Operation Scalple Commences

Central Headquarters. By far, the largest of the E.S.E.E's HQs. Though on the outside it was no larger than the a small office building, the inside was much larger. Though Nar expected that when he noticed the Astral Highway door on the front of the building. He, and the 9 other members of the E.S.E.E's northern branch who came with him arrived at central HQ just moments ago. They'd practically stepped off of the train, and into the HQ with how close to the station the HQ was. The outside of the building was decorated like a castle. Though, a rather simple one at that. Less "Canterlot Castle", and more "Medieval Fortification." The inside however, was deceptively big. However, once one passes through the Astral Highway door at the front, they enter the HQ proper. The inside was almost like a small town packed into one warehouse sized building. There was an office space on the right, a food court on the left, a massive job board near the front, an area for seating, and dining next to the food court, and so many Astral Highway doors along the walls that Nar couldn't count them all. At the back of the main room was a stage, raised to be around 30 feet off of the ground. In front of it, was a large, open floor where all of the explorers for this operation were gathered. Nar had never seen so many E.S.E.E explorers in one place before. He knew Central was the largest branch of the organization, but it never occurred to him just how many of them there actually were. Central was by far the largest, with 63 Explorers, and 22 Staff, bringing the branch to 85 total personnel. North was the second largest, with 31 Explorers, and 8 staff, bringing it to 39 total personnel, and south was the smallest, with 9 explorers, and 1 staff member, totaling 10 personnel. From what he'd heard, Central was sending 43 personnel on this operation, while North sent 10, and South sent their 2 best explorers. As Nar and his comrades begin to mix with their Central, and Southern counterparts, a single, aging stallion walks onto the stage from an area behind it. Every person in this room knows who the man is. It's Hurrain Gust, the current President of the E.S.E.E, and descendant of the original founder, Fervent Gust. The whole floor of explorers goes silent as Hurrain's voice booms throughout the room. "Explorers! Today, we begin the largest operation in the history of our organization! 62 of you have gathered here today in order to investigate the nature of unusual occurrences which have begun appearing in the central quadrant of the Astral Highway System! Some of you have come from as far as our Northern, and Southern branches to assist us in this investigation, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude! Before I brief you all on the nature of this operation, I shall issue a warning! This operation is expected to be overwhelmingly arduous, and though we hope to avoid them, casualties are quite likely! You were made aware of the risks you would undertake when you were briefed of this operation, but I will give you all one last chance! If you do not feel you are capable of participating in this operation, or fear for your own health, and safety, you may exit the building at this time. We all understand your apprehension, and you will not be punished for doing so." Hurrain pauses for a moment. During this pause, Nar notices about 7 explorers make their way out of the HQ, 2 of which are from his branch. For a moment, Nar thinks about following them, but he stays put. He was chosen for this operation for a very good reason, and he wasn't about to let his comrades down by abandoning them. Once the 7 explorers have left, Hurrain surveys the remaining explorers, and continues. "Very well. For those of you remaining, I thank you for your courage, and dedication. Now! We have reason to suspect that a powerful, magical entity may be influencing various Astral Highways in the central quadrant! We fear that if this entity were to gain access to certain highways, it may cause untold damage to the material plane at large! Our mission for this operation is to track down this magical entity, and put a stop to it's deeds! There will be 11 teams of 5, and 4 team types! First, we will have the survey teams! Their job will be to investigate the abnormalities, and determine any means of countering them! Second, is the tracking teams! Their job will be to locate this magical entity, and update the other teams on it's whereabouts! Third will be the combat teams! They will be tasked with engaging, and eliminating the magical entity, or any hostile entities encountered during this operation! Lastly will be the Forward Team! Their job will be to explore as far, and deep into the central quadrant as possible to assess the extent of the abnormalities! You will have received a slip which informs you of your team number when you entered the building today! You may now head to your teams assigned location! You will be given 2 hours to prepare with your team. Then, we shall begin the first excursions into the Astral Highway system!" Nar looks at the slip he was given, and sees that he's been assigned to team #1, the forward team. When he arrives at the area designated for his team, he finds 3 explorers from central, and one from the south waiting for him. The group introduces themselves, starting with the central guys then moving clockwise. The first is a paladin from Central, who will be acting as the team's leader. He uses powers granted to him by a Princess of the Sun, and will be the team's primary fighter, and healer. Second is a druid, who will act as the primary investigator for the team. She's an experienced explorer who's been with central for 10 years now. Third is a Wizard, who will act as the team's advisor on all things magical. He's an aging man, but he appears more than capable of keeping up with the rest of the team. Then, there's the explorer from the south. He's a talented gunslinger, and will act as the team's rearguard. Then, there's Nar. With his modified skates, he will be acting as the team's forward scout. Which means, he has the most dangerous job in the entire operation. After spending the next 2 hours planning, Nar and his team are called up, and enter an Astral Highway door. From here on out, they'll be in the Astral Highway system until the completion of the operation.