Note from Shawn: Sorry. Forgot to do this. Flying Fox has not taken their headshot yet, I thought I should wait until then. But he stole my donuts and is holding them hostage. I'll just get it over with now. I'll add his headshot later...
((OOC:
this is an RP blog for my IEYTD OC! the askblog community is a multiverse thing, but this blog itself is set alongside the events of cog in the machine/~1968 ish?? starting right around missions 1 and 2. there may be spoilers about it!
some rp boundaries:
- no nsfw
- no bigotry
- please tread lightly with religious/spiritual topics, especially regarding Islam. references to religion are fine of course, it's a huge part of culture/societies. just...nothing too heavy (it's a sensitive spot for me)
^i know that might be confusing considering how omar will say a religious term every now and then. for context he's a cultural muslim atheist. he still participates in culture, festivities, and language involved with his upbringing as a malay muslim. like how some atheists in western countries will celebrate christmas and say jeez and stuff!
- no terminal illness/cancer
- flirting is fine but omar is monogamous and taken, so he won't reciprocate!
- please ask before bringing any controversial topics into an rp
- anything else should be just fine though :>
mun is over 18 (23yo). please note that i am also australian, meaning i'll be asleep during most american hours. please don't hesitate to let me know if i'm overstepping or being disrespectful in any way, i want this to be fun for everyone.
note to anyone else joining the IEYTD askblog community: we've agreed to tag our introductory posts with the main tags #ieytd and #i expect you to die. but as there's a lot of us popping up now (hell yeah) we've agreed to use the side tags #ieytask and #ieytd askblog as not to flood the main tag for fans outside our sub-community. hope thats cool with everyone, and let us know if anything needs changing.
i think thats all. have fun! - @taaaaaaawnyfrogmouth))
-------------------------------------
Name: Omar/Emara Aziz
Codename: Agent Flying Fox
Place of Birth: Changi Village, Singapore
Nationality: Singaporean
Date of Birth: March 5th, 1932
Height: 5'3
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Blood Type: A
Dom. Hand: Left
Status: Alive
Flavour Profile: Sweet and Spicy
Fav. Colour: Navy Blue
Zodiac: Pisces
MB type: ISFP-A
Weapon of Choice: Advanced Lockpicks
Catch Phrase: "This isn't about me, the Doctor, or the Agency. Think what you will of me. I'll be here for him, always."
A former Zoraxis operative, a high thief and burglar-for-hire who rose up the ranks over the years. Agent Nightjar worked undercover with Omar, on the long and ambitious Operation [REDACTED]. The two had grown close over time, Omar claimied that they may have even fallen in love. They state that they had suspicions, but turned a blind eye to it until his cover was blown. Zoraxis had caught Nightjar collecting intel, and brutally injured him in a near death incident. Omar managed to save the Agent, and with his direction, brought him to the Agency Emergency Room. While grateful for the rescue of one of their agents, the Agency still had their doubts about a Zoraxis Operative changing sides so suddenly. Omar was detained for some weeks after this event – with no clear idea of what the Agency should do to him.
After some pleading and much compromise, Omar’s affiliation with Zoraxis was deemed useful. After pulling some strings, the Agency has Agent Flying Fox working for them in order to pay off his years of crime. Under strict conditions, of course. Their Agency house is dotted with cameras, microphones, and sensors. They are forced to wear a watch that tracks his every word and move. Concerns regarding Agent privacy are continually dismissed by higher supervisors, as “A single blind spot could leave us wide open.” They have been denied a TK implant.
Agent Nightjar is currently in recovery for his injuries. Agency Research & Development is working on new assistive tech for him in the meantime. This has played a part in Flying Fox’s hire, as the Agency still needs to complete Nightjar’s mission until he is able to return to work.
Agent Flying Fox’s motives are uncertain. The team tracking him continue to preach that he is “Just madly in love” and “Constantly gushing about Agent Nightjar, and would do anything for him”. Such claims are met with scepticism from higher officers. What truly motivates this individual to the Agency’s side will forever be a mystery...
i'm back from my singapore trip and stuff so - teechnically i should be back and rearing to go but i'm starting to see a lot of holes in omar's narrative. and the way that i'm expressing them on here. nothing particularly bad ofc!
i just don't think i'm doing this right or to my standards and it might help to take an indefinite break. not sure if the ieytask community would still be active by the time i decide to bring this blog back, but i want to at least give myself the opportunity either way.
take care fellow secret agents tee hee. i'll still watch around the ieytask commjnity, more as a lil guy in the audience. thanks for all the fun :]]🤎🤎🤎
i love the way our characters bounced off each other and supported each other, it was such a sweet dynamic. i don't think i'm up for rping any time soon as i'm sorting through some irl stuff at the moment and lack time, but i'm always happy to chat if you need someone to talk to :]
and omar + nightjar will always be there for felix too. secret agent besties))
i'm back from my singapore trip and stuff so - teechnically i should be back and rearing to go but i'm starting to see a lot of holes in omar's narrative. and the way that i'm expressing them on here. nothing particularly bad ofc!
i just don't think i'm doing this right or to my standards and it might help to take an indefinite break. not sure if the ieytask community would still be active by the time i decide to bring this blog back, but i want to at least give myself the opportunity either way.
take care fellow secret agents tee hee. i'll still watch around the ieytask commjnity, more as a lil guy in the audience. thanks for all the fun :]]🤎🤎🤎
*Clearly this man cannot be reasoned with. Definitely too unresponsive to be an Operative of any kind. Just a deranged sort of civillian? Still, that metal pipe can't be safe. No way to disarm him at this point.*
"Right. What am I going to do here."
*He made a dart towards the door, trying to excape the situation. But the crazy man was still in the way.
Flying Fox barely dodged left and right, getting closer to the door, until Theodore landed a swing right in the agent's stomach area.*
Did you really have to hold Shawn's Donuts hostage until he finished his file on you? Cause that's really funny. Especially considering he's usually So Nosy about it
- Basi @agentgorgonspeaking
"Why of course, Basi! They hired me for a reason - Might as well show them what the great Agent Flying Fox is capable of! Harhar!
I...did get a bit of a scolding afterwards. You know how precious he is with them, especially those donuts with the pink icing and sprinkles. I still get a bit of a side eye whenever I walk past him in the lunch room.
