December Intro Log

[rekindlemods]

Who: Everyone
Where: The Welcome Center
When: 12th December, early afternoon
Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange place...
Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. NPC responses may be slow.

It's a shuddering breath, a sensation of being pulled to elsewhere and finding oneself pressed against something on the soft and some place cozy. However, before one can fully stir, there is and odd, warm stirring sensation that lifts you up from wherever you've been dropped, when you begin to drift off once more.

'I'm sorry for this... but we need your help.'

Yet the feeling -and the voice - pass quickly, and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It's a small room with what some might recognize as something akin to a Far Eastern theme when it comes to decor, from the walls to the sofa (or bed) you find yourself on. Illumination is provided by carefully crafted lamps, and even a red candle flickering on a nearby desk. The doors are made from paper and wood, with a thin frame; through them it's easy to hear other people stirring, talking, or coming to.

You are not alone...

On a small table beside you, there rests a note atop a manilla envelope (that oddly enough is enscribed with your name). Unfolding the note will reveal some answers in the form of a letter addressed to all arrivals.

Inside the manilla envelope , you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a map and informational guide to the city, and a second letter folded neatly on the top.

Odd... Neither were written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't make an exit on your own, there's a gentle knocking on the door as someone comes from downstairs to usher you along.

"Welcome to Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused or upset as to what's going on, but we promise to explain further once you've had a chance to stretch your legs!"

Whether you go downstairs immediately or linger a little longer, eventually you must come on down to leave the small space, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of warm and filling food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. It's just as well they're in good supply, as the windows to the outdoors show skies in an overcast condition, with a very noticible chill in the air once one steps outside.

On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign.

Irene, General Assistance
Andi, Technological Assistance
???

The plaques have a polished look to them, as do the desks. Even though there only seem to be a handful of newcomers this time, both lovely ladies seem eager to assist you, though one more.... self-contained than the one bouncing in their seat with anticipation. The chill is probably why there is a rack full of winter wear in all shapes in sizes by the desks, labeled "FREE MATRIARCH/WINTER CLOTHING (stay warm this season of giving!)."

Outside, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street. The deep autumnal colors on it match the welcoming atmosphere as the letters proclaim:

WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG
(ENJOY YOUR STAY!)

Comments

???

[rekindlenpcs]

Aside from the usual confusion, nothing really seems out of the ordinary. A few people seem to be organizing the clothing rack, but through from the corner of your eye, you may catch a blur of white bundled up tightly in a hooded coat leaving the moment the two ladies at the desks stop looking in the direction of the doors.

Do you follow?

excuse me white blur have you seen a priestess and/or cat

[heismymission]

The soldier came to the welcome center to locate Rhea, and given the fact he knows she's an integral part of bringing the newcomers here, it seems like a logical assumption that she would be in the area. He hasn't had much luck finding her, and while he hasn't let it get to him, he has been searching on and off.

That's why when he spots the hooded figure clearly trying to escape without being seen, he follows outside quietly.

there are a lot of cats here friend, please be more specific

[rekindlenpcs]

The figure doesn't seem to notice that they are being pursued, not looking behind them or looking around at anything in particular that could help them do so. Instead they continue moving, perhaps shivering a little as though even bundled up in thirty to forty degrees Fahrenheit they were freezing. That being said, they seem to be headed across the plaza to the building with the welcome sign tied to it.

... well, it's a priestess-cat

[heismymission]

He notices the shivers and has to wonder if it's the effect of sickness, exhaustion or fear--he sincerely doubts it's due to the cold.

Bucky continues to follow, relying on looking fairly casual to keep himself from being noticed, and he continues at his own pace, apparently in no hurry. Although he's been all around the city, he can't say he's been inside every building, and he isn't sure what could be in the one the figure is heading towards. Not that that would stop him.

hm... nope! can't say that I have!

[rekindlenpcs]

The figure still doesn't seem to have noticed, but as They approach the door, They seem to hold up a hand in front of a palm reader. The door opens, and They walk through.

Though the door seems to stay open even after they have entered... Odd...

well dang, thanks anyway.

[heismymission]

Although he's fairly certain he's been noticed, he finds himself too curious about the fact that the door remains open to stay outside. Plus, if that door is locked electronically, there's got to be something valuable inside, be it intel or otherwise.

It's probably a trap of some sort, he thinks. But hey. What's the worst that can happen, right? None of the officials here have shown any aggression towards him. ... Yet. He'll find his way out if they do. Steve and Stark are rubbing off on him.

His stride says he knows where he's going as he heads inside, even though he has no idea what he's getting into.

[rekindlenpcs]

Well generally if it walks like a dog, looks like a dog, and smells like a dog... it was likely a dog. In this case, however, the dog may very well be a trap. The door slams shut behind him, as do the lights turn off. No light comes through the windows or cracks between the door and its frame, only the faint glow of the floor beneath and a moss green orb hovering out of place in the middle of the room.

[heismymission]

It takes more than a door suddenly closing shut behind the soldier to startle him--but HYDRA had trained most of those sorts of reactions out of him. He nonetheless remains cautious, eying the orb for a brief moment as his eyes adjust to the darkness before looking around and trying to determine if there are any threats in the area--or where the hooded figure might have gone.

[smallspot]

Since the attempt on Cyntia's life and the nightmares that plagued him afterward, Diarmuid has tried to be a lot more aware of the things going on around him. He's missing things, he knows, and he doesn't want to keep doing that. What if it puts someone in danger? That is why he is watching everything and everyone when he comes into do his usual greeting of new arrivals.

When he spots the person slipping out of the building, he can't help but frown. What's going on? Should he follow? After a few moments of thinking, he decides that he is going to. He has his swords with him and his can send his butterfly for help if he needs to.

