that still remained unanswered, such as "Do we know what we're dealing with down there?". The leftenant noticed the girl at that moment, nearly blowing another fuse by the looks of it. Idan vouched for the girl... in a peculiar way. Agatha checked the girl, as well as her rifle up and down a couple of times. "I believe Idan. She's a tough one." Before anyone could object, and by anyone she meant Alec, Agatha added "A child soldier knows another one of their own. Or at least, she has the guts to be counted as one."

 

[Otomos]

Chika was somewhat relieved that no one had approached her in a wholly direct manner. She knew none of them, and so they needed not interact with her unless absolutely necessary. It allowed her to understand their connection from an observational point of view. That proved to be a bit too easy, as it boiled down to a group of people she was used to fighting alongside. People of varied personalities, some lax, some overly tense, some relaxed, and some just flat out confused, all of whom having little to no actual connection to each other. It was just as it was back home, except there lacked a drunk man teetering his way to battle and surviving, though Chika had a feeling that was going to happen somewhere along the way soon. The only differences were that there was a person hiding from the rest, and thre was also a literal child in their ranks.

First, she'll focus on the child. It was a little girl with enough energy to put off even the spirits around Chika. The child had with her a weapon, which was a concept the samurai couldn't really fathom. A child with an actual weapon, going out to perform an actual duty rather than train and learn until she was old enough to understand it? She will not even attempt to ponder what world would give rise to one such as her.

As for the other, he seemed more like the priority. His presence means that he wished to join this expedition, but his retreat indicates a fear of everyone else. Of everyone here, he was the only one she could not read, as his refusal to interact denied any hint of personality towards the others. Regardless, he had mustered up the courage to show up at all. It would be a shame to let it go to waste. Chika also approached the one hiding in the large metal box. She didn't know how to converse, but this did not require discussion.

"Join the rest. Preparations must be made."

 

[Girania the Knightess]

It's Just Really Great to Be Here Right Now
Anri

Despite what people may think, Anri really does pay attention to the details of the quest. It was just a stop to resupply. Anri always found small tasks such as this to be very important, as Captain Evelyn explained that such tasks were the main support on which any large group depends on. Wood rots away, food spoils, and the smithy runs out of metal eventually. It was very important to ensure that the resources available do not run out. Anri knew this, and was excited. Granted, the resupply is being done in foreign territory with unknown obstacles undoubtedly waiting to ambush them, but Anri didn't mind. As Kaathe would say, 'don't try to plan for the surprise, just be ready for it'! Or something along those lines.

When the guy that called for volunteers finally noticed her, suddenly she became a small point of attention. Mr. Person-she-doesn't-know was confused, but Idan attempted to vouch for her ability with a compliment. He didn't seem to remember what she ate a while ago. While Anri had decided to remind him, a new stranger also commented on her. The lady said that she recognized Anri as a child soldier, which was true! One of many that had joined or were pulled in to fight for survival or risk certain annihilation of everyone and everything they knew and loved…Okay, that was more similar to Cythlla's way of saying it, but it fit the description. Anywho~!

"I'm Anri, Templar from the Order of the Dawn Covenant! I ate a magic crystal, and I met a friendly shadow and it gave me a gift!"

Anri introduced herself with the usual cheer with a hint of loud volume and light garnish of craziness. This was because she got to make new allies again. She invited them to introduce themselves, and become her companions/superiors by saying,

"Please tell me what your names are so I can know who I'll be working with."

 

[Wade Von Doom]

Oh, there were so many things wrong with Anri being here. As the professional adult man that was Alec, (supposedly,) quickly realized there was no way he was going to let a 'child soldier' be a part of this team. "Oh!... Well, uh, hi Anri! I'm Alec!" He introduced himself to her, "And that sounds like it was a lot of fun!... And, uh, yeah, I imagine all of what happened down below in this place was really scary and stressful. But, we'll make sure you don't have to go through anything like that again while you're with us!"

He then looked up to Agatha and Idan, "We're not bringing her with us," he told them both, keeping his tone a little lower so Anri wouldn't hear.

 

[BazusoTheGrey]

After shaking Agatha's hand, Oliver turned around when Alec noticed the kid with the big-ass rifle and decided to take a step back and assess her before introducing himself to the little thing.

Quick fact, Oliver really didn't like dealing with kids. Not only were they a pain in the ass to bodyguard (Specifically the well-off ones) but fighting against them (Specifically Backstreet kids) racked up a surprising amount of casualties amongst his colleagues. That was because of two reasons. Either they went easy on the little bastards because they don't expect a Syndicate or Rat brat to be as vicious as they are or the kid they ran across was a juiced-up experiment from one of the Corps. Oliver was familiar with the former reason, it's why he managed to survive long enough to become a Fixer in the first place.

The kid, or Anri, was likely the second reason then. The expensive-looking rifle, the vouch from Idan and Agatha, and the off-hand comment about weird shit practically screamed Syndicate or Corp experiment.

Oliver never fought alongside a kid during his Fixer career (his Rat days don't count) but judging on his experience fighting some of them she'd probably make good ranged support, just gotta make sure no one gets close, kids are easy to kill after all.

Before he could introduce himself, Alec began to yammer out an introduction to the kid before making the executive decision to not bring her on the mission for some reason. That sounded like a dumb idea so Oliver decided to raise his own opinion.

"Any exact reason why we're not? Scout mission or no, a rifle like that would help a bunch if things get even remotely dicey, and she seems well-trained for that sorta thing." Oliver said this in a regular tone of voice directed toward Alec, he didn't see the point of keeping himself down. "If the concern's cause the kid's squishy or something, I could watch her back. I've got a good amount of experience as a bodyguard."