Other Side of the Raid
Justice (Part 1)
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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”
Chapter 7, Part 2: Consequences
A few days after the Veracitrin incident, Aria encountered an unexpected consequence of her galactic broadcast at the Dungeon entrance—poorly disguised alien tourists. The “family” wore absurd combinations of clothing and struggled with basic Earth customs, holding cameras backward and speaking into bananas as if livestreaming. Their cover was blown entirely when a young alien revealed a holographic poster of Aria’s battle, requesting her autograph and mentioning her “combat efficiency rating across three galaxies.” More aliens emerged from increasingly ridiculous hiding spots, all attempting to document their encounter with their new celebrity.
The situation rapidly escalated into a full crisis management operation when Vaeloria arrived to find the chaos already spreading across Earth’s social media platforms. Multiple humans had captured footage of the alien fans, posting to TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and even MySpace about the “weird cosplayers.” Captain Whiskers deployed a coordinated disinformation campaign, flooding platforms with fake movie production content and special effects hashtags. Meanwhile, the Pride handled direct witnesses through more persuasive methods, including the strategic destruction of recording devices and coordination with household cats to shred physical evidence. Mittens personally ensured that one conspiracy theorist’s proof would be thoroughly destroyed by morning.
Through the combined efforts of Vaeloria’s memory cleanup protocols, Captain Whiskers’ viral marketing expertise, and the Pride’s street-level enforcement, the team successfully redirected public attention. Vaeloria temporarily deleted Aria’s Earth social media accounts as a precaution, leading to a surprising revelation—Captain Whiskers had been managing Aria’s professional government profiles without her knowledge. Even more shocking, Aria discovered she possessed galactic social media accounts with substantial followings on platforms like StarGram, her fame having spread across three dimensional planes after the Veracitrin fight. With the immediate crisis contained through cat videos and puppy distractions, Vaeloria proposed implementing proper protocols for future fan interactions, though the Pride’s suggestions of yarn avalanches and strategic catnip deployment were firmly rejected.
Key Takeaways:
Aria’s battle with Veracitrin was broadcast across three dimensional planes, making her a galactic celebrity with ratings “off the charts across three galaxies”
Poorly disguised alien fans triggered a multi-platform social media crisis requiring coordinated damage control
Captain Whiskers manages Earth-side social media through fake movie campaigns, while the Pride handles direct witness “persuasion”
Mittens coordinates with household cats for evidence destruction, demonstrating the feline network’s reach
Aria has official galactic social media accounts on platforms like StarGram that she never knew existed
Captain Whiskers has been secretly managing Aria’s professional Earth social media presence for government work
Vaeloria can temporarily delete and restore Earth social media accounts as part of damage control protocols
Plans are underway for proper fan interaction protocols to prevent future chaotic incidents
Justice (Part 1)
A week later, it was time for the UN conference. Aria arrived in New York two days before the three-day International Dungeon Safety and Cooperation Summit, allowing her time to settle into her hotel and review the extensive agenda. Security was tight - each delegate had been carefully vetted, with specialized mages monitoring for any unauthorized recording devices or surveillance spells.
The first morning of the conference, the UN headquarters buzzed with activity. Press crews crowded the entrance, though they were strictly confined to the public areas. Inside, representatives from around the world gathered in the main chamber, their conversations a mix of diplomatic pleasantries and carefully worded concerns about dungeon-related incidents in their regions.
Aria adjusted her formal attire, mentally reviewing her welcome speech while observing the diverse crowd. Her position as both a government official and a former Explorer gave her unique insights into the challenges they faced - insights she’d need to carefully navigate during her presentation.
Keep it diplomatic, focus on cooperation, avoid any mention of item retrieval. Aria reminded herself as she reviewed her notes one final time.
The morning session opened with a series of formal welcomes. When her turn came, Aria approached the podium with practiced grace, her diplomatic training evident in every movement.
Aria: “While each nation faces unique challenges in dungeon exploration,” she began, her voice carrying the perfect blend of authority and collegiality, “our shared commitment to Explorer safety transcends borders. The UK’s recent focus on comprehensive support systems has shown promising results in reducing casualties and improving success rates.”
She carefully steered clear of specific methodologies, instead emphasizing international cooperation opportunities. As she concluded her brief address, Aria noticed a young woman in the audience whose intense focus stood out from the usual diplomatic observers. Unlike the other attendees who alternated between polite attention and subtle checks of their phones, this woman constantly adjusted her smart glasses while rapidly taking notes on multiple tablets arranged before her. The tablets’ screens flickered with complex data patterns that seemed to extend beyond normal statistical analysis.
