Hey cuties! ✨ I'm Evie, formerly of the Peace Syndicate, now of the Reality Warriors, trying to find my feet in the Force.
Who I am and who I was are very different people now. If you're somehow from the Syndicate, understand one thing: this team is my family, and I will not go back.
💙Have fun!❤️
Relationship Status: Taken by @officialjohnjones
Mun and muse are 18+, and Evie is very much committed to her beloved John Jones (whose mun and muse are also 18+ and my irl husband). She will act committed to him, so DNI if you don't like PG-13 levels of spice. I will not write anything NSFW/explicit, but a married couple do not behave like just friends, so don't expect that.
In character posting - #evie's social
Reply/reblog - #evie chats
Answered ask - #evie's dms
OOC posting - #//post
Evie's Diary tags are glimpses into the character from her own eyes, and are non-interactive.
#open/#closed tags are in use to determine what posts are open to random interactions and which are predetermined, planned posts with intended recipients. If you see a #closed tag, you may read or archive-reblog, but if you try to interact you will be ignored, and continued disrespect of the boundaries will result in a block.
// If you like my writing, you can find my other blogs linked below!
@empress-mizuki
@slayer-charlotte
@shades-of-myst
@sugar-bear-syd
@goddess-of-elysium
@io-splinter-agent
DO NOT STEAL ANY OF MY WRITING OR DRAWINGS TO USE FOR AI OR AI TRAINING.
Blog photos provided courtesy of @snippydippy my favorite Fortographer!! 💛
I'm taking not breaking character seriously, but Evie is about as unserious as it gets. That said, there are some ground rules:
1. Absolutely ZERO NSFW. Evie is a free spirit, not a toy. Joke around, but don't cross the line of decency.
2. Apparently "God Mode" has been a problem. We'll be having none of that here. I'll warn you first try, block you second. God Mode is not fun for anyone.
3. I'm an adult, jsyk, I'm cool to chat with anyone but I'll remove myself from any situations with minors I think could get dangerous.
4. Respect my RP, I'll respect yours. We may not agree on a characterization, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun.
This blog deals with heavy topics such as ab#se, PTSD, hallucinations, death, loss, trauma, survivors' guilt, and other mental health issues.
Headcanons:
Evie gives off the vibe of an airhead, but she has a surprisingly sharp wit when she wants to show it. The Peace Syndicate has been trying to follow the Island forward ever since the Big Bang, but didn't have the tech to break through the dimensions. Until they finally made a breakthrough.
Her memories surrounding the rift that brought her to C5S4 are spotty and deeply traumatic. But she was confident, until S2 Remix, that her friends would find her there. Since then she's come to accept that her old team is dead, and she has worked to move on with John Jones and the Reality Warriors, trying to continue protecting the peace, but with less questionable methods.
The team has become her family, closer than she's ever had. King Midas is her best friend (ironic, considering he and Jones don't really like each other). Vengeance Jones is like an older brother to her. And John Jones is the love of her life.
She is now working to find her way forward with her new connection to the Force, which seems to have made a permanent connection with the Island and the Zero Point.
During their brief foray into Save The World, Jones' homeworld, the two decided to do away with waiting for peace and tied the knot in his old home. Less than a week later, she found her new husband shot at the bottom of a cliff.
[Posts for context -> "An apple a day does keep the doctor away" - Geno + "Oh No Evie Your Mans In Trouble" - The Force] [ @heroic-hope ]
WHAT!?
*Triage and Jones in danger!? And by Visitor's doing!? What was that fucker doing!? Who did he think he was!?
An hallucination of Vigneron frantically pulling on Venge's arm moved his eyes away from being able to see Ripp shooting from his seat to help Evie recover from her supposed Force vision*
"We need to go!"
But...Evie--!
"NOW!!"
...okay. Ripp. Make sure she's okay and follow me when she's ready.
*Seeing Ripp nod prompted Venge to begin sprinting down hallways at speeds he wasn't aware he could hit, as he did so he rustled inside his pocket, taking out his RW card and pinging a general emergency ping*
To any member online. Jones' tank room. Medic is injured and Commander's in danger. It's Visitor. Need backup stat.
[ The second she saw the ping, Hope found herself running to where Jones' tank was. She had a terrible feeling about this. ]
[ Her visions had been telling her one thing lately: something bad was on the horizon, and "Visitor" was connected to it, somehow. This, whatever it is, had to be it - this is what the visions were warning her of. ]
*His eyes scanned the group, confirming Ripp and Evie had also arrived as they were now standing right infront of him, Ripp on high allert and Evie...not quite in perfect shape but at least she was standing upright.*
Stay right behind me. If he dares to do anything he's gonna attack me first. You'll have time to attack.
*Vengeance took a deep breath and stepped into view of the Visitor, eyes glaring in an eerie purple-reddish glow he had not noticed.*
You. Think you could stab us in the back and go unnoticed for any longer?
[Visitor looked up from the panel, noting the assembled people in front of him. He looked down and Triage on the ground, then at the panel, then back at them.]
Well. I could give a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this.
... But why should I? There would be no point, after all. The average intelligence in this room borders on the lower median, yet even a child could infer that something is amiss.
[He turned to face then, hand still near the panel.]
So, since this charade has gone on for an embarrassingly long time, I think it is time I introduce myself.
[Lifting his other hand, he pulled his helmet off, and Geno breathed deeply.]
And thank the Point, that helmet is so incredibly uncomfortable.
[He tossed his helmet aside, and gave a dramatic bow.]
I am Geno. A distinct pleasure to meet... well, most of you.
*Evie was very unwell. The Ascender from the Blimp had done numbers on her already swimming stomach and head. But nobody would know by looking at her. This wasn't the first time she'd forced herself forward under similar conditions, and pure adrenaline and rage had erased all fog and even hints of exhaustion. She was alert, and she was furious.
Now that she could actually see Geno's face, it was no wonder the Ageless was as reclusive and skittish as he was. They were nearly identical... except this monster that demanded perfection had ironically been marred. The sight of that scar and the visible age that had set in set a spark of defiant hope burning in Evie, despite everything.
The invulnerable could be hurt. They just needed to find out how.
If she had known, Evie would never have revealed her Force abilities to him. But that ship had long since sailed, so she saw no point in pretense. With a sharp pull of her hand, the pistol on Geno's hip and the knife in his boot flew to her, coming to a stop in front of her hand, and with a flick of her wrist both shattered, the shrapnel hovering in place still. Probably not his only weapons, but it narrowed his options.*
We both know how a fight here would go, and I'm not interested in pointless sacrifices, so let's dispense with the games.
Ah, but the games have just begun, Miss Evelynn! After months of you people not even putting up token resistance to my moves, you have FINALLY made one of your own!
[He scoffed, pulling at his his braces.]
For all I expected, living in the headquarters of the Heroes of Reality, you are a dull and sullen lot. Some of you barely pretend you are not children play acting at heroics, while others act as though a single year and a half can make up for the mistakes that span a lifetime.
[Geno's face twisted into a sneer as he jabbed a finger at Vengeance.]
And if I had not had to put up with it enough for several years, that snapshot is constantly moping about trauma that was conjured into his mind wholesale by the Zero Point. A past that does not even exist, let alone matter!
[He let the bracers clatter to the floor, before moving on to the chestplate straps.]
So before you all act so smug and sanctimonious, recall that I am the one who has spent the past few months making sure that anything happened, so that the Zero Point was reformed and Reality did not collapse.
Now then, I suppose you all want an account of the various circumstances that led to your current predicament? It would certainly aid you if you wish to stop me from fixing reality.
*He was goading them, and Evie had seen that far too many times for it to have the desired effect. All anger, all emotion, vanished from her face, the only thing remaining being pure disdain.*
You don't have the right to call me by my name.
Furthermore, the one doing the majority of the work on the Zero Point has been the Innovation. If anything, this situation is your fault, and in fixing it you've been doing nothing but riding her coattails. And you did nothing to help the people you hurt, but of course you wouldn't, because you don't care, so all this talk of acting sanctimonious really is rich coming from you.
*She turned her hand, the shards repositioning into a grid of tiny razors.*
[Posts for context -> "An apple a day does keep the doctor away" - Geno + "Oh No Evie Your Mans In Trouble" - The Force] [ @heroic-hope ]
WHAT!?
*Triage and Jones in danger!? And by Visitor's doing!? What was that fucker doing!? Who did he think he was!?
An hallucination of Vigneron frantically pulling on Venge's arm moved his eyes away from being able to see Ripp shooting from his seat to help Evie recover from her supposed Force vision*
"We need to go!"
But...Evie--!
"NOW!!"
...okay. Ripp. Make sure she's okay and follow me when she's ready.
*Seeing Ripp nod prompted Venge to begin sprinting down hallways at speeds he wasn't aware he could hit, as he did so he rustled inside his pocket, taking out his RW card and pinging a general emergency ping*
To any member online. Jones' tank room. Medic is injured and Commander's in danger. It's Visitor. Need backup stat.
[ The second she saw the ping, Hope found herself running to where Jones' tank was. She had a terrible feeling about this. ]
[ Her visions had been telling her one thing lately: something bad was on the horizon, and "Visitor" was connected to it, somehow. This, whatever it is, had to be it - this is what the visions were warning her of. ]
*His eyes scanned the group, confirming Ripp and Evie had also arrived as they were now standing right infront of him, Ripp on high allert and Evie...not quite in perfect shape but at least she was standing upright.*
Stay right behind me. If he dares to do anything he's gonna attack me first. You'll have time to attack.
*Vengeance took a deep breath and stepped into view of the Visitor, eyes glaring in an eerie purple-reddish glow he had not noticed.*
You. Think you could stab us in the back and go unnoticed for any longer?
[Visitor looked up from the panel, noting the assembled people in front of him. He looked down and Triage on the ground, then at the panel, then back at them.]
Well. I could give a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this.
... But why should I? There would be no point, after all. The average intelligence in this room borders on the lower median, yet even a child could infer that something is amiss.
[He turned to face then, hand still near the panel.]
So, since this charade has gone on for an embarrassingly long time, I think it is time I introduce myself.
[Lifting his other hand, he pulled his helmet off, and Geno breathed deeply.]
And thank the Point, that helmet is so incredibly uncomfortable.
[He tossed his helmet aside, and gave a dramatic bow.]
I am Geno. A distinct pleasure to meet... well, most of you.
*Evie was very unwell. The Ascender from the Blimp had done numbers on her already swimming stomach and head. But nobody would know by looking at her. This wasn't the first time she'd forced herself forward under similar conditions, and pure adrenaline and rage had erased all fog and even hints of exhaustion. She was alert, and she was furious.
Now that she could actually see Geno's face, it was no wonder the Ageless was as reclusive and skittish as he was. They were nearly identical... except this monster that demanded perfection had ironically been marred. The sight of that scar and the visible age that had set in set a spark of defiant hope burning in Evie, despite everything.
The invulnerable could be hurt. They just needed to find out how.
If she had known, Evie would never have revealed her Force abilities to him. But that ship had long since sailed, so she saw no point in pretense. With a sharp pull of her hand, the pistol on Geno's hip and the knife in his boot flew to her, coming to a stop in front of her hand, and with a flick of her wrist both shattered, the shrapnel hovering in place still. Probably not his only weapons, but it narrowed his options.*
We both know how a fight here would go, and I'm not interested in pointless sacrifices, so let's dispense with the games.
*Dressed back down in her Jedi robes, Evie already had mugs ready for both of them, sliding them across the desk with a gentle Force push.*
I do, unfortunately. Triage has basically pulled me from duty for health reasons. Guess the lack of sleep really did catch up with me.
*She made a face.*
At any rate, I need some people I trust to pick up my watch shifts with John. You two are the ones I trust most, so I wanted to ask you first. If you both say yes then that'll let the others get more rest too, but that's up to you.
I had noticed something was up with you but I didn't say a lot because I didn't want to worry you too much. You know with Jones and everything. Hope you get the rest you need!
*He sipped his coffee, looking over at Vengeance.*
I could do it! I don't have anything important to do so I can take any shift. Think you can do that too, big guy?
