Relief at the mixed but at least minimally negative response, which was the best Captain would expect. She flitted between groups as the celebrations continued on, though often found herself back at the main cooking area discussing other items she could help import in for them or talking in groups with Jack and/or Ginette. She found it easier to relax with those weren't the head of their Packs, but still had a good head of their shoulders. She might have even genuinely laughed a time or two, especially as the night wore on and the wrestling got stranger, but it was hard to tell with how noisy werewolves can be.
Captain paused with her own drink in hand as Jerry complimented her. Caught off guard for a moment, she shook his hand firmly before responding, "Thank you. You did well with some good ideas and questions with what was thrown at us."
As Carlos joined in, she takes a long drink of something bubbly and non-alcoholic. As his remark about his suspicions, she shrugged, "I've worked with a lot of groups, they all have their own ways. It did work out far more peacefully than when we usually see each other, which was nice. Maybe next time we'll get a real miracle and things will be peaceful and in the same ballpark as situation is described..." She shook her head slightly, glancing around to spot the teenagers. The werewolves were about the only thing that matched what Captain had been expecting to walk into, though at least this time there would be no paperwork. Just some new contact details to keep off her work's radar...
I enjoyed it, though while it suited Captain's preferred way of dealing with things, she struggled with the social side. It probably be faster to just include in the wrap that she'd probably spend the rest of the time awkwardly talking with werewolves and getting contact details particularly of Jack, Ginette, and others to help with this - or that she might think are useful for her own things.
While still possible, I haven't planned in any explosives yet (so if it happens, y'all can blame Jon - or that I've sat through my teenager playing Resident Evil 7 & all those exploding crates and toys).
My intent for the next one is story that takes 'Hunters' a bit more literally -- though it'll be in an urban warehouse setting rather than dragging everyone out to the forests again. It'll hopefully plays more to those types of hunting/protecting strengths and motivations.
Captain nodded, "Some distrust is good. It is a difficult balance of risks, responsibilities and benefits as you said, to have those who handle and understand all that. Hopefully we can all work something out.
She glanced over at George with a knowing look, before looking towards what was left of food and drinks. If the spices had gone down well, that would give Captain another way to get an invite to come back out this way...
Captain found people hard to read at the best of times. No one obviously angry at her suggestion felt almost like a win.
At Emile's question, Captain gave a slight nod. A further task for werewolf packs, potentially on-going depending on how things worked out, had many benefits and she had enough days off banked to handle a bit longer.
However pleased her thoughts were, she said in a neutral tone, "If that's what you think is best, I can be of assistance in that. Sarah may need to give us a safe introduction with him first."
Captain considered the crowd. She mostly agreed so far, but one person's wise words can too easily be another's patronising BS. Hopefully, the food & other fun had them more seeing the positive.
She expanded, "Potential conflict is a main concern, but so is wellbeing and your right to your Laws & nature. Divided loyalties has been a threat to all of those that no one should ignore, so - with consideration of that, their abilities, heritage, and current wishes, I suggest a trusted someone with a familial or similar close link to who can meet both of their needs become their Alpha, allied with your packs, to train & take on the responsibilities of Alpha for them & they the responsibilities of members to that person. After completing training and any desired higher education, they could apply to join one of the Packs here with further knowledge of how their talents could be an asset & how they wish to continue their relationship with each other & the rest of the packs. Sarah's father seems the best option given so far, but you'll likely know other options if needed. While it may to some be seen as a stretch of the Laws, there is precedence - some with results better than others, that we can use to help ensure their and others safety& wellbeing and with no needs for anything to be broken or cheated."
Captain has mostly given her proposal: training with a member of the Pack or a family member or similarly trusted person who can act as an Alpha, creating a pseudo pack allied with these 5 packs.
She hasn't given an opinion on whether the teens should be separated or left together. She's probably lean towards the latter, but that's Captain issue rather than anything considered.
Captain considered, looking to Sarah, "Do you think your father or other kin could provide them a moving homebase while training? That or another nomadic Pack with experience and willingness to do so could work," she turned to the teens, "I know you said you were undecided how to solve the Law issues before, but he's right to ask if you had any ideas on what you ere going to do before we showed up once Ethan eventually, hopefully, healed. with a nod towards Jerry and the others who had enabled that healing.
Captain considered Carlos's summary, showing little concern. To her, Kaitlyn's ability and Ethan's heritage gave possibilities that could suit them, the Law, and her own ambitions well.
