Trouble Brewing [Open Guard HQ Post]

[synthedick]

Who: OPEN - anyone visiting the Guard HQ throughout May
What: This is an open post for the Guard HQ - feel free to tag Nick here, make your own top-levels, etc. for whatever your characters might be doing there! They don't even have to be in the Guard, so long as you can come up for a reason for them to be in the area. Passing by, seeing some folks on patrol, seeking help during an event, whatever works!
Where: Guard Headquarters
When: Throughout May
Warnings: TBA


With all the gods returned, there are new notices on the door, as well as on the wall Nick has designated as the bulletin board for the Guardsmen:

Sorrow says we'll be moving soon. Fear will need the energy to do it. You know what that means.

An ominous warning, but one the Guard knows well -- whatever it is Fear does or brings in, it's their job to keep the peace as best they can. Sometimes it's monsters, sometimes it's paranoia, and sometimes, it's something entirely unexpected.

Comments

[synthedick]

As for Nick, he's been working overtime. When not assigning patrols and keeping tabs on the network, he's now trying to keep an eye on an entirely separate team of people, one whose job it is to protect the rogue Null from everyone else. Nick is still hoping this job will pay off, and that they might learn something -- anything -- that will help them stay one step ahead of the Null. The gods don't like it, but they have other plans for keeping the Null at bay.

And moving the entire city is one of those plans. It's been a while since they moved. Before, the changes were nearly unnoticeable. It wasn't until the city emerged from the caves and onto this dry world with two-suns and hardly a night between them that they realized just how far the gods would go -- in the literal sense -- to keep the Null away. None of the new locations sound idea for a synth, but they all sounded better for Hadriel at large than a lifeless desert.

On most days, Nick can be found in a number of places: he's at his desk in the morning, patrolling by the midday, back at the headquarters doing paperwork in the early evening, and occasionally walking the streets in those brief night hours, his yellow eyes bright in the darkness. Wherever it is one runs into him, they can be sure he's looking out for others. Even if he wasn't with the Guard, that's just the Nick Valentine way.

[[Here's his CR meme comment - hit him up for whatever!]]

walking the streets

[closerift]

[ Newly added to the Guard, Cecily has made it a point to also take nightly walks, if only because those are the hours least harsh to be outdoors, and even more so because she has regular bouts of sleeplessness (like many other, she assumes). As such, she comes across Nick as she goes and stops when she spots him, brows rising with recognition. ]

... Ah. You're Nick, aren't you? [ She exhales, cracking a wearied smile. ] I've heard a bit about you from Ignis. All good things, I promise.

[ Despite her having been in the city since the beginning, she doesn't remember having conversations of much substance with the, ah - "man" in question. ]

My name is Cecily Trevelyan: Henry recently brought me into the fold.

[synthedick]

[Nick slows his pace as Cecily addresses him, offering her a polite smile as he comes to a stop himself. They've both been in Hadriel for years, but he's only spoken to her maybe once via the network long ago, back when Delight was still new in town. He's seen her posts, read her comments during his surveillance, and recently seen her name added to the roster, but he's never had much of a chance to have a real conversation with her. No time like the present, especially now that she's a part of the Guard.]

Inquisitor.

[He figures he probably should greet her with her title, just to be respectful. He's more surprised to hear Ignis has mentioned him than he is that Henry recruited her.]

Good to have you with us. We can always use more hands, as I'm sure Henry and Ignis have both told you. [Among other things, apparently.]

[closerift]

[ He is the first person to call her by her title in-... well, she can't remember how long. It's the kind of thing that makes her mouth go dry, makes her stomach flutter like a girl with a crush.

What it is is gratitude, and so she smiles, however faintly. ]

Happy to help. I'm only sorry it took me so long. [ She smiles more easily then, chuckling. ] I ran out of excuses, I s'pose, so here I am.

[ If Hadriel is truly to be her home for over two and a half years, then why not fight to protect it? ]

Have you been well, then?

