Magna City Shining Congress – Commission for Directed Evolution

[Chibi Pika]

The Shining Congress's Department of Natural Philosophy is well-known amongst the Covenant for dedicating themselves to the topic of scientific inquiry. But within the Department, more sensitive fields of study are kept on a need-to-know basis. Researching the powerfully volatile exotic energies that would normally be the domain of lords and saints. Untangling the fabric of the world and the entities who keep it in balance. Unveiling the means by which offworlders keep slipping through the gaps in reality and falling to Forlas. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the world's most potent natural phenomena would surely allow those within the Covenant to become a beacon of knowledge to aid the world.

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Tucked away in the eastern wing was a secondary corridor branching off from the Department of Natural Philosophy that led to the archival and storage rooms. Most people wouldn't have any reason to head down there unless they worked in the boring positions like, well... archiving. But Jade was sure she'd seen some mon head in that direction a few times—the same mon who were apparently important staff that somehow never got assigned to anything on the public record.

Halfway down the hall was a curious alcove with a small gilded bench and a statue of a cloaked Lopunny holding a lantern and a staff. It wasn't obvious right way, but there was enough space around the bench that one could easily step behind it and get access to... the wall. Or rather, a sliding panel built into the wall, behind which lay a brass cage-like elevator, electric lighting overhead.

Jade bounced lightly on her toes as she loitered in the archival hallway, continually having to shake the feeling that they were trespassing. The Wayfarers were honorary Covenant members after all. They'd all gotten silver lantern badges and everything. And the elevator they'd found here wasn't explicitly off-limits. Just... implied high clearance.

"Alright, so..." she began, turning to the others, "the cover story is that we're here to help them out with their Radiance research. These guys don't get the chance to study real actual Radiance all that often... probably why they tried to make their own Radiant Knight. Anyway, they've been super interested in the fact that we can just... use it. So I figure we'll have a few of us talk to them, do a few simple demonstrations or whatever, maybe try to get some info on their past projects. Meanwhile the rest of us keep a low profile and see if there's any hidden areas with stuff they don't want us seeing." Well... more hidden than the rest of the commission that was already hidden.

She threw a glance at Laura to confirm that she had the details right. It felt weird to be the one briefing everyone, but this mission was... important to her. Personal. She'd make sure they found what they were looking for.

"With Bellatrix's illusions, it shouldn't be too hard for some of us to split off and go snooping while the others keep the scientists distracted." She was already pretty sure that Silver and Ghaspius in particular would be good for that. "Alsooo... we've got one big advantage they don't know about—we can use Betel's network to plan stuff right in front of them with no one hearing."

Betel's telepathy was honestly their strongest tool in being able to improvise and react to whatever they found down there...

 

[canisaries]

"Sounds good to me," said Andre. "I volunteer for the group distracting the scientists." He liked to believe that he was a pleasant fellow with enough of knowledge about the world to keep up a conversation with mon of science. His world, anyway... but he was a quick learner. If nothing else, he was good at keeping people talking. He'd certainly employed that skill on his acrylics shopping trips.

And, who knew, he might get another spell of that Shadow-Radiant aura sense and be able to glean something the others couldn't.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura took a deep and shuddering breath. This was a hell of a thing to attempt, but fuck it, now was the howling time to try it on.

She glanced sideways at Bellatrix – in her guide as Dr. Cherry Dhillon, a female Medicham in a long and flowing labcoat that was more fashion item than practical wear. Medicham Cherry was a singularly rare thing – a suspected member of the Commission for Directed Evolution who was on leave (or in Sunward...) right now, and whom Bellatrix stood a chance at impersonating. Laura swallowed hard, not even slightly confident she could pull it off. From her observations of Cherry – and what she'd heard from Angel's gossip – the good doctor was rather... earnest. An extrovert, you might say.

Guess we'll find out.

"Remember, everyone: if in doubt, don't panic," she said, putting what grit she could into her voice. "Just take suggestions from the team, and act, y'know. Natural? We're supposed to be new; maybe overawed, maybe sceptical. We're here to demonstrate Radiance and we don't fucking know anything."

The lift groaned. Nearly there.

"And don't blind yourselves."

