[dice=Physical Science (chemical weapon)]1d20+15
In the days that follow one of your overriding memories is the media coverage.
While incidents occur every day and every so often a couple of masks will duke it out in central park, the scale of the attack of the Staten Island facility, the loss of life and the very public presence of a combination of agencies, means that social media is abuzz with coverage.
#punishermission #herofight #newheroes and #punishtheguilty all trend for days after the incident. For those of you who monitor social media, you cannot escape seeing slightly blurry images of yourselves and your companions captured with long-lense cameras as the new vans rolled in.
Some have started linking you to the foiled bank robbery weeks ago leading to speculation as to who exactly these new heroes are. Midnight appears to have the clearest online presence having spoken to the media previously although she is referred to inaccurately as an unnamed Agent of Shield's ELD - Extraterrestrial Liaison Division - a Division that seems entirely fabricated by media outlets.
An interview with Deputy Director Angstrom also gets plenty of air time.
It is too early to speculate that this was an attack orchestrated by the vigilante criminal The Punisher. What I can confirm is that the incident has led to significant loss of life and we are, in conjunction with our colleagues in the New York Police Department, in the process of identifying victims and contacting their families. Out of respect for those families, I would like to request that members of the media stop speculating on the nature of the facility that came under attack, and that it was The Punisher who was responsible.
This is an active investigation with cross agency involvement. I'm sure you understand how complex that is. Furthermore, I would like to commend and thank the members of the emergency services for their dedication and to the unnamed heroes who put themselves in harm's way to bring this incident to a conclusion.
Thank you, we will not be taking questions at this time.
After a while, he heads to Lucas. "Hey Lucas, it's been really quiet lately. I don't like to bother the shield people but have you heard anything new? You seem to be hitting the labs hard, every time I come to use the training rooms your there." He takes a seat next to him looking over his shoulder. "It was quite intense what we all saw and the realisation The Hand are into this... I been spending a lot of time prowling the street, im surpassing my teachers in everything."
Was there even a connection?
there has to be something he mutters as he sweeps his hands through his dark hair in frustration.
Suddenly the tv in the corner catches his eye and he turns up the volume and rises from his desk as Deputy Director Angstrom begins to speak.
He leans against his desk and listens in silence as the shield representative finishes his statement.
"....members of the emergency services for their dedication and to the unnamed heroes who put themselves in harm's way to bring this incident to a conclusion."
this has the punisher written all over it. It has to be him, since his escape there have been several punisher related incidents and the authorities are no closer to finding him. This can't go on, he needs to be back behind bars. how the hell he got out in the first place is still under investigation but it's obvious he had help from somewhere but no one seems to know who or how.
Now these unnamed heroes have suddenly turned up, they are the same ones who foiled that bank robbery and now they are mixed up in this mess. maybe I can point them in the right direction.
He thinks to himself as he flicks off the tv.
but what if they actually find frank Castle? What then ? Well they are capes and I guess this is what they do
he tells himself this but it does not sit easy, they could get hurt or worse.
Pulling out his phone he begins scrolling through the dozens of posts on Facebook and twitter relating to this group.
There were several photos, none particularly clear but these were the group that were in the news. There was no doubt about that.
now I just need to find you
He says as he grabs his suit jacket and makes his way out of his office.
Susan, I'll be out for the afternoon. Rearrange my appointments please he says as he flashes his young secretary his quick easy smile, she nods, grinning back as she looked up at her boss, immaculately dressed as always he wore a charcoal grey designer suit Today and a plain navy tie.
He was six feet of tall dark and handsome, he always looked tanned and he had the darkest eyes and the nicest smile. He liked to dress well and spent a lot of money on his appearance but he was never flashy with it. He was a genuine guy and well liked by everyone at the department, so easy to talk to he had a charm about him that was such that if he wanted something he was sure to get it.
of course Dr S, no problem. You got a hot date ? How Isobel can leave you all alone in this city is beyond me, she must be one trusting lady. sh says.
He rolls his eyes and grins himself , Susan liked to flirt and joke with him but he knew it was harmless.
you know I'm not like that Suse, I'm a strictly one woman man he says as he makes his way out of the office and he laughs as he hears her call after him.
it's such a shame Doc, such a shame
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Heading out into the Bustling streets of New York he began his search for an agent of Shield.
