Weston -- Logs

Kavanaugh manages to just barely stifle a huge yawn. Over his shoulder, the cat yawns as well, resting it's head on his shoulder. "I'd *erf* have to agree, actually. I'll take second watch."

Dr_Chong says, "I can take whichever watch is needed"

Saburo says, "I don't need to sleep, yet. I can pull sentry duty."

Saburo says, "I'm not sure if I have any extra Amp chips though. Maybe in my briefcase with my cyberdeck."

Pitch_Black says, "Might be wiser to double up. Gene and the padre, me and Saburo, Page and the doc."

Kavanaugh says, "I'd recommend standing watch in pairs. Geneveive and Saburo takes first watch, Dr. Chong and I take second--" He breaks off, and nods to Pitch, grinning a little."

Dr_Chong nods to Pitch.

Pitch_Black says, "Come to think of it, why don't you take with Saburo, Doctor. No point in committing half the firepower all on one watch."

Bethpage fidgets on her seat, holding her hands tightly.

Dr_Chong says, "Certainly, a fine plan."

Geneviev nods and glances at Saburo. "Yes. We should be on separate watches."

As the group sits, fires around the camp are slowly left to die out and the camp starts to become very quiet. It seems the Antyrii are going to bed as well. However, movement can be seen in the forests, with the occassional patrol coming right into the camp to check things out.

Bethpage goes over to Pitch Black and speaks very softly to him. "I need your help."

Pitch_Black has remained awake awhile longer, stealing a guilty smoke. He glances up from under his long forelocks. "You're looking pretty shagged out, Page. You okay?"

Saburo stands up, and watches over the camp, patrolling around it a little bit, looking for the source of every movement. He tries his best to notice the Antyrii sentries as they approach. He has one of his submachine guns plugged into the jack at the back of his neck.

Bethpage says quietly to Pitch Black, "No. We have a problem."

Pitch_Black exhales a long stream of smoke. "We have several, by my count. Lay it on me."

Kavanaugh lies back, tapping his kepi over his eyes comfortably, and is soon dozing comfortably, as if born to roughing it, despite his rickety frame. Fortunately, he doesn't snore.

Geneviev blinks. She glances around and makes her way quietly over to Saburo. "Saburo-san. It makes little sense for both you and I to be on the same watch. We will need one of us on another."

Saburo says, "I thought he said you're on the second watch with him."

Bethpage says softly to Pitch Black, "Since we last met, I've acquired... a dependency. SIN. I need you to know that I'm taking a hit. I have to, or I won't be able to sleep. It'll keep me up a few hours, probably."

Bethpage adds, more quietly, "It might make me dangerous. You... might want to tie me up or something, before I do it."

Saburo says, "You don't want the Doctor and I to take the first watch, Geneviev?"

The cat, on the other hand, is very much awake, and slips out of the pack. With a mumbled, "Stay out of trouble, Yarnchaser, I mean it," and nothing more, Kav is back to sleep. The cat doesn't stray far from the group, fortunately.

Geneviev shrugs. "I think that is not at issue. I think I should be on a separate watch from you and a separate watch from Pitch, unless Page is a gun.

Bethpage raises her voice. "I have a gun, and yes, I can use it."

Saburo says, "Let Pitch and Page go together then. Would that make you feel better?"

Dr_Chong says, "Kavanaugh and I would seem to be the least combat oriented, as long as we are not on the same shift, it should be fine."

Geneviev lifts a brow at Saburo. "Feel? Emotions have nothing to do with it." She looks at Pitch. "It's your choice."

Pitch_Black shakes his head. "Okay, one thing at a time, Page, this should have been a nonissue." He stands up and waves down the patrolling members of the party. "Yo, let's streamline this. Sab, you and the Doc take this watch. I'll go with Gene after that, then I'll kick the priest and tell him to take watch with Page, alright?"

Saburo says, "You can take the third watch with Father Kavanaugh. I can pull two watches. I won't be sleeping anyway. "

Pitch_Black mutters, "Or I'll make his cat tell him. Or something. Ji ba."

Geneviev glances between Saburo and Pitch. "All of us will be on watch at this rate."

Saburo chuckles, and goes back to patrolling around the camp. "I can guard, or I can relax or practice some katas. Whatever makes the rest of you happy."

Pitch_Black says, "Evidently. There's the watch order. Gene, go rest."

Pitch_Black says, "Doc, go with Saburo."

Dr_Chong nods his head, and moves to patrol with Saburo.

Pitch_Black turns, "Page, let's go for a walk."

Bethpage nods sharply and rises to go with Pitch Black, pack in hand.

Geneviev nods and moves to sit by the dwindling fire, resting back against a log. She listens to the patrols for a few minutes and the closes her eyes.

Saburo nods respectfully to the Doctor, and waits for him to catch up with him.

Saburo says, "How are you feeling, Doctor Chong?"

Dr_Chong says, "I am well."

Saburo says, "That's relieving to hear."

Pitch_Black rubs his eyes, and leads Page out to the edges of the camp, on the other side of the central fire from the remainder of the group. He takes a deep breath, pushing his hair back from his eyes, and continues, quietly, "Okay. You want to tell me why you need to shoot up in the middle of an op and why I need to tie you to a tree?"

Saburo grins.

Dr_Chong points in the direction that Pitch and Beth went, "I am curious about where those two are off to."

