"There's more to the best and brightest than just what school teaches." Keilan's eyes sparkled, landing squarely on Rhee. She tapped the side of her nose, "Commander of Intelligence Operations. I didn't just mean around the Island itself. I'm not nearly as new to the job as I look, either. I know exactly who and what are waiting for us out there. Our technology is more advanced in many ways, but they have more weapons, and I assure you, there are far too many people out there for a single disease to devastate nearly eight and a half billion people before a cure is found. Our monitoring systems are excellent, we have and have had for years now, a good idea of what's waiting.

"For the moment, they do not know we are here. All evidence of the island was buried and forgotten years ago. The operative words being 'for the moment.' Their technology is expanding. The Council has come to the agreement that it is better for us to reveal ourselves openly, before they find an island of technologically advanced 'monsters' hidden in the heart of a section of sea that has a reputation for devouring ships and planes under mysterious circumstances. They don't think like we do and we have to do our best to present ourselves the right way before the wrong thing happens. Anyway, please if you would like, go around and give your formal introductions."

Pushing off of his seat into a standing position, Thaddeus set his plate down in front of himself before beginning his introduction. "Name's Thaddeus Fitch, but most people just call me Thad. I've done work as a courier all over the island, so you might have seen me dashing about delivering packages every once in a while, but most of my work lately has been as a research assistant and lab grunt over here, with the R&D department."

Mikhail had been sitting listening to everyones conversations. He pondered as to how the island surveyed the outside world and how many places they done it with. After Thaddeus introduced himself, Mikhail stood up and proudly spoje.
"I am Mikhail Hare. I am a mechanic but I also cut the long grass for various people and the island government" He looked around the room thinking how bland he must have sounded. He didn't care much really, he disliked people who judged based on very little anyway. He shrugged before sitting back in his seat and slouching down.

Rhee wasn't very much put at ease by Keilan's words, but he relented, sitting down and watching as Thaddeus and Mikhail made their introductions. As it came to be his turn, he looked about the table, taking a breath. Well, here goes nothing.
"My name is Rhee, and I am a... Busboy, down near the Ohana restaurant. My sister Lilu, who co-inhabits this body with me, is a doctor and soon-to-be psychologist. So, if it looks like I'm talking to myself, I'm actually talking to her... We can't see or hear the outside world when the other is in control." he explained, looking down at his hands. He really disliked being on the spot like this. When would the switching hour come, so he could go and hide in their subconscious again?

As each person introduced themselves to the rest of the team, Harper listened carefully as she made sure to remember everyone's name to their faces and the tidbit of information they gave. Seeing the slight discomfort that he held, Harper gave a slight smile towards Rhee as he finished his introduction before starting her own introduction. "Thanks Rhee. Could you tell Lilu that I'm excited to meet her as well." While living on the island, she had met many people with interesting powers so it didn't completely surprise her with what Rhee said about him and his sister, but saying that she was completely unsurprised would have been a lie. "Anyways, continuing on with the introductions, my name is Harper- Harper Ellington if you were interested in my last name by any chance. While I don't have a set job in place, I'm quite happy working as a freelancer around the island by having people abuse my powers by fixing and repairing things or being hired on to help develop or build different projects and inventions around the island." Harper said with a slight sarcastic tone during the middle of her introduction.

"Well, now you do have a set job." Keilan chuckled, utterly unphased by Harper's sarcasm. She was still on her feet at the end of the table, on occasion her large, dark wings would ruffle slightly. "Thad, Mikhail, Rhee and Lilu, I thank you for leaving your positions indefinitely to accept this invitation."

Green eyes turned to look at James and Latia. She knew enough about them, of course, from their files. However, she, first of all, did not want to be rude and make their introductions for them, and, secondly, enjoyed hearing the self-introductions of the people gathered. Nothing quite told you about a person as hearing what he or she thinks of him or herself and what he or she does straight from his or her own mouth. Besides, she couldn't do all the talking this meeting. It wasn't any fun that way. She grinned, "Please, tell us about yourselves, you two. We don't bite. Well, I don't bite hard, anyway."

Her gaze then landed on Rhee. He didn't look quite satisfied with her response. She couldn't really blame him, but she wasn't going to explain any further. They had to learn for themselves exactly why they were chosen. After all, a teacher can teach until blue in the face, but the lesson isn't learned until the student internalizes it and learns it himself. That didn't stop her, though, from hoping he became more comfortable soon. After all, his sister hadn't been the only reason the twins were selected. She wondered how Lilu would react to it all. Keilan thought, from the way he had said Lilu had pushed him to be social, that she might adjust slightly more quickly. It would certainly be an adventure to find out!

