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“Finch, remind me again why we’re inside a base up deep in the mountains. In a facility that not
even god would know.”
Reese muttered into his earpiece as he paced around the halls of this ‘Chaldea’.
“Unfortunantly, our new number isn’t exactly the type who’ll lay low in a hovel somewhere in New York.” Finch replied through the piece, doing whatever he usually did. To Reese it usually meant he was held up in the hideout and gathering all the pieces of the puzzle together, but this time The Machine had sent them on this mission together. Finch was probably sneaking around as a technician at the moment.
Well in hindsight he knew why, this place was basically cut off from civilization and highly secure. Normally a place like this would be swarming with security and lots of military or government personnel, but right now he was basically seeing a bunch of young civilians wandering around the place. Very unusual for a secure facility.
…
“Olga Marie Animusphere”
Finch had placed a picture of a young lady with striking eyes and unusual gray hair despite her age. The two of them had gathered in one of the many hideouts in the city. For no other reason than perhaps a change of scenery for once. Hideout would usually invoke something worn down or off the grid. However, for them, hideouts were of the high end variety. Namely fancy hotels or even buildings bought out by Harold Finch through god knows however shell companies/
“She’s a little young to have that much gray hair finch.” Reese took a jab at their new number’s expense.
“Well she’s definitely earned it based on who she is and her family legacy. Mr. Reese I’m gonna need you to take this seriously, even though it may sound like a joke.”
“It’ll have to be a good joke to get me to laugh.”
“Ms. Animusphere here is part of a secret society that likes to keep to the shadows whenever possible. I know, I know, not too different from what the government likes to do, but she’s not part of the government. Well technically if you want to get into the meat of it. They have deep connections within society and usually silences any outsiders that would dare to interfere with them. Classic stuff I know.”
“Yeah, you see one shadow organization, you've basically seen them all, Finch. Where are you going with this?”
Finch started to pace back and forth, preparing himself for what he was about to say, “When I built The Machine, I learned many things. It sees everything and I do mean everything. I just never expected to encounter something so mystical, so out of this world, so unbel-”
“Get on with it Finch.”
Finch shut his mouth for a moment. A bit disappointed that he was shut down so quickly, “Well if you want the short version of it. She is what this society would call a Mage. Namely a larger society called the-”
“Mage’s Association.”
“Pardon?”
Reese had a bit of a smirk as he basically stole the wind from Finch’s sails, “While Mages do like to hide in the shadows, Finch. They only do so with ordinary people. Mages aren’t the type to shut up about it when people they think are also Mages are around. Believe me they’re a lot more annoying when they’re in high government positions.”
Finch looked at the envelope in his hands and proceeded to dump it all in the trash, “Well, there goes that lengthy explanation.”
“Cheer up, Finch. I’m sure you’ll blindside me some other day. It’s not like you would know that the international spy would’ve been aware of Mages. They like to boast about their magic, but bullets still put them in the ground like you or me.”
“Well this does just mean that we can get to our new number faster.”
“That’s the spirit, Finch.”
…
“I’ve been doing some more digging. Despite the almost secrecy of this location, the security is pretty lax. Only about two personnel actually bothered to encrypt their information. Pretty good stuff too.”
“Well Mages aren’t exactly known to like technology, Finch. It’s a miracle you were able to pull anything electronically at all.”
“Yes, unfortunately it was a curse and a boon. I’ve successfully given you a cover identity on the spot, I think you’re gonna like it. Just follow the youngsters.”
“I can tell they’re all Mages just from how they act. What cover could you have possibly given me?”
“Hold.” Reese found himself in front of someone with a data pad, he simply took a look at him and scrolled through it. After a few seconds his eyes widened and he took a few more glances at the pad, then to him, “I guess I should’ve seen the resemblance! My apologies, would you like to let the Director know that you’re here?”
No! The Director is Animusphere herself, he didn’t need to bring attention to himself unless necessary, “Let’s keep this on the down low, got it?”
“Y-yes sir. Just head on through.”
Reese moved past the man and immediately questioned Finch, “Mind telling me what you just did?”
“I found the opportunity too good to pass up. You bear a passing resemblance to an estranged cousin of Ms. Animusphere. Close enough to get you places, and not close enough to where she would immediately recognize that you’re not a cousin.” Finch sent over a photo of the cousin to the phone, it really was a similar looking man, however; “My hair isn’t that gray Finch. How did you get a phone signal way up here?”
“I say the resemblance is uncanny. As for the signal, I’m just using both the wired and wireless connections within the base. It’s quite outdated.”
“That’s Mages for ya.” Reese continued to follow the crowd, coming into an orientation room where they all started to assign their own seats. Smack dab in the center of it all was his target. Whether she was a victim or perpetrator had yet to be seen, but knowing people like this it was likely the perp. He decided to stand up and stick close to the wall to avoid the chance that Animusphere would pick up his face as her relative.
“I found our number, Finch. She looks like she’s about to give a lecture. I’m sure you would love to sit in.”
