Post by BijuuGuy on Apr 3, 2023 20:29:08 GMT
WARNING: HIGHLY CLASSIFIED DATA. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
ACCESS RESTRICTED TO AUTHORIZED AGENTS ONLY.
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.
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"We live in a room, and there's a poster on the wall. We stare at it and we think that's the whole world. The room... and the poster. But it's all a lie. Something to distract us from the truth. The room's not the world, the world... is much bigger, and much stranger."
General Information
Name:
Jesse Faden
Alias:
The Director
[REDACTED]
Age:
28
Origin Game:
Control
Homeland:
The City
Faction:
The Institute
Federal Bureau of Control (FBC)
Gender:
Female
History:
THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS AND SESSIONS OF [REDACTEDREDACTED] AT VARIOUS AGES. HIGHLY CLASSIFIED.
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"Time for some light reading."
- Agent Jane Cavanagh, in charge of looking through available records
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THE CITY, DISTRICT OF ORDINARY, GENERAL HOSPITAL
PATIENT FILE: 17-56-29
PATIENT: JESSE FADEN, AGE 14
Psychiatrist: "How are you, Jesse?"Jesse: "Okay, I guess. I don't know."
Psychiatrist: "Would you like to talk about your family today?"
Jesse: "No. But I probably have to anyway, so whatever."
Psychiatrist: "Go ahead, then."
Jesse: "Um... My mom was really smart and good and, you know, a mom. She was a scientist of some kind. I can't remember what kind, it was a really hard word to say. Dad was uh, funny and smart too. But different smart. Like... he knew how to fix stuff really well. TVs and stuff like that. He and mom worked a lot together on something that Dylan and I weren't allowed to see. But we found out anyway."
Psychiatrist: "Tell me about your brother."
Jesse: "Oh man, Dylan was my best friend. We were together all the time, digging stuff up, doing stupid shit around Ordinary. We weren't allowed to go far, but we still did. We even went pretty far into the City a few times. We were really good liars. He was better at that than me though. I got us into trouble sometimes... I miss him."
Psychiatrist: "That is a perfectly normal feeling to have, Jesse. What happened to you was tragic."
Jesse: "Yeah... But he's not dead. Polaris said so. I'm gonna find him."
Psychiatrist: "You mean your imaginary friend?"
Jesse: "What?! No! She's REAL! She was our friend! She said I had to destroy the projector! But I can still save him!"
Psychiatrist: "Jesse, I need you to take a breath. I know you blame yourself, but there is no 'Polaris'. You can't change what happe---"
Jesse: "Fuck you! He's NOT DEAD!"
[REDACTEDREDACTED] LEFT ABRUPTLY. NO FURTHER LOGS COULD BE RECOVERED. REFER TO CASE FILES AWE-24 AND OOP15-UE.
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"Fuck, she was one damag--- Who's trying to access these?! Get out!"
- Agent Jane Cavanagh, who actually had normal person plans for the weekend
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THE CITY, INSTITUTE FUNDED PRIVATE MEDICAL FACILITY, FILES CLASSIFIED TO NON INSTITUTE EMPLOYEES.
PATIENT FILE: 34-96-JF-77
PATIENT: JESSE FADEN, AGE 22, SUBJECT IS UNAWARE OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE INSTITUTE AND THE BUREAU
Psychiatrist: "---session five with recurring patient Jesse Faden. The sessions continue to focus extensively on Ms. Faden's PTSD, related familial trauma and subsequent recovery. We continue to be very open-minded about any unorthodox admissions by the patient. Nice to see you again, Jesse."
Jesse: "Yeah, uh, hi."
Psychiatrist: "So, last time you mentioned a slide projector your parents found and were tinkering with. You said it had... strange capabilities?"
