The Five(IC)

[Morgoth]

Atriel
Atriel Nezram gazed out the window, eyes sweeping over the world. His world. He had made it. He had forged it from a pathetic ball of rock into this. Tokyo was his playground. New York City his office. The rest of the world a sandbox, one to be experimented on, and eventually improved on. Atriel had always been a proponent of progress, ever since he was born. He could never stand the slow learning of his peers, nor the idiocy and ignorance of his "superiors". He had been approached by Sinmussen when he was 5. He had become CEO when he was 12. This was his world. He'd be damned if he was going to let someone ruin it. He'd be damned if he was going to let an upstart challenge him. In his time as CEO, he had been issued at least ten challenges. None had ever been able to lay a fist on him. But this one- he infuriated Atriel. He had escaped him so far, hiding and sneaking like the little thief he was. But, in the end, it would be for nothing. He would find him, he would track him down, and he would rip his throat out. His cold, grating voice escped his lips, "No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, I will find you." His lips spread into a rare smile. "And then- you will be mine." But, he'd need a new tool. New Seekers. His enemy was familiar with all of the current packs. He'd need new dogs. He called for the Executives.

 

[Morgoth]

Samuel
Samuel Pickett sat in the library, flipping through another pile of books. It was the latest this evening, and the current stack included advanced thermodynamics, analytical chemistry, urban warfare, dog breeding, and advanced medicines. He didn't even notice the shadow looming over him until a hard, calloused hand reached down and snatched the book on thermodynamics from his hands. With an indignant start, Samuel spun around, finding himself standing under the reproachful gaze of a wizened old man. The old man wore long brown robes, a great white beard hanging from his chin, startlingly blue eyes shining, and long white hair falling to his shoulders. He was a stark contrast to the modern library, but oddly enough, no one seemed to notice him. The old man gazed at the cover of the book. "You waste your time on this, boy? Why, when you can devote your time to gaining so much more practical knowledge?" he asked, his voice laced heavily with disgust. Samuel was taken aback by the directness of the wizened figure. "Listen, I don't know what you're talking about, but how about you give me back that book or I call security?" he replied. The old man smirked. "Hah! Precisely what I mean! You believe that calling security will somehow give you back the book, when in fact, you already have the book. You just don't know it. I see that stare. It's been given to me by a thousand others like yourself. They all thought me a crazy old bastard, too. Unlike you, though, they were just regular people. You're special, however. Very special indeed. They accepted my help, sooner or later, just like you will. But you are different, as I've said. You've so much to learn, so much to see. Enough knowledge to fill a million such libraries. You're interested now, aren't you? Yes, I can see the wonder plastered on your face. Well, well. That's fine. Indeed, that's very good. Here's my card. Come see us. We'd like to get you started as soon as possible," said the old man, flipping a business card onto the table. By the time Samuel had looked at the card and his eyes went back to the spot where the old man had been, it was occupied only by air. The old man had gone. Samuel turned back to the business card, looking it over. The old man's name was Jonathon Restril. The card said he was Executive of Sinmussen, located at 2590 30th street. On the back was a little note. "Be there at 10:00 PM sharp!" Itwas already 7:00.

 

[Morgoth]

