Echoes From the Abyss: Epilogue
Wilmont Post-Mission Report and Assessment by Agent Reyna Philips
Welcome to the Epilogue of the Echoes From the Abyss, the series where community polls decided the events of the story!
Here you will find a summary of the events from Reyna’s perspective, as well as her thoughts on each of the community decisions that drove the story forward.
If you need to catch up, here are links to all five chapters of the series:
Stay tuned to the end for a look at how the final decision will affect the future of my horror mythos known as The Synaptic Sprawl…
Wilmont Post-Mission Report
Warden ID: Z-12-A-117
Name: Reyna Philips
Summary:
Both Agent Durwood and I successfully prevented an Omega-level event involving the Exiled Ones Zal'Ythra and Azalthorath colloquially known as the Mother and Father of the cosmos respectively.
What follows is my official report, including a debriefing and next steps now that the immediate threat has been contained.
When I first arrived at Wilmont, I met a sheriff from a nearby town who had arrived in the wake of the mass disappearance.
We discussed the nature of the disappearance, and I used the Makeup Kit relic successfully to convince the sheriff that I was part of a local government organization.
Upon gathering the details on the case, I discovered my first lead in the form of Franklin Winters, who runs a local hardware store in Wilmont.
I had also spent the day traveling, so I was quite tired. I considered heading straight to the local hotel to rest.
Upon further consideration, though, I felt strongly about going to the hardware store immediately. Given the mass disappearance, it was clear the ritual had already begun.
Upon reaching the hardware store, I was reminded of the prior time I had been in Wilmont. This is detailed in section 3-B of my Warden file.
For context, The Mother had tried this ritual once before, but failed to contain the dark energies from her sacrifices within a proper host.
Upon her failure, she wiped the memories of the surviving townsfolk and fled. Soon after, I severed my bond with her, and shortly after that I was killed, leading to my resurrection as a Warden.
When I arrived at the hardware store, Franklin showed me that he had captured one of The Mother's parasites. These are spawns that can attach permanently to a host and connect them to her hive mind of Hybrids.
I knew that letting the creature infect Franklin would lead me right to the Mother's other servants, but doing so would also condemn an innocent man.
I felt conflicted about my decision, both before and after. I know Wardens are meant to be decisive, but in this case, I still wonder if I made the right choice.
I followed the infected Franklin to the Anchor Inn, at which point I reunited with my brother Samuel.
He had a message for me. My father, the Father of the Cosmos, was still alive. I could barely believe the news. I thought that his physical essence in the Sprawl had been destroyed in his battle with Mother.
Samuel was still infected, however, and so I had another choice to make. Would I stay and try to help sever the bond, or flee before more Hybrids arrived?
The choice was simple. I wouldn't abandon my brother. I helped him remove the parasite attached to him, and in doing so, finally freed him from her grasp.
We successfully used the makeup kit relic with two people (notable because I don't believe such a scenario has been tested), and we made our way to the sheriff station after making contact with Agent Durwood via the cell phone relic.
Upon reaching the sheriff station, we met up with the sheriff who I had met on the beach. Agent Durwood arrived and we surmised that the Warden who was stationed in Wilmont was not a victim of the disappearance, but was in fact working with The Mother.
I am told that this Warden is still somewhere in the Infinitum Labyrinthus, and I would like to personally volunteer to help find them and bring them to justice for their crimes.
With Agent Durwood's help, though, we armed ourselves with weapons from the Wilmont Warden's personal vault.
Agent Durwood wanted to wait for reinforcements, but I wanted to head into the labyrinth immediately. I was concerned that the innocent townsfolk who had walked into the ocean would be killed if we didn't act decisively.
While I had some hesitation, I felt good about the decision. It was at this point that I also learned the name of the sheriff from out of town who decided to come with us.
His name was Clancy Bowman, and due to a lack of resources, he was killed in the labyrinth. If we had waited for backup, I believe he would have survived, but countless others would have been killed if we delayed.
Even so, if his soul has not yet been considered for Warden candidacy, I humbly submit my support. He fought valiantly, and showcased a bravery that very few possess.
The Labyrinth was...disorienting, but ultimately, we made our way to where Father was being held. It was a piece of Elysium, a fragment of the home world where Samuel and I had grown up in my prior life.
The world had been destroyed long ago during Mother and Father’s battle in another universe within the Sprawl, but a piece of it still existed in the Labyrinth.
We stopped Mother's ritual, but it would not have been possible without Father's help. When the battle was over, he spoke of a potential truce between Wardens and Exiled Ones.
He suggested a way to end the war, and despite everything, Zal'Ythra also showed an interest in peace.
I knew the outcome of this decision would have a permanent effect on the Sprawl. It was not a decision to be made lightly.
Ultimately, I decided it would be best to follow protocol and exile both of them back to the Abyssal Prison, with specialized security measures to ensure neither of them escape again.
I truly believe that my father would have brokered peace between us. I believe that he would have maintained his aspects of the treat in whatever form it took.
However, I do not believe that Mother would have followed through on the terms of the treaty. After all she has done, I simply do not believe she can be trusted.
And so, it is with a heavy heart that I officially recommend exile for both Zal'ythra and Azalthorath.
Although aspects of their essence were spread across the Sprawl, it is believed that they both poured their essence into these vessels for the sake of this ritual.
Therefore, it is my assessment that this exile will remove both of them from the Synaptic Sprawl entirely, leaving only fugitive Exiled Ones from the Abyssal Prison remaining.
Following their exile, I recommend a full sweep of all Nexus points for any remaining Exiled Ones. This strategy, combined with new security measures at the Abyssal Prison, could feasibly bring lasting peace to the Sprawl.
I would be lying, however, if I didn't wish things had gone differently.
I would like to request the opportunity to see Azalthorath one last time before his exile. I would like the chance to say goodbye.
I will of course, wait for your official decision in the matter.
END OF REPORT.
---
I looked down at the handwritten note that I’d received from the Warden who had betrayed us, Agent Paulson:
I found it in my pocket after we came back from the Labyrinth. I should have included it in my report. It could lead to his capture. And of course, that’s what protocol says to do.
But protocol also led to me losing my father again. Exile Mother, sure, but Father didn’t do anything wrong.
Maybe I’m done following protocol.
Maybe Agent Paulson has a point.
NEW PRIORITY MESSAGE RECEIVED
Agent Durwood,
We have received Agent Philips’ report following the events that occurred in the town of Wilmont iteration 14132.
Agent Paulson has yet to be located and should be considered a priority target.
We also have reason to believe that Agent Philips is compromised. You have been reassigned as Agent Philip’s partner in order to assess her loyalty to the Wardens.
Say nothing to her.
We look forward to your report…
Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing
Listen to this while you ponder the future of my horror mythos.