Offscreen Activities

[Panoramic_Vacuum]

The Army has maintained an outpost near Sunward for months now, and materials are being freighted in using the transcontinental railway to expand their base in the name of security for Commonwealth interests in the region. The whole place is becoming a tinderbox.

With Aurelia's concern about the Commonwealth army encampment nearby, Steven reaches out to Lucien and the Frontier Town leadership to see what they know about the growing military presence in Sunward. His hope is that something can be done to help ease the tension there, either by diplomatic means, or a through temporary measures to divert attention elsewhere. He wants to avoid having upcoming clash with the Covenant forces cause unnecessary Commonwealth backlash to the citizens of Sunward or the Soja frontier.

 

[Shadow Serenity]

Kimiko spends most of what free time she has available in the company of Angel, discussing how she/the group at large can assist with the ribombee's plans for the library, among other things. She learns what she can of the layout while there, but doesn't go out of her way to do so; she worries about looking suspicious.

She readies herself for battle as well in the knight's training area, just in case. Sneaking around is less her strong suit than battling, but on the other hand she's never been to Sunward herself, so she's prepared to join whichever squad is deemed to need additional support.

 

[Jackie Cat]

"My name is Koamaru Averon of the Wayfarers. I hope to seek your knowledge and guidance." Koa does his best to be professional and mindful, reigning in his usual impulses in favor of putting his best paw forward. Still, it's hard not to be inclined towards amiability with Aurelia. He gets on well with straightforward types, especially if they take him seriously in turn. He likely warms up to her a bit more.

"I'd be honored to hear the legends and tales you have to share of this place, sometime." Otherwise he does his best not to be too pushy. He takes careful notes of the layout of the outside, what cover is available, the feel of the terrain. He also plays close attention to learn what Aurelia or Estella knows of the surrounding area - dangers and boons alike.

Estelle's cool demeanor doesn't bother him, as long as she's not outright rude or dismissive. He can handle reserved and cold. In turn, he tries to stay respectful (though a dry bit of sarcasm may occasionally show just a little).

If they show any willingness to do so, he would gladly accept sparring matches, both to get to know them and learn.

Koa's politeness serves him well in avoiding Estelle's verbal or literal edge.

"This place is a whole culture, Koamaru of the Stars. Our relative isolation keeps us safe, and helps us serve our duty. There have been times in history when the fort has come under siege, but none have ever defeated it. We will hold fast against what you say is to come."

Still, Koa's disposition as a prospective student prompts something in the captains. Fort Sunward is, in a way, a sort of school. The cadets are always learning history and training for combat, and the evolved officers naturally fall into a tutorship mode when Koa talks about seeking guidance. It might come off as strangely endearing to him.

Perhaps some of what the captains told him will come up later...

With Aurelia's concern about the Commonwealth army encampment nearby, Steven reaches out to Lucien and the Frontier Town leadership to see what they know about the growing military presence in Sunward. His hope is that something can be done to help ease the tension there, either by diplomatic means, or a through temporary measures to divert attention elsewhere. He wants to avoid having upcoming clash with the Covenant forces cause unnecessary Commonwealth backlash to the citizens of Sunward or the Soja frontier.

Greasewood and Lucien are aware of the CW Army encampment, but it's rather outside their wheelhouse. They're mostly just grateful the federal government hasn't asked them to quarter any troops... so far. There's always a looming possibility that the serving president will decide a round of annexation and military glory is just the thing to shore up their popularity ahead of an election.

There's not much to be done in the way of getting them to stand down or to deploy somewhere else (so far as has occurred to either 'mon, anyway) but they are able to fill in Steven a little on the fellow in charge.

"Colonel Thaddeus Watershed is a veteran officer, and he's clearly not accustomed to sufferin' fools or takin' any other feller's advice. Damned big personality, I'll wager his troops love 'im. They call him 'Ironside' on account of his never havin' retreated from a battle, so y'can forget intimidatin' this 'un!"

"He is a very solid individual, certainly. He's a Blastoise, so that's hardly surprising, I suppose... I don't think you'll get anywhere with him unless his professional integrity is on the line, or something of that nature. He strikes me as honourable, at least."

Perhaps this information could prove useful.

Kimiko spends most of what free time she has available in the company of Angel, discussing how she/the group at large can assist with the ribombee's plans for the library, among other things. She learns what she can of the layout while there, but doesn't go out of her way to do so; she worries about looking suspicious.

She readies herself for battle as well in the knight's training area, just in case. Sneaking around is less her strong suit than battling, but on the other hand she's never been to Sunward herself, so she's prepared to join whichever squad is deemed to need additional support.