[synthedick]

As well as can be, all things considered.

[And there is a lot to consider -- the rogue Null, the gods, the ever-present threat of what events they'll bring in order to move the city once more. Some folks might consider it more trouble than it's worth to want to stay in Hadriel, no matter what awaits back home; Nick, however, is determined to make this city home for those who have nowhere else to go. Maybe one day, they'll be allowed to use the Door, or figure it out for themselves, but until then, this is all they've got.

He cocks his head to the side, a motion for her to follow him on his patrol for a spell.]

Sorry I haven't taken the time to come welcome you to the group myself. I'm still adjusting to all this leadership business I've been handed.

around the 25th

[lifetothefullest]

[The weird sun cycle has completely messed with Lance's natural schedule during the time they've been on this planet, and yet he's still somehow ended up more or less nocturnal; it's probably partially because of the darkness, and partially because it's cooler around the few night hours. He's not really a fan of the heat or the double suns in general, honestly.

Of course, he's not a huge fan of much of anything at the moment. Does it count as having been a difficult few months if that's the case every few months? Probably not, but it's somehow easier to pretend it's just intermittent, self-contained issues instead of just life here.

But one of the more recent issues is the reason he ends up at the guardpost in the evening, looking for Nick. Fortunately he's there and the place seems pretty quiet otherwise, so there's no good excuse for Lance to suddenly change his mind and go home. Instead, he wanders up to Nick's desk, offering a quiet greeting.]

Hello, Nick.

[He's still kind of getting used to talking again after the latest event, so his voice is softer than usual.]

Is there anyone else here?

[It probably isn't that hard to guess at least part of what he wants to talk about.]

\o/

[synthedick]

[Nick looks up as Lance comes in, giving him a nod in greeting. He hasn't seen the doctor since the meeting, but given what most folks in the city just went through, he doesn't doubt Sweets has been plenty busy.]

Just us at the moment, Doc. Usually is pretty quiet around here when the other night owls are out on patrol.

[They have a surprising number of them on the Guard, but given how hot the days get, it's no surprise most folks prefer the night hours these days. In good news, that means all the shifts on the Watchtowers and streets are covered; however, it does mean someone has to stay behind to watch the desk, and that someone is often Nick himself. That might just be a good thing this evening.]

[lifetothefullest]

[That's good to hear, because as usual Lance isn't too interested in talking to anyone else who might be at the Guard. This time, though, part of his hesitation and caution is because he intends to actually explain why that is.

But first thing first, and he takes the seat across from Nick's desk as he has a few times before, nodding in response to Nick's words. He's quiet several moments, taking a deep breath to try to psych himself up a little before finally beginning.]

Okay. I had... Wanted to talk to you a little about everything going on with Name, although for more of a...

[This is even more difficult than he thought; he has to stare at the desk instead of Nick in order to get the words out, and he has to say at least the main part of what he came here to say before he loses his nerve.]

For more of a personal reason than a logistical one. Considering the seriousness of the entire issue it feels important to admit that, due to my situation, I may not be... Impartial, when it comes to the goal of defeating the Null permanently, to a point where the gods would be willing to purposefully use the Door.

[He chews on his lip a moment before continuing.]

I need it to happen, and I need it to happen before the Door randomly sends me back or something, because I... If I go home, I'll die within a few minutes.

[And he knows he isn't the only one in this situation, but in his time here he's seen so many others returned to their worlds--and to their deaths--due to random chance of the Door. It's terrifying when he thinks about it too long, because there's absolutely nothing he can do about it aside from try to accomplish his goal before it happens, and although he thinks he's being careful and logical and planning everything from a step back, he just isn't sure.

So, it's only fair that Nick knows, just in case.]

desk in the morning!!! pre-event.

