Animus - A Job to-be well done

Alliances and Teamwork bring upon most precious results. Whether it be in historical events, scientific advancement or just the simplicity of day to day life. If there are people by your side, it will usually make things easier. Safety of the public is no different. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And giving out a bit to receive a lot, that is something which will show its use when the time is right.

"Okay, whatever I'm in trouble for, I'm sure Jason did twice as much!"

Derek defended himself the moment he and Charlie stepped into Herrmann's office. Almost suffocating on the amount of expertise this singular room emitted, both of them dropped onto chairs in front of the higher ranking's desk.

"And if I'm being honest, he wasn't that much of a trustworthy guy either! I mean have you seen his desk? If you are going to expel me from duty for this, then at least make it for the both of-"

"This isn't about you and Jason's occasional brawls in the parking lot."

Well, it was enough to shut Derek up, for the time. Herrmann had yet to seat himself, however his posture tensed a bit, recalling the idea that even got the three of them to be ending up in this conversation.

"Surely you've heard, with the increasing activity of criminal rates, involving Animus-Tech, things are becoming a bit dire."

"Is this about the assumed terrorist organization?"

Charlie pointed out, and while he was spot on, Herrmanns expression showed all too well that Charlies smart quipping was not fitting for this situation. He continued.

"Lately more and more people have reported incidents regarding these events and occurences. It's no longer just small packs, it is outright planned assaultment, even to us! Public Security is running the risk of being scorned down! That is.. if we don't do something about it."

Finally, he had found the way to his seat, dropping onto it as if holding himself up was already too exhausting. Herrmanns gaze pierced both Derek and Charlie respectively. His expression screamed distrust. Almost as if to ask 'Why would you do this?' in the most doubtful tone he could come up with.

"If we don't act now, we might never. I've had thorough discussions with Ahab regarding the case, we came to the conclusion that..."

It was visibly challenging for him to overcome the doubt that was holding his words in.

"That the two of you will be taken into the investigation. We need spirit and strength to find out who and where these strings are being pulled exactly. Which put you two on the agenda."

Silence followed. Derek was visibly shook, Charlie seemed to be holding mixed feelings. Excitement to be able to act in such a poweful demand, but also insecurity. Considering he was barely out of training, this job seemed a bit heavy for him. Trying to word out his concerns, he was interrupted by Derek, who covered his own mouth, as if trying to prevent Herrmann from hearing even a word.

"You gotta be kidding.... like... no, seriously. You cannot be serious, Herrmann."

"Do I look dishonest to you?"

"Well, I'm sorry, but what do you suppose we do?! Walk out into the streets 'Oh, hey! Are you part of a terrorist organization?'. Have you completely lost your mind?! I barely qualify for detective cases as is and rookie here?! He can barely hold a gun to defend his name! No offense."

"Yea, thanks-" - Charlie threw in

"Look, I know this is sudden and seems overhwelming. And I certainly have my doubts about this, too. But if Ahab-"

"Oh throw that over board! Ahab?! Sure, he is a great officer and by the pope he did some mass acts. But this?! As much as I hate being criticised on the work I do, this does not roll! You got that? I ain't doing this!"

"And just what makes you think you can pass this down?! You are duty bound, Derek! You signed the contract and swore an oath! You can't just stand down on that because you get soft knees!"

The discussion between the two just got more and more heated, with each argument Derek threw, Herrmann gave him three others. It was as though they had forgotten there were actually three people in the room. That was until...

"Well.. what do we have?"

The sound of Charlies voice startled them both. As they looked at him, he as well was now standing upfront, instead of quietly sitting in his chair. Derek put a hand on his temple, sighing as if trying to avoid yet another discussion. Herrmann, however, followed suit of Charlie, hoping it would hold effect.

"We don't know much. Only that the three from monday seem to be related, alongside some minor information in the city. But we found someone adept in Animus Technology. We think she might be able to help us out in these dire times."

"Wait, so we are getting an actual, full blown Observer?"

Dereks question was not too out of the blue. Observers have always been the most proper case of investigators from a direct science location. If we were to get an observer on our side, this may actually be possible. But the hopes of the duo was quickly shot down.

"We are not working with an Observer. The Lead did not cast this case as yet stable enough."

"So... a Full-Stop Officer maybe? I heard they had Animus development ties as well"

"True, true. But no, no full stop either. We came to the conclusion that this... Kaelen will suffice."

Silence. Long, dreading silence. Then.

"You're kidding. You know, if you're serious then I just lost the last shred of respect I still had for you."