[ ] Objective: Pass yourselves off as helpful Covenant recruits lucky to have some power of Radiance.
[ ] Objective: Learn all you can about Project Lighthouse and the ARK Program without arousing suspicion.
[ ] Objective: Locate or learn the location of Delphox Jesse Stranger and/or Torracat Starr Sakari.
[ ] Objective: Find my physical form. Rescue me. (Please.)

 

[Butterfree]

So this was the famed natural philosophy department of the Covenant, and they were so obviously hiding something that they had a special secret elevator concealed by a sliding wall behind a statue. Never let it be said that the Convenant didn't have a sense of drama.

"Yeah, I'd sure like to have a talk with some of their scientists," he said, looking around. There was plenty to discuss there - who they were, where they came from, where their knowledge came from, what they'd been working on. "So, questions. How are we supposed to have learned about the secret hush-hush elevator again? And are we sure nobody's aware that Dr. Dhillon's not supposed to be here right now?"

 

[Inkedust]

A medicham folded her arms as she waited for the lift with a smile that decidedly did not reflect Bellatrix's actual expression. Beneath the zoroark looked like she was dying inside and while no one could see it, they could definitely hear it.

"She was the strongest candidate from my research," she explained. "But if it happens to go south due to any unforeseen factors, my illusions have other applications – including the need to make a stealthy getaway." Bellatrix exhaled through her nose. "It may be best to begin our infiltration with an act. I will 'guide' one or two of you as Cherry with your newfound Radiance being the main topic of conversation, which will hopefully distract any other passing scientists alongside giving myself as Cherry an alibi to explain why she is here despite prior absence.

"As for the rest of you, take the opportunity to investigate in your own time. I can extend my illusions if need be, but I ask that you remain careful. I need to focus on maintaining character and distracting me could put an end to that."

 

[Jackie Cat]

The elevator car clattered to a halt, and its doors opened. The room beyond was austere and industrial compared to the neoclassical grandeur of the estate above. Flourescent lights overhead lit unpolished brick and plain white tiles. Metal netting protected the integrity of the bulbs. A large mechanical turnstile and an adjoining metal desk with a glass front together formed a barrier that split the room in two. An exit lay beyond a pair of screen doors at the far end of the room.

On the desk sat a glossy black ledger, a typewriter, and an intercom handset – wires trailing from its base and into a wall socket. Behind it sat a glassy-eyed Minccino wearing an angular cap and a dark jacket. As the Wayfarers entered, he looked up from a crossword he'd been pecking away at, idly tapped a button at the base of the intercom, and adjusted his hat.

"So, what's the story?" he asked, dully. "Saints know we aren't expecting any stragglers today of all days. Huh. Nobody tells me nothin'." He eyed 'Cherry' with a flicker of surprise. "How'd you rope this lot into things, anyway?"

 

[Inkedust]

Silently, Bellatrix let out a long sigh before springing straight into character. The illusion leaned over the desk, showing little care or regard for the minccino's personal space. "Oh, you haven't heard, dear?" 'Cherry' giggled. "These young upstarts have recently found out they can use radiance and they are so excited to show everyone, are you?" Bellatrix's eyes rolled out her skull, but she had to brace herself for the worst to come.

"But don't feel bad, Cutie." She hated this. 'Cherry' looked like she wanted to pinch Minccino's cheek "I have a hunch that the word is just now starting to spread around here. I'll be sure to fill anyone else in~"

 

[Jackie Cat]

Minccino chuckled, pulling back slightly. He seemed used to this – or much worse than this, actually.

"Right, yeah, the torchbearers, lightbringers, or whatever it was," he replied, relaxing slightly. "I didn't think that stuff was on the square. You get enough sleep, Doc? 'Cutie' is what my girl would call me."

He looked past Bellatrix at the other Wayfarers.

"She hit you with any good ones yet, new guys? You haven't met Dr. Dhillon 'til she's called you something downright queer. My favourite from last week was, uh, whatwasit... oh yeah, 'darling little organelle', that's right. I like it better than 'sugarmouse' or, uh, 'tenderloin'."

As Minccino was joking at Cherry Dhillon's expense, the doors behind him opened and a frowning Lucario stepped through, tasting the air for the scent of unfamiliar 'mon.

"Oh, hey there, 'Riddy."

'Riddy' looked straight at Bellatrix, ignoring the guard.

"Dhillon," said Ser Iridium, coolly. "This is a surprise."

