Katheeri

[Tiger Carson]

Star Tiger had arrived shortly after Zef had been brought to the hospital, and were now waiting for him to recover.  They had the clearance, obviously, since this was part of their assignment.  General Pepper had ordered them to get what info they could from him once he was back int he land of the awake.  Right now though, Hawk was observing the Katheeri, still having to blink a few times now and again, as well as pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming.  For him, he was a huge skeptic of anything that was supposed to be myth or legend.  Well, right here, guarded quite well with CDF officials, was a myth that was not so much a myth. "I still don't believe it..." He said to himself as he watched, now in his flight suit. "Someone has to be playing a big joke on us all..."

"I'm afraid that isn't the case." Tiger said as he walked up next to him. "He's very much real, and from what we've seen so far, the Katheeri are indeed real."

"I still don't know what to think..." Hawk said, "I mean, all my life, I've thought that the supernatural wasn't real, that it was all just hooey..."

"I get ya." Tiger said, "But, myths and legends can often change over time if the details aren't preserved enough.  So, for all we know, those stories about the Katheeri being the architects of life in the Lylat could well be just that, stories."

"I suppose so..." Hawk said, "Hey, uh... sorry about earlier..."

"Fahgit about it." Tiger said with a chuckle, "I would have been the same way were I to have had your background."

"True." Hawk said, looking again at the katheeri boy.

[Naza Sutera]

Amelia wasn't a morning person. Especially this morning, since she'd stayed up until some horrid hour in the morning researching lore about the fictional Katheeri race. She'd gone back and forth in her head about whether or not the race really existed after what she saw yesterday. By the time she finally went to bed, she decided that it was a bunch of bullshit, remembering that people went through great lengths to keep up hoaxes. But she woke up this morning curious as ever, wanting to know for sure if it was for real.

She yawned as she shifted the gear selector lever into 'park'. She flipped down the sun visor and opened the vanity mirror to consider herself. She had deep circles under her eyes, and she didn't even bother to wash her face. Her hair was thrown into a sloppy ponytail. She'd thrown on her purple velour track suit from Juicy Couture and a pair of silver glittery Convers Chuck Taylors. Her go-to outfit when she was having one of those days. "Ugh," she scoffed as she closed the vanity mirror. She took her iced mocha out of the cup holder and finished it off before making sure she had her keys in her purse. Pressing the ignition button to kill the engine, she climbed out of the red Volvo XC60 SUV and locked the doors as she walked away from the vehicle.

As she made her way to the non-emergency entrance of Veterans Hospital, of Heart of Corneria Healthcare System, it dawned on her that they weren't going to let some stranger swan their way in and see one of their patients. She had to think of something.

By the time she'd reached the revolving door, her heart was racing. What if they caught her? What if she was thrown in jail? She swallowed hard as she approached the receptionist's desk. "Um, ma'am?" she said to the hippo behind the polished concrete counter.

[Kurt]

Sven was ordered to bolster the hospital's security forces, even though he protested the change in his clothing he had to stay blended in. Now wearing a security guards uniform he watched the door from down the hallway, a small 7mm handgun hung on his hip as he gazed into nothingness.

 

 

 

[Tiger Carson]

Tiger then noticed Sven was one of the guards.  He gave Hawk a little shoulder patt, and then walked up to Sven. "So, I saw you yesterday." He said to Sven. "Reassigned here for now?"

[Sylono]

Licence? Registration? Sure, she had both of these. Problem was she didn't exist, or rather, "Quartz Buranetto", the identity she'd been posing as didn't exist. It was likely at some point someone would take notice of that (if they hadn't already) by either following up on the bogus address where the Cerinian had claimed she lived or following up on any other information she'd provided. For that reason, Shepherd had to ditch the car and take a cab to the hospital, though she'd decided to have her ride stop before actually reaching the location.

With the fair paid, the vixen pulled her jacket's hood over her head and began to walk the rest of the way. Halfway there, her holo-com sounded and the call that Shepherd was dreading was apparently happening now, for the second time that day, the vixen accepted the call, though this time produced wired earbuds so that she wouldn't have to worry about eavesdroppers.

"Oh, look, my 'leash' has decided to check up on me." Shepherd muttered just loud enough for her holo-com to catch, not putting any veil of civility to her handler on the other end of the line.

"Save it Shepherd, you've already dug a deep enough hole for yourself as it is, do you realize just how badly you've screwed up?" The wolf asked rhetorically, the restrained anger in his voice was unmistakable.

"Better than most, I believe, you could almost say I was there in person." Shepherd commented with forced amusement, "Relax, I've taken measures to rectify this troubling matter, you focus on what I'm to do once I have the Cryptid's confidence."

