[IC] The Cyber Cult Rises!! (cyberpunk cult rp)

[Jangel13]

Where did this change come from? Did I make the right decisions? Could I have done things differently?
All these questions where ones I asked myself back still answered to the name Elliot. However, much like those questions Elliot soon became only a figment of old memories. Now I must lead my flock and give them the proper teachings to handle themselves and never be owned by the corporations that would wish them enslaved.

Today was a celebration, Today it has officially been a full year since the prophet has released us from our slavery. Over 100,000 followers have recognized the prophet as their savior and have come together to celebrate it. However, this was of course not done publically. The Prophet used what little money he had before he was recognized to buy them a sanctuary which was an old dance club from the old world. On the outside, it simply looked like a run-down building that nobody bothered to buy or get rid of but there was a passage in one room that leads underground where they all gathered together. The followers and fanatics were celebrating but further in past, a guarded room was where the meeting was set to take place.

Inside said room was a large table in front of a screen. It was a half circular table and behind a black screen meant to hide the one behind it was, of course, their prophet sitting down without the need to speak or be seen even by those of his most trusted and devout followers. One each side of the screen held banners with their symbol emblazed on them. The only ones allowed into the room were the high commanders where they would strategize on what to do now that they have enough strength to truly fight the corporations in earnest. He had 4 commanders at present and they controlled the bulk of the prophets forces and special tasks forces.

At the time one of the commanders was already in the room. The lord of the monks Markus more so then some of the other followers he was devout or so he believed. He waited for his fellow commanders to come knowing that they wouldn't be late to the meeting or they would risk angering their prophet even though his patience was said to boundless.

[Master Crim]

Robert stood on a step-stool as he looked into one of the three mirrors at himself. A lanky older gentlemen walked around him inspecting the suit that Robert had just ordered and tailored. The man inspected every seam, every tuck, and every fold of the fabric, bating at it occasionally to see how it falls, and dust off whatever lint might be clinging to it. Robert however was not paying much attention to the man, or his suit, Robert was looking deep into his own eyes, reflecting on the past few weeks that had lead to him getting this new suit. Maybe if we had... or what if we hadn't... He pondered to himself.
"Alright." The old man interrupted Robert's train of thought. "I would say this is fitting you nicely," he said with a hint of accomplishment. though; it is a shame that it is required." He added with a heavy gaze into the mirror at Robert. "My condolences to you and the boy's family."
"Thank you, Lenard." Robert said. His voice soft, but steady. "For this, and what you have done for us." Robert stepped down from the stool and waved over an officer of his, Jacob, who had been sitting in a chair near by. Jacob approached and handed Robert a hanger with another set of clothes on it, a set less formal. "It is unfortunate that this would happen, but we all know the risks involved." Robert said heading into a changing room for a few minutes. Jacob produced a card and handed it to Lenard.
"I assume that is true." Lenard said before walking over to the front desk of the store and inserting the card into a terminal. Lenard worked through several screens of the terminal before Robert made his way to the other side of the front desk now in what would be a more normal attire for a man of his look, and Jacob pulled out his phone tapping the screen. "All done." Lenard handed the card back to Robert. "You are familiar with the guarantee and its limits, so should you need anything."
"I know where to find you." Robert smiled as he replaced the card, put the device back into his coat, and nodded at Lenard before exiting the store as Jacob finished requesting their ride.
The store was a small specialty store front called Prism located in the business district of town. People walking to and from work, or leisure activities filled the sidewalks. Cars and cabs filled the streets lined with other parked vehicles. Robert and Jacob stopped outside the store for only a moment before a black Model S Tesla rolled to a stop on the street in front of them. Robert got into the back seat while Jacob went around to enter the drivers seat. Jacob tapped around on the GPS screen to turn it off, and headed to their destination where the Prophet would be waiting. Robert had mixed feelings about this meet; he was anxious to know what Elliot had planned now that it had been a year since recruiting, but also was not looking forward to being around the zealots and even less, Markus.