It turned out fine in the end though. I am man of my word, they were returned to him unscathed."
The child giggles with the absolutely evil undertone of a 12 year old left unsupervised just a touch too often and is perhaps a bit to eager to inflict violence.
"Oh yeah, I don't think he's Ever forgotten the time me and Jiangshi got him, or forgiven. That's about the time he stopped ordering any with red things on them. I think he tried to get hotsause Banned from the agency even. Like we got it from the agency cafeteria I snuck that bottle in fair and square."
They cover their mouth with both hands to suppress their giggle.
"I'm more just surprised he needed the motivation, he loves filling out files, he's really annoyed that my mom won't let him put things in about her as much. That's why we hotsause donut'd him, me and Jiangshi AREN'T just chaos for chaos's sake after all."
"Bahahah! Hot sauce and red things... Did you inject hot sauce into his jam donuts? That's creative!
As much as I respect the mischief and tomfoolery, I'd be shattered if that caused an agency-wide hotsauce ban. A step too far, even for me, heh.
But, now that you ask, it is a bit odd that Shawn took so long to write my file. I've always thought he was having a slow day or a long queue. My onboarding here was a bit awkward and hashed, even for my standards.
And...Your mum has been able to negotiate with Shawn about the contents on her file? How did that go for her? That... would have been a better use of my time stealing those donuts"
*Flying Fox shook Basi's hand back, light bouncing off a golden watch beneath his sleeve*
"Ah - A bit of a ramble there. I've heard about you out and about in the Agency. It's nice to meet you in person, Basi!"
Hey pal? Still have Patrick cause if so can we do a trade?
*Patrick peeks his head up at the door*
*Buggy is at the other side of the door with around 50 cats following her*
I’ll give you a small companion for Patrick back…..
"Of course! Patrick has settled down a bit in my office, since you left. I think you might have dropped something too...? Or perhaps not, heh, the office is a bit of a mess after all.
Come on in Buggy! Your little raccoon friend missed you"
*She opens the door, oblivious. As the door opens, she finds more and more cats behind the agent. She doesn't know what to say this time."
"Those sure are.... A lot of them. And you're offering one of them to me?"
"Hah, well, I'm happy to help with the cat situation. I haven't had a cat in quite some time! As for the necklace, ah, I swore I put it somewhere, but ah...you see..."
*The office is a bit of a mess, with the...raccoon situation. Bits of newspaper and opened files litter all the desk space. Floor space, too.*
"I'm better at dealing with cats than raccoons. Yes, he settled down eventually, but I erm. Haven't had the time to clean up the wreckage, if you will. Let me see."
*She digs through a few drawers, muttering here and there. While digging, she cocks her head in Buggy's direction.*
"I'll find this soon, trust me. I'm great at finding shiny golden things. In the meantime, which cat are you willing to part with?"
She’s real old so she shouldn’t be too much trouble
*She looks around the office, she’s still pretty panicked about the necklace*
Ah uh sorry….. the necklace is EXTREMELY important, I-I’ve has it for years and it’s the last thing I have from when I was still in the streets and the its one of the only leads I have for finding my siste-
*She quickly covers her mouth*
….I’ve said way to much shoot…. I didn’t mean to mention her….
U-uh ignore that last part……
W-well uh…. Thanks for taking care of Patrick….. and for taking one of the cats!
…..don’t mention the necklace to anyone alright? It’s a secret, just…. A simple necklace that’s all….
*Shes trying to calm down, one of the cats start meowing and eventually all of the cats around her are screaming, they might want food*
Hmm…. I’ll just have to focus on this cat problem for now…..
*At this point, Omar has somehow wedged herself behind two desks, reaching someplace behind one of the offices walls. He raises his voice so Buggy can hear him*
"Yes, that ...oof. That little old cat seems lovely.
I'm...Ough. It's a bit of a squeeze but I can see it here...!
*She strains more and more and...*
"Ta-Da! A master in the art!"
*She brandishes the golden necklace, stumbling a little as she stands back up again.*
"Phew...
For...transparency, I did hear most of what you said. Trust me, I understand what it's like to have secrets. It's so much harder than it has to be, please know I won't do anything to-"
*The meowing seems to drown whatever heartfelt speech she meant to deliver. She shouts a little louder towards Buggy*
"DO YOU NEED ANY HELP? IT SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE A LOT ON YOUR PLATE BOTH IN TERMS OF ANIMALS AND FAMILY LIFE? I'M HAPPY TO CHAT SOMEPLACE MORE QUIET?"
*Buggy snatches the necklace and instantly checks to see if it’s been damaged at all*
THANKS! ALSO ONE SEC!!
*She runs out, all of the cats follow her except for the old grey cat, then she runs straight back in and shuts the door, the cats are still screaming but it’s a lot more quiet now*
Ha! Works every time! How can cats be so loud…..
*She looks back at Omar, doesn’t look to happy, for once she’s actually serious*
….Should I tell you? You really won’t tell anyone right? I-I can’t just…. If anyone important knows then I won’t be able to leave the building probably, or worse they might kick me out for some reason…… they already hated me since I first joined the agency, any excuse to kick me out, even if it doesn’t make sense…. Well….. I’ve gotten used to living here so I don’t know if I’ll be able to be in the streets again…… promise you won’t tell?
*He blinks, always blown away by Buggy's shepherding skills. Taking his attention back to Buggy, he takes a second to think, idly tapping her watch.*
"...I'll have you know I'm nothing more to my supervisors than the gum on their shoes. I won't do anything to if you tell me...it would be nice to help, actually! Though.
I...don't know your situation. I don't know what power they - my supervisors - could possibly have over you. But anything you say to me is recorded. In this office and anywhere around me. It was... a part of the contract if you will.
But please."
*She covers the watch and hides it behind her back, pulling that same muffling trick that has... so far worked. Somewhat*
"It's never easy to be on such thin ice all the time. I'll do what you need in order to find your sister. Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need someone to evaluate that necklace of yours?"