Saburo laughs. "Doctor, I get the feeling they didn't want us to watch them... But if you think you can sneak up on that gangster to watch them make out, I won't stop you..."

Bethpage snickers without much humor, and tells Pitch Black, "Yang, I got the addiction before I was shanghaied into this op. And the tree is just for everyone's safety-- there's a chance I'll get paranoid and a little quick on the trigger. Probably I'll just be, basically, drunk for a few. Hours. If I don't take it... I won't be good for much. If I do-- I will, for a couple more days yet before I need it again."

Pitch_Black runs his hands back through his hair again. "Can you sleep after you take it?"

Bethpage nods. "Yes."

Bethpage adds, "After it wears off."

Pitch_Black says, "How long will that take?"

Bethpage sighs, "A few hours, max, should be. I'm sorry. I wasn't planning to be here, you know? They didn't ask what my preferences were before they whacked me on the head and flew me cross-country. And they sent me a supply of SIN in my stuff."

Dr_Chong says, "Perhaps I will investigate a little, radio me if there is any problems Saburo-san"

Pitch_Black watches the end of his cigarette burn for a few moments. Finally he says, "Take it now. I'll sit up with you until it wears off. The moment it wears off, start sleeping. You do have the last watch."

Dr_Chong attempts to fade into the trees and disappear.

Saburo says, "Wait, Doctor.. Maybe I shouldn't let you do this. "

Dr_Chong pauses and waits for Saburo to say more.

Saburo says, "Okay, don't get caught. You owe me. "

Saburo turns and walks back onto his patrol route.

Dr_Chong smiles briefly and nods quickly, and returns to the trees.

Bethpage nods to Pitch Black, "That's my estimate of the best way to handle it too. Thank you. Do you want to tie me before I take it? You know what my metal nails can do, and you know what my specialty is. I don't want to hurt anyone."

Saburo walks around, periodically switching his nightvision off to look around with normal sight.

Dr_Chong tries to quietly creep along in the woods, heading in the direction he saw the other two go.

Pitch_Black smirks lopsidedly and sighs, "I don't have anything to do it with, unless you keep cuffs in your pack. Just try not to attack any--" He pauses, raising his head, and turns to the treeline, declaring, "Come out, please, and slowly."

Dr_Chong steps out of the trees, open gloved hands held out.

Dr_Chong says, "I apologize, I was only worried."

Pitch_Black says, "As you can see, my pants are still on, Doc. Get back to Saburo."

Dr_Chong says, "Beth was not looking well, I thought perhaps she needed a doctor."

Bethpage removes a pill from her pack, and nearly drops it as Pitch Black reveals Dr. Chong's approach. She recovers and glares.

Dr_Chong nods his head and retreats back into the trees.

Pitch_Black rubs his chin with the back of his hand, watching the Doctor go back to patrol. "That's not reassuring. Hope he doesn't find the dark elves as interesting as he finds us, when the time comes to withdraw..." He shakes his head. "Let's get this over with, Page."

Dr_Chong returns to Saburo's side, making noise so his approach is obvious.

Bethpage starts to laugh, tiredly. "Pants on... yes. All right." She swallows the pill, and waits.

Dr_Chong shakes his head as he approaches Saburo. "That did not work."

Saburo falls in beside the Doctor like nothing is amiss. When they've walked farther away from the campfire, he says, "Well?"

Pitch_Black grins a little, and flicks his cigarette. "Hope you don't find the idea of me with my pants off that laughable." He turns back to watch Page, carefully.

Bethpage grins and eyes Pitch Black. "Oh, not at all, my friend." She keeps looking at him, mouth quirked very cheerfully.

Pitch_Black folds his arms and leans back against the trunk of a convenient tree. He smiles a bit. "Heh, alright. Just making sure."

Bethpage grins wider and visibly appreciates the view.

Bethpage leans happily against her tree for the next hour, looking entirely delighted to be there, and to be with Pitch Black, who she makes fairly suggestive, cheerful comments to for much of that time.

Dr_Chong checks the clock on his deck, and looks to Saburo, "I think its about time."

Saburo nods. "Will you be sleeping, Doctor?"

Pitch_Black takes all of this with cheerful aplomb, deferring most of the suggestions until such time as they're not on the clock. After some time he checks his watch, and nods, "C'mon, we should be getting back. My watch is starting, and yours is coming up in a few hours."

Dr_Chong says, "I should sleep and meditate for a little while at least."

Saburo says, "I have an AMP chip slotted. I'll be up if you want to talk, or spar."

Dr_Chong says, "I might take you up on that sparring some time."

Saburo says, "Let's go relax by the fire. Maybe we'll have time in the morning."

Dr_Chong says, "We should wake Geneview for her shift and see if Pitch and Beth have returned yet."

Saburo sits down near the fire, and relaxes, lighting a cigarette. He motions at Chong to wake up Gene.

Bethpage yawns suddenly, and nods, her cheer and lechery having wound down to almost normal now. "That's..." she yawns again-- "...a good idea. Thanks, Yang. For everything." For a change, her smile is only grateful.

Pitch_Black shakes his head. "Don't mention it. We all just wanna get back in one piece."

Bethpage nods, and heads back to the camp proper with Pitch to work on getting some sleep.

Kavanaugh manages to sleep through the watch change. A pair of luminous eyes blink at Beth and Pitch from accross the remains of the fire. "Miouuu," Yarnchaser says quietly, then goes back to terrorizing small insects.