Jandar
Jandar Brae may have been a pacifist, but he knew more than many that it never hurt to be cautious. He never carried weapons on his person, but he knew well enough that weapons weren't what made a person safe. It was knowledge of your surroundings, your environment, of potential escape routes, of potential weapons, and most importantly, of the people who populated those environments. As many cautious people do, upon entering a room, he often immediately noted escape routes and anyone who looked suspicious or somewhat shady. But that was just Jandar being himself. On this day at this particular time, Jandar was in a checkout line at the supermarket, his cart nearly empty, containing only a few basic supplies. He had already gone over the basics in his mind when he entered, and as the sliding front doors opened, his mind screamed its alarms at him. Three strange looking men had just entered. Their chests were heaving, nervous, excited, muscles stood out on their arms, blood pumping through at a frenzied rate, a small bulge apparent on their chests, from beneath their jackets, pistols. They counted to three simultaneously, then with a shout, yanked their weapons free, holding them aloft as one fired a warning shot. "Nobody fuckin' move! We just want the money, and we'll be gone! Ya don't fuck with us, we won't fuckin' shoot ya!" One stayed to guard the door, another running to the first register, ordering the clerk to empty it, the third watching over the unlucky customers. From nowhere, a sausage hurtled, hitting the man by the register in the face hard enough to send him stumbling. "What tha fuck?!" he roared, aiming his pistol into the customers. As if from nowhere, a woman appeared beside him, throwing a carrot with amazing precision into the chamber of the man watching the customers, jamming it. A raw fish in either hand, she slapped away the gun of the thug beside her, the other fish coming to bear and slamming into his face with enough force to send him into the wall. She threw the fish at the one watching the door, who had turned around just in time to hit him in the hand, leaving a massive welt and knocking his gun away. Leaping through the air, the woman knocked the thug through the doors, knocking the air out of him. She turned to the thug with the jammed pistol, who stared first at his pistol, then at her, then back down, dropping it and bolting to the door. The woman undid the belt around her waist, snapping it out, catching the thug around the ankle and yanking him back, sending him face-first into the floor. The first thug had gotten up, though, and charged her with a previously hidden knife. Yanking a pen from the register beside her, she dodged the knife thrust, then stabbed the pen through the man's hand, leaving him screaming. Then with a swift punch to the pack of his neck, she dropped him. As the customers applauded, she gave a slight bow, then walked to Jandar. "Hi! I'm Lisa Miller! Don't worry about introducing yourself, I know who you are! Let me say that I was very impressed with your performance!" she said, ardrenaline still pumping through her veins, giving her a slight blush as she talked. Jandar started to object, but she cut him off. "Come on! I know you noticed those weapons, that those men were robbers! If I hadn't shown up, I'm sure you could've taken 'em. Oh, sure you could! Anyway, I thought your display was great", she said, suddenly turning serious. "But we both know that's to be expected. You're gifted, Jandar. You always have been. You may not know or think it, but you are. I remember a time when I was like you. I didn't know why the world felt wierd to me, until I discovered the truth. You see, Jandar, it's all about the truth. Everyone wants to know the truth, and I can see in you that you're no different. You just have the capacity to learn. I said I discovered the truth? Well, that's not entirely true. The truth discovered me. It's discovered you too, Jandar. You want to know more, I see? Well, here's my card. Be there or be square!" She said. When he had looked up from the card she had pressed into his hand, she was gone.

 

[Morgoth]

Seki
Seki Kazramagumo had come to New York City on business, that was true, but there was no reason he couldn't have a little fun while he was at it. He had heard many, many stories about the famed Lowell and Kirlon circus, and it just so happened that the greatest show on earth was in NYC at the same time Seki was there. Of course, he couldn't pass up an opportunity like that, so he had hurriedly bought a ticket, and was now seated in the massive Madison Square Garden. The show begun as most circuses do. First, the standard acts. Some elephants, some clowns, some horses, some clowns, some trapeze artists, some clowns, some lion tamers, some clowns, some acrobats, some clowns, and of course, the famed clowns. But as the show progressed, Seki grew bored. It was all feats of superhuman ability, but to him, it was like watching children. His ears only perked up when it was announced that Aurora, famed acrobat, would be making an appearance. He sighed in disappointment as a woman in a bikini made her way from the entrance. "Another pathetic show", he muttered to himself. However, he leaned forward in shock as a man with a pistol approached her. Aurora showed her hands were completely empty, and the man fired a shot into a target behind her, showing that the gun was, indeed, loaded. Eventually he was within 20 feet of her, and he aimed the gun at her head. The audience gasped as he emptied the clip into her. Another loud gasp came from the audience, even Seki, as Aurora opened her hand to drop 12 bullets. Next,a horse was brought to stand beside her, and a whip cracked behind it, sending it into full gallop around the ring. Aurora counted on her fingers from five seconds, then gave chase. It was only a matter of seconds before she had lapped the stallion, then lapped it again. The crowd was slack-jawed in awe, and even Seki could only stare as the horse was clamed down and taken away. Finally, a full stack of business cards were handed to the acrobat, who climbed the trapeze tower. The crowd held their breath as the net was removed and yet again, gasped as Aurora leapt from the trapeze tower, her hands moving so rapidly that none could see what she was doing. From the headfirst dive of 50 feet, she landed softly on her feet, giving a small bow. Every member of the audience was too shocked by the discovery of a small thank you card in their lap to clap. Finally, as she was walking from the ring, the audience burst into thundrous applause. All except Seki, who instead of receiving a thank you note, had received a business card.

