The Four Policemen (Open)

[Nemesis]

The United Nations
Moscow, Russia
December 12th
1:18 PM





"...and as such, it is my sincere belief that Orphan is not harming Earth's environment. Any claiming as such is nothing but wild speculation, the work of a handful of conspiracy theorists that seek to discredit the Reclaimers' noble efforts."

Dr. Gustav Clint flicked to the last slide of his presentation, which had been going for the better part of the past hour, dabbing a bead of sweat from his brow. Here, he thought, he was in his element - not being subject to catcalls or jeers from those that dared call himself his peers. No, today he was proving his research was more than the delusional ramblings of an older man - he'd even dyed his hair back to look the part!

"On the contrary, as is evident from the soil samples collected, Orphan is promoting the growth of vegetation across the planet. We expect the seismic activity will reside when Orphan has collected sufficient Plates to allow it to escape Earth's velocity..."

---

Meanwhile...

In a darkened side room, Rowena Koenig opened her eyes. The reassuring weight of her pistol was light against her chest, concealed in its holster. The League's agents were posted outside, making sure nobody got close to her, or her guest for that matter. Akira was undergoing some final medical evaluations, and once the old geezer talking about that crazy alien ship... or whatever it was... had wrapped up his spiel, it would be showtime. There was a vibration in her pocket, and a dull ringing filled her ears, interrupting her self-imposed meditation.

Drrrring.

Without even bothering to check the name of the caller, her finger tapped the screen, and brought the phone to her ear as she stared up at the ceiling, other hand reaching for a cup of coffee that had long gone cold, to look sullenly at its curdled surface.

"Talk to me." She said, dryly - whoever it was, to contact her here, of all places, meant it must be important.

 

[ShadowVigilante1]

“You’re not an easy woman to find, Miss Koenig. What with all the League’s red tape getting in the way of even finding a way to communicate with you.”

The voice of BAHRAM’s leader, Hellas Soder, came through. His voice spoke a bit slowly in a very clear tone to make sure she could pick up every word he has to say over the phone call. Why he opted for a phone call of all things is a mystery, but perhaps the hologram wasn’t working today.

“Before you drop the call, I have a proposal to make. And I will not belittle you like my old friend did when you first met, so I hope you refrain from shooting your phone as well.” She would hear a short pause as Hellas would cough a bit on the other side of the line. “Ever since your appearance in that peculiar LEV, we have done some digging on your… Frightners. Suffice to say, you appear to be lacking in resources or any strong financial backing. I am aware of the League’s stinginess, and as one visionary to another I would offer you schematics and supplies for a new Orbital Frame.“

He would pause once again to let his words sink in for Rowena. After which, he would then elaborate further. “You see, Orbital Frames are not meant to be alone, much like competing corporations, their strength is derived from rivalry. Whether you wish to pit them against each other in combat or in technological superiority, they are fated to grow stronger. Thus I would offer your Tempest an equal, a mirror opposite of sorts. Not only that, but the technological advisory of some of BAHRAM’s very own, undercover of course.”

Another pause, followed by a hoarse cough and the gulping of water. It sounded like she was talking with a very old man, when in fact it was more of a sickness. “But as brilliant that may sound, there is of course a catch. I am sure you are aware of the remotely controlled unit you encountered before scavenging the scene in Cape Town. That was not simply for show, we have an edited recording of it. Linking you directly to us. Refuse this offer and go on stage to mention BAHRAM’s involvement with the Jovians, or to overly accelerate the deployment of troops to deal with us and the Jovian colonists, then this footage will be released.“

”I have people to protect here, and I will not stand around while you send those callous men to kill my people.“

Another pause to let everything sink in as Hellas breathed deeply.

“So how about it? Partners?”​

 

[MKR]

A young man sat in the backrows, pencil in one hand a paper notepad in the other as the lead touched the processed tree. A mix of notes and a drawing next to them. He tapped the paper with his pencil as Clint continued, an hour about to be expected for one trying to convince the people in the world that actually mattered that their death satellite entering orbit in fact wasn't a death satellite but a smiley face one! It made him puke.

Yes yes Orphan could very well promote growth, and that was all fine and dandy for it and earth but that didn't prevent it from genociding the general populace on the way out. Be it intentionally, unintentionally or as a hobby on the side. Still he had to maintain face somewhat even if he was here as a hanger on for the Britannian representatives. Really though, this room was filled with people pretending. The representatives pretended to care, about this and about one another. The Doctor pretended that he was in his prime and everyone pretended as if the man in front was not publicly known as a terrorist leader until he became 'civilized'.