 

[Inkedust]

"Well, I've been so excited ever since I ran across these sweet little data-points that I couldn't get a wink of sleep!" explained 'Cherry'. Internally, Bellatrix was doing her best not to panic. So she just had to make those pet names more insufferable. Fantastic. Still she filled away those prior nicknames to reference from whenever she would need to come up with something else.

...Which would be right about now. Bellatrix's ears flicked towards the lucario before she and the illusion turned towards them.

"It's great to see you too, Riblet," 'Cherry' replied. She took a few steps forwards to grab the lucario's arm with both hands. She swivelled to his side and began running her arms up and down Iridium's own. "It's spectacular news. You see, I found some wonderful little volunteers for our research," she said, with little regard for an indoor voice. "I just had to bring them in!"

Over the Wayfarer communications, the others could hear a deadpan Bellatrix saying, If any of you bring this up to anyone, I swear I will—

 

[canisaries]

"Remember, everyone: if in doubt, don't panic," she said, putting what grit she could into her voice. "Just take suggestions from the team, and act, y'know. Natural? We're supposed to be new; maybe overawed, maybe sceptical. We're here to demonstrate Radiance and we don't fucking know anything."

The lift groaned. Nearly there.

"And don't blind yourselves."

"Got it," Andre said with a nod, though Laura's words gave rise to some new doubts. No, not about blinding oneself by glowing too hard, but rather... losing himself in front of the Covenant the way he'd lost himself before with Dave, ranting like a maniac.

Losing yourself? Don't fool yourself. Radiance removes your inhibitions. It shows who you really are.

Andre cleared his throat quietly to ground himself in the moment again.

As Minccino was joking at Cherry Dhillon's expense, the doors behind him opened and a frowning Lucario stepped through, tasting the air for the scent of unfamiliar 'mon.

"Oh, hey there, 'Riddy."

'Riddy' looked straight at Bellatrix, ignoring the guard.

"Dhillon," said Ser Iridium, coolly. "This is a surprise."

Andre gave Iridium a nod acknowledging his presence, though he didn't necessarily expect him to reciprocate. The deerling wore a pleasant smile, but within, he was feeling for any more of that aura-sense he'd felt earlier. Was it there again? Did it have any new information attached? As far as one could trust what strange gut-feelings told them, anyway.

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade straightened, smoothing out the silver sash that she'd pinned her lantern badge onto. Sure, everyone knew the Wayfarers were honorary members of the Covenant, but it helped her feel more legit. Same thing as all those times she'd entered the Rocket base: you're supposed to be here, no one can claim otherwise, don't give them any reason to think otherwise.

"That's right," Jade chimed in earnestly, ears pricked forward. "I figured this was an easy way we could help contribute to the research effort. I, uh... I hope it's not a bad time? The congress didn't seem all that busy, so I thought..." She let her eager expression deflate slightly, as if she were dearly hoping their arrival wasn't inconvenient.

 

[Jackie Cat]

The knight's arm sure was fluffy! But Iridium pulled away from 'Cherry' immediately, his face aghast. He slammed his paw down on the security turnstile and gripped it fiercely.

"Damnit, Dhillon, get a hold of yourself! Honestly..."

Minccino stifled a chuckle. "So, what's the order, Ser? You want a full security check on this lot? Or do we just get Herman to babysit?"

The Lucario knight growled in frustration. "Today of all days, Dhillon... Can't it fucking wait?"

According to the Medicham's forced smile and the deep breath she took – ready to cheerfully unload an extended justification – it could not!

"Whatever. I don't wanna hear it." Iridium shot a look at Minccino. "Check their badges, issue them visitor passes, and keep them out of my goddamn sight. There's no time for this shit right now."

He went to storm back out of the room, and Minccino called after him.

"Aren't you gonna help me with security checks?"

"No!"

The chinchilla turned back and shrugged. "Well, then. Guess it's just me. C'mon. Let's see your badges. Yours too, Doc."

Laura cleared her throat, shivered down her neck as the tension broke, and handed Minccino the silver lantern badge that served as her ID.

The deerling wore a pleasant smile, but within, he was feeling for any more of that aura-sense he'd felt earlier. Was it there again? Did it have any new information attached? As far as one could trust what strange gut-feelings told them, anyway.

