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Realms: Weston Logs

Leaving Melbourne

Pitch_Black comes back down the stairs. Slowly, rifle under his arm. He doesn't say anything at all, just vaguely frowns with an ashen expression. He seems to be having a hard time making eye contact with anyone.

Pitch_Black thinks ruefully to himself, Stone cold professional, baby, that's me... oh yeah.

Bethpage looks up at Pitch Black from where she's standing frowning at a splintered pile of cafe furniture, and nods a short acknowledgment. It lacks any rancor, though.

Kavanaugh is not quite fidgeting; he's at least in the mode of a professional soldier, somewhat. He appears to be always on the verge of starting a conversation, or something like that, however. He looks up as Pitch comes down, and ndos to the man, going back to looking over the room.

Dr_Chong begins to check everyone present, looking for any signs of injury or trauma.

Saburo walks in the front door of the cafe. He's carrying the weapons of the dead Dowrani, and he moves to an empty table to put them on.

Bethpage permits her own inspection by the doctor, and gives Saburo's trophies a sharp look. "Saburo. Are those all weapons, or is anything strange?"

Saburo says, "They're weapons.. But magical. They tingle."

Kavanaugh says quietly. "Probably not surprising. The Dowrani must use magic like we use tehnology."

Pitch_Black hms, walking toward the cappucino machine. "Guess they did leave us a way to get in touch, after all."

Dr_Chong, after looking everyone over, examines the alien artifacts closely without touching them.

Bethpage frowns again and starts to mutter, but looks up swiftly at Pitch Black's words. "Don't touch it!"

Saburo looks the weapons over, turning to look at the Doctor.

Kavanaugh blinks, looking over to Pitch.

Pitch_Black puts his hand down on the counter, next to a ping-pong-ball-sized gemstone like amethyst. He flicks it with his finger, rolling it deftly along the back of his hand and back. "It's okay. I think you have to squeeze it to make it work."

Pitch_Black says, "Palm-sized, see?"

Saburo says, "These look to be good quality, Doctor.. not nearly as nice as the Warlord's blade was though..."

Bethpage glares at Pitch Black. "Until you burst into flames, explode, or disappear, I guess you're right."

Saburo grips one of the broadswords, grits his teeth, and draws it from it's scabbard. He tenses, waiting to get zapped again...

Pitch_Black says, "...the blade wasn't exactly 'nice' to you, Sab. At least none of these weapons bite. Yet."

Dr_Chong watches Saburo's experiment with interest.

Saburo says, "Well, these ones seem safer..."

Pitch_Black rolls the little spheroid along the back of his forearm, down his wrist, and back down, placing it carefully on the table. "Spoils of war, huh?"

Saburo inspects the blade, before offering it to the doctor.

Bethpage snorts and starts pacing in a tight circle. "So. We still have a worse problem than contacting these bastards again, you know."

Saburo says, "The weapons of the enemy, Pitch. I wish we had the means to study them in more detail."

Dr_Chong pauses a moment, then takes the blade from Saburo, and swings it inexpertly a few times in the air.

Saburo says, "What is that?"

Pitch_Black says, "Page, you're making me nervous. Quit pacing. Right now, we haven't got much choice in how to proceed. Either we negotiate, or we try to kill all these vicious shitheads by ourselves, and given how that inital contact went I seriously doubt our chances on that score." He looks up at Saburo's question. "I think it's their equivalent of a walkie-talkie.""

Saburo picks up another longsword, and draws it out of it's scabbard.

Dr_Chong holds his sword up as if to let Saburo swing the sword he holds at it.

Saburo jumps, as a light shock leaps from the hilt to his arm. He drops the second sword, and looks around. "Well.. this one's not very usable..."

Dr_Chong says, "Hmm. It would seem each of them has differing properties."

Saburo says, "Their magic is more potent than I expected. What happened out there?"

Kavanaugh considers. "Well. We should return to the other elves, and let them know what has happened. Maybe they'll be able to tell us where we might find the Dowrani encampment and how we might infiltrate it."

Dr_Chong resheaths his sword and puts it back down again, then goes to examine the sphere.

Pitch_Black says, "I think you gotta hold in your palm to make it work, Doctor. I suggest keeping it in your fingertips until we're ready to parley."

Bethpage stops pacing and fumes, "What the HELL do we have that they want from us if it isn't Miiryn? That, ladies and gentlemen, is what we damn well need to know yesterday. Do they think we have the power to negotiate for all humans and give them an island and treaty, or are we missing something really fucking important?"

Saburo says, "I think we have a pretty good idea where the Dowrani are... and they are closer than their cousins."

Dr_Chong ponders Bethpage's question before giving a slight shrug, and returning to examining the spherical device.

Pitch_Black says, "Page... flipping out is not going to get any of our people back. Right now, the only thing we can do is try to recoup our losses."