"Cryptid?" She heard the wolf sigh in frustration, "No, I'm having you removed from this operation, damn it I knew something like thi-"

Fury shot throughout the blue fox's body, it took every ounce of her will power to not draw attention to herself by shouting.

"You've already interrupted one job for me today, 'leash'..." Shepherd hissed, she'd be the one to salvage this mess of an operation, this was an opportunity the cerinian wouldn't allow to slip from her grasp, "I'll personally see to the deaths of any pawns you send to have me replaced, this is your only warning."

"Threats? Are you serious? You arrogant littl-" She ended the call, uninterested in what the bastard had to say. Right now, she was on the clock, she'd need to report back with some sort of results, no, more than that, she'd need make it so that 'leash' couldn't have her replaced. Switching her holo-com's feature to tracking, Shepherd made to finish the rest of the trek to the hospital, all the while coming up with a plan for how she was even going to both make contact and remain largely undetected.

 

[Dr. Orange]

Aleksandr was a few floors above the main entrance on a terrace. The echo was nice there, sound reverberated upwards giving a pleasant acoustic and an uncanny listening spot for him. He sat on a standard complimenting hospital chair with it's standard hospital cushioning with a standard hospital coffee table with a lovely array of magazines and holopads. He drank from a standard hospital green tea that came as cheap as they come and could not stand the taste; the mediocrity of it bothered him. His finger tapped the throwaway cup.

He watched a few faces move through the halls. A couple he recognized from the scene asking for the ... the Katheeri as they so coined in myth and legend. He pulled out a phone and waited.

"Hey, you've been watching the news? ... ... I wasn't trying to but I think you know what I need. ... ... ... ... ... Well I think we both understand the opportunities. I'm pulling a standard 'you owe me' and I'll guarantee it'll follow back aro... ... ... ... I'll just go off the extra. Top off any samples and if you can throw a couple extra tests I'll reimburse you for anything. ... ... Make arrangements." He hung up and placed a second call. 

"It's in motion. I'll need you here if his staff doesn't pull through. ... Bring the scrubs, we're  at Vets downtown."

[Kurt]

Sven nodded "Where ever he goes" Sven pointed into the room "My orders are to protect, observe and evaluate." His left ear twitched at a sound down the hallway.

He leaned back and sighed. "So mercs huh?"

[Tiger Carson]

"Yeah." Tiger said in reply to Sven. "General Pepper gave us orders to find out what we can.  We're going to follow this white rabbit as far as the rabbit hole goes." He then wondered something, "Name's Tiger Carson, former Major of CDF Wildcat Squadron.  Leader of Star Tiger.  What's your name soldier?"

[Kurt]

"Sven Schutz, Second recon battalion of the ACI." He scratched at the bandage he still wore "I'm a private first class."

[Sylono]

A tingling feeling ran down the vixen's spine as she pushed the hospital doors open and her way in. She hated hospitals, to a Cerinian they were festering cages rife with thought patterns of dull fear and throbbing dread, at least that was the bulk of her experiences years ago when her gift wasn't so crippled.

An interesting conversation she'd caught wind of as she was making her way past the front desk pulled her mind out of any thoughts on past negative experiences. Shepherd brought a hand to her lips as she suppressed a laugh, if nothing else, the fox figured she should commend the young feline's direct approach. With this new development, she decided to snatch up a magazine, took a seat and keep an ear out in case the cat somehow made any headway. 

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

After being held up at the hospital for recovery and observation the whole night, he welcomed the first chance to leave the place. He put on his shirt, pushing it down around his torso and particularly his right side, covered in bandages and gauze. He felt as if he had dodged a bullet with not being visited by a uniform, and breathed a sigh of relief. Taking his jacket, lazily hung on a rack by the door, he faced it and prepared to leave. However, when the portal opened up, the one person he did not want to see that day in the entire galaxy was standing right in front of him.

He wore a neat dark blue navy dress uniform, with his similarly colored pants having a solid gold line running down the outsides of his legs. His dress shoes were clean and polished, and he tucked his cap in his left arm. In his right, a holo-document, contents unknown to Pawel. This figure's left breast was adorned with various command stripes, while his shoulders were emblazoned with an admiral's ranking stripes. His cap had similar stars showing his status in the Cornerian Navy. Wrapped around his neck was an Ogniemite medallion made of titanium, with a sapphire embedded in its center. The admiral himself was middle aged, approaching his upper years in life. He spoke firmly with a voice that has spoken at many speeches. To him, the passing of a day seemed like only a moment in time, arriving in an instant and gone the next.

"Good to see you're okay, Pawel," said the admiral.

"Hey... Dad," replied Pawel, startled yet cool.

"I heard you were in a bit of an accident in Memorial Park. I wanted drop in to see if you're alright. Oh, and about that..." Adm. Chmielnicki handed his son the holo-document.