Pulling his phone from his pocket he scrolled through his contacts and dialled his friend in the NYPD.
Dave? It's Will. Yes I'm fine. I just saw the news.
I know it's getting worse , when are you boys gonna get off your asses and clean up this city? I don't pay my taxes for nothing.
You gonna let shield do your job for you?
He had known Detective Dave Summers for several years and had helped him out more than once, he hated to use his friend but he needed some information and he needed it fast.
Steering the conversation he managed to talk generically about the events on Statten island whilst probing for the information he needed. Amongst all the swearing and cursing about jurisdiction, Dave confirmed that Shield was running the show on the island and they still had agents in and around the area, running down leads.
It did not take him long to locate SIELD operative Jennings once he got off the ferry.
The area was pretty much cordoned off, police tape was everywhere. There were still several vehicles parked around the area that were quite obviously government and as he walked closer to the police cordon he could see in the distance the operative Detective Summers had described to him, she was brunette , Around 5,4 in height and she looked like she meant business.
Just Daves type. Though William doubted he could handle her.
He could see her directing several others as they combed through the wreckage on the docks.
The entrance to the docks was guarded, but for his purpose they may as well not have been there.
Strolling up to the cordon he focussed his mind and vanished, the agents in the van looked straight through him as he moved closer.
Taking up a position behind another parked car he was now close enough.
Fixing his gaze upon Jennings he reached out toward her, his mind gently brushing her own.
your phone is ringing..... Agent Weaver has a very important task for you...
Jennings preoccupied by the clean up did not even notice that the screen on her iPhone did not illuminate as she raised it automatically to her ear
agent Jennings ....yes Ma'am, it's going well. We are sifting through the debris now but we haven't found anything new....I understand. Yes the New group, i know. But why....of course, of course I'm sorry I asked. I'll get onto it straight away.
Central Park, 8 am. Alice in wonderland. she drops the phone back into her pocket with a muttered curse
thinks I'm her G&$ d%~med secretary! she says as she pulls out a small tablet and begins to type her message.
....new informant , possible information relating to Staten Island. Gather your team and find out what they know.
Central Park tomorrow , 8 am. Alice In wonderland statue. Keep a low profile informant Will approach you.
Jennings
Smiling to himself, William rises from behind the car and once more he sends out a psychic pulse, masking himself from sight as he strolls back through the cordon and makes his way back to the ferry.
He needed a drink and some time to think about what he was getting himself into
You get the message mostly at the same time - all but Spore that is. Cellphones and SHIELD comms buzz at the same instant and when you look down it is a message from an Agent you don't immediately recognise.
There is a lead we would like you to follow. A new informant has come forward claiming to have insight into the Staten Island incident.
He has requested to meet you beside the Alice in Wonderland statue in central park at 8am tomorrow.
The public location and the fact this tip came directly from Special Agent Weaver leads us to believe it is not a trap but as always we advise extreme caution.
Agent Beth Jennings.
He had slept badly the night before anxious about today, but also excited.
Showering and dressing swiftly he donned one of his favourite navy suits and grabbed his overcoat as he made his way out of his apartment.
As the cab pulled up outside the park he paid the driver and headed into the great green expanse of Central Park.
Smiling and nodding to the various dog walkers and joggers that frequented Central Park he made his way toward the Alice in Wonderland Statue and anxiously awaited the arrival of the unnamed heroes.
The time seemed to drag along impossibly slowly as he paced back and forth around the statue, suffused by a nervous energy.
Lucas nods to Akio as he comes in. He turns back to the screen, talking to the monk without looking at him. "Hey, how've you been? I haven't heard much from SHIELD, but mostly I've been down here working. Look, I've sequenced the images from surveillance cameras around the area. I'm hoping to catch something that can help us understand what was going on. I've coded some upgrades to SHIELD's facial recognition software, but the images are still grainy." He frowns and picks up a cup of coffee. Akio sees Lucas take a couple of pills and chase it with the coffee.
Lucas stares at the screen as he flips through several more faces. Both his and Akio's phones chip at the same time. At first Lucas thinks it's Maggie, but then he realizes Akio wouldn't be getting a message too. He sighs and picks up the phone, reading the message and then perking up. "Looks like SHIELD found something. An informant. Jennings? Who the f+*~ is that?" He stands and stretches, then moves nimbly to the other room to strap on his gear.