When the young woman took the stage later that morning, introducing herself as Dr. Emily Chen from Diamond Analytics, her presentation immediately captured even the most jaded delegates’ attention. Her analysis of Explorer safety statistics revealed patterns that crossed international boundaries, suggesting issues that no single country could address alone.
Emily: “As we can see from these metrics...” she fumbled with one of her tablets, accidentally projecting baseball statistics onto the main screen. “Oh! Wrong file!” She adjusted her glasses nervously while switching screens. “Though actually, the pattern recognition principles are surprisingly... no, focus Emily!” she muttered to herself, causing a ripple of good-natured chuckles through the audience.
During the lunch break, Aria found herself gravitating toward the still-flustered presenter, who had claimed a corner table with good sightlines to all exits - a habit Aria recognized from her own Explorer training. Multiple tablets surrounded Emily while she attempted to eat a sandwich without looking at it, her smart glasses displaying what appeared to be streams of data visible only to her.
Something about her reminds me of Professor’s lectures on theoretical frameworks Aria mused, approaching the young analyst.
Though there’s something else - a tension in how she keeps scanning the room.
Before she could reach her, however, a fluid movement caught her eye as a tall Brazilian man seemingly danced through the crowd, his every movement carrying the grace of a practiced martial artist - and the subtle readiness of someone expecting trouble. The conference badge identified him as Marco “Ritmo” Santos, representing Rio’s Rhythm Raiders Guild.
Marco: “Those patterns in your data,” he addressed Emily while executing a perfect capoeira move, “they follow the same rhythm as effective combat sequences! Percussion in battle, movement in statistics - all connected, no?”
Emily looked up from her tablets, momentarily startled by the dynamic entrance. Her smart glasses rapidly adjusted focus between her data and the newcomer.
Emily: “Actually, the correlation coefficient is remarkable,” she began excitedly, before lowering her voice and glancing at nearby tables. The smart glasses’ display shifted to what appeared to be a security scan. “Though perhaps we should discuss the more... sensitive patterns somewhere less public.”
Aria recognized the subtle signals - a former Explorer’s instinct for trouble combined with a researcher’s methodical caution. She smoothly guided the conversation toward safer topics.
Aria: “Your presentation raised some interesting points about regional exploration methods, Dr. Chen,” she said, pitching her voice to carry just far enough to nearby tables. “Though I admit, I’m curious about that baseball data that appeared briefly.”
They turned to find a woman in an immaculately pressed uniform, her crisp military bearing carrying the weight of authority. Her conference badge identified her as Anastasia Volkova of the Siberian Frost Legion. She positioned herself to block casual observers’ view of Emily’s tablets.
Anastasia: “Speaking of regional methods,” she stated, her tone carefully neutral despite the tension in her posture, “your statistical models fail to account for certain... variables we’ve observed in the field.”
Four different approaches to exploration, and four different reasons to be concerned. Aria observed the growing group with diplomatic interest.
A rugged-looking man who seemed to be carrying far more emergency supplies than the typical conference attendee approached their table. His conference badge marked him as Jack “Dusty” Thompson from the Outback Explorers Alliance.
Dusty: “Saw you lot talking shop,” he grinned, somehow producing extra chairs from seemingly nowhere. His casual demeanor belied the careful way he arranged them to create a natural barrier against eavesdroppers. “Thought you might appreciate some tucker while you’re at it. Name’s Jack “Dusty” Thompson, and trust me, you never want to analyze data on an empty stomach.”
Priya: “Especially not when discussing cross-cultural exploration methodologies,” added a woman approaching their table, her tablet displaying complex crystal resonance patterns that seemed to interfere with any attempts at magical surveillance. “Dr. Priya Patel from the Mumbai Crystal Masters Guild.”
Each introduction carried layers of meaning - credentials presented not just as professional courtesy, but as testament to their ability to handle sensitive information. Aria noted how naturally they established a secure perimeter while maintaining the appearance of a casual professional lunch.
Emily pulled up a complex series of graphs on her tablet, her smart glasses rapidly processing additional data streams. The way her hands trembled slightly while manipulating the data suggested personal investment beyond professional interest.
Emily: “Over the past six months, I’ve noticed anomalies in Explorer incident reports,” she zoomed in on several data points, her voice dropping further. “Particularly concerning lower-ranked dungeons when certain A-rank parties are present. Initially, I thought it was just statistical noise, but...”
Anastasia: “Clarify ‘anomalies,’” she requested, her military training evident in her precise terminology. Her expression hardened as she recognized patterns similar to ones she’d seen in her own territory.
