Chapter Text
Madame Z’s office is smaller than what Necrologist had expected, considering the role and position the woman has in the Foundation. It is a modest room, the walls covered with bookcases and a blackboard hung up scribbled chaotically on. Madame Z’s desk sports a similar chaos, though Necrologist suspects it is not as disorganized as it may appear to her eyes. The light plays cruel tricks to the woman, deepening and darkening her eye bags and giving her a pale, tired look.
“I'm sorry,” Madame Z apologizes. She sits on her chair, on the other side of her desk. “But, without Vertin, I don't feel comfortable with sending you on a solo mission.”
Necrologist is gripping her glass case, a bit frustrated. “It is not a mission, Madame.” she calmly explains. “I am merely to fulfill the last wish of a troubled spirit. I am capable of taking care of myself.”
Madame Z's lips curve upward, in an apologetic smile. “And I know that, of course.” She says patiently. “But other people in the Foundation could feel as if Vertin has no real control over her subordinates, and if anything were to happen, that could undermine her worth as a leader.” She explains, and by the way her lips twist, she's not too pleased in their current situation.
Sure, Miss Vertin has just recently been granted the precious autonomy for her team. The last thing Necrologist wants is to cause any hindrance to her friend, so she bows her head. It is a defeat, but she won’t jeopardize the Timekeeper’s guidance and authority. “I understand.” she stands from her seat, ready to leave the woman to her duties.
“But,” Madame Z raises her hand, motioning Necrologist to stop and wait “I suppose that, if you were accompanied by someone affiliated to the Foundation, an agent, your request would probably be regarded favorably.”
Necrologist is taken aback. She's not completely enthusiastic about traveling in close quarters with a perfect stranger. The only agent she knows well enough to trust them is Miss Sonetto, but the girl is on a mission with Miss Vertin.
Her hesitance must be perfectly visible, because Madame Z smiles reassuringly “If the agent were someone also affiliated to Vertin's team, would you agree to this arrangement?” She asks.
The young Arcanist nods in agreement. Her choices are limited, so she’ll be brave and accept the compromise.
Madame Z stands up. “Please wait here, I'll be right back.” She leaves the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Necrologist tries to recall every face she met in the suitcase, which aren't a lot since she spends most of her time speaking to the dead and trying to fulfill whatever wish they express. A wave of shame washes over her: she's been with Vertin and her teammates for a long time, and yet she knows very few of them.
Madame Z is back in a couple of minutes, looking rather pleased. “Sorry for the wait, but I have a candidate for your job.” She tilts her head to the young man following her. “Necrologist, Joshua.”
The young man rolls his eyes, “Please, don't call me that.” He complains, as if his own name was an insult to him.
Madame Z motions him inside, with an expression that can only be described as fondly exasperated “Right. Horrorpedia.” she gestures at Necrologist “Do you already know Necrologist?”
Horrorpedia leans against the desk “I know everyone, especially if they meddle in the occult and supernatural.” He flashes a smile to the girl “What’s up? Haven't seen you around a lot these days!”
Necrologis can only nod in response. She's a bit overwhelmed by the noise and is still trying to remember when she and Horrorpedia met, or if they have ever met at all. But, other than some mentions and maybe a quick rundown in the labyrinthine hallways of the suitcase, she can't say she knows him.
Madame Z returns to her chair “I have debriefed him on our way here, he was quick to accept.”
Horrorpedia grin is wild and bright “You had me at ghost.” He admits candidly. “Also, you're finally sending me to field duty! I was going crazy! All work no play-”
“Yes, I know.” Madame Z sighs, though she has a small smile on her lips. “Now, do you understand your assignment?”
“Yeah, count me in.” Horrorpedia says, giving them two thumbs up. “Like, who doesn't love a good road trip? I've been stuck in here for too long!”
Necrologist would argue that she's not going on a road trip, but she suddenly realizes the most important part of this conversation: she has found an escort for her journey.
She bows her head “Thank you.” She hopes her gratitude reaches the young man. “It means a lot to both me and Mr. Rasmussen.”
“Who's the guy?” Horrorpedia looks confused. Then, he claps his first on his other hand, as if reaching the solution “Ah, the dead guy?”
Necrologist nods, glancing at the glass case that currently holds the dead guy “Yes. Elgid Rasmussen, for whom I'm currently working on fulfilling the wish of visiting his birth town and the place where he met his wife.”
Horrorpedia lowers himself to take a better look at the small tombstone inside the case. “Is he in there?” He asks, tapping the glass lightly as one would with a fish bowl.
“Yes.” Confirms Necrologist.
Horrorpedia squints, as if trying to catch a glimpse of the spirit residing in there. “Cool.” he smiles excitedly “You know, possessed objects are common in horror stories. Take The Ring-”
Madame Z interrupts him before he can launch in what Necrologist suspects would be a long monologue, one of which the girl would understand next to nothing. “Don't you have any preparations to do, Joshua?”
Horrorpedia straightens himself “You are so mean to me.” He wails.
“I will proceed to get a nulla osta and inform the local operatives of your arrival.” Madame Z ignores him, turning to Necrologist “It shouldn't take long before we have the approval for your journey. I will keep in touch through Joshua, so keep yourself ready to go.”
Necrologist stands up, bowing once more “You are very kind. Thank you for your help.” she says, just as Horrorpedia complains again: “Must you use that name?”
Necrologist turns to the young man. “I look forward to working with you.” she holds the glass case close to her. To be completely honest, Necrologist has always worked alone, ever since inheriting the Tombstone Museum and its inhabitants. She has always worked well alone and has never needed assistance while on a job. It's not that the company unnerves her, she's just unsure whether it will be comfortable for the both of them.
“Likewise!” Horrorpedia looks like he's going for a handshake, but since Necrologist's hands are busy not dropping the glass case, he resolves himself to tap it “And you too, sir!”
As he's leaving, Horrorpedia abruptly stops, the door already open on the stark white corridors of the Foundation. “Oh, right!” He exclaims, turning on his heels “Where are we going? That, I didn't catch.”
“The ghost town of Vikar.” Necrologist answers.
The almost manic smile that breaks on his face concerns her.