World Filter

“What do you mean, ‘Tomorrow’, we were under the impression our departure was still in the distant future.” Major Liam said as a frown plastered itself on his forehead.

Karter nodded.

“The time scale is much sooner than we’d first intended, and there is much to do, but we believe that reconnecting with our international allies would be in our best interests with the current local issues.”

Colonel Rachel sat at one end of the table, flanked by Major Liam and Captain Price. Likewise, Nathan and Lisa sat at the other end with Wesley staring daggers at Captain Price. His wounds were still healing thanks to Mark's efforts, the rounds had done more damage than Mark initially thought.

Karter and Ethel were between these two titans. Gibby and Sam stood right behind them watching everything while Jonathan lazed by the window. Mark was seated nearby as he kept an eye on everything within his construct. Sam protected them against sound leaking out, while Mark surrounded the office with a heavy layer of force. Their joint spells made the room comparable to a military-grade bunker.

Colonel Rachel placed her elbows on the table and linked her fingers.

“I have to say this feels rushed. What are you basing this decision on?”

Ethel was expecting this question because she smiled at the woman.

“Well have good reason to believe that there must be other surviving holdouts of humanity out there. The sooner we locate them the better.”

Colonel Rachel briefly glanced at Gibby and then back to Ethel

“And your sources are?”

Ethel hardly paused in her response.

“At the moment, not a concern. What’s important is the level of toxicity outside the walls. As far as we can tell the danger levels are climbing by the day. Do you have any information to offer us before we head out on this mission?”

Colonel Rachel pursed her lips and made a motion to Captain Price. The man had a stack of documents under his arm which he stepped forward to distribute, speaking as he did so.

“As far as we can tell the natural levels of corruption outside are still rising gradually. The light from the anomaly seems to affect the C-type radiation on a greater scale but does not keep all of the negative effects at bay. We have recorded about a ten percent leak entering the city. But as of right now, our biggest obstacle will be how the level of corruption affects creatures out there. New species are popping up rapidly as wildlife is adapting to the new energies faster than we anticipated.”

The man's earlier cockiness seemed to have faded slightly, a mask of professionalism taking hold. Everything they’d pointed out was things they already had a good idea of. However, their last point set Mark on edge.

New and advanced species were never a good sign. It was the unknown that had lost Mark the most allies and yet the world seemed dead set on throwing everything it had at them.

The creatures out there no doubt had all manner of horrifying abilities and ways to end their lives before they even saw it coming. The hardest thing for a healer was the inability to heal someone because of a lack of understanding.

When Captain Price got to Mark he handed him a stack of forms with a friendly nod, then moving towards Jonathan near the window.

Looking down, Mark saw a detailed list of Corrupted in front of him. Including their strengths, weaknesses, and general habitats. Every creature he had come into contact with since the fall was here along with a few he didn’t even recognize.

Mark heard the tearing of pages and looked up to see, Jonathan frowning down at the ripped stack of pages in his hand.

Captain Price held the other half looking equally perturbed. They held each other's gaze for a moment before Captain Price gave Jonathan a spare.

Mark squinted at the two but his attention was pulled to the Colonel when she cleared her throat.

“How will you all travel? You are welcome to one of our vehicles. Or will you be braving the air? For that matter, it would be better to have a chain of command from the get-go, as it were.”

The rest of the room paused at the sudden question, save for Karter who seemed to see it coming.

“Colonel, I’d remind you that this is now a joint mission. We don’t expect a chain of command to be necessary. All five individuals shall attempt to complete the mission to the best of their ability, which means pooling their skills and opinions. As long as it doesn't threaten the lives or success of the mission it frankly doesn’t matter.”

Colonel Rachel’s glare flickered over to Lisa who seemed completely at ease with that news, but before she could speak Karter continued.

“I don’t mind revealing that the trip back will be taken care of by our faction as we can transport everyone back to this location with little time, this was also the reason for the personal limit in case you wished to advocate for an increase.”

The Colonel’s face soured as though she’d been working up to that very request.

“Well, that's perfect. Immediate retrieval is a good position to have. On that note, I need to inform you of the significant investments Captain Price represents. Our scientists drew up many plans for how to develop our soldiers in this current crisis, and the captain’s the mold we’re considering.”

Mark’s brows rose. He hadn’t thought that the loyalists would choose to test out the best possible route for their soldiers to follow. It was admirable but it also had a more sincere implication. If they had held back soldiers from following their instincts and strengthening themselves, many could have died on the battlefield holding onto unspent attributes. Unable to assign points that may save their lives.

Mark glanced at Captain Price in time to spot the flicker of displeasure crossing his features. Karter glanced at the man and then at Major Liam

“And if you don’t mind me asking, why would you tie such a valuable resource to our faction? We will take no responsibility should the captain meet an end in the mission”

Captain Price spoke up at that point.

