Weston -- Logs

Saburo says, "I'd rather you did, but I won't force you to. You should know though.." Saburo lowers his voice, and adds, ".. that we all know you used to work for the Watcher. And there is doubt as to whether you were a prisoner.. or an agent reporting in."

Bethpage finishes her elf-count and frowns. We have all but one. Damn. I was hoping Gene was the last elf, she was looking pretty elfy by the last battle... so where the hell is she?

Kavanaugh says quietly, "Saburo, m'son... let's not forget how that meeting turned bad. Let's leave it alone for the time being."

Renthal narrows his eyes at Saburo. He turns his back and lifts the back of his shirt about halfway up, revealing ugly lash marks. He drops it and turns around. "I'll discuss later."

Kavanaugh blinks, and stops for a moment, tapping his comm gear. "Huh... that's strange... then again, maybe it's not...."

Dr_Chong frowns seeing the wounds.

Saburo nods and smiles slightly. "As you prefer."

Kavanaugh shakes his head, giving a bit of a wry snort. "It's safe to say Geneveive is all right. I just got a message back from her. 'Unit returning to home base. Unit undamaged.' Uh, anyone know where Gene was before the Russians kidnapped her? If it wasn't Australia, she's got a long swim ahead of her...."

Bethpage walks up to the group in time to catch the lashmarks; she flushes, guilty, and turns away after the quiet "Welcome back..." gets out. It was my fault. I left Gene guarding Renthal.

Pitch_Black shrugs. "She'll get there. Maybe in a year or three, but she'll get there."

Saburo says, "Returning to... well."

Renthal nods at Page. "Thank you."

Kavanaugh adjusts his gear a bit. "Well. At least she's all right. Unfortunately, that's one person's worth less of firepower that we're down."

Saburo says, "Provided her model doesnt' suffer oxidation from the salt water... At least we know she's no longer an asset.. or a liability."

Saburo says on the comm, ~Doctor, do those look like serious whip wounds to you, or half hearted ones?~

Kavanaugh says, "A bit of a cold way of puttin' it, m'son, but, well, essentially correct. All right. Let's get back with the Antyrii, and talk with them."

Pitch_Black says, "Hey, everything's cold out here. Let's get it done."

Saburo looks at Kavanaugh and shrugs. "

Saburo leaves the others at the truck, and sees to the chopper, checking on it's weapon loadout.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes ~They're real wounds. He looks like he'll be all right, but it was done with something sharp, and some of those wounds looked to reach as far as the bone.~

Kavanaugh says, "Too true, Pitch, too true. Right, then. Can we all fit on that whirlygig contraption over there, or should I be firin' up the vehicles, too?"

Bethpage snarls via comm, ~He was half-dead when they picked him up! Barbarians.~

Pitch_Black says, "Better fire up the trucks. I'll help."

Pitch_Black says, "Fuel's at a premium as it is, we don't need Saburo running out of gas at a thousand feet."

Kavanaugh nods, "Thanks, Pitch." He goes over to the trucks, and starts prepping one for travel.

Saburo finishes checking that the gattling cannons and machine gun are loaded, and then opens the side doors to the chopper. ~We can all fit in the chopper, Father. I could not find any missles here, but we have a full load and extra ammo for the chopper's guns.~

Saburo shrugs. ~It will take less than an hour to fly there, since we can go straight there, instead of following the coast line all around. There is ample fuel here. We could fly to the Phillipines, without much concern.~

Kavanaugh subvocs, ~It'd probably be quicker to go by chopper, then. Hmm... we might have some trouble convincing the elves to fly in it....~

Renthal looks at the chopper and then looks at the scouts, who have blanched.

Kavanaugh glances at the scouts. ~Heh. Yeah, thought as much. S'alright, I can drive them back. Might not be as quick, but they may be the better for it.~

Saburo climbs out of the chopper and returns to the Hummer to get his gear. ~We don't have to give them a choice, Father. We are in hostile territory. We need to get out of it before Alemsech changes his mind. Or before one of the other warlords finds out he came here to make a deal with us.~

Pitch_Black says, "If they won't fly, I'll drive them. No offense, but I ain't climbing in that thing with that many people on board."