Oh he too was pretending but he wasn't pretending it wasn't hypocritical, if no one here pretended everyone would be dead or worse. No a little heart to heart was in order later, there were some things he had to know and second hand accounts would not do. No the most knowledgeable man on the planet on all matters Orphan stood there on the stage, its priest, pastor and thrall.

Iso Varedo looked down upon the drawing in his notebook, the notes beside it as well. Those were some questions he wanted some unfiltered answers to, not through some presentation tailored to make government bigwigs feel decent about permitting the Reclaimers to take plates, pat themselves on the back for inaction. No. Those answers needed to be pure, undiluted even by subconscious filtering.
He motioned to one of the guards escorting the Britannian entourage. Nothing resembling anything identifying on his person, closer to a toy soldier than a man.
"I would have some extended time to speak to Doctor Clint. Arrange it."

"Yes, my lord."
It helped he was there on 'their' behest, or rather by 'their' presence was he allowed to speak. Thus should something as this be simple enough to arrange.

 

[Nemesis]

"...upon leaving Earth's atmosphere, we believe Orphan, so long as it is well predisposed to humanity, will part with the excess Organic Energy it has accumulated, and return it to the planet before departing, with us in tow."

Dr. Clint glanced aside as a note was handed to him. He paused very briefly to read it, his brow furrowing as he glanced out at the crowd. Iso Varedo? Where had he heard that name before? Still, he couldn't quite lose his focus. He was on the home stretch - just a couple of bullet points more...

"Our genetic material will travel with Orphan to distant stars, to complete the work of the Protoculture. While I do not expect those present to sympathize with or even understand our mission, all we, the Reclaimers ask is to be left in peace to return Orphan to space."

The lights in the auditorium flicked back on, and scattered applause broke out. A voice crackled over a loudspeaker as the parliamentarian spoke, saying:

"We would now like to open the floor for questions to Dr. Clint."

---

Rowena blinked slowly in the gloom, her features lit by the screen as she processed the man's words. He sounded... sick. Dying, even. Metatron poisoning - she'd studied it as part of Testament's specs. The League weren't keen on a repeat of the Idolo incident by any means. After a moment of processing, she pinched the bridge of her nose, and gave a dry, measured reply.

"...So let me get this straight." She said;

"The vaunted leader of BAHRAM calls my personal line, practically begging me not to sic the hounds on him and his cult, and thinks he can threaten me?"

A throaty chuckle emnated from the Frightener's mouth. She'd heard of high stakes bluffing, but it took some serious stones to bluff with no hand.

"My alibi's rock solid. Akira's Denjin has footage backing me up and - most importantly - When it's your word against mine, I'm no terrorist. By all means, do your worst. When you and your cronies' carcasses are floating through space, you'll be wishing you'd done better. I hear the skeletons that soak up too much Kojima particles glow. Never seen it myself, but hey - sounds like we'll find out together soon, won't we?."

The thought put a smile on her face and she closed her eyes. Her head tilted back lazily on the couch she was seated on - a subtle gesture, but one that scanned the room for anyone else listening in. The corners of her lips crept up the side of her face.

"...Unless." She said, almost wistfully, trailing off tantalizingly before resuming, her tone more... amicable than before.

"Sounds like you're in lousy shape, Mister... Hellas, isn't it? Your messiah isn't too kind to the flesh, I hear. You got any kids? Grandchildren, maybe? Someone you'd like to see grow up, rather than vaporized?"

 

[ShadowVigilante1]

Of course he expected this rejection. The evidence they had was lousy as it was and the lack of intel on this new Frightners group was hampering them quite a bit. But nonetheless, he was hoping for a more civilized conversation such as this without all the pointing of knives.

“I had someone I considered a daughter once… she was the daughter of Idolo’s test pilot in fact. But my friend took her from me and her mother. All he cared about was progress, he… lobotomized her. Now… Now I’m simply a man fueled by what’s left of his passion for his people. But even if I handed them over to you, the world you live in will see them as nothing but terrorist scum to be wiped off the face of civilization.”

As his tone intensified, he would let out a wet sounding cough, the sound of blood spewing forth as he coughed it our and into a trash can next to him. He would sigh as he felt his throat clear. IT willed him to stay, to stay inside that monolithic machine named after a deity.