That should be enough to keep him safe should things go badly, right?

[rekindlenpcs]

The figure doesn't seem to notice that they are being pursued, not looking behind them or looking around at anything in particular that could help them do so. Instead they continue moving, perhaps shivering a little as though even bundled up in thirty to forty degrees Fahrenheit they were freezing. That being said, they seem to be headed across the plaza to the building with the welcome sign tied to it.

[smallspot]

It's probably a good thing that the figure isn't watching that closely to see if they are being followed because Diarmuid is no ninja. He's also not an assassin and really does nothing to hide the fact he is following. This is doubly true because he is being distracted by worry. Is the person sick? Why are they so bundled up? It's not that cold! If they are sick, they should really be resting and not out running around. Maybe he should say that once he catches up to the person...

[rekindlenpcs]

The figure still doesn't seem to have noticed, but as They approach the door, They seem to hold up a hand in front of a palm reader. The door opens, and They walk through.

Though the door seems to stay open even after they have entered... Odd...

[smallspot]

That is odd. Did the door break? Is it caught on something? Diarmuid walks forward so that he is just standing outside of the door and tries to see if the person is still around. However, he can't see much at all. Maybe if he steps inside he can pull the door loose or get someone's attention?

He takes one more moment to try and see if he sees anyone before stepping inside, "Hello? Your door didn't close. I think it might be broken!"

[rekindlenpcs]

The door remains open until Diarmuid fully steps into the room. The lights turn off, and no light comes through the windows or cracks between the door and its frame. Only the faint glow of the floor beneath and a red-orange orb hovering out of place in the middle of the room. On the opposite side, the silhouette of the figure he followed in here could be seen.

Not at all. I left it open for you.

...Odd, it didn't look like They moved their mouth when They spoke.

[smallspot]

"Oh!" Diarmuid makes a surprised sound when the lights go out. He looks back and forth between the orb and the silhouette. The light feels warm and safe, though the silhouette is just a little frightening. Especially when they speak without their mouth moving. Still, Diarmuid can't help but move a little closer to the floating orb, and by extension, the silhouette.

"You did? Can I help you with something? I like helping!"

It's ninja time.

[purple_chelonian]

The thing about a white hooded coat is it tends to stand out in a crowd.

The thing about ninjas is they tend not to. Donatello slips after the hooded figure, meandering through the crowd inside the reception room, then once he reaches the door, moving from cover to cover.

Heck yeah, ninja time.

[rekindlenpcs]

The figure doesn't seem to notice that they are being pursued, not looking behind them or looking around at anything in particular that could help them do so. Instead they continue moving, perhaps shivering a little as though even bundled up in thirty to forty degrees Fahrenheit they were freezing. That being said, they seem to be headed across the plaza to the building with the welcome sign tied to it.

[purple_chelonian]

Donatello would love to be able to just casually tail his target, looking like he isn't following them rather than just staying out of sight. Unfortunately, he stands out in a crowd.

"This would be so much easier at night," he mutters to himself, ducking in and out of cover, an olive green shadow with purple trim.

[rekindlenpcs]

At the quiet utterance, the hooded figure turns their head to the left slightly, the faint hint of a smile crossing pale lips, before They reach the door to the building. They hold up a hand in front of a palm reader, and it opens. As they enter, the door remains open; almost as though leaving an open invitation for the olive green shadow inside as well.

[shadowsgambit]

Fortuna notices this as she's looking through the winter coats for something a little less...shadow-y in her size (considering most people here her size are robots she probably won't have much luck). Someone doesn't want to be seen. That's sort of promising for her, isn't it? She acts as if she's given up looking for a new coat and heads outside, relying on her size to block the view of the figure from the desks if they're still visible from there.

[rekindlenpcs]

Oddly enough, there were a few options about her size. However, that could wait until after the shadowing of the mystery person, couldn't it?

While said person did not notice her other pursuers, the rather large size of a troll was something rather hard not to. They seem to falter only briefly before turning enough that Fortuna could catch a glimpse of rose-red lips curling into a thankful smile. One acting as a semi-shield for the shorter figure from the view of those at the desks was something They had not expected. However, They say nothing, only turn around and continue walking toward the building across the plaza.

[shadowsgambit]

She has nothing to defend herself with except her gun hidden under her coat and her natural strength (which, despite her size, is only a little above average as compared to a human). Still, this person is likely Rangar or sympathetic, if they don't want to be seen. So she lowers her head in acknowledgment and follows, wanting to know just what this is about. She's aware it may be a trap, but even so...what's life without gambling?

[rekindlenpcs]

As they reach the entrance, the figure places their palm over a scanner of sorts. The door opens with a click, and the figure disappears inside... save for Their left hand, which reaches out toward Fortuna. An invitation of trust, and of entry.

[shadowsgambit]

Fortuna watches as the shadowy figure remains in the doorway, inviting her in. She reaches out in return, feeling as if she's taking a step into something she's only scratched the surface of, like when she first set foot into the Universal Brotherhood's underground chambers.

But wherever this figure leads her, she wants to see. It won't do her any good to back out if this could help her.

[rekindlenpcs]

As Fortuna takes the figure's hand, she'll notice that the person smells of freshly fallen rain, of how touching Her hand imbued her with an ability to withstand the cold just a little more than usual. She smiles, and as they enter, the door closes.

I have been looking for you for some time, Rosalia, she states her purpose plain without moving her lips. Or do you prefer Fortuna?

The hooded figure releases Fortuna's hand when a strange blue glyph appears beneath their feet, as if on queue. A deep blue orb floats in the center of the room, right in the center of the circle of power.