*He bumped Vengeance's arm with an elbow, his eyes silently telling him the question was directed to both him and Vigneron. It was impossible he wasn't listening anyways.*
*He took a long sip, trying to not look like they had just hummed together to answer. One thing he couldn't hide was the fact that he probably looked like he had zoned out while Ripp spoke, but honestly it was hard not to when you're listening to the stray soul in your body.*
I...was waiting for you to actually ask that! I don't know why I wasn't asked so soon, but I'm glad I get to help you guys a little more...!
I didn't ask because you've already been doing so much around here, I didn't want to add to your plate if I could just do it myself. You've basically been the actual leader around here, and for that I'm grateful.
*She turned to Ripp now, swirling her coffee.*
As for you, I actually owe you an apology. I-NGH!
*The coffee mug shattered on the floor, and Evie fell back against the countertop, holding her head as her vision was suddenly overtaken. An image of Triage crumpled on the floor, the Visitor standing over him, illuminated by the glow of the tank, flashed in front of her eyes, there and gone again, leaving only the feeling of immediate danger.*
Wha... Ngh... John! JOHN! Oh stars!
*Evie tried to head for the door, but dizziness made her falter, forcing her to lean on the desk for a moment. Frantic, she signaled to the two men.*
Triage is hurt! John's in danger! Go! It's the Visitor!!!
*Dressed back down in her Jedi robes, Evie already had mugs ready for both of them, sliding them across the desk with a gentle Force push.*
I do, unfortunately. Triage has basically pulled me from duty for health reasons. Guess the lack of sleep really did catch up with me.
*She made a face.*
At any rate, I need some people I trust to pick up my watch shifts with John. You two are the ones I trust most, so I wanted to ask you first. If you both say yes then that'll let the others get more rest too, but that's up to you.
*Evie had not come out of her and Jones' room for approximately 22 hours straight, not even for food. Snacks had been all she was able to keep down thanks to sheer anxiety. But she had to get back on duty... and before she did that, she had to understand her situation.
Triage should be off his shift right now, Peely had the final rotation. Evie shot off a text to the medic, making sure it didn't give anything away. Just in case their messages were being read as well.*
Hey, Triage! Can I borrow you for a checkup? I've been resting up and I want to be sure I'm clear to go back!
*She couldn't risk the "Visitor" finding out about this too soon... It was probably inevitable, but she didn't want him to have that information on her this quickly.*
"Of course! Come up to clinic as soon as your ready!"
*He proceeded to give a quick clean to everything until Evie appeared to the door, his usual smile on his face, knowing well that the slight eyebags under his eyes snitched on him about his sleep schedule. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as what he had seen on Evie, so that still gave him some extra authority other than being the medic.
Giving a quick glance at Evie, his brain could tell something was already off. It wasn't the signs of recovering exhaustion or the noticeable loss of weight...but something else...something about her abdomen. He should have tried to understand if she also felt off.*
Are you here with something specific in mind for the check-up? Or it's just casual?
Just wanting to be sure I'm healthy enough to get back to work, honestly. I haven't slept that much in weeks!
*True enough, she'd cried herself to sleep, and had stayed asleep for about... four hours? More than her usual nights lately.
As she spoke, Evie swept the room with the Force, searching for any listening devices. She found only one after multiple checks, very cleverly concealed in the light fixture, and she subsequently pulled it from the ceiling, hovered it over her palm, and crushed it, disgust and anger flashing across her expression before she looked back at Triage.*
... Actually that's a lie. And you can see why.
*She dumped the crumpled thing on the desk.*
What I came here for cannot go into your files or medical chart history on me in any way, shape, or form, and it must not leave this room. You know I don't interfere with your work normally, so I hope you understand the significance of this and respect it, not just as my doctor, but as my teammate and friend. Okay?
*Evie eased her tone as she finished, not wanting to sound threatening, but serious.*
*The what was once a listening device on his desk made his heart drop to his guts, his eyes looking over and narrowing at the ceiling.
Not even the doctor was safe by whatever was happening.
Taking the bits and longingly holding them in his hand, he dropped them into the trashcan under his desk. Keeping his thoughts on hold about that, he shut off every non-medical device in his room, even unplugging the wifi extender of the clinic. He eventually sat down at his desk, his hand softly gesturing Evie to do the same.*
Nothing will see or hear you now. Only my own two ears and my only good eye.
*Evie breathed a sigh of relief as the room went quiet. Listening devices often had their own off-grid power and connection, but now she could sense better whether there were any others. Thankfully, there were not.*
As you can see, we are compromised. I'm working on it... as best I can.
*Not super reassuring, but keeping Triage alert could only be good for the medic. The "Visitor" was most certainly enjoying lifting information from every corner he possibly could.
But now Evie had to get down to her actual business... and that was much easier said than done. It still felt surreal, and saying it out loud felt like it would jinx the whole thing. Suddenly the efficient agent was gone, leaving a very frightened girl in Triage's office seat.*
So... You know that John and I got married back on his homeworld before... all of this. And we took a little honeymoon there, just a few days, all we felt we could get away with... And you remember that I thought the Syndicate had... well...
*She twisted her ring, swallowing hard.*
... It turns out they weren't as effective as I thought...
*Evie looked up at Triage, the fear beginning to strangle her again, tears in her eyes.*
*Triage didn't need much decrypting to understand what Evie meant to say. His stern look influenced by the listening device discovery now fully changed into a soft, understanding expression.
He had a feeling Evie would have enjoyed the thought of being a mother, yet seeing her so scared didn't sadly feel odd at all. This was a poor situation to have a child floating among your insides. Especially when the father is comatose and unable to know.*
I suppose you just found out and Jones has no way of even dreaming about it right now...huh?
*He closed his hands onto his desk, thinking how to possibly help her, yet these situations always turned to be more delicate and more difficult than others. Sure he was a medic, but he wasn't a god, he had no power on matters so physical or personal as long as he couldn't be involved so deeply*
Unfortunately the situation is complicated. Especially for you now, but I have to tell you every decision and opinion on this must come from you specifically. I can pitch you ideas, roads and options based on what you say, but this is a situation where I believe the patient should get as much words as possible. It's your body afterall! I won't judge your or anything like that, I'll only help you and make sure everything goes well, as medic and as friend.
*A reassuring smile spread on his face, it was a complicated concept on paper but he was sure it was going to be better. At least this part of the whole island-wide mess.*
Just know that i'll be on your side whenever you need...until Jones comes back! In that case i'll be on yours and Jones' side! He hasn't done this in a good while I'm sure he would appreciate some help...
*Stars, just thinking about that feeling, what she saw... It crashed down onto her shoulders again with a new weight, and Evie crumpled, leaning her head in the crook of one arm on Triage's desk, the other already wrapped protectively around her stomach.*
I'm so scared... We wanted her so badly, but this is the worst possible timing! John is unconscious, we're being watched and sabotaged, and the Zero Point... I'm scared I won't be able to protect her...
*They had been careless. Assuming that even if something did happen - which neither of them believed would happen this quickly - they'd both be there to see it through...*
I just need someone to have my back... to have hers... Oh god, I don't know what I'm doing... I'm so sorry...
*She wasn't sure if she was apologizing to Triage or to Dawn...*
You're not the first one to go through this I'm afraid, and neither the last. Pregnancy is just...not something you can plan so easily. The future is uncertain and anything can happen even when you least expect it...like Foundation sending a whole mission to shit and leaving the problem to us...
*He shook his head, gently laying an hand on her arm that rested on the desk, squeezing softly*
Oh Evie...this is your first-born! Nobody would know what they're doing with a first! Just remember you're not alone...You may be unable to tell anyone else but just the fact you told me already means you have someone to have you and your girl's back!
*Wait. How did she already know the baby's gender? ...Question for much calmer meetings...*
And think about it. Even if the others don't know about this, they always have your back and protect you nonetheless! Think about Venge, for example! Your brother is ready to literally spill blood for you no matter your state. Just to see you safe. And don't think Jones will do nothing when he comes out of that tank, he would do anything for you and your daughter!
Do not apologize. This isn't anyone's fault. This is pure human nature. I'm sure you are a strong woman ready to do anything for your daughter, and I'm sure that behind your back, there's a network of people ready to help you go through this no matter the situation of the island...she'll be safe.
*No, she knew. Jones would never abandon her voluntarily. And deep down she knew that Venge, Hope, Peely, Slade, and even Midas would protect her. A corner of Evie's mind wondered if the Champion and his Empress would count.
The problem was... would any of it be enough? Against the enemy currently prowling their own halls?
Evie began to tremble, clutching her arm tighter around her stomach. After a moment, she looked up at Triage, tears spilling from reddened eyes, and reached out to him in a silent plea to be held.*
*Oh, this helped... Everything felt manageably smaller when reduced to the confines of a friendly embrace.
Evie buried her face in Triage's scarf and cried. Fear and grief rippled through the Force, lightly rattling the medical equipment around them. Fear of the future, for her daughter's safety. Grief for her beloved and what he was missing.
Even with everything happening now, Jones would have been so happy...
Somehow, even knowing who they were up against, the simple fact that her friend was holding her steady and warming her helped so much more than she could explain. Slowly, Evie's crying stilled, and she tightened her arms around Triage gratefully.*
Thank you... Stars, I don't know where any of us would be without you... Thank you so much...
*She paused, taking a few deep breaths before releasing him, giving him a weak smile.*
Maybe you could... order a couple more days off. I can gain a little weight back and recover... keep this hidden as long as possible. Hopefully long enough...
*Bringing an hand to his chin, he thought about Evie's idea. He had to prescribe this, and prescribing meant having to put it on the medical record, yet he couldn't mention pregnancy in the slightest, that meant he had to find another reasoning for him to force Evie on a few days off.
He took a look at Evie's body, scanning for any detail that could be the sign of any reasoning for a work leave.*
Hmm..you lost weight, no one can deny that. That and the fact you look like your energies have been sucked out of your body...
I can give you some days off so you can recover as much as you need, and since I can't state what we both know because somebody here likes to eavesdrop, I can use a white lie to mislead their thoughts on you. I can blame it all on simple mental health and stress. Because you've been taking care of leading the team while being worried sick for your husband, your mental health has depleted to the point you're gaining nothing but physical damage. That diagnose in itself is a minimum of 3 days of forced rest.
So let's do this. 3 days where you get to rest and get back to shape, then you come to the clinic again and we check on the situation. Poor results: I extend to 2 more days, Good results, you're good to go back to work like normal. No pregnancy mentioned to anyone. Does this sound like a plan?
*Evie was already starting to plan how she would go about hiding this. First, her Jedi robes would help alter her figure. The tight midriff belt would be something nobody would expect her to wear if she was pregnant.
Second, her diet didn't really need altering. Despite her snacking habit, she stuck to healthier foods, since she had always needed to maintain her body well.
Third, she would actually need to rest better now... People would be needed to take vigil shifts for Jones. Ripp Slade would work well. She would have to ask him... and ensure he didn't let the "Visitor" convince him otherwise.
Gods, the "Visitor"... Evie had almost begun to forget how he had tried to manipulate her away from Jones. A shudder ran through her as she got up to leave, and she turned back to the medic, catching his sleeve with urgency.*
Don't tell anyone I said this, but whatever happens, do not leave the Visitor alone with John. For any reason. ANY reason. EVER. I will never give him permission, I will never add him to the roster, I will never send him as relief, and I don't care if anyone else does. I don't care if he begs on his knees. I don't care if Sanctuary is caving in. There is no reason good enough to leave him alone with John. Promise me. Please.
*Evie had not come out of her and Jones' room for approximately 22 hours straight, not even for food. Snacks had been all she was able to keep down thanks to sheer anxiety. But she had to get back on duty... and before she did that, she had to understand her situation.
Triage should be off his shift right now, Peely had the final rotation. Evie shot off a text to the medic, making sure it didn't give anything away. Just in case their messages were being read as well.*
Hey, Triage! Can I borrow you for a checkup? I've been resting up and I want to be sure I'm clear to go back!