Jesse: "Yeah um. Dylan and I weren't supposed to find it, but we broke into their workshop one time. It was like a really old projector with a bunch of slides, so we wanted to see what was on them. When we put a slide in, there was always this weird noise and the slides felt... odd. We saw that the pictures were moving. Dylan went to touch the screen and he could put his hand through it. It was insane, we could go into the slides. They were like, different worlds."
Psychiatrist: "Can you describe these worlds?"
Jesse: "One was just an empty old house. There were creepy dolls on the shelves, but it was harmless otherwise. We went there to play pretty often at night when our parents were asleep. There were a bunch of other slides, but we got into serious trouble when mom and dad found out. Their reaction was like... we could have been killed. It makes a lot more sense now."
Psychiatrist: "And Polaris?"
Jesse: "I can't describe it. I can barely remember that one. But she was there and she became our friend. She also warned us about some danger. But we realized it too late."
Psychiatrist: "You said that she disappeared at some point? When did she come back?"
Jesse: "A little over a year ago, I think. I was ready to let it go. But she said she knew how to save Dylan. She hasn't told me the specifics. I don't know why. She's only shown me dreams. Fragments of things. I know it has something to do with the suits."
Psychiatrist: "They wanted to take you away, but you escaped, correct?"
Jesse: "Yeah. I don't know who they were, but they knew about the projector. It's like they anticipated it or something."
Psychiatrist: "Are you sure it wasn't your trauma filling in the gaps and replacing what really happened?"
Jesse: "I'm sure. You don't have to believe me, but it's the truth. I don't have any proof, I just know I'm right."
Psychiatrist: "Alright, alright. How has the City treated you all these years?"
Jesse: "It's been fine, I guess. It's a big place, but I got back on my feet eventually. I'm not proud of some of the things I had to do then, but it's better than giving up."
Psychiatrist: "A fine attitude to have. It says here that you were detained by C-Sec for a time?"
Jesse: "Yeah. I got mixed up with... people I shouldn't have. I was trying to track down people who knew about Ordinary. I had good leads. I just didn't know what the cost would be."
Psychiatrist: "Did you tell anyone else what you thought happened to your family that time?"
Jesse: "No. I always made up a story or kept some details out. Turns out it's easier to get help the more simple the story is."
Psychiatrist: "You felt like they wouldn't believe you, I see."
Jesse: "Probably. It didn't matter in the long run anyway."
Psychiatrist: "Do you think you'll ever return to Ordinary?"
Jesse: "I have to. I'm can't stop until I find the truth. I've come too far now."
Psychiatrist: "I agree. Closure is important. You can come to terms with what happened."
Jesse: "You're not listening. I'm not looking for closure. I'm looking for the truth. Whatever that is.
Psychiatrist: "But you're suggesting that Dylan is alive somewhere. How do you really know? How do you know that it's not a desperate quest to suppress your years-long lasting trauma? That you need some proof, some conspiracy so badly, you're willing to make up whatever you need to make yourself feel better."
Jesse: "That's just completely fucking wrong! I will always blame myself for what happened, but I know there is more to this.
Psychiatrist: "I admire your persistence. But I am more invested in your future recovery, which involves you burying this."
Jesse: "I'll put it behind me when I know what really happened. Closure should make me feel better about everything, right? I don't need that. I need the full story. The absolute truth. I know it will hurt, but I can't move on otherwise. So I'll take it, I'll take the pain, as much as I need to."
JESSE FADEN HAD BY THEN BEEN UNDER SURVEILLANCE AND IN CONSIDERATION FOR THE [REDACTEDREDACTED] FOR SEVEN YEARS. CONNECTION INDICATED BETWEEN "POLARIS" AND OOP15-UE. STILL INSUFFICIENT DATA ON "POLARIS". ANY PRIOR RECORDS MENTIONING THE ENTITY WERE CONFISCATED AND SEALED BY THE BUREAU. SUBJECT FADEN PLACED AS "HIGH PRIORITY".
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"Robert, I swear to ever-living fuck, I will report you if you keep breaking protocol. How can you read these anyway? These are RESTRICTED for a reason, you dumbass!"