Pitch_Black mms. "Yeah, yeah... diu gau lei to you too," he mumbles to the cat.

Doctor Chong wakes Geneviev up when Saburo motions for him to and the second watch of the evening begins with Pitch Black and Geneviev in the now completely silent Antyrii camp. Even the Antyrii patrols are quieter now, shifting from their earlier open patrol to a quieter, more sneaky one in the deep night.

Dr_Chong closes his eyes and meditates before drifting off to sleep.

Geneviev gets up without so much as a yawn and stretch. She nods to Pitch and heads off in the opposite direction from him, fading into the trees around the campfire.

Pitch_Black picks up his SMG from the camp before moving off to the edges of the camp. He checks the action and the safety once, then slings the weapon, heading out along the periphery of the camp.

Bethpage slips off into sleep as soon as she curls up, and moves no further except to breathe.

While threading through the more outlying areas of the camp, Pitch notices movement; Taiat and Renthal, moving the body Geneviev spotted them hovering over earlier... skirting the edges of the camp. He pauses, watching silently for a few moments.

Pitch_Black blinks, once, frowning. For a corpse, that thing seems to be pretty lively. And not at all happy to be getting hauled around. It doesn't look much older than Dhori. He takes a few steps closer, before calling out softly, "You need a hand, there?"

Taiat turns around and once he's figured out who is talking and from where, makes his way over to Pitch Black while Renthal stands and waits. "Thank you. She's just reluctant to come with us. We will be able to handle her."

Pitch_Black says, "I'd be reluctant to let Renthal carry my ass around too. Who is she?"

Taiat says, "She's frightened of him. She really has no reason to be. We do not intend to hurt her. She is Miiryn, one of the Dowrani."

Pitch_Black says, "I was under the impression that y'all didn't get along. What's she doing all the way out here?"

Taiat says, "That is what we are trying to find out."

Pitch_Black says, "I see. I won't hold you up any longer, then... but let us know what you find out. It might have some bearing on our mission here."

Taiat nods, "When Renthal has completed his in- questioning, we will allow you to speak to her as well."

Pitch_Black nods. "Right on. I'll let you get on with it, then."

Taiat turns and walks back to Renthal and they continue on into the woods.

The second watch passes peacefully after Pitch Black's meeting with Taiat in the woods. The third watch gets up as the sky is beginning to lighten and the camp begins to buzz with normal activity before the sun has fully crested the hills.

Kavanaugh stands, and stretches, yawning a little bit but otherwise seems perfectly awake. "Sleep well, Yarnchaser?" he asks. Pause. "Okay, fine, catch anything interesting? Oh, too bad, then...."

Pitch_Black wanders back in at last, and sits down next to his pack and rifle, setting aside the SMG and stretching out, pillowing his head on his backpack. As he closes his eyes he reaches out and taps the sleeping Bethpage, "Yo. It's your watch."

Bethpage, despite attempts to wake her, seems to be extremely interested in staying in bed.

After warming up, Saburo moves a few meters away from the fire, and begins working through a few Isshinryu katas.

Pitch_Black says, "C'mon, Sleeping Beauty. You don't want us taking turns to see whose kiss does the trick."

Bethpage, without cracking an eye, says "MrrRRRgggle ffmph. F'koff."

Pitch_Black sits up and nudges Page in the small of the back. "C'mon. If you don't get up our security is going to rest on the shoulders of a man that talks to his housecat."

Bethpage does not appear capable of much coherence, though it seems to improve with additional harassment. "Rrrrg? Arrghn. Pah."

Pitch_Black plays his trump card. "If you don't get up, I'm taking off my pants and coming in there."

Bethpage struggles visibly and gets her eyes open. She doesn't look happy about it. A snicker emerges very weakly from her scowling face. "Fft. F'was still onnit, I'da seh yeh. --H'ld nn."

Kavanaugh gives a bit of a snort, then looks to the cat. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything personal, Yarnchaser." He knows better than to try and wake Page up himself. He makes no comment on Pitch's last cajole, only cocking an eyebrow.

Bethpage sits up and then makes it unsteadily to her feet. "'Nybody got 'ny cold water?"

Dr_Chong opens his eyes, his face resuming a normal expression instead of a distant blank look.

Pitch_Black passes Page his canteen, lying back down.

Dr_Chong sits up and watches Saburo, studying his style.

Bethpage drinks a little, and pours more on her head. She caps it and sets it back down near Pitch Black. She mutters something that might have been "Thanks." Or "snakes." But probably not something ugly.

Kavanaugh checks his SMG, making sure it's loaded but not with a round in the chamber. He looks around, doing a quick count of everyone.

Pitch_Black murmurs, without opening his eyes, "That comes later." Whether that's in reply to thanks or snakes, isn't clear.

Dr_Chong stands up and moves to an open space near Saburo, but still with plenty of space to move and begins stretching.

Bethpage grunts and wanders off to walk around the camp perimeter, stretching her legs and looking for something to take out her morning on.

Saburo's style of karate seems to emphasize both hard moves for attack, but soft techniques as well. His moves are not fancy, but efficient, with no wasted motion whatsoever. His punches are vertical, instead of the traditional karate twist-punch. This style clearly had it's roots in older Karate forms, like Goju Ryu and Shorin Ryu, for it shares several of their patterns, moves, and stances.