"Well, you ready for more action, Akio? Sounds like you could be teaching your teachers a thing or two. Alice in Wonderland statue. You ever read that in the monastery? I feel like we're working for a Mad Hatter sometimes."
A day or so after Trystt has healed from her physical wounds, she convinced Spore to return to the park --for a bit a least-- giving her some time alone to decompress, and getting him some time in the sun. After putting up a faux argument, Spore acquiesced, looking forward to the shedding some of the wilting leaves he'd developed after his extended time at Trystt's bedside.
He chose to set out for Central Park before the sun came up, hoping to keep as low a profile as he could, and planning to stick to alleys as much as possible, though he knew he'd still draw some attention: there's never nobody watching in New York. Hesitantly, he grabbed one of the burner phones Trystt had charging on the table in the small kitchen area. He didn't generally like carrying the thing, but he didn't like leaving Trystt alone either.
He left the number for the phone on the table, along with a single flower, plucked fresh from himself, and planned to return as soon as possible.
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It's the repetitive buzz of the cellphone that wakes Trystt. "It doesn't need to be so cheery about a stupid text message, she mutters grumpily to no one. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, she reads the text a couple of times as she heads to the bathroom. When she comes out, she chuckles, "Alice in Wonderland, of course. Have you read or watched that one yet?" Her voice trails off as she realizes that she is alone in the loft. the sudden wave of melancholy at reading Spore's note surprises her, given that she's been on her own her whole life, and then, just as suddenly, smiles at seeing his flower. She forwards the text to the phone that Spore is carrying and sets her own face down on the counter top.
Akio understands only half of what Lucas is saying but nods along. Frowning as he notices the coffee and pills but holds back on saying anything. Everyone has their ways.
Taking out his phone he flips it open and reads through the text on the small screen. "Jennings... Maybe a new agent assigned to us?" He closes his phone and jumps to his feet and smiles at Lucas words.
"I'm always ready, I've been going a little stir crazy but it doesn't seem like I was the only one. We'll have to get you in the training room soon help you unwind, it can help just getting the blood flowing. I guess we'll meet the others there and I don't know about Alice in Wonderland, I'll have to add it to my list. Is this Alice famous?" He says as they move out of the lab.
Lucas snorts. "Alice in Wonderland is a book. Bit of a trippy one. Actually, the character is probably the most famous Alice in the world. I mean, Alice in Chains doesn't come close." He pauses, thinking. "Actually, nevermind. Don't read it. It'll just mess you up. Weird cats and a guy who wants to give you tea..."
"Have you seen anyone else lately? I admit, I've been a little shut in since we got back." He begins collecting his gear and preparing for the meeting even though it's tomorrow morning.
Midnight is not around much in the days just after the event at the docks, and when she does bump in to her teammates she seems preoccupied. Those that follow such things see her upcoming gigs have been cancelled with little notice.
She visits SHIELD HQ to ask Lucas random questions about engineering and earth materials, and Spore receives a visit too, where he is grilled on the differences between this earth's atmosphere and those of the other planets he's experienced, especially any in her own home system.
The morning of the alert message she arrives promptly, but aside from a brief smile and a nod, seems content to listen for now.
Akio looks at Lucus confused. ”Umm, ok maybe i’ll leave it for later.” He places his phone away and sighs. ”I’ve seen them but I think we’ve all been wrapped up in our own things i’ll be the first to admit that. Spore and Trystt have been spending time together she took a beating in that compound but I think she can work thorough it. There is a lot of fight and spirit with her. Then midnight.. I’m not sure what she’s been up to.”
Spore makes the most of his time alone in the park, shedding some of his browned sections and taking in the sunlight. When he gets the message from Trystt, he's barely surprised, and decides to show up a bit early to scout out the area.
In the early morning, Lucas boards the subway to Central Park. Lucas is in the same clothes from the day before and looks like he only slept a couple hours. He sips a can of Monster energy drink as he boards the train.
He arrives at the spot an hour before the time, looking for a place to hide and observe the statue. He finds a wooded area behind the statue and lays down. He covers himself with mulch and leaves. Then he waits to see who shows up.
