#project: r.e.t.i.n.a

[project-retina]

Oh my god it’s the ghost of that pathetic fucking loser

"Hey now-- now that's not very--"

"FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUC-"

[project-retina]

Wait combat abilities?

Agent, I hope you took a refresher course on hostile situations before coming here, I think you are going to need it!

"yea what is that abou-"

before phoenix can finish that thought, prism's speaks, a but hurriedly.

"anyways, it's much easier to replace human agents with robots if the humans are dead, anywho. Robutler. you know what to do."

with that, prism's hologram dissipates, and robutler begins to aim a laser at phoenix's head.

"Agent Phoenix, thanks for showing me how to be an amazing agent! sorry that I have to kill you, but, its alright!"

"I'll carry on your legacy as Agent Robutler!"

"That doesn't even have the same ring to it!"

the laser shoots, and phoenix is able to deflect it with the soundboard just in time.

[project-retina]

omg prism hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

"..."

"Agent, I don't mean to ruin the whole intimidating atmosphere I have going on right now, but did you accidentally put your handler on speaker?"

Phoenix looks very embarrassed for a second

before coming up with an idea!

they scrawl out a note quickly on one of the nearby pieces of paper. the note reads: "No. those are just the strange and ominous voices that follow me around everywhere :)"

"...okay then!" She seems... a bit unnerved by the prospect of that in all honesty. but, in reality, who wouldn't?

[project-retina]

“Alright, enough with the pleasantries, You have a new mission, Agent!”

“!!!”

“Don’t worry though! We’re easing you back into field work.”

Suddenly, the pneumatic tubes jolt to life, and a capsule comes out the bottom. Once opened, it reveals a small cassette tape inside. Phoenix uses their telekinesis to put said tape inside the projector.

“Now that you’re back, it’s time to get to work! We’ll start you off simple, …nothing with world-shaking ramifications.”

The projector turns on

“Doctor Roxanna Prism is a former inventor for agency, and the one responsible for the telekinetic implant in your head using a crystal known as Kinesium.”

“Doctor prism has recently been absent from multiple check-ins and is considered missing. We’re looking into her whereabouts, but in the meantime, she has sensitive research into Kinesium that should not fall into the wrong hands. Go to her home in sunny California and retrieve that research. Just so we know it’s safe.”

“Don’t die or anything!"

[project-retina]

WHO ALLOWED THE AGENT TO BE THIS STYLISH???

Phoenix strikes a small pose.

[project-retina]

I hope you like robots!

“OH, HEY-!”

[project-retina]

Oh wow, very nice job Phoenix!

I’m afraid the van’s seen better days, but hey! If it works it works

Ah, memories...

[project-retina]

...

...

..?

"Phoenix?

Phoenix turns their head a little, not enough for Juniper to see their face, but enough to know that they're listening.

"I- Where-"

"..."

"What... happened?"

Phoenix lazily motions with their hand to the area behind them. Juniper looks accordingly, but is met with thick fog and clouds of debris. it takes a good while before he can make out the outline of an island, covered in rubble -- the consequences of his actions.

Juniper can almost hear Phoenix's silent answer to his question. "you did."

maybe it was regret, maybe it was the adrenaline wearing thin, but the sight hurt his eyes, his vision blurrier than he was used to.

Juniper turns back to look at Phoenix, who's face he still cannot see.

"Where are we going?" he asks.

Phoenix shrugs and looks ahead, meanwhile making one wide, sweeping stroke with the makeshift oar.

Juniper sighs. He's probably going to be stuck with Phoenix for a while...

...

[project-retina]

Hey, RUDE. What if that key means a lot to him, Phoenix!

“Phew, now that that’s taken care of-“

"wow- you-"

"you got my key! you really are a secret agent!"

I have decided that I would die for this robot

[project-retina]

A good while later, the two arrive at what looks to be an abandoned agency building. it doesn't seem to have any power, but, it's their best shot.

After a bit of scouting, Phoenix finds the entrance, and sluggishly drags a tired Juniper along with them. at least he's good support, since you lost your...

best not to think about it. thats a can of worms that can be dealt with later.

The inside is dark, dirty and damp, the only light coming from some broken fuse boxes, the broken glass ceiling, and the running projector. There's moss on the walls, and the floor is covered in grime.

Phoenix fumbles down the rickety stairs towards the projector, finding a seat behind it. although they could use a rest about now, they'd rather let Juniper take the chair-- they don't know if Juniper is as resilient as they are. Plus, Phoenix doesn't know whats been on that floor, after-all.

On the table in front of the chair, behind the projector is a note.

"To the next agent, Control point Babadag has been evacuated following Agent phoenix's demolition of Zor's nearby base. To reconnect to the agency and restore power, follow the protocol outlined in this tape."

Phoenix reads the note, and does what it instructs; they find the tape, they put it in the projector, and follow the instructions on the screen. They go through the motions needed-- using the agency radio signal, imputing a code, sending identity verification, and send it all off through a strange tube-system.

when a tube comes back through with a functioning earpiece, a familiar voice is already waiting on the other side.

[project-retina]

You know what's funny?

The fact the agency is a super secret organization with the ability to put telekinetic implants, your cybersecurity isn't better than a convenience store's.

It was easy to hack into these communications.

-unknown anon

[project-retina]

Phoenix motions towards the now-cleaner looking, a proud look upon their face.

"Now, Agent, I don't mean to come across as overly enthusiastic, but I Adore what you've done with the place ever since we went back to HQ!"

"Say, has your leg been alright ever since we got you patched up? how's the prosthetic?"

Phoenix smiles and nods, indicating that they're doing just fine.

"What'd they say? Seriously I dont know why i'm being forced to stick with you. I can't even see the screen."

"Because the Agency wants someone who knows your tactics to keep an eye on you at all times. I've already told you this!"

"Also, they said that they're fine."

"'knows my tactics?' Reggie. I'm basically blind now. what am I gonna do? Act my way into seeing confidential info?"

"Oh please. It's not like I'm happy with this scenario either. I now have two people to watch over-- and multitasking has never been my strong suit."

"--Anyways! Agent! since you're back, we already have a new mission prepared for you!"

[project-retina]

wait a sec...

Can Juniper see? or is that why the bandage is over his face?

“I can’t see shit”

[project-retina]

juniper spittin facts rn 👆👆👆 on his side fr fr

“…thank you?”

[project-retina]

…so it was Pretty Bad?

holy shit i think he's crying

"I THOUGHT THEY DIED OKAY???"

[project-retina]

DO IT!!!!

EAT THE MOSS!!!!!

GUVE INTO YOUR FERAL INSTICT!!!!!!

While handler is looking away, Phoenix uses their TK and grabs a chunk of moss from the wall, and shoves it in their mouth

… it’s a bit bland.

They don’t regret their decision, but they are severely disappointed.