Shortly after dawn, Renthal walks into the area of the camp where you are staying and looks around. "Who leads you?"

Kavanaugh, having familiarity with streetrazors and the general tendency amongst that ilk to most assuredly NOT be morning people, lets Beth walk the perimiter on her own, letting her be. He patrols in his own way, trying to not let his path be predictable.

Bethpage sees Renthal and heads over. "We're fairly democratic really, pretty-ears. Why do you ask?"

Pitch_Black cracks one eye, hearing Renthal roll in. "Yo, Renthal. What's up? Didn't think you'd be much of a morning person." He grins blearily.

Kavanaugh looks to Renthal as that one troops in. Seeing that Beth is about to vent her frustrations on the dowrani, he keeps an eye on the rest of the perimiter.

Saburo spars lightly with Doctor Chong, cautiously trying to figure out the old man's forms and habits.

Renthal looks at Bethpage, "The prisoner is ready for your interrogation. Do whatever it is that you humans do when you need to make a decision and come to the hut there." He points to a hut in the main part of the camp.

Bethpage grins at Pitch and says, "Someone to see you. A gentleman caller."

Bethpage smiles at Renthal and reaches out to pat his shoulder if she can in 'thanks.' "I'll tell our leader, thank you, dear."

Renthal allows the human woman to touch his shoulder then nods tightly at her. "We'll be waiting." He leaves, probably earlier than he actually needed to, but the human seems to unnerve him.

Pitch_Black sits up slowly and yawns. "'parently so. So, let's go see what's up. Hey Doc, c'mon with, yeah?"

Dr_Chong finishes stretching, centers himself, then grabs his medkit and gear, ready to follow.

Bethpage smirks at Renthal's back. Her step gains a more cheerful spring as she walks over to Pitch. "Want me with, or here?"

Geneviev decides to sleep through the entire exchange.

Saburo follows Doctor Chong. "Now things will start to get interesting."

Bethpage adds to Pitch Black, "I'd like to be there, but if you want somebody to guard our sleeping blue-cracker-eater and our stuff, I don't mind."

Pitch_Black says, "Go on and finish the patrol, no point in leaving the padre all alone. I'll fill you in as soon as we know anything."

Bethpage nods, and resumes her circuit of the camp.

Kavanaugh rolls his eyes a little at Pitch's instructions, but makes no comment, cheerfully running through La Boudoin in his mind as he pulls his patrol closer to the camp proper.

Kavanaugh says, "If it's all the same, Pitch, maybe we should all go. Better that than splitting up. Let me wake up Gene." Not that I suspect she needs sleep, after all.

Saburo walks over to Geneviev and crouches down. He touches her, "Wake up, Geneviev. It's morning."

Pitch_Black says, "Your call, Padre. Grab Page and Saburo on your way past. Let's go, Doc, let's not keep our cranky elf waiting."

Dr_Chong stands near Pitch, ready to depart.

Pitch_Black heads in the direction Renthal departed in.

Geneviev opens her eyes and looks at Kavanaugh. "Alright." She stands up and watches as the others walk, and Kav staying. "We'll stay here, I suppose."

Saburo says, "They're letting us question the one they caught last night. Why don't you two come along? No one will touch our stuff."

Dhori runs into the camp, smiling. "Hullo!"

Saburo waves to the kid, then turns to jog after Pitch and Doctor Chong. He tunes his internal comm to the groups channel.

Dr_Chong smiles at Dhori. "Good morning."

Bethpage says, "I'll stay, just in case. You can all go. Just keep your mikes on, so I can hear what you say."

Bethpage says, "Hullo, Dhori. What have you been up to?"

Bethpage smiles at the alien kid.

Dhori looks back and forth, "You go see Renthal. I watch things. Renthal send me to watch things."

Geneviev nods to Saburo and Bethpage and glances at Kavanaugh. "Alright. This might be interesting. Call if you need us, Page."

Bethpage says, "Will do, guys. --That's sweet, Dhori, but I'll stay with you so you don't get lonely, ok?"

Dhori smiles and nods, "Ok!"

Bethpage smiles and sits down on a log, preparing to chat idly with the kid and listen to her group over the comm.

Geneviev follows after Saburo as soon as Kavanaugh is ready.

The group reaches the hut, where Renthal is standing guard outside the door. He simply holds the blanket-door open and motions you all in when you arrive.

Pitch_Black enters, nodding to Renthal once on his way past.

Dr_Chong follows Pitch into the hut.

Renthal waits until you've all entered before he follows and lets the blanket swing shut. The girl is tied up to the central support beam of the hut. She's sitting and her head is hanging down. Her black hair is long and is covering her face because of her position.

Geneviev stands near the entrance and watches.

Dr_Chong, keeping a wary distance, circles around her examining her.

Pitch_Black hms. Well, this is kinky. "Check her out, Doc." To Renthal, he asks, "You find anything out?"

Kavanaugh lets his eyes adjust to the lack of light, but when they do, he blinks. "What the...?" he murmurs. "What's this all about, anyway?"

Saburo moves to where he's in front of the girl, but stays near the wall of the tent, content to let Pitch ask the questions. He just watches her for now.

Renthal shrugs, "She doesn't know much."

Dr_Chong moves in to make sure her hands are tied before examining her more closely.

Pitch_Black crouches down a few feet away, low enough to be able to look at the Dowrani's face.