Dr_Chong watches the others, waiting for a decision to be made.

Bethpage walks over to Pitch Black. "I'll come with you."

Saburo carries his gear and the stolen elven weapons from the back of the Hummer, and secures them into the chopper.

One of the male scouts, a younger one, has a strange glint in his eyes as he watches the chopper. He looks at Renthal and asks him something. Renthal laughs. "He wants to know if he can fly on the metal bird."

Saburo smiles, and nods. "Yes, of course he can. You all can."

Kavanaugh arches an eyebrow, then grins. "Quite the daring lad."

Pitch_Black says, "More balls than me, under the circumstances."

The look on Renthal's face suggests that he would have used "crazy" instead of daring to describe the young scout, but he nods and motions him towards it. Two of the others decide to join him.

Saburo says, "You too, Renthal. I can put you to sleep for the journey if you're afraid."

Saburo smirks, watching the dowrani.

Renthal shakes his head. "I prefer to keep my feet closer to the ground." He motions at the truck. The last scout, an older woman, nods her agreement.

Pitch_Black says, "You can ride with me and Page, Renthal."

Saburo says, "And if you bleed to death on the long drive back? Doctor Chong says your wounds are serious."

Renthal looks over at Doctor Chong. "I believe the scouts will have many questions for you. May I?" He holds his hand up towards Chong's forhead.

Pitch_Black says, "He's a big boy, Saburo. His wounds are his own business."

Renthal's eyes flick over to Saburo. "They're not bleeding. I'll survive."

Dr_Chong nods his head, almost eager to regain the knowledge, even temporarily.

Renthal closes his eyes and then touches Doctor Chong's forehead, gifting him with the Antyrii language.

Saburo looks around, from Renthal, to the two scouts, to Pitch. His left hand strays slowly towards his hip, as he calculates. He could drop two of them in an eye blink. Maybe all three of the elves. But Pitch is being stubborn too. He can't take all four of them down in time, not with the needler... and fists would be too messy. One of his teammates would probably shoot him in the back. His hand moves away from his belt.

Pitch_Black just nods. "'s fine, Sabo-kun. I'll remember that. But we'll settle it after the mission, if you're in that big a hurry to get cracked, and not before."

Saburo says, "You're the one being stubborn, Black-san. But as you wish."

Bethpage's eyes narrow at Saburo's near-action, and she wonders why he was about to pull his gun... better keep a closer watch on the crazypuff slant-eye.

Saburo turns his back on them, and starts walking towards the chopper. He pauses, and turns his head to look back at Pitch. He grins slightly, then turns and starts walking again. He helps the elves into the chopper and straps them in, before settling down in the cockpit to begin the last few pre-flight preparations.

With the seating arrangements made, the SUV pulls out carrying Pitch Black, one of the Antyrii Scouts, Bethpage and Renthal. Saburo continues his pre-flight warmups while the chopper is loaded and then takes off. He is able to follow roads most of the way back to the camp and finally sets the chopper down not to far from the Antyrii camp. He is greeted by other scouts and they help bring all the people and equipment back into the camp. Unfortunately, Taiat is out of the camp and is not expected back until sunrise as he is out with a group of hunters. They are made comfortable in the camp and given plenty to eat.

The SUV arrives approximately 20 hours after the helicopter. Pitch is driving, although he has been switching off with Bethpage throughout the journey. They arrive at the camp about an hour before the sun rises, giving them time to eat before Taiat returns with his hunting party. The whole group, minus the scouts who have gone off to see their families are gathered in the circle around the camp pit when Taiat returns. Miiryn is also at the fire. She is sitting next to Renthal but has nodded off and fallen asleep against him.

Taiat smiles. "I'm glad to hear that you have returned safely."

Saburo watches Renthal and Miiryn, one eyebrow cocked. He stands up when Taiat speaks, and bows formally to him. "Arigato, Taiat. We are glad no ill has befallen you in our absence."

