Chapter 133: Info Dump
Subject #3, Name: Victor Cross. His ability is technopathy. He has used his ability to create power suits of armor. They are a revolutionary development that will save the lives of many people.
We have requested that he makes as many as possible as they will be necessary for the coming changes. Hopefully our troops can fend off the creatures for a while longer.
A problem is Victor’s attitude; he is insufferably arrogant and greedy. He has shown a continued lack of respect for the high ranking military officials and even leaders of this country. He has a high probability of turning traitor or making deals behind the federation’s back.
These deals could be going against the interest of the federation.
Decision: Placate him for the time being. Continue the search for his replacement. Most importantly continue the surveillance to ensure he doesn’t defect.
That was an interesting bit of information. The things I am most intrigued by are the specifications of his power armor and what "creatures" we are fending off.
I started looking into it.
I found what I was looking for almost immediately. The FBI has good organization on files.
If there was a file for awakeners and a file for powers, then there had to be a file for creatures.
The first file I saw made my skin crawl, "Not Deer".
The "Not Deer" is a modern urban legend and cryptid from the Appalachian region of the Federation. It resembles a white-tailed deer but features unnervingly "off" physical traits and behavior. Witnesses often report severe feelings of dread and uncanny valley effects when encountering the creature.
Key Characteristics:
Physical Anatomy: Reports describe forward-facing eyes (unlike normal prey animals), legs that bend at unnatural angles, too many joints, elongated necks, and broad, barrel-like chests.
Unusual Behavior: The creature is said to lack fear of humans, make bizarre, human-like vocalizations, and occasionally walk upright on its hind legs.
Threat level: Minor, basically a normal deer.
The pictures included were disturbing, to say the least. They had a few pictures and a video of it walking around on its hind legs, laughing like a human. Then the last few pictures were autopsy photos of the creature being dissected.
Along with a note at the end.
Note: The meat is still the same and is safe for consumption.
Consumption? Who would want to eat that?
I need to move on.
The next entry, "Skinwalker".
Umm. What?
In Native Federation folklore, a skinwalker is a type of malevolent witch capable of shapeshifting into, possessing, or disguising themselves as animals. While often grouped into "cryptid" or monster pop-culture, they are fundamentally human sorcerers who practice dark magic, historically distinct from unknown biological animals.
What is a Skinwalker?
The Origin: In traditional Native Federation beliefs, skinwalkers are originally medicine men or humans who cross grave taboos to harness evil.
Shapeshifting: They take on the forms of various creatures, primarily coyotes, wolves, foxes, bears, or owls, by wearing the pelt of the animal.
Lore and Abilities:
Deformities: In their animal state, they are often described as slightly deformed or larger than normal, with eyes that lack a natural animal reflection or glow intensely in the dark.
Mimicry: They possess the ability to mimic the calls of any animal or even the voice of a human relative to lure victims out of their homes.
Malevolent Magic: Skinwalkers are associated with cursing people, causing illness, and performing evil rituals.
Cultural Context:
Cultural Sensitivity: Many Native Federation communities consider skinwalkers to be highly sensitive and taboo subjects. Traditionally, discussing them openly with outsiders is believed to attract their attention or bring bad luck.
Note: While the above is true, in reality things shift a little. For one, skinwalkers are humans that have tried to perform ancient rituals or commit a grave taboo. Which means that they are not as pristine as you would imagine from the above.
The reality is that once a person becomes a skinwalker they cease to be human. The pelt that is used to become an animal begins to fuse into their body and the further along this process is the less rationality they have.
It would seem that becoming a skinwalker degrades the person’s mind over time. Eventually becoming nothing more than a beast.
Threat level: Moderate, because of its abilities it can be tricky but it can still be killed like any normal animal. But, it does have higher resistance, so remember, even if it stops moving don’t stop shooting.
Note: Skin walkers survive by eating mainly human flesh.
Note: The flesh is not safe for consumption. If eaten then said person will become a skinwalker themselves.
The next entry was about the Jackalope.
The jackalope is a mythical creature of Federation folklore, described as a jackrabbit with the antlers of an antelope or deer. While strictly a legend, it has become a celebrated piece of Federation folklore, often celebrated through taxidermy and tall tales.
The Lore:
According to campfire legends of the Old West, jackalopes possess several fantastical traits:
Voice Mimicry: They are said to be able to mimic human voices, occasionally singing along with cowboys during campfire sessions.
Elusive and Fierce: They are extremely fast and skittish, but will fight fiercely if cornered.
Milk and Whiskey: Legend states that jackalope milk is highly prized for its medicinal properties, and the animals can reportedly be lured or calmed with a bowl of whiskey.
Note: The jackalope has had increased sightings and has integrated into the ecosystem flawlessly.
Note: The legend about the milk is true. The milk has minor healing properties that increase the body’s natural healing abilities.
Wow, I’m not even surprised anymore. Today has been a long day and I feel as though I have been through a few info dumps. I need to get some sleep.
Then I can plan how to get revenge for Layla. That way she can rest in peace.
Wait, rest in peace?
Crap! The funeral! Has that happened yet? Or will there even be one?
Ugh. I need to look into that as well.
It’s something that I both do and don’t want to do. But, I’ll go, it’s what I have to do. It will be tough, but necessary.
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