- Agent Jane Cavanagh, clearly not being paid enough for this shit
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THE CITY, FEDERAL BUREAU OF CONTROL, DETAILED RECORDS HIGHLY CLASSIFIED.
PATIENT FILE: [REDACTED]
PATIENT: DIRECTOR JESSE FADEN, AGE 28
Psychiatrist: "---most of us think you've been doing a marvelous job, Direct-- Jesse. Apologies, I'm still getting used to the informality."
Jesse: "That's fine. I just feel like we've been attached at the hip for a while now, so it just makes more sense that way."
Psychiatrist: "Quite right. Now, how are you feeling?"
Jesse: "Pretty alright, actually. Everything seems to be working as it should. Most of you guys seem to be happy with the way I'm running things. I... It's weird to say this, but the Bureau is a place where I can finally feel like I belong. Like I can actually do something and fulfill a purpose. I can do something worth a damn."
Psychiatrist: "That is good to hear. You will have everyone on your side in a short while, I'm sure of it. You're swiftly earning everyone's trust, emphasis on earning. Your tenure has certainly been unorthodox, but I believe it is so in all the necessary ways. Speaking of unorthodox, have the OoP-s given you any trouble? You're adjusting well?"
Jesse: "No major trouble so far. Yeah, I think I've been adjusting to them pretty good. The abilities feel way more natural now. Polaris definitely helped with that."
Psychiatrist: "Ah yes, Polaris. I forgot to ask last time, but I hear you've assembled a task force to actively look into the Ordinary AWE? Am I correct in assuming that the enigmatic Polaris was the progenitor of the idea?"
Jesse: "Yes and no. The task force was formed because Ordinary was declared a cold case. I now know that wasn't the case, but you guys really didn't bother looking deeper into it. No offense. Polaris has been helping me with that, because she feels responsible for what happened to Dylan. This is mostly all me, though. I'm doing this for myself, but there were many others who suffered similarly. I feel like I owe it to them as well. I can't say more. The rest is classified, even to you."
Psychiatrist: "No offense taken. It is a noble cause, I hope it all bears fruit."
Jesse: "Likewise. Also, I think we agreed that Polaris won't be mentioned in your reports? She still needs to be confidential to the max. At least until the case is solved."
Psychiatrist: "Yes, yes, of course! Our tight-knit group is as tight-lipped as ever, I promise you that. Wouldn't want the employees thinking their Director is compromised, after all. Not that that's the case, but people like to make... assumptions and jump to conclusions. Even in our profession."
Jesse: "Thanks, I appreciate it."
Psychiatrist: "I want to touch more on your role as Director. I can only imagine the job to be a strenuous one. Do you have a way to cope with the stress?"
Jesse: "I don't think I've ever felt that I needed a coping mechanism. I've always been okay-ish under stress. I guess I do just like to kick back sometimes, but... I don't know, I can somehow just keep calm most times."
Psychiatrist: "A trait in common with Trench and Northmoor, it seems. Even if only superficially. Since we're on the topic of leadership, I assume you've met our benefactor?"
Jesse: "Yeah, a few times. Cave is... a lively guy. But he believes in what he's doing and more importantly, he believes in what the Bureau is doing. There is something off about him, but I think it's just that he's eccentric. He made it obvious that he's not going to intervene in our business when he can help it, so that's a relief. Wouldn't be much of a leadership position if I'd have to answer to someone who doesn't really know the extent of what we deal with."
Psychiatrist: "Has he given the impression that he's ignorant in regards to our mission statement?"
Jesse: "Not specifically. I meant more that he's more the Dr. Darling and Dr. Pope type. He would really fit well in the Research Division. He doesn't really look like the more strict, organizational leader type. I can't really put a finger on a specific thing."
Psychiatrist: "I think I understand. I, personally, very much appreciate that we can act as autonomously as possible."
Jesse: "We totally agree on that."