Bethpage gives the young-elf-cuddle with Renthal a look, and smiles very quietly.

Pitch_Black climbs slowly out of the truck, a rumpled Yeheyuan burned almost to the filter hanging from his lips. He offers the pack to the female scout who's been riding shotgun with him, and stretches a bit. "Mm. Magic enough to scour the world, and not a cup of coffee on the island. Tch."

Taiat sits down at the campfire looking around at the group of you.

Saburo says, "Coffee would be nice, yes.. It is sashimi that I am craving more though, with a fine bottle of sake..."

Kavanaugh hehs quietly, "I'd settle for some coffee that I hadn't carried myself over a hundred-mile march...."

Bethpage perks up a little. "Mmm. Eel. Keep the coffee..."

Taiat frowns, "I'm afraid we have a distinct lack of this "coffee" drink. My apologies."

Saburo sits back down, and takes out a fresh pack of cigarettes.. "Taiat, we have returned to seek your counsel. We have encountered the Dowrani, in battle and out of it. We have attempted negotiations with one of their warlords, but he broke the truce and shot Renthal. Now we have found another to negotiate with. He has made us an offer."

Taiat's eyebrows shoot up. "You actually found Dowrani who didn't kill you on sight? That is quite a surprise. They must be changing their ways a little."

Pitch_Black sits down on an overturned log, and fishes out another cigarette. "Sashimi. Damn. Now, that I really have to agree on with you." He grins a little to Taiat, "Either that or the one we spoke to was an ace liar. We're taking that chance on the off-possibility that we can end this now."

Saburo says, "The short of it is this. We were negotiating with Mirryn's father, but it turned sour. He had no desire to bargain for the safe return of his daughter, and shot Renthal. We captured him with relative ease, and fought off their attack force, but another came, with great magic, and took him away from us, along with Renthal and your scouts. They know you are here."

Taiat nods at Pitch. "Wise. Perhaps.."

Taiat says, "Yes. We had suspected that they would find our location sooner rather than later."

Saburo says, "We were preparing to assault their village and resuce their prisoners when we encountered them again. One of their .. tree makers. And the One Who Watches. He offered us a deal, but I do not think any of us trust him enough to commit to it just yet."

Saburo says, "He is still holding one of your people."

Taiat frowns, "I was going to ask. There were five scouts, but only four of them had returned. What are they asking in exchange for her return?"

Saburo says, "They do not know the location of your village, as far as we know.. Unless they interrogated your people while they were captured. They had them for a good two days."

Renthal says, "They know where the village is, Taiat."

Taiat nods at Renthal.

Saburo looks at Renthal. "Did you tell them?"

Pitch_Black says, "They're holding her for Miiryn."

Renthal smirks at Saburo. "No. They tortured the scouts for information. Me they tortured for fun."

Bethpage subvocs, ~Pitch, you going to tell Taiat about the rest of the proposed deal? The part where we get to kill their Witch Queen if we'll call a truce and give them this island?~

Taiat nods. "Then we shall release Miiryn into their care in return for our missing scout."

Saburo says, "Don't do it just yet, Taiat. There is still the possibility that we will attack them, instead of deal with them. That is what we need your counsel on."

Pitch_Black replies, He said that he would give us the opportunity, if that's what it would take. If it comes to that... we'll let him know.

Taiat says, "Go on.."

Saburo says, "What do you know of the Dowrani Witch Queen, Taiat? Can she be killed? "

Taiat says, "Of course she can. She's as mortal as the rest of them."

Saburo says, "Alemsech didn't seem very mortal to me... he escaped us, with half a dozen prisoners. But he claims that she is the only one who can unleash their killing plague upon the world."

Taiat says, "She's mortal, so is Alamsech. She certainly won't be easy to kill though. She may be mortal but she is the most powerful mage in the Dowrani kingdom."

Saburo frowns, rubbing his chin. He leans back, and finally lights his cigarette. He takes a deep drag, thinking...

