B-Team: Dominion of Discord - Epilogue

Gathering / Conference

Following their decent into Hell and subsequent defeat of Zaebos, Warp invites the rest of The B-Team to his hideout for some drinks and an announcement.

Warp: "Hey guys, once everything is settled can you all meet round mine? There's some stuff I need to tell you all"   Rue: “Yeah, of course.”   Mercy: "Yes"   Rue: “Wrapping up at the base soon - how’s everyone else looking? What time are we meeting? I promised to be back at Rachel's in time for breakfast.”   Mercy: "Doing fine, Rue, thank you, just taking the needed rest to relax in my combat simulator."   Warp: "Also fine, am back home so come round whenever you're ready"   As the longest day many of them have ever had comes to an end and the midnight hour draws near, the various capable members of the B-Team arrive at their final stop of the day, Warp's hideout. The outer seal's automatic locks disconnect as they are each identified and, within the space of half an hour, the entire team finds themselves gathered again to hear whatever it is that Frank has to say. Frank welcomes each member of the B-Team as they arrive, various hot beverages on offer, from hot chocolate to a warmed-up blood pack.   Mercy: "Thank you Frank but I'm not much a fan of warm blood, it denatures it and just doesn't taste the same.”   Rue accepts a mug of hot chocolate, settling on the edge of the armchair so as to not disturb the cat snoozing on the cushions. They take a sip of the sweet drink, giving a small nod of thanks when they lock eyes with Frank.   Frank nods in return to Rue before turning to Mercy, "Sorry Mercy, I know coffee not blood, if you can stomach real food I can get you something else."   "Stop being a baby, Mercy," Emma scoffs, sipping on coffee, "You're meant to be all ancient and stuff, what happened to being a gracious guest.” She lifts up her cup, taking another sip to hide the fact she's barely holding back a laugh.   "Thank you Frank but I have my own," Mercy says while pretending he didn't notice the quiet laughter   "So, Frank, we're wondering why you gathered us here," Emma asks, putting down her mug, "Big news, I expect? Hopefully good news - I don't think I can handle another end of the world scenario just yet."   "Important news, certainly." Frank says, mustering his nerve, "The truth is I've been... unwell for some time now, a fact I've kept to myself until we were done with Zaebos, and now that we are, I'll be leaving for a medical retreat in a day or so, I don't know how long I'll be there for exactly but no longer than two weeks," he takes a sip of his own coffee as he lets that sink in for a moment before continuing, "After that, I've been selected to head a new initiative for Century, one that will take me away from the B-Team for the foreseeable future, in my absence a new agent will cover for me."   "Sorry to hear you've been poorly. But hey, it's great you're getting promoted. About time, I say,” Emna leans back slightly, and glances over at the rest of the team, "Guess I'm the designated adult of the team now, kids." She says with a grin.   "Well, Frank, the new Century agent won't have your level of acceptance for our inane hijinks, but I'm sure you've made sure they'll mesh well with us,” Mercy looks over to Emma following her comment, "Don't forget who's the oldest here Emma.   “She meant the designated responsible adult, Mercy. As for my replacement, I think you will all get along well with her. That said, she’s operated primarily as a solo agent and this will be her first dedicated team-based assignment, so I’d appreciate it if you can help her find her feet.”   "I'm sure we can help her along with it," Mercy replies.   "Mercy, with all due respect,” Emma starts, with no respect intended, “You may be older than the city, but you are still baby. Especially now Zero has left."   Rue clears their throat, pointing over at Zero.   "Yeah, unfortunately this is likely to have been my last mission with you guys too,” Daniel says, “School starts up again soon, and now that the Vanguard are all back in business I'll be back to running with those guys. Plus, I was only really here so that Blue could keep an eye on you and make sure the team didn't fall apart from within." Daniel shrugs and sips his own beverage.   Emma turns around, startled, "Please don't sneak up like that. Mercy is bad enough with it as it is."   "You watched me come in!"   “In my defence, you've been uncharacteristically quiet,” Emma continues, “Either way, I'm sure we'll see you around town. And if that creepy clown thing from the Thompsons' turns up, let us know."   “I'm actually working on that at the moment with a couple of people. I might need your magical expertise though, so I'll probably reach out again soon."   "Frank, you will be missed while you’re away,” Mercy says, trying to stay on topic, “But I hope you have a speedy recovery, friend."   “Thank you Mercy that means a lot, that said even if I’m not actively on the team my door is always open to all of you.”   "If we ever need a safe house, we will be right over but I'm sure the lifts will be missed by people," Mercy says, suddenly wondering about his comrades.   “Mercy’s got a point,” Rue says playfully, “I might need to start thinking about getting a driver’s licence...”   It isn't long after the announcement that the team once again heads their separate ways, ready to rest away the last several weeks of accumulated exhaustion. Frank is left alone in his hideout with only his cat and a lot to think about. He scratches Charcoal's fur and sets about cleaning the used mugs, hoping beyond all else that he's making the right decision.