“I know not how much longer I can keep it’s tendrils from clawing at my mind so listen well.“ Hellas could be heard fixing his posture behind the phone. “Time is running out. Not for BAHRAM, not for the League, not for Jupiter, but for humanity as a race. Having met a Jovian face-to-face, and the existence of the Protoculture, you already know there is more to this universe than meets the eye. While I will not…” He would suddenly cough again, a bit subdued this time. “…or rather cannot speak about this in full, It’s will is already in play. In time, each piece will play its part, even me.”

“Yet there is one whose fate has not yet been decided. That is you, Rowena Koenig. You already hold one of the very tools that will deliver humanity to salvation. Accept my assistance and you could have another or two, no lousy edits to go along with it.”

 

[Nemesis]

At the mention of the man's daughter, Rowena's features noticeably shifted. It was all too easy to characterize the man as a lunatic grasping at straws... but, just as she'd been expecting, even he too had loved ones. A daughter? She mulled his words over in her mind... and, finally, spoke - her tone was different now, more... sincere.

"Putting it bluntly, Mister Hellas? At this rate, all of your people are going to die." She said, carefully.

"The League won't leave even a single brick standing when they're through with you. They've done worse to others, for much less. And when they're satisfied, they'll pry the Metatron from your fingers, and create something even worse. They're blood-sucking, power-hungry corporate parasites, and we both know it.

If you don't trust them... I don't blame you. I couldn't ask you to turn yourself in to them as they are right now, because it's as you say: you'd all be slaughtered."

She turned a pen over in her fingers, thoughtfully. It was another reminder that the status quo was untenable. Either this man was a very good actor, or BAHRAM were acutely aware of their suffering, and weren't quite the mindless zealots they'd been made out to be.

"You have a choice, Mister Hellas. You can be remembered as a cult leader who went down with the ship, ranting like a maniac to the very end... or, you can be a hero. The man who delivered his people from Metatron's grasp. The tragedy of Idolo doesn't have to be repeated. Things can be different this time."

There was a long, silent pause... before she added, quietly.

"...They have to be. I won't allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated. Two Animus models is sufficient. We sealed the second model away until we can find a suitable pilot."

The imagery of that black Orbital Frame, the Iblis, vanishing into the darkness sent a shiver down her spine. The Mindflow System... the sort of thing only the League could have manufactured. Hellas couldn't even begin to imagine just how closely the League had been flirting with an Idolo incident of their own in private. She pulled out a stylus, and began working over her prepared remarks, as an idea came to mind.

"...But, if you're willing to part with an older Frame of yours, that might just give us the push we need to make things better... And, I think I might know how."

 

[ShadowVigilante1]

Hellas simply listened to Rowena’s statements. All were true. The man power they had came straight from the Jovians. And he knew very well the League would slaughter them all in the name of cold and calculating business. But he knew there would be only one way this would end for him.

“I’m afraid it is too late for me not to be labeled as a maniac…” Hellas would let out a hoarse cough, which was followed by an even rougher sounding one. It sounded like he was coughing his lungs out. It would be followed by a deep breath in. “The deliverance of my people will have to fall on someone else’s hands. Yours or the boy’s.“ He said while referring to the young Runner working for Nergal. But it seemed like his time of consciousness was almost up. He had to wrap up this conversation quickly. “As for providing an older frame, I suppose the Neith should suffice. The closest to a mass produced C-Type we have. I’m sure Mons won’t miss it, what with his new toys lying around.”

“And thank you, Miss Koenig. I will send an agent to meet with you sometime in the future to arrange all this…” ​

 

[RagnaMail]

"We would now like to open the floor for questions to Dr. Clint."

A hand came up from the applauding crowd, slender and immaculately nailed. Getting the go-ahead the figure had a microphone passed to them and the figure stood up. A number of the people in the auditorium would recognize the honey-blonde tressed woman as she brought the microphone up to her mouth and began to speak.

"Thank you for your presentation, Doctor Clint. I am Annette Grandis, UN investigator and strategic liaison to Macross City. The presentation has been quite thorough but it raises a few questions. Firstly, even though Orphan is all the way out near the Hawaiian island chain earthquakes have been felt throughout the whole of the Ring of Fire that the United Nations has monitoring stations through. Reports from Britannia's Area Eleven, Macross City, and Arzenal have all confirmed that the intensity and frequency of the quakes is actually rising slightly. Could this discrepancy be due to the speed at which Orphan is surfacing? Moving that kind of mass is sure to cause instability and shifting pressures against the Pacific tectonic plate."