Saburo says, "What would it take to kill her, beyond surprise? It is... possible that she will be set up."

Bethpage winces slightly at Renthal's comment on his own torture, but much of the guilt is gone from her eyes. On the ride back, Renthal noticed her discomfort and told her, in typical blunt elvish fashion, not to take credit for what wasn't hers... but in this case, he meant blame, and actually smiled at her. Page's personal truce with the elves is doing surprisingly well today... she frowns when her gaze happens to rest upon the object of her thoughts as the return of Miiryn to her blood-parents comes up, and Renthal actually looks... pained. Page frowns, then drags her attention back to the matters involving world war or truce.

Pitch_Black says, "I can reach her from eight hundred meters. Twelve hundred, if the wind's right."

Kavanaugh considers. "Essentially, we were told that if we, the humans, leave this land to them, the whole continent, then they'll... hmm, what were Ansrellion's exact words to us regarding the Witch Queen?"

Taiat smiles. "I don't suppose you thought to stipulate that she be unconscious, hmm?"

Saburo says, "We may be able to get a lot closer to her than that, Pitch."

Pitch_Black says, "He said he'd give us the Witch Queen if that was what it would take. And I know we can, Saburo... just debating if we want to."

Saburo says, "He said he would give the Witch Queen to me so I could kill her, and prevent their people from unleashing the plague again."

Saburo says, "That is an excellent suggestion, Taiat."

Kavanaugh looks at Saburo, and deadpans, "Something tells me that the onus would thus on us to kill her, then. Which she might take exception to.

Saburo says, "Do you think that his claim is likely to be true?"

Pitch_Black says, "It's as likely as anything else he said. What do you think, Taiat? What kind of guy do you think he is?"

Taiat tilts his head. "That she is the only one able to cast the spell? Or that he'll hand her over to you?"

Pitch_Black says, "Either. Both."

Bethpage sighs and looks glum. "I'd volunteer to sneak up on her to help the effort if we decide to take the bargain, but... apparently I'm no good at stealth around elves."

Saburo nods, and takes another drag on his smoke.

Renthal speaks up at this. "I can tell you what kind of Dowrani Alamsech is. I'm probably far more qualified than Taiat is. Alamsech is a man who takes his honour very very seriously. He'd rather die than go back on his word. It's uncommon in our people and almost unique in the extent that he carries it to."

Kavanaugh says, "What, then, is the chance that the other Dowrani would kill him just to continue the attacks?"

Renthal continues. "She is not the only one able to cast the spell, no. Lord Decepi can cast it as well, but he is barred from this world and unable to cast it from the place he resides."

Pitch_Black says, "So then it's world peace until he comes back from Hell. It's always some damn thing."

Saburo nods, listening carefully to Renthal.

Bethpage blinks.

Renthal looks at Kavanaugh. "They won't kill him. At least, not the ones who are here and the ones who aren't won't know what's happening until it's too late."

Saburo says, "Alemsech did indicate that most of the Warlords were not aware that he was offering us this ... deal."

Kavanaugh says, "Too late? Too late for... for what?"

Bethpage says, "Too late for the Witch Queen, Kav."

Renthal turns to Pitch, "If it's any consolation, I doubt that any of you will still be alive when he does return. The chains that bind him are.. abyssally strong."

Kavanaugh says, "Oh! Gotcha, I see."

Saburo says, "Well, that at least, is comforting."

Bethpage says dryly, "Our mortality comforts us yet again."

Saburo says, "What do you think, Taiat? Is this deal too good to be true? I am still inclined to my original thoughts, that killing the Dowrani leaders is the way to go. I've just been... doubting that a bit, since..."

Saburo shrugs, and shakes his head slowly.

Taiat says, "I believe that the deal you made is a good one and in your position I would follow through on it."

Pitch_Black says, "I'm inclined to agree with you, Taiat."

Kavanaugh nods quietly.

Saburo says, "This deal he offered us gives no guarantee for your people, Taiat."