*She couldn't risk the "Visitor" finding out about this too soon... It was probably inevitable, but she didn't want him to have that information on her this quickly.*
"Of course! Come up to clinic as soon as your ready!"
*He proceeded to give a quick clean to everything until Evie appeared to the door, his usual smile on his face, knowing well that the slight eyebags under his eyes snitched on him about his sleep schedule. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as what he had seen on Evie, so that still gave him some extra authority other than being the medic.
Giving a quick glance at Evie, his brain could tell something was already off. It wasn't the signs of recovering exhaustion or the noticeable loss of weight...but something else...something about her abdomen. He should have tried to understand if she also felt off.*
Are you here with something specific in mind for the check-up? Or it's just casual?
Just wanting to be sure I'm healthy enough to get back to work, honestly. I haven't slept that much in weeks!
*True enough, she'd cried herself to sleep, and had stayed asleep for about... four hours? More than her usual nights lately.
As she spoke, Evie swept the room with the Force, searching for any listening devices. She found only one after multiple checks, very cleverly concealed in the light fixture, and she subsequently pulled it from the ceiling, hovered it over her palm, and crushed it, disgust and anger flashing across her expression before she looked back at Triage.*
... Actually that's a lie. And you can see why.
*She dumped the crumpled thing on the desk.*
What I came here for cannot go into your files or medical chart history on me in any way, shape, or form, and it must not leave this room. You know I don't interfere with your work normally, so I hope you understand the significance of this and respect it, not just as my doctor, but as my teammate and friend. Okay?
*Evie eased her tone as she finished, not wanting to sound threatening, but serious.*
*The what was once a listening device on his desk made his heart drop to his guts, his eyes looking over and narrowing at the ceiling.
Not even the doctor was safe by whatever was happening.
Taking the bits and longingly holding them in his hand, he dropped them into the trashcan under his desk. Keeping his thoughts on hold about that, he shut off every non-medical device in his room, even unplugging the wifi extender of the clinic. He eventually sat down at his desk, his hand softly gesturing Evie to do the same.*
Nothing will see or hear you now. Only my own two ears and my only good eye.
*Evie breathed a sigh of relief as the room went quiet. Listening devices often had their own off-grid power and connection, but now she could sense better whether there were any others. Thankfully, there were not.*
As you can see, we are compromised. I'm working on it... as best I can.
*Not super reassuring, but keeping Triage alert could only be good for the medic. The "Visitor" was most certainly enjoying lifting information from every corner he possibly could.
But now Evie had to get down to her actual business... and that was much easier said than done. It still felt surreal, and saying it out loud felt like it would jinx the whole thing. Suddenly the efficient agent was gone, leaving a very frightened girl in Triage's office seat.*
So... You know that John and I got married back on his homeworld before... all of this. And we took a little honeymoon there, just a few days, all we felt we could get away with... And you remember that I thought the Syndicate had... well...
*She twisted her ring, swallowing hard.*
... It turns out they weren't as effective as I thought...
*Evie looked up at Triage, the fear beginning to strangle her again, tears in her eyes.*
*Triage didn't need much decrypting to understand what Evie meant to say. His stern look influenced by the listening device discovery now fully changed into a soft, understanding expression.
He had a feeling Evie would have enjoyed the thought of being a mother, yet seeing her so scared didn't sadly feel odd at all. This was a poor situation to have a child floating among your insides. Especially when the father is comatose and unable to know.*
I suppose you just found out and Jones has no way of even dreaming about it right now...huh?
*He closed his hands onto his desk, thinking how to possibly help her, yet these situations always turned to be more delicate and more difficult than others. Sure he was a medic, but he wasn't a god, he had no power on matters so physical or personal as long as he couldn't be involved so deeply*
Unfortunately the situation is complicated. Especially for you now, but I have to tell you every decision and opinion on this must come from you specifically. I can pitch you ideas, roads and options based on what you say, but this is a situation where I believe the patient should get as much words as possible. It's your body afterall! I won't judge your or anything like that, I'll only help you and make sure everything goes well, as medic and as friend.
*A reassuring smile spread on his face, it was a complicated concept on paper but he was sure it was going to be better. At least this part of the whole island-wide mess.*
Just know that i'll be on your side whenever you need...until Jones comes back! In that case i'll be on yours and Jones' side! He hasn't done this in a good while I'm sure he would appreciate some help...
*Stars, just thinking about that feeling, what she saw... It crashed down onto her shoulders again with a new weight, and Evie crumpled, leaning her head in the crook of one arm on Triage's desk, the other already wrapped protectively around her stomach.*
I'm so scared... We wanted her so badly, but this is the worst possible timing! John is unconscious, we're being watched and sabotaged, and the Zero Point... I'm scared I won't be able to protect her...
*They had been careless. Assuming that even if something did happen - which neither of them believed would happen this quickly - they'd both be there to see it through...*
I just need someone to have my back... to have hers... Oh god, I don't know what I'm doing... I'm so sorry...
*She wasn't sure if she was apologizing to Triage or to Dawn...*
You're not the first one to go through this I'm afraid, and neither the last. Pregnancy is just...not something you can plan so easily. The future is uncertain and anything can happen even when you least expect it...like Foundation sending a whole mission to shit and leaving the problem to us...
*He shook his head, gently laying an hand on her arm that rested on the desk, squeezing softly*
Oh Evie...this is your first-born! Nobody would know what they're doing with a first! Just remember you're not alone...You may be unable to tell anyone else but just the fact you told me already means you have someone to have you and your girl's back!
*Wait. How did she already know the baby's gender? ...Question for much calmer meetings...*
And think about it. Even if the others don't know about this, they always have your back and protect you nonetheless! Think about Venge, for example! Your brother is ready to literally spill blood for you no matter your state. Just to see you safe. And don't think Jones will do nothing when he comes out of that tank, he would do anything for you and your daughter!
Do not apologize. This isn't anyone's fault. This is pure human nature. I'm sure you are a strong woman ready to do anything for your daughter, and I'm sure that behind your back, there's a network of people ready to help you go through this no matter the situation of the island...she'll be safe.
*No, she knew. Jones would never abandon her voluntarily. And deep down she knew that Venge, Hope, Peely, Slade, and even Midas would protect her. A corner of Evie's mind wondered if the Champion and his Empress would count.
The problem was... would any of it be enough? Against the enemy currently prowling their own halls?
Evie began to tremble, clutching her arm tighter around her stomach. After a moment, she looked up at Triage, tears spilling from reddened eyes, and reached out to him in a silent plea to be held.*
*Oh, this helped... Everything felt manageably smaller when reduced to the confines of a friendly embrace.
Evie buried her face in Triage's scarf and cried. Fear and grief rippled through the Force, lightly rattling the medical equipment around them. Fear of the future, for her daughter's safety. Grief for her beloved and what he was missing.
Even with everything happening now, Jones would have been so happy...
Somehow, even knowing who they were up against, the simple fact that her friend was holding her steady and warming her helped so much more than she could explain. Slowly, Evie's crying stilled, and she tightened her arms around Triage gratefully.*
Thank you... Stars, I don't know where any of us would be without you... Thank you so much...
*She paused, taking a few deep breaths before releasing him, giving him a weak smile.*
Maybe you could... order a couple more days off. I can gain a little weight back and recover... keep this hidden as long as possible. Hopefully long enough...
*Evie had not come out of her and Jones' room for approximately 22 hours straight, not even for food. Snacks had been all she was able to keep down thanks to sheer anxiety. But she had to get back on duty... and before she did that, she had to understand her situation.
Triage should be off his shift right now, Peely had the final rotation. Evie shot off a text to the medic, making sure it didn't give anything away. Just in case their messages were being read as well.*
Hey, Triage! Can I borrow you for a checkup? I've been resting up and I want to be sure I'm clear to go back!
*She couldn't risk the "Visitor" finding out about this too soon... It was probably inevitable, but she didn't want him to have that information on her this quickly.*
"Of course! Come up to clinic as soon as your ready!"
*He proceeded to give a quick clean to everything until Evie appeared to the door, his usual smile on his face, knowing well that the slight eyebags under his eyes snitched on him about his sleep schedule. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as what he had seen on Evie, so that still gave him some extra authority other than being the medic.
Giving a quick glance at Evie, his brain could tell something was already off. It wasn't the signs of recovering exhaustion or the noticeable loss of weight...but something else...something about her abdomen. He should have tried to understand if she also felt off.*
Are you here with something specific in mind for the check-up? Or it's just casual?
Just wanting to be sure I'm healthy enough to get back to work, honestly. I haven't slept that much in weeks!
*True enough, she'd cried herself to sleep, and had stayed asleep for about... four hours? More than her usual nights lately.
As she spoke, Evie swept the room with the Force, searching for any listening devices. She found only one after multiple checks, very cleverly concealed in the light fixture, and she subsequently pulled it from the ceiling, hovered it over her palm, and crushed it, disgust and anger flashing across her expression before she looked back at Triage.*
... Actually that's a lie. And you can see why.
*She dumped the crumpled thing on the desk.*
What I came here for cannot go into your files or medical chart history on me in any way, shape, or form, and it must not leave this room. You know I don't interfere with your work normally, so I hope you understand the significance of this and respect it, not just as my doctor, but as my teammate and friend. Okay?
*Evie eased her tone as she finished, not wanting to sound threatening, but serious.*
*The what was once a listening device on his desk made his heart drop to his guts, his eyes looking over and narrowing at the ceiling.
Not even the doctor was safe by whatever was happening.
Taking the bits and longingly holding them in his hand, he dropped them into the trashcan under his desk. Keeping his thoughts on hold about that, he shut off every non-medical device in his room, even unplugging the wifi extender of the clinic. He eventually sat down at his desk, his hand softly gesturing Evie to do the same.*
Nothing will see or hear you now. Only my own two ears and my only good eye.
*Evie breathed a sigh of relief as the room went quiet. Listening devices often had their own off-grid power and connection, but now she could sense better whether there were any others. Thankfully, there were not.*
As you can see, we are compromised. I'm working on it... as best I can.
*Not super reassuring, but keeping Triage alert could only be good for the medic. The "Visitor" was most certainly enjoying lifting information from every corner he possibly could.
But now Evie had to get down to her actual business... and that was much easier said than done. It still felt surreal, and saying it out loud felt like it would jinx the whole thing. Suddenly the efficient agent was gone, leaving a very frightened girl in Triage's office seat.*
So... You know that John and I got married back on his homeworld before... all of this. And we took a little honeymoon there, just a few days, all we felt we could get away with... And you remember that I thought the Syndicate had... well...
*She twisted her ring, swallowing hard.*
... It turns out they weren't as effective as I thought...
*Evie looked up at Triage, the fear beginning to strangle her again, tears in her eyes.*
*Triage didn't need much decrypting to understand what Evie meant to say. His stern look influenced by the listening device discovery now fully changed into a soft, understanding expression.
He had a feeling Evie would have enjoyed the thought of being a mother, yet seeing her so scared didn't sadly feel odd at all. This was a poor situation to have a child floating among your insides. Especially when the father is comatose and unable to know.*
I suppose you just found out and Jones has no way of even dreaming about it right now...huh?
*He closed his hands onto his desk, thinking how to possibly help her, yet these situations always turned to be more delicate and more difficult than others. Sure he was a medic, but he wasn't a god, he had no power on matters so physical or personal as long as he couldn't be involved so deeply*
Unfortunately the situation is complicated. Especially for you now, but I have to tell you every decision and opinion on this must come from you specifically. I can pitch you ideas, roads and options based on what you say, but this is a situation where I believe the patient should get as much words as possible. It's your body afterall! I won't judge your or anything like that, I'll only help you and make sure everything goes well, as medic and as friend.
*A reassuring smile spread on his face, it was a complicated concept on paper but he was sure it was going to be better. At least this part of the whole island-wide mess.*
Just know that i'll be on your side whenever you need...until Jones comes back! In that case i'll be on yours and Jones' side! He hasn't done this in a good while I'm sure he would appreciate some help...