"...ʜϱυoʜɈ ,noƨioq lliɈƨ ƨi noƨioԳ .γɈiɔɒqɒɔ ɘldɒɘɔivɿɘƨ ɒ ni ƨɈƨixɘ lliɈƨ γϱolonʜɔɘɈ ɈɒʜɈ ƨmɘɘƨ ɈI .ϱniɈƨɘɿɘɈnI ..noɿɈɒɈɘM.."​

She was clearly more than a simple pretty face and quick trigger finger. Her slight and hard-to-place accent gave a refreshing lilt to her voice as she continued speaking. "This proposed 'Organic Energy' is another source of concern that I'm sure many here and elsewhere share. With recent history being what it is there have been numerous particles and phenomena displayed here on Earth and at the doomed Mars that while able to be quantified are also somewhat vague and ambiguous in their applications. The rise or resurrection of 'magic' here on Earth, Getter Rays from the late Doctor Saotome, the 'Spiral Energy' of the Beastmen in Africa... Metatron." The last word was said in a sly manner but with a clear voice. Her blue eyes were looking around for a few moments to see whose body reacted; the eyes of a predator for a moment or three before her gaze softened back to Doctor Clint.

"The problem with all these rays and sources and energies is that they must come from somewhere. It is a simple application of the laws of conservation of matter and energy. If as proposed Orphan were to siphon a sufficient amount of energy from the Earth's biosphere in order to fuel it's escape into the greater galaxy, that means conversely that the Earth would lose an equal amount of this energy; no? Some people may choose to go with Orphan and that is your prerogative, but what of those who remain; who cannot fit aboard as the Reclaimers do now? I cannot see in your presented calculations any method of compensating for this seemingly cataclysmic vampirism of what could only be considered something like globe-spanning bioelectrical energy."

Annette would likely be getting a number of highly quizzical looks at this point. She was famed as an investigator, a liaison, and a hunter in the halls of the United Nations. It would likely come as a shock that she seemed so well versed in matters of science. Those close by to her position where she'd been sitting would likely have noticed several printed bundles of paper with highlighted sections and annotated passages. Annette smiled with a professional warmth and nodded her head slightly to give him the go-ahead to respond to her inquiries.

 

[MKR]

An eye peered to the side, someone present had actual questions. How unusual, here he thought it was common courtesy to let the people on stage do their bit like a stand up comedian and then let them exit without causing too much of a fuss. Yet here it was, genuine scrutiny in a public setting. Frustrating that but also useful, for his part Iso would mentally applaud the woman throwing concerns at the man on stage but he would also see how he dealt with that lens on him.

All the energy sources listed, troublesome one and all. Aether was the least complicated and held the least complications the others, Getter Rays, Spiral Power and not least of all Metatron, he knew how that first one went a 'friend' of his showed him all he needed on the last which left the middle. Admittedly somewhat unknown to him but yet. The laws of equivalent exchange, it was truly a question how well Orphan adhered to them a question worth hearing the public answer towards.

He however would remain quiet, intent on listening with that curiosity. As long as this did not drag overly long he wouldn't complain but he didn't have all the time in the word. Ah speaking of the soldier returned, letting him know that the private meeting had been arranged. That was good, he waved the soldier off which returned to his place in the guard.

 

[Nemesis]

"It would be my pleasure to address the concerns of the U.N Liaison."

Clint beamed at the audience, evidently pleased that the woman had stepped up to the plate. Someone who had actually read his research! It was a valuable opportunity to correct some of the naysayers, and double down on the key points of his presentation. He steepled his hands and leaned forward, cocking one ear towards her and nodding at her questioning before responding, saying:

"...I cannot deny the possibility that the seismic quakes are being caused by the velocity of Orphan's rise. As mentioned, our current, working theory is that the quakes will subside once Orphan has fully exited the ocean. We are currently working with Britannia's finest scientists to find ways to speed this process along, hopefully reducing the amount of global quakes until then. Orphan is a quasi-organism with a mind of its own - we are observers, not controllers. Were it be we had the ability to slow its ascent, we would be more than happy to do so."

The only factor they believed to be important, he added silently, was the Plates. But even then, it was hard to tell whether correlation and causation were the same when dealing with a living, breathing organism such as Orphan. He had to select his words carefully, lest he be mistaken for some sort of beastmaster, rather than a scientist.

"While I'm no expert on many of the powers you described, there is one common quality that I find fascinating: that they all respond in varying fashions to human will. Organic Energy is no exception, and compared to those you cited, is far safer for the environment. The tragedy of Mars being rendered uninhabitable from Kojima pollution is something I believe does not need to be repeated.