Saburo says, "Our.. employers... might have that power."

Saburo draws a shortsword, to see what happens...

Bethpage gives the good Doctor a slightly murderous look. "Can't anyone stop fondling the magic toys and think about this seriously?"

Kavanaugh blinks to Page, then nods a little. "A good point, Page. WHo do they think we are, in order to negotiate handing over Australia to them?"

Dr_Chong holds the sphere in his hand, gripping it slightly.

Saburo steps away from the others, swinging the short sword a few times, to test it's balance, before swinging it into the nearby counter.

Dr_Chong says to Bethpage, "If you have new information to supply, I would be happy to discuss it, but based on what we know there are to many unknowns to form any coherent conclusions beyond immidiate action.

Pitch_Black says, "I think they don't really care who they are. It's pretty simple, really. They don't think we can possibly counter their spell, or virus, or whatever it is. We're simply a potential expedient. If we get them their island they don't have to wait as long or expend as many resources."

Saburo says, "Immediate action to rescue our comrades, Doctor?"

Bethpage says to Pitch Black, "I am not flipping out. Give it time. I think we need to know the answer to this before we have a hope of getting our hostages back alive. We have something they want bad, bad enough to stop slaughtering us and negotiate. Do we even know what our bargaining chip is?"

Pitch_Black says, "Honestly, Page? I don't think we've got one. I think they're just hoping for an expedient."

Pitch_Black says, "I think the weasels are holding the cards right now."

Saburo frowns, looking at the shortsword, imbedded deeply into the counter. He slowly works it loose. "It is not as sharp as my vibro katana. But I do not know what magic this has. It could possibly penatrate our armour, though."

Pitch_Black says, "If anyone disagrees, I'd be relieved to hear it."

Saburo says, "You don't seriously trust them enough to want to negotiate with them, do you Pitch?"

Kavanaugh says, "Then why wouldn't they just kill us? They had no moral problem wiping out a continent of humans."

Dr_Chong says, "There are a few courses of action we could take, one of of which is a direct raid rescue."

Bethpage shakes her head at Pitch Black and says, "Listen to yourself. It doesn't make sense. They have our collective asses. They don't need to do anything but wait and we're all gone... we're missing something. I'm not smart enough to get what, but somebody has to be if you'll just take me seriously."

The comms crackle and Aleksei's voice comes through. "Come in?"

Saburo nods to the Doctor. "I am in agreement, Doctor Chong."

Dr_Chong says, "I agree with you, but I do not know what it could be either."

Pitch_Black says, "Of course not. I don't think they want to negotiate at all. I think they're hoping we'll speed the process for them--"

Pitch_Black blinks.

Pitch_Black says, "They picked a hell of a time to restore contact."

Saburo says, "Father, secure that comm line."

Bethpage nods to Kavanaugh. "What if they're not strong enough to wipe us all out, battery's not big enou--" she starts swearing softly, at Aleksei's voice.

Bethpage says, "Father, tell him go away, we're dead and so is he."

Pitch_Black says, "Page, that's enough. We're too far up the creek to be closing doors now."

Saburo says, "We are not dead. There are more dead elves outside than humans, Page. "

Aleksei says again, "Come in? Over."

Dr_Chong says, "Bethpage, get a grip, we haven't reached the end of the world quite yet."

Bethpage says, "Maybe what we need is to attack and not worry about surviving it, as long as they don't either."

Bethpage shrugs, "Somebody talk to the Russian. He might have something we can use."

Dr_Chong says, "There would be to much information lost. We would never know whether they may show up again, except in central Europe this time"

Pitch_Black says, "No thanks. If I had a death wish I'd have let them send me back to Hong Kong. I'm here now, I intend to walk away from this."

Kavanaugh blinks, and quietly mutes the relay. "I'll step outside and talk with him. I'll just tell him we're preogressing slowly, nothing new to report yet."

Saburo looks to Kavanaugh. "Are we patched in yet?"

Saburo says, "I will talk to him.."

Saburo shrugs.

Pitch_Black says, "Just put him through, Father. Let's get this over with."

Saburo nods in agreement.

Bethpage nods, "Go ahead, Kav. Bring him on."

Kavanaugh looks around, then shrugs, and patches in the relay to his mic. "Aleksei, this is Kavanaugh et al, we read you."

Bethpage says, "Kav's probably the best of us to talk to him anyway. More peppy."

Aleksei mutters, "'bout time. I've got them." He's clearly speaking to someone in the room with him. He says, "Hello, Father Kavanaugh. Glad you can read us. Comm difficulties?"

Dr_Chong says, "I am going outside to look around, I will return."

Kavanaugh barely conceals a grimace at Page's evaluation of him, but only says. "Some, yes. There was some interference earlier, I think."

Dr_Chong walks out of the building.