*Stars, just thinking about that feeling, what she saw... It crashed down onto her shoulders again with a new weight, and Evie crumpled, leaning her head in the crook of one arm on Triage's desk, the other already wrapped protectively around her stomach.*
I'm so scared... We wanted her so badly, but this is the worst possible timing! John is unconscious, we're being watched and sabotaged, and the Zero Point... I'm scared I won't be able to protect her...
*They had been careless. Assuming that even if something did happen - which neither of them believed would happen this quickly - they'd both be there to see it through...*
I just need someone to have my back... to have hers... Oh god, I don't know what I'm doing... I'm so sorry...
*She wasn't sure if she was apologizing to Triage or to Dawn...*
You're not the first one to go through this I'm afraid, and neither the last. Pregnancy is just...not something you can plan so easily. The future is uncertain and anything can happen even when you least expect it...like Foundation sending a whole mission to shit and leaving the problem to us...
*He shook his head, gently laying an hand on her arm that rested on the desk, squeezing softly*
Oh Evie...this is your first-born! Nobody would know what they're doing with a first! Just remember you're not alone...You may be unable to tell anyone else but just the fact you told me already means you have someone to have you and your girl's back!
*Wait. How did she already know the baby's gender? ...Question for much calmer meetings...*
And think about it. Even if the others don't know about this, they always have your back and protect you nonetheless! Think about Venge, for example! Your brother is ready to literally spill blood for you no matter your state. Just to see you safe. And don't think Jones will do nothing when he comes out of that tank, he would do anything for you and your daughter!
Do not apologize. This isn't anyone's fault. This is pure human nature. I'm sure you are a strong woman ready to do anything for your daughter, and I'm sure that behind your back, there's a network of people ready to help you go through this no matter the situation of the island...she'll be safe.
*No, she knew. Jones would never abandon her voluntarily. And deep down she knew that Venge, Hope, Peely, Slade, and even Midas would protect her. A corner of Evie's mind wondered if the Champion and his Empress would count.
The problem was... would any of it be enough? Against the enemy currently prowling their own halls?
Evie began to tremble, clutching her arm tighter around her stomach. After a moment, she looked up at Triage, tears spilling from reddened eyes, and reached out to him in a silent plea to be held.*
*Evie had not come out of her and Jones' room for approximately 22 hours straight, not even for food. Snacks had been all she was able to keep down thanks to sheer anxiety. But she had to get back on duty... and before she did that, she had to understand her situation.
Triage should be off his shift right now, Peely had the final rotation. Evie shot off a text to the medic, making sure it didn't give anything away. Just in case their messages were being read as well.*
Hey, Triage! Can I borrow you for a checkup? I've been resting up and I want to be sure I'm clear to go back!
*She couldn't risk the "Visitor" finding out about this too soon... It was probably inevitable, but she didn't want him to have that information on her this quickly.*
"Of course! Come up to clinic as soon as your ready!"
*He proceeded to give a quick clean to everything until Evie appeared to the door, his usual smile on his face, knowing well that the slight eyebags under his eyes snitched on him about his sleep schedule. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as what he had seen on Evie, so that still gave him some extra authority other than being the medic.
Giving a quick glance at Evie, his brain could tell something was already off. It wasn't the signs of recovering exhaustion or the noticeable loss of weight...but something else...something about her abdomen. He should have tried to understand if she also felt off.*
Are you here with something specific in mind for the check-up? Or it's just casual?
Just wanting to be sure I'm healthy enough to get back to work, honestly. I haven't slept that much in weeks!
*True enough, she'd cried herself to sleep, and had stayed asleep for about... four hours? More than her usual nights lately.
As she spoke, Evie swept the room with the Force, searching for any listening devices. She found only one after multiple checks, very cleverly concealed in the light fixture, and she subsequently pulled it from the ceiling, hovered it over her palm, and crushed it, disgust and anger flashing across her expression before she looked back at Triage.*
... Actually that's a lie. And you can see why.
*She dumped the crumpled thing on the desk.*
What I came here for cannot go into your files or medical chart history on me in any way, shape, or form, and it must not leave this room. You know I don't interfere with your work normally, so I hope you understand the significance of this and respect it, not just as my doctor, but as my teammate and friend. Okay?
*Evie eased her tone as she finished, not wanting to sound threatening, but serious.*
*The what was once a listening device on his desk made his heart drop to his guts, his eyes looking over and narrowing at the ceiling.
Not even the doctor was safe by whatever was happening.
Taking the bits and longingly holding them in his hand, he dropped them into the trashcan under his desk. Keeping his thoughts on hold about that, he shut off every non-medical device in his room, even unplugging the wifi extender of the clinic. He eventually sat down at his desk, his hand softly gesturing Evie to do the same.*
Nothing will see or hear you now. Only my own two ears and my only good eye.
*Evie breathed a sigh of relief as the room went quiet. Listening devices often had their own off-grid power and connection, but now she could sense better whether there were any others. Thankfully, there were not.*
As you can see, we are compromised. I'm working on it... as best I can.
*Not super reassuring, but keeping Triage alert could only be good for the medic. The "Visitor" was most certainly enjoying lifting information from every corner he possibly could.
But now Evie had to get down to her actual business... and that was much easier said than done. It still felt surreal, and saying it out loud felt like it would jinx the whole thing. Suddenly the efficient agent was gone, leaving a very frightened girl in Triage's office seat.*
So... You know that John and I got married back on his homeworld before... all of this. And we took a little honeymoon there, just a few days, all we felt we could get away with... And you remember that I thought the Syndicate had... well...
*She twisted her ring, swallowing hard.*
... It turns out they weren't as effective as I thought...
*Evie looked up at Triage, the fear beginning to strangle her again, tears in her eyes.*
*Triage didn't need much decrypting to understand what Evie meant to say. His stern look influenced by the listening device discovery now fully changed into a soft, understanding expression.
He had a feeling Evie would have enjoyed the thought of being a mother, yet seeing her so scared didn't sadly feel odd at all. This was a poor situation to have a child floating among your insides. Especially when the father is comatose and unable to know.*
I suppose you just found out and Jones has no way of even dreaming about it right now...huh?
*He closed his hands onto his desk, thinking how to possibly help her, yet these situations always turned to be more delicate and more difficult than others. Sure he was a medic, but he wasn't a god, he had no power on matters so physical or personal as long as he couldn't be involved so deeply*
Unfortunately the situation is complicated. Especially for you now, but I have to tell you every decision and opinion on this must come from you specifically. I can pitch you ideas, roads and options based on what you say, but this is a situation where I believe the patient should get as much words as possible. It's your body afterall! I won't judge your or anything like that, I'll only help you and make sure everything goes well, as medic and as friend.
*A reassuring smile spread on his face, it was a complicated concept on paper but he was sure it was going to be better. At least this part of the whole island-wide mess.*
Just know that i'll be on your side whenever you need...until Jones comes back! In that case i'll be on yours and Jones' side! He hasn't done this in a good while I'm sure he would appreciate some help...
*Stars, just thinking about that feeling, what she saw... It crashed down onto her shoulders again with a new weight, and Evie crumpled, leaning her head in the crook of one arm on Triage's desk, the other already wrapped protectively around her stomach.*
I'm so scared... We wanted her so badly, but this is the worst possible timing! John is unconscious, we're being watched and sabotaged, and the Zero Point... I'm scared I won't be able to protect her...
*They had been careless. Assuming that even if something did happen - which neither of them believed would happen this quickly - they'd both be there to see it through...*
I just need someone to have my back... to have hers... Oh god, I don't know what I'm doing... I'm so sorry...
*She wasn't sure if she was apologizing to Triage or to Dawn...*
*Evie had not come out of her and Jones' room for approximately 22 hours straight, not even for food. Snacks had been all she was able to keep down thanks to sheer anxiety. But she had to get back on duty... and before she did that, she had to understand her situation.
Triage should be off his shift right now, Peely had the final rotation. Evie shot off a text to the medic, making sure it didn't give anything away. Just in case their messages were being read as well.*
Hey, Triage! Can I borrow you for a checkup? I've been resting up and I want to be sure I'm clear to go back!
*She couldn't risk the "Visitor" finding out about this too soon... It was probably inevitable, but she didn't want him to have that information on her this quickly.*
"Of course! Come up to clinic as soon as your ready!"
*He proceeded to give a quick clean to everything until Evie appeared to the door, his usual smile on his face, knowing well that the slight eyebags under his eyes snitched on him about his sleep schedule. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as what he had seen on Evie, so that still gave him some extra authority other than being the medic.
Giving a quick glance at Evie, his brain could tell something was already off. It wasn't the signs of recovering exhaustion or the noticeable loss of weight...but something else...something about her abdomen. He should have tried to understand if she also felt off.*
Are you here with something specific in mind for the check-up? Or it's just casual?
Just wanting to be sure I'm healthy enough to get back to work, honestly. I haven't slept that much in weeks!
*True enough, she'd cried herself to sleep, and had stayed asleep for about... four hours? More than her usual nights lately.
As she spoke, Evie swept the room with the Force, searching for any listening devices. She found only one after multiple checks, very cleverly concealed in the light fixture, and she subsequently pulled it from the ceiling, hovered it over her palm, and crushed it, disgust and anger flashing across her expression before she looked back at Triage.*
... Actually that's a lie. And you can see why.
*She dumped the crumpled thing on the desk.*
What I came here for cannot go into your files or medical chart history on me in any way, shape, or form, and it must not leave this room. You know I don't interfere with your work normally, so I hope you understand the significance of this and respect it, not just as my doctor, but as my teammate and friend. Okay?
*Evie eased her tone as she finished, not wanting to sound threatening, but serious.*
*The what was once a listening device on his desk made his heart drop to his guts, his eyes looking over and narrowing at the ceiling.
Not even the doctor was safe by whatever was happening.
Taking the bits and longingly holding them in his hand, he dropped them into the trashcan under his desk. Keeping his thoughts on hold about that, he shut off every non-medical device in his room, even unplugging the wifi extender of the clinic. He eventually sat down at his desk, his hand softly gesturing Evie to do the same.*
Nothing will see or hear you now. Only my own two ears and my only good eye.
*Evie breathed a sigh of relief as the room went quiet. Listening devices often had their own off-grid power and connection, but now she could sense better whether there were any others. Thankfully, there were not.*
As you can see, we are compromised. I'm working on it... as best I can.
*Not super reassuring, but keeping Triage alert could only be good for the medic. The "Visitor" was most certainly enjoying lifting information from every corner he possibly could.
But now Evie had to get down to her actual business... and that was much easier said than done. It still felt surreal, and saying it out loud felt like it would jinx the whole thing. Suddenly the efficient agent was gone, leaving a very frightened girl in Triage's office seat.*
So... You know that John and I got married back on his homeworld before... all of this. And we took a little honeymoon there, just a few days, all we felt we could get away with... And you remember that I thought the Syndicate had... well...
*She twisted her ring, swallowing hard.*
... It turns out they weren't as effective as I thought...
*Evie looked up at Triage, the fear beginning to strangle her again, tears in her eyes.*
*Evie had not come out of her and Jones' room for approximately 22 hours straight, not even for food. Snacks had been all she was able to keep down thanks to sheer anxiety. But she had to get back on duty... and before she did that, she had to understand her situation.
Triage should be off his shift right now, Peely had the final rotation. Evie shot off a text to the medic, making sure it didn't give anything away. Just in case their messages were being read as well.*
Hey, Triage! Can I borrow you for a checkup? I've been resting up and I want to be sure I'm clear to go back!
*She couldn't risk the "Visitor" finding out about this too soon... It was probably inevitable, but she didn't want him to have that information on her this quickly.*
"Of course! Come up to clinic as soon as your ready!"
*He proceeded to give a quick clean to everything until Evie appeared to the door, his usual smile on his face, knowing well that the slight eyebags under his eyes snitched on him about his sleep schedule. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as what he had seen on Evie, so that still gave him some extra authority other than being the medic.
Giving a quick glance at Evie, his brain could tell something was already off. It wasn't the signs of recovering exhaustion or the noticeable loss of weight...but something else...something about her abdomen. He should have tried to understand if she also felt off.*
Are you here with something specific in mind for the check-up? Or it's just casual?