~ ~ ~ _ _ _ ~ ~ ~

After a short time of driving through the dense cityscape the tall buildings gave-way to the older structures of what used to be. Much of this land was marked condemned, left to the rougher types in life. Others were repurposed for, and still in use for businesses. Robert didn't like these areas much, not cause of the nature of crime, or the risk of harm, but that most of these people are still living under the control of the inhibitors. They don't have the choice to want more than this; even if they don't, they should still have the choice. Jacob kept driving past the rundown homes and people, some of the rookie gang types whistling at the car as it passed by only to be swatted by other members that recognized Robert.
It wasn't long before the car came to an old night club, and turned down one of the narrow alleyways beside it. The car came to a stop, Robert and Jacob stepped out, and the car drove forward a little more into a garage down the alley. The two then entered the building where a gathering of cult followers and other members had assembled and were celebrating. Slowly making their way through the crowd, Robert was recognized by a few there, and made short greetings before moving on to where the Prophet was waiting. Entering one of the many side rooms that were converted lounges Robert was met by several armed guards that boar the crest of the monks, Markus' people.
"Oh, good." Robert said with a slight tone of annoyance. "Markus must already be here."
"Where is your faith?" One of the guards asked. The cue for the commanders under the Prophet.
"Do we really have to do this every time?" Robert asked as he turned the front fold of his coat collar to reveal an insignia similar to the that of the cult's. With that the two monks stood aside and let Robert pass, as Jacob took a seat in the lounge with the two monks.
Descending the stairs that lead to the hidden area of the club added on for the cult, Robert shortly found himself in the meeting room where the Prophet had called for them to meet with Markus on the other end of the table from him. He looked to where the Prophet was, or would be, and announced himself before looking to Markus and nodding a greeting.

[Arreyis]

Sylina looked at the man before her, analysing his face for lies she knew he would inevitably tell. "What is your business here? Who hired you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

She had found over her time working as an interrogator that the queiter she spoke the more afraid of her the targets were. When she yelled they either laughed or assumed she was trying to make herself more intimidating than she was. But when she whispered they knew she was deadly.

The man coughed, the gut punch she had given him a few moments ago was only just beginning to wear off. "I... I can't tell you who hired me."

"If you don't, I'll kill you before they get the chance." Of course, he would die anyway. Either from starvation or experiments. She had yet to decide where he would go when she was done with him. "Tell me, or suffer further."

"I was hired... by your old black market unit." he said. She sighed, this wasn't the first time someone had claimed her old unit was after her. She had skipped out on a command position when she left the school, and they wanted to know where she was so they could bring her back into their control. This was all common knowledge at this point, and he would know it no matter what unit he was working for.

"You're lying. They're looking for me, but they're not who hired you." she whispered. She looked at her watch. 'Damn. I'll have to finish this later.'

Standing she walked to the door and knocked for someone to come in. "Take him to the dungeons, I'll be back for him later."

With that she walked out of the room, leaving her subordinates to move the man and get the room cleaned for her next session. She headed for her rooms to quickly change and clean up for the meeting, knowing she had just enough time to get there.

----

Her room was located near the conference room they would be using, being the interrogator she was often needed to quickly question those who were found lying their way in. She quickly cleaned herself up and put on her nicest blue shirt and jacket and a pair of black slacks. Her heels clicked as she made her way through the building to the room. As she passed the guards she flashed her sheild, the symbol of the cult, without word and continued past them to the room.

Upon entering she saw that Markus and Robert were already here, and the Prophet was behind his customary screen. "Evening gentlemen. Sorry I'm running a little later than usual. We have an... interesting guest downstairs."

She took the seat directly across from Markus, flipping her braided black hair over her shoulder as she sat.

[Eviledd1984]

Johan meanwhile was preaching in the streets of how the prophet can help them, A small crowd of people circled around him.He was preaching the mantra of the cult with the people around him listening intensely, Advocating how beneficial it would be to join the cult with some people just giving him ugly looks. Most of the people were starting to mutter which made Johan a bit nervous since he thought things were going to get ugly, Not wanting to risk his safety he bid farwell to the one interested telling them where to meet him if they wanted to know more.