Taiat smiles. "Our people have never had any guarantees. We will return to the Old Lands when this is settled. There, at least, they leave us in peace."

Saburo says, "The.. Old Lands?"

Bethpage nods, thoughtful. "I was wondering where you would call home, Taiat. Still... don't you want a treaty with the Dowrani as well?"

Taiat says, "Our home, Saburo. We left there to come here to watch them. The rest of our tribe is still in the Old Lands and we mean to return to them. We would, Bethpage, but they will not make deals with us. Our scars are too deep for that. We content ourselves with spying on each other and staying out of each other's homelands. That is enough."

Pitch_Black says, "Then I guess it's left to us to deal with them from now on."

Bethpage adds, "It seems odd that when this ends, if it ends well, we're looking at a truce with the ones who brought us so much death... and no further contact with those who were our allies. I wonder if they would accept an embassy... if everyone could have peace, and representatives in a council once a year, or something..."

Taiat says, "We will help you in any way that we can until you have settled with them and left this island to return to your own homes. It is the very least we can do."

Kavanaugh considers, then lets out a breath. "Then it comes down to if we let the Dowrani have Australia...."

Saburo nods, to Taiat, and gives his thanks. He snuffs his cigarette butt out, before tossing it into the fire. He watches Renthal, sitting across the flames from him.

Dr_Chong wonders if we are qualified to make that decision to himself quietly.

Saburo says, "Page, if their mere existance became public knowledge... it would get messy. The Media alone would hound them."

Kavanaugh glances over to Bethpage, and nods quietly, "That would be a great situation, Page, and one which I would like to see, m'self. Is there any way, I wonder, that we can keep in touch?"

Bethpage shrugs one shoulder. "Australia's dead to us, Kav." By comm, she adds, ~Not that we get to make that call-- remember? We need to talk to the Holders of our Leash.~

Taiat smiles. "You are always welcome in our homelands, Bethpage. And since you have proven yourselves to be friends, we will show ourselves and invite you to our fires should you come."

Saburo swears in japanese, outloud.

Kavanaugh subvocs, ~You have a point there....~

Dr_Chong looks at Saburo.

Bethpage tries very, very hard not to look completely startled by Taiat's offer. She stumble-tongues over thanks, and then has a valid excuse to retreat into a scowl as she looks at Saburo.

Saburo looks over, and his face lights up. "You.. would let us.. visit you?"

Renthal shakes Miiryn's shoulder gently and tell her, in Dowrani, to go and get some sleep. He watches her go and then turns his attention to Taiat, giving him a look. Taiat says, in Antyrii, "later."

Bethpage sighs internally. Oh, damn. Elf-boob alert. Saburo to all stations.

Taiat smiles, "Of course! You have proven yourselves to be the best kind of human. It gives us hope that one day our races can live together harmoniously. It would be an honour to have you visit our fires."

Dr_Chong smiles and bows before Taiat in recognition.

Pitch_Black says, "I'd just as soon send the lot of them back to Hell to play with their Lord for the next few karmic cycles... but blowing the island to glass is no kind of victory. It looks like this is the best we can hope for..." He takes a deep breath. "It'd be an honor, Taiat. Thank you.""

Saburo's smile widens, and he stands up to bow deeply and slowly to Taiat. "The honour would be mine, wise Taiat."

Saburo says, "Nobody will drop a nuclear weapon on Australia, Pitch. Even if we suggested it, the Russians would not do it."

Kavanaugh blinks, and bobs his head to Taiat. "Ah... thank you!"

Taiat frowns suddenly. "I know not what you call the land where we live, though."

Saburo says, "It was discussed at the time of the Pact. There was far more resistance to glassing Australia than there was to banning human entry onto the continent."

Bethpage looks much more disappointed at Taiat's words than she probably wanted to show.

Dr_Chong says, "That decision was made before it was known that the land would be used to house a powerful force of creatures with powers unknown to the military"

Taiat says, "I will speak with the others. Surely one among our numbers knows what the humans call the lands we live on."