"What's this?"

"An executive order from both SecDef and the President themselves." Pawel turned on the holo-document and began reading it. "They've annulled your resignation. You're back in the service, Major."

Pawel was incensed, but of course he would never show this openly. He looked back at his father, who was three inches taller than him. His faded crimson scales and wings seemed polished, glistening in the sunlight that peeked from behind him.

"Why?" inquired Pawel.

"The higher-ups know that the boy down the hall's a Katheeri," replied Adm. Chmielnicki. "They want you get as much information out of him as possible, and work in concert with Star Tiger to protect him. Now, I know your feelings about these merc teams, but first and foremost: that's hypocritical of you. Secondly: they're reliable and patriotic, especially Star Tiger. Play nice with them. They're friendlies. Questions?"

"No.... sir."

"Good. Here..." Adm. Chmielnicki motioned to one of his unseen aides, who handed him Pawel's old CDF major's jacket. "I hope it still fits you." Pawel put it on. It was a bit tight on him, but he could manage. "Good. Now, you report to me. Stay safe, son." The two Chmielnickis saluted each other, and then Adm. Chmielnicki left his son.

"This is what I get for wanting a roast beef sandwich."

[Zaphyr Stone]

The hippo turned to the woman, seemingly relieved to have a moment's distraction from the girl. "One moment, sweetie." She told the girl, "Yes, ma'am, what can I do for you?"

The small black cat scowled, standing back as she eyed the woman curiously. This was so frustrating. If she knew what room he was in, she wouldn't even need to bother with this. Her friend had made this sound so simple.

[Naza Sutera]

Blood roared in her ears and her heart was racing. If she was caught, she would be in some serious deep doo-doo. She took a deep breath and prepared herself.

Time to put those acting lessons to good use, Amelia though

"I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm a volunteer. I'm looking for the children's burn unit."

[Dr. Orange]

Alek moved attention from his phone and headed out for the entrance. He loosened his tie and cracked his neck. He chucked the cup into a trash can. 

The elevator beeped and did all those elevator noises that they do. He stood taught, he never did like interacting with others, a good breather and he'd psych himself ready. The elevator stopped and he got out headed for the main doors. 

Something was off in his head. He saw the black cat at the counter he caught earlier still working with the receptionist. His eye whirred around and caught what was off. That vixen was back in the hospital. He thought maybe she was here to apologize for yesterday but a distinct lack of flowers said otherwise. 

In the front a black car sat. "Ah the competence of the intern." He thought to himself. He got in the vehicle and received the accuracy scrub ensemble, thanked the man, put the gown on and left the vehicle back for the hospital.

[Zaphyr Stone]

The nurse eyed her carefully, almost judging her unusual attire. She soon shrugged it off.

"It's going to be the second floor, farthest wing down on the left." She answered simply, "Make sure they clear you first."

As she regarded this woman, the girl noted how inexperienced she seemed for a hospital volunteer, not to mention how terrified she looked. It could have been her first day, but she suspected she was up to something. Her eyes lit up as an idea came to mind. Zefran was on the second floor. Perhaps they could help each other.

 "Wait a minute. Ms. Tobin!?" She feigned awe masterfully, "I didn't know you were a volunteer! Can you help me? I'm just trying to visit Zef, and they won't let me. I'm supposed to prove I'm his friend now? It's so messed up!"

She exaggerated her irritation, hoping the woman would catch on.

[Naza Sutera]

"Uh..." Amelia's eyes went wide at this stranger suddenly approaching her. Then she figured she was up to something. Zef? Was that the guy's name? Maybe she knew him. Which could be why she was trying to finesse her way in. This black cat teen could probably be of some assistance to Amelia, so she played along. "...Oh, Ashley! How are you?" Amelia embraced 'Ashley' in a hug. "It's been a while!"

[Zaphyr Stone]

"You both know each other?" The nurse watched them both suspiciously.

Bolstered with new confidence, the girl flashed a carefree smile as she returned the hug. "Well sure! She was our homeroom teacher last year." Her smile turned mischievous, "Me and Zef were totally her favorites. Can I /please/ go see him now?"

The woman sighed, clearly exhausted by this whole ordeal. She rubbed her temple briefly before addressing her again. "Room 204. I'll call ahead to let them know you're coming, but that doesn't guarantee you'll be allowed to visit. Ma'am, I know you're on your way to clock some volunteer hours, but you will need to accompany her." She informed Amelia.

"Thank you~!" She chirped, tugging on Amelia's sleeve to follow, "Come on, let's see if he's awake!"

[Naza Sutera]

Amelia trailed behind the teen black cat and pretended to make small talk as she followed. "Oh my god, it's been forever! What have you been doing these past couple years?" And as soon as she was out of the receptionist's hearing range, she grilled 'Ashley' for information. "Okay, so who are you, and what are you doing here?"