Gradually, the group comes together. It has been several days since the incident on Staten Island and contact between the group has been minimal. For a variety of reasons the team has been left frustrated but perhaps this new lead, if it really is one, may help overturn that.
Whatever the case. It has been three days since anything was heard from Daredevil or the Punisher and if the tall, slim man in the expensive suit who currently stands before the statue has answers about either of those things, he is worth speaking with.
Napalm arrives first, even before Spore who has been staying near Trystt these past days. Prompty, at ten minutes to eight, he sees the man stride up with the confidence of one who knows exactly where he should be and when he should arrive.
Pacing slowly in front of the statue, William again asks himself if he is doing the right thing.
glancing down at his wrist from time to time to check his watch he tries to keep his nerves in check.
Just on the stroke of 8 he sees the slight pale girl approaching, her hair, blowing slightly in the morning breeze is a startling blue colour and though he has not seen her face clearly, she certainly matches the grainy images that have appeared online.
Her hair, particularly was unmistakeable.
As she makes her way toward him is heart begins to beat a little faster and he tentatively reaches out toward her with his mind, gently scanning Her uppermost thoughts and he smiles inwardly as the overriding feeling of being quite put out by such an early meeting washes over him.
He suspects she may like to rise from her bed at a later hour and given her chosen profession he supposed that made sense, most criminals liked to operate at night after all.
Raising his hand in greeting he calls out to her good morning, I apologise for the early meeting. Where are the others? Have you come alone?
He asks smiling slightly as he tries to put her at ease.
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Trystt's initial reaction is little more than a grunt into the 'to go' cup she is holding. She maintains eye contact as she takes a long sip from it. The gentle breeze near her carries the scent of vanilla. Deciding that courtesy requires slightly more of her, she says, "They'll be here soon, if they're not already here." And she stands there, maintaining eye contact, though not inviting more conversation.
Standing to his full height, Spore steps forward slowly, extricating himself from the hedge in which he's spent the last hour or so. The time outside this morning has suited him, and Tryst at least, though probably not the Stranger, can tell he's in a good mood, despite the strange request from SHIELD.
"Alone? Why would she come alone?" he asks, moving to Trystt's side.
"Good to see you outside," he mutters to Trystt, quietly.
they'll be here soon...if they aren't already here. he turns her words over in his mind as one of her companions reveals himself why would she come alone the strange plant like man asked and indeed the thought had crossed his mind also and he suspected the others were also close by, watching him.
They are obviously wary of me, they are expecting trouble of some kind
Forcing himself not to stare at the imposing plant-man he smiles and introduces himself, he did not this situation to become fraught with tension.
i am Dr Sterne, William Sterne. he says offering his hand to Spore I assure you I mean you no harm, if the others are here then please call them to join us, we have a lot to talk about
Ebon is not there, at least not at this moment. But it isn't long before he strolls through the park, taking in the scent of grass and trees that is so rare in this metropolis/
You are the one Agent Jennings mentioned. he says, nodding to the others. Midnight will be here soon, and Napalm. They will want to know what you have to say, especially if you know what happened to Daredevil.
"Napalm's been here." The voice seems to come from nowhere until suddenly the young mutant stands and shakes the leaves and mulch from his body. He was a mere 20 yards from Sterne. "Apologies, Dr. Sterne, but I needed to see if you were setting a trap for us."
He walks over and glances to Spore. "I swear you almost stepped on me." He gives a small smile.
"Doctor, the message said you had information. What kind of information?" The others notice that Napalm seems a bit impatient with the man.
Half turning toward the new voice, he lets his hand fall back to his side as he watches the Young Asian move toward them, he carried himself with purpose and a quiet confidence, he reminded him of an Olympic athlete in many ways.
Another voice comes from behind and he turns to see the one who identified himself as Napalm moving out of the undergrowth.
The only one missing was the alien, she had been in the press the most of any of them and he wondered where Midnight was.
you were the ones who foiled the bank robbery weren't you? And you have been involved in several incidents since. Including the explosions at the port on Staten Island he says stating it as a fact rather than a question as he looks around at these gifted individuals, he had not encountered many like himself, people with abilities and he hoped he was doing the right thing.
He could see the tension in Napalm and hear the impatience in his voice and so deciding not to wait any longer for the last of them to show up he takes a breath and says.
