Klein processed what Dunn had said. Instantly, he felt light over the head as intense foreboding strung his heart strings.
Dunn saw Klein's expression, however it didn't halted him from adding, "Thirty people in the lower street of West Borough died in a span of less than half a day. During the night, many had rumors of a reported sighting of an intense warm, mesmerizing and inexplicable light.
"Their relatives died soon as daybreak came."
"Warm, mesmerizing and inexplicable light?" Klein echoed in disbelief. Because this description is starting to ring a bell down memory lane.
Everyone present at the hall felt the atmosphere turned grim when Dunn nodded. "The details of the so called 'divine light' from the elicited rumors are as follows:
"Colors that seemed dreamed, undefined vibrant and... can only be explained by an analogy and out of the spectrum."
Those last two characteristics are what Klein heard from their meeting!
Klein's heart flinched and his thoughts whirred with dismay and apprehension. Then suddenly, it occurred to him.
The meteorite was the source of Morroy's abilities as a half-Shaman. Half and incomplete due to his requirements to please the corresponding deity for the full boon and thus Klein had speculated that the construction and knowledge of the totems are the initials.
From Selina's explanation, its dream inducement was the effect of the totem using its fuel, the meteorite.
If it weren't for her connection with Mrs. White, or that Morroy's single eyed head seemed to had only specks of power compared to the source. She and Royale might've been in the same situation as the thirty deceased people in their sleep.
Such is the power of items that have direct relation to a deity! Such is the dangers that follows them!
Yet why haven't it instilled any of such urgency when the Holy Church lodged the object as missing?
This reminds me of the death encased tomb in the ancient castle... Klein could vaguely tell whether this occurrence had 'coincidences' plastered to it.
Perhaps the thief saw the opportune moment when him and the Nighthawks are in need of medical care more than anything else. However, this remains illogical.
How can someone else be informed of Morroy's anomaly when it's only within their ranks did Selina shared it discreetly?
Maybe it's one of our teammates betraying us? No, that can't be right, the madness the sequence pathways brings already puts us in danger, we only have each other in this mess...
The probationary mental health units... Klein felt that more or less he had found potential suspects.
Right in the moment where his thoughts turn stray. Dunn's hands reached for his shoulder. Klein jolted and blinked twice at their captain.
"The meteorite relates to the Single Eye deity. Whether it is the True Creator that had such a similar characteristics remains unidentifiable." Dunn said in a clear and deep voice.
"From Klein's reports so far that revolves in the organization that believes in the True Creator, there hadn't seem any that connects to the Rose School of Thought and Selina.
"Well treat said deities as separate entities and the former as the sole appropriator in desiring Selina's blood. No matter what don't let her get near any of this case, it is unknown what effects it will bring once the Single Eye got what it wanted."
Dunn's expression had not been anymore under stress than it had over the course of Klein's service in the Nighthawks. This was his first time seeing this side of the Captain: driven and protective of his teammates.
Dunn Smith, I'm so glad you became my Captain! Klein inwardly praised but then hesitated a second later.
The first time he decided for Selina was with consideration of the circumstances. Which lessened the burden in his mind. However, this will be the second time he does this. Thus, if she tacitly concurred for the first, it's very unlikely she will the second time.
Simply using the logic of protecting her wouldn't be enough. Selina is a meticulous person, and arguing with her would result in a loss.
This has become a manner of trust for Klein. But perhaps facing her wrath is better than allowing her to assume she's the center of the issue.
After seconds of silence, he decisively said, "It's for her safety."
Dunn nodded slightly. "Let's go, also tell Rozanne to keep an eye on Selina. Without Klein or anyone, don't allow her to attend anywhere else but the Company."
Klein sharpened his tone and said, "I'll talk to her on our way."
...
Underneath the cold wind and the clouding sky of morning.
Selina, dressed in her windbreaker, beneath was her usual linen shirt tucked into her brown trouser, looked up.
It seems rain is around the corner... she noted before entering.