She turning back to the werewolves, particularly the teens and their parents who Captain felt she needed to be on side the most "If Herla, or another familial or similar connection, is willing and able to take on Kaitlyn's training and care for a time, they could possibly be willing to train them both. Even if Ethan doesn't present with any unique abilities, it could be useful for him to have further understanding of that part of his line and for them both to have that time. Would a training time period under a...an alternative Alpha for lack of better concept for them both, allied with yours and still under the wider protections such alliances give, fit within your concerns and the Law? They could re-integrate later where they find fits best, details would have to be very clear for your concerns and to prevent the issues that come from multiple loyalties but a solid arrangement to maintain undivided duty to a teacher for their well-being and the Law for a time...it could give Kaitlyn what she needs, them both additional knowledge, skills, and time to find the best place for them, and maintain order if you can find someone you trust enough to make those arrangements and be allied with to maintain the same protection from other groups that they have here - not that I would expect many would want to mess with your family, Sarah.
Captain gave a slight sympathetic smile at Keefer's discomfort and Sarah's almost-certainty, "These things can get... muddled. A family link to the Packs that you trust could be a good option to consider. Slightly riskier than someone within the Packs, but not as risky as going further to those you don't know as well or only know through reputation."
Beyond giving basic frameworks to help the werewolves, how good any option would be for Kaitlyn wasn't something Captain could make an assessment on. There were too many factors and things Captain would rather not be told, so she stuck with helping them work out a framework to make their choices.
At Jessica's question, Captain glanced over in slight confusion. The question seemed more a test of Kaitlyn's common sense than anything Captain could fathom - using something so dangerous as magic for aesthetics, particularly ones that could draw unwanted attention or risk on-going discomfort, didn't make sense to Captain.
At Kaitlin's question, Captain shook her head, a ghost of a smile at the chorus of nos. She glanced around to see how much of this was being picked up by others.
Keefer's reluctance did raise her curiosity, but Captain chose to give him a potential out in case it was a private matter, "It is a big responsibility, when you all likely already have a lot of your plate. Maybe someone in the family lines would be suitable?" looking to Kaitlyn and Ethan's parents.
Captain looked to Keefer and the other Alphas as she tried to gently repeat her opinion, "As competent as Carlos is with his own magic skills, someone within one of the Packs or a member or relation of one that you trust who can spent long stretches of time over the next few years would have the most benefits, fewest risks that I can see."
Captain remained neutral throughout the experiment, more watching the other werewolves and their environment for reactions than on the experiment itself.
At Kaitlyn's hypothesis, Captain returned her attention to the young woman, "It's possible. Hopefully someone with more experience can help you figure more the mechanics of it.
Things like this regularly needed a lot of testing and working to start scraping the surface of the details. Captain had more experience of working with people after this part, having stopped training people this green a long time ago.
Captain listened and carefully considered what each person said. She understood the concern - this was a riskier type of magic than most and required a lot of trust.
At the request of suggestion, she offered, "An option is coming to an agreement on how and when it can be used - maybe something like Kaitlyn has to ask her Alpha's permission, with a nod towards Kaitlyn's parents ...unless certain emergency criteria are met & how to handle those emergencies. Finding someone either already connected to the Packs here or in one you trust who can help figure out the risks, benefits, and the skills she needs - that might mean that part of the agreement is having a set time when it's agreed she can work on this and what kinds of simple changes she can work with while figuring this out and that afterwards she has to tell at least you all so what people do and don't notice can be monitored. Any agreement may need to be adjusted as she refines her skills and understanding.
Captain considered the question. It's a serious question, with layers of the responsibilities for everyone with already so many uncertainties on Emilia's shoulders. Captain could try to offer some solidity in that uncertainty.
"There are theories, as with other situations raised," she started slowly with a nod to Jerry and Kavax. With her knowledge of the type of research that's been used to answer those questions done by different people - and how unsettling what they probably had already heard on that was - she moved on, "As I was telling them, I've worked with Packs and Clans that have a significant number of extensive magic users. Why some groups have more than others, how they appear, and so many other questions likely have multiple factors. Another werewolf who can train her and show how such an ability can fit within the Law can help so that it happens with oversight next time."
Captain gave a faint half smile at Jack's proud remark, "Makes sense, I would too in that situation. Could you ask her to join us when she has some time. If she remembers, she'll know why - and if she doesn't, we still need a medical professional who can monitor this. Maybe bring some food over too please, we may need something to make this go easier...
After talking with Jack, she caught Jessica's wave and nodded. Looking to the teens, trying to be encouraging "You've dealt with a lot of the worst on your own. Now you have support - there may be disagreements on what that support should be, but it's not the risks you were heading towards before and I'm hoping we can find an even better outcome for you both." Captain started to head over, hoping the teens the follow.
She too has faced far scarier threats than a group of worried werewolves, but this wasn't a negotiation Captain could use her long-earned clout and heavy backing -- and unlike those where walking out was an tempting option and too often involved those she wouldn't spare time for she wasn't well paid for her time, Captain cared for this to go well for several reasons that had nothing to do climbing the corporate ladder. She had to balance her professional training and her underlying that she had trained down to a flicker of caring too much.
