Hobbs & Eric

Art by Ron - Based on the scene in Episode 10.

"Julie Hobbs cautiously approached the decrepit cottage, her boots squelching in the mud as she walked. The eerie quiet of the countryside at twilight heightened her sense of unease. She muttered to herself, wondering why Nexus always chose such unsettling locations. Her breath hitched as she neared the old house, the sound of her footsteps on the wooden planks echoing in the stillness.

"Hello? Eric?" she called out, her voice echoing through the empty space. Silence greeted her, only her footsteps and the creak of the floorboards responding. She ventured further inside, tripping over some old furniture in the dimly lit living room. Frustration and nerves tinged her voice as she continued to explore the house, eventually reaching the conservatory where the crunch of broken glass underfoot startled her.

In the dim light, Julie finally saw Eric. Relief mixed with caution in her voice as she addressed him, "Eric! There you are. I’ve been calling out for you. Why didn’t you answer?"

Eric’s voice resonated in the space, calm and deliberate, "Julie, welcome. I apologize for keeping you waiting. I wanted to make sure you came alone."

Julie’s curiosity turned to concern as she looked around, noticing the absence of others. "Is it just us? I was expecting the others."

"The others have their reasons for not joining us tonight," Eric replied, his voice deep and slightly echoing in the confined space. He invited her to sit, and Julie obliged, though her attempt at casual conversation betrayed her growing discomfort.

"You know, Eric, every time we meet, it’s always some place more unsettling than the last. How do you even find these places?" she asked, her voice wavering between forced casualness and genuine curiosity.

Eric chuckled, his amusement evident, "Let’s just say I have a knack for the unusual. It comes with the territory."

Julie’s eyes scanned the filthy, decrepit cottage, taking in its dilapidated state. "I see that. This place has seen better days. Are you going to sit down, or just hide in the shadows?"

As Eric stepped into the light, his hulking, grotesque form came into view. Julie leapt out of her seat, gasping in shock. "Oh my god, Eric..."

"It’s alright, I know I look... different. Does my appearance frighten you?" Eric’s calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Julie’s reaction.

"No, it’s just... been a while. You look... what happened to you? Your body? Your face?" Julie struggled to compose herself, her voice filled with concern.

Eric’s tone turned somber as he explained, "The passage of time and the nature of my duties, they continue to leave their mark. Change is inevitable, even for someone like me. The dark energies of the veil have become more aggressive these last years."

Julie’s confusion deepened, "I don’t understand. I know you’re using your own body to... absorb it all, but what is it doing to you?"

"It is the collision of two worlds made manifest. Whatever form my work is leading me to, I cannot say. I have, however, been stranded here in this place for some time. Movement has become... very difficult," Eric replied, his voice carrying a hint of weariness.

"Is there anything I can do?" Julie’s concern was genuine, her voice softening.

"I should think not, Julie. This transformation is outside of human control. Now, if you please, let us get down to business," Eric shifted the conversation to more pressing matters.

Julie nodded, her demeanor turning serious, "Very well. The animal killings, they’re escalating. It’s not just livestock now; pets, wildlife, it’s all becoming chaotic. People are talking, rumors are spreading."

"I’m aware of the situation. The balance is... shifting," Eric said quietly.

"This isn’t just about balance, Eric. It’s fear. Real fear. What are we dealing with here? People deserve to know," Julie’s urgency was palpable.

Eric gently chided her, "Julie, you of all people should understand. There are truths that the public can’t handle. The panic would be worse than the threat itself."

Julie’s frustration bubbled to the surface, "I’m not here to debate ethics, Eric. I need facts. I need to know what’s causing these attacks."

Eric’s tone was calm, almost philosophical, "Detective Sergeant, what you’re asking for... it’s a glimpse into a world that’s best left in the shadows."

"I’ve seen the fur of this thing, Eric. The tracks. This isn’t just some wild dog. What kind of creature are we talking about here?" Julie pressed, her determination clear.

Eric remained unfazed, pragmatic, "What if I do tell you? What will you do, Julie? Hunt it down? Bring it to justice? Not everything in this world submits to human laws and ethics, you know that just as well as I do."

Julie’s resolve did not waver, though weariness crept into her voice, "I’m not looking to start a witch hunt, Eric. But people’s lives are at risk. We can’t just stand by while this... whatever it is, roams our streets. There has to be a line, even in your world."

A moment of silence settled between them, the faint sound of the candle flickering in the drafty room. Julie sighed, breaking the silence, "Does this have something to do with Emily Hargreaves’ disappearance? It’s connected, isn’t it? Her wrecked car was covered in... fur. Nails."

Eric’s response was serious, "I honestly don’t know. My proxies are looking into it."

Julie leaned in, insistent, "This fur found in Hargreaves’ car - this has to be related to the creature attacks. Tell me what you know."

"Julie, I understand your concern, but I genuinely don’t have all the answers. You know how these things are... not everything is clear, even to me," Eric’s tone was calm but firm.

Julie’s skepticism was evident as she pressed further, "Oh come on. Don’t give me that. You’ve always known more than you let on. Don’t start holding back on me now."

Eric’s voice turned solemn, "You’ve trusted me before, Julie, and I’ve not led you astray. I assure you, my ignorance in this matter is as frustrating to me as it is to you."

"So, what? We’re just supposed to wait while your ‘proxies’ do their work? How many more have to suffer in the meantime?" Julie’s frustration was clear.

"I wish there were another way. But yes, we wait. This isn’t a simple beast we’re dealing with. It’s something... more. My proxies are doing what they can to track it down, to understand its nature," Eric admitted, a hint of regret in his voice.