Aleksei says, "I don't know what you guys are doing out there, but keep it up. For some reason the plague has stopped infecting new victims. The ones who have it right now are still sick, but they're not deteriorating any further. Over."

Bethpage mouths "Told you!" at the group, but does not say it aloud for the comm.

Pitch_Black blinks. Say what? How's that.... what did we do?

Saburo says into the communicator, "If you had sent us the gear and some proper vehicles, your problems would be solved by now... comrade. As it stands, we will need more time to stop this plague completely."

Saburo says, "Now, did you find anything out about those Germans yet?"

Kavanaugh blinks in surprise. Well, I'll be.... we're doing something right! "We're not sure eitehr, Aleksei, but we'll... keep doing whateer it is we're sdoing." He mnutes his radio. "Saburo, hush!"

Saburo frowns, and yanks the shortsword out of counter. He stoops to pick up the scabbard, and stalks out of the cafe.

Aleksei says, "The German government is denying it, of course. However, we have lost contact with the Germans. Their group got caught in a large thunderstorm and when it cleared, we couldn't pick them up again. Over."

Bethpage closes her eyes briefly. "Dear heaven, don't let them be able to use the guns..."

Pitch_Black says, "Wouldn't wait up for them if I were you, tovarisch."

Kavanaugh grimaces, shaking his head. "Thank you for the information, Aleksei. We haven't run into them at all, and haven't seen any sign of them since that one sighting.

Aleksei says, "We're watching the plane. We assume they'll come back to it, but we've stopped tracking them. Over."

Bethpage retains enough tact to mute the mic first, but snickers darkly.

Aleksei says, "Is there anything we can do to aid you at this point?"

Kavanaugh says, "Understood, Aleksei. I wish we could give you more information as to what's been going on here.""

Saburo walks over to the roundabout, then sits down on the curb. He straps his SCK 100 submachine guns back into their holsters on the back of his back pack. He then takes out eight of his marked clips of 9mm rounds. He pairs them off, into pairs of explosive and armor piercing clips, then tapes each pair together, one clip up, one down, for faster reloading. He secures the four pairs of Exp/APSR clip sets to his backpack straps and belt, then puts his pack back on.

Bethpage says, mic still off, "I wonder if they drop-shipped us horses if they'd get here in time to make the Antyrii more mobile."

Pitch_Black says, "Imagine the smell."

Bethpage says, "Imagine the diversion potential!"

Bethpage says, "Hell, I'll ask. Can't hurt."

Kavanaugh says, "Well, Aleksei, give us a moment while we have you on the line, there may be one or two things...""

Bethpage says into the mic, "Aleksei... how fast could you get us fifty or so really good, fast horses?"

Aleksei says, "We can't do that, Bethpage. There's no way."

Pitch_Black says, "I wonder if they even know how to ride."

Bethpage gets a big, big grin as she makes the bizarre request of her blackmailers. It fades a little as Aleksei denies it. She sighs. "How many could you get us? Any?"

Aleksei says, "We can't bring any, Bethpage, sorry. We'd have to use a troop transport to get them there and I'm sure the Germans have already proved how stealthy that is."

Saburo says into the comm, on the groups local channel, "An attack chopper would serve us better than horses..."

Bethpage says, off-mic, "They told us that's their normal mode of quicker transport, actually, awhile back now."

Bethpage says, "Not even if you disguised it as a German one? They've already lost their credibility at denying it's really them... ah well. Guess not."

Pitch_Black says, "Aleksei, can you get us any kind of fire support? We're facing potentially significant numbers here."

Saburo shoulders his assault rifle, and picks up the Dowrani sword. He starts walking around the block, checking things out.

Aleksei says, "Hold Mr. Toshihiro. We'll see if we can't locate one of the Australian's for you. I have to strongly advise against using something that isn't fully stealth-up, however." He says, muffled, like he's holding his hand over his mic. "Stop making faces at me.. they need transport much as you might not like it."

Kavanaugh mutes his microphone. "The 17th Demi-Brigade of la Legion would be handy." Interesting... I wonder who he's talking with....

Aleksei says, "Just to make this easier, reference your location for us? We don't know where you are."

Bethpage says off-mic, "I didn't know Secret Government Powers made faces. Neat."

Saburo replies, "Thank you, Mr. Kazakov."

Pitch_Black says, "Can you give him the coords, Father?"

Kavanaugh nods, "Yeah, sure..." he unmutes his mic. "Alekseii, here's our coordinates, grid reference....." He launches into a militarese string of alphaneumeric characters.

Saburo responds, "We are in Australia, if you recall. Who is that with you, Aleksei?"

Aleksei repeats those numbers back, probably for the benefit of whoever else is in the room. "Searching now. We should have something pretty quickly for you." You can almost hear the grimace in his voice when Saburo responds. "Yes. We're aware of that Mr. Toshihiro."