Just wanting to be sure I'm healthy enough to get back to work, honestly. I haven't slept that much in weeks!
*True enough, she'd cried herself to sleep, and had stayed asleep for about... four hours? More than her usual nights lately.
As she spoke, Evie swept the room with the Force, searching for any listening devices. She found only one after multiple checks, very cleverly concealed in the light fixture, and she subsequently pulled it from the ceiling, hovered it over her palm, and crushed it, disgust and anger flashing across her expression before she looked back at Triage.*
... Actually that's a lie. And you can see why.
*She dumped the crumpled thing on the desk.*
What I came here for cannot go into your files or medical chart history on me in any way, shape, or form, and it must not leave this room. You know I don't interfere with your work normally, so I hope you understand the significance of this and respect it, not just as my doctor, but as my teammate and friend. Okay?
*Evie eased her tone as she finished, not wanting to sound threatening, but serious.*
*Despite actually making a genuine effort to get more rest, thanks to literally everyone commenting on how tired she looked, Evie was somehow less rested than ever. Lying down didn't work. Reading made her dizzy. Computer work or even games weren't relaxing. The exhaustion had gotten so bad her connection with the Force had been suffering for the past few weeks. It required focus, and stars above, she barely had enough to recognize the people walking around Sanctuary.
That disconnect was making her suffer in different ways, though. Her personality was becoming muted, and feeling anything was starting to be difficult, but when she did feel something, it was bizarrely extreme and took all her trained experience to wrestle into manageable dimensions. It wasn't like her, and not being herself, not being connected with herself and the people around her, that was dangerous.
Especially with the "Visitor" stalking their halls.
Finally, Evie had thrown the towel in. Hope, Triage, and Peely had all been more than willing to extend their shifts a little bit to give her a day to rest. Now she locked the door to her and Jones' bedroom and finally settled in.
Her hands were busy before she really thought about it. Cleaning the miniscule amount of dust that had settled since yesterday. Straightening ornaments and pieces of her beloved's collection. Vanishing bits of lint that had caught on the Oathbound and Sanctuary banners. Minor busywork that brought her mind down off the higher functions she'd been running on for the past months. Mindless, but relaxing.
Once everything was slightly more spotless than it had already been, Evie knelt on the bed and opened herself to the Force. It rushed into her with a sensation of delight, bringing an involuntary smile to her face as she began to cycle it as she had been taught. Around her, then through her, then around again.
Her senses began to revive. Evie hummed softly, eyes closed, swaying gently as her hands moved through the flow of energy. Exhaustion still tugged her down towards the pillow, but at least the bizarre fog of detachment was beginning to clear. Her chest felt full again, her nerves awake to the sensations of air and warmth.
She moved it through herself, expanding through every nerve, starting from the top of her body and moving down. It wasn't as good as sleep, but it was helping.
Until something tugged on the flow.
For the span of a heartbeat, everything went whiter than white. Evie felt herself jumping backwards, slamming into the wall behind the bed with a yelp of shock. Scrambling back up, she checked herself.
No, everything was fine... ignoring the fact that her hands were now shaking a bit.
Okay. Try that again. Focusing was easier now that she felt a little better, so Evie settled back into her meditation, this time anticipating a response so she could track it down to the source. Certainly enough, the moment her flow passed below her waistline, another tug. This time Evie let the pull go where it willed, following it with her mind.
It moved lower in her body, starting to cycle itself deep in her abdomen. Curious, Evie pressed in with her awareness...
... and encountered a second heartbeat.
A second heartbeat, and a second terrifyingly fragile sign of life, responding to the Force, and to her intrusion.
All at once terrified, on high alert, and awestruck, Evie felt the Force gently wrap around the miniscule lifesign, giving her a sort of look at it. A tiny body, nubby limbs, and a head. A face. Unaware that her hand moved on its own, she reached out, her energy caressing the beginnings of fingers.*
Dawn?...
*The feeling of tears on her cheeks and the unbidden name on her lips brought Evie back to awareness, away from the source of the pull. For a moment she simply sat in shock, now cognizant of a second flow in the Force. Faint... but undeniably there.
Jones' homeworld. Their wedding night, and the three scant days they had allowed themselves for a honeymoon. Neither of them... after what the Syndicate had done to her, and after the millennia Jones had lived in and out of the Loop... neither of them had expected it to be that easy.
But here was the result. This wasn't a vision, nor a symptom of exhaustion. Ha... no, it was the cause of her exhaustion. Everything made sense now. The fatigue, the nausea, the dizziness, the weight loss, the insomnia...
Dawn. The little girl from her visions. Dawn was coming... and Geno was here.
Dawn was coming. Geno was here. Jones was still unconscious.
Tears turned to panic. Evie buried her face in the pillows, failing to bridle her fear, and screamed. The Force rippled through the entire Blimp, a shuddering groan just barely audible above the massive turbines.
They had wanted this so much, but hadn't expected it so fast. Now she had to protect their daughter.
[Visitor had been coming by to check on Jones' vitals and redouts-- ostensibly, out of worry. Of course, the real reason was far more nefarious, but he had yet to implement any of his plans thanks to the fact that Jones' three most loyal companions (Evie, Hope, and Peely) were constantly guarding him.]
[Case in point, he entered the room with Jones' tank to find Evie sitting and watching, her eyes and posture screaming exhaustion. Perhaps, this was his opportunity...]
[He walked beside her, and leaned his back against the wall.]
Evie, it has been some time since you last slept... please, allow me to take a shift. If only to make up for the fact that I was supposed to watch him the last time...
*Evie cast an exhausted glare sideways at the Visitor.*
That is exactly why I haven't put you on the rotation.
*She sighed, staring back up at Jones. He'd been improving more lately. The pixelated bleeding had stopped, and his vitals were steadier. And yet still his eyes wouldn't open.
A wave of dizziness washed through her, settling as nausea in her stomach, and Evie leaned back with a groan.*
Ugh... You're right that I haven't really slept well, though... I'm exhausted, but I just can't seem to get to sleep. If I can't sleep, though, I might as well be useful.
Besides... this is the only time I get to spend with him. I don't want to lose that too...
I understand. Believe it or not, but I do feel as though his current condition is my fault... I simply wish there was more that I could do.
[He was fuming, but thankfully, his mask hid his face, and his thoughts were shielded from telepathy by the Seven's armor. Something he had only grown more thankful for after learning that Evie was in fact a force sensitive...]
[Walking up to the tank, he stared into Jones' face and laid a hand on the glass. The man's eyes were shut, and his breathing shallow, but even.]
[Just a bit more pressure on the glass... The tank would shatter, and the enduing physical trauma would render Jones permenantly catatonic, if not dead.]
[Alas, it would also reveal him as a traitor, and he would not jeapordize his plans further if he could help it.]
Since the Zero Point's reforging, the days have grown dark indeed... we have been able to do much, with the help of the Singularity and Dr. Slo-- that is, the Innovation. Jones' aid, however, remains dearly missed.
Evie wanted to snipe back at him, but didn't. If he wasn't the one who shot Jones, then he really was likely dealing with a lot of guilt.
For the first time since these powers emerged, she actually wished she could read him. That armor repelled her attempts, and the Force skated over him like oil on glass.
Right now, though, she watched the Visitor as he laid a hand on the tank, and a hot blade of territorial jealousy cut through her heart. Stars, guilty or not, this man was ANNOYING. Evie despised him. All the visits, the watching. Even now he was trying to convince her to leave her husband alone with him. Who did he think he was?!
Evie took a breath, closing her eyes just for a moment. The Dark was pulling at her mind again. This wasn't a healthy train of thought--
-- A turn of phrase derailed her thoughts.
"...The Zero Point... the days have grown dark indeed..."
Ow. A pinging migraine broke through the dizziness, causing Evie to flinch. Something wasn't right...
She needed him to keep talking.*
After everything I'd heard about her, I admit I'm a little surprised that... the Innovation was inducted. Not like I have a say; it just seemed abnormal, I guess.
*Evie rubbed her eyes, suppressing the urge to yawn. Might as well play up the tiredness, not like it wouldn't be believable.*
If you're gonna stay, you might as well help me stay awake. How did the Seven happen in the first place? Why'd you join?
Hmm. Her goals have always been the containment of the Zero Point. This shall allow her to fulfill both then and her curiosity... and what the armor represents shall keep her in line with the Seven's morals
[Ah! Something interesting and not inane to talk about! He spun around, casually.]
Ah, now that is an interesting story, though how it occurred here may be... different than how it occured within my own reality.
[He pulled out a chair and sat down. This was always a fun story to tell.]
The Foundation was the first, you see. He had discovered Reality Zero, along with a close ally of his. Safeguarding this place was always his goal, though I suppose it went hand in hand with testing his strength against the might of those who came for it.
What he did not anticipate, however, was that his first challenger would be the very ally he discovered it with. Betrayed, defeated, and cast out, he determined to stop that man, and the goals of his new Order.
Thus, around him gathered the Seven, a group dedicated to retaking the Zero Point, and freeing it from the Imagined Order's grasp. Scientists, explorers, adventurers, it did not matter. They swore an oath to protect the Zero Point, and keep reality safe. But they all had their reasons.
[He saw the question in Evie's eyes, and anticipated it. It always helped to add this part, anyways.]
... For my own reason, I am, by all accounts, a refugee from my reality. It was destroyed, down to the man, by a madman of unfathomable power. A beautiful monster, some called him. He wished me dead, and for that, he wiped out the entirety of my home. I only survive due to the actions of the Seven, and I have fought beside them for that end.
[He shook his head.]
In the end, however, revenge was not mine to claim. The man was defeated by another, and has not been seen in the multiverse since. But I still have my duty, and so when I heard tell of another Seven in need of aid... I did not hesitate.
[Huh. That worked better than expected. Turned out the subject that got the humble Visitor in a chatting mood was himself.
Ironic.
Most of the story aligned with what Jones had told her about the Foundation. Evie let her eyes wander as he spoke, looking over the gifts left for Jones, watching the bubbles in the tank.
It was all pretty standard to what she'd heard of them, until it started to get sad. Evie almost started to feel bad for him...
-- "A beautiful monster..."
It took all of Evie's training to keep her expression from betraying the sudden icy grip that plunged her heart through the floor.
She knew that phrase. No odd brain fog could erase that from her mind, or its significance. The crazed Riftwarden and confrontation with the Ageless had carved it into her memory. There was only one reason the Visitor would be aware of that specific phrase.
He was Geno.
Everything fell into place. They had been betrayed and undermined from the start. She had handed her husband over to a perfect trap disguised in armor he trusted.
Swallowing a new wave of nausea, Evie looked up at Jones' closed eyes and prayed he could forgive her for having such a casual conversation with the man who had shot him... and for taking so long to figure it out.
To the man sitting across from her, though, she called upon her own escape from Asteria to conjure a sympathetic grief, and that was all that showed in her eyes.*
I'm sorry I stepped on such a rough memory. Losing everything like that to a mad monster... believe it or not, I know how it feels to be the lone survivor.
*A forced smile, though it didn't really matter that it was obviously forced. It just looked like smiling through the pain.*
Maybe a different topic, then, something easier. Like what exactly are we doing to do with the Zero Point once it's fixed?
[Visitor had lived for a long, long, long time. And he had worked with people for that entire time. Evie was a master spy, but even she had tells, just like any other person.]
It is... isolating, isn't it. Knowing you are the last of a family is one thing, but the last of a culture? A people? An entire universe? Seeing those "what ifs" play out over and over, wondering if there is a version of your friends, your family, somewhere out there living happily...
[Something he had said had triggered some sort of recognition in her. Whether she knew, or she knew, she was now far more dangerous to his plans.]
[Oh well. This particular mask was soon to slip anyways. It would hold out for the time he needed. Though he needed to think of what caused her to suddenly figure something out...]
As for the Zero Point? Well, obviously we will need to fight Dark Voyager and whoever is pulling his strings, to keep them off of it. Then, we simply continue the mission. Protection, defense. It is clear we will have our hands full with that alone...