Saburo looks over at Renthal and asks, "Does she understand us, or do we need you to translate for us?"

Renthal nods to Saburo, "I'll have to translate. She only speaks Dowrani."

Kavanaugh fidgets when nobody answers his question. "Renthal, what's going on, what were you doing to her?"

Renthal nods to Saburo, "I'll have to translate. She only speaks Dowrani."

Renthal looks at Kavanaugh, "She was caught near the perimeter of the forest. We brought her back here to interrogate her."

Dr_Chong moves to one of the corners of the hut, so he is standing out of view of the girl, and subvocalizes, "She appears to be beaten, but otherwise intact. She seems to be a similar race to Dhori. Go ahead and ask questions Pitch, I should be able to tell if she is lying, and I have something for that if that is the case."

Saburo says, "What was she doing sneaking around your camp?"

Geneviev glances at Renthal briefly.

Renthal snorts, "She claimed to be lost. I believe she was sent to find out where we were."

Saburo says over the comm, "At least we shouldn't have to apply any physical encouragement, if he already did it."

Dr_Chong paces around the girl again, returning to stand near the front of her, slightly off to one side, studying her face.

Kavanaugh's jaw works. He knows there's a war going on between the two groups. He knows unpleasant things happen in war -- he's done some, himself. That doesn't mean he likes it. He glares at Renthal's answer, glancing briefly at Chong's assessment. He turns and moves to stand by the doorway, hands clenching, knowing it'd be useless to raise a fuss.

Pitch_Black leans forward a little on the balls of his feet, still crouched down to be able to meet the Dowrani's eyes, and asks quietly, "Miiryn? Is that your name?"

Bethpage frowns quietly and subvocalizes to her team, "Physical encouragement? How old is this 'girl?'"

Saburo replies, "She looks quite young. We won't have to resort to barbaric methods of interrogation."

Kavanaugh adds tightly, "We won't."

Bethpage says over the comm, "Has our Renthal already been barbaric for us?"

Dr_Chong reaches into his medical pack, and removes a small pouch, does something on it, then holds it out for the girl to see. "This will help reduce the swelling." He then slowly moves it towards her face, still wary.

Saburo adds, "Of course, if she doesn't know that, it might speed things along. Pitch is starting to talk to her now."

The girl raises her head and looks at the group. Her eyes widen at the number of people here, then her gaze flicks to Renthal and she lowers her eyes from him, submissively.

Pitch_Black says, "Don't be afraid. He's not going to hurt you."

Pitch_Black deliberately doesn't indicate whether he's referring to the doctor or to Renthal.

Bethpage hisses at the comments regarding swelling and other things, and says nothing.

Geneviev subvocalizes, "We're probably as many humans as she's seen in her life."

Saburo looks at Renthal to make sure he heard what Pitch said. It's not a friendly look.

Renthal translates for the group and Doctor Chong takes the pack, holding it to the cheek, where the ugliest bruise is rapidly forming. Renthal says, "She gives you her gratitude."

Kavanaugh frets as the girl looks up, and his expression tightens as he sees her reaction at looking at Renthal. He fidgets a little, but remains in place.

Pitch_Black nods. "Miiryn? Will you tell me what you were doing out here?"

Miiryn looks up at Pitch Black and says, "I got lost.."

Pitch_Black says, "Where did you come here from?"

Miiryn says, "From the Old Forest.. to here.. but I got lost on the way."

Pitch_Black says, "What were you looking for here?"

Miiryn says, "Our new home. The Warlords are here.. we came to find them."

Pitch_Black says, "New home... you mean the city?"

Miiryn actually shows her first emotion besides fear. Disgust. "No! We will not live in human monstrosities."

Saburo says over the comm, "Ask her what her Warlords did to the humans who were here first."

Pitch_Black says, "Alright... will you tell me who the Warlords are?"

Miiryn shakes her head, "No."

Pitch_Black says, "Then will you tell me where your new home is?"

Saburo steps forward, in case Pitch Black needs him. He curls one hand into a tight fist.

Miiryn shakes her head again. "No."

Pitch_Black says, "Miiryn, I know you're afraid. But we don't want to hurt you... here, I can prove it to you. Look here."

Miiryn watches Pitch, curiously.

Pitch_Black leans a little closer so that Miiryn can see his face clearly. "I know you hate humans. Have you ever seen a human that looks like I do? Who had eyes like mine?"

Saburo does his best to look like he does want to hurt her, now that she's said no so many times.. He's practiced the look in the past, when working for the Japanese Mafia...

Renthal speaks up, not translating for her. "She's never seen a human at all."

Pitch_Black says, "More to the point, Miiryn, do I look like anyone else in the camp here?"

Miiryn doesn't even seem to hear Pitch. She's looking over his shoulder at Saburo, decidely nervous about him.

Pitch_Black blinks and looks over his shoulder. "Saburo. Bring it down a few notches."

Saburo flexes his neck to make it crack, grinding his teeth.

Geneviev glances at Saburo and then back at the girl.

Geneviev whispers, "That's not helping..."

Saburo turns away and steps back again, his role as the big bad cop fulfilled, for the moment.

Pitch_Black says, "That's enough, Saburo, it's a little girl. We can't learn anything if we scare her into a coma."

Miiryn makes a little noise of fear in the back of her throat.