[braveoff]

[ Drake comes by HQ early today, a little before his scheduled patrol. He was AWOL for a few days -- didn't even check in and feels like an ass for it, but he wouldn't have been much use if he had showed up anyway. So now he's hoping to catch either Nick or Henry to apologize, and explain. There's a tired slump to his shoulders as he comes in, a grief he's not bothering to disguise. He'll get his game face back on eventually but right now everything is too raw. It was hard enough to leave the apartment in the first place. ]

Hey, Nick... can we take a look at the schedule?

[synthedick]

[Nick offers Drake a nod as he heads over.]

Drake.

[He says that as a greeting, but while his expression is impassive, his tone holds a hint of sternness -- just a tinge, and not enough to cover for the quiet concern beneath it. It doesn't take a detective to see something is weighing Drake down.]

I was wondering when you might come in. Everything all right?

[braveoff]

[ The scolding is deserved, Drake knows that. But he also picks up on the worry before it's verbalized, and somehow that makes him feel worse. Of course Nick would have understood -- he's a good guy, he at least deserved a text. ]

Not really. I mean, physically I'm fine, I should have called you about needing some time.

[ Deep breath. Rip it off. Nick will get it, probably more than Henry will considering he's been over to their place before, he knows what they meant to each other. ]

Ephemera's gone. I know sometimes we were scheduled together, but I want to pick up his other shifts if I can.

[roseofthetyrells]

[he passes by the Sewing Shop in his patrol and Margaery sees him through her window. she puts down what she was working on and goes out to greet him]

Hello, Ser Valentine. How are you today?

[synthedick]

[Though Nick gives Margaery a little nod as they make eye contact through the window, she surprises him when she opens the door. He comes to a stop, offering her a smile.]

Well enough, thanks. You been busy today?

[Which is his nice way of asking if anyone has been bothering her. Nick has made good on his word, trying to keep an eye out for the Lady Tyrell.]

[roseofthetyrells]

[she smiles back brightly]

Oh, yes. Wash asked me to make a dress for Eleven, but I decided that just one wasn't good enough. So I'm making three.

[her expression clouds]

The demon attempted to make contact with me, but I didn't respond.

[she's noticed and she appreciates it greatly]

general contact, throughout the month;

[hotspurred]

As ever, Henry is easily reached in person. Whether he is at his desk, patrolling the streets, practising in their dedicated training space with a variety of medieval weaponry, or taking shifts in the watchtowers with his longbow at hand he remains dedicated to his self-appointed duty. His armour marks him out a mile away; during the hottest hours of the day he strips off his plate, settling for just his layer of mail.

Inside their headquarters, one preparation he makes in anticipation of their move is the addition of another information board on the back wall of their office. He can be caught setting it up when all is quiet after Sorrow's poll is posted to the network.

|D

[dedikated]

( There are certain routines Kate uses just to keep herself busy. The number of staff at the clinic is a blessing, but it also means that she finds herself itchingly bored far too often. Hence the routines, like bringing weapons with her to the guard's HQ in order to practice and burn off energy.

It's paid off in how much more comfortable and fluid she feels when using a quarterstaff, and in the fact that she can hold her longbow for much longer before it begins to ache her arms, and part of Kate wryly notes that this was never part of the plan when she changed careers. But here we are, and she tosses a throwing knife casually in the air and catches it before sending it flying into the target across the training ground. )

Where d'ya think we're going?

( Nothing like saying hello, Katherine. )

sorry for the wait

[hotspurred]

[Henry's gaze follows the knife; while he doesn't have much personal interest in throwing knives — he prefers to keep hold of his weapons — he can still appreciate the immense skill involved.

He shrugs at Kate's question.]

I cannot guess. If we are fortunate it shall not be the cold world. Despite the information it holds, who would welcome another harsh land?

[dedikated]

( She certainly doesn't, and honestly the information about The Door appeals to her more anyway. It always will, the sensation of being trapped always lingering somewhere in the back of her head. )

Glacius. ( He would definitely appreciate the cold weather after months of being in this hellishly warm desert. ) Houses don't even have heating.

( Which is Kate-speak for but she does not want to be anywhere near the arctic. )

training space!