Angel's library plans are pretty huge in scope – a whole publicly-funded library network across the states would be a hell of a thing. She appreciates Kimiko's company very much, and proves to be something of a gossip.

"You know, I don't like to gossip, but you remember I was telling you about... You know, kinda shady sorts? Well, I keep crossing paths with that Weavile in logistics, and I don't know quite why, but I'm absolutely convinced he's some kinda sneak? He's always nosing about but he never wants to chat or make friends. Maybe that's unfair of me, I know Dark-types are usually nocturnal and all that, maybe he's just always tired. But I've learnt to recognise when someone's hiding something, believe me!"

Weavile Mercury is listed as a courier for messages and small parcels between departments and nearby Covenant-aligned locations. He sure seems busy for a guy who hardly takes any jobs, though. What does that mean?

Kimiko finds the knights an eclectic bunch, of various temperaments. For every Garnet or Aster, there's a Zaffre or Iridium – Lucario Iridium never seems to be free to spar, but he sure is critical of Kimiko's form when he happens to wander by. Another serious sort, probably. He shows up one afternoon all brooding and acidic, takes stock of the duelling schedule and patrol rota, then a minute later, he's gone...

 

[Tetra]

Even though Koa has no plans of helping to try and infiltrate the Covenant, he does make a show of going by Shining Congress for a day or two.

It's a welcome distraction to throw himself into being something else. Enthusiastic, bright-eyed, and eager to help the world. That's easy enough to do. Diverting his attention wholly to something else is nice. He's not the worlds best conversationalist, but he figures he doesn't need to be. But he does try to make and effort to say hi, share stories and challenge the more combative members to spars.

During these, he tries to get to know members of the Covenant better. How long have they been a member, what made them want to join, how do they like it? What kinds of good fights have they gotten in or heroic deeds have they performed? And of course, drop hints of how eager he is to make a difference in the world. Maybe down the line they'll remember him.

He also brings sugar cubes for Spectrier. Mostly just to chill with them though, and get away from the hubbub. He doesn't mind a good story or two of Spectriers adventures with 'Bobby'. Prying for information from the legendary feels. weird.

-

From Kimiko, he hears of plans for a library that Angel wants to make, and excitedly pays her a visit. Unfortunately, he's no logistics master so he's really no good as far as help or advice. He mainly enthusiastically encourages the idea and rattles on a bit about the importance of libraries and how special they are, and very important to the development of young kids (no he's not bias, why do you ask). He makes a donation of course, a decently sized one from the money he's saved.

He also says that if she ever needs someone to organize the library when she makes it (when, not if), he's the mon for it.

-

 

[Jackie Cat]

With nearly all the remaining Wayfarers signing on with the Covenant – at least in appearance – where has Isidora been, who wouldn't go near those types if you paid her to...? Before Articuno took everyone to the Shining Congress, Laura met with her restless friend and told her about the plan to join the Covenant. Smile, wave, say the right words, and get whatever intelligence they could before absconding with a rescued Betel and promptly making themselves scarce, maybe doing some damage on the way out...

---

"You're actually going through with this?!"

Of course she thought it was a terrible idea. She'd been thoroughly against anything like it ever since that group meeting ages ago.

"I know – I know, we can't trust them. We don't. But it's this, or we never get Betel out... or do any other real damage for that matter. It's not like Valere's gotten anywhere fighting them his way. Maybe this is our one chance to really fuck them over."

Isidora paused, searching for a counterargument that – to her frustration – never came.

"Well, you all can go ahead and do that, but you already know how I feel about it! You can count me out, and you can't force me."

Forcing Isidora wasn't what Laura had in mind, however.

"Actually... I don't think you should sign on for this. Can you imagine playing nice with them for more than five minutes, let alone days or weeks? Bollocks. Nah. So I've been thinking about this, and I actually think... you should join the Vanguard. You'd fit in great, after all."

"...What?"

"I'm serious! We kinda need someone with them anyway, right? There's pretty much no safe way for anyone else to get messages to the Vanguard, but we have Betel's network. You can keep Valere in the loop – and pass on what we learn. It could end up being really important, actually. So... Would you, Isidora...?"

The Sneasel's face moved from shock, to irritation that it wasn't her idea, and at last to a sigh of resignation.

"...I had half a mind to do it anyway. I can't believe you'd come up with that."

"I mean, hey, it makes sense, right? That's great news, though. I'll keep you posted about how it's going. ...I guess we might not be seeing each other in person for a while, so... Good luck. And look after yourself."

"Sure. You also, I guess."