 

[Morgoth]

Marie
Marie Chabot walked the streets with a sense of purpose. They knew her, parted for her, tipped their heads in respect. She had found her place at last. It wasn't the happiest one, that was true, but it was good enough. She dealt with the problems of a population, and in return, felt that she healed them all. Not to mention the money. It was a good arrangement. She stopped at a supermarket to pick up some food, then walked to her home. A sheltered alley, largely empty except for a pair of doors leading down. She opened them, and made her way into her residence, an abandoned basement of a large office building. She had managed to get some furniture, as well as all the basic necessities that life demanded. She had just eaten her meager lunch when a knock came at the door. I can't see him. He's a dead spot to my vision. But, he doesn't seem to be a threat. Her mother's whispered voice. Marie nodded, made note of that. She hadn't been aware there were dead spots. She had always believed the Sinnekarlugo to be all-encompassing. Marie opened the door, and a dark figure in a trenchcoat made his way down the stairs. "'Allo, there child-o-spiritz My name iz Ran Tereli. A'm afraid A have a probleem. Ma boss, ma companee iz en trouble. We need anzwers, we need 'elp. Ma boss- 'e saiz you da one ta 'elp uz. Ya zee, I 'ave ze zight, like you. But, 'e saiz, you different den me. You have spezial zight. 'ez a needin dat zight. Zo I come ta you. Wit an offer. Come help zet da wold a'ztraight. Come 'elp uz fix it. You 'ave da powa. It'z what you wanted, ain't it? Ta 'elp? Azk you mader. She knowz 'bout us. She knowz where I be from. She knowz I zpeak da true. Here'z ma card, child'o'spiritz. Der be a plane in da da plane place waitin for ya. Until we meet again, child", he said, not allowing her to break in. Then, thrusting a card into her hand, he rushed from the basement, disappearing into the city.

 

[Donsehan]

Seki Kazeamagumo

hmm . . . I thought, she must have abilities like mine, although, I was looking down at the card. I decided to follow where it went, Sinmussen, not sure what it was. Not much more than a name or an address.

I decided to go check it out, after all I wasn't here for anything too important. I headed off, walking out of the crowd, dodging a crazy kid who decided that he would try to knock over as many people as possible.

Then walking across the street on a green light, I heard a car swerving, burning rubber. Then I saw a car swerving directly for me. Everything seemed to slow down, I felt adrenaline coursing through my body. Everything seemed a bit louder, and I jumped, making a somersault, executing it perfectly and letting the car stop to my side, as I hit the ground. I hate life, I kept walking, checking the street signs for numbers to make sure I was going the right way. I checked a map at the bus stop and went off.

Arriving later, at 2590 30th street, after leaving much debris and other things in my wake. I looked up at the building, and decided why not? If I go in I may get a chance to talk with Aurora. As I was looking up I realized that there was something dropping, I quickly rushed in to the building. To slipping from what I just noticed, a piece of paper, that I stepped on. I started to go with it, twisting my body, forcing it to land on my feet. I ended up about a meter inside the door.

 

[Morgoth]

Sylvie Ste Marie
Sylvie Ste Marie reclined back on the comfortable couch, too tired to sleep. She closed her eyes, trying to just rest as much of herbody as much as possible. She'd been going to various hospitals and intervies for the last 19 hours, with absolutely no breaks in between. A sudden ring on her phone snapped open her eyes, and she rushed over to pick up the receiver. "Hello?" she asked hopefully. "Hi. I'm calling on behalf of Sinmussen Corporation. Don't worry, you haven't heard of us. Nevertheless, Sinmussen has recently done some checks on fresh college graduates, and some of our scouts have found you very promising. If you don't mind, we're having a meeting with all of these potential employees in about 3 hours. We have an airplane waiting at the airport, if you're interested. If you're not interested after the meeting, Sinmussen can contact employers and help set up a job for you in any spot desired. You might want to call a cab. The plane leaves in 30 minutes."

 

[Relmin]

Samuel

Samuel stood there turning the card over in his hands. It was printed in an austentacious Palatino Linotype with exaggerated serifs. The card was made from high quality wood pulp and left to cure to a very natural oatmeal color without the aid of dyes.

Still, it didn't tell him anymore than the old man already had.

The name, number and address were already comitted to memory. Samuel took the card and thrust it between the pages of one of the books from the pile on his reading table. He didn't actually need anything as quaint as a bookmark, but the book was a better pocket than the ones sewn into his jeans. He knew he wasn't letting the book out of his sight.

With the single book tucked under his arm, Samuel walked over to Edith, the librarian on duty this time of night who was so old that the volumes upon volumes of ancient knowledge appeared to camoflague her out of respect for their mutual years. Edith seemed somehow powerful surrounded by all these old words penned by hands long since turned to dust. She was Samuels favorite librarian by far.

"I'll take this one Edith."

The old woman smiled and looked at the book.

"Faust huh? Haven't you read that one?"

Samuel tucked the book under his arm and chuckled as he left. It was a dry humorless sound. It was only much later that Edith realized it was thick with fear. Then, thinking of what he said on the heels of that bony sound, a chill would run up her brittle spine.

"Yeah, but it somehow seems appropriate."