It was odd. This wasn't the same clarity of understanding as he'd had in his own world, by any means. Maybe it was just this body, maybe it was how auras worked in this world. But even so, there was an unaccountable weight to Ser Iridium's aura. Andre could almost, not quite but almost, see it... Maybe if he'd had a little longer, he'd have figured something out. Strange. But maybe another chance would present itself...

 

[canisaries]

It was odd. This wasn't the same clarity of understanding as he'd had in his own world, by any means. Maybe it was just this body, maybe it was how auras worked in this world. But even so, there was an unaccountable weight to Ser Iridium's aura. Andre could almost, not quite but almost, see it... Maybe if he'd had a little longer, he'd have figured something out. Strange. But maybe another chance would present itself...

Hmm. I better inform the others of this, Andre thought.

He reached out to Betel's network of the Wayfarers present. Hey, did anyone else get a strange feeling of weight from that lucario? I just got that, and I got it before when I was hanging around the upper floors some time ago. It felt kind of like my aura sense back in my own world.

He hoped it wasn't too much of a surprise to the others that he'd been aura sensitive back home... he couldn't recall who all he had told.

Externally, though, he just presented the badge pinned to his vest to the Minccino.

 

[Butterfree]

Oh, God. Bellatrix had better be doing an impeccable impression of Dr. Dhillon, or this was going to be the end of them.

The Minccino and Lucario both seemed to accept this as just about how she behaved, though, somehow. Dave did his best to ignore her.

Was it a great idea to be down her with Andre of all people? He'd seen what Radiance did to him. But then again, if anything it might be interesting to see how the Natural Philosophy department would react to someone on Radiance going a little fucking nuts.

He reached out to Betel's network of the Wayfarers present. Hey, did anyone else get a strange feeling of weight from that lucario? I just got that, and I got it before when I was hanging around the upper floors some time ago. It felt kind of like my aura sense back in my own world.

Dave's first thought was what, so he strikes you as someone you'd like to fucking murder? He didn't think that to Betel.

I'm not feeling anything, he broadcast, but he looked after Iridium anyway. The Lucario was clearly agitated and on his way to do something. Trying to see what he was up to wouldn't exactly be discreet, though.

He looked back at Minccino. "Always happy to further the progress of science," he said, handing over his badge. "I, uh, didn't catch your name. You just the security, or do you do research too?"

 

[Inkedust]

'Cherry' huffed and put her hands on her hips. "Oh come on. What is with you lot and being such a stickler for some superfluous protocols? You know me, I should be able to come and go as I please."

With that said, 'Cherry' then returned to her dramatic lean over the minccino and began stroking the edges of his ear with one hand. In the other, dancing between her fingers and held high in the air, was an illusionary copy of Dhillon's ID badge that sparkled in the light. It was a convincing copy, based off the many glimpses of the badges she'd gotten from seeing the Coven scientists walking around. "I just polished this thing to perfection and I wouldn't want to contaminate it so soon with paws that has been in all sorts of places! You understand, don't you, Buttercub?" she cooed.

I felt no such thing, Bellatrix thought in reply to Andre, trying to distract herself from the embarrassment she was subjecting herself to. Keep an eye out regardless. I wish to avoid that lucario as much as possible as his aura-vision may very well be compromising. I seemed to have convinced him enough with my performance...

...This better be worth it.

 

[Cresselia92]

So, they were finally there. Slipping near effortlessly into an hidden elevator that surely didn’t lead to some utterly suspicious place where people did extremely questionable business. Bonus points for that operation feeling like planning his own rescue mission, in a very twisted sense.

Throughout the entire journey, Silver kept a mostly stoic expression, only shooting a few curious glances at whatever piqued his interest while jotting down a mental map. If there was something that could be used as a distraction for a potential escape plan — since those guards had to withhold his Escape Orb, dammit! — then he was going to find it!

You’ve got only one chance. Don’t fail.

Bellatrix’s charade was… truly something to behold, and a good distraction from his musing. What was the word that best defined that kind of behavior again…? Ah. Cringe. Yeah, that was definitely the pinnacle of cringe.

And then, that Lucario appeared. Of course. One of the few species that could break through an illusion had to miraculously be hanging around that place at exactly that moment, of course. At least he seemed way too preoccupied and pissed at something to bother trying his aura vision — and apparently Andre can do it now because why not? — but Silver didn’t let down most of his guard until the jackal was gone.