The same day I was found I snuck into one of the buildings to see whether any trace of my sister was there….. there wasn’t like always but I did found this necklace, they were talking about having something in it that makes it some sort of weapon? But I haven’t seen anything weapon like yet…. It just seems like a cool watch necklace thing
*She holds out the necklace, the pendant is shaped like a ladybug, there are two antennas sticking out from the top*
*She pressed the antennas together and the wings open up to show a small clock*
See? Though there is this extremely small lock on the back
*She flips the necklace over and a very small keyhole on the back*
I’ve tried to pick the lock so many times but it never works… and of course I don’t have the key so no do….
After I stole it the people who had it ran after me and started shooting, I got hit on the leg and had to hide in a dumpster, thankfully a very kind lady from the agency found me and took me to the building, not this one though sadly a VERY different one…. the supervisors and important people there really hated me… wanted me gone for good….
Uh anyways it seemed real important soo yeah….. hopefully those people don’t use this against me… but they probably will anyways…..
Sooo are you able to help with this? No need to…. Especially since she might just be dead at this point….. Ive been searching for so long now….. B-but still even if it’s just the death date and nothing else, that’s at least will give me some clarity on the situation….
*Shes she’s quiet, the cats have all gone by now*
*She really hopes that she isnt going to get kicked out for this*
"Oh my. I'm...I'm sorry you had to go through that, Buggy. You shouldn't be doing this alone. That's far too much, even for someone my age...
I agree, it's best not to think too hard about your sister being alive or dead. Clarity always helps, even if it isn't pleasant. I couldn't summon your sister out of nowhere, but at least we have a lead!"
*She looks closely at the necklace, entranced by its beauty and watchmaker's skills.*
"...That lock. I believe I could make short work of that lock. I won't say much, but lockpicking is...Heh. I've been lockpicking since my days wandering my kampung. Made a bit of a name for myself as the public nuisance of my neighborhood!"
*She pulls out a drawer, still hiding her left hand behind her back, under her coat. After some clacking of a hidden keypad, a little compartment opens up. He takes a little leather pouch out of the compartment.*
"It might be a bit of a challenge with only one hand. This watch is a tracking device - my supervisors will not only see me trying to break in, they'll see my method too. If you don't feel safe with them knowing about your necklace, we might have to work together to crack it."
*Her eyes light up, seems she’s starting to gain a bit of hope*
I-it’s definitely best they don’t find out just in case, once my sister has been found then I’ll tell them! I mean she’s one of the main reasons I’ve joined in the first place!
*She goes up to to Omar, her hands are shaking a bit*
What do I need to do pal? Tell me what to do and I’ll get to it!
"Alright. It is an abnormally small lock, but I should have the right picks for this size. Let me see."
*He flicks the leather pouch open with the same finesse as a Phoenix with their lighter. This finnesse dips into awkwardness as he shuffles through various steel lock picks with one hand. The tools clink and clank as she figures out a method to make this work. Eventually...*
"There! These should do. My three smallest picks and the tiniest torque wrench. I haven't used them in a long time. Found them in a gutter... when I was around 17, like you.
I'll need you to hold the necklace still with one hand. You need to maintain the torque on the pins after I've picked them, with this torque wrench.
Have you any experience in lockpicking? You mentioned trying to crack this one before. Is it in your training? If not, well, It'd be an honour to be your first teacher."
I’ve tried lock picking mainly because of my sister! She’s amazing at it! She’s the main reason we never starved at all when we were left out! Also the main reason I am so good at stealing! She unlocked things and checks the place out for anyone while I go in for the steal!
Though I’m not really good at it and no one taught me how to except my sis, I never understood it fully, usually I would just end up bashing a lock with a really heavy thing like a brick but definitely not with this one and I’m not gonna try bashing it, it’s too cool to be bashed!
… oh! Uh anyways uh…
*She tries to do what she was told, somehow being successful*
Uuuuh…. Right, right? What now? Oh wait what if…
*She wiggles the torque around and there’s a sound…*
*A soft click followed by sounds like ticking from a bomb*
"Ah. Oh no. Buggy, don't move. Hold that pendant very, very still."
*He grumbles to himself for a moment. Make a call to Agent Nightjar, dearest beloved who will never shut up about bomb diffusion, easy. But he'd have to gamble on taking the pick out of the hole, or call with his tracking watch right next to the phone, recording the whole conversation*
"Just a little booby trap. No stress. From one street thief to another, we know how to handle these, don't we? Ahah."
*He slowly, gently, pulls the pick out of the lock. The tiniest clack clack clack tells him something is off. He stops. The lockpick stays.
Flying Fox reaches her watch arm to the desk, onto the landline. Just enough to pick up the handset and dial his bomb-loving partner.*
"Abang? You free ah?"
"Eh? You ok darl?"
"Bomb situation. It's a bit of a team effort with Agent Buggy here. Can help or what?"
"Oh shit - Yeah, bring the phone to her, I need info from both of you."
"Right, makes sense. It's Agent Buggy's golden, ladybug-shaped pendant. The wings open up when you press the antennae. There's a tiny lock at the back of the necklace, and we tried to pick it - "
"Heheh, another unbreakable locklock to add to your repetoire ~ ? "
"No time for jokes, sayang! But - yes, thank you."
"Aahah! So Buggy, what set off the bomb? Has this happened before? Any little watchmaker serial codes on the pendant that I could work with? It's real impressive that they could shove a whole booby trap in there, my god. Oh - oh, are there any wires in there? Are they using CIRCUIT BOARDS now? How does that work. Where did you find this thing. God I should just make my way there now for a looky, hold on - "
*Shes slightly panicking….. actually she’s very much full on panicking but she’s doing a decent job on hiding it*
*She looks around the room and sees the door to the hallway…. She has an idea but it’s probably gonna be a strange one and very dumb*
UM OKAY SO uh Nightjar was it?
*She looks up to Omar, then back at the phone*
Okay don’t come over here just yet Nightjar I have an idea!!
*She very slowly brings the pendant to her and bites on the torque to keep it there, now that she has a free hand she reaches over to try and gently take the lock pick from Omar, but stops for a second, she points to the pendant and then to the door, then slowly and gently takes the lock pick*
"Huh? Em, you're a little quiet there. What's going on?"
*A great sense of dread sunk into his gut. Oh dear. He's heard horror stories of this from the other side... And it works...? He places the phone gently on the desk, now two hands free.*
"You Phoenixes have your ...methods. Who am I to question them? Here, let me open the door for you, it's a bit fiddly with the...er...askblog inter-dimensional technology."