I am afraid I have little information on the devil of Hell's Kitchen, I did not realise you were looking for him. I assumed you were looking for Frank Castle. The Port, the shootings at the Metrocab company these incidents seem to have the Punishers fingerprint all over them, I have been looking into Frank castle ever since he supposedly "escaped " from prison, i have gathered a lot of information on The Punisher and I have some leads that may help
"We have reason to believe that the Devil went after the Punisher. Find one and we might find them both." Napalm seems a tad more patient now that Sterne has shown some knowledge.
"Who are you that you're looking into the Punisher? Take it from us, that's very dangerous business. If he realizes you're looking into him, he could decide that you're a threat." Napalm glances around, suddenly realizing that this could all be a setup and the Punisher could have them in their sights now. But that wasn't really his way to use someone else to lure them in. "Out with it. What do you know about Castle?"
A slight way down the path on one of the benches, a woman folds her newspaper, stands up and stretches. She walks down the path towards the statue and looks like she will walk past you but instead surprisingly stops and moves to join the group.
As she comes to rest in the loose circle of people, there is a static-like flicker across her clothing and the colour fades from her blonde hair, sunglasses seeming to melt away as Midnight's iris-less eyes and blueish skin are revealed underneath a loose-fitting black hood. The jeans and long-sleeved blouse also fade to reveal a form-fitting black suit trimmed with cobalt blue. Her gaze flicking across her teammates she shrugs
Finally got my suit working properly in this atmosphere...
she turns to the doctor
Forgive me for skipping to the heart of the matter, as well as Napalm's interest in your information, I would like to understand why you have this information. Researching Castle is dangerous if the anecdotal evidence we've heard is to be believed...
As the final member of their team reveals herself he cannot help but stare as her disguise fades away to reveal the startling extraterrestrial beneath, she is very striking of that there is no doubt and the images he has seen of her do not compare to the reality.
Pausing momentarily as he adjusts to this bizarre situation, he had never met an "alien " before let alone a group with powers like theirs
ah forgive me, you must be Midnight he says in greeting , flashing her a quick smile I do not mean to stare, I have never encountered anyone quite like you before. But then the world has changed so much you would think there were extraterrestrials on every street corner. At least that is what the media would have us believe,
Addressing Napalm and Midnights questions he brushes his dark hair back from his forehead and his demeanour changes slightly, talking shop so to speak brought out his professional side.
I would say I know more than most about Frank Castle, in my professional opinion the man is not a psychopath as has been widely reported nor is he crazy. He knows what he is doing, knows he is a mass murderer, knows it is wrong, and does not care.
Now ordinarily this would make him a sociopath, but a sociopath is someone who willingly rejects morality. Frank Castle has a sense of morality because he only murders criminals.
I am not a medical Doctor, I have a PhD in criminal Psychology and I played a small part in the trial of Frank Castle. Myself and a colleague were called in to interview Frank Castle and ascertain his suitability to stand trial for what he had done. He is a very troubled individual.
he says as he remembers how calm and cold the man had been I know very well how dangerous he can be, ever since he escaped from prison I have been trying to figure out who orchestrated his escape and why.
I have been gathering intel on events around New York City trying to find some kind of pattern and as you have said he is a dangerous man And I am not suicidal.
I work with the department of justice parole board and there have been a lot of criminals disappearing lately, violating the terms of their parole.
Now it could be that the punisher is involved I don't know but I do know there is a corruption within the justice system and I want to know who is behind it , I believe Frank Castle was let out of prison, he did not escape on his own pausing to let all this sink in he debates his next move, these "heroes" saw him as just another normal man, they had no reason to suspect he carried the mutant gene. They had no reason to suspect his powers.
I have wrestled with this desicion for some time, I did not seek you out lightly. I want to show you my research, maybe you can help fill in the blanks
Spore's happy to see Midnight appear where the plain human had been just a moment before. Given everything they'd been through, the small victory in her suit's repair felt good.
"So why us," he asks the Doctor, after he says his piece.
"Why not go to SHIELD?"
I have approached SHIELD and they sent you to meet me. They obviously thought the information I had may be of use to you, I have an apartment nearby, I can show you what I have he says making a motion that they should accompany him it's just off 74th street
"74th and...?" Spore replies, trailing off and leaving just a hint of suspicion in his voice. He hadn't learned everything about humans yet, but Trystt had beaten one thing into him:
'Always say your street AND your avenue.'