Aleksei says, "I have Anikita here with me, along with several of our technicians."

Aleksei says, "There aren't any military vehicles in your immediate location. The Australian government moved the military with them as the plague spread. However, it looks like they forgot one in Adelaide. Aztech EX Attack Helicopter."

Saburo replies, "Adelaide? How very convenient... Thank you... comrade."

Kavanaugh frowns, hoping one of the party can fly it... then realizes Adelaide is 712 klicks away. "Blast. Thanks for looking anyway, Aleksei."

Aleksei says, "Don't blame me, Mr. Toshihiro. I didn't put it there."

Bethpage says, "Well... we do have transport. How fast could we get there?"

Aleksei says, "Anything else? Everyone's done insulting me now?"

Dr_Chong says something for the first time on the comm, "Your assistance is apreciated by some, as it is all we are likely to find out here."

Kavanaugh says wryly, "Hey, now, I haven't had my turn yet, Aleksei...! Seriously... I can't think of anything more. Thanks for your help, Aleksei, we do appreciate it."

Bethpage says, "What the Doc said-- I just wanted horses, Aleks. It wasn't personal."

Pitch_Black says, "Some people just have trouble expressing their affection, Aleks. Don't take it so serious."

Aleksei says, "You know how to contact us if necessary. Kazekov out." The comm crackles slightly again as he disconnects from your relay.

Dr_Chong says, "I have some more bad news unfortunately."

Kavanaugh lets out a breath. "Well. Good news, at least. We're doing something that's draining the Dowrani magic resources, and I suspect that it might be because the Dowrani have to expend some effort in dealing with us."

Dr_Chong comes back in the door returning from outside.

Bethpage says, "Nice going, Saburo. You pissed off our only link to the outside world. Can't we just let a little thing like blackmail and certain death slide?"

Bethpage starts chuckling softly.

Dr_Chong says, "The 'allies' we had stationed outside on the roofs seem to have completely vanished during the fight at some point."

Saburo says, "No, I cannot let that slide, Page. "

Saburo says, "They stopped the plague to negotiate with us. Ansrellion said as much before he revealed his treacherous nature."

Kavanaugh sighs to Chong. "I was worried about that. Blast...."

Saburo circles back towards the block with the cafe, after retrieving the plasma grenade he rigged up to the gas tanker.

Bethpage says, "Actually, as much as I hate to say this, Ansrellion didn't fire on us-- he fired on Renthal, who he probably didn't consider a valid negotiator. He probably didn't see it as breaking truce. Doesn't mean we can't kill him anyway, though."

Dr_Chong agrees with Bethpage, "We know nothing of these new cultures, it would be hard to say what is apropriate or not for them at the negotiation table."

Bethpage says, "Doc, I think the bad pointy-ears took our allies. They got Gene and the cat and the wounded, after all. I doubt our elves just ran off. They seemed to respect R-- their leader."

Kavanaugh deadpans, "Especailly after we indirectly suggested that Renthal had molested and worse Ansrellion's daughter. Be that as it may, we have some breathing room here. Until we contact the Dowrani and tell them to bugger off, we have some breathing room.

Saburo says, "What if that attack was merely a way to get Renthal back with his masters?"

Dr_Chong says, "It still seems suspicious that they would vanish without trying to draw attention to themselves."

Dr_Chong nods to Saburo, "A definate possibility."

Bethpage says, "Gene did the same thing, guys. I'm tired of defending people I want to kill. I'm going for a short walk, here. I'll be on the comm."

Dr_Chong says, "Be careful, they may have left an ambush nearby."

Bethpage heads out the door and says, "Saburo hasn't run into it yet. If there is, though... great. I missed most of the action while I was leaving our wounded undefended."

The door slams shut.

Saburo says, "I'm scoping the area, Doctor. If they have ambushers, I'll draw them out."

Bethpage heads in the opposite direction Saburo took, looking for signs of elven tampering.

Pitch_Black watches the others depart. "I'm a little tired of riding shepherd for this outfit, you know." He rubs his eyes on the heels of his hands. "Not that I'm cut out for it anyway... freezing on the first engagement. Criminy."

Pitch_Black says, "Well, Doc... let's pack the tac rig up. Looks like we're leaving."

Dr_Chong pats Pitch's shoulder. "Do not worry, some things were not meant to be seen by the eyes of Man."

Kavanaugh lets out a breath. "Let me help with that," he says quietly to Pitch and Chong.

Bethpage blinks and says over the comm, "Looks like a cat here. Dunno if it's the right cat yet."

Dr_Chong packs up medical gear and helps get everything loaded and ready.

Saburo looks down the street towards the cafe, to make sure it's all clear, then slips into the parkade entrance for the office building.

Bethpage walks closer to the cat she thinks she sees coming down the street.