Making his leave heading towards the cult's HQ, Once finally there he took a seat in one of the many large chairs in the room. Lighting up a cigarette and waiting for the prophet to come and start the meeting.

[Jangel13]

They didn't have to wait long. The second that the meeting was scheduled to start a door behind the black screen opened. The screen was nearly pitch black and was only able to show the body behind it but even they could tell from the staff and the way the man carried himself they knew it was their prophet. Markus, of course, stood up and bowed deeply to him as should the others. He didn't stand back up until the prophet had sat down holding his staff in one hand while the other was on his lap. The screen then displayed letters as it wrote in front of them Good evening my commanders. You may be seated When he was given permission Markus stood back up and said "good evening prophet" before he sat back down in his seat at the table as the prophet was ready to proceed with the meeting.

When everyone has seated the guards left the room and went to make sure that the room was secure or at least as secure as it could be while they were down here and they heard the excitement outside at the celebration. Once the prophet was sure that they were alone he had written more on the screen. What they probably didn't realize until now was that the screen itself while sheetlike in nature was able to write down everything the prophet would say. The prophet then started As you are all aware today is a momentous day for our cult. We have finally gotten enough brothers and sisters to join us in our endeavor and are now ready to finally begin with our true goal. None of this would have been possible without your support and for that, you humble me He said as he gave a small bow to them in recognition of their help for he may be the prophet but he was still only one. He sat up straight once more before he continued As you well know our true goal was to destroy the very corporations that have enslaved us all until now. Each of you are here because of your efforts in supporting our cause. Today we will have this meeting so that we may discuss how we will come out of the shadows and show who we are. I wish to hear each of your suggestions however I must insist that when we make our presence known it is done in a way that shows our strength. "We are not weak, we are strong, and we are coming for you." I want that message to be clear, now what are your thoughts on it?"

[Master Crim]

After waiting a short time in the meeting hall, Sylina entered the room. By the look on her face and the comments she made Robert could tell that she was not having a great session with a recent detainee, nonetheless she looked as regal as ever. She took her seat and shortly after Johan arrived. He must have been in a rush as he briskly to make his way in without acknowledging Robert or the others. He was an odd bird, though; effective in his ways of recruiting. Once Johan found his seat the Prophet made his entrance, as usual it was nothing big or overdone, and he was humble as always as he started his speech. He started with the significance of the date, and the amount of growth that has taken place in the year's time, making sure to make it known that without the four of them it would have been impossible. He moved on to say that it was time for them to make a power move in order to be seen as a contesting power rather than another deviant gang.
Robert thought about this for a moment as the Prophet wrapped up his speech; the implications it held, and the ultimate outcome they were trying to reach. They were going to attempt to knock over something important to not only the corporations, but also the government. They needed to be careful though, if they tried to tackle something too large it could go sideways costing many lives, and potentially catch civilians in the cross fire. The NEWS would have a heyday if the Prophet then tried to claim it was an act of kindness towards the people. They had to hit something that wouldn't have a lot of civilian exposure, while still being a major resource for their enemies. On the other hand Robert could feel the tug of his emotions, having just lost one of his officers, a young one at that. He knew that an action like this would bring further pain and death. Victory has a cost, and Robert knows it must be paid in order to bring a better world.
"What about the ProTech building?" Robert asked looking around the room. ProTech was the hub for almost all cyber-security in the city and outlying area. "If we strike against them, and show that we can come out on top. There really isn't any question what that would say. Plus we can run a double ops." Robert leaned forward as elaborated on his thoughts. "Their servers are home to Overlook, the largest cyber protection initiative, and breach of privacy, on the market. We can run an op of Hackers and my Confessors to infiltrate their servers," Robert pressed one finger down on the table as he said this. "and gather what data they can that ProTech says they don't." He then pressed a second from the same hand onto the table as he continued to emphasize his point. "Then we can smoke screen it with a flag plant within the same building. This will show we have the force, the numbers, and the expertise that they have been discrediting us." Robert leaned back in his chair and paused a moment to let culmination of his idea take root. "This target is also optimal for our cause not only in principle of who and what we are attacking, but also because ProTech is mainly staffed by private military and government contractors."

