Arthur walked into his base in the Mists, having received a call from his handler, to find his two attendants serving tea to a woman in an Immortal Flames coat. She was a middle aged highlander woman with graying blonde hair, thin spectacles, dark green eyes, and an expression that made the young agent’s back straighten on instinct. She wasn’t here to mess around. She peered over the rim of her cup and her glasses at Arthur as he walked through, before shooing away his attendants.
“Agent Arthur D’ehcan, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The woman said sharply, her voice clipped and to the point. She gestured to the chair across from her own seat, and Arthur sat.
“Uhh...Likewise, Ma’am.” Arthur said slowly, leaning forward. “Err...Can I ask who you are? I was expecting-”
“Your Handler, yes.” The woman interrupted, giving him a scrutinizing glance over. “Sit up straight, agent.” she insisted, swatting at the table with a cane. Arthur shot upright again, his hairs standing on end on the back of his neck. Yeesh, this lady was serious. “My name is Lieutenant Helena Frost, and I’ll be taking over your briefing for this assignment.” she explained.
Arthur tilted his head curiously. Frost certainly did fit this lady...She was cold as could be. Still, having been worked over by the command at the Network...He was pretty sure he was ready for her. This new assignment had him interested, at least.
“What assignment would that be, ma’am?” He asked. She responded by reaching into her satchel and producing a folder. She laid it on the table and slid it over for Arthur to review.
“We understand your heritage is partially Dalmascan, and there was an incident in Garlean territories with a prison break...” Frost said, her tone not exactly approving of the latter statement. “Because of this, and your recent work contacting various resistance cells in Gyr Abania and Yanxia, we have decided to attach you to a known Dalmascan cell.” As she spoke, Arthur looked over the contents of the folder. There was a lot of information provided by the whole Alliance on two individuals...Leo Valera, the Lion of Dalmasca, and ‘Ashe of Dalmasca’...There was a wanted poster from Yanxia, posted by the Garleans, that labeled her as Princess Ashe...Huh. Small Hyuran woman, somewhere in the low to mid 5′ range, with blonde hair, a little scar on her nose, and some ornate armor on her legs that was unusual for Eorzea. Probably Dalmascan steel...“You want me to help a princess?” He asked, somewhat excited. Lieutenant Frost shook her head.
“We don’t believe she is of royal blood, no. Princess Ashla died when Garlemald took over Dalmasca.” Well that took the wind out of Arthur’s sails... “Leo Valera provided her land in the Goblet...It would be a good place to start with getting in contact with her. As I understand it, your prison break also freed some of her followers, so you can chase that lead as well.”
Arthur looked at the cover of the folder...Operation Homestead. Funny. He flipped through the pages and frowned. “Wow...These guys have a lot of history...What’s with these assassination attempts?” He asked, showing his new handler some of the pages. Maelstrom AND Immortal Flames records showed that Ashe and Leo were around during several assassination attempts, one of which was on the Sultana of all people. “Should I be worried?”
“You aren’t high value enough to be targeted for assassination, Agent D’ehcan.” Frost said simply.
“Ouch...” He murmured. He went over the notes some more. It seemed this Leo Valera lived in the Mists...Adders also reported Ashe was rumored to reside in the Lavender Beds, but there were no records to corroborate that. He’d check just to be safe... “Not that I don’t want to help the Dalmascans, but why are you sending me over there?” he asked.
“The Alliance can not intercede that far in the east, we simply don’t have the manpower...But, we can send a few agents in as a show of support to their rebellion. Someone who shares heritage may be a good way to integrate one of our people and earn trust. From there, you can provide training, supplies, and intelligence to them.” Lieutenant Frost adjusted her glasses, her green eyes never leaving Arthur’s face. Did this woman ever blink?
“Alright, well...I think I can handle that. Is there going to be further support past me? I also have my work with the Net-”
“With the Network, yes I know...We’ll continue to humor you in that regard, Agent, but your duty to your country comes first...” Frost said sternly. “Any further questions?” It didn’t sound like she was inviting him to ask any questions...
“Err...No ma’am...I’ll make contact with this Leo Valera and Ashe.” Arthur closed the folder and tucked it away, standing up.
“Once you do, make contact. We’ll issue further assignments as needed, but for now you will follow the orders of the Dalmascan resistance leaders, and assist them with whatever they need.” Lieutenant Frost stood up and adjusted her coat, before using her cane to walk over to the door. “Do not disappoint us agent.” she ordered, before taking her leave.
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling. He wished he had gotten a less strict handler but...He was excited to help out his fellow Dalmascans. He made his way to the hidden elevator that lead to the underground hangar for the Silent Night. A series of hidden tunnels led out to the ocean, where the ship could emerge and fly free. He tapped his ear, activating his linkpearl and speaking into it.
“Kaja, it’s Arthur.” he said as he boarded the vessel. “Have some of our guys reach out to...” he looked at one of the papers again. “The Dark Embers in Dalmasca...Tell them the Nightingale wants to talk with their leader and work out an Alliance.”
“I’ll do what I can.” Kaja, the Viera warrior that Arthur had worked with in the Garlean work prison, said into the pearl. There was a hint of recognition in her tone...This cell must be famous. “Just be ready...You’re about to enter the big leagues, Nightingale.”
“It’s me we’re talking about here...I’m always ready.” he grinned. “I’ll do my search on this side of the ocean, just let me know when you make contact.” And with that he clicked off his pearl. Operation Homestead had begun. It was time to save his mother’s country.
[[ My sincerest apologies for the indefinite hiatus T^T College and work have been such a nightmare for me this year, I haven't had any time for my blogs. Regardless, I'll be back online more regularly once finals are done. I believe that should be around the May 15th... Again, I apologize, but I promise I will return!
I believe I mentioned it once before, but I will be making a Nanakuma blog as well. In fact it's already up, I just haven't done much of anything with it yet ^^0 ]]