*Agent Flying Fox turned a few knobs next to his office door, flicking some switches with his other hand. Air hisses as the door opens to Control Point Singapore, far from the horde of cats that followed Buggy into the office. He took a deep breath.*
"Eeeh, Omar? Are you doing what I think you're - Oh my god you are."
"I think you need to write an explaination to my supervisors in advance, darling. The hallway is going to need some repairs."
*Flying Fox cocked his head over to Buggy, signalling to throw it through the door*
*She let’s go of the torque and lock pick and quickly tosses the watch, takes the door and slams it shut*
KABOOM
*There is a huge green explosion, door was almost blown off but thankfully managed to hang in there*
*She cautiously opens the door again, the place is lit ablaze with green fire and absolutely in ruin…. the necklace is still on the floor and is perfectly intact like it never even exploded in the first place…*
Ok! NOW Nightjar can come on over! Also KNEW it would work! Done this six times now! Sis would be proud!
"Waaay ahead of you, bud. The whole office heard that. You're lucky I I came to work for a Physio appointment today."
*Agent Nightjar stood a metre's distance away from the burn marks. In awe of the green embers left on the floor and walls. He is a medium height Zulu South African man, dressed in a casual striped button-up and flayed pants. A left arm brace is strapped to his chest. With the other arm, he uses a fire extinguisher to take out the last flames.*
"Hah, Green! A copper fire? And the little necklace survived that? And. Hold on. SIX TIMES!?
God, let me get a closer look at that thing."
"Huh. Me too."
*Flying Fox picks up the necklace with a gloved hand. Turning it around, peering into the keyhole, pressing the antennae, opening and closing the wings and trying to find a crank for the clock itself.*
"It looks...exactly the same as it ever was before. Maybe you can pick one something I'm missing?"
*Nightjar did just the same thing, baffled with every new feature.*
"I'm...stumped. Usually there's a workaround for these kinds of things, you know? Instead of having to play with the tedious little puzzle. Unless that's the only way...?
Hey Buggy, how did those other six tries go for you? It'll help to know what went wrong those times."
((Ooc: context: Felix comes back from being kidnapped heehee :3))
[Lightning suddenly flashed outside as Felix came into Emara's office, soaking wet from the rain, looking both hurt emotionally and physically. He looked kinda mad, too, along with.. a little blank. Rain was pouring heavily- seems like a storm. It perfectly matched Felix's mood.]
"Oh, kesian..."
*She took him in, tidying a seat near her desk as fast as she could.*
"Please, have a seat. Alhamdulilah you're alright, Felix I...I couldn't get clearance but - I'm just glad you're ok."
*Another flash of thunder and lightning. The rain howls.*
"What happened? How. Why on earth would they do that? And how did they know you were here. What did they do to you and...and who saved you?"
*Amidst the questions, he sees the kid in front of him, all too tired and worn. What good would all these questions do?*
"Sorry. Felix. What's important is that you're here. I'll get you a nice cup of Teh Tarik and a blanket. Please, take all the time you need. You're safe here."
"It's not monsoon season yet...I don't know if this was in the weather report this morning. Odd."
*Omar looks out the window, steam wafting as she brews two cups of teh tarik. While pouring, she manages to find some bahulu to put on some saucers. The tea and cakes are placed on the desk in front of Felix*
"Take this, Felix. Have you ever had bahulu before? It's like a madeline cake. These ones are a little stale, as I've left them out for too long, but I hope they'll do."
*He looks at Felix intently, stifling a hundred questions. Inspecting his expression, anything for information. Eyes darting for any cue in the face of an exhausted young man. Yet, like his aunts once did back at his childhood kampung, all he could do was offer him sweets.*
[He looked at the sweets for a few moments, not wanting to be rude by pushing them away, nor wanting to eat them in case of poisoning. But this was Omar- he trusted Omar, right? He trusted Zor too, and look where that got him. But.. he needed someone to take care of him for now. He couldn't go through this alone and he knew that all too well. He sighed, shoving down his weariness over his friend's sweets, and took a bite of the bahulu. It eased his sorrow a little, and it was evident just a little on his face and in the rain as it slowed down just enough to match his mood once more. He still didnt say a word.]
*Emara watches Felix's hesitation. Stung, not by rudeness of any kind, but the fact that Felix had to be so wary in the first place. Omar never had to worry about that at his age. A safe upbringing taken for granted.*
"Things are always far worse on an empty stomach. It must be hard, after everything that happened, so I'm proud of you for pushing through. "
*He glances at the rain, slowing down ever so slightly. Then back at Felix.*
[Felix relaxed a little as he realized there was nothing to be scared or cautious with there. He still didn't feel like speaking, nor did he feel like staying silent.]
Thank you. ..For the.. sweets.
[Felix could answer any questions Omar had- although it would be a little hard since his brain was oddly silent.]
"It's the least I could do for you sayang, I'm glad that you thought to reach out. Back in my day, I visited a certain aunt whenever something happened in my kampung. Never thought to be in her position. It's no trouble though, an honour really."
*Again, he looked through the window. A slight scorn falls upon his face.*
"...After weeks in a windowless cell, you come back to appreciate windows a lot more. I don't know what the cells at Zoraxis are like. Much worse than the Agency, I'd assume.
...
Was anyone there when they took you? Anyone at this sorry excuse for an Agency keeping you safe at all?"
[Felix was silent for a little bit as thunder rolled in the distance.]
...No. I was tricked into thinking an agent was taking me to get lunch at a restaurant for once. But it turns out it was just Dr. Zor taking me to his stupid headquarters to try to- compromise, or something. They- I- ..I can't even think about what would happen to this planet if they kept me there. I can't-..
[He trailed off as anger and sadness choked him. The thunder outside was loud and even made Felix flinch a little.]
Zoraxis is stupid, this- this agency is stupid, and- I'm.. really stupid.. for trusting people so easily..
[He cussed himself in his mind for still continuing to trust people easily.]
"It's not your responsibility to know who to trust, Felix. It's the Agency's responsibility to keep you safe.
You're right. The Agency is rather stupid.