Bethpage smiles quietly at Taiat and says, "Your kindness and aid to us is appreciated. I hope I'm able to take you up on the offer to visit... but first we must have this truce."

Taiat stands up. "If you'll excuse me. I will let you discuss this amongst yourselves. I must go and get some rest. If I am needed, you may ask that I be woken."

Saburo says, "If only we could uplink to a sattelite, we could get maps..."

Saburo nods to Taiat. "Thank you for your wisdom, and kind offerings of peace, Taiat."

Taiat nods to all assembled and leaves. As he turns to go Renthal stands up and follows him.

Saburo frowns. He'd wanted to ask Renthal's opinion. It will just have to wait.

Bethpage waves respectfully farewell to Taiat and says via comm, ~When can we get a Russian council, folks?~

Kavanaugh subvocs, ~I can get them on the com right now, if you guys wish.~

Saburo spits into the campfire. ~Why should we consult with them at all on this matter?~

Saburo says, "Somebody give me three good reasons."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~I think it would be possible for the Father and I to hack together a network connection through our comm connection if it was really needed.~

Saburo replies, ~A network connection for what? To access the Net?~

Pitch_Black says, "Don't consider it a consultation. Consider it... a field report. After all, has anyone here got any intention of doing anything but what we're planning to do?""

Dr_Chong nods to Saburo.

Dr_Chong says, "All of our communications with the Russians go through via satellite, once we have access to that..."

Saburo nods to Doctor Chong. ~I would approve of that, Doctor. How long do you need to do it? And how long could you keep the link active? Pitch, just how much would you tell them in this.. field report?~

Pitch_Black grins. "Plague threat neutralized. Wish you were here. Send a boat. Love, Black."

Saburo smiles and nods to Pitch.

Dr_Chong says, "It would take us a few hours at least to get it working. How long it would go undetected will depend on how good their security is there."

Bethpage says, ~One: they already broke the no-human-contact rule, so I wouldn't give them the best odds on not glassing the place independantly no matter what they agreed to in council. Two: same goes for the Germans-- the very dead scout party Germans. Three: those two aren't the only world powers, just the first to do it. There will be more. If we can convince the Russians they like our plan, they can work on the rest of the world, which doesn't care about us...~ She giggles at PItch Black.

Dr_Chong says, "I will say though, this would not be the first satellite I have hacked my way into."

Bethpage adds, ~Any rate, I'm taking a break... back in awhile. Comm if you need me.~

Saburo laughs softly. "Doctor, you surprise me..."

Kavanaugh nods to Chong. ~I can wire up whatever you might need to get to said satellite.~

Dr_Chong smiles slightly at the edges of his mouth.

Saburo says, "Of course, I should have guessed by now that you are no ordinary mountain temple monk."

Pitch_Black stands up and stretches. "I'm gonna grab another smoke and a leak... we'll let the braintrust do their thing in peace."

Bethpage edges over to Dr. Chong on her way out. "Quick question, Doc... totally off topic. What's the phrase for a polite greeting in elvish?" She keeps it quiet, and smiles.

Dr_Chong says in Antyrii, ::Greetings::

Saburo says, ~Page makes three excellent points. However, I do not think we need to tell the Russians too much about this deal we are brokering. I would prefer to simply tell them when they retrieve us.~

Bethpage tries to mimic the greeting back at the Doctor. "How's that?"

Dr_Chong says, "Not bad, but more like ::Greetings::"

Bethpage tries it again, hopefully.

Dr_Chong says, "::Greetings::, enunciating it very slowly."

Bethpage takes the attempt very seriously. "Better?"

Dr_Chong nods, "Much better."

Bethpage smiles and says sincerely, "Thanks, Doc... I appreciate the help."

Dr_Chong says, ::Farewell:: as Bethpage turns to leave.

Bethpage grins and turns back to say, ::Farewell:: with a pause to see if she gets it right. "And that was?"

Dr_Chong says, "Goodbye. ::Farewell::"

Bethpage grins, and waves a little as she heads off. ::Farewell.::

Dr_Chong says, "If you want to learn more I would be glad to teach you later."

