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Started September 21, 2021 by @CaseyJ group

tune

Jules looked up from the documents he was filling out to see Azzy. He was irritated that he had returned instead of leaving, but he tried not to show it on his face. He dropped the pen, ink spilled out, and he picked it up clumsily before it ruined anything. “I-” He began to stumble over his words, knowing that Vienna would be interested in hearing this as well. He squeaked out, "I do have a reason to be embarrassed—ashamed…" before averting his gaze from everyone's general direction. Jules disliked the confrontation and wished to retreat once more. "It makes me a freak…" He kept his back ridged and one-half of his face hidden with his hand, almost wanting to look to Vienna for planting the idea in his head. "I—don't want to discuss it." Jules grumbled as he drew his knees up to his chest.

Nonetheless, Jules knew he'd have to talk about it at some point. "It's a curse, and it's not fun to have. I'm not a superhero; I'm just a regular guy," he said, his eyes gleaming. "I didn't want it, but they gave it to me," his voice becoming increasingly hushed. 'They' was a reference to the government, but he wouldn't say their name. He whispered, "The people beyond this fort experimented on me." Jules' face was strewn with a speckle of tears. He was deafeningly afraid to speak about it, but being confronted about it was even worse.

He was stunned, his eyes were widened as he just listened to him speak about how much he hated his ability and how it wasn't really his but well…all the goverments fault. He sighed, nodding along with what he said.
Luckily him and his sister managed to get a away from the goverment before anything serious could end up happening to them. He knew others hadn't been so lucky, he didnt want to leave it on a sad not but he understood not wanting to talk about it.
It wasn't exactly something to boast about.
He took a deep breath before letting out a sigh.
"I get it…I'm really sorry that happened to you..however I will say you ARE not a freak. Whoever called you that in the past was 100% wrong."
He spoke firmly, not willing to change his opinion as he stared down Jules.

2481 walked around the compound, she held her tablet in her hand on top of a stack of files. The sound of her heels clicking on the floor warned anyone ahead it was her. No one else wore a professional outfit, no one else owned one. She looked down at her tablet, it was open to a page on one person, 3110. Her report said that he had been sent out to scout. His vitals showed that he had been wounded, and probably needed medical attention, which was why she was on her way to go find him. She was the only one with the ability and authority to provide the medical assistance needed by many, and she would, in exchange for information. She was getting closer to finding the Refuge, there was only so many places her brother could hide his followers.

3110 had a few moments to reflect as he hobbled down the street towards the pristine Command building. He'd only been inside twice, and both times had been incredibly dangerous, and left him uncertain. The front doors had no guards, but a key-card slot and a speaker. Human guards would only serve to make mistakes, something the Government did not tolerate. 3110 scavenged through his bag and pockets and pulled out his I.D. card. With any luck they knew he was expected and it would let him in. If they didn't he'd be shot on sight, for even daring to use his card on the Command building in his section without proper authorization. It had happened once when he was a boy, he'd been assigned to the clean up crew for the woman's pulverized remains. He swiped the card and a small green light appeared and made a beeping sound.
"Full number and access code"
"Full number identification 756-294-3110, access code Alpha-Carma-Beta-9, in squad 11, section 3." 3110 said mechanically, the words already burned into his brain, essentially since birth. A moment of silence, and then a hiss when the doors slid open, letting him inside the Command building. He inhaled sharply, and as best he could, slung the rifle around his shoulder and hid his limp. The pain felt as if a lance was digging into his leg with every step, but he tried to keep the signs of strain out of his face like he'd been trained. 3110 didn't want to appear weak in front of his superiors, and he could requisition supplies for himself later, using some of his ration tokens in all likelihood. The hallways were white and pristine, and mechanical voice spoke again "3110 report to waiting room 2, await further instruction"