What we've observed is that Orphan is "cycling" organic energy through it - to use a crude analogy, think of a feeder filter, such as a basking shark. Orphan also produces waste products, and sheds its exoskeleton like skin cells, which has dramatically restored the long-polluted coral reefs beneath its location. To call it vampirism, I think, the extraction of energy from one source to another, is far too simple to describe the complex process we've observed from within the entity, and which are documented in my latest research."

Now, he thought, he was starting to wade into the hypotheticals. He toyed with a pen between his fingertips behind the lip of the podium, feeling it roll between his fingers as he stretched his mind further from the concrete to the abstract.

"...what we do believe is that Orphan's mood, and its perception of humanity as a whole affect its behavior. When under stress, we have observed that it is more inclined to "hoard" organic energy as a defensive mechanism... though of course, this is merely a hypothesis. Orphan itself reacts to the thoughts and beliefs of those within its halls, as well as events occurring worldwide - naturally, we would seek to engender peaceful relations with it, rather than trigger what I am calling, for lack of better term, a reflexive absorption.

The entity's overall stress levels may be related to the hypothetical existence of the "B Plate". While mostly conjecture at this point... we believe Orphan to be searching for something. The term "B Plate" is merely meant as a placeholder, explaining the instinctive drive of our Antibodies to seek out and return Plates buried across the planet to Orphan. When I have more information available, I will be more than happy to share it with the assembly. I hope this answers your questions, young lady."

---

Meanwhile, Rowena had accepted the end of the call in silence, letting Hellas say his piece. Much of what he said would weigh on her mind... but, there would be time to mull it over later. She whispered something in the ear of one of the more trusted guards, who nodded and left to begin the process of preparing to receive BAHRAM's representative... and instead, Rowena folded her arms as she entered the main auditorium, listening to Annette's questions.

As the young woman looked about the room, she would have - just for the briefest of moments, met Rowena's unflinching gaze as the subject of Metatron emerged. It was only then that there was an almost imperceptible creasing of the brow - the look of one who was used to a poker face, but had nevertheless managed to be surprised.

Annette Grandis, is it? Thought the LCC's agent, tapping her thumb thoughtfully against her lower lip as her thoughts raced - all the while keeping her exterior cool as ice.

The dirt-huggers down here have their own intelligence agents... Was my room bugged?

 

[Tackle Jackie]

In the front row of the conference, Daichi Akira had been nodding along with Dr. Clint's lecture on this orphan fellow for a good long while, silently taking it in. Abruptly, Daichi stood up with his arm raised, only waiting a second before he started to speak.

"Have you attempted to connect with this Orphan mentally? Surely this planet must have Empaths or Psychics, yes? Why not assemble a number of peace minded psychics and have them establish a link with this being? Surely, if they respond to human willpower, having individuals who can interface with them directly would be safer than the alternative, yes?"

 

[RagnaMail]

Annette listened to the response, and the proposal by the man further up in the rows offering the thought of attempting telepathic communication. A slight and thoughtful semi-frown creased her face as she listened to the suggestions and comments before she took another breath and spoke in response herself.

"While the suggestion offered from the other gentleman here is a valid avenue to pursue I would advise caution to those involved. The last time any scale of psionic contact was attempted with an extraterrestrial entity it ended in great tragedy. I'm not suggesting that such an endeavour would fail as utterly as Alternative III's attempt against the BETA but I would advise caution on this front." The mention of the failed experiment would probably upset a number of people and sour them to the thought of that line of thinking but Annette continued undaunted by her own words. "I would posit that there may be a greater chance of success in this case however. The Reclaimers exist as living proof that Orphan will at the minimum tolerate prolonged human contact and interaction, unlike the omnicidal ravenousness of the monsters the BETA spawn. Perhaps you should check amongst your fellows at Orphan for anyone suitable to try and establish a link? Even mere empathic communication would be invaluable, as I'm sure you can attest as the leading researcher on the subject. All data is valuable to science, after all."

Annette's blue-eyed gaze turned and lingered on Rowena's face to see the slight crack in the poker face all corporate drones learned to wield like a shield and sword. Her pause in speaking and clear look to the woman preceded a momentary but clearly predatory grin with canines clearly visible. A wink ended the grin as her face immediately went serene once more and she turned towards Doctor Clint. Let her sweat a little. There'd be time to play with that potential prey later. This man warranted her attention more. After all, it was simply rude not to finish your meal before going to eat something else.