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvie Ste Marie

I'd bolted from the chair, heart thumping, praying it wasn't another crisis, knowing I'd go if it was.
Instead, a cultured voice was offering me a job. I looked around my shabby appartment and sighed. I'd wished for a better, less exhausting life, a regular job that paid better then being an on-call ER nurse. Not to mention that I was starting to find myself wounded after long healing sessions, either mentally or physically. Try dealing with schizophrenia when your brain chemicals aren't right for it. Not fun.
"Plane at the airport, huh?" I asked aloud, partly to stall and partly to double verify. I was too tired to sleep so double checking was a good thing.
"And a car ready to pick you up if nessesary," the cultured voice said, allaying another of my fears.
Only live once, I thought before giving my answer. "Okay, tell your car I'll be ready in ten. What's appropriate attire?"
"Buisness casual," the man answered. "If you don't have it, don't worry, there's a choice of clothing in your size on the plane for you to choose from."
"Considerate, aren't you."
"No, just thourough. The car will be waiting. Thank you for your time, Miss Ste Marie." He hung up abruptly.
I shot an email off to a friend to ask her to water my plants and hurried to my room, tossing cloths in a duffle back as I went. Couple of pairs of scrubs joined the rest of my clothing ranging from jeans and tshirts to a trio of dresses and matching shoes.
Me, I'd showered right after coming home, so that wasn't a problem. I dressed simply, deep violet pants and matching blazer over a pale creme blouse. A pair of pumps in deep violet completed the outfit just as the doorbell rang. Sighing, I slipped my silver cross on and picked up the duffle back and took it to the door with me. A man stood there, dressed like a chaufer.
"I'm Jeeves, your driver tonight. Can I help you with anything?"
I tossed him the duffle bag and said I'd be right down. I took a moment to grab my laptop and settled it into the backpack carrier I had for it. Grabbing my purse I walked out the door, shutting off the lights and locking the door behind me.
I left my apartment building, following "Jeeves" (who names their kid that?!?) into the night, ready to meet what was coming.

 

[snasu]

marie

“Momma?”
Silence followed Marie’s thought. It was seldom that she actually felt alone and now was nervous when it happened. The others were away. She knew Tereli had power. She felt it crawling under her skin like hundreds of ants, slowly moving their way up her body to her heart. Power of the heart. She rubbed the slightly rough paper of his card, traced the indentations of the letters and saw images of blood and death. She was already throwing jeans, T-shirts, wool socks and underwear in a garbage bag when she felt Momma’s whisper through her head.

“He tells the truth. What he knows of it. There is a company called Sinumessen, which has done both great good and great evil. I see no other path before you, but I fear for you, my child.”

Marie wrote two letters. One, simply signed Pappa, was placed in an envelope on the fridge door. The second was to the people that came to visit her, which was pin to the entrance of her home. She knew that everything movable would be gone before daybreak, but then again she wasn’t likely coming back. Change - even the air had the cold, clear smell of change. Marie went to Edmonton International Airport to meet her plane.

 

[Relmin]

Samuel

Samuel Pickett was not a man of extravagant means. In fact, bus fare was something of a strain on his pockets. Working as a janitor in the city library didn't afford him many luxuries and there were few upwardly mobile career fields that would have allowed him to lean on a mop and read the Canterbury Tales whenever the mood took him to do so.

However, Samuel's curiosity wouldn't allow him to pass up this opportunity. With considerably less jingle in his pockets than he'd left his apartment with, he walked the two blocks from the bus stop to the Sinmussen building.

The neighborhood was lower middle-class. The kind you could drive through every day and still forget it's there if you were to look for it. The houses, businesses, and even the firehouse and police station all looked similar in design. It seemed as if the entire neighborhood was pressed out of some giant machine and forgotten here like a child's discarded toy.

The sinmussen building was different. It stood out just enough from it's drab surroundings to be somewhat sinister. All polished black windows and steel, it seemed to lurk among the brownstones.

Smiling at the opportunity to shake his day up a little, Samuel entered the lobby.

 

[Morgoth]

Samuel

Samuel was greeted in the lobby by a large man, small, beady, yet intelligent eyes shining out of a large, serious face. The man gave a quick handshake, then drabbed an arm around Samuel's shoulders. An arm the size of a treetrunk. "My name is Alfred, and I'll take you where you're needed." Alfred half pushed Samuel into an elevator, where Samuel began fidgetting uncomfortably. "Relax, Sam. I should probably brief you. The man who met you, John, was sent by the CEO of Sinmussen, Mr. Nezram. Refer to him as nothing else. Do not address him unless you are addressed first. You'll be there with other Hopefuls. Sam, I like you. You're a pretty upstanding guy, hear? Don't mess this up. Mr. Nezram is not a very tolerant guy, see? You don't get any strikes, as far he's concerned. Understand? No? Good", the massive man said as the elevator buzzed around them. As Samuel began to open his mouth, questions already on his tongue, Alfred cut him off. "Well, here we are." He nearly threw Samuel from the elevator, leaving him in a massive room. Tall columns reached nearly fifty feet until they reached the ceiling. A huge window exposed the breadth of the city. The view looked as if they were nearly 200 stories high. But the building was only ten stories high. More questions flooded his mind, but the man standing at the window gestured to a long table around which sat numerous chairs. From the luxuriant to the plain, there was a wide variety, no two exactly alike. One man already was seated at the table. "Have a seat. I'll be with you when the others arrive. For now, keep your questions to yourself."