[He looked back at Jones.]
And what of the Reality Warriors? Will you stand by us? Or are there new adventures and exploits that await you all on the other side of this crisis?
Wondering if you deserved to be the one who made it out...
*Evie pinched the bridge of her nose. That old familiar rush of guilt needed a bit more effort to wash back off and into the Force.*
It is isolating. And you have the worse end of it. At least I managed to see an old friend living their best life... though they had never met me. I'm sorry you don't even get to have that.
*The persona of the Secret Weapon of the Peace Syndicate was settling back in place. She'd done this hundreds of times. She could do it again.
And now he was trying to feel her and the Reality Warriors out, trying to see if they would be a thorn in his side going forward. Evie allowed an expression of tired worry to overtake her features as she joined him in looking up at Jones.*
I'm glad to hear that our intentions are the same, at least. Protecting this place is all John ever wanted, and protecting the peace is my ultimate goal. For both of us, defending the Zero Point is the perfect solution, so we've done all we could together. It's great to finally have more allies with the same goal.
*A small smile, a signal of at least lessened hostility towards the Visitor, flickered over her face as Evie turned back to him.*
The Reality Warriors will stand with the Seven, as long as the Seven don't mind our ranks. I know Foundation didn't like most of us, but I'm glad he didn't stop us from helping. There's too many threats out there to let our pasts split us up.
*Her gaze drifted away again, eyes clouding in concern.*
Which one do you think might come after the Voyager? The Last Reality in force? The Nothing? Or something else?
Believe me, we are not in a position to be turning down allies. And you all held down the fort while we were... gone.
[He lowered his head. After a moment, he looked back up again.]
As for who controls the Dark Voyager... I would imagine that it has something to do with the Last Reality. They are the only ones known to work with Cubes in a manner such as this.
But it will not matter. All of us, we cannot afford to lose this fight a second time. Not when the Zero Point is in play again. If it comes under the control of the wrong group... it will take some time to rebuild enough force to free it once more.
Someone had to... I guess we were just the ones who were willing to try. It's good to not be alone in that anymore.
*A rueful smile flickered across Evie's lips, but her expression sobered quickly. Her eyes, unfocused but piercing, darted between the Visitor and a random spot on the wall behind the tank. Hesitant, as though she wasn't sure about saying something or not.
Finally, Evie let the mask down, her features now betraying anger and unsettled concern, her mind clearly made up. Leaning towards the Visitor in her seat, she lowered her voice a notch so only he would hear.*
Normally I wouldn't do this, but you and I have one thing in common, and that's what we've lost. I'd never forgive anyone, not even a close friend, if they held back a possible lead on that freak of nature, Kado, who killed everyone I loved. So I'm not going to do that to you, even if it turns out to be nothing. You can figure that part out yourself.
*She glanced up at Jones, then away, clearing a flash of guilt from her eyes.*
He wouldn't approve of personal revenge, especially after the Foundation, but...
... Your "beautiful monster". I know that phrase. We've had a lot of bad guys around this place, and I've read the files on the ones that came before my arrival. The Cube Queen. Geno. Doctor Doom. Heck, Slone counts. But on Asteria I heard of a different one mentioned with that exact phrasing, the "beautiful monster", and that one was called the Shapeless Man by the crazy Riftwarden.
*She leaned back a little bit, checking the door to be sure nobody was approaching.*
I know you said someone else defeated him, but if that's the same bad guy, and he was trying to get to the fourth Island, then he's probably not dead yet. Contact with anyone from that period is difficult at best as most just vanished after the Gate collapsed, but the twin Prince and Princess recently showed up with the Elites.
*Evie took a deep breath, leaning back fully with a somber expression and tapping a nail on the armrest of her chair. After a moment she settled, her voice darkening slightly.*
I got to see my friend living happily in another time, something you never got. Maybe you can get the closure I won't. And good riddance, if he's one of the ones after this place like the Last Reality.
[Under the helmet, Visitor grit his teeth. The Riftwarden. That spineless Stellan had blabbed, and Evie, at least, was aware of it. No wonder that River Guard Empress had been prepared, likely anyone who had had any contact at all with the man now knew something.]
[But wait... something Evie had said. She had mentioned his name in the list of previous adversaries... but seperate from "The Shapeless Man". Did she not know they were one and the same?]
... If the one known as the Shapeless Man yet lives, I fear a threat from my timeline has made the journey to yours, just as I did.
No wonder he would be referred to by such a name, his method of destruction was singularly extreme... though apparently temporary.
[He began to pace, thinking of what he now knew. When he hid among the loopers, to learn what had happened in the years since his dissolution, he had heard no one speak of Geno, or the Shapeless Man, or any such. Even the Oathbound remnants only spoke of the Ageless, and that was all old information. How many truly remembered Geno? How many suspected that he even could return?]
[His plan could be more untenable than he had hoped. A shame. He did so hate to get his hands dirty unnecessarily.]
I must speak to the rest of the Seven about this. I do not know well the history of the past not my own, but I am aware of the threat that particular being poses... and if he is attempting to get here, the Dark Voyager would be the least of our concerns.
[He would also have to locate and have words with Stellan... yet another loose end to be tied up and cut off. His imposed vacation had left him with nothing but messes to clean up...]
*Attention successfully diverted. Evie internally apologized to the mad Riftwarden, but to be perfectly fair, he'd likely been on Geno's list already.
Unfortunately, work could be messy like that.
She watched the Visitor pace in agitation, noting that at least some of his frustration seemed to be real enough. To her own irritation, she had no proof of his identity, just a lot of circumstantial evidence and a gut feeling. But in her line of work, that gut feeling was damning... though it would be very nice to be able to poke a hole or three in this façade of his if she needed to prove it.
Or was that all she had?...
Now, Evie would be the first to say that she was no scientist of any sort, save for her skill in chemistry concerning poison, if that could be counted. And yet, as Asteria died, every last remaining agent of the Syndicate had been forced to become quantum physicists overnight in order to find a way out.
She hadn't retained all that she had learned, obviously, most of it had been scoured from text files so dryly written she could barely focus, and any knowledge obtained was usually discarded as soon as it was used, shoved aside to make room for the next necessary information. But she had learned quite a lot that had stuck. Like the reason why this was happening to them.
Jones had taken a time machine from the vampire Kado Thorne, and had made off with the Zero Point back in time, creating a new branch of time and space itself around the Zero Point. A new Reality Zero. And so Asteria had begun to decay, dissolving into nothingness as the new Reality Zero moved forward, the old one simply incompatible with existence now that a new one had been established.
There could only be one Reality Zero.
And if the Seven had been built around Reality Zero for its defense... there could only ever be one Seven.
Evie was far too good an actress to let the smile that wanted to break through do so, but for the first time since she had lost Jones, she felt like she held an ace. Damning evidence that this Visitor was a liar. She couldn't use it, of course, not right now. But it felt good to have at all.
Naturally, all of these thoughts were entirely invisible to the Visitor, even if he had been looking at her. She wasn't stupid enough to think he completely bought her act - no agent worth their salt assumed that their act worked - but at least the results were satisfactory.
No, throughout all of his pacing and muttering, Evie only showed worry, and she leaned forward again, looking up at him.*
You would know best how to deal with this, if you survived the Shapeless Man. I wish I had more I could give you.
*She paused, a hint of fear beginning to build behind her eyes.*
... Another possibility is that the Voyager may be his new proxy... since that seems like his preferred method. I don't know how we'd go about figuring that out, though...
*Another wave of dizziness hit her, and she didn't need a mask for the painful nausea that followed, as she was forced to hold her head still in her hands for a minute.*
[Visitor had been coming by to check on Jones' vitals and redouts-- ostensibly, out of worry. Of course, the real reason was far more nefarious, but he had yet to implement any of his plans thanks to the fact that Jones' three most loyal companions (Evie, Hope, and Peely) were constantly guarding him.]
[Case in point, he entered the room with Jones' tank to find Evie sitting and watching, her eyes and posture screaming exhaustion. Perhaps, this was his opportunity...]
[He walked beside her, and leaned his back against the wall.]
Evie, it has been some time since you last slept... please, allow me to take a shift. If only to make up for the fact that I was supposed to watch him the last time...
*Evie cast an exhausted glare sideways at the Visitor.*
That is exactly why I haven't put you on the rotation.
*She sighed, staring back up at Jones. He'd been improving more lately. The pixelated bleeding had stopped, and his vitals were steadier. And yet still his eyes wouldn't open.
A wave of dizziness washed through her, settling as nausea in her stomach, and Evie leaned back with a groan.*
Ugh... You're right that I haven't really slept well, though... I'm exhausted, but I just can't seem to get to sleep. If I can't sleep, though, I might as well be useful.
Besides... this is the only time I get to spend with him. I don't want to lose that too...
I understand. Believe it or not, but I do feel as though his current condition is my fault... I simply wish there was more that I could do.
[He was fuming, but thankfully, his mask hid his face, and his thoughts were shielded from telepathy by the Seven's armor. Something he had only grown more thankful for after learning that Evie was in fact a force sensitive...]
[Walking up to the tank, he stared into Jones' face and laid a hand on the glass. The man's eyes were shut, and his breathing shallow, but even.]
[Just a bit more pressure on the glass... The tank would shatter, and the enduing physical trauma would render Jones permenantly catatonic, if not dead.]
[Alas, it would also reveal him as a traitor, and he would not jeapordize his plans further if he could help it.]
Since the Zero Point's reforging, the days have grown dark indeed... we have been able to do much, with the help of the Singularity and Dr. Slo-- that is, the Innovation. Jones' aid, however, remains dearly missed.
Evie wanted to snipe back at him, but didn't. If he wasn't the one who shot Jones, then he really was likely dealing with a lot of guilt.
For the first time since these powers emerged, she actually wished she could read him. That armor repelled her attempts, and the Force skated over him like oil on glass.
Right now, though, she watched the Visitor as he laid a hand on the tank, and a hot blade of territorial jealousy cut through her heart. Stars, guilty or not, this man was ANNOYING. Evie despised him. All the visits, the watching. Even now he was trying to convince her to leave her husband alone with him. Who did he think he was?!
Evie took a breath, closing her eyes just for a moment. The Dark was pulling at her mind again. This wasn't a healthy train of thought--
-- A turn of phrase derailed her thoughts.
"...The Zero Point... the days have grown dark indeed..."
Ow. A pinging migraine broke through the dizziness, causing Evie to flinch. Something wasn't right...
She needed him to keep talking.*
After everything I'd heard about her, I admit I'm a little surprised that... the Innovation was inducted. Not like I have a say; it just seemed abnormal, I guess.
*Evie rubbed her eyes, suppressing the urge to yawn. Might as well play up the tiredness, not like it wouldn't be believable.*
If you're gonna stay, you might as well help me stay awake. How did the Seven happen in the first place? Why'd you join?
Hmm. Her goals have always been the containment of the Zero Point. This shall allow her to fulfill both then and her curiosity... and what the armor represents shall keep her in line with the Seven's morals
[Ah! Something interesting and not inane to talk about! He spun around, casually.]
Ah, now that is an interesting story, though how it occurred here may be... different than how it occured within my own reality.
[He pulled out a chair and sat down. This was always a fun story to tell.]
The Foundation was the first, you see. He had discovered Reality Zero, along with a close ally of his. Safeguarding this place was always his goal, though I suppose it went hand in hand with testing his strength against the might of those who came for it.
What he did not anticipate, however, was that his first challenger would be the very ally he discovered it with. Betrayed, defeated, and cast out, he determined to stop that man, and the goals of his new Order.
Thus, around him gathered the Seven, a group dedicated to retaking the Zero Point, and freeing it from the Imagined Order's grasp. Scientists, explorers, adventurers, it did not matter. They swore an oath to protect the Zero Point, and keep reality safe. But they all had their reasons.
[He saw the question in Evie's eyes, and anticipated it. It always helped to add this part, anyways.]
