One death, former guard, shot in the head by The Pontifex after said guard seized Emma. Possible containment protocol.[20]After shaking yourself out of it, Emma lifts you to your feet, and she catches you staring at the dagger with a mild sense of confusion. With a slow glance around, she explains in a gentle whisper, "You...you made that from the glass you shattered." She explains, softly, moving to gently take it from your hand. "The Pontifex took it from you when you were all...weird, stabbed the body and handed it back."
"Apparently you having weapons not given to you breaks 'containment'. That's what he said. Unless it was in self-defense...he didn't want to explain more."
An impulse strikes you, and you turn away from the officers and Pontifex. The equation is fresh in your mind. You can do this, you can do this...and you do.
There's no light show, no fancy effects---the dagger simply begins to shift, coiling in around itself, the blood dripping off to the ground.
Within your hands by the end of it is a glass flower, that besides the lack of color, looks exactly like the ones from the fallow spring fields at the Academy. You hesitate, before handing it to Emma, suddenly sheepish. A mantra begins to dig itself into your brain, some old survival technique.
I'm not Alphira. You repeat this to yourself as the two of you set off. You're quiet, at first, but eventually, the two of you chat a little about what happened. It isn't a comfortable talk, but it clears the air. The walk is indeed lovely and calming, and your mind drifts into relaxation. You both drink when you arrive at the restaurant, your guard surreptitiously seated one table away, where she actually takes off the kevlar and pretends to enjoy herself.
Her rifle isn't that far away.
[18]But what's important is that you and Emma genuinely enjoy yourself, and, true to what she says, you have to take a swish of wine before you can kiss her.
When you arrive back at your compound, Emma is an adorable mess, bragging about the flower to the guard, who listens in stoic patience.
Mother Nicole is the first one that greets you, wrapping you in a tight hug that threatens to break bones. "Pheobe, I'm so sorry--- I thought he could be trusted-- I don't understand why he would...Pheobe, please, I'm sorry."
[15] "Mother Nicole...we would just like to relax together if that's okay?" Emma asks, saving you from further questions, continuing, gently, "It wasn't your fault. You did everything right."
She lets you go with an awkward tousle of your hair, content for the moment to let you rest.
You lay in bed. Emma sleeps next to you, still dressed, having fallen asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, and you're left alone with your thoughts.
You are Pheobe Gainer AKA Alphira
Local Time: 2:30 am 6/15/2011
You have a mild headache.
You're rebuilding muscle definition.
You are full
Over a Chair, Nearby;
A brand new, black silk greatcoat.Torso:
A fitted grey shirt with long, tight sleeves. Lower Body:
New grey semi-formal, military style pants.Hands:
A pair of leather gloves. Feet:
Woolen socks(hidden)
Feet:
A pair of new leather boots.[100 credits] in local currency.
Overload: Amateur.
Healing Factor: Amateur.
-
Endurance Boost: Beginner.
You are under contract with The Brotherhood of Scholars for twenty-three years. [Angel] of The Holy City State of SEED
--High Influence within its borders
--Full command of all military resources, as approved by Crusader General
--Full command of all military resources, in emergency situations
--Assigned a personal team of researchers, medical officers and trainers.
Grandmother(adopted): Mother Nicole Gainer, (Beloved),
--Contactable in person.
--High Influence with Scholars, Crusaders, the Thornton Family
--Current lawful ruler of Steelworks 9 Region (Crusader Supported)
Organization: The Thornton Family
--Contactable through Mail, Emma
--High Influence within Steelworks 9 Region
--Allied with Nicole Gainer, you
Contact, Threat: William Thornton
--Contactable through Mail, Emma
--High influence within The Thornton Family
--Feared within Steelworks 9 Region
--Allied with Nicole Gainer, you
Contact, Military Trainer Coordinater: Tyler Hop (Cordial)
Lover/Adjutant: Emma Thornton (Contet-Exhausted)
--Low influence within The Thornton Family
Friends(?) (Lost Contact):
-McGee Foster
-James Foster
-Johnathan Shellton
-Jesse Hardhouse
-Erica Hail
-Amanda Silversmith
-'Other' Eric Armstrong
-John Frost
-Quincy Black