 

[Morgoth]

Seki

Seki was approached by a small, wormy man who, hands shaking, petted at Seki's shoulder. "H... Hi Sir. I'm Alfred. I'm to take you to where you're requested. Please, sir, follow me." Alfred walked nervously, a springing at the smallest noises from the receptionist's desk. His hands twitched nervously the whole time, fluttering from his shoulders to his face, sometimes to his back, and when he turned, often going to Seki. When they reached the elevator, Seki was motioned inside, then followed by Alfred. "S... Sir. I've been told to brief you. You've been called by Mr. Nezram, CEO of the company. He's a hard man, sir. Please, sir, don't talk around him when he's not addressing you", Alfred said, his eyes dulling as if remembering something horrible. "There are others coming, too, sir, and he probably won't talk at first, but he expects silence, sir. Please, don't break his silence," whispered Alfred, leaving an uncomfortable silence until the elevator stopped. Alfred nearly begged Seki to go, then departed in a hurry. Seki found himself in a massive stone room. Steel columns rose what seemed to be a hudred feet until they were bolted into the ceiling. Rafters and catwalks abounded, and a small window gave a view of the street. But they had been in an elevator. How...? His thoughts were cut short by a crisp command. "Have a seat." A large steel table stood in a corner of the room, and one man already stood in wait, another seated at the table.

 

[Morgoth]

Sylvie

Jeeves was silent for the car ride until they finally reached the airport. There, he suddenly burst into chatter. He talked about sports, stocks, movies, and apparently anything else he could think of. He led Sylvie through an airport that seemed empty, finally leading her outside to a massive commercial airliner. Jeeves escorted her up the staircase, then to a seat. She looked around. The plane too, appeared empty. Jeeves slipped back into a silence as the plane took off, leaving to the pilot's cabin every few minutes. After what seemed an eternity, the plane began its descent, rolling to a gradual stop. Jeeves was talkative again as he led her down to the new limo waiting for them. After she had seated herself, Jeeves nearly jumped into the driver's seat, silent again. He nearly floored the pedal, sending the back wheels burning rubber before he shifted into gear, sending the limo hurtling. Jeeves handled the car expertly, making perfect turns at nearly one hundred miles per hour. Sylvie was shocked when they arrived at a ten story, nondescripit building, all steel and glass, without having been pulled over once. Jeeves opened the door for her, leading her silently into the building and into an elevator. Once inside, his face became slightly pallid. "You're here to meet personally with the boss, Mr. Nezram. You're a nice lady, and I'd hardly like to see Mr. Nezram tear you apart. Treat him with the utmost respect, and remain silent until spoken to. There'll be others there, and more arriving later on. Find a seat and act like he's the only person in the whole world", he said, the elevator coming to a stop. As he pushed her out, he added, "Good luck. God knows you'll need it." Sylvie was again surprised to find herself in a fairly small room. It appeared only to be about fifty feet by fifty feet, covered with a comforting rug, a window dominating the far wall, one that only allowed a view of the tinted glass windows of a skyscraper across from the relatively small building. A large cofeetable was in the middle of the room, where three men already sat. Another man pointed to the table. "Sit."

 

[Morgoth]

Marie

Marie was brought onto the plane by an old, distinguished-looking man. He never spoke, never introduced himself, and once on the plane, rushed off to the pilot's cabin. The plane was full of people, all talking, many laughing, but none payed her any mind. The flight was short, seemed to be only a few minutes. As soon as the plane had stopped, the people rushed from the plane, going to what seemed like a convoy of limousines. Each took off in seperate directions, and Marie stood as the old man from before rushed back from the cabin. "This way", he said, leading her to a limousine. He gestured her inside, then hopped into the driver's seat, speeding off. Again, it seemed like only a few minutes before they had arrived before a relatively small building, all steel and glass that seemed to redirect the eyes somewhere, anywhere else. The old man pulled her into the building and into an elevator. "Name's Alfred. Listen up, please, because this is important. You've been called here by Mr. Nezram, the big boy on top. That doesn't happen too often. You seem like a nice gal, so listen up. Mr. Nezram speaks to you, not the other way around. He expects silence and the utmost respect. For God's sake, do as you're told. He's not a bad guy, but he's listened to. He can quickly become the nastiest person you've ever even thought of meeting pretty quickly", he said, the elevator stopping. "There'll be others in the room. It's okay. Act like they're not there. Good luck", he said as he sheperded her out. The room was long, nearly three hundred feet. The celing barely reached ten feet, though. The end of the room was dominated by a long window that exposed a breathtaking view of the sea, no buildings or boats, planes, or anything man-made polluting the scene. A massive wooden table stretched the length of the room, moved slightly right of center. Chairs were placed at regualr five-feet intervals on either side, and several were already seated. A tall man at the window gestured to the table. "Please, sit and relax."