... For my own reason, I am, by all accounts, a refugee from my reality. It was destroyed, down to the man, by a madman of unfathomable power. A beautiful monster, some called him. He wished me dead, and for that, he wiped out the entirety of my home. I only survive due to the actions of the Seven, and I have fought beside them for that end.
[He shook his head.]
In the end, however, revenge was not mine to claim. The man was defeated by another, and has not been seen in the multiverse since. But I still have my duty, and so when I heard tell of another Seven in need of aid... I did not hesitate.
[Huh. That worked better than expected. Turned out the subject that got the humble Visitor in a chatting mood was himself.
Ironic.
Most of the story aligned with what Jones had told her about the Foundation. Evie let her eyes wander as he spoke, looking over the gifts left for Jones, watching the bubbles in the tank.
It was all pretty standard to what she'd heard of them, until it started to get sad. Evie almost started to feel bad for him...
-- "A beautiful monster..."
It took all of Evie's training to keep her expression from betraying the sudden icy grip that plunged her heart through the floor.
She knew that phrase. No odd brain fog could erase that from her mind, or its significance. The crazed Riftwarden and confrontation with the Ageless had carved it into her memory. There was only one reason the Visitor would be aware of that specific phrase.
He was Geno.
Everything fell into place. They had been betrayed and undermined from the start. She had handed her husband over to a perfect trap disguised in armor he trusted.
Swallowing a new wave of nausea, Evie looked up at Jones' closed eyes and prayed he could forgive her for having such a casual conversation with the man who had shot him... and for taking so long to figure it out.
To the man sitting across from her, though, she called upon her own escape from Asteria to conjure a sympathetic grief, and that was all that showed in her eyes.*
I'm sorry I stepped on such a rough memory. Losing everything like that to a mad monster... believe it or not, I know how it feels to be the lone survivor.
*A forced smile, though it didn't really matter that it was obviously forced. It just looked like smiling through the pain.*
Maybe a different topic, then, something easier. Like what exactly are we doing to do with the Zero Point once it's fixed?
[Visitor had lived for a long, long, long time. And he had worked with people for that entire time. Evie was a master spy, but even she had tells, just like any other person.]
It is... isolating, isn't it. Knowing you are the last of a family is one thing, but the last of a culture? A people? An entire universe? Seeing those "what ifs" play out over and over, wondering if there is a version of your friends, your family, somewhere out there living happily...
[Something he had said had triggered some sort of recognition in her. Whether she knew, or she knew, she was now far more dangerous to his plans.]
[Oh well. This particular mask was soon to slip anyways. It would hold out for the time he needed. Though he needed to think of what caused her to suddenly figure something out...]
As for the Zero Point? Well, obviously we will need to fight Dark Voyager and whoever is pulling his strings, to keep them off of it. Then, we simply continue the mission. Protection, defense. It is clear we will have our hands full with that alone...
[He looked back at Jones.]
And what of the Reality Warriors? Will you stand by us? Or are there new adventures and exploits that await you all on the other side of this crisis?
Wondering if you deserved to be the one who made it out...
*Evie pinched the bridge of her nose. That old familiar rush of guilt needed a bit more effort to wash back off and into the Force.*
It is isolating. And you have the worse end of it. At least I managed to see an old friend living their best life... though they had never met me. I'm sorry you don't even get to have that.
*The persona of the Secret Weapon of the Peace Syndicate was settling back in place. She'd done this hundreds of times. She could do it again.
And now he was trying to feel her and the Reality Warriors out, trying to see if they would be a thorn in his side going forward. Evie allowed an expression of tired worry to overtake her features as she joined him in looking up at Jones.*
I'm glad to hear that our intentions are the same, at least. Protecting this place is all John ever wanted, and protecting the peace is my ultimate goal. For both of us, defending the Zero Point is the perfect solution, so we've done all we could together. It's great to finally have more allies with the same goal.
*A small smile, a signal of at least lessened hostility towards the Visitor, flickered over her face as Evie turned back to him.*
The Reality Warriors will stand with the Seven, as long as the Seven don't mind our ranks. I know Foundation didn't like most of us, but I'm glad he didn't stop us from helping. There's too many threats out there to let our pasts split us up.
*Her gaze drifted away again, eyes clouding in concern.*
Which one do you think might come after the Voyager? The Last Reality in force? The Nothing? Or something else?
Believe me, we are not in a position to be turning down allies. And you all held down the fort while we were... gone.
[He lowered his head. After a moment, he looked back up again.]
As for who controls the Dark Voyager... I would imagine that it has something to do with the Last Reality. They are the only ones known to work with Cubes in a manner such as this.
But it will not matter. All of us, we cannot afford to lose this fight a second time. Not when the Zero Point is in play again. If it comes under the control of the wrong group... it will take some time to rebuild enough force to free it once more.
Someone had to... I guess we were just the ones who were willing to try. It's good to not be alone in that anymore.
*A rueful smile flickered across Evie's lips, but her expression sobered quickly. Her eyes, unfocused but piercing, darted between the Visitor and a random spot on the wall behind the tank. Hesitant, as though she wasn't sure about saying something or not.
Finally, Evie let the mask down, her features now betraying anger and unsettled concern, her mind clearly made up. Leaning towards the Visitor in her seat, she lowered her voice a notch so only he would hear.*
Normally I wouldn't do this, but you and I have one thing in common, and that's what we've lost. I'd never forgive anyone, not even a close friend, if they held back a possible lead on that freak of nature, Kado, who killed everyone I loved. So I'm not going to do that to you, even if it turns out to be nothing. You can figure that part out yourself.
*She glanced up at Jones, then away, clearing a flash of guilt from her eyes.*
He wouldn't approve of personal revenge, especially after the Foundation, but...
... Your "beautiful monster". I know that phrase. We've had a lot of bad guys around this place, and I've read the files on the ones that came before my arrival. The Cube Queen. Geno. Doctor Doom. Heck, Slone counts. But on Asteria I heard of a different one mentioned with that exact phrasing, the "beautiful monster", and that one was called the Shapeless Man by the crazy Riftwarden.
*She leaned back a little bit, checking the door to be sure nobody was approaching.*
I know you said someone else defeated him, but if that's the same bad guy, and he was trying to get to the fourth Island, then he's probably not dead yet. Contact with anyone from that period is difficult at best as most just vanished after the Gate collapsed, but the twin Prince and Princess recently showed up with the Elites.
*Evie took a deep breath, leaning back fully with a somber expression and tapping a nail on the armrest of her chair. After a moment she settled, her voice darkening slightly.*
I got to see my friend living happily in another time, something you never got. Maybe you can get the closure I won't. And good riddance, if he's one of the ones after this place like the Last Reality.
*It wasn't long before the Order opened Jones' office door, and Evie gave her a tired smile, offering a cup of coffee to tweak.*
Thanks so much for coming, Order. It's been a while since we last really chatted on Remix. I still have that cracking code you gave me.
*And it had been very useful, that was for certain.
Setting her own mug down, Evie picked up a notepad, beginning to write.*
I miss John, and I feel like I'm gonna lose my mind if I sort one more stack of files alone. So I figured now was as good a chance as any to catch up with you!
How've you been?
*She laughed awkwardly and gestured at two stacks of files.*
And uh... which would you prefer?
*As she spoke, Evie now handed the Order the notebook, the hastily penned words plain as day. This entire "catching up" was a façade for listening ears, and she trusted a fellow former agent like the Order would understand what she had written.*
[ For once, she wasn't lying about being 'fine' - things had been looking a little more optimistic lately. Yet she knew there were still problems to solve, and work to be done. ]
" I'm glad you invited me, even if we're just looking at these.. files. It's nice to get out of Sanctuary every now and then.. "
[ As soon as Order saw what Evie wrote on the notepad, she knew what was up - being the Seven's spy, she caught on quickly, and wrote a response. ]
*Perfect. Evie gave a grateful nod and a smile before continuing their little scene.*
I'm glad! Especially these days.
*Despite this being a farce, the files still needed doing, so Evie split her attention, taking one stack and beginning to sort through it as she wrote a reply.*
Sanctuary drives me crazy. I hate being underground, especially since Force training.
John seems to be improving, thankfully. I saw him this morning, the bleeding has finally stopped. I would have liked to stay longer, but... that creep, the Visitor, kept staring at me. If I'd stayed, I might've done something. At least Triage is with John now.
*She passed the notepad back to the Order.*
>I have a contact who wants to meet you. Extremely sensitive. Has to be you. Beyond top secret, even from our allies. You in?<
*Evie frowned, sifting a few files into a cabinet.*
I agree. The Visitor said he ran to try to stabilize the Point... I want to know why he thought that was our only option.
*That part didn't line up with anything, and it grated on her nerves.
But time for that outside of work. She slid the paper back across to the Order.*
>Understandable. Not ideal at all, I'd hesitate too. Mesas outside Chopped Shop are clear of surveillance. Weekend is free.<
*She paused for a moment, looking over at the Order. This could go so badly... but she would never agree if she knew who was calling. All Evie could do was hold tight to what respect and trust had grown since they'd met on Remix.
With a sigh, Evie slipped over a second paper.*
>You won't like it. But I need you to know that I trust them more than most of the people here. Whatever happens, I hope that counts for something.<
[Visitor had been coming by to check on Jones' vitals and redouts-- ostensibly, out of worry. Of course, the real reason was far more nefarious, but he had yet to implement any of his plans thanks to the fact that Jones' three most loyal companions (Evie, Hope, and Peely) were constantly guarding him.]
[Case in point, he entered the room with Jones' tank to find Evie sitting and watching, her eyes and posture screaming exhaustion. Perhaps, this was his opportunity...]
[He walked beside her, and leaned his back against the wall.]
Evie, it has been some time since you last slept... please, allow me to take a shift. If only to make up for the fact that I was supposed to watch him the last time...
*Evie cast an exhausted glare sideways at the Visitor.*
That is exactly why I haven't put you on the rotation.
*She sighed, staring back up at Jones. He'd been improving more lately. The pixelated bleeding had stopped, and his vitals were steadier. And yet still his eyes wouldn't open.
A wave of dizziness washed through her, settling as nausea in her stomach, and Evie leaned back with a groan.*
Ugh... You're right that I haven't really slept well, though... I'm exhausted, but I just can't seem to get to sleep. If I can't sleep, though, I might as well be useful.
Besides... this is the only time I get to spend with him. I don't want to lose that too...
I understand. Believe it or not, but I do feel as though his current condition is my fault... I simply wish there was more that I could do.
[He was fuming, but thankfully, his mask hid his face, and his thoughts were shielded from telepathy by the Seven's armor. Something he had only grown more thankful for after learning that Evie was in fact a force sensitive...]
[Walking up to the tank, he stared into Jones' face and laid a hand on the glass. The man's eyes were shut, and his breathing shallow, but even.]
[Just a bit more pressure on the glass... The tank would shatter, and the enduing physical trauma would render Jones permenantly catatonic, if not dead.]
[Alas, it would also reveal him as a traitor, and he would not jeapordize his plans further if he could help it.]
Since the Zero Point's reforging, the days have grown dark indeed... we have been able to do much, with the help of the Singularity and Dr. Slo-- that is, the Innovation. Jones' aid, however, remains dearly missed.
Evie wanted to snipe back at him, but didn't. If he wasn't the one who shot Jones, then he really was likely dealing with a lot of guilt.
For the first time since these powers emerged, she actually wished she could read him. That armor repelled her attempts, and the Force skated over him like oil on glass.
Right now, though, she watched the Visitor as he laid a hand on the tank, and a hot blade of territorial jealousy cut through her heart. Stars, guilty or not, this man was ANNOYING. Evie despised him. All the visits, the watching. Even now he was trying to convince her to leave her husband alone with him. Who did he think he was?!
Evie took a breath, closing her eyes just for a moment. The Dark was pulling at her mind again. This wasn't a healthy train of thought--
-- A turn of phrase derailed her thoughts.
"...The Zero Point... the days have grown dark indeed..."
Ow. A pinging migraine broke through the dizziness, causing Evie to flinch. Something wasn't right...