"As to Orphan's connection to Organic Energy, I believe you misunderstood my question Doctor. I wasn't questioning what's happening while Orphan is here on Earth. I don't dispute your assertions that it's helping the environment as part of it's processes, my concern is deeper. While it is here it is part of the ecosystem of Earth, and this 'reflexive absorption' is what I'm concerned about. It can effectively breathe in and out while on-planet, but what about when it leaves? To use an analogy that would perhaps be more apt, I am concerned about when it goes to swim among the stars it will take a deep breath of the biosphere of Earth, and given the physical limitations of the biosphere's boundaries it would be stealing air from a closed system. A potentially genocidal amount of air. This is what I meant by calling it vampirism, Doctor. Thoughts?"

 

[Kujo]

A heavy set man sat in the front rows, relatively alone compared to other delegates and their entourages. But of course, who needs company when you're practically in your second home? This man was William Blocker, one of the New United Nations Government's "big 5". He sat with his hands casually folded on the long table in front of him, eyes closed and nodding along to the UN representative when suddenly his eyes flicked open. Sharp, bright, youthful green eyes in contrast to the doughy and drab body they sat within.

"Excuse me, Ms. Annette, but I'd like to interject briefly." The round man sat up and adjusted himself, leaning forward. "While I do share some hopefulness with this proposed 'psychic solution', I'd like to bring up a situation from some time ago."

"Over three centuries ago, during the Unification Wars, the fledgling union that would become the United Nations Government unearthed an ancient machine and attempted to harness it to further their goals. I speak of the AFOS, or as some historically minded would say, the Bird Human. In attempting to utilize this ancient artifact, they unwittingly unleashed an entity that could have destroyed all life on this earth had the right man not been in the right place."

"The New United Nations government has made this record public not simply for transparency or posterity, but as a lesson. Hastily trusting in an ancient organism just because it lets you live for the moment and might achieve your goal, one which I may add has already been achieved several times over by Spacy fleets for the past few centuries, is simply asking for trouble."

- - -

It was hard to miss the presence of CHORUS in the room. Indra Mu Seraph, acting Chief Executive Officer of CHORUS and head of the OPERAs, sat tall and imposing in the middle seats in the official all white gown of a coat CHORUS heads wore. His stark white hair blending in with his robes, the only source of color on the man being his tan skin and piercing blue eyes. To the elder Coordinator's side were his two star OPERAs, Puraj and Halcyon in their prim and trimmed modified pilot suits, red and blue respectively and each with their own draping white cloaks hanging about their shoulders.

Much like how easy CHORUS was to spot, the contempt on Indra's face was plainly evident. Eyes half lidded, the man stared daggers at the doctor all through the proceedings. When finally came a suitable pause, Indra practically stood up with how he poised himself to speak.

"While it's good to hear you at least intend on leaving behind an Earth for the rest of us," a note Indra likely would have omitted had Halcyon not been present, "I would rather like to know what environmental benefits 'liberating' children from their rightful parents, sabotaging shipments of medical supplies, leaking personal information, and sending death threats to doctors and teachers has." Through this tirade, the man's pitch remained steady even through the severity of his speech.

"To this day, acts like these and more are committed by people who bear the name 'Reclaimer' and I would like to hear an explanation as to why."

 

[MKR]

Iso's eyes went to the front, ah a repeat of the failed Alternatives. Still in essence it was the correct idea but wrong. Calmly he rose from his seat, once more speaking to the toy soldier he had sent on an errand before.
"Fill me in when I return." Taking his coat under his arms he stepped out of the main room, into the many many hallways of the UN as the room behind him began to devolve from science into accusation. Sure the next topic was one that interested him but he could miss that briefing and still get what he wanted out of it. Not like he was in the place to do what he wanted regarding that here anyhow. He knelt down, laying the palm of his hand on the floor. Closing his eyes for a moment.

Ah there it was, he had selected the room for his meeting. This place was central enough but that room made everything just a bit easier.

As he paced the man couldn't help but chuckle some. Interact with Orphan through psychics, well it wasn't the Beta so it was a possibility though he wondered how off 'tolerate' was, after all the Reclaimers had intended to donate their being to Orphan so it could recreate humanity like this was the Ark of Noah leading to a new, fresh, garden of Eden across space. In a sense they sought to usurp the Protoculture's heritage by replacing it as progenitor of humanity across the stars. Because that had totally worked out every time and not backfired dramatically before.