“Nor should you Mr. Dureal, you can take this as a test of my abilities. One of my tasks is to prove to my superiors that I’m worth it, if I fail it's no one fault but my own. I will do my utmost to make sure this mission goes off without a hitch.”

Colonel Rachel looked on at the man with annoyance plastered on her brow, not at the fact she’d been interrupted but at something else entirely. Clearing her throat, the Colonel tapped her index finger against the table.

“Failure is not an idea I’m fond of, but either way please make sure to secure his life should anything unexpected happen.”

The idea that she had to remind them was ridiculous. Did she think they would abandon the man or worse?

Mark couldn’t help feeling pissed as she spoke these words, nor did he try to hide it. He spoke up for the first time in the meeting.

Miss Brown, I can promise you this: if anyone dies on this mission, it will not be for lack of trying. “Miss Brown, I promise you that if anyone dies on this mission, it will not be for lack of trying. He’s on our team now, and even if he’s in several pieces, I’ll personally put him back together and make sure he gets home. We all will.”

The Colonel leveled her gaze at Mark a keen interest residing there.

“I certainly hope so... For now, I think it prudent for us to leave. Send us the departure time and gate you wish to leave from, I’ll make sure you get no trouble from them. Captain Price I’ll leave you in their care for tonight. Familiarize yourself with your new allies.”

Captain Price saluted as the woman got up from her chair, Major Liam following after her. The room watched the woman leave without stopping her, and when the door closed Captain Price’s shoulders relaxed slightly.

Lisa looked from the door first.

“That woman is so pent up. I sincerely hope she gets herself a hobby.”

Mark expected Captain Price to at least defend his Colonel, but he didn’t.

“If that's all, we’re going to return now too. Karter I’ve already begun cycling in those personal rotations we spoke about. Wesley will return with us today as I need him, but I’ll send him over in the morning.”

And just like that they were left with Captain Price in the meeting room.

Ethel cocked her head.

“As a note any of you that are interested, I'm doing the final auditions tonight so you can come if you are interested. Now I supposed we’d better get Captain Price lodgings.”

Captain Price brought up a hand in a relaxed manner.

“You can all call me Jason, Captain Price feels too formal. And I honestly don’t mind where I rest anywhere will do.”

Ethel broke out with a sly grin.

“Nonsense, young man, we’ll treat you right. Anyone volunteering to lead Jason up to a room?”

There were the briefest pauses before any of them could answer Jason spoke up again.

“I mean if you're offering, I’d love the opportunity to pick Samantha’s brain on some magic-related questions.”

Mark wanted to roll his eyes, but then he saw Jonathan's face. The man was not amused.

“I can take him,” Jonathan said his gaze leveled on Jason.

The man didn’t seem to be bothered in fact, he began rocking back and forth in his chair.

Ethel snorted.

“You have work, Jon. If you hadn’t spent so long down in those death pits maybe you wouldn’t be so far behind.”

Jonathan’s lips turned down as he glared at Mark all of a sudden.

Mark was confused as to what had gotten him the daggers when he registered what Jonathan was asking.

“Oh, I don’t mind taking him on the way up,” Mark said.

Ethel smirked but didn’t say anything.

Jason looked disappointed but when Mark noticed Sam looked relieved he knew he’d made the right call.

“This way Jason, I’m not as skilled as Sam regarding Mana, but I’m a close second.”

Mark began walking out of the room with Jason in tow. The man followed with a bounce in his step and matched pace with Mark.

“So, two questions, and then we can get to the magic,” Jason said.

Mark indicated to him to go on as he pressed the button for the elevator.

“Okay, first are those two a thing, and did you really hold up an entire bridge all by yourself?”

Jason's questions held an almost child-like wonder to them, catching Mark off guard.

“Um, to be honest, it was just the one side of a bride and I had a ton of help from my allies.

Jason seemed satisfied with this answer and before he could prompt him, Mark continued.

“To answer your other question. I’ve never directly pried into either of their love lives. There may have been something there, or there may not, but I don’t think it's relevant to our mission right?”

Jason glanced back over his shoulder to the room they had just come from.

“Sure, but he seemed super defensive...”

Mark turned his body slightly to look at the man.

"I'm guessing it has less to do with who you are and more to do with who you work for. Your leaders have fuck us over quite a few times. They all seem to have messed up priorities."

Jason frowned as the elevator dinged its arrival.

"Well that's not me, I get that display out there was probably not the best way to go about it, but I am working to help people."

"A bit of peacocking is fine but, to be honest, I don't know you, Jason. You could be just as bad as they are, we'll find out one way or another."