Log:Briefing on the Hive Queen's Departure

2020/07/18 Dorian Copycat 1

There was a strange incident about ten minutes ago. Energy beams/balls zapping into space, spread across the continent and ocean. It was like some massive exodus, and then it just...ends a few minutes after it started. It's left Starguard in a scramble to identify the phenomenon.

During all the scrambling, Copycat hurries into the reception area rushing to the desk. "Umm. I need to talk to Commander Perrault right away. Where can I find him? It's concerning the energy beaming out into space!" the pink-haired heroine says urgently, looking apprehensive.

There's a quick call made, and only perhaps thirty seconds later, Dorian comes out from his office. He looks to Copycat, "What is it?"

Copycat wrings her hands together nervously. "Um. Uh. The Hive Queen thing that's been converting people into giant bugs? She's behind the massive energy signatures leaving the planet. She's leaving with her 'children'. But! I spoke with her and convinced her to return all the ones that were originally human. So you're going to get a lot of reports of people who were missing suddenly appearing."

Dorian raises a brow. "So...where is she going? And she's taking...animals that were transformed?"

"Yeah, animals and matter she consumed mostly in the oceans. She took all her children and went to seek a planet uninhabitable by most life forms so they could live in peace," Copycat explains, still jittery from the adrenaline rush of the incident. Don't offer her coffee, it'll just make it worse. She rings her hands. "She did say they'd defend themselves if anyone invaded or attacked wherever they colonize."

Dorian nods slowly. "I...don't think we'll be inclined to follow. But we'll likely trace where she goes.

Copycat nods rapidly. "That's a good idea just so we can stay clear. Maybe monitor what she's up to. She, um." It's then that Copycat has to catch her breath. "She somehow absorbed or evolved Sentinel's powers after infected him with some sort of virus that incubated inside him. Once it..umm...'finished," she uses air quotes uncomfortably, "she suddenly arrived and merged with the stuff and started exhibiting his energy powers. Within...gosh, just the span of a short conversation, she managed to pass that ability to all her brood."

Dorian blinks. "That is...interesting. I'll need to include that in the report, for sure."

Copycat nods. "Definitely do. It was a bit different with her. A sort of lavender colored energy. Griffin was sick the past few days. We thought it was a nasty flu. All his energy was drained though. It was like his take was on empty. I, uh. Copied the hive queen to protect him, and that's when I found out her plan was to find a way to leave the planet. And Griffin made it possible."

Dorian nods slowly. "My normal inclination WOULD be to try to bring her to justice. But...I'm likely to let this go. And I suspect that the higher ups will feel similarly."

Copycat bites her lower lip and looks disappointed in herself. "We would've tried, but it was just the two of us and her. I don't think there was anything we could do to stop her spawn from leaving. Sentinel was too weak. The best I could do was reason with her to leave the people she kidnapped behind."

Dorian nods, "That's something at least. Assuming she's true to her word."

"I think...she's true to it as long as we don't invade. But I worry how many planets she'd spread to," Copycat says uneasily.

Dorian nods. "I think the decision about waht to do will depend heavily upon where she ends up. We'll likely have to let the Guild know as well."

Copycat nods quickly. "Definitely warn them about her."

Copycat gulps a little, "And Commander...her swarm is much larger than we ever realized. Though I think some of them are tiny. At least for now."

Dorian nods. "Do you have an idea just how many we're talking?"

"M....millions," Copycat squeaks.

Dorian nods slowly. "Well, I suppose we'll see what the higher ups say."

Copycat nods to Dorian. "I tried to dig through her memories to help understand where she came from. But...it's still a jumble. I'll let you know if I can sort it out. I wish I could've been of more help."

Dorian nods. "If you helped save all of the humans that were transformed...that's plenty of help."

Copycat blinks in surprise, as if that just occurred to her. "M-me? No, I just asked her to leave them in exchange for Sentinel and I not to stop her. It was kind of a bluff, because we couldn't..."

Dorian smiles slightly. "That counts. It does'nt matter how you managed it.

Copycat blushes a bit while looking awkward as ever. "I-I...I guess so! I was just doing what anyone would've done," she says shyly.

Dorian smiles more broadly, "You are far too modest, you know."

"I am?" Copycat asks in a shy little voice. "Is that bad...? I...I should be more confident! Like other heroes! Like Sentinel," she tries to hype herself up. But she hardly looks intimidating. She's short, has a petite frame, and isn't exactly muscular. "It's, ah. Easier when I'm someone else," she admits.

Copycat thinks. o O (I wish I had all the confidence Arthur does. Or at least half the confidence others do...)

Copycat thinks. o O (Wait, why wouldn't I want all their confidence, too?? Gahhh...)

Dorian smiles. "That will likely change over time, I suspect."

Copycat looks hopefully at Dorian. "You really think so...? I thought by now I'd be...I dunno...a bit better. I still feel like the rookie."

Dorian nods. "Just give it more time."