The red haired man hesitated, unsure for a moment where to go, there were no signs on the wall and he felt disoriented by all the white. He grit his teeth, instead following a small light that showed up on the wall. It led him to a small room that had sparse furnishings, like a few chairs, even a few plants that were probably fake. Yet 3110 was still startled by the opulence, furnishing and color in rooms were forbidden for average citizens, he found his eyes drawn to the wall, where, to his shock, an actual painting sat. 3110 had seen art before, he was good at sketching for reports, but.. This was different, it had colors mixed in delicate brushstrokes, depicting a vibrant blue sky and gentle rolling hills of green. The canvas was real and the frame was made of manufactured steel, contrasting the brilliant landscape. A strange itch grabbed his hands.. His eyes remained glued to it and an unknown emotion welled in his chest. Uncomfortable suddenly, 3110 cleared his throat, tearing his eyes away and stamping on the emotion, before it could blossom. The painting was probably a test to see who would fall prey to temptation, he needed to focus. Sitting on one of the surprisingly comfortable chairs, he began to fiddle with his rifle, checking on its parts after its rough handling.

3110 couldn't help but be impressed with the Compound, not taking away his weapon spoke of either extreme arrogance or preparation and preparedness. He had an inkling of an idea that the gun wouldn't fire in the building, due probably to a chip he'd once found embedded deep in the wood of the rifle when deep cleaning. His thoughts grew lighter for a moment, wondering who it was that was going to meet him, he hadn't even submitted an official findings report yet, so it would probably be a lower lackey, who would chew him out before grilling him. So, 3110 settled in to wait, something he was very practiced at doing.

The door to the room that 3110 sat in. 2481 entered, the door closing behind her. She glanced at the red haired man, a look on her face saying that he was beneath her. She sighed, sitting down in front of him, her tablet screen had his face, information, and his vitals pulled up. Her dark hair was pulled back in a bun, her glasses rested on top of her head.

"3110, you were sent on a scouting mission, Yes? You have returned, wounded, by what?" she asked simply, pulling out a paper from her file and a pen. Yes most things were electronically done, but she made sure there was a paper and electronic copy of everything. Less chance she would lose it.

The minute the door opened, 3110 sat up at attention. His eyes flicked over quickly to the person and he froze. He didn't recognize the woman, but the demeanor.. The clothes, and the tablet gave her away immediately. The leader of this Command Block, 2481, she looked strikingly like her brother, the same nose and general face-shape. 3110 felt a spike of panic, he wasn't quite sure what she was doing here, was he in the wrong area, or- She spoke and instead of being reassured, 3110 felt as if someone had punched him in the chest, the air felt thicker. He breathed out slowly, his brain racing to pick just the right words and ideas to put across, her opinion of disposables like him was already, justifiably, low.

"Yes. I was scouting in sector 3, on the outskirts. I was, ma'am, shot, as I think you can see." 3110 sounded polite and even submissive, lowering his head when speaking. In truth he was hiding his eyes, rapidly thinking and calculating, he knew his first words were unhelpful, but correct. He only had a shot like this once in his entire life, and he wasn't going to waste it, the longer he was allowed to stay, the more he could learn. He just had to be insanely careful not be insubordinate. This woman would not hesitate to have him killed on a whim. 3110 was walking on a narrow ledge, and he just had to be careful.

2481 looked at him questioningly, "I am aware that you were shot, I did not ask that, I asked by what injured you. Or in simpler terms, who shot you?" Her voice was icy, cold. She was growing annoyed rather quickly. "If you want any medical attention, in order to fix the wound, you should listen carefully and respond correctly, or I will leave you here to die, either of starvation or of the gunshot, whichever comes first, do you understand?" She watched him while she spoke, writing down notes in her file.

3110's lips quirked up for a heartbeat, and he dipped his head again. "My apologies ma'am. You know how we lower caste are, I thank you for your patience." 3110 was almost proud of himself for how sincere he managed to make his voice, though he knew it was a gamble, leaving a hint of amusement in his voice. The fact that 2481 was threatening him rather than having him killed was encouraging, even if she quickly grew annoyed with his antics.