Bethpage crouches and calls, "Hey, Yarnchaser... here, old fella..."

Kavanaugh blinks, straightening. "A... cat...?" No... it's too much to hope against hope... but just in case.... "Ex... excuse me," he says to Saburo and Chong. He goes outside quickly, looking around for Bethpage and rushing to catch up with her.

Yarnchaser looks up and gives Bethpage a withering look then continues walking towards the cafe.

Bethpage grins to herself and says over the com, "Cat inbound. Do not attempt to impede. Repeat, do not attempt to impede. Cat looks pissed."

Kavanaugh grimaces. Oh, blast, yarnchaser is in a mood.....

Yarnchaser looks up at Kavanaugh, full of reproach. He mrowls loudly and slips into the cafe as the door closes. He jumps up onto the bar and starts grooming himself, glaring at everyone.

Bethpage trails behind the cat, feeling a bit better. At least something isn't lost today.

Dr_Chong tries to examine the cat for injuries from a distance, not wanting to invoke its wrath.

Kavanaugh blinks. And grimaces. "Hey, now, you...!" he says, opening the door and walking in. "It's not like I set you out with a big sign saying 'Catnap me!' I thought you'd be safe here! Well, safer than we were outside with the... the elves and the demons and the sorcerers, and... and...."

Pitch_Black doesn't look up from where he's getting the tac rig ready for use again. "Hey, kuroneko-sama. 'bout time you showed up."

Kavanaugh sighs, and goes over to the counter, leaning on it beside Yarnchaser. "I'm sorry," he says quietly. "I was worried to death about you."

Bethpage says to Kav, "Ask him how they took Gene and our wounded, hey?"

Yarnchaser looks at Kavanaugh, then looks at his backpack. He looks tired and overwrought, like maybe a little catnip would help him get over the indignation. Well. Maybe a lot of catnip.

Bethpage leans back against the wall and tries to look like she's not hoping the cat will have useful information.

Saburo swears, and takes his helmet and gloves off.

Kavanaugh blinks a bit, and glances over to the backpack. "Oh. Right, sure." He goes over to the backpack, pulling out a small baggie and a fuzzy squeaky-toy. "What happened to you, anyway? Didn't --- uh-huh... Yeah.... Yeah, we met him... and then...? Oh, no. And that was it? Nothing more? Foo.... Well, the nice lady -- the other nice lady disappeared, too...."

By this time kav has finished sprinking some catnip into the fuzzy-toy and come back over to the cat with the feline equivalent of a fur-lined bong. "Well, I'm glad you're back at least--" He rolls his eyes. "Merde, you'd think I'd thrown you off a cliff or something...."

Yarnchaser snatches the fuzzy-toy away and jumps off the counter to hide in Kavanaugh's bag.

Kavanaugh sighs as he offers the catnip-laced toy to the cat. "He says he got dragged out of the backpack and put into a sa-- ouch!" He rubs his hand ruefully. "Got put into a sack. He felt some tossing and turning, and next thing he knew he fell out onto the ground about a quarter-mile away.

Saburo pulls out of the office building parking garage, after sweeping the rest of the broken glass off the seats. He turns the corner, and drives his new tan hum-vee slowly towards the cafe. He pulls up outside and parks, then takes out a cigarette and lights it.

Pitch_Black says, "He didn't waste any time getting back."

Kavanaugh says, "Can't say I blame him, really--" He blinks as the Humvee pulls up out front."

Pitch_Black says, "Apparently we're leaving now."

Bethpage says, "Lucky nobody shot at him."

Bethpage says, "Yeah, no reason to stay here. Shall we make tracks to Adelaide, or Taiat first?"

Dr_Chong climbs into the vehicle after helping load up, and sets up his deck and begins scanning through maps of the area.

Saburo gets out of the Humvee, and helps the doctor load his gear into the back.

Bethpage is more inclined than not to believe the cat. She wonders if she should find that more disturbing.

Saburo says, "Doctor, going to Adelaide by land might be risky... How close are the roads to the area we marked as their most likely location?"

Bethpage says, "Either way, we need to get the stuff we left at the docks first."

Dr_Chong says, "The roads seem to run right through the areas tagged as potential enemy hotspots."

Saburo frowns, takes a deep drag on his smoke, then nods to the doctor. He walks back into the cafe.

Saburo says, "The doctor says the roads from here to Adelaide run right through the areas tagged as potential enemy hotspots. "

Saburo starts gathering the elven swords, daggers and bows off the table.

Saburo looks at Pitch. "What's our next move?"

Pitch_Black says, "Right now, the copter idea seems... insane, frankly, but what the hell. We're up against it as it is... and a little fire support would be nice. Drop me and the Father at the docks and get the rest of the gear. We'll steal another lift and catch up to you."

