UE Issue #6: Infernal Convergence

[gurusql]

Hold for first post

[gurusql]

November has surrendered to December, and while the calendar turns, the world wrestles with seismic shifts. The dust of a historic election settles, leaving the United States as a nation of 63 states, its flag newly adorned with stars representing a bold and contentious expansion. Across the Atlantic, murmurs grow louder in Brussels as the European Union hastens its plans for tighter integration, determined to stay relevant in an evolving global landscape.

Yet, it is the East that shocks the world. Without a single shot fired, the Chinese military marches into Burma, effectively annexing the country. President Yang Shangkun, in a calculated move, announces that this was done at the behest of Burma's former leaders, an explanation met with skepticism but little resistance from the international community.

Despite these grand geopolitical tremors, life in New Chicago trudges forward, undeterred by distant dramas. The winter chill grips the city in icy claws, and on this frigid Thursday, December 8th, the streets promise to freeze under the cloak of night. At the heroes’ base, however, warmth abounds—both literal and figurative.

Wind Dragon stands by the stove, ladling rich, fragrant Stewed Mutton with Radishes into bowls, the savory aroma wrapping itself around the group like a comforting blanket. Warlock, with a curious palate and a skeptical grin, takes a tentative taste of the stew, his nod of approval met with Wind Dragon’s satisfied smile.

Eclipse, meanwhile, leans against the wall, a phone cradled to his ear as he speaks with his sister, Julia, a reporter with a nose for stories as sharp as her pen. Julia is calling from a payphone at the Newberry Library, weaving a tale of mystery and magic as only she can. Yet, the conversation stalls as Julia sets the phone down, promising to retrieve something crucial—but minutes stretch into what feels like an eternity. Her absence leaves Eclipse staring at the receiver, unease creeping into his thoughts.

Across the room, Azir is jolted by the sharp buzz of a pager. She glances at the screen, her brow furrowing as a single message stares back at her: "100". The number is innocuous to most, but to Azir, it carries weight beyond words. It is the code she and her brother devised—a desperate signal, born from their shared heritage, the Urdu equivalent of "911". A chill races through her as realization sets in: her brother is in peril.

The cozy camaraderie in the base gives way to tension. Steam rises from the stew, forgotten, as the team exchanges glances that speak volumes. In the quiet hum of the base, the cold reality outside seems to seep in, urging them into action. The world beyond may be in upheaval, but tonight, the heroes face a battle far closer to home.

Actions?

StewedMutton.png (193.04 KiB) Viewed 3373 times

[shaidar]

Eclipse

"I have to go, something's wrong. I was talking to my sister on the phone, and she stepped away to get something and she never came back. That's not like her. I'll keep you updated through the comms."

[Rex]

Azir

Does Azir have any means to communicate back to her brother?

[gurusql]

Reading back on my post, I think I edited out an important piece of info. The page was a phone number that you did not recognize followed by the 100.

To answer your question directly no.

[MrKinister]

The stew smelled great. While he didn't really need to eat that much at all, Warlock was glad to be included as part of the team, so he would enjoy the welcoming traditions and savor the meal. Mutton with radishes was something he definitely had not had before, and despite the radishes being a bit strong for his taste, they were well complemented with the sheep meat. And the spicing was just right. Not his typical fare, but he could see how this might become a habit... assuming he actually ate that much at all. He would eventually have to take a moment to explain to everyone that even though he was just a prone as everyone else to need sustenance and rest, the enchantments that prevailed on him at the moment relieved him of the majority of those needs. His last sleep and eating period had happened around 8 months ago, as the human calendar goes, and he would not need another meal and rest break for a few more. He hoped it would not be taken as an affront to their hospitality.

That is when Eclipse's and Azir's demeanor changed.

Warlock's curiosity got the better of him. He put the fork down and asked:

"Is everything alright? Do you need any help? Either one of you?"

[Rex]

Azir

Azir will get to the closest phone and try calling the number.

"Brother is in trouble!"

[MrKinister]

Warlock

Warlock considers the situation: it is family. He's more cautious in his next question.

