by Chaz Hamilton
It has been an eventful series of days. Director Nova has issued a statement noting that 95% of the ruby shards have been recovered. While he typically shows little emotion while speaking with the public, many BADGE agents have commented that their leader is showing a bit of trepidation in his interactions. There is obvious concern as to not if, but when the other shoe will drop with Krampus's plans.
There may only be around 500 shards left out in the world for Krampus to potentially have gained possession of in his efforts. I do not know what resources Krampus has at his disposal, or if he has henchmen. Supposedly, Skelanimal was working with him in North Onnatunga before being captured by a massive raid by BADGE forces. Was Skelanimal the only assistance that Krampus had?
I spent the last few hours in the BADGE collection headquarters set up in Radcliff, Kentucky. Many heroes came in several times to drop off their collected goods for inspection by the newly hired gemologist.
It must be said that Gar took his job marshaling the forces of BADGE recovery efforts with true diligence. He has been seen collaborating with the search team, sharing information and giving praise to them for their efforts. He had a never-say-die attitude, encouraging heroes to keep searching despite the timer slowly stealing moments away from the pursuit. As odd as it is to see an actual gargoyle with wings and stone skin moving about the HQ, he acted with a strange diplomacy and nobility that kept his team focused and moving.
I have tried to meet with him, and this new gemologist, for an interview, but neither of them seem to have time as they are verifying the collected materials. Several heroes have clustered about, silently hoping for a recount or other validation that they have completed their goal, rather than missing it by a narrow margin.
The Closer has managed to bring in several dozen kegs in as a thank you gesture to the assembled heroes, creating a make-shift pub. Krystal Fae is on the scene and has created out of thin air dozens of tables and chairs. Many new heroes have been seen meeting and conversing with older, more experience heroes that due to geographical reasons may not have met previously.
With the shards not fully being collected, perhaps this meet-and-greet will end up being the true success in the mission. While many heroes have not been seen on-site, the many, many heroes who were in the region working on the Quest in the Midwest are not taking the opportunity to socialize and get to know one another.
These friendships are the boon villains like Krampus, Skelanimal, and Dr. Morphon will never understand or have an advantage with. Currently, Wyldfyre, Blue Dragon, and Neach-dion na h-Alba are working at an enormous fire pit creating coals for dozens of whole pigs to be roasted and BBQ'ed. This is Kentucky. Can't visit the state and not enjoy some of the favorite foods of the area.
There is also a new hero on the scene, Chromatic Death, who is preparing for a one-man concert for the heroes. SuperRakly, Powerman, and others are talking tactics for the next time such a recover effort is called for, trying to streamline the process.
We must appreciate that these heroes, who spend so much time trying to win at League Wars or in calls-to-arms against massive threats, can handle defeat when they are faced with it. They take the opportunity to strengthen their bonds of service and prepare for the next obstacle. Their "never give up, never surrender" attitude does them justice as heroes.
Have a good evening, people of the world. I'm going to go and see if I can nab a pulled pork sandwich before Midgardsormr, Heretic, and Zen eat them all. This is Chaz Hamilton saying be safe, be well, and be happy.
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