Mission 1 - S.S.D.D.

[kublan]

Genessia City - City Streets

[It's not common for people who suddenly wake up in a completely different universe to be calm and walk around like it's just another day, but for Agent Dantes, it really is - sort of. Once he made it out of the Bay, his face plate disassembles to slide back and reveal his face. He puts his rifle on the magnet on his back before taking a seemingly casual stroll, trying to blend in as much as he could in his streamlined armor with holstered weapons on it. His stride is calm and confident despite the funny looks he's getting from some of the pedestrians on the sidewalk. He has the pamphlet, the money, and his communicator stored within his armor's storage compartments, but he wears the necklace around his arm instead, wrapped around his gauntlet like a chained wrist accessory.

It didn't take long before Troy found something to do in this new world. Troy stopped for a minute to help a delivery crew, as one of their truck's wheels that got stuck on a ditch in the road. After talking with the crew who told him about the called-for help is running late, Troy wasted no time and lifted the vehicle slightly just to free it out of the trench. It seemed easy for him because of his armor. After exchanging a few more words with a grateful crew, Troy waves as they went on their way. He sighs with pride as he stood tall with his fist on his waist.

That was before Troy notices someone with the same gemstone necklace he has. Troy clears his throat and dusts his armored palms together, towards the other person with the necklace. He gets their attention them with a friendly upward nod before pointing to their necklace]

Say, how long have you been in here for?

Genessia City - Schnee Company Office

[Troy observes the facade of the Schnee Company's headquarters for a good few seconds, trying to burn the images of important locations in the city into his memory. He remembers seeing the girl in white from the hologram earlier. He lets himself in, but not before freeing himself from his armor and taking the necklace. The suit opens up to let Troy walk out of it before assembling itself again. The armor stayed outside to stand guard while Troy enters and approaches the front desk without any visible hesitation.

He fixes the cuffs and the collar of his white jacket over his black fitting shirt, to make himself look presentable before speaking to the attendant]

Hi there. I was encouraged by a certain Weiss Schnee to drop by.

[Troy raises the hand that is holding the necklace]

I have some questions about these "archways".

Comments

Genessia City - City Streets

[watercharm]

[Aqua has a small basket under her arm filled with bread and a few other food supplies that then disappear under a small white cloth. She had been shopping as well as thinking of ways to save money while she's stuck in this world. Its a little uncomfortable but she's trying her best.

At the question she stops and turns. Aqua blue eyes locking onto the gentleman curiously. She recognizes his armor as such since she wears something similar during difficult combats.]

A few months.

[Her eyes catch the glint of the crystal around his gauntlet.]

Are you new?

[kublan]

Still fresh off that depressing cave with the stuffy pods. So I'm very new.

[Troy ends his words with a chuckle and a roll of his shoulder. He paced out of the way close enough to Aqua and moving out of the pedestrians' ways on the sidewalk. He noticed the white cloth covering something in her arm, but he didn't pay it much attention, as he focused more on Aqua's features, trying to see if she's someone he can trust]

But a few months, eh? You holding up okay, I hope?

[Troy doesn't seem too concerned about his future in this world, and he really isn't too worried about it. He's more concerned about other people's well-being like usual, even to a stranger like Aqua. Though it does probably help that she's a beautiful woman.]

[watercharm]

[Aqua's expression shifts, her features relaxing while a gentle smile pulls at the corner of her lips.]

You just got here and you're already worried about others. [A light that will never go out. Her expression falters for a moment before she shakes it away.] I'm sorry. You remind me a little of a friend of mind.

[She hopes that Ven is safe.]

But yes, I'm fine. I'm used to traveling between worlds. Though I've never not been able to leave one before.

How are you?

[kublan]

[A corner of his lip curled as an amused scoff escapes from it. He seems to be doing all right considering, but he has years of interuniversal travel experience to thank for that]

That makes two of us. This is not the kind of universe I was meant to drop to.

[Troy shifts his head to gave his surroundings a quick look, seeing nothing but a peaceful city street before he turns his attention back at Aqua and her covered basket of goodies]

I guess I dodged a bullet, wakin' up here. So I got no complaints.

[Well there are some, but he isn't going to broadcast that just yet. He isn't the complaining type to begin with anyway.]

Listen, you seem to be on your way somewhere. Let me walk with you so we're not looking suspicious to the locals by standing here.