Saburo says, "How are we travelling there? By boat, or do you want to risk the roads?"

Bethpage says, "So, we're splitting up?"

Saburo says, "I can take the boat to Adelaide, to secure the chopper if you wish... Though I would not relish going there alone."

Pitch_Black says, "I don't want to split up too far, but leaving all that materiel out there on the docks is just asking to be bitten on the ass."

Pitch_Black says, "We'll rip off a truck or something and follow you down."

Saburo nods. "I agree. We need our gear close by."

Saburo says, "Follow me down where?"

Pitch_Black says, "To Adelaide. We'll load the gear, you go on ahead with the others."

Saburo says, "You want to risk taking the road there?"

Pitch_Black says, "Someone's going to have to. We can't leave all our equipment in the boats... we gotta come inland sometime."

Pitch_Black says, "You can wait for us to stow the gear and we can convoy it, if you'd rather."

Saburo nods. "True enough. Try to find a vehicle capable of high speed off road travel, if you can. I was looking for a Prarie Cat, but all I found next door was this jeep.

Kavanaugh nods in agreement with Pitch. "I agree, we'd do better to not split up."

Pitch_Black says, "I'll see what I can scare up at the docks. We're only limited by what we can hotwire, so I'll see if I can snitch something sturdy."

Kavanaugh grins a little, regaining some of his humor.. "There's not much that's on this planet that th' Lord hasn't seen fit to let me be able to hotwire. I'll help with that." It's hard to telll if he's jokin gor not.

Saburo says, "Damn Russians... They should have sent my truck."

Pitch_Black says, "Gotta do what you can with what you got, brother. C'mon, let's not waste any more time."

Saburo heads out of the cafe, to load the captured enemy weapons into the back of the Humvee.

Saburo says, "Looks like we're rolling out, Doctor. Are you ready?"

Dr_Chong says, "Yes, lets be off to it."

Saburo unlocks the windshield, and folds it down, securing it to the hood. He slides his assault rifle in, before climbing into the drivers seat. He rests the AK in place, with the barrel sticking out the now absent front window.

Saburo drops Pitch Black and Father Kavanaugh off at the docks, so that they can pick up the rest of the equipment and another vehicle. They manage to find an SUV in good shape that looks like it won't throw an axle if they have to get off of the road. Pitch Black catches up with Saburo fairly easily and they begin the trek towards Adelaide. Every thing is uneventful until they're about half way out. The road is surrounded by forest when suddenly, Saburo is forced to swerve, narrowly avoiding a young Dowrani who is on the road. He looks as suprised to see them as they are to see him.

Saburo swears in japanese over the comm, then adds, "Elf in the road!"

Saburo screeches to a halt, trying to avoid going into the ditch.

Kavanaugh blinks, and stops the vehicle quickly and hopefully without putting it into a spin or worse.

Pitch_Black says, "...the hell? Did they hit a deer or something?"

Dr_Chong leaps out of the vehicle as soon as he can and tries to cutoff the Dowrani from escape.

The Dowrani kid has a small bow in his hand and looks like he might have been tracking something. He's frozen, looking at the vehicles with wide eyes.

Saburo slides the gear into park, and opens the drivers door. He gets out, reaching to his belt, feeling for his needler. He turns his head to keep his eyes on the young Dowrani.

Kavanaugh says, "I don't know! He said something about 'elf in the road.' Is that some kind of slang?"

Saburo says on the comms, "Watch it, Doctor. He's armed!"

Pitch_Black sighs, reaching for his sidearm. "Yeah, it's code for 'our asses could be in the sling.' Keep it hot, Father." He leans out the passenger window, aiming his pistol at the boy. "I got him. Be careful, Doc."

The boy is looking around frantically, like he's trying to find somewhere to run.

Kavanaugh nods, and keeps the engine running. "Yarnchaser, keep your head down." The backpack on the back seat rustles a little.

Dr_Chong slowly moves up to the boy unarmed, trying to say something soothing that the boy might understand.

Saburo draws his needler pistol, and takes an extra second to check to make sure it's loaded with knock-out needles, instead of lethal poison.

Dr_Chong gestures to the boy to hand him the bow, trying to make it as universal a gesture as possible.

Bethpage takes out her stun-staff and gets out of the vehicle. ~It's just a kid... we can't just kill him.~

Pitch_Black blinks, then lets his sidearm drop. "For chrissakes. He's out looking for food. There's a rabbit in his backpack."

The boy's eyes widen at Doctor Chong and he drops the bow at his feet.

Saburo says on the comms, ~That means he's most likely alone, Pitch. He looks too scared and surprised to be part of a war party.~

Dr_Chong subvocalizes over the comms, "We should not leave him here to report our movement, but I do not know what good bringing him will do, as we cannot speak his language."

Dr_Chong moves closer, and kicks the bow a bit further out of his reach.

