Falling into the cockpit

[itbelongsinamuseum]

1
[Following the attack on Brussels, Alex had followed the Unity Group people back to their base. Not like the city was terribly livable at the time and if anybody could help her make sense of things it was the people whose job was dealing with these issues. The awful weather in Brussels during the mission was still clear as she was sitting in the transports back to base, showing themselves as wet, matted hair and positively soaked clothes.]

I should explain...Anything you want to know?

2
[In the hours following the return a new girl could be found trying to find her way around base. She seemed faintly uncertain and rather preoccupied with something.]

Is there a shower I can borrow somewhere?

Comments

[a_louse]

How did a student get her hands on a medallion that lets her summon an ancient Sumerian god?

[itbelongsinamuseum]

It was a gift from my dad. He'd bought it from some shady guy to sell to a collector, then the guy appraising it said it was a forgery so he gave it to me. I kept it as a keepsake, because even if it's fake it's kinda cool. I have no idea about it's history before that.

[a_louse]

And you've never encountered any ominous people or events of Sumerian nature before?

Hmm...

Where is Enki right now?

[itbelongsinamuseum]

No.

I had an ordinary life until the city got attacked. From what Enki told me, it was pretty much random that I happened to be the one holding his pendant. I'm sure he originally meant for it to fall into the hands of people trained by his priesthood, but he doesn't have one anymore.

And Enki is right here. [She lifted her pendant to show.]

[a_louse]

You were doing very well for someone who was fighting the first time in her life.

So, you can communicate with Enki. Even now? Perhaps he could tell us where did Asag come from.

[itbelongsinamuseum]

No. It was more like a prerecorded message playing in my head. He explained the basics. It's basically a game between him and Enlil. Enki chooses a human champion and Enlil whatever he feels like. If Enki wins humanity lives, if Enlil wins it dies...Or Enlil tries to destroy it, I don't know if he can.

Enki said that he realized it was impossible for a human to win...So he pretty much killed himself to imbue the pendant with his power so his champion can use it. And I just happened to be the one wearing it when the challenge struck.

[a_louse]

That's a lot of dedication for something they consider a game. Why does Enlil hate humanity so much?

[itbelongsinamuseum]

They don't really. They take it seriously, it was just the simplest way to explain how it works.

And I'm not sure, maybe he's just angry we aren't worshipping him enough.

[a_louse]

What a tantrum thrower. One would expect a divine being to act with a little more dignity.

I have a hard time believing ancient Sumerian deities are real, but that does not change what I have seen with my own eyes; Enki exists, and so do his enemies. His sacrifice won't be in vain; we'll make sure Enlil loses this contest.

[itbelongsinamuseum]

You haven't read a lot of mythology, have you? Hephaistos fell to his knees crying to beg Hera not to argue with Zeus because it's painful to watch when daddy beats mom. And Athena turned Arachne into the first spider because she was better at weaving than her. That's not even a very cool skill to brag about.

But, yes, it seems like Sumerian gods are real. Hopefully they'll stick to their agreement and keep away for...however many centuries it is until next time.

[a_louse]

There's not much access to books on this topic where I come from, I'm afraid. Besides, it's my personal belief; if you think you deserve to decide the fate of the whole human race, then the least you could do is act the part.

Enlil has more minions than just Asag, I presume? Hopefully the others are a bit easier on the eyes.

[itbelongsinamuseum]

I would think so, but I don't know. I study Greek archeology, not Middle Eastern and Enki probably figured whoever had the amulet would know. Or maybe he just didn't think it was important.

[a_louse]

Well, there is only one way to find out.

Do you plan to stay with Unity Group for the time being?

[itbelongsinamuseum]

I'm planning staying with you for a few days to figure out what to do and catch my bearings. I don't really want to talk about Sumerian gods around others and people will probably be worried if I seem too distracted and preoccupied.

[a_louse]

Make yourself at home then. This might be a military base, but it's hospitable and the locals are friendly. It should give you all you need, if you don't expect excessive luxury.

[itbelongsinamuseum]

That's what's important. And if I do want luxuries, I was told that one of the bases is on the Star Rose, so I can do some shopping myself.

[a_louse]

It sounds like you'll fit right in. Enjoy your visit. And if Enlil's minions attack again when I'm nearby, you can expect to see Big O again.

[itbelongsinamuseum]

Right, but hopefully that won't be necessary.