Psychiatrist: "Touching a bit more on this subject, you've been in regular contact with [REDACTEDREDACTED], correct?"
Jesse: "Pretty often, yeah. [REDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTED] seem real invested in me for some reason. It's a... unique aspect of the job, I gotta say. And no, I can't give you any details. Classified and all that stuff."
Psychiatrist: "Oh I'm aware. [REDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTED] is indeed very adamant about that. For good reason, of course. Even in a world such as ours, there are things most shouldn't know."
Jesse: "Can't say I fully agree, but you know, I get it."
Psychiatrist: "I do have one more pertinent question before I let you go. This isn't related to you specifically, but a lot of us have been wondering... where did that one Executive Sector bathroom disappear to?"
Jesse: "Funny you should ask. But uh, it apparently shifted to a level on the [REDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTED]---"
END OF CURRENTLY RECOVERED LOGS. SUBJECT'S PRESENT PREDICAMENT LIKELY TO GRANT ACCESS TO FURTHER LOGS IN THE FUTURE.
Drive: Jesse's main drive is to finally find out what really happened in her home district. She desperately wants to find her brother, fully believing that he's alive and trapped in an alternate dimension. Jesse is also determined to uncover how her current employer is mixed up in all of that.
"Beyond the shadow you settle for, there is a miracle illuminated"
- Thomas Zane
Visuals
Image:
Visual Appearance:
Jesse is a fairly tall woman, standing at 5'10" with an athletic build. Her profession constantly keeps her mobile, further proving her athleticism. Her most striking feature is her red hair and combined with her green eyes, they make for a mesmerizing combination. Jesse's hair takes on various shades of the color depending on the lighting. Jesse's hair is of medium length and she typically keeps it in a ponytail when not donning her Director suit. With the suit, Jesse's hairdo is a lot more neat. It's held in place by a large, golden, triangular hair clip.
Clothing/Armor:
Civilian Outfit
Jesse's civilian outfit is predictably simple. Consisting of a pair of black jeans, black undershirt and a black leather jacket, it's very standard, but does enable relative freedom in agile movement.
Director Suit + Golden Suit
The Director suit is designed for the professionalism expected from the FBC. A navy blue pantsuit with a white blouse and black, heeled shoes, it screams authority. To further hit home that this is the suit of the FBC Director, Jesse has a FBC pin on the jacket. Jesse also has an additional variant of the Director suit, that being basically a golden version of that same suit. Besides the difference in color, the suit is identical. Jesse typically wears it on occasions, where a semi-formal attire is accepted.
Tactical Response
Reserved for field operations. While it isn't all too common for the Director themselves to engage in tactical response, Jesse has made it a point to be as hands on as she can. The suit consists of a pair of trousers, sweater, vest and a pair of fingerless gloves, along with boots. All colored black, as they are utilitarian clothes.
Asynchronous Suit
A veritable superhero outfit by most measures, the Asynchronous suit is tailor made to aid Jesse in whatever supernatural combat scenarios. Durable, flexible and stylish to boot, the Asynchronous suit matches the mysterious nature of Jesse's powers. It also goes wonderfully with the Service Weapon. Though most of Jesse's suits do.
"It feels sane. Or just the right kind of insane."
Personality
Jesse Faden is an immensely approachable person. She is kind, helpful and tries to see the best in people. Some may call her naive because of it, though she's anything but. She has simply taken her experiences and transformed herself and way of thinking to be who she is today. She is someone who protects those closest to her until her dying breath. Jesse is tenacious and her will is as hard as steel. When she sets her sights on something, she will reach her goal no matter the hurdles on her way. In many ways, this makes her an exceptional leader. So it is no wonder why she is in such a prestigious position from at such a young age. Well, because of that and... because of other more strange circumstances. In any case, Jesse takes her predicaments in stride. While she isn't fully used to her position yet, she does acknowledge that it is now her burden to carry. Her dutiful nature shines through exceptionally.