Bethpage sighs. ~Poor kid. Is there room to maybe put him in the back with us, hands tied? I can stun him, but... we're not like them. We don't kill innocents.~

Saburo says in Japanese, "Maybe he can lead us to their encampment, Doctor. Can you restrain him without hurting him?"

There is a loud gasp from the ditch and another Dowrani kid comes running over. He pushes the other one, who is smaller, behind his back and draws a sword - for him at least, it's more like a long knife - out of a sheath and tries to look menacing. He's not very convincing.

Bethpage gives Saburo a suspicious look at the foreign language, then sighs deeply as their hostages double. ~Crap.~

Dr_Chong tries to make soothing noises as he faces the newcomer unarmed with palms upheld.

Pitch_Black rolls his eyes and covers the kid with the knife. "I'd say not to do anything stupid, but what's the point?"

Kavanaugh facepalms. ~Now with double the moral quandry,~ he mutters.

Saburo moves around the Humvee, his needler in his left hand and ready. He doesn't raise it to point it at the pair of youths. He walks closer to them. "Watch out, Doctor. Don't let him stick you."

Bethpage's eyes narrow. ~Quandry, hell. We're NOT killing kids.~

Dr_Chong watches the sword blade carefully, and tries to show he means no harm.

Kavanaugh subvocs, ~Page, think about who said that. I'd never advocate killng them. The question is, whoat do we do with them?

Saburo circles around to flank the pair, so he's approaching from their side. He stops 4 meters away, his gaze flicking to the doctor, then back to the two elves.

Bethpage adds, ~Look at them... they look a lot alike. I bet he's protecting his brother-- they're not born bad guys who slaughter continents for fun.~

Bethpage says, ~Saburo. What's in the needler?~

Saburo says, ~Not yet, they aren't... It's a spring needler. Knock out load.~

Bethpage says, ~Good.~

Bethpage adds, ~Doc? You don't remember any elf-talk?~

Bethpage says hopefully, ~Any at all?~

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~Not enough to do us much good yet.~

Bethpage says, ~Well, you got the one to put the bow down... if you can't get the big one to drop the knife, we may have to trank them unless... hm. I'm willing to go take it away. I think I can do it without hurting him.~

Dr_Chong quickly darts forward, his hands becoming a blur as he grabs a wrist in each hand, comes around behind them, and wrenches their arms around, forcing the one with the sword to drop it from his hand.

Bethpage blinks. ~Or not. Nicely done.~

Saburo moves in to cover the doctor. He nudges the sword away with his foot.

There is an immediate reaction to this by both of the boys. The older one glares, still looking fairly frightened. The younger one immediately bursts into tears.

Dr_Chong watches them both carefully, hands both occupied, but legs and feet ready if needed.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~Anyone have some rope? Then we can make a decision.~

Bethpage goes to the vehicle to search for the cuffcord.

Bethpage says, ~I know we brought some... looking.~

Saburo watches them, studying their faces.

Saburo says, "The older one looks the same age as Mirryn."

Kavanaugh winces -- first at the crying, then at Saburo's observation.

Bethpage says cheerfully, ~Aha! Found it. Instant pet elf! Just add handcuffs.~ She takes the cord over to the Doctor and says, ~Tie them together, or separately?~

Pitch_Black says, "I'm not sure I like the way that sounds, are you, Father?"

Dr_Chong begins to whisper something softly, eventually getting louder until you realize he is singing something in what sounds like Chinese. It almost sounds like a lullaby.

Bethpage adds wryly, ~I don't tie too many people up on normal days, any suggestions on style would be helpful.~

Pitch_Black says, "The cuffcord binds itself, just thread it through the clasp and the zip binder will close it."

Kavanaugh grimaces, "No, I don't, Pitch. Come on, let's try to make this as humane as possible...." He stops the engine, pulling out the keys as he steps out of the vehicle.

It takes a minute or so into Doctor Chong's song, but it's apparent that both of the boys are listening. They're quieting down and looking more placid. The younger one has stopped crying, but is still hiccupping now and then.

Pitch_Black says, "Don't pull it too tight. There's a wire core in there so if you pull it too tight and they pull, they'll cut themselves."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~This is not my area of expertise. I will trust your judgement on how to secure them.~

Saburo nods to Page. "Make sure their wrists are together, and not crossed."

Dr_Chong keeps a hold of their wrists until they can be secured. ~Perhaps something to impede their running as well.~

Bethpage carefully removes the child's backpack and its dead rabbit.

Bethpage cuffs the children's wrists behind their backs individually as suggested, trying to be as gentle and nonthreatening as a larger person tying you up can be.

Bethpage says, ~Ankles when they're in the car... I assume they're coming along.~

Saburo puts his needler away, turning the safety back on and sliding it into it's holster.