[Troy motions to leave their current position with a tilt of his half-armored head, and pointing with his thumb]

[watercharm]

[Aqua nods, her warm smile fixed in place.]

I suppose we should. I was just heading home. [She's still working off the money that she had woken up with which meant that this were spars. She'll hopefully get a training center up or begin work at the hospital.]

It's a few blocks away but I'd enjoy the company.

[Aqua turns and then takes a few steps, staring the pace slow until he's able to walk at her side.]

This place is relativity peaceful but there is a darkness here. I don't know what it might be.

[kublan]

[Troy extends his hand to signal Aqua to be on their way, and he followed by walking with her side-by-side. His eyes are front as he listens to Aqua while she speaks, only saying a word when she finished. The mention of "darkness" caused him to quirk a brow and tilt his head slightly as he looks at Aqua]

"Darkness"? Must be a culture thing, but I'm guessing you mean trouble by that.

[He came from a world where "darkness" is a poetic word to use to describe trouble or conflict, internal or otherwise.]

I would be surprised if there isn't any of that here, though. Seems every world you go to and every being you meet isn't spared from that.

[watercharm]

[Aqua smiles a little nervously. For her darkness is a real thing, a force that she is destined to fight against and be trapped within.]

Sort of.

[She isn't sure how to explain or if she should. This world isn't like hers and while it's here it's not connected to the others. She doesn't really know what's going on and usually her business in other worlds is to be discrete.]

I heard there were spirits attacking people in Genessia and last month there was unrest in Attleton.

[kublan]

[Troy wouldn't be shocked to find out what Aqua really means by "darkness", after all he is a believer of primal forces like that, but he sets that topic aside for now]

Must have been some incident. Spirit attacks can be traumatizing to normal people, and they don't usually happen. I hope they're all doing okay.

[Troy speaks from experience. In his world before he was recruited by the all-powerful private sector, Troy was one of the best people specializing in dealing with supernatural threats.]

Where were you during these events?

[watercharm]

[Aqua has noticed that those here are able to adjust to situations but she's hoping to find a way to help.]

That first one I wasn't in the city yet. It was somehow concluded right before I arrived. The second... well, I helped with those who were injured since there were so many fighting.

[She doesn't feel like she's done enough in that regard.]

I'm hoping to set up a training school soon. One of the others here wants to outfit those who can with swords or weapons. Which aren't very useful unless someone knows how to use them.

Schnee Co. Office

[whiteas]

[ Just as Troy had been speaking to the attendant, Weiss came out of the office and placed some papers on the front desk, quirking an eyebrow at him. ]

It is good to know I'm encouraging. What sort of questions about archways?

[kublan]

[Troy lifts his head a little in surprise. He didn't expect to see Weiss herself in this office for some reason, but seeing her in the flesh makes it easier for him to form an first impression on the girl. He responds after she finishes speaking, standing straight and facing Weiss]

Just some things the pamphlet didn't mention, ma'am. Their very nature, for the most part. How much of it is real.

[Troy shifts his eyes to the hallway that Weiss came from just now, motioning towards it with a nod of his head]

Shall we go to your office? There are some things I'd like to discuss if I would to go through with opening an archway.

[whiteas]

[ Weiss nods, briefly telling the person at the desk a few instructions before leading the way back to her office, speaking along the way. ]

The archways are real as far as we're aware; it's the subarchways that get vaguer in terms of reality. If you pay a certain price, you can open up a subarchway that's essentially a replica of a part of your world. In our case, one of my teammates opened a subarchway to the City of Vale from my world so we would have access to the ammunition and technology necessary to maintain and operate our weapons. Anything that was in that area back home will be in the area that's replicated here- but we know it's a replica considering that nothing we do in it seems to reflect in any of our memories, nor does it influence the rest of the world outside of the subarchway.

[ Aside from that- ] It's Weiss or Miss Schnee, not "ma'am." And if that was you trying to be polite, giving your name would be a much better first step.

[kublan]

[Troy smiles when Weiss asked for his name, and that spunk on this girl. She's like a younger version of his boss Zahra from back home that he finds it amusing. He's used to not give his name out due to the nature of his job, but he did forget his manners there and could have at least given her a psuedonym. Regardless, he scoffed at his mistake and answered]

Call me Dantes. Troy Dantes.

