"Yeah, well..."<br/><br/>Alex's voice died off for a moment, his eyes very specifically not moving in Sophronia's direction.  He's also obviously trying very hard to not notice Irina in a way that all but screams that he's having typical straight male thoughts about both of them and doesn't want to be a jerk about it.<br/><br/>"I ain't addressing yer question because I don't have an answer.  But I reckon it's a 'all of the above' sorta thing."<br/><br/>He closes his eyes, concentrates for a moment.<br/><br/>"Short version?  Y'all're gods.  Capitalize if ya wanna.  Or not.  Troubleshootin' is part of the job.  So...yeah.  Do as you will, an' then take care of any problems that happen to show up.  And there will be problems, 'cause it's all come a bit loose 'round the foundations.  In time, city-destroyin' monsters'll give y'all a wide berth.  Or so I'm told."<br/><br/>He takes a deep breath.<br/><br/>"I got no idea what the Department of Works is, or where, but it's like the Loom of Fate was.  Without it, stuff comes undone.  So it's a big deal.  And no, ain't got no idea of any headquarters.  We could use one, maybe?  As for others..."<br/><br/>For a moment, he looks like a younger man, a boy, shy and nervous.<br/><br/>"There're others.  Maybe a dozen of y'all all told worldwide.  Not everyone's comin' here, though.  They're needed where they are.  And not all that's empowered're like y'all.  There's one who's pretty close. by"  He gestures eastward.  "Some asshole preacher over in Kansas got hisself too much heaven on the mind and a taste of real power.  He ain't like y'all.  He's somethin'...else.  Somethin' bad.  Ol' Greyface called him a parasite."<br/><br/>He recovers his composure a bit, finally looking directly at Irina and stooping to pat the ground.<br/><br/>"Oh, an' about this place?  There's ley lines here.  Could be a place of power, if anyone developed it.  Right now, though, it's just a tourist trap."<br/>