Dr_Chong gently pushes the boys in the direction of the vehicles, keeping a hold of both restraints.

Saburo picks up the long knife and the bow, and looks them over.

Saburo says, "Good quality, but these are child's weapons, Chong. They don't tingle."

Pitch_Black grins to the older kid as he holsters his weapon. "Don't worry," he says, knowing full well he can't be understood, "Either she's kidnapping you or she's about to initiate you into manhood. Either way, enjoy the ride."

Saburo puts the knife and the bow and quiver into the trunk of the Humvee with the other elvish weapons. He looks up and down the road, scanning, zooming in with his telescopic vision.

Bethpage says, "Pitch Black, I'm going to remember you said that." She's grinning a little, though.

Pitch_Black smirks. "Hey, I offered how many times?"

Pitch_Black says, "But noooooo..."

Saburo chuckles quietly, and finishes scoping out the area, before moving to help Bethpage fit them into the back seat.

Bethpage snickers. "But Yang, honey... you know I was saving myself for Renthal."

Kavanaugh smiles, and shakes his head, glancing to the children to see if they react to Renthal's name.

Pitch_Black eughs. "Don't call me that, please."

Bethpage murmurs, "It's a deal, sugar pie," and seems preoccupied with the kid's ex-backpack. "Guys. There's another one of those crystal balls in here."

Saburo makes sure there aren't any loose weapons lying around in the back seat. With them tied, they won't be able to get at the weapons in the trunk, but a knife on the back seat would definitely facilitate their escape.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~Uhh, back on task, should we put one in each vehicle or let them remain together?~

Bethpage says, ~Separate them. One with the Doc, one with the other least threatening of us.. whoever the hell that is.~

Saburo looks over at the Doctor and responds, ~I think it might upset them if they are separated.~

Pitch_Black says, "I'll sit in the back with them and keep an eye on 'em."

Dr_Chong looks suprised at Saburo's response, ~We might learn more and be more secure if we seperate them however.~

Kavanaugh nods, "I hope Yarnchaser deals well with kids. Usually he does...."

Pitch_Black says, "Dpm"

Saburo nods. ~A good point, Doctor. Very well, the older one can ride with you and I in the Humvee.

Pitch_Black says, "Don't need them spazzing out in the back. We can interrogate them later, let's just get a move on before we get flanked out here in the boondocks."

Bethpage sighs and nods. ~Yeah, we want them easier to handle. Poor things.~

Dr_Chong looks a little worried, but prods the boys into the vehicle with Pitch.

Bethpage moves to assist loading the kids into Pitch's vehicle, gently. "Be nice, Doc."

Saburo says, "Page?"

Bethpage says, "Yes, Saburo?"

Kavanaugh settles into the driver's seat again. "Yarnchaser, we've got visitors. Lemmie know if you're not in the mood."

Saburo waves it off, he'll ask her when she gets back to the Humvee.

There is a contented-cat sound from the backpack.

Bethpage shrugs, finishes up and heads back to her ride.

Pitch_Black sits down in the back seat next to the kids after they've been loaded. He sits so that his holster is on the opposite side of them, and hangs the arm closest to them over the seat. The other hand he rests in his lap. "Howdy," he grins to the closest elf, and making far too much eye contact than is polite for someone with yellow eyes.

Saburo gets into the Hummer, and closes the door.

Kavanaugh hmms, as he starts up the car. "Maybe he is, at that. That or Aleksei gave him really good catnip. "Don't worry, Page, they'll be just fine. All set, Pitch?"

Pitch_Black doesn't look up. "Roll out, padre. We're fine back here."

Kavanaugh nods, and sets the vehicle off once the humvee pulls out.

The Dowrani closest to Pitch, the older one, looks distinctly creeped out.

Saburo waits for the doctor and Page to get settled before sliding the humvee back into gear.

Bethpage says, blissfully unaware that Pitch is intimidating the children, ~I'm not too worried, but thanks, Kav. I know Pitch will take good care of them.~

Bethpage adds, ~Now... what do we do with the dead rabbit and the magic crystal ball?~

Saburo says, "Well, now we have more children for them to barter for. Page, what did you say you found?"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~I have the other one, should we try putting them together?~

Bethpage opens the sack to show Saburo. "Dead rabbit, crystal ball. You know. Normal elf-kid stuff."

Saburo blinks, and replies, ~We have two of those things now? Let's hope they're just communication devices, and not homing beacons...~

Bethpage closes the sack and hangs on to it. "Hell NO, Doc. We don't want to be found, remember? I'll just hang on to this."

Saburo says, "I was going to say to go for it, Doctor..."

Dr_Chong looks disapointed, wondering how they can be triggered to function, whatever their function is.

Saburo shrugs, and speeds up a bit, as much as the road will allow.

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Last modified: 2001-Jun-12 14:29:39

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