[Eviledd1984]

@Jangel13@Master Crim

"Is their anything you would like me to do?" He asked the prophet after he had spoke, He wondered with his military background he could be of use being the muscle of some sort for this operation. Or perhaps with his silver tongue which could be use to sway some people into getting inside the ProTech building. He was wanting to be some sort of help to the cult, Taking a long drag of his cigarette and letting out a large puff of smoke out of his mouth.

Johan was wondering what his purpose could be during this mission, He hated being useless since he owned the Prophet his life and purpose in life.

[Arreyis]

After the Prophet seated himself Sylina sat down and listened intently to what he and Robert had to say. She nodded with him when he mentioned that Protech was run by government contractors and military personnel. It was the perfect target to garner support from commoners, while also making a point to the government and it's cronies that they were not messing around. Being an operation meant for stealth and muscle it wasn't something that she would likely participate in, though if there were prisoners brought back they would be questioned in her interrogation room.

Johan asked what he could do, and he would probably be sent along, as well as Robert and Markus as they were more capable in that sort of operation. Sylina, however, offered a different sort of skill. If there was information to be had from an individual, she could get it whether they wanted her to have it or not.

"The man I was questioning before this meeting, he was employed by ProTech at one point. He now works for the government full time pursuing black market enhancements via network uplinks. He came here undercover only knowing that we are a source of those enhancements, but not what we really are, or that he would be stopped by me. He may have some information I can... elicit about the best ways in and out of the building, and what gaps there may be in their firewalls." she waved smoke from Johan's cigarette from her face and leaned back in her chair when she finished speaking.

The man currently in her dungeon presented a slew of problems, but he could possibly benefit them in ways that outnumbered those problems. Her mind had been racing for hours wondering what to do with him, and now it seemed she had her answer.

[Jangel13]

The prophet had listened intently to each of their input however it seemed that it was only Robert his commander of the confessors came up with an actual idea. He heard his reasoning towards it and thought that it was a valid plan. Take on a government building and take down the security network, it sent a strong message. The Prophet soon nodded when they agreed on the plan and he knew Markus would follow whatever order he gave so he then said Very good plan. I want Robert and his confessors to infiltrate the building first so they can steal what they need from the Overlook system. You will be tasked with getting in without being detected and stealing as much information as possible. They will no doubt start a virus in their own system when Markus attacks to keep us from getting the Data we need. Sylina and Johan you are to go and act as the support role. You will heal Markus Monks when they come to harm but otherwise, you won't fight unless you have too. Is that understood?

Markus had listened to the prophet and to his fellow commanders knowing that they would all come up with something valid but it turned out to be Robert who had the best idea. Once the prophet told them each their roles and asked if they understood Markus bowed his head lightly and said "Of course prophet we will not let you down" He said knowing full well that Robert would have his work cut out for him to infiltrate the protect building and steal data without them knowing. Still, he would be ready the second he gave his monks the signal to attack.

[Master Crim]

@Jangel13@Arreyis
Robert listened to the others add their pieces to the idea. It was fortuitous that the Sylina's guest was formerly employed by ProTech, but it made sense if he was a mercenary. Robert wouldn't be surprised if he was still tied to ProTech as a complete deniability agent. He could be a great source of information that would aid in the operation. "This mission is no small feet." Robert said plainly. He was not patronizing in his tone, but simply thinking out loud. "We will need to gather as much information as we can before striking against ProTech, and make sure to cover our tracks enough that we wont be burned by their inevitable retaliation." Robert thought a moment about the recent mission that had cost the life of one of his best due to incomplete information brought on by having to move up the timeline. "We need to be ready, we need an in, and we need to know where they are weakest before we strike. This can't be rushed or we risk massive losses and potential push back from our followers." Robert looked to the others at the table and then to the Prophet waiting for his and the others input.