James looked at Harper in astonishment, what a talent. He could barley make toast without burning it. James was about to reply to Harper when Keilan cut through the small conversations occurring throughout the room with her voice, announcing that it was time for introductions. Not wanting to be rude to either person, James nodded at Harper before looking at Keilan.

James sat back in his chair for most of the introductions, hands in his lap, listening contently. He enjoyed listening quietly to their introductions. He didn't exactly get to know them intimately through their short introductions, but at least he was able to give a name to most faces..not like they were all clearly distinguishable with their physical mutations. He rose an eyebrow at Harper's introduction, and smirked. He liked her spunk. He almost forgot to introduce himself, and was almost surprised when Keilan asked Latia and him to introduce themselves.

James decided to answer first after clearing his throat with a short cough. "I'm James," he spoke with a small wave to no one in particular. "I don't have a job..but I do volunteer..well I volunteered at the library most of the week." And occasionally stole from people because hey, invisibility did have its perks...but he wasn't about to go on talking about illegal activities in a government facility. "That's about it." He shrugged, not wanting to give away much else.

Keilan's smile was encouraging as James gave his introduction, but she noticed that Latia was still silent. For the barest of moments a small frown passed over the winged woman's face as she recalled the younger woman's file. However, it was gone so quickly that it would be easy to believe it had only been imagined. Smile back in place as though it had never left, she brushed a strand of dark purple hair from her face and gave a gentle scratch to the base center-most, jewel like growth on her forehead. She smiled more softly in Latia's direction, "Alright. Well, that's okay. Everyone, this is Latia Thrasher. She is quite the gifted pianist, having played throughout the Island, and has experience with martial arts. Her mutation is quite unique and useful, however, I believe I will keep things as they are and let you figure out what each of you can do among yourselves."

She let out a long breath and ticked off a few, obviously thinking about something, before clapping her hands together and growing serious, "Right then! Just a few basics to get things really rolling. First and foremost, it is vital that if I give an order at any point you follow it. It is for your safety, the safety of our mission, and possibly even the safety of every soul on this island. Please get used to that now. You will be relieved to know, however, I won't be giving orders all that often. Most plans and decision will be made by the team as a whole.

"Next, keep things impersonal. No matter what happens, keep your grudges to yourself. It is of dire importance to remain professional and courteous at all times in the presence of the outsiders. There's a good chance they won't take to us kindly at first, they may blame us for many lost vessels and people because of our Island's location. We don't want to give them any idea that we are a malicious people. It would paint a target on this place the moment we stopped cloaking. Well, a more vibrant one than we're already trying to get rid of. There should be plenty of time to sort out differences here while we have training, please use it if you need it.

"Lastly, none of you are on the force so I don't see too much trouble with this, but the first person that calls me 'ma'am' will be strung up by their toes from the nearest flag pole. " She laughed with her last statement, a slight break to the sharpness that her features were now holding.

She paced back and forth at the front of the room for a moment, fiddling with a small, but still larger than expected, device that she seemed to produce from nowhere inside her short jacket. At last, she set the little round item on the table and pressed a button. It was the newest model of holographic projectors. The detail was amazing, the image full of color and seeming almost solid. It was a globe, projected over the table at about eye level for everyone, "Taking a quick trip back to primary school, this, ladies and gentlemen, is the world. Looks familiar, yes? Everything you have been taught about it and it's history and past cultures, however, ends in the year 2034. Some things have changed since then."

I slim hand waved between the image and it's base. The hologram changed. It was the world again, and the continents were shaped the same, mostly. It looked like a section had broken off of the western coast of North America. Some places were greener, water had risen slightly in others, while some places were noticeably drier, and places or a strange, muted-metal grey dotted the land masses. "This is the world as it exists today. It’s current population is an estimated 8.5 billion. The last 130 years have changed a lot, even when the secret United Nations scientists that were here back then were surprised by much of what they saw when they returned to their homes in 2075.”

A look of genuine sorrow flashed across pale, delicate features, “Lands that were once free became ruled by greedy, power hungry corporations. The UN was dissolving and morphing into something new, the World Government. The nations of Earth are firmly divided now, with redrawn lines. The WG will be one of our first stops. It consists of Europe, Eurasia- to encompass all of Russia, Georgia and Turkey, North Africa, and North America. South America, Middle America, and Australia have become the Union. The New Chinese Empire is India, Japan, China, Indonesia and all the other small Asian countries that were once there. Lastly, The Muslim Empire is the rest of the Middle East and the rest of Africa.” A sigh. “The Union persistently fights to maintain their freedom from these mass corporations that are cooperating to govern the rest of the world.”

Keilan’s small hand flicked between base and image once more, and it seemed to zoom in on a patch of land along North America’s eastern coast. “Those patches of steely grey you see? Those are industrial zones and cities. They’ve expanded to take over vast expanses in some cases. In other cases, they are military outposts and bases. Each one has an armory large enough to outfit 1.5 times the personnel they contain. They are not yet as advanced as we are, but that doesn’t make what they have in the volume they have it any less dangerous.