“…Someone’s in a good mood, huh?” he deadpanned, handing out his own badge, and quirked a brow at the Minccino. “Is that Ribbit always such a bundle of sunshine with guests, or it’s just today that’s a special occasion?”

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade had to stop herself from letting out a sigh of relief when that Lucario promptly excused himself from the hall. Seemed like he was pretty busy with something and didn't have time for them—well, that was just fine with her. For a moment there, she'd been bracing herself to have him breathing down their neck the whole time. And she hadn't even considered the aura-sight that Bellatrix had been worried about...

Guess we lucked out, she replied. We'll still want to keep our guard up.

She held out her badge along with the others, taking note of the surrounding area. Not too long now. They were almost inside, and then...

 

[Jackie Cat]

Minccino held up his paws in surrender as 'Cherry' browbeat him. "Fine, fine, Doc! What gives? I know you're excited, but this is my job and all." He glanced at Dave and chuckled sheepishly. "The name's Geoff – and I'm no egghead, boss. Just gotta, y'know. Check nobody's bending the rules too much, take care of any unapproved items, that kinda stuff. Turnstile goes off beeping and wailing if you have any on you, just so's you know."

“Is that Ribbit always such a bundle of sunshine with guests, or it’s just today that’s a special occasion?”

"Oh, Ser Iridium? Eh, he's always a bit highly strung. He means well, but he sure is a brooding young man! Never did ask him myself, 'cause he's a tad scary, but the rumour is he's a first generation offworlder. Some kinda messed-up past from his human life. You didn't hear it from me, though."

Geoff apparently was so bored in his role as security guard that he was happy to gossip like mad with anyone that passed through. So much for Covenant security – perhaps you couldn't help but get complacent when your real security came from secrecy. That, and your organisation being packed full of super-powered idealogues.

Why Ser Iridium – a Lucario – hadn't noticed something off about his colleague's aura, though... That was more mysterious.

In any case, the Wayfarers were allowed through (sans dungeon items) and into the laboratories of the Commission. This was where the conspiracy worked its scientific agenda. This was where Sage and Betel had been made.

The room beyond was vast, for what amounted to a basement. By all appearances, it had likely been fashioned out of some preexisting cavern, walled up and paved over in an irregular arrangement of workspaces, each with a scientist or two at work, each an eclectic shrine to mad science. Railing-lined metal walkways and stairwells allowed one to traverse across the area or to descend to a floor-level zone, and at least one 'mon seemed to be clanking their way across it at any given moment. Parts of the Commission were given over to scientific library shelving and study desks, others to practical apparatus for experimentation. One corner held spartan bedding and a kitchenette (for those that burned their candles at both ends), and another stored supplies and materials ready for use. In the centre of the Commission could be found a fully walled-off room not left open to the high ceilings of the cavern, and adjacent to this building was a dedicated fuelled generator, humming away like a motor vehicle. Whatever was in there must take a considerable amount of electrical power.

While crossing the walkway system, the Wayfarers came across a lone 'mon with his arms folded over the railing, watching the activity below.

"Exciting, isn't it?" asked Weavile Mercury, hardly turning his head. "Do you guys know what's happening today? I can't imagine anyone's filled you in, honestly kinda weird you're even here. Hi there, Cherry."

 

[Butterfree]

Dave looked around, taking in the space. Some of the most advanced technology they'd seen here yet, in a cave. The central room and the humming generator obviously captured his attention, as did the Weavile's words.

"Hey. No, we haven't been filled in. Don't think we've met yet." He extended a paw. "David Ambrose, but you can call me Dave. What did you say was going on today?"

 

[Jackie Cat]

"I didn't," replied Mercury, with a sharp, nasal chuckle. "Weavile Mercury, Provisions. Good to meet you, Dave."

He took Dave's paw anyway, and shook. Dave hardly felt the claws, thankfully.

"Anyway, it's need-to-know, but I can tell you it's a busy day. And that half the Commission is on a field trip. You might've known that part already, I guess."

Mercury grinned humourlessly, and tipped his head towards the complex over the edge of the rail.

"Mind your step around here – it's easy to put a foot wrong, end up somewhere you don't want to. I'm between duties, so I guess I can take you wherever you're going. Which was... where, exactly?"

It was hard to tell if Mercury was trying to trip them up, or if this was just his usual personality. He was offering to be helpful, after a fashion, and it'd be weird not to ask what they were here for...