Shoving crystals into people's brains and calling it a day, hm? Their top agent is a reckless arsonist who eats mouldy sandwiches and the rest of us are thrown in to die. Like lambs to the slaughter. And they can't even protect against a child from a simple kidnapping. No wonder Prism turned.
God. What the fuck am I doing here? This is supposed to be the do-gooder side, and yet."
*She ran her fingers through her hair, sucking in air to stifle an outburst.
Questions. Information. Power.*
"...What did you mean by that Felix. The planet being at threat if they kept you there?"
[Felix, thrown off by the word "fuck" as well as the question, paused for a few moments as the storm continued on.]
So.. um.. think about why Zoraxis would want to kidnap me in the first place.
Why do they need me? A kid?
It's.. um.. a whole thing.
Normally I don't tell people this stuff- never had a need to-..
According to Zoraxis, I'm the world's greatest engineer. I invented so much of their stuff- the gravity control system, part of Charlie's blowtorch- hell, I even helped Solaris with the Death Engine! But of course I was oblivious to what exactly I was building. I don't even remember what Zor told me it was.
"iT's GoInG tO HeLp mAkE ThE wOrLd a bEtTeR pLaCe" he said, but we all know the world won't be a better place if he's running it.
If I stayed with Zoraxis, who knows what they would have convinced me to build! Maybe a- a mask that impersonates people or a kinesium bomb! Yes, I could make both of those in a matter of weeks. I'm just listing stuff off the top of my head.
Sure, I knew Zor was going to take over the world, and I was eager to join him. But as soon as it involved killing people, I had to get out. Luckily, I had common sense then.
..Well, congrats, you know more about me than anyone else in the agency.
And hey. Phoenix is the one who.. I suppose, inspired me to come to the agency. They're basically my hero. If they hadn't been there when they were, I would have never known the agency existed. The Death Engine would have killed everyone. Phoenix is the only reason why you and I are here today.
You're right. I shouldn't get ahead of myself - Agent Phoenix has their methods and..they've worked so far. Thank you, Felix. I could have said something sour if you didn't stop me."
*He took a deep breath, and a moment, to process Felix's story. Tapping his foot to fill in the silence.*
"Thank you too, for being so brave about your background. It can feel like being gutted alive to tell your story to another person. Especially after everything that has happened...
I'll assume we do come from different universes...In mine, those machines were made! Not by you, but by someone else. If it wasn't you, it's always another cog. This is how Zoraxis works, how the Agency works. They're the same to me.
What I'm saying is...first, please don't beat yourself up for anything you've done for them.
Second, I am wondering what else might be under the surface. As you know, Zoraxis operatives aren't told everything. We're - I mean they're - just given a job to do, and little else in terms of context.
[Felix awkwardly taps his fingers on the cup of teh tarik, knowing something he could say but deciding against, not really knowing if it would explain much of anything. Every few taps and thunder would roll a few seconds after. The lightning was far away and the rain sped up slowly as he tried to process the whole kidnapping situation. He stopped himself midway before he would start crying.]
Something.. isn't right.. [he repeated very quietly.]
Zor usually told me about the plans, obviously twisting them up some way. He was- he.. I.. trusted him.. a lot.. for reasons I do not want to say right now.
"I understand. It would be a lot easier to manipulate you compared to older operatives.
Though...Hm...Your Dr. Zor would tell you about the plans directly? Not through a dossier, letter, or a secretary? He must have a special use for you.
Ah - No, sorry. I see that's a bit of a touchy subject for you."
*She fiddled with her watch, thinking.*
"If it helps...That thief I know, he had a hard time leaving Zoraxis too. I can tell you anything you need if you want? It always helps me to hear stories of others in similar situations."
[Upon hearing "special use", lightning struck half a mile away, causing Felix to flinch at the sound.]
...I know I've been gone from Zoraxis for about a year.. what happened during the time after I left..? I know nothing about it. I've just been stuck at the agency not knowing anything that happens in the world. Not wanting to until today.
*Omar flinched at the lightning. What on earth was causing this weather?*
"I can't blame you at all, Felix. It's a mess back there. A year or so ago, my version of the Doctor got their hands on all the nuclear codes, threatening the world with a live broadcast.
Classic Zor, a part of me misses the flamboyance of it all. But the Phoenix managed to abort the launch, and laypeople began to see Zoraxis in a different light.
There was a scramble to cover everything up. Every trick they had in their book. Bribery, hostage and ransom, blackmail...
In fact...Hm. In all this scrambling, my universe's Dr. Zor managed to rope the Agency's main engineer to their side. Dr. Prism. My Phoenix is still tracking her down as we speak."
*He hummed, thinking of puzzle pieces to put together.*
"And you were a major Zoraxis engineer in your universe? That's impressive, actually! To work at the same level as her."
Did you really have to hold Shawn's Donuts hostage until he finished his file on you? Cause that's really funny. Especially considering he's usually So Nosy about it
- Basi @agentgorgonspeaking
"Why of course, Basi! They hired me for a reason - Might as well show them what the great Agent Flying Fox is capable of! Harhar!
I...did get a bit of a scolding afterwards. You know how precious he is with them, especially those donuts with the pink icing and sprinkles. I still get a bit of a side eye whenever I walk past him in the lunch room.
It turned out fine in the end though. I am man of my word, they were returned to him unscathed."
Hey pal? Still have Patrick cause if so can we do a trade?
*Patrick peeks his head up at the door*
*Buggy is at the other side of the door with around 50 cats following her*
I’ll give you a small companion for Patrick back…..
"Of course! Patrick has settled down a bit in my office, since you left. I think you might have dropped something too...? Or perhaps not, heh, the office is a bit of a mess after all.
Come on in Buggy! Your little raccoon friend missed you"
*She opens the door, oblivious. As the door opens, she finds more and more cats behind the agent. She doesn't know what to say this time."
"Those sure are.... A lot of them. And you're offering one of them to me?"
"Hah, well, I'm happy to help with the cat situation. I haven't had a cat in quite some time! As for the necklace, ah, I swore I put it somewhere, but ah...you see..."
*The office is a bit of a mess, with the...raccoon situation. Bits of newspaper and opened files litter all the desk space. Floor space, too.*
"I'm better at dealing with cats than raccoons. Yes, he settled down eventually, but I erm. Haven't had the time to clean up the wreckage, if you will. Let me see."