Pitch_Black sighs a little, "Miiryn, nobody here wants to hurt you. We're not with the others here. We're just here to find out what happened to the city."

Saburo says, "Better convince her to talk then. I'll let you and the doctor have your go."

Bethpage tries hard to focus on her cheerful small talk to Dhori, back at the camp, as the comm sends its updates from the tent with the prisoner.

Miiryn says, "We removed the human filth from the continent, to make our new home here."

Kavanaugh's head snaps up. "Uh... well, now.... That solves that mystery." He lacks his usual cheerful tone.

Pitch_Black's face is impassive, but internally he grimaces. You're not making this any easier on either of us, girl. "I see that. How did you do that? Magic?"

Dr_Chong watches her very closely.

Geneviev subvocalizes. "Maybe you should tell her about a thermonuclear reaction...in detail."

Miiryn says, "We made them turn against themselves. Their bodies became our weapons."

Pitch_Black hms. Now that's interesting. "What do you mean?"

Miiryn shrugs a little and says something. Renthal explains, "This is the propaganda that she was fed. She doesn't know how exactly, all she knows is exactly what she parroted at you."

Saburo says, "Who did it? "

Saburo says, "These Warlords of hers?"

Miiryn says, "Our leaders."

Pitch_Black sighs a little. "Miiryn, let me ask you something more. You don't want us to leave you alone with Renthal again, do you?"

Miiryn shakes her head rapidly. "no..."

Bethpage twitches, back in camp.

Pitch_Black says, "Then please do something for me. Tell me what you know about these Warlords. Or I'm going to leave... and I'm going to leave this one," he gestures at Saburo, "And Renthal, here behind us.""

Bethpage murmurs over the comm, "I'd like to be left alone with Renthal..." She does not sound friendly.

Miiryn looks back and forth between Saburo and Renthal, then gets a hard, defiant gleam in her eyes. She says, "I would rather spend the rest of eternity alone with them, than betray my Warlords."

Kavanaugh opens his mouth... then closes it quickly. Aside from the fact that one of the razorboys or the other would likely kill him if he protested, he's reasonably sure Pitch is bluffing. At least, he hopes Pitch is. His situational ethics are geting a very grand workout. At Miiryn's answer, he holds in his sigh.

Pitch_Black takes a deep breath. Christ, I thought I'd left these days behind me. In English, he asks, "Renthal, you have any idea who these people are?"

Saburo says in Japanese, "Doctor, you said you have a drug that will help?"

Renthal frowns thoughtfully. "There's any number of the Warlords that it could be. It's been a long time since I was with the Dowrani and I'm sure there are names I know that are no longer, and names I do not that have stepped up to take their places. I don't believe that the Warlords here are any of the Ranking members of Decepi's inner circle, but it's possible."

Bethpage adds over the comm, "Pitch. You are going to leave her alone with him when you leave. Can't we get her a better jailor, or keep her or something? It's a kid. They'll hurt her, then kill her. She's a little shit, but she doesn't deserve that. She was just trained to be this way. Maybe we could use her if we can turn her."

Pitch_Black says, "Doc... I don't believe she's going to give me anything more. If you have an idea, I'm open."

Geneviev answers, in Japanese, "Drugs you use might kill her. She's not human."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "The only problem is, if her physiology is different enough from ours, any drug could react badly with her body and kill her. It can be tried, but there is a risk."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "I could try hypnosis on her, that should not have any negative consequences."

Saburo says, "Give her a smaller than normal dose then. Torture will not be nice and clean. She is defiant. And just a child."

Pitch_Black says, "Let's use the kid gloves here, please. Doctor, let's go noninvasive, if you can."

Saburo looks at Renthal and says in english, "Maybe you will appreciate this. Watch and learn."

Renthal raises an eyebrow. "What are you going to do?"

Dr_Chong says, "Perhaps a more gentler art of persuasion."

Saburo says, "Something more civilized than you tried. "

Renthal says, "You are going to Compel her, then?"

Kavanaugh lets out a breath... then watches Dr. Chongs interestedly. He knows some mesmerism, but thinks Dr. Chong might be more learned in that.

Dr_Chong leans down closer to Miiryn, and holds out a hand and opens it revealing a shiny silver coin. "Miiryn, I want you to relax, and watch this coin." He then slowly moves the coin back in forth in the air deftly with his hand.

Renthal says, "My way is not a death sentance to her. Your way is."

Pitch_Black stands up and moves back slowly, leaning against the wall, and rubs his eyes. "Nobody's dying here."

Dr_Chong says, "Your whole body is feeling very relaxed, and your mind is feeling calm."

Renthal nods, "She will."

Saburo says, "Just watch."

Miiryn watches Doctor Chong more carefully, her eyes following his hands.

Pitch_Black says, "Care to explain that?"

Geneviev says, "Is she still infectious?"

Renthal says, "If she is compelled to speak and betray, the Dowrani will kill her."

Pitch_Black says, "Makes you think they won't kill her anyway for having been captured?"

Saburo says, "Not if we find them before they find her."

Renthal says, "They won't. It was not her fault that she was captured. If she bends to his spell, it shows a weakness of mind, a fatal flaw in their minds. They will believe her weak and cull her from the herd."

Dr_Chong says, "You are feeling very relaxed and safe. You can answer any questions, this is all a dream and you can safely say anything without fear."

Pitch_Black says, "She won't remember a thing."

Miiryn gets a far away look in her eyes..

