NEBETAKHET

Two Theoi have simultaneously appeared in different parts of the world, detected only through the effects they have on their environment. One in the Alps, is spreading a wave of cold and fear throughout the mountains. Another in South Africa, is causing aggressive plant growth in a single city. Neither has shown themselves, nor have any vital targets in the areas been identified. ATEN commanders, trying to puzzle out the enemies' motives and locations, ordered a cautious strategy.

24 hours have passed, as the strategists attempt to gather more data. Drone overflights, interviews with refugees and rescue workers, and satellite analysis. UN military forces have been positioned as close to the Theoi as possible, and ATEN field engineers are already shoring up local infrastructure to support Pharaoh operations. So far, no contact has been made with Theoi in either location, though sensors are returning an Ichor blood pattern in the vicinities.

The epicenter of the freezing phenomenon is a lake just west of the Wildespitz, one of the tallest mountains in the Alps. Now, satellite photos show it to be a dense glacier, spreading outwards in all directions. The glacier is currently growing at nearly 1 km/h, and seems to be accelerating in proportion to the atmospheric humidity, which increases as it approaches sea level. Already, scenic villages like Pfunds and Ladis have been engulfed by the ice, the rivers frozen solid and the buildings choked with rime. The narrow mountain roads and rivers are clogged with thousands of civilians trying to evacuate the area. A sense of overpowering dread precedes the frost, and some people are so affected that they become almost paralyzed with fear, their motivation to flee drained away. Even military personnel have been affected, with nearby units reporting nightmares and stress disorders. Freezing fog and dropping temperatures have interfered with scouting.

All 4 Pharaoh units are ready for deployment, whether to Johannesburg airport, Innsbruck airport, or in defense of ATEN HQ. They may be deployed in any configuration, though standard doctrine is to only make contact with Theoi if 2 or more Pharaohs are present. Ideally, Adam and Araceli will deploy together. Conventional military assets are standing by in each theatre, and will cooperate fully.

To Write: The Big Chill (Pharaohs airdrop directly onto the glacier, creeping cold and dread, power trucks are freezing, Pharaohs growing brittle, Adam calls in an N2 strike while he holds open AT Field, Singh sends a makeshift shield, Araceli pulls back to cover, big boom, Adam down, Araceli loses left arm, goes hand-to-hand with Theoi, pilots airlifted back to Innsbruck)