[b]Title[/b]: Chasing Shadows

[b]Characters[/b]: Jessica Mireu of the "Freedom of Niðhöggr" timeline, Cain Flueves, and several "Hecate Corps" troops from the Omega Empire.

[b]Context (Situation)[/b]: Taking place shortly before the far later plot "Macha's Vengeance" and before the upcoming thread "Broken Trinity" in [i]The Darkness II[/i], N. Jessica meets with Cain in the relatively depopulate Lior over an alliance in order to expand their reach, work with someone familiar, and develop an alliance, not to mention gain any possible information on herself from this universe before checking for herself.

Cain walked around the streets of Lior. He didn't have much worry about getting attention since the city appeared to be slightly less populated than normal. The relative quiet helped, especially after the huge disappointment back in Bord'Wan. He didn't want to remember that little incident but decided that if he saw his "partner" again, they would have a stern conversation between each other. That one thought calming him down, Cain continued with his walk, keeping his guard up. Anything could still happen, especially with the silence that was currently happening. He kept a grip on his Needler and brought the weapon out, just in case of an ambush.

"Hello there," said a female voice from his right, as something flickered into view on his periphery. "Paranoid, are we? Put the gun away before someone comes down this street, alright?"

"Considering my history, sometimes it pays to be paranoid. Especially when the people who know me want me dead." Cain replied. Still, he placed the Needler away. Turning to the right, he found himself staring at the owner of the voice. A woman with long blonde hair with silver highlights and glowing red-green eyes, a shade of purple as the moonlight shifted a bit, her skin having a reddish tinge. She wore a steel blue, skintight bodysuit with red lining and a red "Ω" symbol on the right half of her chest, with slight heels on the bottoms of the feet. On her left arm was a mechanical armband, her right empty.

"So whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" Cain bowed to the woman. He had a feeling he may know or have at least heard of the woman since he could see something familiar from her. Still, he didn't like to recall the past very much for many reasons.

She smiled, standing from her leaning position against the wall of the building she had been relaxing against and walking slowly over to him. "Come now, don't tell me you forgot about me." Her hand brushed against the Needler, then his face, before she stopped and lowered it. "Jessica Mireu, Commander of the Hecate Corps, Omega? Or do you not remember me?"

"My apologies." Cain replied. He remembered the woman perfectly, the little sister of Jonathan Mireu whom he had met after Isaac's future self had "influenced" her into the woman standing in front of him right now. "Death has a way of affecting one's memories. It has been some time since we last met. Sadly, I've lost sight of the you I've met since back then. To what do I owe the pleasure for this visit? I seriously doubt it would be a simple social call. I am normally not one to get down to business but me running into you merits as such."

The smile turned to a smirk as she ran her hand around his face, through his hair before letting go finally, wondering if he understood her impression of him from her time. "Truth be told, I didn't come here for you. I came here for them. You from my time, the emperor, the rest of them. Heard we've had...trouble. We had some on our end, but it's dealt with and no longer an issue. But business is business." She put a hand on her hip, running the other behind her before letting it drop. "I'm seeing about finding a way to augment my force I brought with me. You haven't seen them, don't worry. But you weren't wrong about being paranoid. We really [i]are[/i] everywhere. Or at least most places that matter.

"I am trying to find a way to bring over some, but not all, of them. Diana became too...argumentative. Not my problem, but no, she is not dead. Her kids, I understand, were not so lucky." She frowned at that, but it faded again. "I saw your little friend with you, or should I say henchman? I know about many on these worlds in various degrees. And I ask you. What do you have to offer for me, [i]Director[/i]?"

"Ah. My apologies but I don't think that'll be possible. Isaac has... strayed from his path and Kynthia is out of the question. And again, I have lost sight of the you I've met back then. Pity since I'm sure she and  I could've become something like you and him." Cain explained. He listened at Jessica's explanation of her reasons for being here. While not necessary, he was glad to have confirmation that him being paranoid wasn't in his head this time. He didn't react as she explained the situation back in her original time but frowned at the mention of his "little friend". Cain didn't have much time to think on it though as he heard her question.

"I admit I'm at a disadvantage right now since you possess more resources than me. However, I was planning on visiting a certain world right after I finished with my business here. Jackie Estacado's world. Isaac and me are no longer vessels of the Darkness so it would make sense to search for him. And if he refuses on an alliance then I will simply find a group who knows about the Darkness. I mean in a world where a force like the Darkness exists, it makes sense a secret society or two revolving around it would be founded." Cain explained. He had been planning on returning there himself since he needed answers to some questions he's been having.

She grinned still, leaning against the wall once more and motioning for him to come closer. "Well, I can tell you that you are most certainly not wrong. That world does have the most ancient of secret societies for the Darkness, the Brotherhood, still running around. Last I was there, it was run by one Brother Victor Valente. Former circus act who has teleportation powers and wants the Darkness for the Brotherhood. If you can secure an alliance between them and me, I'll get weapons, you get weapons and powers, and I'll get upgraded soldiers, while I give some of my technology to them. Everybody wins. As for that friend of yours... what can he do for me? And what can... [i]you[/i] do for me?" She grinned at that, playing with him.

"Oh. Him. He's a hydromancer by the looks of it." Cain replied. "He does have a neat little trick where anyone who drinks his water has to follow his orders. But I seem to recall you already have a similar skill in your possession. He can also drain a person's body of water. Besides that, I'm not so sure and I don't know where he went to. But yes, I can do a lot for you. Even show you if you want." He grinned, enjoying the little banter he was having with Jessica.

The woman chuckled as he spoke. "Still like I remember. I think he can have his uses. My interrogation can be more painful. Painless and more assured is better. I'll just keep guards on him at all times." She patted his shoulder. "As for the Darkness? What I told you?"

"I'll find Vincent Valente and speak to him of an alliance with you. Shouldn't be too difficult once I explain how I used to be a vessel of the Darkness. I may have to explain the whole Interference thing but if he already knows, it'll be easier." Cain replied, looking at Jessica. "I may even have to mention HIS name if it came to that." He was referring to the only other Interference to have been a vessel of The Darkness. "I'll also keep an eye out for anything that may grant me new powers."

She nodded at that. "I hope you understand what happens when men cross me, though. Women too, granted. If you do, you know the consequences. Until then, we can play our little games." She had frowned, but her playful smirk came back. "And if he wants to help, alright. If not, no big deal, we'll figure out how to fix it. Any questions or concerns, Director?"

"Oh, I know." Cain nodded. He was well aware that Jessica didn't make empty threats nor did she bluff. When she made a threat, she would carry it out if anyone challenged or failed her. But Cain had no intention on doing either of that. "I do have a question. How exactly are you going to start augmenting your forces? Will you chase after the you of this time?"

"Oh, I'm already working on that," she said, grinning slightly still. "I have a sizable force I brought with me. Given my work, you'd know I don't like to have them all running about in the open. As for her... yes, I'm making sure to keep tabs on her. Maybe I'll add her to my projects. It would help to have additional lieutenants, and with the mixture of the Old Machines and ADAM, I can probably make sure they don't leave. Any other questions?"