Emily: “Statistically improbable accident rates,” she adjusted her glasses nervously. “The official reports cite ‘training accidents’ or ‘environmental hazards’, but the pattern...” she trailed off, fingers flying over her tablet. “Look at these timestamps. Each incident occurs just outside standard Guild monitoring periods.”
Marco: “The rhythm is wrong,” he noted, his usual fluid movements becoming still as he studied the data. His cheerful demeanor faded as he added, “We’ve seen similar patterns in Rio. Young Explorers who ask too many questions about certain parties suddenly having ‘accidents’ during training sessions.”
Dusty: “Been hearing whispers across the Pacific rim,” he added quietly, all traces of his usual casual demeanor gone. He pulled out a weathered notebook filled with carefully documented incidents. “Started connecting the dots after three separate Guild branches reported similar ‘training accidents’ within a month.”
Priya: “The crystal resonance patterns match what we’ve observed in other instances,” she observed while studying the data, her fingers tracing familiar energy signatures. “When dungeon energy signatures are systematically...” she paused, choosing her words carefully, “...disrupted beyond normal parameters. Our Mumbai facility lost two promising researchers investigating similar anomalies.”
Aria listened carefully, noting how each expert approached the problem from their unique perspective while arriving at similar conclusions. The political implications were staggering - if A-rank parties were systematically abusing their status, it could undermine the entire international Guild system.
Emily: “The most recent incident...” she hesitated, then continued more firmly, her voice catching slightly, “A popular streaming Explorer, Lily Zhang. She’s in critical condition after what was reported as a ‘training accident’. She was... she was supposed to be starting an internship with our research division next month.”
Anastasia: “Your statistical analysis suggests this was not an isolated incident?” Her tone remained professional, but her grip on her tablet tightened noticeably.
Emily: “According to my calculations, there’s a 93.7% probability these events are connected,” she pulled up another graph, this one showing a clear pattern of incidents across multiple Guild jurisdictions. “But without direct observation of the Los Angeles dungeons, I can’t confirm my hypothesis. And after what happened to Lily Zhang...” she trailed off, the implication clear.
Dusty: “Sounds like you need someone with diplomatic authority to conduct an official inspection,” he suggested casually, though his eyes flickered meaningfully toward Aria. “Not that one investigation will solve the global issue, but it might set an important precedent.”
Priya: “Someone who could verify these patterns within proper protocols,” she agreed, picking up the thread. “Our Mumbai facility has documented similar incidents, but without international jurisdiction, our hands are tied.”
Aria recognized the careful orchestration behind this seemingly casual lunch discussion. Each expert had been deliberately chosen to present different facets of a problem that extended far beyond Los Angeles. While they couldn’t address every case of Explorer abuse, this particular situation offered a unique opportunity - especially given her recent conversation with Captain Whiskers.
Aria: “Dr. Chen,” she said thoughtfully, measuring her words, “perhaps we should discuss your statistical models in more detail. The UK government would be very interested in your approach to Explorer safety analysis - particularly in regions where we have established diplomatic channels.”
Emily: “Of course!” she brightened visibly, catching the subtle emphasis. “I could demonstrate our latest analytical tools... perhaps in Los Angeles? Our main research facility is there, and I could show you some live data collection...” She adjusted her glasses, bringing up a new set of data streams. “The Efficient Exterminators has been particularly active there recently.”
Anastasia: “While similar incidents occur in other territories,” she stated with clinical precision, “this case presents unique opportunities for documentation and intervention.”
Marco: “One rhythm at a time,” he nodded, his usual fluid movements returning. “Sometimes changing a single beat can affect the entire dance.”
The afternoon sessions resumed with regional breakout meetings. Aria found herself chairing the European discussion, with Anastasia attending as an observer. The official conversations focused on standardizing safety protocols, but the undercurrent of concern about unauthorized A-rank activities ran through many nations’ reports.
Anastasia: “Your safety protocols,” she noted with clinical precision during a discussion of cross-border cooperation, “while admirable, fail to account for necessary tactical adaptations in extreme conditions. Particularly when certain parties exploit jurisdictional gaps between regions.”
The discussion continued until a series of short presentations on regional innovations began. Emily’s afternoon session drew an even larger crowd than her morning talk. This time, her data remained strictly focused on Explorer safety metrics, though Aria noticed her occasionally glancing at a tablet displaying what looked like baseball statistics - or perhaps something disguised as such.
📡 End of Transmission
Oliver here - That was quite a chapter! Our dimensional frequency is picking up intense emotional resonance from Aria’s world. What did you think of her decision? The comments below are buzzing with theories from other interdimensional travelers...