Captain nodded at the Alphas as they looked their way and encouraged the teens to head over.
She then glanced over the party for anyone else who might be looking too, "Jack, which medical person do you think would be best to ask over? I'd rather not disrupt things too much, but someone who knew but isn't directly related to them would be preferable."
Read a Bad Situation:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 = 14What's/Who's the best way to protect the victims? and What's most vulnerable to me?.
Captain faintly smiled, "It doesn't sound stupid in the slightest. Maybe an agreement with visiting different traveling packs, mentoring with suitable Pack members or other contacts, and - as I said before - suitable deadlines and considerations may help. It won't be a neat solution, but while those can be nice, they can rarely be expected."
Captain glanced to Carlos, though her words were more meant to reassure Kaitlin, "It's not that much different to deep cover or full change of records with or without magic being involved. Same concerns about whether or not to trust what's being said, same distress to those who either know or find out otherwise, same fears of thoughts having being pushed in a certain direction. Trust comes from connections, not capacities, though such incidents can test them.
Pushing her experience and recent general lack of connections to one side, she continuing along in step and speech, "That limitation Kaitlin might just be lack of training. Even if not, there are workarounds, usually getting clearance prior to use from your Alpha -- but that will require you two to openly discuss with us what you'd like to happen when this is dealt with and 'fixed'. Divided loyalties are rarely good, even worse in this situation where full loyalty is both expected and required. As I told you before, I cannot recommend such a risky option for you two and I certainly don't recommend for the even riskier option of you two to try to otherwise get out from under the Law. Knowing what you each really want is the first step towards finding the best resolution." as she once again pushed the issue. Having already discussed with them the last time she had dealt with a wolf-blooded person with divided loyalties, she hoped not to push the issue much further, but she really wanted them to discuss it before they got back to their parents. Captain imagined once there, there would be little hope of getting them out of sight let alone hearing range of their parents for them to freely talk.
Not seeing anything of concern hadn't helped her relax much. Captain considered Jessica's question, then gave a slight nod, "That could be helpful. It shouldn't take us much longer to get back, but if we can quickly get the Alphas together, we can hopefully start dealing with the issues and confusion at hand."
"If the Packs here don't know anyone, and there is no one through any of the other bloodlines, Captain continued with a glance towards the teens, "Problem is, as Kaitlyn has noticed, finding the right words and getting them in the right ears. What you're calling reality warping, another might be calling Actuality Alteration, Essokinesis, Existential Overwriting, Self-Wish Granting, each slightly different. Emilia or one of the other Alphas likely has more recent contact details with Packs and Clans known for their magic users. They would be the next best source...and any request would be best coming from an Alpha, so medical care and talking to them is the next step once we're back. Is there anything about your perspectives on the dating Law issues that you'd like us to know first?
As she walked back down the path towards the river crossing, she responded more directly to Jack, trying to be reassuring, but still more matter-of-fact than warm as she was before, "It isn't uncommon when covered memories return to find it disorientating-to-distressing, especially as the now-reality tends to conflict with both sets, but that should pass soon. You seem to be handling it well."
She made her way, speaking as her mind turned, "The next thing we need to worry about is getting medical supervision. Once there, Kaitlin and Ethan can explain in more detail to the Alphas and they can take the appropriate steps from there. While I agree with both ideas that this will need to be explained in detail to the Alphas and that all of this cannot remain a secret, it doesn't need to be to entirely out there. Once you talk the Alphas, unless I think you two are leaving out something absolutely needed for your and your Packs wellbeing, it's your information and I'll respect your choices on discretion - though I'd appreciate if at some point we could get both of your points of view on how to resolve the Law issue."
She glanced back towards the other hunters, but kept walking, "Jack, Kaitlin, and Ethan can correct me if I'm wrong, but while conflict is a possibility, remember before the race earlier, magic was openly discussed as it is in many communities. I've never heard of any Pack 'burning witches' or any other type of spellcasters, but I have heard of them protecting them - to the point in some parts of the world, half-werewolves are commonly called witchwolves. The only harm I've heard of were in self-defense or retribution which I think is unlikely in this cause. While there are always some security concerns, most outside organizations won't attempt recruitment of a werewolf still aligned with a Pack anymore and most Packs and Clans already know the groups that don't care about the Ugam agreements who would force the issue - or worse. Local-scale can be a bigger concern than large scale.