"I understand perfectly, ma'am. I was shot, I believe by all accounts, by your brother. If I may say, you two have a striking resemblance. I could continue, but I expect you have questions?" 3110 paused, raising an eyebrow, waiting for her response. His hints of sass were dangerous, but 3110 found he couldn't help himself, 2481 reminded him too much of Mark, and he found he just couldn't help himself from adding smart comments around either of them, and he'd almost died once because of it. Besides, medical attention was being offered, a luxury 3110 hadn't even dared to imagine, he was expecting maybe a release from chores or extra rations, he offered a polite smile. Letting his eyes sparkle, with a I know something you don't and it infuriates you, doesn't it?, he couldn't be killed until he gave his information, though he could very easily be executed afterwards, he knew. 3110 wondered what he was doing briefly, he should just tell all in a report, it would be easier and more professional.. Yet, he'd never felt more alive in the past few days, it was a break from the constant routine and monotony and as much as it scared him, it was an addictive taste.

2481 looked at her tablet, opening a map, it had a red line, leading to the town 3110 was shot in, and back. "So, he was out gathering supplies with his scouts for once, meaning they can't have traveled far from the Refuge, he wouldn't risk that. Then again, they could travel as far as lets say 3 hours and still get back before dark, by the time you found them means it was likely a 2 to 3 hour walk for them, as they would not leave during the night, he doesn't trust it." she was speaking more to herself, using a stylus she drew a circle around the town, "they could not have come from this direction, as that is where we are, so that leaves…" She drew an X on the compound and another circle around the other, minus the compound, "This area" She nodded to herself.

She looked up at 3110, "Did 2487, my brother, have anything to say, I doubt he would have let you come back had he not a message?" she asked questioningly, part of her doubted the red haired man had seen her brother, him stating the resemblance between them did nothing to prove his words true or not, siblings often looked the same.

3110 tipped his head to the side, listening curiously. He couldn't see the tablet from the angle that he sat at, but it was fascinating to hear the information. He filed it away carefully in his brain, compartmentalized to analyze later. He also noted Marks number with an interest, he never understood why some people gave themselves names, numbers always worked just fine. Names were an outdated form, but still people clung to them. A memory bubbled in his brain from years ago.. 3110 ignored it, focusing on the questions he'd just been asked.

The red haired man frowned for a moment, thinking. He ran his fingers through the soft tufts of his hair, ice blue eyes looking thoughtfully. "No message ma'am.. But he did say something interesting about, and I quote "we are more than capable of taking out your sector". It seemed an odd boast for a group of Refugees. And, I don't think he thinks highly enough of you to send a message back home." 3110 said, and continued to think for a heartbeat.

"2487 also had an intense hatred of the Government, for the world they've built, I'm relieved to see that it doesn't run in the family." 3110's voice held a hint of ice in it, his eyes narrowing at the woman. He wasn't sure if it was a warning or just to see her reaction, but he watched carefully anyways. What am I doing? 3110 was confused even with himself for this slight breach in conduct, his eyes flickered involuntarily to the painting on the wall, and he set his jaw, refusing to look away from the task ahead of him.

She clicked her pen twice, "So that is his message then, that he has built up his forces enough that even if I was to find and attack him his followers would be able to hold their own." she mused, a hint of amusement in her voice. She glanced at the man in front of her, "If you are implying that I have anything against the system that I built..well lets just hope you are not." she smirked standing up and gathering her things.

"2487 is wanted dead, if I saw him I would not hesitate to put a bullet in his head" She said simply walking towards the door. She paused, "Thank you for the information, if you have nothing else to add then you are dismissed to go back to your scout leader and put in your report" she said plainly, he did not given her any information she deemed worthy of giving him medical help.

