Back to the roots - but topside
28 Jun 2024Armagne
As dictated by Protocol Indigo, Vasco was to take me directly to Constellation HQ - no deviations unless absolutely necessary - and, well, he delivered. As soon as we landed in New Atlantis he practically dragged me to the NAT station to get to the MAST district as quickly as possible. I've spent my entire youth in NA and I worked in the MAST tower as an adult, but I had never paid attention to the building tucked away between some trees in a quiet corner of the city. Vasco called it "The Lodge" and Constellation has been there all this time, right under my nose.The Chronomark given to me by Barrett unlocked the front door and I made my way into the HQ of this exclusive little club.
I've received warmer welcomes, though I can't really blame them: they expected their colleague to return with an artifact and answers, instead they get a complete stranger and more questions. It also hurt to hear Mr. Stroud say something along the lines of "this rock breaker would've been on Neon if it hadn't been for our security protocols". I wanted to be here, dammit! I could've walked away anytime, but I chose not to do so! I shouldn't get so worked up about it, I'm sure it was just an emotional response to... everything.
Sarah Morgan is the Chair of Constellation, and she seems like a no-nonsense, straightforward type of lady. She... she kind of reminds me of Elena - I tried my best not to break down during her introduction but I was able to shake it off when I added 'my' Artifact to the table containing the other two. They responded to each other, they floated upwards and around each other! I'd never seen anything like it! Both Noel - a young scientist, and Matteo - a young theologist, shared in my excitement, both in their own convictions.
Sarah has asked me to join her on a lead to another Artifact, but bid me to get acquainted with the Lodge and its residents first. I've asked her for some time and she said she completely understood - though I doubt she knows what is going through my mind right now...
Noel, the young scientist from earlier, gave me a tour of the premise and showed me my quarters. Guess I'm finally a topside New Atlantis resident again. Noel's an interesting kid, I'm looking forward to our future conversations.
For now, I need some solitude. It's been ages since I've held my family and I've missed them ever since... but the want hasn't been as strong as today in quite some time. I can't blame Sarah, but I am completely torn. Part of me wants to hang out with her, another part feels like that would be treason towards Elena, yet another part wants to stay as far away from her as possible to just avoid the pain, ... I need some time alone - either in the wilderness of Jemison or the blackest sea.