*She digs through a few drawers, muttering here and there. While digging, she cocks her head in Buggy's direction.*
"I'll find this soon, trust me. I'm great at finding shiny golden things. In the meantime, which cat are you willing to part with?"
She’s real old so she shouldn’t be too much trouble
*She looks around the office, she’s still pretty panicked about the necklace*
Ah uh sorry….. the necklace is EXTREMELY important, I-I’ve has it for years and it’s the last thing I have from when I was still in the streets and the its one of the only leads I have for finding my siste-
*She quickly covers her mouth*
….I’ve said way to much shoot…. I didn’t mean to mention her….
U-uh ignore that last part……
W-well uh…. Thanks for taking care of Patrick….. and for taking one of the cats!
…..don’t mention the necklace to anyone alright? It’s a secret, just…. A simple necklace that’s all….
*Shes trying to calm down, one of the cats start meowing and eventually all of the cats around her are screaming, they might want food*
Hmm…. I’ll just have to focus on this cat problem for now…..
*At this point, Omar has somehow wedged herself behind two desks, reaching someplace behind one of the offices walls. He raises his voice so Buggy can hear him*
"Yes, that ...oof. That little old cat seems lovely.
I'm...Ough. It's a bit of a squeeze but I can see it here...!
*She strains more and more and...*
"Ta-Da! A master in the art!"
*She brandishes the golden necklace, stumbling a little as she stands back up again.*
"Phew...
For...transparency, I did hear most of what you said. Trust me, I understand what it's like to have secrets. It's so much harder than it has to be, please know I won't do anything to-"
*The meowing seems to drown whatever heartfelt speech she meant to deliver. She shouts a little louder towards Buggy*
"DO YOU NEED ANY HELP? IT SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE A LOT ON YOUR PLATE BOTH IN TERMS OF ANIMALS AND FAMILY LIFE? I'M HAPPY TO CHAT SOMEPLACE MORE QUIET?"
*Buggy snatches the necklace and instantly checks to see if it’s been damaged at all*
THANKS! ALSO ONE SEC!!
*She runs out, all of the cats follow her except for the old grey cat, then she runs straight back in and shuts the door, the cats are still screaming but it’s a lot more quiet now*
Ha! Works every time! How can cats be so loud…..
*She looks back at Omar, doesn’t look to happy, for once she’s actually serious*
….Should I tell you? You really won’t tell anyone right? I-I can’t just…. If anyone important knows then I won’t be able to leave the building probably, or worse they might kick me out for some reason…… they already hated me since I first joined the agency, any excuse to kick me out, even if it doesn’t make sense…. Well….. I’ve gotten used to living here so I don’t know if I’ll be able to be in the streets again…… promise you won’t tell?
*He blinks, always blown away by Buggy's shepherding skills. Taking his attention back to Buggy, he takes a second to think, idly tapping her watch.*
"...I'll have you know I'm nothing more to my supervisors than the gum on their shoes. I won't do anything to if you tell me...it would be nice to help, actually! Though.
I...don't know your situation. I don't know what power they - my supervisors - could possibly have over you. But anything you say to me is recorded. In this office and anywhere around me. It was... a part of the contract if you will.
But please."
*She covers the watch and hides it behind her back, pulling that same muffling trick that has... so far worked. Somewhat*
"It's never easy to be on such thin ice all the time. I'll do what you need in order to find your sister. Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need someone to evaluate that necklace of yours?"
The same day I was found I snuck into one of the buildings to see whether any trace of my sister was there….. there wasn’t like always but I did found this necklace, they were talking about having something in it that makes it some sort of weapon? But I haven’t seen anything weapon like yet…. It just seems like a cool watch necklace thing
*She holds out the necklace, the pendant is shaped like a ladybug, there are two antennas sticking out from the top*
*She pressed the antennas together and the wings open up to show a small clock*
See? Though there is this extremely small lock on the back
*She flips the necklace over and a very small keyhole on the back*
I’ve tried to pick the lock so many times but it never works… and of course I don’t have the key so no do….
After I stole it the people who had it ran after me and started shooting, I got hit on the leg and had to hide in a dumpster, thankfully a very kind lady from the agency found me and took me to the building, not this one though sadly a VERY different one…. the supervisors and important people there really hated me… wanted me gone for good….
Uh anyways it seemed real important soo yeah….. hopefully those people don’t use this against me… but they probably will anyways…..
Sooo are you able to help with this? No need to…. Especially since she might just be dead at this point….. Ive been searching for so long now….. B-but still even if it’s just the death date and nothing else, that’s at least will give me some clarity on the situation….
*Shes she’s quiet, the cats have all gone by now*
*She really hopes that she isnt going to get kicked out for this*
"Oh my. I'm...I'm sorry you had to go through that, Buggy. You shouldn't be doing this alone. That's far too much, even for someone my age...
I agree, it's best not to think too hard about your sister being alive or dead. Clarity always helps, even if it isn't pleasant. I couldn't summon your sister out of nowhere, but at least we have a lead!"
*She looks closely at the necklace, entranced by its beauty and watchmaker's skills.*
"...That lock. I believe I could make short work of that lock. I won't say much, but lockpicking is...Heh. I've been lockpicking since my days wandering my kampung. Made a bit of a name for myself as the public nuisance of my neighborhood!"
*She pulls out a drawer, still hiding her left hand behind her back, under her coat. After some clacking of a hidden keypad, a little compartment opens up. He takes a little leather pouch out of the compartment.*
"It might be a bit of a challenge with only one hand. This watch is a tracking device - my supervisors will not only see me trying to break in, they'll see my method too. If you don't feel safe with them knowing about your necklace, we might have to work together to crack it."
*Her eyes light up, seems she’s starting to gain a bit of hope*
I-it’s definitely best they don’t find out just in case, once my sister has been found then I’ll tell them! I mean she’s one of the main reasons I’ve joined in the first place!
*She goes up to to Omar, her hands are shaking a bit*
What do I need to do pal? Tell me what to do and I’ll get to it!
"Alright. It is an abnormally small lock, but I should have the right picks for this size. Let me see."