3110 pursed his lips with a suppressed annoyance. He dipped his head in respect, and to show he had no more information to share. He waited for the brown haired woman to leave the room and took a moment to collect himself. He felt a weight come off his shoulders for a moment, going over the conversation a hundred different ways in his head. It hadn't gone as he expected, but also not as badly as he had feared. A sigh escaped his lips and he began the arduous process of standing up without his rifle to use as crutch. 3110 carefully put his rifle on his shoulder and paused at the door, letting himself look at the painting for another moment. It depicted a world so different from his own, he shook his head, heading out of the Compound.

The next three hours were the same as ever, reporting to his commanding officer, getting yelled at for a few minutes, and getting some of his rations docked. Then it was back to his solitary room, passing the crowds of nameless, empty faces. 3110 sat heavily at his desk, breathing out a sigh of relief. It had been a stressful few days and he took the opportunity to unwind by poring over lists and reports. He let his mind wander even as he read and organized the papers, though a few interesting facts popped out at him now and again. The information he'd gathered the past few days had been fascinating to re-look over, to analyze and wonder about.. When the man finally felt he'd rested enough he pulled out his actual work, not just the dossiers he volunteered to sort through and write reports on. With a careful reverence 3110 pulled out one of the notebooks he'd been granted for his work. It was well taken care of, though extra papers stuck out at odd angles, inflating the books actual size.

He opened it and began to work, sketching, writing, and pulling out references from the piles and piles of books around himself. It wasn't anything too important, he worked mostly in the theoretical, but 3110 had hope he could actually change something. He had a million sketches of plants, just barely kept alive, or of dead animals, dissected and studied to see how they could survive in harsher environments. Science fascinated the red haired man, kept him passionate in his work, and the Government provided the tools and opportunity to do it. 3110 lost himself in his work, losing precious hours to his craft. It was the same as two nights ago, he knew logically he should sleep, but the pull was too strong. It was the only time he allowed himself to genuinely smile, to let down any reservations he had and just.. be. He'd just finished up a sketch of a device he was working on and an interesting plant he'd glanced at when leaving the abandoned town, when he realized he desperately needed sleep. His body was pushed beyond what it was supposed to do, and if he collapsed during work he was already on thin ice. 3110 reluctantly closed the book, he wasn't on Scout duty tomorrow, but rather factory work. It was tedious, but did allow his mind to wander. Tomorrow was a new day after all, and as 3110 drifted off to sleep he couldn't help but wonder if he'd find any more surprises.

Vienna smiles hesitantly at Azzy when he winks at her, not used to such gesture. Though she stays silent throughout the rest of the interaction between the two. Though her mind was still swirling with thoughts, possibilities as to how this could be. Yet she understood why Jules was so embarrassed by it. It wasn't something she would necessarily want everyone to know about either. Though what she didn't understand is why he chose to use it now with such a miniscule thing if he didn't want other people knowing about it. Was he trying to hide it? Obviously not.
Was this some sort of manipulation tactic he was using on the two? Did he want them to see it or was he plain stupid?
Vienna knew the second one wasn't it, but she wasn't sure the first was either.
She eyes Azzy while he speaks, not blaming him for staying but surprised that he did so. She listens to Jules as he spoke, making the connections with the government. She had heard of such crazy experiments but it was only a sort of story.
But they actually did it? Not only was it true that they were trying something like this, but it was true they succeeded. But how?
She couldn't find a logical explanation for it.
Vi keeps her eyes steady on Jules "why'd you show us?" she asks, not paying mind to the whole freak thing. She didn't know where she stood with that and she wasn't about to lie and say she didn't think he wasn't. At the same time though, she wasn't going to act like she did.