"Call it insane, but it is the best bet we have. She has no place of residence and traverses the city day by day. If someone is familiar, it's surely her. Or at least there's a chance... Plus, she has an Animus and is capable of using it. As long as you don't brag about this like you did when you started here, Derek, you should be fine. No?"

"I can't believe it. I honestly cannot believe it. You throw us into the ice, want us to basically start from square one, all the while taking care of some homeless tramp?! Hilarious! Actually hilarious!"

Derek left the office before another word could have been said aloud. Charlie still stood in the middle of it all, once again contemplating if this is the right thing to do. But ultimately, if he manages, IF he even makes an ounce of progress, it would significantly influence his standing, no? Plus, proving that all the while these things weren't for nothing. In the end, there were only advantages.

"I'll talk him over."

"No need to, Charlie. He'll come on his own, he always does. I'll try to get into contact with the Magic Territory Protection Union. We might not be able to convince Full-Stop, let alone the Lead. But I know someone who regulary comes by. She will help us."

"So.. I am dismissed?"

Herrmann looked up from his desk, as he was about to reach for his phone. He thought for a moment, then handed Charlie a file, a key and a photo.

"Here's all the information we have, regarding this Kaelen-woman. Alongside a photo of her usual hideout spots. The key is for the archive, you'll find the rest of the intel regarding this case in there. Just make sure to lock back up."

With another sway of his hand, Herrmann hereby dismissed Charlie for the time. As the youngster left his superiors office, Derek was already gone. His seat empty. Well, nobody said it was gonna be easy, right? At least they had something to start with. Now, how do you find this Kaelen?

"What..? Why did they...?"

It would always hurt to see an increase in pricing, even with well paid jobs and good economy. It was getting exhausting. But this? This wasn't good, at least not for Kaelen. That bottle of Sparkling Aqua she wanted to get? Seems to have grown in pricing. 2 Eryon now, instead of the usual 1,75. That's almost 15% just overnight. So much for getting some good water to drink. Another piece of dry bread it is then, at least it will satiate, even if she'll thirst out. 

The city felt no different then it did yesterday. Yet, Kaelen had this odd feeling that something, somewhere was influenced. But what it was, she couldn't quite grasp yet. She still had to relish that she actually got out of that dilemma of a night on Monday, barely 12 hours ago. She even got to keep her Animus, despite all other factualities. Maybe having had a name was not that bad after all, even if it didn't pay her food. And speaking of food.

"If I really think about it.. why did I even buy this? I could have bought something else to drink. At least something, anything! God damn it! Why am I so-?!"

Without thinking further, she threw the bag of dry bread against the next lamp post, some of the passerbys giving her confused looks while she sank to the ground, burrying her face in her hands.

"I'm thirsty.. I'm tired... I'm cold... And now I'm stupid, too."

The crumbs of bread were already scattered infront of her, Pigeons coming from all sides so that they may claim a piece of this delicious treasure. Kaelen, on the other hand, lacked drive or strength to coosh them away, simply stiffening her posture as she now leaned against the lamp post herself, still in a rather sitting position. Her hands thrown over her knees, her eye staring at the birds, fighting for her 'hard earned' bread.

"No, no don't think like that. This is only fair. This is what you deserve, you're supposed to-"

"Hey, you!"

She recognized that voice, almost in an instant. Her eye snapped wide open, her muscles tensed up, but she didn't dare to turn towards whoever was talking to her.

"You're... Miss Brandon, right? I'm from Public Security Investigation & Defense and I-"

He was still talking, that was her chance. With a quick motion, she threw the bag of bread towards the officer before making a dash for the next alley. Why were they back? She didn't do wrong. She stayed out of trouble. Why now?

The officer wasted no time following, now both of them running through the bright alleyway. Trash, poles, fences, didn't matter. The feeling of a dry throat and the growling of a stomach had no effect on the rush of adrenaline that allowed Kaelens legs to function at full capacity.

"Stop! Public Security! God damn it.. why are you running anyway?! I only have some questions!"

"I told you all I know! Now leave me alone!"

She didn't intend to stop, hell she didn't even consider slowing down except it was for blocking the way. Throwing over trashcans, closing fence doors or simply to throw something. But as soon as the alley started, it ended just as fast. Now finding herself in the open, on the main street of the shopping complex, Kaelen had to improvise, and fast. That's when it occured to her.

"The mall! Many people, many walkways!"