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvie

Charming, I thought though I didn't say anything. I was so tired I could barely think straight much less chew someone out because they were strange, rude, whatever.
Just wasn't worth it.
I took a seat at the table after grabbing a cup of coffee, thankful for the warmpth. I took a deep sigh, thankful there was real coffee and real cream, not that cheap non-dairy crap. But real cream- yum.
Now, where was the big man on campus?

 

[Donsehan]

Hmm, Alfred san okaashi o nee. Seemed like he was afraid of me, must have been the mess I left back there. Zhen qi guai. I noted the man seated, and noted the man who asked me to sit. With my luck, if I didn't do what he said, I might end up being hauled in by the police for questioning, or worse stuck in death row.

I walked tentatively to a chair across from the black man already seated, and inspected the chair, and table before I sat, lest it break or slip me out the window or something.

Satisfied, I took a seat, and I thanked the gods, that nothing happened, so I sat there, calming down my body, and slipping into a trance, till my heart and breathing had slowed substantially. Waiting until I was called upon barely noticing the two women who came in.

 

[RoneLith]

Jandar

It was a strange moment in his life as he stood with a card in his hand, and a women who no longer stood before him. He glanced at the card before putting it in his pocket. She had spoken truth, he could have easily taken out the robbers, they were poorly trained and were unprepared for any resistence. Anyone could do a Snatch and Dash, it took little effort and useally yeilded good results. Still he wondered why anyone would, the reward was only about two thousand dollars at the most. To risk ones only life and freedom for only a few thousand in cash made no sense. He shrugged, he would not have tried to stop them unless his own life had been threatend, it hadn't they would have taken the money and left. Eventually police probably would have caught them, he was no hero he was only a man that wanted to be left alone. She had spoken truth though, he was gifted. He looked at the clerk still cowering on the floor, he sighed the poor woman probably thought her life was going to end just a few moments ago.

Jandar took out a twenty from his pocket, more than enough to pay for his items, set it on the counter and grabbed a bag. He placed his items inside, the visions did not come this time. Every item he had chosen made a poor weapon, plus he had picked up these very items many times before and knew exactly how they could be used. He sighed again, he was lonely, he thought that his fate would be to always be alone. In truth he lied to himself constantly, he would always say he wanted to be left alone when in truth he longed for the company of others. Envying those that had the companionship he lacked, but when you are an orphan and everything you touch sends sickening visions running through your head, it is only natural to hide from others.

He left the store passing by the security officers who had cuffed the robbers and taken thier guns, he stopped briefly at the door and turned to the store manager who had come down from his office, probably to help keep things calm. "The clerk on stand nine could use a break," Jandar said in his useal cold voice. That said he stepped out into the fading sun. The city of San Francisco greeted him with its strong wind and fresh sea smell. The wind was particually strong this day on Geary street, the sun had long since ducked behind the taller buildings casting a large shadow and a false night over the shopping center. San Francisco was a city of both love and a place where one could dissapear in an instant. He was surrounded by people yet no one took notice of his exsistence until today. How had they known he would be there and for that matter, who were they? These questions he pondered as he walked up Geary, heading to his home in North Beach. He turned on Ocean avenue and continued his trek home.

Home was a small beach front one bedroom home that he had purchased when he was a contractor, it was not long ago that he had left that job and was currently unemployed. It was more of a shack than a home, but it was all he needed. A small garage and a room, for his lifestyle anything more would be to garish. He unlocked the front door and entered. A large window overlooked the pacific and often Jandar would sit in a favorite chair with a cigar and a glass of congac and watch the tide. A small television kept him connected to the outside world and was often tuned to CNN and other twenty-four hour news stations. His very large, very comfortable leather recliner was placed near by. He unpacked his grocieries and set them in his refrigerator, then made his way to the garage. Inside was the only object he did not mind ever touching. Black with silver trim along the underside, a 2005 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS. Its power and beatuy were perfect, he did not drive it around town, in San Francisco one only needed a car to get out of the city, not around town.