“Despite the supposed ideal that advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, Mr. Reese, I find the refusal to work with technology disagreeable.” He could hear the heat coming from Finch’s voice on the subject, oh this will be fun to prod him with.
“I don’t know, this place seems pretty modern. Cleaner than most bases I’ve been to too.
“According to this file, they’ve hired many contractors over the years. However, they recently settled in with an engineer by the name of M. Lisa. Whose picture isn’t on file. She’s been completing projects for them at a rapid pace recently.”
“Should I be trying to find this, Lisa?”
“...No, on her file it seems that only an authorized few are allowed to see her. She was one of the two to have encryption placed on her data, but whatever data there is, is bare bones at best. It would appear that Ms. Lisa values her privacy.”
“Sounds like she’s after your own heart, Finch.”
“Yes, perhaps we can have tea and discuss our pasts filled with nothing.”
“The lecture here is pretty boring. Animusphere is going over the mission statement and acting like it’s the most important mission statement in the world.”
“That being?”
“Pretty standard stuff. How Chaldea is the next step of humanity’s progress, each and every one of them there has a purpose to fulfill. Standard stuff, really. Heard it all the time whether it was from the CIA or some organized group god knows where. I’m leaning more towards perp, Finch.”
“As usual Mr. Reese. We need a lot more information before we can determine that.” Their conversation was quickly halted as Animusphere started to yell, “Mr. Reese, what’s happening?”
Reese rolled his eyes, “Some kid was caught sleeping in class. Now she’s getting the third degree. With an attitude like that any number of people would want to harm her. Though to be fair, Mages are murder happy without needing a reason to.”
The person, a woman, was dismissed out of the hall. It would take another hour and a half for the lecture to finish up. Much to Reese’s chagrin. He quickly called to Finch, “Class is dismissed, Finch. I don’t think the teacher’s gonna be happy that you skipped out.”
“Attendance isn’t mandatory, Mr. Reese. I’ve decided to start wandering the halls. There wasn't much information I could gather from the servers, so I’m trying to find a paper trail.”
“Ever so thorough, Finch. You find any cameras in this place?”
“Closed circuit, but I made them open to me.”
“Be careful when sneaking around, I can’t help you if you get caught.”
“Mr. Reese. I don’t need to sneak around, when I can hide in plain sight.”
Reese didn’t follow up as he started to follow the crowd out. He didn’t get very far in his travels however, “What are you doing here?”
He turned and found the Director staring directly at him.
“Excuse me?”
“I thought I made it clear that I didn’t need help or someone to take my place. I can handle this on my own. Unless you’re just here to replace me by force, cousin.”
Damn it Finch. You just had to choose a relative to a Mage. Distant relatives or not they usually hated each other.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He spoke in his usual tone of voice, one that tried to stay in control and lead the conversation.
“Don’t play coy with me. There wouldn’t be any other reason why you’re here.”
“I’m just here to keep an eye on things. Make sure you don’t wind up dead.” Reese loved it when he could tell the truth to the targets and they would not believe it in the slightest.
Animusphere crossed her arms and huffed, “Or you’ll be the cause of it.”
“If I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t see it coming.”
“And not bask in the fact that my final moments would be about you? Quite the fantasy.”
“Well today’s your lucky day then.”
Before their happy conversation could continue, a man approached them. Reese could tell there was something off about him, but he couldn’t place his finger on what it was at the moment. Animusphere’s reaction shifted from impatient anger to a joyful tone as the man approached.
“Now’s not the day for family drama, Olga.”
“Lev.”
The conversation had shifted to a rather…Reese wouldn’t say positive, but a bit more amicable. It was mostly to make sure that everything would be going to plan and that no delays are in the works. Sudden ‘family’ arrival not-withstanding.
“I would also appreciate it if you didn’t engage in hostilities with our number, Mr. Reese. Now in front of you is Lev Lainur. According to his file…or rather what little file they have on hand, he’s Ms. Animusphere’s right hand. He taught her all of what she knows and he’s basically her caretaker in a way.
“I figured as much.” Reese whispered as to not directly talk to the two chatting away in front of them, “Though it seems the love isn’t mutual.”
“What makes you say that?”
“The girl got starry eyed the moment he arrived, but his body language says that he could care less about her. In fact he’s using textbook techniques to make it look like he’s interested.”
“And you can tell by?”
“Come on, Finch. Don’t tell me you never noticed me when you start talking about tech stuff.”
“...Point taken.”
“So what brings another member of the Animusphere family here?” Lev had drifted their conversation back to him, much to Ms. Animusphere’s annoyance.
“Just here to clean up the mess.”
Ms. Animusphere was about to retort, but a single raised hand from Lev was enough to silence her, “I’m sure it’s more courteous to see if things work out first before taking over wouldn’t you think?”
The girl’s eyes widened at the words, but Lev’s hand still being up stopped any attempt at conversation. Now Reese was curious. Earlier this girl demanded control and attention during her boring lecture, but now she stayed to her right hand’s whims. If she played obedient to this man, then there was the possibility that she was the victim instead of the perp. Even if she’s a haughty mage.