She looked up and around as she continued on, "Last time I was in a werewolf-controlled forest, there were steppe eagles. At least one of them was a witch who married into a Pack who would track in any visitors, not sure what type. I'd never had known if I hadn't met her daughter and caught her looking up so much on our way back into their lands, but there were stories of others used similar tactics. This kind of magic can pull, and that concerns me far more than any of the Packs. It's a risk, this stuff always is, but if you turn-the-worst-to-best luck continues as you have been so far, these are all just a passing worries that will sort themselves out. We just have to be cautious.
Read a Bad Situation:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 2 = 11Hold 3, use 1: Are there any dangers we haven't noticed? Since the characters all seem jumpy that this is going so smoothly.
Captain gave Jack a small sympathetic smile, before turning to the teenagers. "As the magic was maintaining separate memories, rather than erasing them, some disorientation as it fades is to be expected. With any luck, the more unpredictable risks won't come into play - them remembering is unlikely to undo what you and Kavax have done - but we need to start heading back. Both to get both of you under your Packs medical supervision and to lessen the others confusion. We still to discuss how you both want to resolve the Law issue, but I imagine the others will have other things on their mind for a bit.
Captain considered what Kaitlyn (definitely not Katherine) said, mixed feelings about the look in the girl's eye.
Following into the cave, Captain briefly added to Kaitlyn, "Those symptoms will need to continue to be tracked. Hopefully they'll ease when this is finished, but things like that don't always..."
She raised an eyebrow at the mentions of ambrosia - outside influences could still be involved and further information on the packs and their possible connections could prove useful - but kept most of her wary focus on Carlos and Kavax's magic use.
Captain nodded slightly as she listened to the teens explanations, considering them alongside her notes. At Ethan's question, which Captain took literally in her current mood, she looked up as she organised her thoughts.
After Carlos and Kavax made their offers, Captain nodded and added, still sound neutral-numb-textbook, "Either are possible option, with risks to consider with adding in more magic. Generally on what little I can see and guess from your description Ethan, there are a lot of factors to consider, but with the medic teams I've led, I'd expect, without magical supplementation to healing which alters the timeline one way or the other - probably looking about twelve weeks with rehabilitation and non-strenuous activities starting 6-8 weeks post-op. Any remaining components you're reacting to plus any shifting and - while I'm sure you've done your best - lack of professional oversight will lengthen that...but I'm going to guess this has been going on considerable amount of time. How long? And how long after did you start getting nose bleeds?
Captain sighed slightly as the young man disclosed risky information she didn't need and had told them she hadn't wanted. The relevant information explained a lot - small mercies, at least they hadn't used an outside necromancer. Some are lovely, but there were enough layers on this to risk someone who might not be.
While pleased they recognised the moral quandary this situation has, her anger had not yet fully abated. Captain's posture and tone were still neutral-numb. "Hopefully you won't need this in future, but 'freak accident with components that killed me, but is now healing', along with the parameters Kaitlin gave would have sufficed. Listing out specific vulnerabilities puts you and potentially us at risk. That aside, we need to start planning the least risky options, so: how long have you been sustaining this, how long have the nose bleeds been going on, and what are the chances a professional could take a look at the injury? While...understandable that you would do this, this type of magic risks killing both of you and others in terrible ways. A prognosis and timeline on the injury would give us more options or we might need to plan for the worst even if hoping for better."
She was used to being the bearer of bad news, and 'you may be killing each other and others you love' wasn't the worst she'd had to deliver, but it was up there. Still, Captain hoped she had framed it in a way that they could see further cooperation would only improve their chances and that it was clear to them that even angry, even though the magic use wasn't one she could truly support, Captain had no ill will towards them. With her own agenda, Captain still wanted this to go well for them. She tried to keep her thoughts from the options she would have if she could bring in her subordinates, especially the ones from before... but that wasn't an option at this time.
Captain stood closer to Jackson and Jerry as she stopped between them and those talking to the teens.
A slightly pleased nod that Kaitlin was feeling better, a raised eyebrow at the young lady's question - at least she acknowledged it was rude, a faintly grim look between her and Jackson as Kaitlin discussed "the world the way I need it to be" and how she had been using her abilities.
Quietly looked over her notes, holding her tongue, breathing getting slightly tighter. There were words for what Kaitlin had been doing, and none of them were polite. These types of abilities would also make her a target for those with even less care for the repercussions of altering the minds of others to their will, to get what they wanted. This explained why the information everyone got seemed weird and a lot more, but Captain still didn't like having this information.
Voice on the edge of neutral and intentionally numbed, Captain asked as she stepped back from the teens, "What numbers are we looking at? People you're trying to affect, numbers of times that has happened?" with a nod towards the bloodied handkerchief.
There was a lot more she wanted to ask, most of the 'what did she think gave her the right...' and 'what are you willing to risk for what you think is the way the world should be?' variety, but she couldn't let those emotions reach her, not yet. There were protocols to for this that would be a lot more useful and feel better, eventually...