"Good morning Rozanne. Although it's quite cloudy outside..." she gave a warm pleasant smile for their lovely receptionist.
It was impeccable one, however it crossed with an unusual tone of professionalism from Rozanne, telling her, "Klein and others went out. If you're going out please inform me."
Selina was lightly taken aback before forcing saying genially, "Sure... uh, why are they still out? Is it on a mission? Or could the situation in Lamud town be so terrible that their stay was extended?"
"Still out? Terrible? Uhm... Yes! yes! it was terrible indeed! May the Evernight protect them!" at that moment, Rozanne's facade shattered and she quickly drew a circle on her chest.
Seeing this, Selina sighed a relief internally. I thought someone replaced Rozanne...
Then she quickly noticed a few misalignments toward her behavior. "Terrible huh... So I assume they returned and informed you first before heading out?"
"Yes, that's right." this time, Rozanne regained her poise.
"Rozanne..." Selina said in disparagement. "It's about Lamud town this time right? If it were, they wouldn't have returned and stayed there for awhile."
Or Klein could've informed me through the dreamworld... she added heartly.
Rozanne froze, and that made Selina ascertain of her deduction. In response, she pressed a finger to her lips and chuckled. "So it seems they're on another mission..."
As she fixed her finger to her chin in contemplation, with her left arm supporting it. She asked Rozanne, "Kindly tell me what it is that they rushed so early in the morning? It's clear from your tone that it's dire."
"No, Captain told you have to stay in the department for awhile." following that, Rozanne's eyes widened and she shut her mouth.
Stay? Why? Selina's curiosity grew and it led her lips to grin. "What's the reason for it?"
After saying that, she was struck. Clearly, Klein had said that he's against the suggestion of Selina heading alone. This was born through a reason he explained which the whole department is aware of: she's under the radar of deities.
"I see..." just as Rozanne was about to answer. Selina was first to reach a conclusion. "Alright. I'm just a little curious about inconsistencies, that's all. Anyway, if Klein or the others return, tell them I'll be with Old Neil studying mysticism."
She planned on staying regardless of the prohibition designed by either Klein or Dunn. This is because she wanted to switch the activation of her Spirit Vision, which is why she needed Old Neil's guidance throughout the rest of the day.
However, if this applied throughout days, month or years. Then it's another story.
"Oh, and Old Neil is present right?" she added.
Rozanne was a little delayed due to how quick Selina is at understanding the situation. She didn't have to dwell with her, a chance that she wished would not occur.
After nodding, then apologizing for her tone earlier. She proceeded with addressing trivial matters, she found worth dealing.
"I'm really excited for Ademinsaul's full recovery." said Rozanne with enthusiasm.
Selina concurred mindfully. "Do you have suggestions for his civilian role?"
Then she recalled the mission Klein and company tended to. Rozanne likely wouldn't tell me the details even I pressed. I should ask Old Neil...
"Another clerk would sound wonderful!" Rozanne remarked.
I just know you dislike being the second substitute addition... Selina was used to Rozanne's wittiness over matters of work.
"By the way, how's Bredt doing?"
Rozanne snapped and she felt Ms. Roy quickly figured out her intentions. "Well, he's doing fine. He's currently next to the typewriter by the underground."
At that moment, she froze. Because she had just blurted another hint to the situation!
Rozanne... Selina sympathized with the loose-lipped Rozanne.
Usually, when this happens, it's from minor details that she'd been informed of prior. However, it's different now that she felt being casted off.
"What does Bredt doing next to the typewriter?" Selina pierced right at Rozanne's slipped intel.
Rozanne quickly shrugged it off and looked sideways before saying, "Nothing! Really, you know that Bredt is always behind the telegraph office."
"I don't see him often there..." Selina pressed while playing wistfully. "Instead, I'd likely spot him by the display room right about now."
Bredt would only be operating the telegraph office once essential matters like a mission or a report from her fellow Nighthawks arrived.
"Sigh..." Selina drew a breath and said, "I'll be frank. Ms. Rozanne, kindly tell me what's the mission?"