“In the last 100 years, most of the illnesses that would concern us here on the Island have been utterly decimated. At least, in the areas we will be visiting, where they are important enough to afford it, “ an undeniably bitter tone seeped through her words, almost to the point of becoming venomous. She didn’t say any more on the topic, but instead changed the image once more. Now, the holographic image passing over rolling green hills and leading up to an almost castle-like structure. Those who paid attention in geography and history classes might vaguely recognize it as an area similar to that of Ireland or Scotland. “This is Callaun Castle in what used to be the Republic of Ireland, and now the headquarters for the WG. It is first on our list of ‘official’ stops.”

“However, I’ll get to that sort of thing post training. Training starts at noon today,” Keilan glanced down at her watch, and moved to go pick up duffle bags from a corner that no one had noticed before, “It is now 9am. You will need to gather your necessary belongings in these; toiletries, training clothes, business casual and formal if you have it- if you don’t, we’ll take care of it later, regular clothes and so on.”

She set a duffle by each of the others, “You will then meet me at the rear of this facility at 11:30. The first section of training will be some classroom time that includes lunch, followed by a physical course and then dinner. Any questions?”

The winged woman paused a moment, “Oh and Rhee. I’d like you to attend the class portions at some point, if you would. Though you’re free to let Lilu come today without any disappointment from me.”

"So, we need to pack up and meet back here for class?" Thad replied, grabbing the duffel bag Keilan set down by him. "Gotcha, chief!" he continued, grabbing a handful of food before almost literally vanishing from sight as he bolted out the door.

After packing his things (casual wear and essentials, training gear, and the one formal outfit he owned), Thad ran back to the government complex. Realizing just how much time he still had before training would resume, he dropped by R&D to help out around the lab until he was actually needed back at training. While there, he ran into his mom and filled her in on some of the details of the new job to act as small-talk while helping her run the samples for her latest project. When it got to be about time for training, he wrapped up what he was working on and walked out of the lab before dashing off to meet up with the others, getting to the meeting point (unsurprisingly) before any of the other recruits.

Rhee listened politely as Keilan spoke, his face also contorting into one of worry when she began talking about the three powers that now controlled much of the world. He wasn't smart, but he did know the continents, and having that much control over that much territory... It was worrisome. However, when Keilan mentioned that he would have to attend classes, he scowled, plopping his head on the desk.

Seeing the duffel bags, he stood up, picking up the one that was for him and Lilu. He took off their backpack, and rather than unpack, simply put it inside the duffel bag. There, packing all done.

He didn't want to walk all the way to their tiny cottage near the beach, so instead, as others filed out of the room, he sat down in his seat, contemplating all that had been said. The World Government, the New Chinese Empire, and the Muslim Empire... So these were the powers now at play. Very troublesome. If their mother had survived the storm, then she would most likely be residing on the eastern coast of North America, or in any of the now-submerged islands of the caribbean.

Deciding that he had had enough being in control, he rested his head on the desk, and went to sleep.

---

Soon after Thaddeus had arrived at the meeting spot, the bouncing figure of Lilu came onto the scene. Though the differences were slight between her and her brother, they were there: wider blue eyes and a more feminine frame, as well as how she carried herself. Unlike her slow, slouching sibling, Lilu walked tall and proud, with an almost regal air about her.

She set the duffel bag down and placed her hands on her hips, looking about. So, this was where they would be training? She would probably have to talk to the woman in charge, Keilan, to fill in the gaps for her. Rhee had explained to her what he had understood, but of course, he couldn't remember everything. Lilu also didn't share her brother's cautious nature and worries of the outside world, rather, she was perhaps the most eager to leave their island home and explore the other lands.

After waiting a couple minutes and killing the time by making patterns with the melanin on his arms and hands, Thad heard light footsteps bouncing towards the designated meeting area. Unable to place the gait with anyone from the initial meeting, he spoke up, saying "I'm gonna guess that you're Lilu?"
Turning to face the newcomer, he added: "Yeah, you look similar enough to Rhee, so I'll stick with that guess." Putting his hand out for a shake, he continued, saying "Thaddeus here. How much did Rhee fill you in on?"

As the introductions reached its conclusion and Keilan began to speak, Harper listened carefully to what the woman had to say. There would be much she would have to learn but Harper was exited to see what would happen during their training and what was to come as they left the island. With the tensions growing across the world, she knew that she would have to be careful on how she approaches the situation that was to come for the group to be successful. As the meeting reached its conclusion, Harper grabbed her duffle bag and headed out the door. Pulling Cal out of her pocket, Harper pressed the button on the center of the deactivated robot's outer shell. Two quiet beeps were heard and the lifeless robot came to life as the outer shell opened up and the robot began to reassemble itself. Once assembled, Cal flew off of Harper's hand and returned to his normal spot of being right besides her.