Captain continued with her notes, giving each note consideration.
At Carlos's remark towards she added on, "Young scared, emotionally intertwined werewolves, as if that clearly altered protocol in a serious way that she didn't need to go into further details " One with rare mixed heritage, the other seems to have something going on with her as well. With unknown capabilities. And possible unknown forces involved - countless are those who would take advantage if they could, especially if she is nearly as convinced that she is doing the right thing and can do it better without anyone else's input as she tries to present. Whether she is actually fixing anything or not, she's convinced she is and scared people who think they have the solution -- they're among the most dangerous if focused and able enough. No matter what we think, we need to explain in a way that shows empathy, honesty, and gives them the autonomy in answering or she's going to dig in more. Easy to say, more difficult than most instructive texts and courses on the vital social aspects of countering terrorist and other criminal and dangerous people make it seem like it should be. This is why she ensured the hiring of subordinates who were far better at this, sadly none she could use now.
"Building rapport is going to be difficult as things are now... any ideas before we head up? Captain was unsure what kinds of answers she was expecting from the others, or what would be best. She really wanted this to go well, for many reasons.
Reading a Bad Situation:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7Slightly cheeky one: What's the best way in (to Kaitlin's confidence)?
Captain added notes as Jessica spoke, "Agreed, she's the one that needs convincing. She's aware there is a problem and actively trying to do something about the issue. She's very adamant that they can 'fix' this without anyone help, Ethan not so much, but whether she actually believes they can or why... Captain shrugged. It could be any of Kavax's options. Even her knowing there is a problem didn't mean she was conscious of her role in it.
After a few moments, she looked to Kavax and Jessica, her voice lowered further, "Earlier, both of them where in an out of the way part of the cave. I saw nothing overt of concern, but... it may need to be investigated.
She started to go through her notes, looking for connections and gaps.
Sharp:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8
She smiled with a nod as her took it, trying but failing to keep the concern from her eyes, but at least kept her mouth and the advice she was tempted to give shut.
Captain listened to the others as they spoke. After a few moments of consideration, she looked to Jackson, "I think those two - for their own reasons - don't want to risk communicating something until they deal with themselves and have - inadvertently or not - taken advantage of some communication gaps between the Packs to get this far. Not an intentional deception, but not clear either. Like we were discussing earlier, they might not know what they want with all this going on, we may need to give them some ideas..."
She looked back towards where the teens were for a moment before returning with her thoughts, "I'm guessing they don't have much experience with those who'd love to take advantage of all this. We're going to need to put all the pieces, from each pack and what's been... seen, to fill in the gaps and give them solutions they'll want.
Captain pulls out her notepad from before with her pen. After writing a few things down, she starts to talk as she writes, "So, originally we were told this was a dispute about dating, something neither of them mentioned. Emile said she thought someone was playing games for it to get this far. The young woman gets seizures for reasons unclear, there is a lot magic focusing around her which is probably the same Kavax has been able to smell - might need to check we've not got more than one at play. They want to fix something by stabilising something but don't know how long that will take, maybe it's a game the teens have gotten involved in or one or more forces is playing with them. I would have thought Ethan would be the target, but... what else?" she looked up from her notepad to the others.
Captain turned to Jessica at the familiar title. She opened her mouth to remark how she could try, but they weren't under command when she heard Ethan's intake of breath...and Kaitlyn talking for them again.
Captain was mixed between frustrated at Ethan being constantly cut off and the information they were missing because of his less cooperative girlfriend and concerned about what Jessica and the others wanted to say.
As the nose bleed, Captain pulled a crisp dark grey handkerchief from her inside blazer pocket.
"Ethan is correct." Captain started, paused with the cloth in hand, waiting to see if either would come back for it. She nodded slightly in acknowledgement of Carlos's remark before she continued, "Forward reduces the risk of further complications."
Captain raised her eyebrows first at Jessica's soft remark, then at Ethan's adamant one. Not wanting to press Jessica further yet, she turned towards the young man.
She had to catch herself. This wasn't a new recruit, not even another adult who could be expected to handle sharply worded concern. This was a teenager clearly out of his depth and scared, but wanted to protect someone he cared about. In her experience, that led people to do foolish things, much like many people who think they're exceptions. And the very few exceptions tend to be more danger than good. There were reasons she quoted protocols, even if only to herself at times. Even if she knew which ones were more about control than anything else. That control prevented...anarchy, or worse.
Picking her words with care, she softly said, "Which rules do you think you're the exception to? I'm not seeing which ones with the talk of fixes, stability, balance, and...magic. It really doesn't sound like either of you are discussing what we've been told".