Rozanne looked at her deeply in the eyes before finally relieving the pressure from her chest. She answered wearily and with vacant eyes, casting down, "About thirty people had died just this morning.
"They were sent to mend the spirits of the deceased at the Holy Church. Preventing and mitigating the chances of wraiths to be born..."
A hundred people!? Selina recoiled internally while her finger coiling her hands together below her abdomen jolted.
"Why?" she blurted out. "Did they said anything that caused it?"
Seeing Rozanne shook her head slowly and hearing her say, "They simply told me not allow you to head out alone, and if you pressed simply answer it but not without resistance. Their excuse was this mission."
Selina spent a moment standing behind the desk until finally she smiled softly, "You've done an impeccable job. Captain should commend you."
After that seemingly innocent praise, she turned.
Rozanne snapped and she lifted her head, seeing Selina already walking away. "You're not displeased?"
Oh I'm definitely displeased and angry! Shouldn't they require more personnel during this crisis events? Also it' inside the Holy Church! Selina was having slight twitch from her hands that she can only rotate sideways to response.
"Don't worry. Leaving me likely means that they have it covered."
Then, Rozanne eyes glint but faded almost instantly, "Please don't tell Captain I told you this."
At that moment. Selina's lips curled into a soft and impeccable smile, telling the receptionist, "I'll gladly stay silent."
Upon hearing her words. Rozanne heaved a deep sigh of relief, deciding to end their greetings. Feeling that it would threaten more of her secrets.
I hope Ms. Roy didn't realized I broke one of Old Neil's favorite set of cups in the break room's cabinet... she emphasized inwardly.
After taking the flight of staircases and ending up at the intersection. Casted by the wall lamps, Selina's eyes remain fixed ahead in total notion.
A thirty people... just this morning... she felt horror within the strings of her chest.
Tap. Tap .Tap.
Stopping at the guard room. Selina lightly knocked on the door four times until she heard an old man's voice from within, consenting her to enter.
"Good morning Mr. Old Neil." she greeted politely before finding a high-back chair from the corner.
Old Neil had just made a finishing at his blended coffee. However, this time it now seemed to had patterns of flower on the porcelain surface.
"Someone broke one of my coffee cup... was it you?" Old Neil caressed the cup first before shooting a glance at the seated Selina.
Selina jolted from her reverie and shook her head. "No! Mr. Old Neil, I did not broke your cup!"
"Heh heh, I was just humoring you." Old Neil let out a slow laugh before taking a seat himself next to the display of swords, muskets and shields.
"You know I had a favorite set of cups that I usually kept in the cabinet upstairs. It was just yesterday that I used it, however I was surprised that a crack formed."
Now, he sipped a simmer of his dark coffee, feeling its warmth down and invigorating him. "I divined it earlier, sure enough it was Rozanne."
Was that why she's so tensed earlier even after I told I'll keep a secret? Selina smiled wearily and acutely noticed this detail of Rozanne.
Must be nice being able to do divinations...
"So what's your reason for being here? I though the Captain had employed all of the Nighthawks?" Old Neil asked with a casual tone.
Selina gave a soft, sly smile. "The question can be applied to you as well Mr. Old Neil."
Old Neil chuckled a bit. "I was left here to tend to poor Ademinsaul in his recovery. The church is really insistent on his recovery and the possibility of him losing control. They're quite strict at imposing such regulations.
"Oh and not only that. I chose to stay behind, feeling that you'd want to proceed with the lecture if they denied your participation."
At this point, Selina isn't surprised if everyone except Rozanne is aware of the reasons behind these inconsistencies. She simply sighed, "Mr. Old Neil, have you been consistently taking the medicine I prescribed to you?"
Old Neil consumed a bit of the coffee before replying, "Yes I have."
Selina nodded slightly. "That's good."
Then she changed the topic, "Also, I feel that my spirituality had stabilized and improved. Can you guide me in changing the activation of my Spirit Vision?"