Evil's Return 2: School's Out and the Book of Death.

[Mesden]

"Tessa," Elissa blurted out, casting aside any form of 'formal' speaking that was supposed to be used, "even though it's just great that this worked out fine for us, I want to know what the fuck was going on when, somehow, it was down to 2 agents to kill off a goddamn blood summoned demon and - let me finish- how exactly do you plan on changing methodology so shit like this doesn't happen again. Yeah, I heard about sigils in the school, but I doubt Miss Demon Queen is going to be at school everyday for the rest of her life."

By the end of these words she was leaning far back in her chair. Elissa was notorious for being very...earnest, "Unless, of course, you love to dispose of agents. God knows I should be dead right now if I wasn't breaking regulations with that kind of firepower in a public area."

She raised an eyebrow over the perpetually worn sunglasses, "I hope I'm not getting a reprimand for the grenade launcher, too."

[Mintaro]

Caleb had arrived early. Using his binoculars he checked out the different possible sniper locations. The old roller coaster probably wouldn't hold a person at the top even if someone could manage to get up there. And the old fun house might hold someone if they could get in but the locks all looked in tact. The entire place had been secured years ago when this place was turned into a meeting local, but it had been awhile sense then.

Finally deciding it was safe he went ahead and locked up his car. He walked through the poorly illuminated amusement park. "They really should just tear this place down..." He thought to himself.

He made it to the meeting area. It was a large gazebo, walled in except for the four entrances. Sitting down on one of the benches he waited quietly until Nathaniel arrived.

“Well, are you here or not, Caleb?” Nathaniel shouted as he entered.

Caleb waved to his old friend. "I'm right here." taking a quick glance he noted the time. "Still a couple minutes till 9. Tell me though, Is there anyplace more creepy then an abandoned themepark? Caleb commented echoing the sentiments expressed in Nathaniel's thoughts earlier.

[Astral Harmony]

The group started hearing Laurella's singing voice coming from the kitchen, singing Disturbed's "Deify".

"I only wanted a blessing made,
Now I've been labeled a renegade,
It seems so clear now what I must do,
You're no immortal,
I won't let them
Deify you,
They view you as the new messiah
Deify you,
Renew belief in some demented man."

The Mother of Hell pushed open the door to the family room with her faded denim overall-clad ass and entered with a plate of bacon, eggs, and grits layered in butter and lightly blanketed in salt that she cooked herself. To complete her getup that was clearly meant for her personal comfort instead of style, she wore a pale yellow tank top and white running shoes and a light blue scrunchy for her ponytail. It was clearly spur-of-the-moment "As long as I'm wearing something" fashion.

Noticing that most of the official protectors had been assembled there, Laurella took a brief moment to turn off her iPod and removed the earpieces. "Sorry 'bout that," she apologized.

[musicmage4114]

Zack grimaced. He had been so close, so CLOSE... but they just HAD to hold that stupid meeting right then.

He fumbled around for a Contact card and touched it softly.

You and I need have something very important to talk about afterward, Laurella. I'll see you in your room afterward." He smiled in her direction as his telepathic message whizzed through the air and echoed in her mind.

[Inbred Chocobo]

"What else do we know of this cult?" Narzeal spoke first. Someone had to break the ice when it came to questions. "Also was that the only known base of theirs, or do we know where else they are located?" Narzeal went on, clearly this man wanted to stay on top of his job.

It was then that Laurella walked in on the meeting. "Don't worry about it Laurella." Narzeal was struck then by her cooking. "Wow that does smell good. I think I might have to grab some after this is over with." Narzeal said, in a small attempt to complement Laurella's cooking.

[Astral Harmony]

Laurella smiled warmly at Narzeal, which looked a little unnatural given that she also concentrating on hearing Zack's mental message.
I hope it's nothing freaky that he has to tell me. I think I've heard enough freaky stuff from him to last me all week.

[secretskull]

Duane spared a quick glance for Laurella, and would have certainly commented, under different circumstances.

"The cult isn't the issue here", he said sitting for ward in his seat. "Our main problem is that half a dozen Protectors are expected to contain a situation of that caliber on their own. We were supposed to have a team of S.E.C.A operatives standing by. Standing by implies they get their quickly, they don't dawdle around doing who knows what." Duane paused for a moment, and began reclining again.

"I was under the impression that the fate of the world hangs on this and whatnot," he added bitingly. "I had no idea we could afford to disregard common sense."

[Demetrius]

"The operatives on standy by aren't the protectors for a reason, you are... We are, each of us is the best at what we do. A single blood summoned was able to do so much damage because of a lalck of coordination among us, the people assigned to be on hand. We are the front line, as such we need to be used intellegently, not launch into our own little battles. Had I known you would have acid grenades of that Elissa did have the firepower she had on hand, I wouldn't have charged in and bruised my ribs!" Harm took a deep breath and winced, "We have comm units for a reason, we need to use them and report in to someone who will deploy us in an organized fashion, with appropriate groupings to deal with the issue. Soldiers without generals are a mob that is easily confused and beaten. Today we were lucky, our ineptitude was outweighed by the simplicity of the enemy's tactics and obvious underestimation of the individuals here. As I said we are the best, lets act like it and get our squad in order." Harm stepped back and waited for someone to step forward, after all he had been ordered to follow, he just needed someone to lead the way.

[Akamaz]

Heatedly Kase leapt up "As far as the fiasco at the school went, I think a big part of that wasn't having an Evac plan for everyone. That and it seemed we needed to remember our ONLY job... We protect the mother. End of story. That means getting her OUT of the situation. That doesn't mean picking fights with demons, or even playing nice with personal property." Kase sat down suddenly slightly embarrased at how much he just said.

[musicmage4114]

"We really shouldn't be trying to assign blame." Zack stepped forward, easily taking command of the room, with thanks given to his concealed Grandeur card that made him hard to ignore. "I think we all did the best we could faced with a school full of thousands of possessing spirits, most with hosts, no less, and attacked by a blood-summoned demon."

He cast his gaze around the room. "By all means, we shouldn't ignore the fact that the S.E.C.A. standbys made a mistake by not arriving fast enough. And yes, our regulations and rules of concealment are probably a little flawed, but those things can be corrected. I think the most important thing to remember is that we're a TEAM, and we did our job: protect Laurella."

He gave the card another rub, intensifying its power the barest bit. "I realize that our organizations aren't always in synch. As a Society member, sometimes I can't STAND not knowing what a lot of S.E.C.A. operatives have up their sleeves... sometimes literally. But that doesn't mean I don't trust that they have my back."

"I suggest we all divide ourselves... let me finish before you react to the word 'divide' and call me a hypocrite... into squads, balanced according to the capabilities of its members. The members of the teams should know EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING, about the capabilities of the other squad members. They should also be constructed so that each squad has a way to contact the others. Just a suggestion, though."

He stepped back to his place on the edge of the room, taking his hand off of his Grandeur card and letting its power fade. Even if they don't accept the idea, that was a good speech.