AS ABOVE (game thread)

"Do we have any intel on the Sin?"

Bonham makes an exhalation that sounds nothing like a whistle, and they lean over slightly, picking up one of the apparently purloined drip coffees. Putting their lips to the opening in the lid, they take a big gulp. It's still a bit hotter than would be tolerable, but they persist. They can't remember the last time they had a morning coffee; if you needed a pick-me-up while deployed, it was more likely that one would take an injection of [REDACTED] or perhaps [REDACTED] from an inhaler.

In any event!

The group was to be deployed to tackle a Sin. Of course. That's why they were kept here, after all. And yet, the specific instructions given to the group were sparse. Their brow raises as Salem at least demonstrates the astuteness to ask for some intel. "Any information about the area of operations or the host?"

(At work rn so no massive briefing yet)

Fact: Two (2) chai remain. It is recommended that exorcists ration this valuable resource.

"Sin sin sin... heard that all my life. What else is new? Well. Come one then, let's hear it."

Meanwhile, Erasmus took one of the coffees and placed it underneath the table. After some wet slurping and crunching noises later, the coffee cup was gone.

Fact: C091 does not respond to Erasmus' question, though he briefly regards him. He does not regard ORION.
Fact: C091 has not once acknowledged ORION's actions or presence.
Fact: ORION is invisible to graceless humans.

Research indicates that the Castle man may be utterly without grace.

"Yes, we have some intel. It is limited, however. Let me turn on the projector."

C091 clicks a button on a remote, and the projector whirs to life, displaying a large, symmetrical brick building, with a small parking lot and green surroundings.

20XX-03-11 23:??:?? | Audible disturbance in hospital psychiatric ward. Night staff, including subject G492 investigate.
23:??:?? | G492 and others encounter unknown phenomenon theorized to be Sin or Sin Trace. Described by G492 as "big fucked-up baby."
20XX-03-12 00:??:?? | Unconscious bodies of G492 and 10 other night staff discovered. One dead by strangulation.
20XX-03-12 01:??:?? | Police arrive on scene. Subject G492 questioned and released.
20XX-03-12 01:45:21 | Heaven Eyes mark G492 as subject of interest.
20XX-03-12 07:12:42 | G492 contacted for initial questioning.
20XX-03-12 07:31:22 | Initial questioning concluded, G492 told to expect further contact.
20XX-03-12 09:28:51 | Sin readings of CAT 1-2 OGRE picked up in city ██████.
20XX-03-12 09:28:59 | Exorcists X689, X355, XY077, X779, X990 contacted for immediate deployment.
20XX-03-12 15:55:01 | Exorcists arrive in city, permitted one night's rest before mission.
20XX-03-13 07:00:00 | Briefing begins.

"In conclusion," C091 turns off the projector. "We know there's an OGRE of category one, possibly two, hiding somewhere in the city. We know it or a trace has been encountered in the hospital, and we've secured contact with subject G492: Elmer Graves, an orderly who survived an encounter with the entity. He believes the agents that have already secured his initial testimony to be involved in government, and you are expected to maintain that illusion when speaking to him."

C091 stubs out a final cigar.

"Your biggest obstacle, other than the Sin itself, will likely be police, who are currently investigating the attack. Avoid blowing your cover at all costs. Your ultimate goal is to keep human casualties to a minimum, but if you are forced to kill someone, please do so discretely."

He begins to pack up his equipment, turning to move for the door.

"You will take public transportation to your destination. Bus passes have been secured for each of you. Remember, exorcists: Execution at all costs. Wipe out the stain."

WIPE OUT THE STAIN - ADMIN.

xxx0960
7:06am
As above, so below

👁 Wipe out the stain.

20XX-03-13 07:06:36 | Order issued: Wipe out the stain.

Fact: It is mandatory that you wipe out the stain.

After taking one look around the table, Erasmus stood. "I believe personal introductions may be reserved for survival of the present. However, this is Orion. He is a SIN. I am thus, a heretic. If you pet him, he may take off a finger. He has grown fond of meat, mostly human, after his...Change."

With that heartening and not-at-all lacking introduction, Erasmus would turn to catch the bus to the hospital, Orion snuffling at his heels.

Salem stands to follow Erasmus, giving Orion ample space.

"Thanks, Mr. C. Guess we better get a move on. Wouldn't want to spend time shaking hands while the Sin makes itself at home."

He takes a look at Orion.

"Shame about his temperament. I've always liked dogs. Well, I suppose this is close enough."

After Erasmus has vacated the room, Bonham glances at Lycaon, Salem, and Chloe. "And yet, Orion proves nicer than his master."

Dry remark aside, they turn their empty coffee cup between their thumb and middle finger, forming a "C" shape and then closing it, whereupon the cup crushes neatly into a flat disk of cardboard for later disposal. Dropping that into their pocket, they stand and salute C091 sharply. "Sir." And then they depart, ready to join up with the others again at their target.

Chloe stands up. She leaves her half-empty white chocolate at her desk.
One ogre... or where there two ogres? Was the ogre category one or two? Or was it one or two ogres of category one?
She shrugs. They'll find out. She doesn't really bother to ask. Then she smiles at the dog.

"You feeding that dog human meat? For real? That's awesome," Chloe smiles.

"I've always known dogs to be more friendly than their masters. I can't figure out whether I'm surprised or not in this case," says Salem, bemused, to Bonham.

20XX-03-13 07:06:57 | Exorcists X689 and X779 are handed duffels containing the team's service weapons.
20XX-03-13 07:07:20 | Exorcists team XT194 vacate briefing room.
20XX-03-13 07:07:24 | C091 lights a cigarette.
20XX-03-13 07:15:00 | Public transportation is scheduled to arrive.
20XX-03-13 07:42:00 | Exorcists are expected to arrive at hospital bus stop.