Bethpage uses the comm instead of yelling back, as she's using her legs well. ~Thanks, Doc. I just might.~

Saburo says, "I would take you up on that offer too, Doctor..."

Dr_Chong nods to Saburo.

Saburo gets his backpack, and starts searching through it. He pulls his deck out, and plugs into it, working on something.

Dr_Chong looks through kits, and tinkers with his deck setting things up with Saburo and Kavanaugh.

Dr_Chong says, "What do you think, Father? It looks like we have everything we need."

Kavanaugh nods, "I think so, too. Yeah, let's put this thing togeth -- huh? Not now, Yarnchaser, sorry. I'll get you your dinner when I'm done putting this together, just give me a few minutes...."

Dr_Chong works together to assemble the equipment.

Yarnchaser mrowls angrily and takes a swipe at Kavanaugh's ankle. Not later. Now.

Kavanaugh ows! "Dagnabbit, 'chaser...." He sighs. "Be right back, Doctor, this won't take long. Otherwise he's likely to go for my femoral artery -- oh, stop looking at me like that Yarnchaser, you know how you get when you get hungry!..." He goes to get Yarnchaser a quick dinner of nummy catfood, then returns to work with Dr. Chong.

Saburo sits nearby them, working on some files on his own cyberdeck. He opens the case, and slots a disk into his deck.

Dr_Chong puts the last pieces together, connects a final few cables, flips some switches, looks at the screen of his deck, and announces, "That should do it."

Pitch_Black wanders off into the woods a short distance, leaning against a tree. He lights his smoke and listens to the sounds of the woodlands, brooding quietly about the situation. Watchers and Witches and elves. Tch. Absently, he takes a swing at the air, more out of boredom than any real aggressive impulse. Well, I don't have anything else to do... He decides to practice a little; working his way through an extemporaneous sequence of strikes and kicks, in the loose-jointed style of someone practiced at improvising and adapting their technique. It takes a few minutes. At least until he learns to adapt to practicing with a lit cigarette in his mouth. Or rather, a lit cigarette that's fallen into his helmet ring. "Shit!" Time to go back to camp.

It takes them several hours but Doctor Chong and Kavanaugh do finally get this contraption working. It looks like Frankenstein's Netserver, but it's functional enough, at least on the ground. Doctor Chong and Kavanaugh hook up to their decks at the end of the long task of putting together the server and attempt a connection to the satellite. They are not logging in, simply walking up to the "door" to see if they can get there before they take a break and attempt their hack of the Russian Government Satellite.

Renthal and Taiat are easy enough to find. Bethpage finds them standing just outside of Taiat's hut having a very heated and vocal argument. Renthal is angry about something and Taiat doesn't seem to be budging.

Bethpage hesitates, and decides to lurk out of sight til the yelling is over. She can ask Renthal what's up when he's alone... oh, if only she'd learned elvish! Curiousity fairly burns in her, though she suspects it involves Miiryn's imminent removal from Renthal's custody.

Taiat grabs Renthal, one hand on each side of his face and says something in a low tone, his expression dark. He lets Renthal go and walks into his hut. This conversation, apparently, is over. Renthal's lip curls into a snarl and he stalks off towards his hut.

Bethpage's interest flares at the grab, and she carefully follows Renthal. In for a lamb, in for a sheep. I doubt he'll be happy to see me, but...

Renthal stops at the entrance of his own hut, looking at it for a long moment. Finally he breaks his gaze and turns into the woods instead. He doesn't go far, to a small clearing with a trick of a stream running through it. He sits down with his back against a tree and stares off into the distance.

Bethpage doesn't expect Renthal won't notice her-- she walks quietly out of habit and a certain sense of politeness. She may not be up to elven standards, but she sees no need to lack finesse entirely. Walking up to a polite body-length away and to the side, she says her almost-sole elven word in as kind a voice as she owns. ::Greetings.:: She leans against a tree.

Renthal was apparently so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he didn't notice Bethpage at all. He startles quite badly when she speaks, then shakes his head. "Sorry."