[Once they enter Weiss' office, Troy observes the place and remains standing, walking close to the window to see the street outside. He spoke while focusing his attention outside, turning it back to Weiss shortly]

And I suppose that is good to hear, about these subarchways. Some worlds out there are dangerous beyond belief and one of 'em is mine. Knowing that it can't affect anything outside of it is one less thing to worry about.

Once I read about it in the pamphlet I've already decided to build one of my homeworld. How do the locals feel about these subarchways opening up in their turf?

[whiteas]

Alright Blond, James Blond.

[ A lot of the references in her world are just slightly off from the originals. Like Spruce Willis, for example. Which may make her attempt to make a stab at his introduction a little awkward.. but she has no idea if he'll even get the reference, honestly. Different worlds are different, after all. ]

I'm well aware that some worlds are more dangerous than others. Mine is one of those in which Humans and Faunus inherit four kingdoms and the rest of the world is essentially an unclaimed land full of dangerous creatures called Grimm. Just be aware that if someone who doesn't have moral standards goes unchecked, they can escort residents of the subarchways into the main archways.

[ Weiss pulls out her pendant, a shining mixture of Fayren's green and speckles of Nova City's red. ]

Anyone who has a pendant can pass through the archways and subarchways. Most of the locals don't have these- only the people who woke up in the Bay do- which means most of them aren't particularly concerned with any of them being opened. Just be aware that not every person brought here is a good person when considering whether or not to do it. Take the appropriate measures if you're opening up something worth protecting or make sure anything you don't want getting out is secure.

[kublan]

[He understood that reference, and is thoroughly amused by it behind his laid-back smile. He isn't used to hearing one of his childhood heroes being called Blond though.]

That limits my options.

[Originally, he's planning on opening up a subarchway to some of Spiral's hidden installations where many his tech are made and stored, just in case he needs to swap out weapons for a specific threat here in Genessia. But the branch of the Spiral Consortium in those locations there have more questionable morals compared to the other branches, so that would spell trouble if someone unsavory in here finds out about them.]

You wouldn't have any names on some unsavory pendant-owners, have you?

[whiteas]

If it's not too much to ask, what do you need an archway for?

[ Weiss has no problem trying to help him get what he needs without putting people at risk. She can't tell if it's actually possible to get what he wants unless she knows what it is, though. ]

I'll have a list compiled of known and suspected criminals currently in Genessia for you before you leave today. Luckily, some of the more dangerous ones seem to have disappeared from this place for now. [ Some of them. ]

[kublan]

Supplies mostly.

[Troy left his weapons and powersuit outside of the office, so he knows Weiss would wonder what he meant by "supplies". He's still not entirely comfortable divulging what's supposed to be top secret, but she can't help him if he didn't.]

So I can get ammo, repairs for my suit, and switch out weapons when shit hits the fan here. I'd like to help out in an active combat role, and I can also provide shelter and security for non-crazy pendant-owner in my subarchway if needed.

[He already thought of what city in his Earth he would like to open a gate to. Dubai is a business center for his employers than a place of research and development. It doesn't have the primary armory he wants to get access to, but the weapons stockpile there is good enough as well as the security.]

[weavemyownfate]

[In Satsuki's experience there have been plenty of vocal arrivals. The thing about the silent ones is that they're more difficult to track. It's a complete coincidence that the young lady catches sight of Troy (not that a man in streamlined armor is all that difficult to spot), and it's his attire that really catches her attention. He looks cool.

Horribly out of place, but he looks damn cool.

But more important are the deeds that he performs- A good semeritan perhaps? And he carried heavy weaponry? That's the kind of person she'd love to have working in Nova City.

So, in the end, Troy doesn't have to flag her down since a classic, sleek-looking car that she'd been watching him from comes to a halt. Satsuki appears to be in her early twenties, adorn in attire best described as a cross between a school and a military uniform, mostly a pristine white in color with a matching cap. And, of course, her necklace. If he gave his name at any point, she'd address him by it, otherwise it's 'Newcomer'.]

I am Satsuki Kiryuin, Guardian of Nova City. Think of it as the Head of Security.

I would like a word with you, if you have the time.

[kublan]

[Troy noticed the car just a split-second in advance before it looked like it was stopping near him. He's a fan of classic cars, so it was one of the first things he noticed after he wished the delivery crew safe travels.
Seeing it stop and the gorgeous girl driving it made him tilt his head and furrow his face in wonder. He walks slowly beside the car, listening to Satsuki introduce herself and ask for his time. He feels like a hooker, but that's just him]

Guardian. I read about you guys in the pamphlet.

