The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.