Either as a byproduct of her profession or simply her nature, Jesse isn't easily fazed by bizarre occurrences or lifeforms. In a way, she has been used to weird shit happening to her or around her constantly. It desensitizes a person after a while, especially when all of that begins during your childhood. It is a useful aspect for Jesse, as it helps her immediately dive into the more important aspects of these bizarre occurrences. She can ask those vital questions from the get go and not be endlessly baffled by what is going on. It makes Jesse very straight to the point, in many ways. She gets down to the crux of everything as quickly as she can. Meandering isn't her style when it comes to professional dealings.
Because of her nature, Jesse has a pretty dry sense of humor. Some jokes land, others fall flat. She is very self aware in these aspects as well and is noticeably awkward when a social conversation takes a turn that she didn't expect. Nonetheless, she tries to see most things through a humorous lens. Partly a defense mechanism, it definitely humanizes the otherwise seemingly enigmatic Director to many that work under her. Social interactions themselves are either a breeze or a struggle and that really depends on who she's conversing with. Having to largely grow up on her own and often in constant survival mode, it's not surprising that she's not fully in tune with everything casual talk related.
Weapons/Items
Service Weapon
The single most important item the Director has, is the Service Weapon. An Object of Power - Case File OOP1-KE - one of it's primary attributes is that it is exclusively tied to/owned by the Director of the FBC. By owning the Service Weapon, the individual is by definition the Director. The manner of how the Service Weapon (and by extension the [REDACTED]) chooses the Director is... unorthodox. Only those chosen by the [REDACTED] are considered worthy to wield it. Those found to be unworthy are killed. To prove one's self worthy of becoming Director, the Service Weapon is held to one's head (much like one would in a game of Russian Roulette), and if the individual does not meet [REDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTED], they are terminated. Its true origins are unknown, despite the Institute falsely claiming to have developed it themselves.
The Service Weapon is a shapeshifting firearm that can assume a variety of different forms with different applications. It is implied to have changed drastically throughout history — though always taking the form of what the general collective subconscious would perceive as a personal weapon. Throughout history, the Service Weapon is believed to have taken the forms of legendary weapons of lore. Currently, it takes the form of a large matte black revolver. When activated, the weapon can shift and change forms, with the magazine portion turning a golden color. It should be noted that while the Service Weapon has several applications, the weapon can only use one form at a time. It can change forms very quickly, but it does have a cooldown period, should Jesse empty its clip.
- Grip
A standard sidearm form similar to a revolver. It has high accuracy and single-shot damage. This is the default form of the Service Weapon, and suitable for most encounters.
- Shatter
A form similar to a shotgun with a wide blast radius, but shorter effective range. Damage is calculated for each projectile and it is most suitable for close-range combat.
- Spin
A rapid-fire form with lower accuracy and single shot damage, but a significantly higher rate of fire. Good for medium-range combat.
- Pierce
A form that charges a powerful, single shot capable of striking enemies through walls and behind cover. The initial charge and cooldown of this form cause it to be heavily reliant on user accuracy.
- Charge
A form capable of charging up to three powerful rounds to be unleashed on a single point, causing explosive area of effect damage. The charged rounds are fired on the trigger's release, and each charge is charged to maximum before the next round begins to charge. The rounds are automatically fired after all three are charged to max.
- Surge
A form which can fire grenades which stick to enemies or surfaces before exploding. When aiming down the scope, Jesse is able to fire up to six grenades by pulling the trigger which will either automatically detonate after a few seconds or when Jesse presses the trigger again. Pulling the trigger while not aiming down the scope will manually detonate any placed grenades.
Hotline
The Hotline is an Object of Power - Case File OOP3-UE - that enables its wielder to communicate with [REDACTED]. It doesn't connect to any typical network, it is a direct secure line of communication with the [REDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTED]. A popular hypothesis is that under the right conditions the Hotline can connect to [REDACTEDREDACTED]. Only the Director can safely answer it and what they hear is classified. If used by anyone other than the Director, the OoP will [REDACTEDREDACTED]. Through the Hotline, Jesse can also communicate with her [REDACTEDREDACTED]. Current case files are outdated, as the Hotline is bound to Director Faden, not Director Trench.