---

It'd be a while before the two would see each other again. In the meantime, Laura sent Isidora regular updates about the Wayfarers' mission through the telepathic comms network... and perhaps she got the occasional terse reply back. The Sneasel had little trouble persuading Valere to take her on as a Vanguard guerrilla, once she got the group's attention during a run-in around Novelux, and while the larger part of the party became familiar with the Shining Congress, Isidora got to know the workings of Valere's insurgency...

 

[Inkedust]

After leaving the Islet of Light, the dungeon fades completely, being reduced to nothing more than a dense underbrush with a scattering of a few trees. The Wayfarers would not have to wait long before Owen returns to Mhynt. He gained the following information:

• Honchkrow seemed to have flown aimlessly for a bit, however he notably remained near or within Reven Hollow's perimeter. On the way, he spots a weavile carving more of those odd glyphs in the trees. After a while, he suddenly changed direction – like he had received a silent order – to an old, abandoned aviary on the outskirts of town.
• Due to the sheer density of murkrow and the glass being both clouded and grimy, it is impossible to get a good look inside while Honchkrow waits to be let in. If Owen were to try and open another window to sneak in, he would find that all the doors and windows were locked from the inside.
• However, he can make out a figure inside, listening to and taking note of what the murkrow are saying, which (if Owen listens closely) includes things the Wayfarers said during their expedition. Luckily, there is nothing from the moment the Wayfarers discovered Honchkrow. It appears that the murders there abandoned Honchkrow after his defeat.
• Owen can make out the figure's body-type and size – a medium-sized quadruped. Any other features are unable to be properly discerned.
• When the figure seems to approach the window to let Honchkrow in, they suddenly halt in their tracks and Honchkrow stiffens. The two look like they are speaking, despite no words being exchanged indicating that the figure has powerful psychic abilities given their ability to psychically communicate with a Dark-type. There is a tension in the air as the figure looks like they are sensing something on Honchkrow.
• The window eventually opens but before Owen can get a look at who's on the other side, A Radiant blast is immediately sent his way. The implication here is twofold: The first is that this figure – Honchkrow's trainer – has already taken the Relic's power for himself. The second is that the Relic has seemingly have given him the ability to detect Shadows within his vicinity.

Perhaps this information will be invaluable when it is time for the Wayfarers to put together a clear picture...

---

The return from Tyrrier is a simple one. After returning from Reven Hollow, Bellatrix is quick to catch up with the current events and opts to infiltrate the covenant as she believes that her illusions will be of invaluable use. She intends to disguise herself as a covenant scientist and spends the upcoming days doing her research.

 

[JFought]

The Sneasel had little trouble persuading Valere to take her on as a Vanguard guerrilla, once she got the group's attention during a run-in around Novelux, and while the larger part of the party became familiar with the Shining Congress, Isidora got to know the workings of Valere's insurgency...

In the time between now and then, Isidora isn't a sneasel anymore.

Valere assigns Isidora to his own cell and she gets briefed on their primary goal. The Coven is at the moment extracting rare earth metals from Landsverd. Due to budgetary and logistical constraints, it is a small-scale operation spread across only a few mines and refineries; small enough for the Vanguard to disrupt. Isidora's role is to act as a specialized combat unit. Most of her comrades are either noncombatants or simply not strong enough on their own to take on Covenant squads without strategic or tactical advantages. As someone who is strong enough, her job is to clear the way and protect her teammates to ensure their operations can proceed smoothly.

While she doesn't hit it off with everybody immediately, she does start to slowly blend in and make a few friends. Linoone Lowe comes to her first. The digger's special interest in geology manages to break through her shell, and it's not long before they're swapping rambles. Rhydon Flint looks like a lunk, what with his dark and imposing appearance, but she quickly discovers he's actually quite the intellectual, and she surprises herself with how well she's able to hit it off with him. She finds Ariados Keska unnerving at first, but the spider's propensity for storytelling quickly wins her over. The rest have their quirks, but she warms up to them a little over time. She even manages to forgive Farin for that time she blew her ears out.

In her unit, she proves herself effective. It is often violent and sometimes explosive work, but her experience with the Red Claw adapts her well to it. Sometimes she butts in on strategy meetings, and almost as often does she get humbled, but she just can't help herself. All that military history she learned back home had given her something of an interest. And of course, she does her job as a Wayfayer too, participating in her actual purpose for being there by passing along Laura's messages. Though it's a job that steadily starts to feel smaller as the month passes on.

There's this sense of familiarity to it all, working outside the margins of what could be considered legal or respectable. And at some point, she realizes this, and finds that she doesn't care. Not because of some bitterness or resignation to an old state of being. No, this felt different. Like there was a tangible purpose to it all, within sight waiting to be reached. Something to hope for. Something worth caring about. The feeling of her first successful operation was cathartic.

It was shortly after that mission that she evolved. It was painless.