Renthal says, "They will be able to tell."

Saburo nudges Renthal. "Time for you to translate for the doctor."

Pitch_Black says, "Then I guess we won't be sending her back."

Renthal nods at Saburo. "Whenever you are ready."

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, tell us what you know of the Warlords and your people"

Miiryn says, "The Warlords cleared the land for us. When the lands were ready, they called to the young and to the old, to join them in these lands and begin a new Tribe."

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, how did they clear the land for you?"

Miiryn says, "They were made to turn against themselves. Their bodies became our weapons."

Kavanaugh, despite himself, takes a step closer, listening. "Sounds like some sort of indoctrination," he murmurs.

Dr_Chong says, "Where are your people located now, and how many are there?"

Pitch_Black says, "I think learning the origin of the disappearance, and those two questions, just about fulfills our contract."

Miiryn looks terribly sad. "I don't know where they are. I got lost when we were on our way here. I was left behind. There were twenty of us coming here, not counting the several that were already here."

Dr_Chong says, "How many Warlords are there?"

Miiryn says, "Ten."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "Kavanaugh, could you pull up a still image of the gentleman with the sword on your deck?"

Bethpage suggests over the comm, "Hey. Could we implant a suggestion in her to help us? Um, Pitch Black... the contract and our freedom is good, but if we're dead from elven invasion it won't matter if the Russians let us go free. What's to stop the elves from doing this again someplace else? Where we're living, next time?"

Saburo whistles. "Ten war leaders."

Saburo says on the comm, "You have some very good points, Bethpage."

Pitch_Black moves outside, and touches his communicator. "Page, are you suggesting we take on an entire elder civilization by ourselves?"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes in response to Bethpage, "Agreed, I for one think we need to find out much more about what is going on here. If they truly possess such a weapon, they will not be happy with just Australia forever."

Geneviev nods thoughtfully to Bethpage's comments and subvocalizes, "Yes...but I think we're going to need more than just a scout team to take on an elven army."

There is a moment of comm silence, then Page says a bit sheepishly, in answer to Pitch, "...Yes?"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "I think more investigation and stealth is in order before we attempt to attack the army."

Saburo says, "Sounds like there are only 30 or so of them here so far. Less than a hundred, by all best estimation. We don't need a second army for that."

Kavanaugh nods to Chong, and starts to make the arrangement with his deck and the small screen. He pauses at the conversation as it turns to taking on the Dowrani, and only smiles quietly to himself as he finishes setting up the LCD screen, displaying an image of the swordsman. Er, swordself.

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, look at this image, do you recognize this person?"

Miiryn looks at the screen in Kavanaugh's hands. She bursts into tears.

Pitch_Black says, "We'll get the scoop here... then we'll decide what to do. We'll have to make contact with the Russians again. I doubt that anyone will sit still for another potential genocide... we'll get an estimate from Miiryn and then decide what to do--"

Dr_Chong says, "It is all right Miiryn, you are safe and nothing can hurt you here. Who is that person?"

Kavanaugh blinks in surprise at the girl's reaction, and tucks the screen away quickly. "Doctor, what...?"

Geneviev nods. "Maybe she's lost, but we might get a description of the place they were headed."

Saburo adds, "The Russians won't belive us without proof, you know..." He stops subvocalizing and watches the girls unexpected reaction to the still image.

Pitch_Black pauses and sticks his head back into the curtain-door. "Doctor, what did you--"

Miiryn gasps out a single word through her tears. Renthal looks quite surprised at this and says, "Her Father."

Bethpage says over the comm, "We do need a lot more info. I don't say we need to go wipe out the Dowrani... but we may need to go further than our contract calls for before we leave, if we want our species to survive. We may have a better chance than anyone else to ensure that."

Bethpage adds, "What's happening over there? What did Doc do?"

Saburo says, "Well, this is interesting. And fortunate."

Pitch_Black sighs. "Her father, Page. The swordsman."

Kavanaugh lets out a soft breath, and sets the small monitor away. Blast. "Miiryn identified the swordsman, Beth," he says quietly.

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, you are very calm and relaxed, your mind is calm, nothing can hurt you. Why does your father upset you so?"

Bethpage tries not to sigh over the com. It might be painful to the listening ears.

Miiryn sniffles miserably, "I miss him."

Dr_Chong says, "What happened to him?"

Saburo says, "Be sure to get his name."

Miiryn says, "He came here to do his duty and I haven't seen him since he left home."

Geneviev's brow furrows a little and she looks at Renthal. "How many of you came here?"

Renthal says, "Fifty."

Dr_Chong says, "How long ago were you seperated from the rest of your people?"

Miiryn says, "Twelve cycles of the moon."

Kavanaugh murmurs, "A year...."

Dr_Chong says, "What do your people seek to do now?"

Geneviev says, "Not exactly a year."

Miiryn continues, "Since my father left. Twelve cycles. I remained with my people and came here only a few days past."

Miiryn says, "We seek to live without the infestation of the humans."

Saburo says, "Well, that's too bad."

Dr_Chong turns to Renthal, "What direction and how far away did you find her?"

Renthal says, "To the west, just on the edge of the forest. An hour away or so."

Dr_Chong makes a mental note of the location.

Saburo says, "We'll flush them out. There's only so many places they can be hiding, if they won't inhabit one of the towns or cities. Might they be in the desert or the wild Outback?"