[Dr. Orange]

Alek approached the desk. He was lucky to overhear the conversation and catch the room number. He gave a nod to the receptionist and trailed behind the two who had a connection to the boy. Hopefully he didn't seem too out of place.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Pawel stepped out of his room and walked down the hallway. Despite his work, he had not been in a hospital in quite some time. It was mildly disorienting for him.

Nurses going this way and that, hurrying along to their patients.

Doctors bossing said nurses around, always asking for more meds or more needles or assistance with Mr. Perkins.

The needles. God, the needles.

He approached the door to Zefran's room, noticing Star Tiger and several other unknowns guarding the entrance. "Well, you bunch must be Star Tiger."

[Sylono]

With a free hand, Shepherd tugged her hood over her face as far as it would go. Of course the german shepherd was here as well, she faintly recalled him identifying himself as a doctor. When the man passed by without a word, the vixen let out a breath she had been holding, he either didn't recognize her, or did and didn't care.

She was happy enough with not being acknowledged either way. Then, her eavesdropping paid off.

From behind the magazine a smile tugged on the vixen's lips, which as quickly as it came, was just as quickly forced into flat indifference. Second floor, Room 204, now she know were this... "Zef" was, all that was left was to make contact.

Standing up only after the duo was out of sight (followed by that familiar canine from earlier), the vixen made a show of checking her holo-com as if she was concerned with the time. Then, feeling no need to give chase, the cerinain made for the building's stairs in the opposite hallway.

She felt slightly... unsure of herself for a mere moment, how was Shepherd supposed to, as she put it to 'leash' "gain the cryptid's confidence"? She didn't have a weeks worth of time to work out the cryptid's desires, at best, she could only offer the Katheeri a chance at freedom.

Once, just once, she wanted a job to be as easy as waving around her weapon in one hand and having a list of demands in another.
Shoving her hands into her pocket and squeezing them into tight fists until her nails dug painfully into her palm, she silently scolded herself for allowing such thoughts of weakness to cloud her mind.

Assuring herself an opportunity would present itself, Shepherd climbed the stairs to the second floor.
 

[Zaphyr Stone]

The girl's demeanor suddenly changed once they were far enough away. Gone was the peppy teen from before, and when she spoke, she carried the quiet dignity and grace of a seasoned adult. 

"I apologize for pulling you into my affairs like this." She pressed the button on the wall panel to summon the elevator, "But I do appreciate the assistance." She smiled at her in amusement, "You can continue to call me Ashley. It's a cute name. I suspect you're here for something too, or you wouldn't have helped me."

[Naza Sutera]

"Yeah, uh..." Amelia thought it strange that the girl's demeanor changed so drastically, but she didn't address that. "...I'm here to see someone. I don't know the person to be honest." Then, she asked, "Who is this Zef person you are trying to see?"

[Tiger Carson]

Tiger nodded in acknowledgement of Sven's answer. "Enlisted then." Tiger said, "Well, at any rate, it seems our goals are the same, more or less.  We can always use the help, I just have a bad feeling that there's going to be a number of less than savory parties who will want the kid..."

It was a few minutes later that Tiger then noticed Pawel come by, and this time, the guy was wearing an officer's coat, and he could see the rank badge.  At the least, the both of them were the same rank, so Tiger didn't feel so awkward.  But that would make things potentially difficult given that.  Add to the fact that an officer who was fully active had higher priority than one who's service reactivation was honorary.  Of course, Tiger's team was loyal to him, and he was loyal to General Pepper and the CDF. "Some of us are." Tiger said in reply to Pawel's question. "This is Hawk Acer, one of our ace pilots." He indicated the red tailed hawk who gave a bit of a snooty look, looking off to the side a bit while closing his eyes.  His way of acknowledging his introduction. "Zera Carson, my sister and second in command." He indicated the tigress, who gave a friendly enough wave. "Copernicus Owl, team advisor." The semi-senior owl nodded politely. "Jeena Dracko, another aerial ace." The female oriental dragoness crossed her arm, and nodded. "And Kola-Nut Squirrel, our stealth operations expert." The red squirrel gave a rather enthusiastic wave. "And of course, you already know my name." Tiger said, "The rest of the people here are CDF security and a couple of officers assigned to keep an eye on Zefran, as well as for trouble.  I take it you're assigned to help us out now, Major?"

[Zaphyr Stone]

"A friend," she answered simply, "I was truthful about that. He needs my help."

A chime sounded off as the elevator doors finally opened, a small crowd of people disembarking. She waited for them to leave before boarding the lift herself. Noticing a couple others with them, she held her tongue once they were inside.