[He pauses after that statement, making quick glances at Satsuki and her ride. He's impressed at what he's seeing, and that admittedly inclined him to agree despite his hesitance.]

Well I got time, so I guess it wouldn't hurt.

[He normally would ask for proof, but even if he's used to this world-travelling business, it doesn't make him immune to some confusion. Even if it is minor compared to the usual arrival. He's prepared for a war anyway, so whatever happens today, he feels he'll be okay]

[weavemyownfate]

You've done your homework.. That will make things simpler.

[His hesitance prompts her to reach within her jacket to withdraw her .. It's difficult to tell what it is exactly, but with a twitch of her thumb a holographic symbol blinks into existence. It's a shield insignia, symbolic of Nova City, not that he'd know it. The image twirls around to reveal her identification and only after is the sound of the door unlocking.]

You can have a seat if you'd like. There is more room inside than it appears- The efficiency of Nova City technology is rather impressive. To me, at least.

[Small talk is one of Satsuki's weaknesses, so she'll get to the point.]

I have been here in Genessia for about a year and a half.. Roughly twelve months of it was spent in this position. I cannot promise to have all the answers you seek, but I'd like to get you up to speed best I can before I explain why you have caught my interest.

[kublan]

[Troy's confusion grew a little, but he remains composed as he gets on the vehicle. He listened to Satsuki speak and get a feel for the car as they move to wherever Satsuki is taking him.]

A year and a half. Must've been rough.

[Troy pauses for a brief moment, looking at the dashboard and the streets they were taking to the mystery destination.]

I'd like to hear it then. I'm curious what made you so curious.

[He would have quipped that it was about his good looks, but Satsuki is too stern looking that he figures it would just go over her head]

Sorry for the wait! orz

[weavemyownfate]

It has its ups and downs.

[It's frustrating watching people do what she would consider 'useless'. On the other hand it's nice being free of her problems at home. She is silent for about ten seconds, as if she were distracted. Eventually she looks to her company again.]

Straight to business then; I can appreciate that. The city I watch over is Nova City- it stands out as being the most technologically advanced sub-city in Genessia. Your attire suggests to me that you may fit in rather well.

[As for flirting; she tends to just play dumb. He is rather handsome for a foreigner, but for her that is secondary. Or third.. dary.]

And speaking of your attire, I wanted to know if you are a soldier.

It's all good!

[kublan]

Of sorts. I'm someone people would refer to as an agent; Agent Troy Dantes.

[Since he mentioned his job title, he might as well introduce himself. Troy's job fits the bill of a soldier's as well, since he's considered a supersoldier in his world. But he didn't go through boot camp, have a rank (yet), or fight for any flag. Rather he received his training from a group of anti-supernatural assassins before he joined the private sector as an agent]

The faction I work for is an independent intelligence and paramilitary agency, backed by the worlds most powerful corporations. We protect our world and any others we know of from danger, whether its of normal, or paranormal sorts. That is why we get the cool toys like this one.

[Troy knocks on the chest plate of his suit, making a sound that suggests it's of a synthetic material rather than metallic despite the shine]

[weavemyownfate]

[Impressive background.]

Sounds like your expertise would have been quite the asset for us a couple of months ago. There was an incident in which violent spirits were running rampant about Genessia. While the incident was resolved [For the most part.] it seems unlikely it will be the last paranormal incident and as advanced as Nova's technology is, our paranormal defenses have been determined to be.. Somewhat lacking.

Getting to the point; I would be interested in having an Agent such as yourself try out in joining my ranks. You do not have to decide right away, of course, but if you would like to take a look around our Headquarters or receive an overview of criminal activity after settling in, I could have that arranged.

[Beat.]

I should also note it pays quite well.

[kublan]

I'd be delighted to check it out.

[The large salary is a plus, but what attracts Troy more about this opportunity was the idea of being a part of something, like he is back home. He loves having some purpose, and being offered this chance on his first day in Genessia put him in high spirits.

He's got a good feeling about this, and even if he does find something unappealing about Satsuki's offer later on, he could still consult on paranormal defenses for Nova City and her sister cities]

What kind of things should I expect if I take this job?