"You called me, so here I am. I know I shut you out sometimes - I'm always glad to hear from you."
Abilities/Powers
EID-19929 - "Polaris"
Polaris is an extradimensional entity originating from Slidescape-36 (nicknamed "Hand"). Discovered by Jesse during the Ordinary AWE (Altered World Event), Polaris aided Jesse in closing the Slide Projector - Case File OOP15-UE - saving her life in the process. Years after, Jesse remains in psychic contact with Polaris. Despite the fact that exceedingly little is known about Polaris in general, it is a seemingly benevolent entity, Jesse refers to Polaris as "she" and even considers her a friend. Throughout the years, Polaris has guided Jesse and is the primary source of her parautilitarian powers. Polaris doesn't seemingly have a physical form and exists as a more abstract form of energy. Jesse essentially acts as a conduit/amplifier of Polaris's energy, giving her the unique primary ability to purge impure energies from paranatural objects and effectively bind their various attributes to Jesse if she wishes. Only a select few members of the Bureau know of Polaris and its connection to Jesse, which is why much of the intel on Polaris isn't redacted and hasn't been properly cataloged.
- Case File OOP5-KE - Floppy Disk - Launch
The Floppy Disk has the ability of telekinesis, able to lift and throw objects remotely. While its power was initially limited to smaller objects, after Jesse bound herself to it, its power increased exponentially. She can actively lift objects as large as a car and through concentration, she can lift up to three large objects at once. Jesse's usage of it is far more effective when she is launching smaller objects at fast speeds. While she typically focuses on a specific object she wants to launch, she can also have her ability act on autopilot. This means that without thinking, Jesse can launch whatever object is closest to her at any given time. Her ability will always launch something, with the ability being strong enough to rip out chunks from walls if needed. If an opponent is in a physically weakened state, Jesse can also launch them.
- Case File OOP16-KE - Merry-Go-Round Horse - Evade
The item is capable of moving short distances at great speeds, which can be quite dangerous when there are objects in its path. This equates to a superhumanly fast dodge ability, though Jesse can use it to move in any direction. She can only do in short bursts and she will demolish or damage most objects that are in her path of movement. Jesse is impervious to any damage while she is using the quick burst of the ability.
- Case File OOP7-KE - Benicoff TV - Levitate
The Benicoff TV is a small, old-fashioned television which possesses the power to levitate and affect the environment around it. When bound to Jesse, she gains the ability to levitate herself, although no other objects levitate around her. She is only able to use its effects on herself. Initially, Jesse was able to levitate for short periods of time, extending up to a few minutes. Through further control of Polaris' energies, Jesse has managed to develop the ability far enough that she can levitate almost indefinitely, which in turn leaves the clear possibility of her evolving it into full blown fight eventually. Jesse will always land gently after levitating, unless an outside force intervenes. However, Jesse can also use her levitation energy to perform essentially a ground slam. She accelerates her landing speed significantly, effectively creating a crater and a shockwave wherever she decides to land. It's an effective crowd control ability in combat situations. Her max height currently stands at 150 metres.
- Case File OOP22-KE - Home Safe - Shield
The object is a "Guardhouse" brand home safe. Weight measurements vary. When bound, the object allow parautilitarians to telekinetically gather items and debris from their surroundings. The shield can sustain a moderate amount of damage until it is gradually chipped away by incoming projectiles or the like. Jesse can additionally hurl the shield at her desired target instead of simply dispelling the ability.