He looked at the card in his pocket, his thoughts on the way home had yeilded no answers and had only sparked his curiosity further, he would be there tommorow, and he would have his answers.

 

[snasu]

marie

Marie watched the elevator doors close. She couldn’t ‘feel’ Alfred. She looked to the man at the window and couldn’t feel him either. In fact, she couldn’t feel anyone in this room. This was not something that had ever happened before. There was always an emotion, a whisper, a colour, a vibe, a … something. Momma was gone and Marie couldn’t reach her or any of them.
She walk to the nearest chair, slowly put her bag of clothing under it, and curled up upon the seat. Alone again. Sitting on one leg and pulling the other to her chest, she breathed: in, out, in, out – where were the voices – in, out, in, out – must never lose control. Must always remain in the cool quiet calm of her mind. It was important to never panic. To never let an opening occur. Never let them in.
How was Sinmussen stopping the Sinnekarlugo?
How was Mr. Nezram stopping Momma?
In. Out. In. Out.

 

[Morgoth]

Jandar stared up at the colossal building jutting from a row of run-down apartments. Like a long finger extended triumphantly. The whole structure seemed to pulse with menace, and almost unconsciously, passer-bys kept as much distance as they could between themselves and the sky-scraper. Jandar stepped inside, and was met by an averagely built, middle-aged man, who immediately put an arm on Jandar's elbow, leading him to an elevator. "My name is Alfred, good sir. Please, right this way. We've certainly been waiting for you, sir. Ahh, here we are. Now, on inside", said the man, neatly sending Jandar in, then stepping inside himself. As the elevator began its ascent, Alfred looked at Jandar. "A few warnings, sir. You'll be meeting with our CEO, a Mr. Nezram. Keep in mind that Mr. Nezram is in a position of privelege. He expects to be answered when he asks a question. You will not open your mouth, however, unless first spoken to. Mr. Nezram is a man with a highly variable patience, so answer him as quickly as you can. Also, don't lie. Whatever you do. It's like the man can read minds. He'll certainly know when you lie. Understand? Good. We're here. Well, off you go", said Alfred, taking Jandar by the elbow again and nearly throwing him out. The doors slammed shut, and Jandar looked around. It was your above- average board room. Luxurious wood panelling and inlays made up the walls. The floor was soft, yet firm carpet. The far wall was a massive window that gave a breathtaking view of what Jandar assumed to be the Appalachian mountains. The view was broken only by a solitary figure who stared out the window, his forbiddingly large frame obscuring one of the distant peaks. A long wooden table with an assortment of chairs dominated the center of the room, and the man at the end of the room pointed to it. "Be seated. You're the last one to arrive. We'll begin shortly."

 

[RoneLith]

Jandar already did not like the situation he had put himself in. The sheer fact that he should respect this man for no reason made him uneasy and just a little angry. A man should be respected by actions not just from the fact that someone said he should be respected. He would judge what kind of man he was on his own terms. Should he merrit Jandar's respect he would give it, however as things stood right now he felt only but contempt for the man. His options were slim though, having no real way to escape should things turn bad. Moreover, the fact that they would think he would lie was what caused his anger to rise. Jandar had never given a lie in his life, he may have hid the truth or danced around a topic he did not feel like disscussing but he had never out right lied. To assume he would do so was what had perturbed him in the first place. He looked around the room one more time then finally spoke. "No thank you," he said to the offered seat. "For the time being I prefer to remain standing." He was polite and simply stood waiting for his presentation of what he was doing here. Indeed, he thought. I do not like this one bit.

 

[Morgoth]