*He flicks the leather pouch open with the same finesse as a Phoenix with their lighter. This finnesse dips into awkwardness as he shuffles through various steel lock picks with one hand. The tools clink and clank as she figures out a method to make this work. Eventually...*
"There! These should do. My three smallest picks and the tiniest torque wrench. I haven't used them in a long time. Found them in a gutter... when I was around 17, like you.
I'll need you to hold the necklace still with one hand. You need to maintain the torque on the pins after I've picked them, with this torque wrench.
Have you any experience in lockpicking? You mentioned trying to crack this one before. Is it in your training? If not, well, It'd be an honour to be your first teacher."
I’ve tried lock picking mainly because of my sister! She’s amazing at it! She’s the main reason we never starved at all when we were left out! Also the main reason I am so good at stealing! She unlocked things and checks the place out for anyone while I go in for the steal!
Though I’m not really good at it and no one taught me how to except my sis, I never understood it fully, usually I would just end up bashing a lock with a really heavy thing like a brick but definitely not with this one and I’m not gonna try bashing it, it’s too cool to be bashed!
… oh! Uh anyways uh…
*She tries to do what she was told, somehow being successful*
Uuuuh…. Right, right? What now? Oh wait what if…
*She wiggles the torque around and there’s a sound…*
*A soft click followed by sounds like ticking from a bomb*
"Ah. Oh no. Buggy, don't move. Hold that pendant very, very still."
*He grumbles to himself for a moment. Make a call to Agent Nightjar, dearest beloved who will never shut up about bomb diffusion, easy. But he'd have to gamble on taking the pick out of the hole, or call with his tracking watch right next to the phone, recording the whole conversation*
"Just a little booby trap. No stress. From one street thief to another, we know how to handle these, don't we? Ahah."
*He slowly, gently, pulls the pick out of the lock. The tiniest clack clack clack tells him something is off. He stops. The lockpick stays.
Flying Fox reaches her watch arm to the desk, onto the landline. Just enough to pick up the handset and dial his bomb-loving partner.*
"Abang? You free ah?"
"Eh? You ok darl?"
"Bomb situation. It's a bit of a team effort with Agent Buggy here. Can help or what?"
"Oh shit - Yeah, bring the phone to her, I need info from both of you."
"Right, makes sense. It's Agent Buggy's golden, ladybug-shaped pendant. The wings open up when you press the antennae. There's a tiny lock at the back of the necklace, and we tried to pick it - "
"Heheh, another unbreakable locklock to add to your repetoire ~ ? "
"No time for jokes, sayang! But - yes, thank you."
"Aahah! So Buggy, what set off the bomb? Has this happened before? Any little watchmaker serial codes on the pendant that I could work with? It's real impressive that they could shove a whole booby trap in there, my god. Oh - oh, are there any wires in there? Are they using CIRCUIT BOARDS now? How does that work. Where did you find this thing. God I should just make my way there now for a looky, hold on - "
*Shes slightly panicking….. actually she’s very much full on panicking but she’s doing a decent job on hiding it*
*She looks around the room and sees the door to the hallway…. She has an idea but it’s probably gonna be a strange one and very dumb*
UM OKAY SO uh Nightjar was it?
*She looks up to Omar, then back at the phone*
Okay don’t come over here just yet Nightjar I have an idea!!
*She very slowly brings the pendant to her and bites on the torque to keep it there, now that she has a free hand she reaches over to try and gently take the lock pick from Omar, but stops for a second, she points to the pendant and then to the door, then slowly and gently takes the lock pick*
"Huh? Em, you're a little quiet there. What's going on?"
*A great sense of dread sunk into his gut. Oh dear. He's heard horror stories of this from the other side... And it works...? He places the phone gently on the desk, now two hands free.*
"You Phoenixes have your ...methods. Who am I to question them? Here, let me open the door for you, it's a bit fiddly with the...er...askblog inter-dimensional technology."
*Agent Flying Fox turned a few knobs next to his office door, flicking some switches with his other hand. Air hisses as the door opens to Control Point Singapore, far from the horde of cats that followed Buggy into the office. He took a deep breath.*
"Eeeh, Omar? Are you doing what I think you're - Oh my god you are."
"I think you need to write an explaination to my supervisors in advance, darling. The hallway is going to need some repairs."
*Flying Fox cocked his head over to Buggy, signalling to throw it through the door*
((Ooc: context: Felix comes back from being kidnapped heehee :3))
[Lightning suddenly flashed outside as Felix came into Emara's office, soaking wet from the rain, looking both hurt emotionally and physically. He looked kinda mad, too, along with.. a little blank. Rain was pouring heavily- seems like a storm. It perfectly matched Felix's mood.]
"Oh, kesian..."
*She took him in, tidying a seat near her desk as fast as she could.*
"Please, have a seat. Alhamdulilah you're alright, Felix I...I couldn't get clearance but - I'm just glad you're ok."
*Another flash of thunder and lightning. The rain howls.*
"What happened? How. Why on earth would they do that? And how did they know you were here. What did they do to you and...and who saved you?"
*Amidst the questions, he sees the kid in front of him, all too tired and worn. What good would all these questions do?*
"Sorry. Felix. What's important is that you're here. I'll get you a nice cup of Teh Tarik and a blanket. Please, take all the time you need. You're safe here."
"It's not monsoon season yet...I don't know if this was in the weather report this morning. Odd."
*Omar looks out the window, steam wafting as she brews two cups of teh tarik. While pouring, she manages to find some bahulu to put on some saucers. The tea and cakes are placed on the desk in front of Felix*
"Take this, Felix. Have you ever had bahulu before? It's like a madeline cake. These ones are a little stale, as I've left them out for too long, but I hope they'll do."
*He looks at Felix intently, stifling a hundred questions. Inspecting his expression, anything for information. Eyes darting for any cue in the face of an exhausted young man. Yet, like his aunts once did back at his childhood kampung, all he could do was offer him sweets.*
[He looked at the sweets for a few moments, not wanting to be rude by pushing them away, nor wanting to eat them in case of poisoning. But this was Omar- he trusted Omar, right? He trusted Zor too, and look where that got him. But.. he needed someone to take care of him for now. He couldn't go through this alone and he knew that all too well. He sighed, shoving down his weariness over his friend's sweets, and took a bite of the bahulu. It eased his sorrow a little, and it was evident just a little on his face and in the rain as it slowed down just enough to match his mood once more. He still didnt say a word.]