- Case File OOP18-PE - X-Ray Light Box - Seize
The object is a lightbox used to examine x-ray images. The image cannot be removed from the lightbox. The object allows parautilitarians to forcefully seize an individual's mind. The seized individual becomes a fully loyal servant to the user. Its effects last for typically five minutes. It can only be cast on individuals who have been visibly physically injured or are already mentally predisposed to mind control effects. Once under the seize effects, the subject is reinvigorated and will obey their master to the letter with increased willpower. Once released, the seized are left with varying mental defects as a result of the psychic trauma. While Jesse has the ability, she rarely uses it, as she sees it being immensely unethical.
Roleplay Sample
The City was a marvel to behold. A literal city reaching as far as the eye could reach. Beings of all imaginable shapes and sizes inhabited the cityscape. It was a place where suspending your disbelief wasn't a thing. It had always been this way. Here, from the beginning of time, everything you could imagine was real. Nothing was too "out there". Yet, as all this incomprehensible imagination was the norm, so were things that didn't seemingly fit that mold. Jesse Faden knew this very well. But right now, she was busy admiring the horizon. The view was even more enchanting from atop the Oldest House, the building which Jesse... technically owned? Well not really, because the Oldest House bowed down to nobody. A massive Object of Power in its own right, the Oldest House was essentially alive. Yes, it was the Bureau's HQ, but it wasn't without its quirks. It couldn't be typically seen by anyone who wasn't specifically looking for the place. The building was also much larger on the inside than initially seemed. And, probably one of its most intriguing attributes, the Oldest House liked to shift itself around every once in a while. Internally, that is. Building shifts were commonplace in the Bureau. So much so, that employees were eventually given special courses and handbooks on how to find their way when the house shifted. It was a wondrous place. A dangerous one too, and Jesse was in charge of it all. Partially, anyway.
Her current reason for being atop the Oldest House was a meeting. One she had meticulously set up to keep the necessary secrecy of the Bureau intact. They weren't a necessarily public organization. They did have a public face, but most of their conventional public operations were done through the guise of the Institute. Many did know of the Bureau's existence, but details and everything credible were buried under so much red tape and falsehoods that it was still difficult to reveal them fully. Jesse certainly had balls to invite an informant to the very building that was a secret. But she had her methods. Mainly, they would be outside. Secondly, her informant would essentially be stepping through a portal and directly onto the roof of the Oldest House. Thirdly, the informant wouldn't know that it was, in fact, the Oldest House. And finally, Jesse took the necessary steps to keep pertinent details about the Bureau under wraps.
Jesse could barely finish her thoughts as the portal behind her opened and swiftly closed, hearing footsteps. He was here. Good.
"Sorry. I had to take some precautions. Don't ask me about the technology or anything not related to the case. You won't get an answer."
"Okay. You said you could help with our case?"
"Yeah, I can. I think I know what you're dealing with, but I will need C-Sec to not intervene if you want this dealt with."
"What? Lady, I don't even know who you work for or how you knew specific details about the anomaly. I don't trust you and you haven't given me a reason to think otherwise."
"Jesse Faden. I work for the Institute. The branch I'm with pretty much specializes in things that you're currently dealing with. Looking at the chain of command, I'm higher ranked than C-Sec in this case. Trust me, I know my shit."
"Huh, alright. Fine, I'll bite. Here are the case files, just tell us what to do."
"I'll deal with this myself. You don't have the equipment. For transparency's sake, tell Vakarian he can come with me."
"How do you---"
"Classified. I'll be at the site in a few. Only he can be there from your side. I'll know if C-Sec has sent any others. You don't want that, buddy."
The informant couldn't say anything else as the portal opened again behind him, now moving on its own to expel him from the Oldest House's rooftop. He had all the necessary information and he had the sinking feeling that he had to do everything exactly as Jesse said. As the portal closed behind her, she let out a short chuckle, looking into the distance once more. It was really fun playing the mysterious badass agent. She had that quality to her when she wanted to. It wasn't a seamless transition, but it was a good enough of an act. She had really grown into her Director role. It felt good, she'd need that to complete her most important quest.