She needed him to keep talking.*
After everything I'd heard about her, I admit I'm a little surprised that... the Innovation was inducted. Not like I have a say; it just seemed abnormal, I guess.
*Evie rubbed her eyes, suppressing the urge to yawn. Might as well play up the tiredness, not like it wouldn't be believable.*
If you're gonna stay, you might as well help me stay awake. How did the Seven happen in the first place? Why'd you join?
Hmm. Her goals have always been the containment of the Zero Point. This shall allow her to fulfill both then and her curiosity... and what the armor represents shall keep her in line with the Seven's morals
[Ah! Something interesting and not inane to talk about! He spun around, casually.]
Ah, now that is an interesting story, though how it occurred here may be... different than how it occured within my own reality.
[He pulled out a chair and sat down. This was always a fun story to tell.]
The Foundation was the first, you see. He had discovered Reality Zero, along with a close ally of his. Safeguarding this place was always his goal, though I suppose it went hand in hand with testing his strength against the might of those who came for it.
What he did not anticipate, however, was that his first challenger would be the very ally he discovered it with. Betrayed, defeated, and cast out, he determined to stop that man, and the goals of his new Order.
Thus, around him gathered the Seven, a group dedicated to retaking the Zero Point, and freeing it from the Imagined Order's grasp. Scientists, explorers, adventurers, it did not matter. They swore an oath to protect the Zero Point, and keep reality safe. But they all had their reasons.
[He saw the question in Evie's eyes, and anticipated it. It always helped to add this part, anyways.]
... For my own reason, I am, by all accounts, a refugee from my reality. It was destroyed, down to the man, by a madman of unfathomable power. A beautiful monster, some called him. He wished me dead, and for that, he wiped out the entirety of my home. I only survive due to the actions of the Seven, and I have fought beside them for that end.
[He shook his head.]
In the end, however, revenge was not mine to claim. The man was defeated by another, and has not been seen in the multiverse since. But I still have my duty, and so when I heard tell of another Seven in need of aid... I did not hesitate.
[Huh. That worked better than expected. Turned out the subject that got the humble Visitor in a chatting mood was himself.
Ironic.
Most of the story aligned with what Jones had told her about the Foundation. Evie let her eyes wander as he spoke, looking over the gifts left for Jones, watching the bubbles in the tank.
It was all pretty standard to what she'd heard of them, until it started to get sad. Evie almost started to feel bad for him...
-- "A beautiful monster..."
It took all of Evie's training to keep her expression from betraying the sudden icy grip that plunged her heart through the floor.
She knew that phrase. No odd brain fog could erase that from her mind, or its significance. The crazed Riftwarden and confrontation with the Ageless had carved it into her memory. There was only one reason the Visitor would be aware of that specific phrase.
He was Geno.
Everything fell into place. They had been betrayed and undermined from the start. She had handed her husband over to a perfect trap disguised in armor he trusted.
Swallowing a new wave of nausea, Evie looked up at Jones' closed eyes and prayed he could forgive her for having such a casual conversation with the man who had shot him... and for taking so long to figure it out.
To the man sitting across from her, though, she called upon her own escape from Asteria to conjure a sympathetic grief, and that was all that showed in her eyes.*
I'm sorry I stepped on such a rough memory. Losing everything like that to a mad monster... believe it or not, I know how it feels to be the lone survivor.
*A forced smile, though it didn't really matter that it was obviously forced. It just looked like smiling through the pain.*
Maybe a different topic, then, something easier. Like what exactly are we doing to do with the Zero Point once it's fixed?
[Visitor had lived for a long, long, long time. And he had worked with people for that entire time. Evie was a master spy, but even she had tells, just like any other person.]
It is... isolating, isn't it. Knowing you are the last of a family is one thing, but the last of a culture? A people? An entire universe? Seeing those "what ifs" play out over and over, wondering if there is a version of your friends, your family, somewhere out there living happily...
[Something he had said had triggered some sort of recognition in her. Whether she knew, or she knew, she was now far more dangerous to his plans.]
[Oh well. This particular mask was soon to slip anyways. It would hold out for the time he needed. Though he needed to think of what caused her to suddenly figure something out...]
As for the Zero Point? Well, obviously we will need to fight Dark Voyager and whoever is pulling his strings, to keep them off of it. Then, we simply continue the mission. Protection, defense. It is clear we will have our hands full with that alone...
[He looked back at Jones.]
And what of the Reality Warriors? Will you stand by us? Or are there new adventures and exploits that await you all on the other side of this crisis?
Wondering if you deserved to be the one who made it out...
*Evie pinched the bridge of her nose. That old familiar rush of guilt needed a bit more effort to wash back off and into the Force.*
It is isolating. And you have the worse end of it. At least I managed to see an old friend living their best life... though they had never met me. I'm sorry you don't even get to have that.
*The persona of the Secret Weapon of the Peace Syndicate was settling back in place. She'd done this hundreds of times. She could do it again.
And now he was trying to feel her and the Reality Warriors out, trying to see if they would be a thorn in his side going forward. Evie allowed an expression of tired worry to overtake her features as she joined him in looking up at Jones.*
I'm glad to hear that our intentions are the same, at least. Protecting this place is all John ever wanted, and protecting the peace is my ultimate goal. For both of us, defending the Zero Point is the perfect solution, so we've done all we could together. It's great to finally have more allies with the same goal.
*A small smile, a signal of at least lessened hostility towards the Visitor, flickered over her face as Evie turned back to him.*
The Reality Warriors will stand with the Seven, as long as the Seven don't mind our ranks. I know Foundation didn't like most of us, but I'm glad he didn't stop us from helping. There's too many threats out there to let our pasts split us up.
*Her gaze drifted away again, eyes clouding in concern.*
Which one do you think might come after the Voyager? The Last Reality in force? The Nothing? Or something else?
[Visitor had been coming by to check on Jones' vitals and redouts-- ostensibly, out of worry. Of course, the real reason was far more nefarious, but he had yet to implement any of his plans thanks to the fact that Jones' three most loyal companions (Evie, Hope, and Peely) were constantly guarding him.]
[Case in point, he entered the room with Jones' tank to find Evie sitting and watching, her eyes and posture screaming exhaustion. Perhaps, this was his opportunity...]
[He walked beside her, and leaned his back against the wall.]
Evie, it has been some time since you last slept... please, allow me to take a shift. If only to make up for the fact that I was supposed to watch him the last time...
*Evie cast an exhausted glare sideways at the Visitor.*
That is exactly why I haven't put you on the rotation.
*She sighed, staring back up at Jones. He'd been improving more lately. The pixelated bleeding had stopped, and his vitals were steadier. And yet still his eyes wouldn't open.
A wave of dizziness washed through her, settling as nausea in her stomach, and Evie leaned back with a groan.*
Ugh... You're right that I haven't really slept well, though... I'm exhausted, but I just can't seem to get to sleep. If I can't sleep, though, I might as well be useful.
Besides... this is the only time I get to spend with him. I don't want to lose that too...
I understand. Believe it or not, but I do feel as though his current condition is my fault... I simply wish there was more that I could do.
[He was fuming, but thankfully, his mask hid his face, and his thoughts were shielded from telepathy by the Seven's armor. Something he had only grown more thankful for after learning that Evie was in fact a force sensitive...]
[Walking up to the tank, he stared into Jones' face and laid a hand on the glass. The man's eyes were shut, and his breathing shallow, but even.]
[Just a bit more pressure on the glass... The tank would shatter, and the enduing physical trauma would render Jones permenantly catatonic, if not dead.]
[Alas, it would also reveal him as a traitor, and he would not jeapordize his plans further if he could help it.]
Since the Zero Point's reforging, the days have grown dark indeed... we have been able to do much, with the help of the Singularity and Dr. Slo-- that is, the Innovation. Jones' aid, however, remains dearly missed.
Evie wanted to snipe back at him, but didn't. If he wasn't the one who shot Jones, then he really was likely dealing with a lot of guilt.
For the first time since these powers emerged, she actually wished she could read him. That armor repelled her attempts, and the Force skated over him like oil on glass.
Right now, though, she watched the Visitor as he laid a hand on the tank, and a hot blade of territorial jealousy cut through her heart. Stars, guilty or not, this man was ANNOYING. Evie despised him. All the visits, the watching. Even now he was trying to convince her to leave her husband alone with him. Who did he think he was?!
Evie took a breath, closing her eyes just for a moment. The Dark was pulling at her mind again. This wasn't a healthy train of thought--
-- A turn of phrase derailed her thoughts.
"...The Zero Point... the days have grown dark indeed..."
Ow. A pinging migraine broke through the dizziness, causing Evie to flinch. Something wasn't right...
She needed him to keep talking.*
After everything I'd heard about her, I admit I'm a little surprised that... the Innovation was inducted. Not like I have a say; it just seemed abnormal, I guess.
*Evie rubbed her eyes, suppressing the urge to yawn. Might as well play up the tiredness, not like it wouldn't be believable.*
If you're gonna stay, you might as well help me stay awake. How did the Seven happen in the first place? Why'd you join?
Hmm. Her goals have always been the containment of the Zero Point. This shall allow her to fulfill both then and her curiosity... and what the armor represents shall keep her in line with the Seven's morals
[Ah! Something interesting and not inane to talk about! He spun around, casually.]
Ah, now that is an interesting story, though how it occurred here may be... different than how it occured within my own reality.
[He pulled out a chair and sat down. This was always a fun story to tell.]
The Foundation was the first, you see. He had discovered Reality Zero, along with a close ally of his. Safeguarding this place was always his goal, though I suppose it went hand in hand with testing his strength against the might of those who came for it.
What he did not anticipate, however, was that his first challenger would be the very ally he discovered it with. Betrayed, defeated, and cast out, he determined to stop that man, and the goals of his new Order.
Thus, around him gathered the Seven, a group dedicated to retaking the Zero Point, and freeing it from the Imagined Order's grasp. Scientists, explorers, adventurers, it did not matter. They swore an oath to protect the Zero Point, and keep reality safe. But they all had their reasons.
[He saw the question in Evie's eyes, and anticipated it. It always helped to add this part, anyways.]
... For my own reason, I am, by all accounts, a refugee from my reality. It was destroyed, down to the man, by a madman of unfathomable power. A beautiful monster, some called him. He wished me dead, and for that, he wiped out the entirety of my home. I only survive due to the actions of the Seven, and I have fought beside them for that end.
[He shook his head.]
In the end, however, revenge was not mine to claim. The man was defeated by another, and has not been seen in the multiverse since. But I still have my duty, and so when I heard tell of another Seven in need of aid... I did not hesitate.
[Huh. That worked better than expected. Turned out the subject that got the humble Visitor in a chatting mood was himself.
Ironic.
Most of the story aligned with what Jones had told her about the Foundation. Evie let her eyes wander as he spoke, looking over the gifts left for Jones, watching the bubbles in the tank.
It was all pretty standard to what she'd heard of them, until it started to get sad. Evie almost started to feel bad for him...
-- "A beautiful monster..."
It took all of Evie's training to keep her expression from betraying the sudden icy grip that plunged her heart through the floor.
She knew that phrase. No odd brain fog could erase that from her mind, or its significance. The crazed Riftwarden and confrontation with the Ageless had carved it into her memory. There was only one reason the Visitor would be aware of that specific phrase.
He was Geno.
Everything fell into place. They had been betrayed and undermined from the start. She had handed her husband over to a perfect trap disguised in armor he trusted.
Swallowing a new wave of nausea, Evie looked up at Jones' closed eyes and prayed he could forgive her for having such a casual conversation with the man who had shot him... and for taking so long to figure it out.
To the man sitting across from her, though, she called upon her own escape from Asteria to conjure a sympathetic grief, and that was all that showed in her eyes.*
I'm sorry I stepped on such a rough memory. Losing everything like that to a mad monster... believe it or not, I know how it feels to be the lone survivor.
*A forced smile, though it didn't really matter that it was obviously forced. It just looked like smiling through the pain.*
Maybe a different topic, then, something easier. Like what exactly are we doing to do with the Zero Point once it's fixed?
