Prologue: Briefing's From Upstairs
With Pierre's base briefing finished, and the mousy man with glasses had begun approaching him, Vadym and Cordell are lead through the offices, where the advancements in technology Ned Angry mentioned come to fruition. Air conditioning passes through ventilated grates, cooling off the occupants, and the lighting feels optimal and focused. Eventually, they are lead to an office with Brooks Lyn Price's name on it. They step inside. Now surrounded by bookshelves, their attention is drawn to the man in the swiveling chair. His fingers are crossed with each other, his glasses gleam and shine while only showing glimpses of hazelnut eyes, and he is lit up by the fireplace. On one wrist is a pocketwatch, chained to his wrist to create a haphazard wristwatch. His face is completely neutral, and his voice is deadpan while carrying a glimpse of sophistication in his word choice. "So, new recruits? I've heard a lot about the two of you. Wars, crime, I've seen it all. I'm sure you've heard Mr. Angry, correct?" Standing up, illuminated by the fireplace, he says "Whether you have or not, you require details. Toruk-na-Ramonatha isn't all that heavily equipped. They pretty much took it from the Americans because of the element of surprise and a few choice stabbings. Most you'll find is handguns and shotguns they took from the guards of the place, maybe a few repeaters or full-auto rifles as you descend deeper and deeper. Otherwise, just expect the usual: axes, swords, shields, and gusto."
Outside, the glasses-wearing assistant was telling Pierre the same thing. He then said "As for that plan you mentioned? That's up to you. A good Monster Hunter prepares for everything. A great one does the job when everything goes wrong." Pausing for a moment, he eventually makes a squeak and says "Well, that's what Mr. Angry says, anyway. Good luck, sir."
With a crestfallen look on her face, Dalia wipes away any remaining, offending spittle before curtseying again. "Oh a fifth columnist? How peculiar and the peculiarity of my own unfortunate loss of aptness of the vital adroitness of memory is not lost on my own consciousness. My own fate looks rather forlorn in a land I do not recall. Dear columnist? May I take your hand in the facsimile of the union of mutual attachment? Otherwise straightforwardly known as friendship?" she spews out, a polite smirk made, or at least attempted, on her face. At that, Agent Rupree blushes and says "I-I, erm, yeah, sure. Sounds great?" Dalia stands on her feet and says "My own transgressions upon you fair columnist Madame Rupe instill upon you my servitude. Such uncouth manner of greeting thou with a drooling lip? Unseemly and improper and as such you must be recompensated by my service as your factotum!" At this, Agent Rupree raises her hands, and tries to say "No, no, not nece-", before stopping. With a groan, she instead responds "Agh, screw it. Without Agent Iscariot around, this place gets boring. Alrighty, then. Follow me." Before she can even turn, however, Agent Rupree has one question: "Hey, uh, Miss...Zombie? Uh, if that's not offensive, I mean...forget it, why are you in the blistering cold of Northern Brittania, anyway? Did you live here? Or, do you live here, I suppose?"