An Invitation (06-28-2022)

## Arthur’s Bay, Camelot [06/28/2022]

Heralda Smith fixes her makeup while walking down the street and notices Archangel on the other side of the road. She gives a mischievous smirk and waves over to him. Archangel doesn’t see her at first as he's on his phone, but looks up and notices. “What does she want?” Archangel grumbles to himself. With her bodyguards, she walks across the street and greets him. “Good afternoon, Director Archangel. How are you?”

“Uh, I’m fine Ms. Smith. Thank you.”

“I didn’t expect to see you outside your lab. You seem like a shut-in.”

“Um, no. I do get out quite often. Can…can I help you?”

“Well, since you’re here I just want to hear about your thoughts on the alien invasion that happened in your home nation?”

“Oh, the Pharaoh Hebi? Yes, it’s a tragedy. Thankfully, the Nine-Star Army and our operatives Witch and Wizard were able to stop it.”

“So you endorse the unregulated militia that suddenly came in to fix the issue?”

“They knew what they were doing. They also provided support for the Freepeople that were affected by the entity.”

“Interesting. Why didn’t the rest of the CACG respond?”

“The other Operatives were on other missions.”

“What were they doing?”

“As you may have seen, some Operatives, including Void, Thunder, Reptile, and Specter were in space.”

“So is space more important than the entire Grail?”

“Of course not, however we couldn't have foreseen the Pharaoh Hebi invading the planet.”

“What will you do now about the Southern Unified Frontier being completely changed due to the entity?”

“I’ll send as many resources as they need to rebuild, and adapt to the new changes made to their land.”

“So you’re going to throw your Director title around to send money to foreign countries?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you did ask me what I’m going to do about the country being changed. I answered.”

Heralda Smith then looks down before inching closer to Archangel. She then says in a cruel tone, “How do you feel about your filth being cleaned up by an outside force? Surely you Freeloaders were long overdue for this, hm?” Archangel’s eyes widen hearing this and stammers, “What….what did you just say to me?” Heralda’s voice becomes more sadistic and authoritative in nature, “It’s familiar right? Your people getting crushed under the oppressive weight of invaders.” The air around them becomes warm from Archangel as he visibly begins to shake. The two bodyguards flash their guns as they feel the heat. Archangel notices himself getting angry and calms himself down. The heat slowly fades as he adjusts his hoodie. He simply says, “I’m sorry Ms. Smith, but that’s not an appropriate thing to say at all.” Heralda gives a disappointed smile and apologizes, “You’re right, I went too far. I actually wanted to invite you to an upcoming rally I’m having here.”

Archangel looks skeptical and inquires, “Why me?”

“Oh not just you, but the entire Council. I’m sure when people see you there, they’ll have a lot more faith in their new Lady of the Lake.”

“If you win of course.”

“Yes of course. So, will you come?”

“I will…extend the invitation to the Roundtable. I will make no promises. Especially after your comments.”

“I understand, again I apologize. The rally will be on the 30th. Just so if you do come.”

“I must be going now. Have a good day Ms. Smith.”

“And you as well, Director!”

Archangel walks off towards Geo-7.  Heralda waves and smiles before dropping her hand and saying with closed teeth, “He reminds me of him. I fucking hate it.” One of the bodyguards catches it and asks, “Of who, ma’am?” Heralda looks over and says lightheartedly, “Oh, just someone I knew. It’s fine.” She then walks off with the two bodyguards to a nearby coffee shop, and plans her rally in the coming days.