Bethpage says softly, "No apology needed. Am I intruding? I'd like to speak with you."

Renthal shakes his head, "No, you're not intruding at all. Please, sit."

Bethpage sits, only humanly graceful and resigned to it. "Thank you. May I ask a personal question?"

Renthal chuckles. "I may not answer, but you're welcome to ask."

Bethpage grins. "I wouldn't ask for more... it's about Miiryn." Her smile fades, as her face goes serious. "Why don't you want to give her back to her parents?"

Renthal sighs heavily. "Ansrellion isn't Miiryn's father. That's why he doesn't care about her. Kandre is Miiryn's mother, yes, but Ansrellion has no relation to her at all. I don't want to give her back because the Antyrii are a better people for her to grow up with. There, she'll become like Ansrellion."

Bethpage's eyebrow rise, helplessly, before she stops them. "I have to agree that I don't like the idea of any more Ansrellions. How... old is Miiryn, Renthal? And who is her blood father?" It wouldn't happen to be you, would it?

Renthal says, "I am. She'll turn Fifty-two this year."

Bethpage nods, mostly to herself. Congrats, self; you win the bet. Collect your prize anytime. She says aloud, "Why can't she stay with you, then? She seems fond of you... Kandre and you don't get along anymore, I presume? Can't she share the child, for the girl's own sake? Part of the year with you... part of the year with her mother?"

Bethpage says more softly, "Even in your society, doesn't anyone ever give the child a voice?"

Renthal looks over at Page with a half-smile on his face. "It is not that simple, Bethpage. I am no longer Dowrani, no longer a member of their society. She would never allow her child to interact with a Traitor. Taiat will not allow her to stay. To keep her here would forfeit the life of the captive they still hold."

Renthal says, "It's not that she doesn't have a voice, Bethpage. It's that I don't."

Bethpage tries not to think about how much longer pregnancy might be if Miiryn is still child-sized at 52 years. She wrenches her mind out of alien science and says, "Nobody asks Miiryn, then. When does the little girl reach her majority and get a voice in her own fate? Too late for her to remember trusting you?"

Renthal says, "Dowrani children are not considered adults until they have fully embraced the teaching of Decepi. Those that don't continue in their training until they are considered irredemable and are killed. Those, like me, that embrace them initially and then wake up to the truth are cast out. If she accepts the teachings of Lord Decepi, she'll hate me for a traitor. There's little I can do."

Bethpage says, "Call me Page, Renthal, please... it's shorter, and I'm starting to feel like I'm in trouble when I keep hearing my full name all the time..." she sighs at Renthal's denial of power, and says simply, "I'm sorry. If I could help you, I would. I'd rather see Miiryn grow up thinking of me as better than pond scum, too. She's a nice kid.""

Renthal nods. "Page it is. It pains me to see her, but as I said, there is little I can do. Thank you for your concern, though Page. I do appreciate that someone else cares about Miiryn."

Bethpage tilts her head. "You're welcome, Renthal. I don't like seeing children mistreated when I can help. Is there anything I can do that you can't, in this matter?"

Renthal shakes his head. "I don't think so. Thank you for offering. Miiryn will go back to her mother and I will simply hope for the best."

Bethpage sighs, and nods. She stands, but before she walks away, says, "If you think of something... anything that we could offer them for the remaining Antyrii hostage instead of Miiryn, anything they'd value... please let me know. And thank you for speaking with me."

Renthal stands up when Bethpage does. He catches her upper arm. "Don't panic," he says. Then takes a step towards her and presses a soft kiss to her forehead. "Thank you." He lets her go and sits back down, his attention wandering off into his own thoughts again.

Page stands still a long moment in shock, then manages to murmur a very soft "...you're welcome..." before she has the presence of mind to take herself away again on cat-feet, leaving the elf to his thoughts. Once out of earshot, she whispers to herself, ::Greetings::, bemused as ever she's been in her short life.

[Previous Log] [Index]

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

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2001-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster