SOBEK

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.

Meanwhile the city of Pretoria, South Africa has been overgrown by plants. Buildings were strangled overnight, their doors and windows covered by thick vines. Roadways out of the city have been uplifted by roots and walled by thorny hedges. All unnatural growth seems to stop beyond a 10km radius, the perimeter marked by a tall tangle of brambles. Citizens have been cutting their way out, and emergency services were scrambled to assist in escape efforts. With an urban population of nearly 1 million people, the evacuation is ongoing. Johannesburg, a mere 25km away, has also begun evacuating. Fire was initially effective in clearing the growth, but the resulting smoke proved toxic. There are scattered rumors of plant monsters, animate vines, and trapped civilians in the city center, but UN/ATEN observers have not confirmed these stories. Aircraft, including drones and rescue helicopters, have suffered an increasing number of malfunctions over the city, which are so far unexplained.

While it is of no concern to the strategists, the pilots have learned that their classmate, Akemi Hayashibara, was visiting Pretoria with her family. No contact has been had with her since the evacuation began.

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 Siege