[braveoff]

[ Drake has been slacking lately, which is entirely unlike him. If anything he used to push too hard, especially trying to get back into shape after his ordeal after the Null attack. But he's been absent from the training area the past two weeks, and missed several patrols. The reason is fairly obvious -- Drake isn't the only one who went missing, after all, but while he started showing up again, Ephemera did not. At this point he's spoken to Nick about taking up the slack but even working overtime isn't enough of a distraction. Patrols are too quiet, the watchtower especially gives him too much time to think.

So he's back at the training space, this time purposefully when he knows Henry will be. His axe is on one hip and his gun on the other, but today he's carrying something new. A simple longbow from the armory, with a pack of arrows slung over his shoulder. He wasn't too good with a sword, but maybe this? Ephemera did leave his rifle behind so Drake has a ranged weapon already, but if he ever runs out of ammo for it again it'd be good to know something different. He clears his throat as he approaches Henry, interrupting his drills as politely as possible. ]

Henry?

[hotspurred]

Drake.

[Henry stops, lowering his sword, and turns to face the other man. It's somewhat curt as far as greetings go, because while Henry can forgive absence, he's not fond of a lack of communication. Then his eyes take in the bow and arrows and he halts the query forming on his tongue — it's clear what Drake is here for.

Lessons were promised.]

Your quiver is best worn at your waist. For ease of access.

[He sheathes his sword.]

[braveoff]

[ Yeah, that tone stings, and deservedly. Drake expected them to be displeased with him at the least, he really wasn't in a state to explain what was going on but should have at least texted someone.

Henry instructs him where to wear the quiver, and he nods and swings the whole thing off his shoulder. There's on the one strap, and it's from one end to the other which made him think it was meant to be worn across the torso... he'll have to macguyver a solution to be able to wear it in the proper place. ]

Can I see what you did?

[ He moves in to look at how Henry's wearing his arrows, body language tense. Just rip it off like a bandaid. ]

I'm sorry for disappearing. Ephemera left and I sort of shut down, but I've talked to Nick and am picking up a bunch of his patrols too.

training space

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin comes in to get some practice time in before the move, but he is particularly here to help Margaery Tyrell work on her sword technique. He lays aside his jacket and all his gear except for his own sword, and gets onto the practice floor. He runs through his moves, and then he looks around and sees Margaery coming through the door. He waves her in. ]

Welcome, Lady Margaery!

training space

[roseofthetyrells]

[she's still wearing a gown. she fought the Null in a gown, she practiced with Ikaruga in a gown, she's not being parted from her gowns. she has her sword tied to a belt around her waist and she's ready to practice and to learn]

Thank you for inviting me, Curufin. I truly appreciate it.

\o/

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin knew some women in his world who fought without giving up traditional female costume. It seems to be an art, rather like fighting in a cloak without getting your feet tangled up in it! He admires the curved sword she wears. It looks to be a beautiful blade, one that is fitting for her. ]

You are truly welcome. Shall we start with the basic blocks and parries? I'll come at you and you foil me.

[ She's not a beginner, so she will know the routine. He'll start by moving much more slowly than would be the case in a real battle, and give her a chance to build up her speed and efficiency. He draws back his sword and comes in with a diagonal strike. This will give her a chance to lift her blade, turn it slightly, and smack his sword with a glancing blow. This will check him immediately. If there is enough energy in her block, his sword will literally bounce off hers. ]

<3

[roseofthetyrells]

[Margaery likes to see it as an art. there have been some who have objected to her fighting with a sword or fighting with a gown. that only serves to make her more determined to do it]

That sounds wonderful. It's been a while since I practiced with a partner, so I may be slow at first, but don't worry. I'll catch up.

[she holds her sword in a traditional two handed grip for a katana as that was how she was taught. she can tell that he's moving slowly for her sake and appreciates it. she checks his blow easily, adding a bit of force to it to show that she's no beginner]