The Silver Falcon (Broadcast)

GEAR

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Jun 15, 2018
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#1
OE 102
January 7th; 4:18PM
Brussels, Belgium
The Directory Assembly Building


"Citizens of The Earth, of Space."

All across the world, across space, television and holographic screens were turned almost as one to a specific scene. Though the channel differed, the content was the same - a garden, located in Brussels. The Directory had been promising its media contacts an address that would regard the current state of the world, as even censorship techniques with the UN had their limits. Indeed, the issue could not be put off any longer - and it was time to face the music.

A man stood, addressing the world at large over a podium emblazoned with the flag of the Directory. He must have been almost seventy, but his ramrod straight back and piercing grey eyes made him anything but the picture of frailty. His classic, olive-green uniform was a holdover from the earlier days of the Directory, and in his hand, he rested upon a dark wooden cane with silver head, cast in the form of a resting falcon.

"My name is Brigadier General John Rogers of the Directory Mobile Forces." He said, in a confident, clarion voice rich with the traditional accent of the British isles;

"I come before you today in order to address - and promise to resolve - the current situation threatening the livelihood and stability of our world. Some of you may recall... That I retired following the final dissolution of Terra Sentinel, whose abuses of power were curtailed in what I consider to be the finest moment of my distinguished service. However... Chairman Hammar specifically requested my help, in resolving this crisis, to which I readily agreed."

No other word could do these dark times justice."

His tone was somber, certain, grim - yet firm, full of the conviction that this too, it seemed, was merely another obstacle to overcome. His gaze traveled across the different cameras as he spoke, with the practiced ease of one used to addressing the press.

"Indeed - We are facing a crisis, the likes of which has never been seen before in history. Vicious creatures from beyond the boundaries of our world - parasitic abominations that prey on human life, known as "Lamalice" - have invaded our realm. Already, unspeakable damage has been inflicted - the L5 Cluster of Colonies was destroyed in a matter of minutes, before our forces could even muster a response, killing millions of innocent men, women, and children."

...He paused here, his Adam's apple bobbing, emotion filling his voice.

"This..." He said; "...Is the single greatest loss of life in human history."

Another pause. The older veteran reached up with a handkerchief, procured from his breast pocket, to dab at the corners of his eyes as he collected himself. When he spoke again, however... His voice, and his gaze... had hardened into something akin to a diamond-like state - only growing sharper, firmer, and more resolute.

"This tragic event... This assault on mankind... Will not go unanswered."

At this, he raised his remaining gloved hand, pulling with it a map of the solar system. It focused in on the moon, magnifying until the surface of the satellite itself was visible. It appeared nothing out of the ordinary... Save for an emerald flash bursting out of its side, punching towards the Earth in a wave of energy.

"Our investigations have determined the source of this incursion to be the Lunar Pulse - an energy emission occurring on the surface of the Moon approximately one hour prior to the first Lamalice sighting - that caused immense damage to the Middle East. Hundreds of thousands are either dead, or missing as a consequence of that event alone. We have reason to believe the pulse a consequence of a Lunarian attempt to construct a new, never before tested energy plant - in doing so, attempting to subvert Directory regulation on applications of Dimensional Energy.

Attempts at contacting the Lunar Colonies for an explanation have failed, but our intelligence agencies report that the Capital, Nova Solyma, remains unaffected by the Lamalice threat - the creatures merely pass around the Lunarian seat of power, heading directly for the Colonies... And the Earth."

The display was closed, leaving only Rogers once again. He leaned forward a little on the podium folding his arms.

"Given these circumstances... The Directory has seen fit to form an elite division for the express purpose of crushing the Lamalice threat, finding those responsible for it, and bringing them to justice. This unit - Taskforce Upsilon - will be constituted of the finest soldiers, the brightest minds, and the most powerful arms the Directory can bring to bear... and at the personal request of Chairman Hammar, I myself will lead it."

A buzz went up from the assembled crowd. Rogers' reputation, after all, preceded him: The man who had brought Terra Sentinel to heel, whose war record made him one of the most decorated and admired military leaders of the era - coming out of retirement alone would have been news enough, but it seemed the man had more to say, as he rose his hands for silence before continuing:

"Today, I am here to offer a ray of hope. Our scientists have developed a way to counter the Lamalice threat... To further elaborate, allow me to introduce Mister Johan Munso, a fellow at the Directory Antarctic Research Center..."

At that, Rogers stepped aside from the podium, arms resting on his cane, allowing another to take the stage in full view of the cameras.
 
Aug 25, 2018
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#2
A brown haired man stepped to the podium. A silver pin of a wolf glittered proudly on his breast as he eyed the cameras nervously. Despite his obvious discomfort he smiled reassuringly at the cameras. “Thank you for your kind introduction Brigadier General. As he said I am Johan Munsö, Mobile Weapon consultant and test pilot of the Antarctic Research Center, though there I am called ‘Slask’.” While his eyes kept eyeing the cameras nervously he spoke with unwavering clarity.


After taking a short pause he continued. “For years we have been researching EOT ruins in the Antarctic, and though it started as a mission of peace we were forced to militarize two years ago. That proved fortunate, for when the Lamalice attacked us we could defend ourselves.”


Taking a deep breath, he continued. “That encounter proved educating, for it gave us precious knowledge on the Lamalice and how to deal with them. They feed on something that our primary object of research radiates and feeds to the atmosphere. Our scientists call it ‘negative energy.’ The fruits of our research allow us to temporarily pacify the Lamalice, long enough to either safely contain or eliminate them.”


The smile disappeared as Johan’s face turned serious and determined. “Unfortunately while the technology that allows us to do that is operational it is still unfinished and all of the possible effects on the pilot are not yet known. For this reason we can not in good conscience allow the mass production of the machines, nor can we allow people not from the research facility to use them. The need for them is still clear however, and we will not fail to uphold our civic duty. It is for this reason that I and my fellow pilots from the Antarctic Research Facility will join Upsilon with the few prototype models we have while our researchers do their best to get rid of any possible side effects. No matter the cost we will do our best to protect you. Thank you for listening.” With a respectful nod towards the Brigadier General and a wave towards the cameras Johan left the podium, relieved that his portion of the speech was now over.