Captain's curious gaze went between the teenagers and Jackson. There was no blame in it. Concern yes, but not anger - just a desire to understand and a worry that not would result in her acting a way that caused harm she did not intend. It would not be the first time she was put in that position, and she dreaded being in it again.
Just over the river is the first werewolf, Captain is up the path a bit with the teens near some caves. Not far, enough to see and hear if speaking at a normal volume. Captain would be too distracted to think he was talking to her before if he didn't come up the path.
She started to walk towards Jessica at the sudden strong change in behaviour. Captain stopped sharply at the reassurances that she's all right, and shifted back. Looking around the others but wanting to give Jessica time to recover. "Let us know if you need anything.
After listening to Kavax, Captain considered. "Interesting, that makes sense with some of my concerns. Emile told us that we're to give recommendations for solutions on the issue that neither of you want to change Packs, but still want to date, and the tension this is causing within the 5 Packs allied here. That there are big questions marks around what you two each need and want compared to what your families and Packs want. Neither of you can be expected to maintain loyalty to two Packs, having split loyalty will only fester more issues, that's why the Laws are as they, the agreements with... other groups are as they are. Now, neither of you have mentioned anything about that, all you've told me is a need to fix something, to maintain stability, to maintain balance, and that you can't give me a definite deadline to base any recommendation on as this issue will take too long. It's sounded like a far bigger burden on your shoulders than dealing with Pack dating law."
Captain nodded towards the young woman, "Kaitlyn is correct, I meant that I hope to avoid the catastrophic consequences that tend to come with 'fixes'. I understand those too well, they so often seem so simple and then, after so many one more things, it's all out of control, and the damage... craters and packs going to war are very obvious, others less so but still can never be repaired."[/b] Captain sighed as she shifted, I may not understand all of this, I learn something new all the time, but I can't recommend what you want until you tell me enough to try." While the differences were getting clearer, memories still tugged at Captain's heart strings. After a deep breath, she pulled herself more upright - more neutral, more guarded as she heard more of the others approach.
If Kavax approached Captain before saying that, she'll nod in agreement with him at this point before doing the following. If he didn't, it'll happen as is:
Captain's voice picked up slightly as she shifted her feet, and glanced over to Jackson and the other hunters, "Or... she started, "If you prefer, we can start by hearing what your other pack members have said, and you two can tell us what you think is correct and what isn't about this situation. Her tone neutral, simply giving a choice, equally fine with any option.
She stepped back, giving the teens more space, and room for them - or one of the other hunters or Jackson - the floor to speak. Retreating and regathering herself and her thoughts for a few moments.
The latter, "his features suggesting a mix of Brazillian and East Asian ancestry" was how he was described for me earlier
She sighed as she looked between the the two teens. Apparently they still needed to be taught what 'no room for vagueness' means.
As she considered how to impress on them the importance of specifics, and tried to ignore nagging memories, her attention was brought to the others. She nodded at Jessica's wave, as if she was expecting her and the others.
She turned back, voice low, still trying to make progress with the stubborn teens, or rather, one stubborn-scared teen and one scared-lovestruck one.
GM/talking to teens:
Captain tried to talk calmly but quickly before the others got too much closer, "The other guests of Emilia's I mentioned before. I can ask them to wait back if you want. I can understand wanting to deal with whatever yourselves - but I need more on what you want and need to make a recommendation in your favour, and an indefinite amount of time to fix things just... last time I had someone swearing she's going to fix everything with a bit more time, I ended up dealing with missing people, a blown up mountain and over 40 packs ready to go to war with multiple international groups involved. She should never have been in that position, you both are thankfully in a much better position with your packs and now have a group of people with a range of experiences in dealing with the unbalanced oddities and preventing catastrophes wanting to help. Together, we can come up with a plan to recommend for you, rather than whatever Jessica, her with the wings, and the others got from the adults who I'm guessing don't know about this need for balance." She shifted back, trying to give them more space, trying to appear nonthreatening, remembering why she used to be the silence enforcer as much as negotiations were often more useful.
Captain looked at the young pair for a few moments, trying to remain as neutral and calm as possible. It was difficult for her as the memories started to flit around her thoughts. Just a bit more time, just this one more thing and we can solve everything... if only it was that simple as often as people liked.
Eventually, Captain said, "Then we need to set a deadline and an agreed plan for if you two go over that time. There is no room for vagueness here, for every person like me who works to avoid chaos and conflict, a dozen more are circling, waiting for one of yours to reach out to them wanting their support in a conflict. They will use the loopholes they wrote to profit at your expense."
At the 'your expense', her gaze went from the pair, to firmly on Ethan. Both because he would end up with a big target on his back as a valuable acquisition, and because he had been cut off. Captain needed a bit more information before she could start forming questions to investigate, before she could form a recommendation, "Ethan, what are your thoughts?
