zero.sum [M] | Chapter 7: Blackguard Division
Jun 16, 2019 3:35:49 GMT -6
Post by fen on Jun 16, 2019 3:35:49 GMT -6
The pilots made their way to the briefing room. The meeting was the first in a while, and upon arriving they were greeted with their ever so familiar captain and her right hand man. Adamaris had moved beside one of the podiums, while Jack sat nearby. There were a few other people present too, but they were spread amongst the backseats with the pilots. Some maintenance, bridge, and other members.
The display before them showed them a map of Arizona. Though collectively referred to as “the States”, North America had long since become a huge northern bloc for the ESU, collectively encompassing Canada and Mexico. During the pre-colonial days, these were separate nations with concrete national identities, but 400+ years later and the cultural tides have shifted. Some areas have much in common with others, some have nothing. Their strongest ties are their economic ties, and this continues down towards the southern bloc of the ESU, making up the entirety of south America. Though there is more of a cultural divide between the north and south, many treat the two areas as one when visiting.
Arizona (colloquially referred to as the ‘burning state’) was a bit of an odd mix of old and new. Fully and partially domed cities stood tall, and bustling mega-streets formed bridges between these cities, connecting for transportation and trade. Much of the state was desert, with rainfall hardly occurring naturally. The domed cities were a response to this, being partially or fully climate controlled for the comfort of the states residents.
“It’s... nice to see everyone together.” Began Adamaris, looking out at the small collection of members of the Menaulion. Her tone was on the softer side today, though her expression still seemed as though she meant business. “You’re all here today because as much as we would like our work to be done, it is not. Cinco’s extracted more information, and part of this information has given us a lead on figures of interest.”
The screen shifted to show a video of Shanghai, it was the Kirin fighting the mystery machine. Though it only showed 3 seconds of footage, it constantly replayed the footage.
“We know enough that Dr. Euzone, Kamille Euzone, apparently has something to do with this machine, and it seems to be Martian linked. It doesn’t quite make sense why a wealthy man would want to participate in the war effort directly, but from our intel, it seems we may have a lead.”
The screen once more focused in on Arizona, though it zoomed in on a large domed city by the name of ‘New Prescott’.
“Our intelligence points towards another Martian agent operating in this area. Like the doctor, they seem to not be just any Martian, but someone with a lot of influence and money. Someone important. We don’t know who, or what sort of influence they carry- we only know that they are referred to as Karaka within these messages.” There was a pause as the screen brought up information on influential and super wealthy figures in the area, but as far as they could tell, they were all Earth born.
“From what we can garner, it seems that this Karaka figure is preparing some sort of preemptive attack on ESU infrastructure in an attempt to show us that we can be hurt, no matter how well-guarded we think we are.” The screen zoomed out, showcasing the entire state, but highlighting New Prescott and the expanse of desert nearby.
Adamaris sighed, rubbing her forehead. “We have… A basic plan, right now, but admittedly this will not be a cut and dry operation by any means. We are in a unique position where we can act on this information without alerting… Whoever this person is via the usual channels.” By the way she spoke it was clear that though this was the first the crew heard of such an operation, the captain had already spent much thought on it. It was not going to be easy. Folding her hands together, she let out a deeper sigh.
“...my plan is twofold. The first will involve seeking out this figure. We know they’re in the area of New Prescott, and if they’re hyper wealthy, they’ll only have so many places they can go without sticking out. Our goal is to find them.”
She paused.
“To that end, I have arranged a… favor, using some contacts, to dock the Menaulion in Texas and acquire a mega-hauler. We can fit four of our machines in there, and you all will travel to Arizona. Each of you is uniquely skilled, and from your work in Shanghai… Well, I can trust you to get the first part done. The second will depend on what we can find out. We know there is something going on, but we don’t know the details. If it’s something we can stop then- good, you can use your machines, if not…”
The room was silent.
“...well, let’s hope it’s not.”
The display before them showed them a map of Arizona. Though collectively referred to as “the States”, North America had long since become a huge northern bloc for the ESU, collectively encompassing Canada and Mexico. During the pre-colonial days, these were separate nations with concrete national identities, but 400+ years later and the cultural tides have shifted. Some areas have much in common with others, some have nothing. Their strongest ties are their economic ties, and this continues down towards the southern bloc of the ESU, making up the entirety of south America. Though there is more of a cultural divide between the north and south, many treat the two areas as one when visiting.
Arizona (colloquially referred to as the ‘burning state’) was a bit of an odd mix of old and new. Fully and partially domed cities stood tall, and bustling mega-streets formed bridges between these cities, connecting for transportation and trade. Much of the state was desert, with rainfall hardly occurring naturally. The domed cities were a response to this, being partially or fully climate controlled for the comfort of the states residents.
“It’s... nice to see everyone together.” Began Adamaris, looking out at the small collection of members of the Menaulion. Her tone was on the softer side today, though her expression still seemed as though she meant business. “You’re all here today because as much as we would like our work to be done, it is not. Cinco’s extracted more information, and part of this information has given us a lead on figures of interest.”
The screen shifted to show a video of Shanghai, it was the Kirin fighting the mystery machine. Though it only showed 3 seconds of footage, it constantly replayed the footage.
“We know enough that Dr. Euzone, Kamille Euzone, apparently has something to do with this machine, and it seems to be Martian linked. It doesn’t quite make sense why a wealthy man would want to participate in the war effort directly, but from our intel, it seems we may have a lead.”
The screen once more focused in on Arizona, though it zoomed in on a large domed city by the name of ‘New Prescott’.
“Our intelligence points towards another Martian agent operating in this area. Like the doctor, they seem to not be just any Martian, but someone with a lot of influence and money. Someone important. We don’t know who, or what sort of influence they carry- we only know that they are referred to as Karaka within these messages.” There was a pause as the screen brought up information on influential and super wealthy figures in the area, but as far as they could tell, they were all Earth born.
“From what we can garner, it seems that this Karaka figure is preparing some sort of preemptive attack on ESU infrastructure in an attempt to show us that we can be hurt, no matter how well-guarded we think we are.” The screen zoomed out, showcasing the entire state, but highlighting New Prescott and the expanse of desert nearby.
Adamaris sighed, rubbing her forehead. “We have… A basic plan, right now, but admittedly this will not be a cut and dry operation by any means. We are in a unique position where we can act on this information without alerting… Whoever this person is via the usual channels.” By the way she spoke it was clear that though this was the first the crew heard of such an operation, the captain had already spent much thought on it. It was not going to be easy. Folding her hands together, she let out a deeper sigh.
“...my plan is twofold. The first will involve seeking out this figure. We know they’re in the area of New Prescott, and if they’re hyper wealthy, they’ll only have so many places they can go without sticking out. Our goal is to find them.”
She paused.
“To that end, I have arranged a… favor, using some contacts, to dock the Menaulion in Texas and acquire a mega-hauler. We can fit four of our machines in there, and you all will travel to Arizona. Each of you is uniquely skilled, and from your work in Shanghai… Well, I can trust you to get the first part done. The second will depend on what we can find out. We know there is something going on, but we don’t know the details. If it’s something we can stop then- good, you can use your machines, if not…”
The room was silent.
“...well, let’s hope it’s not.”