"Cal, I have to return at 11:30. Can you make sure I won't be late?"

"To have the precise calculations, I need to know if you will be flying or walking back Harper."

"I'd rather not lug my bag back so I think I'll fly back"

"My calculations are set. I will notify you when it is time to leave."

Once Harper reached her small house, she immediately began to pack. Although she was too picky on what she brought and what she wore, she was a bit concerned on what would be appropriate for her to bring. Would her business casual be too casual for the officials at WG or how much skin shown on a formal dress is appropriate for people living outside the island? Remembering her ancient history when the explorers from Europe traveled and explored the world, their sense of appearance and dress was very much different from the indigenous people around the world and while that didn’t cause a problem for the Europeans (though problematic for the indigenous people), it could be something that would deter or make the people of the world uncomfortable or suspicious of them.

“Cal, could you bring up some pictures of what people outside the island wear today?”

“I’m afraid my search parameters don’t reach that far Harper. My closest results I calculate is the fashion today around the island or the fashion around the world prior to eighty years ago. I calculate that if you are wanting me to be of use outside the island, an upgrade is required.”

With a sigh, Harper resumed her work packing her bag. “Yeah, I’ll get to that eventually. Even if Keilan allowed me to update you with the information they have, the question would be how relevant will it be once we leave the island. Who knows what all is going on there.”

---

With her bag packed with all that she needed, Harper walked out the door with Cal in tow. Pulling a disk that was two inches thick and eight inches in diameter out of her bag, Harper flattened and elongated the disk into a board large enough for her to ride. Standing on top of the board, Harper moved the metal so that her feet were locked into the board so that she wouldn’t fall off. “I should really find a lighter alloy and a shape that would be easier to carry around, maybe I can make a belt Cal.”

“I would calculate that it would be easier for your trip if you did so.” Cal said as it landed in Harper’s hand and deactivated itself so that she could put him in her pocket. With his top speed being as fast as Harper’s light jogging speed, he wasn’t able to follow behind her when she flew even though her flying speed was about as fast as Harper’s sprinting speed.

Once she reached the building, Harper compressed her disk and slid it back into her duffle bag and activated Cal. Reaching the spot where the group is suppose to meet, she saw that two other people were already there, Thaddeus and Rhee. However with closer inspection, she had a feeling that it must have been his sister Lilu instead. “Hey guys.” Harper said as she joined the two.

(Whoops, clicked submit just as the site went down and there is no delete button. Please ignore)

-

((Heads up, you guys should all be outside. She asked you to meet at the back of the building, not back downstairs in the meeting room. (: ))

The surprisingly quite sound of wingbeats and a shadow signaled the three already gathered to the arrival of another, just before the downward gusts of wind reached them. A moment later, Keilan landed lightly, wings folding, by the rear door to the building they had all exited a few hours before. She brushed her long, slightly windblown bangs from her face, only to realize a few strands had tangled themselves in the diadem-like pattern of five, dark violet calcium growths on her forehead. She sighed and began to disentangle it somewhat less than gracefully, "How annoyingly uncool. I guess it's time to file these blasted things back again. I do wish they'd stop continuing to grow... Stupid blasted experiments."

She chuckled and smiled at the trio, however, in the same breath, "Anyway, glad to see you all found your way back! Who do we have here now... Hmm.. Thad, Harper, and..." She studied the body of the twins for just a moment. "I'm going to say Lilu this time? Maybe? Unless Rhee found a superb energy drink and a slightly better charisma score than the one he had rolled earlier."

Giving a slight smile to Keilan's remark, she glanced the other three as she wondered what was holding the others up. "Hopefully the others will show up soon, unless they ran to the hills after your introduction." Harper said jokingly, although she knew that there could be a grain of truth in what she said. "So I know we've just started and all but I was wondering how long you are estimating training to take before we set out to visit the rest of the world."

Keilan paused and thought for a moment, as if running calculations in her head. "Well," she began and ticked off a few fingers silently. "If I've gauged you all correctly, I'd say about a week. Really, that will probably fly by. It's all a matter of etiquette and quick historical updates in the class room and well..."

The winged woman paused and looked around the empty back alley, sharp gaze not quite locking on any one thing. Never the less, when she spoke again, her softer tone indicating she might have found what she was scanning for. "The physical training will include various things including a check up and a few... necessary immunizations. Things on the outside are different. You'll learn more soon, but that's not talk for out here. Anyone have any interesting hobbies they'd like to discuss while we wait on the others?"