Captain considered the differing reactions, but simply nodded and started to back up and move out of the cave. She makes no attempt to call into question the boy's remark even if it seemed a bit suspect - if she wanted them to assume her honesty, she had to give the same to them until evidence otherwise or it became vitally important to call into question. She was happy to be leaving the cave, but tried to make a mental note of their way out in the unfortunate case they needed to investigate where they had been later.
Carefully picking her way back through, listening out for the pair's footsteps and other concerns, she quietly offered some explanation to his comment on what she wanted and made an attempt at putting her mind at rest, "I want to give a recommendation with the most benefits and least risks and I want to avoid anything that might encourage agreements to be broken or creates misery, so I need your help in figuring out possible solutions. I haven't spoken to your parents, don't intend to, left that to the others, she motioned slightly to Charly, "so I could do this with as clear a path as possible. I don't want anything that could put you at further risk so I won't ask about abilities or similar and don't want you disclose that kind of information unless absolutely 100% needed to understand something. I've worked with a lot of different types of people, you tell me X can't work or you need B, I don't need a detailed map explaining why unless we keep hitting road blocks. This isn't the worst logistical mess I've seen by far, though there does seem a lot of uncertainty, particularly about what each of actually wants."
Captain took a step back to give the pair more space, glancing from the branch to the pair of teenagers. The professional spoke to them much as she spoke to adults and made no attempt to be dishonest, "Guests of Emilia's. I've brought food from the party for you both, tracked you with a bit of help in hopes of hearing your sides of the situation." She held the platter towards them for them to take if they so wished, both her hands clearly visible. "Is there somewhere you would feel more comfortable talking to us?
Nothing about this sounded good. While eavesdropping might get them more information, there were too many gaps unlikely to be filled when they knew everything between them without words.
She didn't want to young people to feel further threatened - her mind rattled through keys of communication methods, and the one that teens typically wanted most: autonomy, she needed to give them the ability to approach and see how distracted & distressed they are are.
Hands still full, she stepped backwards and kicked some pebbles towards the opening, scuffed along as scattered by walking. She waited without a word for their reaction
Captain followed carefully after Charly until the smaller woman stopped. Depending on airflow and how distracted they were, they could have a few minutes before their targets realized from scents of her platter of food and people that there were other nearby.
Considering that rapport would be needed to get information - especially with the type of information needed and their limited options for other tactics, she chose to wait back with Charly at least for the moment. If time went onto long, or they discussed something that Captain knowing could put either at risk, she'd be more obvious.
Captain kept her reaction to herself as Jackson got redressed, though at the entrance of the cave - and the obvious voices beyond - she let out a frustrated sigh. Of course they had to be in a cave. She used to work in them a lot, but after Ugam, she preferred not having stones overhead and couldn't understand the appeal for young people.
As Captain squatted and made her way inside, she couldn't help but think that if there ended up being a "lake", "shards", or "pearls" emanating magic in here, then the universe would be trying a bit hard. Penlight in hand, she also hoped there wouldn't be any fire or "earthquakes" this time around either...
Captain wasn't utterly indifferent to the reduction in attire, but the professional gave little reaction. She knew better. Slightly more reaction to the mention of caves for a split second. A far off look into her eyes - her experiences with wolf blooded young people and caves wasn't great. Many 'small' caves had big old secrets that were too easily ignited by recklessness.
Shaking the memories away, she kept moving, tracking.
Captain nodded to Charly. Picking her way across the sandbar and up the dry dirt path, she attempted to ask Jackson, "Is there anything up this way we should know about?"
Rose isn't particularly thinking about who follows so doesn't mind who shows up. OOC, I'd appreciate if the message Captain gave the Kavax and Jerry got to Carlos and Jessica and the last Alpha was talked to to make sure we don't miss anything and that Alpha doesn't get annoyed about being left out. If those that remained want to share info and talk to the last Alpha and then, if Captain and Charly aren't back yet, one or more come track them down so the information gets spread around faster, that could work or they can all compare notes when Captain and Charly get back & hopefully whatever Captain and Charly don't know won't bite them too badly out in the woods.
Tracking quarry:
Captain was even less sure about what had surprised Jack this time, so continued on, her teeth grinding together with each snap and crackle. She eased herself with reminders that myths about certain threats silent prowess being wrong was helpful in her line of work -- and the teens were probably too distracted and used to forest noises to care much about a few...several breaking twigs.
The little pretty pond was an obviously attractive spot for hiding teens. A short grateful chuckle at the remark about teens being at least mostly dressed, she could do without dealing with naked young adults again. Bare feet could be even more distinctive for tracking, depending on where they went. With a deep breath and a scan of their surroundings, Captain followed for signs of the pair.