*Emara watches Felix's hesitation. Stung, not by rudeness of any kind, but the fact that Felix had to be so wary in the first place. Omar never had to worry about that at his age. A safe upbringing taken for granted.*
"Things are always far worse on an empty stomach. It must be hard, after everything that happened, so I'm proud of you for pushing through. "
*He glances at the rain, slowing down ever so slightly. Then back at Felix.*
[Felix relaxed a little as he realized there was nothing to be scared or cautious with there. He still didn't feel like speaking, nor did he feel like staying silent.]
Thank you. ..For the.. sweets.
[Felix could answer any questions Omar had- although it would be a little hard since his brain was oddly silent.]
"It's the least I could do for you sayang, I'm glad that you thought to reach out. Back in my day, I visited a certain aunt whenever something happened in my kampung. Never thought to be in her position. It's no trouble though, an honour really."
*Again, he looked through the window. A slight scorn falls upon his face.*
"...After weeks in a windowless cell, you come back to appreciate windows a lot more. I don't know what the cells at Zoraxis are like. Much worse than the Agency, I'd assume.
...
Was anyone there when they took you? Anyone at this sorry excuse for an Agency keeping you safe at all?"
[Felix was silent for a little bit as thunder rolled in the distance.]
...No. I was tricked into thinking an agent was taking me to get lunch at a restaurant for once. But it turns out it was just Dr. Zor taking me to his stupid headquarters to try to- compromise, or something. They- I- ..I can't even think about what would happen to this planet if they kept me there. I can't-..
[He trailed off as anger and sadness choked him. The thunder outside was loud and even made Felix flinch a little.]
Zoraxis is stupid, this- this agency is stupid, and- I'm.. really stupid.. for trusting people so easily..
[He cussed himself in his mind for still continuing to trust people easily.]
"It's not your responsibility to know who to trust, Felix. It's the Agency's responsibility to keep you safe.
You're right. The Agency is rather stupid.
Shoving crystals into people's brains and calling it a day, hm? Their top agent is a reckless arsonist who eats mouldy sandwiches and the rest of us are thrown in to die. Like lambs to the slaughter. And they can't even protect against a child from a simple kidnapping. No wonder Prism turned.
God. What the fuck am I doing here? This is supposed to be the do-gooder side, and yet."
*She ran her fingers through her hair, sucking in air to stifle an outburst.
Questions. Information. Power.*
"...What did you mean by that Felix. The planet being at threat if they kept you there?"
[Felix, thrown off by the word "fuck" as well as the question, paused for a few moments as the storm continued on.]
So.. um.. think about why Zoraxis would want to kidnap me in the first place.
Why do they need me? A kid?
It's.. um.. a whole thing.
Normally I don't tell people this stuff- never had a need to-..
According to Zoraxis, I'm the world's greatest engineer. I invented so much of their stuff- the gravity control system, part of Charlie's blowtorch- hell, I even helped Solaris with the Death Engine! But of course I was oblivious to what exactly I was building. I don't even remember what Zor told me it was.
"iT's GoInG tO HeLp mAkE ThE wOrLd a bEtTeR pLaCe" he said, but we all know the world won't be a better place if he's running it.
If I stayed with Zoraxis, who knows what they would have convinced me to build! Maybe a- a mask that impersonates people or a kinesium bomb! Yes, I could make both of those in a matter of weeks. I'm just listing stuff off the top of my head.
Sure, I knew Zor was going to take over the world, and I was eager to join him. But as soon as it involved killing people, I had to get out. Luckily, I had common sense then.
..Well, congrats, you know more about me than anyone else in the agency.
And hey. Phoenix is the one who.. I suppose, inspired me to come to the agency. They're basically my hero. If they hadn't been there when they were, I would have never known the agency existed. The Death Engine would have killed everyone. Phoenix is the only reason why you and I are here today.
You're right. I shouldn't get ahead of myself - Agent Phoenix has their methods and..they've worked so far. Thank you, Felix. I could have said something sour if you didn't stop me."
*He took a deep breath, and a moment, to process Felix's story. Tapping his foot to fill in the silence.*
"Thank you too, for being so brave about your background. It can feel like being gutted alive to tell your story to another person. Especially after everything that has happened...
I'll assume we do come from different universes...In mine, those machines were made! Not by you, but by someone else. If it wasn't you, it's always another cog. This is how Zoraxis works, how the Agency works. They're the same to me.
What I'm saying is...first, please don't beat yourself up for anything you've done for them.
Second, I am wondering what else might be under the surface. As you know, Zoraxis operatives aren't told everything. We're - I mean they're - just given a job to do, and little else in terms of context.
[Felix awkwardly taps his fingers on the cup of teh tarik, knowing something he could say but deciding against, not really knowing if it would explain much of anything. Every few taps and thunder would roll a few seconds after. The lightning was far away and the rain sped up slowly as he tried to process the whole kidnapping situation. He stopped himself midway before he would start crying.]
Something.. isn't right.. [he repeated very quietly.]
Zor usually told me about the plans, obviously twisting them up some way. He was- he.. I.. trusted him.. a lot.. for reasons I do not want to say right now.
"I understand. It would be a lot easier to manipulate you compared to older operatives.
Though...Hm...Your Dr. Zor would tell you about the plans directly? Not through a dossier, letter, or a secretary? He must have a special use for you.
Ah - No, sorry. I see that's a bit of a touchy subject for you."
*She fiddled with her watch, thinking.*
"If it helps...That thief I know, he had a hard time leaving Zoraxis too. I can tell you anything you need if you want? It always helps me to hear stories of others in similar situations."
"Haha! Hello, Trickster Witch! Nice to see you and your cheeky little black cat here again. I've come well prepared with some candy for you."
*Agent Flying Fox digs out a handful of colourful wrapped lollies.*
"Have some Gula-Gula Udang, or Prawn Candies! They're...the closest thing I could find relating to bugs, eheh. They're not made of prawn though! Malty and peanut flavoured chewy candy, wrapped in crunchy rice paper.
All the best, trick or treating around the offices!"
