Chapter One: Starting Trouble
October 15th, 1857 | 12:55 pm It had been a foggy morning in London. Edgar Kinsley has just arrived from his estate and now stands at the front of the newly rebuilt Bovril Factory- the same factory that had burned down approximately 23 years ago. Many witnesses that survived the fire claimed to have seen a factory worker’s hands to have suddenly bursts into flames. Many were skeptical at first, blamed the poor working conditions. But individuals like Kinsley, knew better. It wasn’t until a few more incidents later that the world knew of people with unnatural abilities. Because many incidents lead to accidental deaths, several groups called for action. It was the beginning to an era of persecution of people with these abilities dubbed “unholies”. Public executions with no trial to stand on and no chance for redemption. Those who could hide and control their newfound abilities were considered the lucky ones.
Such as the likes of Edgar Kinsley, a high-ranking member of society, who had to watch from afar as flames of fear and hatred consumed the world. But he wasn’t going to stand idly as innocent people were being slaughtered in the streets. Because of his ability to be able to detect those with powers, he was able to hide and protect them. Once the Crimean War started, Kinsley saw the opportunity to appeal to the crown and create a chance for his brethren to finally live in the light of society. With his connections he was able to establish “The Queen’s Army of Light”. That was the original name… unfortunately it ended up being known as “
The Queen’s Unholy Army”.
Nevertheless, the newfound army eventually turned the tide of war- leading England and its allies to victory against Russia. With the end of the war, there was a movement to outlaw the persecution of unholies without a trial. As long as they served under England and its allies… they were to be protected. But the war became the perfect distraction from those who sought to use their powers for depravation. Crime syndicates of unholies had risen in this time, causing terror across the world. There was also talks of other countries forming their own powered armies. While the unholy army disbanded at the end of the war, England still needed a way to deal with cases of superpowers that the normal law enforcement and agencies wouldn’t be able to handle themselves. So on March of 1857 the Queen’s Hand was founded by the forerunners of the Queen’s unholy army:
Yoma Jang a woman shrouded by mystery left behind in her country of Nigeria. Her gift of clairvoyance helped to guide the Queen’s army and now her hand. She is a motherlike figure to many unholies who need family, guidance, or both.
Haji Karim whose family suffered at the hands of a mob once his identity as an unholy was revealed. Despite his losses and pain, he still remains a high spritied man and hopes to bring justice for those who have ever been persecuted for having powers. His ability to teleport anywhere in the world helps connects the Queen’s Hand internationally.
And finally,
Edgar Kinsley, a man who built his name serving the crown. With his ability to detect certain traits of a person, seeking out skilled individuals proved an easy task. Convincing them to serve a country that had given them strife all the years before was…another challenge on its own. A man of power and privilege can only offer so much… what he can give however is the opportunity for lost souls to redeem themselves. And while Queen’s Hand serves as the guardian against those who would use their powers for more wicked purposes, the agency is also a place for individuals to further develop their abilities.
A young woman carrying a rather large traveler’s bag approaches the man lost in thought.
“Yoma and Haji have finished their ends of preparation, and those who requested to be housed in our agency’s dorm have been settling in. What about you father?” Her voice carried a tone of mild curiosity but mostly full of worry.
Edgar looked back at his daughter Alice, who- without any known ability decided on her own to serve the agency despite how it would affect her social standing.
“My Alice, we’ve been preparing this for months now. An old man like me shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.” Edgar let out a long-awaited sigh and checks his pocket watch. The time showed 12:52pm, all recruits were to arrive at 2:00pm for an introductory meeting…at least that’s what they were told.
“Is it alright to trick them like this? I don’t mean to be rude but most of them would need proper training before going out to the field already.” Alice had a concerned look on her face. She had met with many of them beforehand as she helped those who had already arrived in the city adjust. She even had to buy suits for some of the men who looked like they’ve never seen a tailor in their life.
“The Queen expects us to start handling cases right away, I wanted to give them more time to…settle in. But with the city in a slight of chaos, all eyes will be on us.” Edgar takes the black traveler’s bag from Alice and starts to head inside.
“Karim should be here with the recruits any minute…be sure to give them a warm welcome.” He gives her one final nod before disappearing behind the door.
2:00 pm It’s been about 3 days since those that chose to live in the South Bank Dormitory moved in. Anticipation of starting their jobs at the agency has been building on everyone’s minds, there was also a side of uncertainty as well. Everyone knew part of the job was to handle cases of superpowers being used for “evil”, no one was told how they’d achieve that.While vigilantism was a popular approach, the Queen’s Hand was supposed to be a more organized manner of handling things. Still, the thought of being a super hero… a rather new and unexplored concept, was thrilling to say the least.
Everyone for the most part was up and bustling through the house. While some chose to keep to themselves, others didn’t mind the company. They were going to be working together after all. After a lunch prepared by the house mother, Ms. Agatha- they were told to be ready in the common room by 2:00. Even those that chose not to live in SBH was told to come there anyway.
In the middle of the room stood a man dressed in bright colors and a dark green turban. Some of you will recognize him as Haji Karim, one of the three founders of the Queen’s Hand and head of the Support Department. He stands still, not making any sort of eye contact or greeting whoever came in. After it looked like everyone was finally in the room he clears his throat.
“I hope you’ve all been resting well. As you know the introduction meeting starts at 2:00.” He looks around the room and gives a sly grin.
“But it isn’t taking place here… so you’ll all be late since headquarters is on the other side of the Thames River.” Haji claps his hands together and laughs,
“But don’t worry friends, please- let us all join hands and pray that Edgar Kinsley doesn’t rip you a new one.” The man stretches his hands out and waves for everyone to come closer, his face gives off a joking feeling but behind his eyes you’re all sure that he’s being 100% serious. But since the meeting was supposed to start 5 minutes ago, what else do you have to lose?