“Right.”
“Okay then, we’re on a tight deadline as is, so no more delays. Olga I’ll be seeing you later, and you…enjoy the show.”
With that, Lev showed complete control of the small situation and started to leave. Reese felt inclined to follow him and see what he was up to. Certainly a little better than following the brat around. He didn’t follow him immediately as he waited for him to get near the corner. Reese started to move when-
“Are you really going to take over?”
Reese turned his head back to Ms. Animusphere. Her demeanor was completely different from what he had seen earlier. Instead of someone demanding to be in control, she now stood unsure of what to do. While he could play up his role as an estranged Mage cousin, he couldn’t bring it in him to kick someone when they’re down. Her role as their newest number is still yet to be determined and throwing a bone can do wonders down the line.
He took too long to formulate a response however, “I got here by my own hands and you want to take that away from me. I know I have difficulties getting along with people…but… this is the last bastion of my father’s legacy. If it gets taken away from me, then that means I did everything for nothing.”
She was genuinely giving her heart out, Reese however needed to follow up on Lev. “I’m not here for the reason you think I am.
“Huh? Hey wait, we're not done here!”
He didn’t say anything else as walked towards where he last saw Lev. He should still be walking down the hall. Of course Ms. Animusphere was trying to follow too and grab his attention back, but he could easily lose her tail while tailing Lev.
“Finch. I’m going to tail, Lev. See if I can get any leads from him.”
“We have a different problem Mr. Reese.”
“What now?”
“I found a bomb and judging from where it’s placed. I doubt it’s the only one. There’s no visible timer, so I’m not sure when it’ll go off..”
Reese stopped dead in his tracks. Allowing Ms. Animusphere to at least catch up to him.
“Get out of there, Finch.”
“I already have. I’ll avoid any high traffic areas and try to meet back up with you. Now, Mr. Reese, unless Ms. Animusphere plans to bomb herself, I doubt she’s the perpetrator at this point.”
“We’re not done here.”
“I say we just about are, come with me your life is in danger.” He dropped his ‘in control’ persona and switched to a reasonable panic.
“What are you talking about?”
“There’s bombs planted throughout the facility, rigged to blow. We can’t cause a panic or this might cause the one with the switch to detonate early.”
“How can I be sure you’re not the one who planted them there.” Ms. Animusphere panicked as she threw an accusatory finger at Reese.
“If I’m the one who planted the bombs why would I be right here and telling you in person.” Simple logic should get through her head.
At this point any hints to be subtle needed to be thrown out the window, “Finch, I’m going to evacuate-”
A series of loud rumblings could be heard from all over the facility. Then the world suddenly went dark for Reese.
…
The first thing to come to Reese’s mind was the smell of smoke and the unbearable heat of a fire going on. He slowly opened his eyes to see the…red hue of the night sky and…buildings? He coughed a few times and looked around him. Yes, these were buildings. None of the cold and metallic halls of the previous location he was in. The asphalt below him confirmed that he was outside too.
He was...why was he taken out here? Wait. He was working on a number, right? His senses suddenly snapped back to him as he needed to call Finch!
“Finch! What happened? Are you alright?”
There was no initial response, but a voice did receive his message. A woman’s voice.
“Your friend is knocked out cold. He’s still alive though. I was wondering who was sending encrypted communications in Chaldea, but I guess answers will have to wait for now. You got some pretty sophisticated stuff.”
“Who are you?”
“I should be asking that. You’re the ones who intruded on Chaldea, but I don’t think you’re with the government, nor do I think you’re the ones who planted the bombs. You were trying to protect the Director weren’t you? You have my thanks for that.”
“What happened to her?”
“She’s trying to scramble what’s left of the staff. Said you disappeared after shielding her, oh dear distant cousin of hers~” She sounded quite mischievous there.
“So after the bombing…I was booted outside?”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that, though I’m not sure I have time to explain.”
“As long as you’re on this line, you have the time.”
Reese heard a giggle on the other side, “Good one. You can call me Lisa for now. Mona if you prefer.”
“I’m sure Finch would appreciate your joke, if he was conscious."
“Judging from your operandi, I assume Finch is usually the one in the chair? Guess I’m the voice in your head this time.”
“Well it sounds like you know more than I do at the moment, so shoot.”
“Good news. You’re not the only one there. Bad news. You’re not the only one there. You’ll need to meet up with Fujimura and Mash, you can miss them. Heads full of Orange and Purple hair.”
“And when will I meet up with them?”
“Just go with the flow and save your questions for later.”
Reese pulled out his gun, a simple pistol he always kept concealed on his person no matter what. For a bit of dramatic flair he pulled back the chamber, “At least I can ask questions.”
A distinct sound immediately caught his ear. The sound of a payphone ringing. He veered off in the direction that the sound was coming from as the phone would not stop ringing.
“Is that a payphone? How?”
He ignored Lisa’s question as he picked up the continually ringing phone. A ‘voice’ relayed to him-
Golf
Romeo
Alpha
November
Delta
Oscar
Romeo
Delta
Echo
Romeo