"Do you want some help? Or... is this a private matter?"

[shaidar]

Eclipse

Eclipse hands Azir the phone, then turns to Warlock

"Thank's for the offer. It might be nothing, but both my sister and Azir's brother so close together, that's quite the coincidence. Let's see how Azir's call goes, but I'm thinking of jumping on my bike and heading to where my sister was and asking around, keep it low key for now."

[Rex]

Azir

"Thanks both of you, lets see how this call goes first."

[gurusql]

Azir calls the number on her pager with a deliberate sense of urgency. She hears the familiar ring once, twice and Kadar voice can be heard on the line.

"Sis, I was leaving the Newberry Library, a few minutes ago and I saw two cargo vans. A group of at least eight men in hoods were in a close grouping near the vans. There was some praying I guess going on and they suddenly disappeared. I quickly moved away found the nearest pay phone to call you. What does it mean?"

[Rex]

Azir

"Not sure, but it isn't good. Get out of the area now and take shelter somewhere safe. We will see what is going on."

She will share with the others what is going on.

"Eclipse, where was your sister? Was it close to the Newberry Library?"

[shaidar]

Eclipse

"She was calling from inside the library. I was worried that it was something specific to her, but perhaps there is a more general situation going on. CHiP can you contact agent McGinley and see if there is anything untoward being reported at Newberry Library." he looks around the room "We should go, but it might be best to make a quiet entrance."

[Rex]

Azir

"Agreed, but at least we have some information."

[MrKinister]

Warlock listened to the exchange of words. He could feel the tension in the room. He was not familiar with the Newberry Library, but with a few pointers he ought to be able to open a portal to a nearby alleyway or side street.

"I believe if you give me a good bearing to the library, I should have you there in short order."

He stood up and waited for their decision. It was still their private situation.

[Rex]

Azir

"CHIP, Warlock needs an exact description of the location of the Newberry Library. Try and give him a spot so we will arrive unseen, with some cover."

[gurusql]

Wind Dragon

Wind Dragon takes off his apron, expecting to be leaving in a moment.

[gurusql]

CHiP

"The Newberry Library is a research library in a five-story granite building that was built in 1893. The library is known for rare books and manuscripts. The address is 60 W Walton St. Across the street there is a park which might be a possible staging area, but you asked for cover. Across the street to the east there is an elementary school that has to high an innocent risk ratio, behind the library and across the street is a bar and to the west is apartments. All areas not great for cover and potential innocents in the area. I would recommend the eastern side of the roof of the library with your requested parameters.

I am attempting to get Agent McGinley, but it may be a few moments."

NewberryLibraryOutside.png (90.39 KiB) Viewed 3298 times

[MrKinister]

Warlock

Warlock felt a bit out of sorts, with Chip's capabilities still new to him. The device seemed quite intelligent, but Warlock understood it was merely a machine, a device, a tool of sorts. It's intention was to be of service, but he didn't know how to approach this "being", and whether respect or deference were appropriate here, if at all.

He mustered a few words for the AI.

"Thank you... Chip! Uh... with that description...", he turned back to Azir and Eclipse, "... I can open a portal to the rooftop of the library. Our concern would be for any taller buildings nearby that may offer a vantage point from which we can observed."

Warlock began to speak odd words in an voice filled with authority, drawing sigils and runes made of blue light into the air. The sigils coalesced into a circle, which then opened a round "window" into the area about 20 feet above and away from the top of the library, facing westwards, if the position of the sun was any indication.

"No one can see this portal at the moment, not until we cross. This can help us pick a better position from which to approach. What do you say? Where would you like to make passage?"

The portal was almost 7 feet wide, and showed an almost complete vantage point from it's position of "observation". What was remarkable was that if you stepped around the portal to the other side, you could see the city towards the eastern direction, effectively doubling the observation angle to a nigh circle.

[Rex]

Azir

"I wish it was night, but we will have to deal with it."

She scans the area for anything unusual. Then for where she could move to some cover and anyway into the library.