He looked to her proudly and offered a smile, proud of what he'd learned, before glancing around to the others, ultimately focusing on Napalm. If anyone could verify the Doctor's SHIELD claims, it'd be him.
He can see the pleased expression cross the imposing plant-mans face as he looks expectantly to his diminutive friend and Sterne can see the close bond between them.
It's on Park Avenue, between east 73rd street and east 74th. It's not far, a couple of blocks. he says looking at them expectantly
please, I can appreciate you are apprehensive but we accomplish nothing standing in the park, shall we go?
He leads them out of the park and into the bustling city, he notes the strange looks they garner from the New Yorkers on the street and mentally he shrugged, it could not be helped.
Stopping outside a very elegant, 21-story apartment building Sterne makes his way inside through the revolving doorway, just as Francis, the doorman was making his way back outside.
good morning Dr Sterne he says nodding his hat toward him will you be wanting me to bring you up anything for breakfast this morning?
Smiling back in greeting he shakes his head
not today Francis, thank you he says making his way to the elevator.
He can see the surprised expression on poor francis' face as his guests move in cautiously behind him.
Pressing the button for the 16th floor he looks around at the strange ensemble as they all cram into the elevator.
I was impressed with the way you handled yourselves at the bank, you saved all those people and none of the hostages was hurt. Some colleagues of mine in the NYPD told me much of what went on he says breaking the silence.
As the elevator opens its doors he makes his way to apartment 161 and taking out a key he opens the door and leads them inside.
The apartment belonged to a surgeon friend of his who was more than happy to let Sterne use it.
Inside it was a fully furnished luxury 2 bed apartment, the lavish decor was rich with cream and gold fabrics.
The apartment however was in slight disarray, most of the expensive furniture had been moved to the sides of the large living room and the main wall and fireplace were blocked off by a large multi - sectional screens that were covered with a mind boggling amount of information. photos , news paper clippings , crime reports, maps and witness statements.
Bright lines of red wool joined sections of the research together like some kind of crazy spiderweb, an expensive mahogany desk had been pulled in front of the screen and several police files were lying stacked upon it alongside a journal filled with Sterns bold flowing handwriting.
excuse the mess , this is what I brought you here to see he says sweeping his hand toward his research.
Ebon eyebrow rises and he nods as he takes in Midnights new suit, looking down at his tracksuit trousers and large hoody he feels slightly underdressed.
Eyeing the man up he's unsure of what to make of him, SHEILD told them to meet him so he must be trustworthy and at least not a waste of time. "Let's go see what you can tell us." He steps forward next to the man walking with him. Attempting to work him out.
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Looking around the apartment it's quite different from his own small room in the temple, moving deeper in he spots the large wall with pictures and strings. He moves up to the board looking it over understanding only what half of it could mean and then he turns back to the doctor. "You've clearly had some time on this. You've got my interest at least please"
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Trystt's expression as they follow Dr. Sterne is easily discerned. She looks concerned and even whispers, "We're just going to follow him to his lair?" She stays close to Spore and his reassuring tendrils.
At seeing the crazy web of red wool strings, she replies, "You wanted us to see how a supervillain is made?"
As they all stand around the apartment looking at the mass of information Sterne places his overcoat on a nearby chair and says
please , make yourselves comfortable. Can I get anyone a drink? I have got a pot of coffe on if anyone wants any he says gesturing toward the kitchen that lay down a hallway at the rear of the apartment.
I do not know all of your names, perhaps some introductions are in order?
Ebon nods no to the offer of a drink and moves to lean against a wall. Preferring to stand and watch over the group. "I suppose an offering of names since you so graciously offered up your and took us to your home. I'm Ebon, its a title give to those in my order that strive for perfection. There is only ever one." He hesitates a moment, holding back more but then.
"But you can also call me Akio." He then bows slightly as the Doctor offering him his trust.
Absentmindedly Midnight replies to Sterne
Can't drink coffee, not if I want to get anything else done for the rest of the day, adverse effects on my physiology...
She stares at the network of strings and clippings.
This took... some time to build, layer on layer, growing organically...
She turns and pins him with a depthless stare
Care to summarise and show us why you feel you have a handle on the situation when others are making... less progress?
Her tone is flat but not unfriendly.