Given, it could backfire heavily, but what other choice did she have? And whoever it was catching up, she had to make quick bets rather than long theories. Running through the automated door of the big shopping building, she found herself amidst countless of people of way higher standard. She would stick out, but it might work. Just behind her, the officer, though now taken aback by her strategy to disappear in the crowd. Given, it did take him a couple of minutes to spot her on the escelator a few meters apart.

"You! Stop! I need to talk to you! It's important!"

"I said leave me alone! I don't know about these guys! I am not with them!"

Assuming this situation regarded the events of the former night, Kaelen squeezed past the other customers, the officer preferring to take manual stairs instead. Crossroads, go left and try to surpass him? Go right but run into a dead end? 

"Legs, don't fail me now..."

Left it was, and just in time. As just as she passed the staircase, the man in uniform had just reached the staircases peak. Now it was back to a close call, one chasing closely after the other before Kaelen turned into a perfume store. Disgusting smell, if she had to be honest. But maybe this uncomfortable feeling stemmed from the dry exposure of her airways, coughing as she reached the other end of the store. 

"Stop! Hands up! Don't move!"

And the dead end she wanted to avoid. So there was no way around it after all. Slowly, the woman turned around, looking at the officer with a shakey eye and trembling lips. But... he didn't even point a weapon at her. Was he that stupid? Given, at least she recognized his face. The youngster who was with the other one, in the dark alley. 

"Finally calmed down?"

He asked, but Kaelen didn't answer. Her hands slowly hanging loosely by her sides. For a short moment, relief. Then another rush! As she leaped over the counter of the store, aiming to make a run for it while he couldn't stop her. Her plan was immaculate, there was enough space and he visibly didn't react properly, this was her chance to-

"Ouch!"

But just as victory was in her grasp, the management door of the store opened, blocking the small exit passage of the cashier counter and Kaelen running head first into it, before being thrown back by her own impact, collapsing onto the ground like a dog, as she curled herself up, her hands protectively covering her nose as she groaned into herself.

The light of the old warehouse flickered as the sun set on the horizon of the city. Bustling with activity, crates, boxes and bags were carried in and out of the old industrial building. It's visual representation showed its weariness, looking like an abandoned hideout that hasn't been restructured in years, yet people seemed to be working left and right. Well, there are reasons for this of course.

"Watch it! We don't want any of these things to go to waste. It was already hard enough to get our hands onto these things, so at least try to handle them with care, would ya?"

The pipes smoke creeped through the cracks, windows and open doors of the old warehouse. Wolf stood amidst some of the boxes, his henchmen had brought inside of the building. His grin wide and ugly, as he observed his henchmen carrying the different components around. 

"I shouldn't even be involved in this.. this was not supposed to happen..."

"Oh, Earl! You're missing out on the great parts of life, if you always hunch back the moment it gets a wee-bit challenging! Grow some spine."

Jumping off the crates, Wolf found himself next to the victim of his 'Persuasive artistry'. Despite his attempt to rebel against the 'offer' of the gang leader, Earl really could not grow a spine and instead let himself get dragged back into it. A life he initially wanted to forfeit forever.

"Why even? What are you aiming to do with all these Animus? Wouldn't it be smarter to just acquire finished ones instead of going through the trouble of taking dissasembly parts?"

Wolf laughed, visibly shaking Earl with the sudden, loud tone, before wrapping an arm around the old mans neck.

"You're right, Earl! Usually we wouldn't meddle with parts and bits and instead just go for the whole thing. But times have changed, we are no longer just aiming towards some weaponization, we want to make it big this time!"

"Big this time...?"

"Aren't you curious about the Dark Flame? The Sunblight? The Maneater?"

Ancient Magicians, often referred to as 'Cursed Ones'. They have made themselves known throughout the world, due to their immensely high concentration of magic, alongside tragedies that often followed them.

"What kind of maniac would be curious about the Sunblight Day? Let alone the Dark Flame Incident?"

"We. My men, the big boss, myself. Animus has grown so much in the past decade and yet, we still cannot imagine to replicate true, ancient magic like the cursed ones. Instead, people are shoved around, following their teeny little tracks, whilst we could already make history! And history is supposed to be fun!"

"So you want to create an Animus that.. can replicate ancient magic, just because you feel like it?"

"Because we'll finally be able to change the world in a meaningful manner, we want to stick to the facts here."

Change the world, in some form or shape. It's a natural desire many people hold, a side effect of nature that developed with our magic components. However, how this desire is executed differs from person to person. We all change the world in small, meaningful things, but some aim to take it above the threshhold. Even if it means pulling people into the pit of Inferno.