Jules started to rock from the nerves that inhabited his body. He looked at the two with innate fear. He had faint memories of not being treated fairly while the experiment was going on. He had a multitude of emotions on his face, but stress stood out the most. He tried to swallow but had the hardest time doing it. “I—I” He couldn’t get the words in between the emotions clouding his mind. He looked at Azzy then Vienna and almost started crying. He turned his head away from the questioning stares. “It makes me—strange.” He muttered as he reached for a few documents. He dropped them on accident, and they fluttered to the ground. Jules looked at them with sad puppy eyes. They were documents on him and his story as he knew it. “I—A lot of people have called me that, Azzy. That’s why I am not thrilled to use or acknowledge the ability.”

Jules looked at Vienna, wondering what was going on in her head. She seemed perplexed. Way more than usual. “I don’t know how they did this. I just wish I could ignore it. I don’t want it.” He mumbled. “I wish to know how, but my questions would never be answered. I’m stuck like this.” He had been sitting against the wall, his cheek squished against his knee. “I—I just wanted to relieve Azzy of his painful wounds, Vienna. I know the risks and possible name-calling. I just wanted him to stop hurting.” He let out a heavy breath.

Vienna once again chooses to not interupt him as he speaks, not able to imagine what he must be feeling. Though she was never good with empathy she wasn't incapable of realizing feelings. Whether it be hers or someone elses.
She only crosses her arms, eyeing Jules for the majority of the time, her green eyes occasionally flitting towards Azzy, then back to Jules. Trying her best to read the room.
When he finishes, Vienna takes a deep breath. She tries to hold her tongue. Her teeth biting down on either sides of it to keep her from speaking. To keep her from saying something insensitive just because she couldn't understand what was going on.
Because to her, that still didn't answer her question. He could have relieved his pain some other way. Of course not as quick, but if you weighed the pros and cons, hiding the secret was much more important than healing some minor cuts and scrapes.
just where does this dudes priorities lie?
She continued to fail to understand how his mind worked.
Vi found herself staring a bit too intently as her thoughts went crazy in her mind. "do the higher-ups know about this Jules?" she asks, her voice more stern. It was as if her timid self had disappeared. Why?
She's witnessed what a fragile human being he was. If he could even be called a human being. So even if she wouldn't be able to overpower him physically, she figured she would be able to break him down easier with her words if need be.
Vienna hoped it wouldn't come to that, but she could never be too cautious. She was new to these people still and these people were new to her. She didn't know if she could trust them or not. And if they were smart at all, they shouldn't trust her yet either.

"You do realize that I could not come back. You know?" he shrugged, but took his opportunity to leave and ran off. He went to the Leader's room, putting in the code that he had stole and walking inside, taking a seat at the desk.

( @imNOTdenki Did you reply?)

He sighed softly, he felt bad for Jules. He immediately went to help him with his papers when they fell, not looking at them as he handed them to him.
"I'm really sorry about what happened to you with the goverment..I know my sister and I barely escaped before they could really start doing anything to us." He thought back for a few moments at how scared they had been as just kids.
"Thank you for healing me…even if it was at the cost of well, showing your secret. I'll keep your secret for you, so you don't have to worry about me alright?"
He smiled softly, speaking very gently to him as his gaze at Jules was soft. He then moved to stare at Vienna, it was an important question but he still didn't like the implications it might have.
He didn't want to see Jules anymore panicked then what he was at that moment. Though he probably would.

(No, I just figured he walked off tbh)

(well he did, but your guy had to call the boss- Mark…my other character)

Parker pulled out her walkie talkie, and pressed the communication button.
"Boss, we've got a multiple real breaker…I think you him." She spoke, her voice firm as she spoke.

Mark sighed, picking up the walkietalkie "What rule? and who?" he asked, walking back towards the Refuge.