Investigate a Mystery:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 = 12Hold 2, use 1 'Where did [they] go?'
While everyone may have seen Captain leave and the direction she left in, she is no longer in sight of the party clearing.
GM & Charly:
Charly, Captain is currently at a little enclave of buildings in a small clearing to the north of the party area, so I'm reading it as Charly sneak-following her through the woods there. Captain was simply walking quietly so this wouldn't be hard to do for someone who saw her leave.
Captain didn't look surprised at Charly's presence or question, but with her current hyper-focused stare at their surroundings, little likely would. She also didn't look annoyed or any further unpleased about it. After a brief moment, Captain pulled out an phone with a large low-lit screen from her blazer pocket and with a little typing showed a message to Charly in what looked like a very plain list app.
1. Finding teenagers
Finding two teens that had snuck away from a party without them running off further at the first sound of adults was enough of a challenge without them being werewolves and the possible unknown abilities of the mixed wolf-blooded teen. She would discuss more once the pair had been found and hopefully agreed to talk. Getting them back before any further trouble or animosity happened would be nice, but Captain found these situations were rarely as nice as she'd liked.
She then repocketted her phone and started to walk slowly around the buildings, continuing her tracking as she circled. Investigate a Mystery:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9What is being concealed here?
Yes, if Charly saw her, she would almost certainly recognize that Captain is searching for something. She's looking mainly on the ground like she dropped something. Whether Charly noticed Captain's cheerful attitude earlier with everything else going on or that it changed around the time she spoke to Jerry & Kavax is up you, but Charly would likely be able to tell by looking at Captain that she's less than happy right now (though may find that not too different from her previous experience of Captain, though with less instructive lectures).
The less than charismatic Captain was unsure how best to respond to Jackson's surprise and how it felt like what joy had been in their interaction was gone. Not too unusual, the protocol for this was so much less neat. Unsure how to regain her footing or the fun in this, she just nodded in agreement and set to work. Maybe doing something well might help.
Captain moved further away from the others near the table. She wasn't overt, but also made little attempt to hide that she was searching mainly the ground. Also less attempt than usual to hide, in what little could be read in her professional demeanor, that she was now less than pleased about something. Significantly less than in the rare smiling demeanor she had had before she had approached the table.
After some time, Captain started to head north out of clearing, platter still in hand.
Spoiler:
Captain tried to remain quiet as she tracked so as to not possibly give the teens more time to run off than her careful footsteps would. At the little group of buildings, Captain slowed and took in her surroundings, hoping to approach the teens in the least threatening way possible if they were there.
Carlos:
If Carlos sees Captain before she leaves the clearing, his experience with her would allow him to know she's tracking rather than just searching. Her going off on her own is typical, at least she spoke to Jerry and Kavax first as she's known to go off without a word, but her entire lack of shown attention about the ambrosia isn't. She certainly would have said something if it was dangerous, at least in Carlos' experience, but to not even say if it's not a threat or give textbook explanations to the questions isn't her usual protocol.
Captain's smile melted into her professional ice as she made her choices. With the drink issue appearing to be well in hand, and her knowledge of such angelic things with their limitation, Captain took her platter of foods. With a brief look to the others and a head tilt in the direction she was going, left them to it.
Returning to Jackson,
Spoiler:
she gave a small smile, "It looks like they have that in hand, thankfully. Do you think this will be enough to tempt those two back before much more trouble happens? Captain was definitely more uneasy than she had been before. Calculating all the things that could go wrong did that to her. She looked from him to the forest surroundings as she continue the calculate the concerns with where she had seen either of them last or maybe better would be which way seems the way two people could go without causing concern or maybe...Investigate a Mystery:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7Where did [they] go?
Captain looked again to check, and to see if anyone else seemed to be looking for them, before she looks back to Jack with a nod, "I understand. I appreciate the help you can give without making it more difficult for you or your pack. Hopefully we can avoid the parents getting involved yet. Just let me grab some more food to maybe tempt them back...
Captain turned sharply at the angelic tone and headed in that direction, having to hope Jackson would follow. At Emilia's question, Captain responded intentionally briefly, "Depends on the type." in a calm, factual but still on-guard tone. If she thought this situation was a threat, she would say so, but wouldn't alarm anyone without known cause.
As Carlos was busy, Captain moved near Jerry and Kavax. She lowered her voice, more not to disturb what was going on with Jessica and Carlos than to prevent any of the werewolves overhearing, "Awkward timing, I am aware - I'm going to go find a couple of the guests who wandered off. Hopefully Carlos has this under control soon and afterwards, if you two could make sure the Boisville pack and their Alpha gets included in talks, I'd appreciate it so that we can compare notes when I get back.
Giving the situation a wide berth while still acting like everything was normal, she grabbed a few bits for her platter.
