A Short Talk

Archangel walks into his living quarters and sits at his desk. He looks at his large binder full of files and documents and sighs. It’s been a long journey in the course of his lifetime. From his humble beginnings in the Unified Frontier to becoming Director of the Camelot Anomalous Containment Group, one of the largest organizations on the planet of Grail. He thinks about the position he’s in now. He’s no longer just a researcher, he’s now a guardian of the world he lives in. Multiple threats have sprung up, from terrorist groups, to evil magic elements, to a Multiversal regime wanting to rid the world of “impurities”. The weight of his new responsibilities are beginning to slowly press on his mind. As he twiddles with his hands, a knock on the door is heard. He snaps out of his train of thought and says, “Do come in.”

The door slides open and Imperialist casually walks in saying, “Hey there, Angel.” Archangel recognizes the voice and jolts up from his seat standing upright and responds with a nervous, “H-hello Ms. MaCallan!” Imperialist giggles and gently pats his shoulder, responding with, “No need to be so formal. We’re all friends here.” Archangel slowly sits back down and offers Imperialist a chair, to which she obliged. He starts the conversation with, “What brings you here? It’s not often I get to see the Seraphim.” Imperialist looks at Archangel and answers with a sweet smile “I wanted to check on you of course. How are things down here?” Archangel mirrors her smile and answers, “It’s a bit rough, but we’re managing things as best as we can.”

“That’s good to hear. I assume you know how to deal with that one threat?”

“We are looking at our options, yes.”

“If you ever need assistance from one of us, please don’t be afraid to contact us.”

“Thank you, Ms. MaCallan. Actually, I have been curious about something. Well, a few things actually.”

“What’s up?”

“Well for starters, your organization. It’s been getting the attention of the people of Camelot. Some are concerned about your intentions, and the Camelotian government wants me to comment on the situation publicly. I know you are here to deter the Syndicate, but is it only for you to not have competition to control our universe?”

Imperialist chuckles softly, and answers, “Our goal is not to control, it’s to liberate and protect. The Syndicate is our responsibility since they’re from our universe. Levi is also our responsibility. You’ve met him, he wants control of the Multiverse. We can’t let that happen. Levi uses the Syndicate as his proxy and a puppet to weaken universes so he can control them. We go around the multiverse to free universes of Syndicate’s control.”

“If I may ask, what is the Syndicate leader like?”

“Judas Havelock. He’s a son of a dick that’s for sure. He’s angry his father got killed by the Seraph and wants to finish what he started, but on a multiversal scale. His powers are stronger than his father’s as well. He can create entire structures out of corruption. He’s a ruthless dictator. Questioning him will have you worse than killed.”

“I see. Someone this powerful has someone above him. That’s extremely hard to wrap my head around.”

“Same here. Seraph is the strongest guy I know, yet he has multiple superiors. Jehv and Pollyannus.”

“Pollyannus? That is not a name I’ve heard before. Who is that?”

“Pollyannus is a Pillar of Reality. He also goes by the Omni-Genie.”

“A Pillar of Reality?! Like Levi?”

“Well, Levi is building up to become a Pillar of Reality, taking multiple universes to gain more power. Pollyannus was a Pillar from the beginning. He made the universes 200-299. He also appointed Jehv as the God of our universe. None of them expected Levi to become an evil spirit. We think he made the Mark a Pillar Object for that very reason.”

“Very intriguing. Another question: What do you see yourself as? Being a Human Alternative and what not?”

Imperialist looks down and looks at her hands, to which they start glowing. They slowly stop glowing and she looks back up at Archangel and smiles faintly. She takes a bit to answer but finally says, “It’s a lot of pressure. I have a lot of responsibility, especially in my universe. Though, I guess it’s better than my normal life.”

“What was your life before you became an Alternative?”

“I was homeless. No family, nowhere to go really. I guess you could say the accident that caused my powers was a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I have to try and stop a fascist regime from taking over reality. On the other hand, I have a family. I have friends. I have a home. I have people who care about me and love me. I have a purpose in life, something that I didn’t have before.”

“I see, I’m sorry that your upbringing wasn’t the greatest Ms. MaCallan. I’m glad you are in a better place now.”

“I look up to the Seraph. He’s the one who saved me back on my Earth. He also saved Muri, Yarad, and Alexis too. I see him a lot in Yarad, and I see him a lot in you. Even if you three do have different personalities, you all still have the same heart. No matter what happens, Angel, don’t give up. Even if the world is falling apart. Hope is the strongest thing you need in these times. That’s what keeps the Seraphim going. We all may look like a Pantheon of all powerful gods to the Group and the people of Grail, but we’re all just trying to protect the things we love, and live our lives to the fullest.”

“That is very noble of you all. And…I will take note of your advice. Seraph is someone I look up to as well. I wish to be a lot like him, but at the same time, I also want to drive down a similar but unique path.”

“And that goal is admirable. I’m counting on you, and the organization.”

“Thank you Ms. MaCallan. I will heed your advice, and I will relay your group’s intentions to the public this weekend.”

“Sounds good. Glad we could do a check-in today. Like always, if you need me, you have our number.”

“Of course.”

Imperialist pats Archangel on the back and walks out waving her hand. The door slides closed and Archangel gives a sigh. He looks over at his laptop and begins typing away. He stops for a minute and notices he is smiling. He realizes he doesn’t have to carry his burdens alone. He has his friends and his allies with him to help him on his journey. He closes the laptop after typing everything out and lays in bed. He wants to wake up early to rehearse the upcoming speech.

Hopefully Jericho will also be watching.