Atriel Nezram
Atriel turned ever so slowly, hands coming to form a triangle in front of him. "Be seated." In shock, Jandar spun around, then leapt from the chair as if it was covered with vipers. "How did you-?" he asked, flustered. Atriel fixed him with a knowing smile. "How did I do what? Mmm. Nevermind. There's a purpose you're here, however, outside of just sitting there. You see, Sinmussen is a company built on purpose. We are purpose. But perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself, yes? Let's start at the beginning. You all are Gifted. Yes, that's as good a starting point as any. You've all noticed it long ago, and some of you have been able to bend that to your benefit. Several others of you are still having difficulty even realizing there's something inherently different in you. But that is neither here nor there. You've all noticed something. It's like someone's watching you, someone's twisting your decisions. There's some greater purpose behind your everyday lives, but none of you can find it. It's elusive, but you may be some of the only people in the world to even realize this problem to the extent you do. I'll be frank with you. Sinmussen is not an easy sompany to work for. After all, we work for a greater purpose. We are the greater purpose. Believe it or not, but Sinmussen is the world. We don't make daily, personal decisions. We can't, and more than that, we don't want to. The world quickly loses all interest if there's no randomness, no challende to it. But, we keep Earth stable and controlled at the same time. Everything must be controlled, to a certain extent, you see. We make sure that pollution does not rise too high. We prevent genocides in some areas, begin them in others. We face the enormous task of keeping the Earth in working order, and we do our jobs without a word of gratitude. I have a constant need for Gifted like yourselves. There's nothing a Gifted can't do when they really get around to it, and simply put, there's only one of me and several thousand problems to solve. Now I've been CEO for a long time, and trust me, this is the most exciting, dynamic time I have ever seen. We have need of Gifted like yourselves, and we have need of the services you can render unto the world. Money is not an issue, of course. You can name your rate, and trust us when we say that nothing is too ridiculous. After all, as you will soon realize, what is money? It's nothing in the sway of things. Something a Sinmussen CEO invented somewhere along the line, some tool to help add another level of desires to mankind. Just something to allow us to twist them better. And that's what it comes down to, in the end. Sinmussen is the flow and ebb of power. We decide what happens to the world, and then we enforce it. We right wrongs, we create wrongs. We are the neutral, natural balancing factor of the world. And we need you. New Gifted, many of you with the skills and talent necessary to become Executives, much like the ones who met you all earlier. You all can make the world a better place for mankind, and so I leave the choice to you. You can go back out on those streets, now armed with the knowledge that every aspect of your world is being controlled, or you can help shape that very world. So, I'll entertain several questions before you give me your answers. Make them quick, I have business to get to. Again, please be sure that nothing is unanswerable", he said, finishing off with a small flourish. He impatiently checked his watch, then waited for what questions would come.

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvia

Perhaps it was exhaustion or my first good cup of coffee speaking, not matter what it was I still asked, "So who shot Kennedy?"
After my brain caught up with my mouth, I smiled and shook my head. "I'm sorry, too long without good coffee. Real question- how do you decide what to do? Is there a whole panel directing underlings and future underlings or is it your sole decision?"

 

[RoneLith]

"Who are you to determine what is right and wrong?" Jandar asked, finally taking the seat commiting himself to stay awhile. "And why is it nessacary for a company such as this to exsist? It seems to me that if men were left to their own devices and desieres that life would be fine. A company that controls world order seems both unnessacary and unwanted." Men should be in control of their own destinies, he thought leaning back in the chair, carefully avioding placing his hands on it.

 

[Morgoth]

Atriel Nezram

Atriel turned to Sylvie. "I am the only one who decides. I do have advisors who help guide me in the right direction, bu generally speaking, the decisions lie solely with me", he said heartily, then turned to Jandar. "Quite frankly, Mr. Brae, I couldn't care less what you think. You're Gifted, and without that one thing going for you, I might long ago have had you eliminated." He grinned. "Just kidding. Let's face it, Mr. Brae, human lives aren't worth very much in the long run. But, I, perhaps first of all the CEO's, have actually begun to develop an attachment to life. I do my best to ensure that humanity prospers and succeeds, and most of all, survives. In fact, to ensure your continued survival, I'm often forced to order the deaths of others. But love me or hate me, realize the necessity. Without me, governments would collapse, economies would tumble. I've built up a whole system that our current Earth cannot live without. In my absence you'd quickly find anarchy. And with this anarchy you'd find murder on a scale transcending anything the world has ever seen. As to the second part of your query, realize we don't infringe destiny. We shape it. Whether men want us or not is hardly our concern. We're here to keep them alive and happy. That's why we haven't made our presence known. Of course there would be riots if the truth came out. I've seen them, actually. There would be millions dead. What would follow is much the scenario as if I stepped away from my position and shut down Sinmussen. An armageddon unlike any you've ever even imagined. Imagine if you will if Sinmussen Holders no longer deflected celestial bodies. If our Preservers no longer cared after our Earth. If our Seekers no longer brought quick death or capture to the maniacs. If our Controllers no longer kept up economies, governments, or laws. Imagine the results. Every nuclear warhead known to man detonated in short succession. Insane cults springing up in cities. Suicides, deaths the like of which you've never seen. Asteroids the size of this building making impact daily. The ozone layer slowly leaking away until solar radiation scorched this planet into a lifeless desert. Sinmussen's been around, in some form or another, with some type of leader or another since the dawn of civilization. Everything you've ever been taught: forget it. Free choice is largely an illusion. Yes, choice does matter when you talk of small, personal choices. Bue there is only the greater society, and everyone, whether they know it or not, help that society. So, in short, I determine what is right and wrong. You don't like it, well, I'm afraid to say that I'm not willing to give up the welfare of this planet because someone somewhere disagrees. But the personal choice is your now: whether you help determine the future of the world, or you go crawling back to your current life."