Unknown Cave
The several glowing monitors in the darkness began acting strangely, distorting their visuals into static as a new signal intercepted Eidyia's satellite. It snapped into focus, revealing a translucent blue Cyrus from the waist up, hands clasped behind his back. His repeated image across the monitors regarded the Operative with a grim eye.
"Eidiya," He began, an image of Laraxis' face popping up beside him. "I approached you once before, five months and 18 days after Obsidian disbanded. I have need of your assistance. Judging from your demeanor I can assume you're not impressed with the target of concern, Laraxis Valco.
"Laraxis is a dangerous criminal with technopathic powers. If his plans succeed, especially with the Operatives under his thumb, we can expect to see the United States descend into a state of chaos within six months. One must fight fire with fire, and this is where I need you."
Cyrus leaned closer, a map with coordinates replacing the image of Laraxis. "If you're ready to be reinstated, come to the United Nations Headquarters on 1st Avenue, New York. I'll arrange to have you cleared to enter, you'll be under federal immunity. Don't delay." He said, turning away from her. The screens shimmered and lost the signal, displaying their original visuals of sensitive data from around the globe.
Laraxis' Facility
The eccentric monk curled his lip at the disposal of unconscious bodies on his doorstep. Some of these Operatives were truly repulsive, Hannibal especially. No art to their sense of killing in the least. It was a waste of talent, how could he work with this? "You," He snapped his fingers impatiently, pointing to one of the men by him. "Remove these goons from my sight, immediately."
Wordlessly, the men Hannibal took in with him were picked up and dragged from the room.
Citrine regarded the lizard-man with an amused expression. "I honestly thought you were dead, Hannibal." He was one being she wouldn't even touch with a 30-foot wood pole. It was times like these she thoroughly enjoyed knowing his movements before he did.
Other Operatives came out of the woodwork, hardly looking any different from when Citrine last saw them two years ago. The cold look of a monster glinted in their eyes, a look time cannot soften, nor pain release. She almost felt nostalgic, being in their company again.
"It's most certainly in action," Alter took a step toward the tea. "Live and operational, the KSP is fully functional with a global range."
"Thanks for the comforting news." Citrine rolled her eyes, accepting her steaming cup from one of Laraxis' workers. She stole a sip, finding an adequate amount of liquor garnishing her tea.
Laraxis licked his lips, glancing at Alter with a seductive smirk. "You sound so dangerous when you say it like that." Out of all the Operatives, he wanted Alter the most. A crowning jewel to his collection!
The ring of an incoming call interrupted conversation. Greatly annoyed, Laraxis snatched his iPhone from within the folds of his robe, bringing it to his ear. "I'm in the middle of something. What?" He snapped.
He listened for several moments, veins pulsing in his forehead. "He... He what?! Where the fuck are the wallets!" A pause. "And where the fuck is he?"
Laraxis chucked his phone to the side moments later, seething. Almost on cue, the child hostess brushed her way past the Operatives to stand by him. She was a dainty thing, dressed in black velvet and only coming up to Laraxis' waist despite the high heels. The ribbons in her curly, platinum hair made her appearance reminiscent to a porcelain doll.
"47," He addressed the child condescendingly. "It would seem our thief is somewhere on the premise, watching the theatre. Be a dear and bring him back here, would you?"
She simply nodded and left, taking the elevator back up to the surface.
"Now then," Laraxis sighed, turning his full attention back to the unique group attending him. The devilish smile returned to his face. "Help yourself to some tea, of course. But with more of you here, allow me to divulge the first step of my oh-so elaborate plan."
Pressing a button on a small remote, Laraxis glanced up at the large monitor behind him. It displayed a curious glass device, almost cylindrical in shape with two rods coming together within its alien design. "An intelligence agency in New York recently recovered the blueprints of a prototype weapon created by the Russians. This device has the potential to create an artificial mini-black hole. I need it, which means I need you, preferably alive..."
Outside Magnet Theater
The sun was exceptionally bright as 47 exited the theatre, though its harsh rays didn't affect her pearlescent rose eyes. She could see perfectly, likely better than any organic being. She systematically scanned the streets and buildings, taking in the genetic make-up of the people blissfully going about their day. Her target, the Operative Rook, peered down at her from the motel across the street. He stood out like a sore thumb, his genes reading incredibly different from the rest she sensed.
She stared back, locking emotionless eyes with him before observing the motel doors. Her speed was surprising for what appeared to be a child as she crossed the street, entering the building to quickly ascend the stairs. The exceptionally unfortunate Rook still hovered by his window, and the child gave him a terse nod.
"Master Valco demands your presence immediately. Do you comply?" She spoke, her voice undoubtably synthesized and non-organic. It was the one key giveaway to her nature. Her appearance was very convincing, incredibly so... but she wasn't human.