In the meanwhile he directed one of the hallway guardians to direct the doctor towards his room of choice once he was off stage. An easy enough task.

The question in a sense, was how right did William Blocker have it. Did Orphan tolerate them or influence them to take humanity for itself or perhaps onto itself, ever since time immemorial has humanity itself grown stronger by incorporating diseases into its structure and now the question was if Orphan was doing the same to them. Taking their genetics to empower itself and craft defense mechanisms.

The mental effects were clear enough, one needed but look at the formation of the reclaimers after that initial survey to ponder if Orphan tailored them towards itself and he was leaning towards yes. A bland white door opened, room 177, a few chairs a table nothing special just a room for discussions. Here he would get to check his theory,

 

[Nemesis]

At the suggestion of having Psychics speak with Orphan, Clint scribbled it in his notes, nodding approvingly. The UN Inspector was harsh, it seemed, but not merely about tearing others down. The unfamiliar old man who'd raised the suggestion earned little more than a curious glace from the Doctor, as the temperature in the room began to rise, and the pretenses of solidarity and fraternity dropped.

As Annette pressed her point, Clint seemed to lock up in response, dabbing at the sweat on his brow anxiously. Sure enough she'd managed to hit upon exactly what his own concern was - but he had nothing to rebuff her with. He gave a visible sigh of relief when instead, Mr. Blocker raised his voice... and then felt himself scowl as he listened to the man's screed, comparing Orphan to the much-ballyhooed piece of movie-fodder called "AFOS" - the cold, clinical term used to demystify an organism that, thanks to the cruelty of men, would never again be possible to study.

"Had the UNG not been so quick on the trigger finger Mr. Blocker, perhaps communication with the Bird Human - to use its correct, culturally significant name - could have been possible. For all we know, your statements about it being a Protoculture weapon are nothing but propaganda to justify the slaughter of an innocent, scared creature not of this Earth!"

Sure enough, like an albino cockroach in a bag of candy, Indra Seraph - even the name was enough to get him going - spoke over the rising consternation, causing Clint to grip the podium as tightly as he would have preferred to seize the man's windpipe. He'd never been this close to someone who was, in essence, his polar opposite, and his response was both immediate and visceral:

"And as for you, Mr Indra, I refuse to tolerate personal attacks from a eugenicist. We, the Reclaimers, will never apologize for our unwavering support of birth equality - but, at the behest of her Highness Princess Louise Li Britannia, we have ended our long standing financial support of activist groups. You may see fit to send her your thanks, if your kind could fathom the concept of grati-"



He didn't get much further, as an ear-splitting mechanical screech ripped through the room's speakers. The kind that caused even those in mid insult to flinch, covering their ears in pain as tinnitus rang through their skulls. It was only for a second or two, but as Clint reopened his eyes, and waited for the ringing to stop in his ears, a new sound would have been heard.

Applause, slow and deliberate.

Clap.
Clap.
Clap.

Rowena lowered the mic from her phone, closing the recording of the screech as she stepped up on stage. She surveyed the room, eyebrows slightly raised in faux, light surprise, saying as she did:

"And here I thought I'd get a break from boardroom bickering. Those who say Earth and Space aren't that different after all... really don't know just how right they are."

Small men with big egos, thinking that without them the world just wouldn't turn.

"Dr. Clint's segment is up. I'm sure he will be happy to indulge you on his own time."

The Doctor, notes clutched protectively to his chest, looked back at Rowena, as if considering contesting her words... but instead, dipped out behind her, giving one final glare in the direction of Mr. Indra as he hurried into the back towards his appointment.

Behind the podium, Rowena settled in, looking like a black raincloud that had alighted upon the stand. Her voice was practiced and polished, as if she were used to giving these sort of addresses, and had refined it into an art that distilled its main points into as few breaths as possible.

"My name is Rowena Koenig. I represent the Large Scale Enterprises Central Committee, or LCC, the governing body of the Colonies... and today, I've been authorized to issue a joint statement for the League of Ruling Companies."

As expected, there was some muttering from certain corners of the audience, and she couldn't help but give a wearied smile. Even here, it seemed, their reputation for inaction preceded them.

"We are not, as you know, seated in this organization. My being here is a decision undertaken of my own volition, independent of political considerations. Out of respect for your time, and mine, I'll keep things brief."

Her eyes roamed the crowd like lasers, moving from Annette... Blocker... to Indra... and across the other scared, confused, or furious faces looking back at her. Her finger clicked the first reel on her prepared files, pre-loading it onto the screen behind her.