Jules watched Azzy pick up his documents. There goes the alphabetical order of the only papers that documented his prior life. He gently took the papers from Azzy and put them on his desk. “Thanks.” He mumbled. He looked at Vienna. Jules could see her skepticism, and he hung his head, looking away from the two. Her body language told him he was a rock in a hard place. He tried to hide the face she intimidated him, but scrunching up and trying to look small probably didn’t. “Yes, they—they do—they do know. That’s why I—why I am here.” He stuttered. He didn’t like her condescending tone, it scared him. “It’s—its not— not necessarily a secret. I—I am ashamed of it. I don’t really like using it. But—But I will. It’s just easier.” He unshielded himself and unfurled his legs. Jules’ mind was all over the place, he didn’t know how it worked.

Jules took a deep breath and stood up. He moved to sit at the desk. He felt faint and looked as if he would pass out. Funny that a medic might pass out in his own infirmary. He tried to take deep, deep breaths, but the dizziness didn’t go away. “Alright.” He said quietly, looking at Azzy and smiling at him slightly. Jules wanted to appear friendly, not like a frightened baby deer.

Vienna eyes the both of them, her glare softening slightly. It cleared up a few things, yes. But not all of them.
It now made sense why he didn't hide it as well as he could have for the reasons she thought. But why did he show it if he was going to make himself seem so small and pitiful because of it?
This whole time she was questioning where his priorities lie and what his true intentions were. She couldn't read any minds or anything but she found it incredibly frustrating that she couldn't read his.
Something in her mind clicks and she furrows her brows again "wait-" she starts, taking a step forward "what do you mean thats why you're here?" she asks "what are you, a weapon to them?"
To her, Vienna knew nothing of these refugees. Only that they were better than the government and they treated her well. But that sentence didn't sit well with her and she was questioning that too. What was this place? This organization?

Jules gripped the edge of his desk, trying to stay conscious. He looked at Vienna again, getting frustrated at all the questions, but he didn't show it. She wasn't an investigator. She was a medic. He understood the curiosity that came with the odd ability, but she had surpassed his comfort zone. Healing anyone's wounds with his ability saved them from painful recovery and the application of medical supplies. It made everyone's life easier. Jules knew his ability could save someone's life and that he needed to learn that he wasn't a freak. He laid his head against his chair. "No, Vienna, I meant as in why I am a medic. They would never use me as a biological weapon. That's not right. My ability to heal is why I was trained to be a medic. I could save someone's life. I just have to get over how I feel about it." He spoke softly, his voice was barely audible. "I need to get over what you might think of me." His silver hair fell into his blue eyes, and he smiled softly before passing out in his chair from his high-stress levels. His body slumped over in his chair, and the light hit a silver chain around his neck. It was a locket with a dove charm. Who knew what secrets it held, but it looked old and worn.

She nods in understanding, it was fair enough. Why wouldn't they want a supernatural person with healing abilities on their side?
Vienna deeps her arms crossed as he finishes his last few sentences, feeling a twinge of guilt for being so harsh towards him about this whole thing. Though she didn't feel bad for being skeptical.
Her brows furrow and her eyes widen when he slumps down in the chair and losing consciousness.
She looks down to him and she brushes hair out of his eyes before her eyes go to Azzy "you think you could help me get him up on the bed?" She asks, her mind elsewhere.
Vi was busy thinking about what she did to make him think of her like that. And when she focused hard enough, multiple things came to mind.
Her tone, actions, body language, words, and probably more.
well…i look like a b**ch…

Mark sighed, picking up the walkietalkie "What rule? and who?" he asked, walking back towards the Refuge.

"Well he had a weapon with him that he wasn't supposed to have, he attacked me and moved to make it outside the gate. I got him back inside." She spoke. Before saying his number I don't remember what it is.

Azzy was a bit shocked when he just, ya know passed out in his chair. He just slumped forward and he looked from him to Vienna.
"Uh yeah- I can do that.' He nodded to her. He moved over to the two of them and moved to kinda get his hands around Jules so he could lift him up when Vienna was ready to do so.
He was also wondering why Jules seemed so…bothered by her opinion? Did she say something else earlier? He understood why he was concerned about people's opinions of him but why hers specifically.
Guess he wouldn't know yet.