Julie’s irritation grew, "These proxies of yours... you take over their bodies-"

Eric interrupted her, "-Body. I can inhabit only one human at a time. The toll it takes... It’s substantial. And before you ask, no, that’s not information I can disclose. I trust you understand the need for discretion."

Julie was unsettled, "It’s unsettling, Eric. You could be anyone. I never know who you are, who I’m really talking to."

"My true form is what you see before you. This body, as monstrous as it may look, is no disguise. But the ability to blend in, to operate unseen when necessary, it’s crucial for our cause. My physical form has its limitations. By possessing a proxy, I can be in places where my true appearance would cause complications," Eric explained solemnly.

Julie’s mix of disapproval and understanding showed in her voice, "I get why you do it, but it doesn’t make it any less disturbing."

Eric dismissed her concerns, "Do not concern yourself with what me and my proxy are doing. We’re on the same side, remember? Your focus should be elsewhere."

Julie was confused, "Where then?"

"Jessica Wilder. She’s becoming a real problem. I want you to arrest her," Eric’s tone turned direct and imposing.

Julie was shocked, adamant, "What? Wilder is a civilian, she’s innocent. What do you expect me to do? I can’t lock a woman up for no good reason."

Eric’s voice grew cold and authoritative, "Wilder is more involved than you realize. She’s become a variable we can’t ignore. I need you to take her into custody."

Julie was at a loss for words, "Based on what? She’s not involved in this, she’s just..."

"Sometimes, Julie, we must make difficult choices for the greater good. I’m sure you can find a... creative solution," Eric leaned forward, his voice low and commanding.

Julie’s indignation rose, "A creative solution? You’re asking me to frame an innocent woman?"

"I’m asking you to maintain order, to prevent further chaos. How you achieve that is your decision. Remember, our goal is to protect the town, by any means necessary," Eric’s measured, almost philosophical tone sought to reassure and guide.

Julie struggled with the notion, her voice filled with conflict, "This isn’t right, Eric. I’m a police officer, not a puppet for your shadow games."

"And I am a guardian of a balance you can’t fully comprehend. Trust me when I say, this action, however unpalatable, is necessary. You have your part to play in Nexus, Julie. It’s not always going to align with the ideals of your badge. Nexus isn’t just about battling the darkness; it’s about maintaining the equilibrium between our worlds. It’s a heavy burden, but one you agreed to shoulder," Eric’s voice was a mix

 of stern warning and reassurance.

Julie’s defiance wavered, "I know my duties to Nexus, Eric. To this town. But where does it end? How far are we willing to go?"

"As far as we must," Eric’s serious voice echoed slightly in the room.

The frustration in Julie’s voice was palpable, "I need to think about this. This goes against everything..."

"You know what’s at stake, Julie. We do what we must to keep balance. Wilder has dug far too deep. If she goes any further, she risks exposing us all," Eric’s tone was cold and authoritative.

Julie stood abruptly, defeated and worried, "This isn’t right..."

"Goodbye, Hobbs. I’ll contact you again soon. Remember, the balance must be preserved," Eric’s final words were gentle but firm.

As Julie exited the cottage, her footsteps on the wooden floorboards transitioned to the squelch of her boots in the mud outside. The solitude of the night was highlighted by the sounds of crickets chirping and a distant owl hooting. Julie’s footsteps gradually faded into the distance, leaving the stillness of the night to settle in.

From the shadows, Seraphina emerged, her movements graceful and deliberate. "How long have you known I was here?" she asked, her voice smooth and composed.

Eric turned to face her calmly, "I’ve known the whole time. You might think your magic is strong, but my senses are stronger. Why stay hidden, why not join the meeting?"

"Sometimes it’s better to observe, to listen. I wanted to know what Hobbs knows, what she suspects. It’s always wise to keep your cards close to your chest, don’t you think?" Seraphina replied, her tone measured with a hint of cunning.

Eric studied her pointedly, "And what about you, Seraphina? What cards are you holding? There’s more to this situation than you’re letting on."

"You know me, Eric. I only reveal what’s necessary. But this situation with the werewolves... it’s getting out of hand. We need to act before it escalates further. There are now two werewolves in Davidstown," Seraphina’s voice carried concern.

"You mean, the first one has bitten someone? Do you know who?" Eric’s voice was quietly concerned.

"No. But if we don’t find them soon, there’ll be a crisis. A contagion. You know how quickly they spread. Werewolves... They’re abominations. Uncontrolled, savage beasts. They can’t contain their primal urges. One bite, and their virus spreads," Seraphina’s voice was filled with disgust and loathing.

"Seraphina, remember, they were once human too. We all were. Some more recently than others..." Eric cautioned.

"That’s no excuse. Once turned, they’re nothing but a threat. A danger to everyone around them. We can’t let them roam free, driven by their basest instincts. They’ll continue to bite, to infect, to destroy everything in their path," Seraphina snapped, her voice filled with revulsion.

"I understand your concern, but we must approach this with a level head. Not all creatures of the night are beyond redemption," Eric tried to reason, his voice calm.

"Redemption? There’s no redemption for such creatures. They’re a blight upon this world, and they must be dealt with, harshly and swiftly. Eric, I need you to promise me: the moment your proxies pick up on anything - any lead on these werewolves - I want to be informed. Immediately," Seraphina’s voice was cold and assertive.

"You will be one of the first to know, Seraphina," Eric agreed thoughtfully.

"Good. Thank you. Now, you’ll have to excuse my short visit- I have business to attend to elsewhere," Seraphina prepared to leave, her movements deliberate.

"Be careful... We’re delving into deep, dark waters here," Eric’s voice carried a hint of caution.

"Dark waters are where I thrive, Eric," Seraphina replied coolly as she walked away, her footsteps echoing slightly before the door opened and closed softly behind her."