"No matter what your beliefs, where you hail from, or your genetic makeup... a new threat to all of us is descending to the planet as we speak. The slugfest can wait."

"These images were captured not even one day ago. A massive, organized force of unmanned machines emerged from a hidden Dimensional Gate, and attacked our L2 branch Colonies. As we speak, this same gate, called a Chulip, is entering Earth's atmosphere."

Another click - and sure enough, there was a live feed from a League orbital satellite, tracking the progress of an enormous, bulb-like object descending to the planet. Rowena folded her hands on the podium, her expression never betraying anything more than cool professionalism.

"By the time this presentation is over, it will have landed... and we will be in a fight for our lives."

She paused momentarily, to allow the thought to sink in. The exact location of the Chulip's descent hadn't yet been determined - but the projections displayed overhead showed it surprisingly close to the UN itself. Would they fight, she wondered, or flee? With politicians you always knew they'd scatter... but a few here? They had warrior's eyes.

"On the basis of what intelligence we've gathered... these forces originate from a previously unknown hostile Outer Heliosphere nation, calling itself the Jovian Federation."

 

[MKR]

The Britannian delegate put a hand against his forehead as the tirade began, this is exactly what he dreaded when the good doctor got on the stage, an inhale through his nose as he motioned to some of his escorts.
"Remove our guest from the stage ere he makes too much of an embarrassment of himself." And in turn of us, he mentally added. The soldiers saluted but before they could move the shrill sound rang through the halls. While through less cordial means the goal had been accomplished. He would have a moment of discussion with Clint after this should the man wish for any further opportunities to represent his views himself on that stage.

And now a bureaucrat from space, wonderful. A League corporate drone on the stage right after a Reclaimer, perhaps his father had been right when he had warned him as a young man 'the two places where one will see the silliest displays on a stage are the Circus and the UN and for both, one must clap to be cordial'. And so he did, applauding the Doctors shameful retreat.

He knew, hearing this presentation and seeing this display. The politicians back home were going to eat this up, twist the tale into one of the League's incompetence and then send those words into space. His eyes however, were on the dirt and soil beneath him and the men and women in the room with them here were what mattered for him. It was time to look for surprise and lack thereof from all corners.

On the other side of the rows of benches, a far older man clad in fineries of Erebonian make spoke up.
"Care you to explain, Ms. Koenig why the group you represent was unable to dispose or at least disable this Chulip." His accented voice came through the microphone before him. "Likewise where, pray tell, does your organization predict this Dimensional Gate will enter Earth's orbit and descend?"
With a soft click the microphone turned off, awaiting a response. If they had all been endangered, every man and woman upon the soil then there better be a good reason.

 

[Nemesis]

Dr. Clint, perhaps having had his fill of the spotlight for one lifetime, scuttled through the back corridors. Those bureaucrats! Politicians! They made his blood boil, set his teeth on edge - oh why, he thought, why had he thought they would listen? All they were concerned about was their own profits, how any situation would benefit them. With the planet in the hands of people like that, it was no wonder things were going to Hell!

At length, he unfolded the note presented to him at the podium. Iso Varedo... the name, again, scratched at the back of his memory furtively. He had no reason to turn the man's request down, of course... he represented not merely the Reclaimers today, but Britannia.

With a low sigh, he made his way toward the secluded back office, where matters of import could be discussed in private, notes tucked under one arm.

---

Rowena gave the Erebonian a grim smile. She flicked to the next slide, showing the shattered ruins of the former GA America HQ, now nothing more than desolate strips of metal and concrete drifting in the depths of space. Part of her wondered - would the outcome have been different had she been there? A murmur arose throughout the UN hall, and she raised her voice to speak above the crowd.

"We did try. The result has left hundreds of thousands dead."

The truth of course, she knew, was far more complicated than that. The League had been tight-lipped on the actual cause of what happened, but from even her own casual investigation, it had appeared for all intents and purposes that the Colony had detonated from the inside. She'd heard stories, of course. That GA had been tasked - or, perhaps more appropriately, bribed - into keeping hold of some sort of Martian artifact. Such things were not unheard of in the field of energy research, but that particular facility had always been off limits, even to her.

Better, the higher ups were thinking, to blame the entire incident on the Jovians until the matter could be properly looked into... and the fallout, of course, cleaned up.

"As far as where it's projected landing point is... Originally, it was to land near here, in Russia. Our efforts knocked it off course, and we're currently calculating its new trajectory. When I know, you'll know."