Dr_Chong says, "What weapons do your people posess?"

Miiryn says, "Our warriors are without compare and our mages are devastating. These are all the weapons we need. Unlike you filthy humans, we don't require great amounts of noise to kill."

Saburo says, "Oh, they won't hear me killing them, when the time comes.."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "magic..."

Saburo smiles a bloodlusting smile.

Saburo says, "You know anything about magic, Doctor?"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "I have studied what might be referrred to as the 'Occult'"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "Chinese history is ancient and filled with stories of magic and legend"

Kavanaugh says quietly, "As have I, a little bit."

Saburo subvocalizes, "So is the history of Nippon. Just let us know if you have an idea of what their magic might let them to do us."

Geneviev says, "Ask her if she knows what her destination was supposed to look like?"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "These people seem to me something more out of Celtic legends, I am reminded of the Seelie and Unseelie courts"

Dr_Chong says, "Do you know where your people were headed, or what type of area they would search for?"

Saburo doesn't seem to recognize the names, from the blank expression on his face.

Renthal says something to the girl, harshly, in his own language. She snarls and says something back to him that sounded distinctly unpleasant. His scowl seems to confirm this.

Miiryn says, "I don't know where they were going.. a forest, likely."

Kavanaugh says quietly, "What did you just say, Renthal?"

Renthal says, "I told her to watch her mouth."

Saburo says, "How dearly would a Dowrani father pay for one of his children, Renthal?"

Renthal says, "It depends how dear that child is to him."

Saburo says, "I suppose we will find out then... At the least, she'll be good bait."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes to Saburo, "You have heard perhaps of Shakespeare? A Midsummer Night's Dream? The Seelie and Unseelie Courts were perhaps the legends that story was based upon."

Bethpage mutters over the comm, "Yeah, sure, that guy in the video killing co-eds looked real sympathetic-like."

Pitch_Black says, "Easy, Page. It isn't as if they'd leave her alive under other circumstances."

Geneviev moves close to the girl and kneals down. "Do you know which of your powerful warriors thought of making the humans into weapons?"

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, what is your people's greatest weakness?"

Saburo answers on the comm. "Heard of it yes. But I have not read it. Shakespeare is too difficult to me. I prefer to read stories of the Wild West in english."

Miiryn looks at Geneviev. "Vult Decepi and Ladisla the Witch Queen."

Dr_Chong makes a mental note of the names.

Geneviev nods. "Can you draw pictures?"

Miiryn shakes her head at Doctor Chong. "I don't know."

Kavanaugh says, "'The Witch Queen?' That doesn't sound promising."

Geneviev looks up at Kavanaugh. "Do you one of those police profiling tools?"

Geneviev says, "The one for artists to help people remember the face of their criminals?"

Miiryn shakes her head at Geneviev. "I cannot draw them. I've never seen them."

Kavanaugh blinks to Geneviev. "No, that's one program I didn't think to ask for...."

Geneviev ohhs and looks back at her. "Have you heard them described, though?"

Miiryn says, "A little.. but the stories are of their deeds, not their appearances."

Geneviev nods and stands back up.

Geneviev looks at Renthal. "Do the Dowrani know you're here?"

Renthal says, "The Dowrani do not concern themselves with the whereabouts of an Outcast."

Geneviev shakes her head. "I do not mean you specifically. I mean you and the rest of this camp."

Renthal says, "I don't believe so. Which is why she will not be allowed to return to them."

Dr_Chong says, "What will you do with her?"

Geneviev says, "They make war on you because you don't want to kill humans?"

Saburo says, "Renthal, if she gives you the names of her Warlords, you might be able to tell us something about them right?"

Renthal says, "That is not for me to decide. It is Taiat's decision."

Renthal nods, "If they are Warlords I am familiar with, yes."

Saburo says, "Then get a list of all of them, before the Doctor wakes her up from her Dream."

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, tell us the names of the Warlords you know."

Geneviev glances at the doctor. "Just the ones here in Australia."

Renthal nods at Geneviev. "Perhaps. They will tolerate our presence on this world until the humans have been eradicated, at which time they will turn their attentions to us."

Dr_Chong says, "That came with your people to here, I mean."

Miiryn says, "Lakusta, Alamsech, Mortchl, Ladisla, Ansrellion, Theravael, Koriat, Kandre, Nimari, Vilari."

Dr_Chong says, "Renthal, do you know of Vult Decepi and Ladisla the Witch Queen?"

As Miiryn says the names, Renthal hisses in a breath. "Lakusta, Alamsech, Mortchl and Ladisla are Decepi's inner circle."

Pitch_Black says, "After the Doctor's finished here, you think you can tell us a little more about these names, Renthal?"

Renthal says, "Vult Decepi is the King of the Dowrani. Lakusta is his trusted Lieutentant. Decepi has been absent for some years, but communicates his orders to Lakusta, who carries them out. Alamsech is Lakusta's Lieutentant. Mortchl is the War Leader of all of the Dowrani and Ladisla is the Witch Queen.. the highest ranked Mage."

Saburo says, "Sounds like the ones we need are all here."

Geneviev says, "Would you recognize them, Renthal?"

Pitch_Black says, "You'd think nobles would be easy to ID."

Renthal says, "I'd recognise some of them. Others I've never seen. I'm not familiar with the others that she mentioned. They are likely Warlords, rather than Inner Circle. I'll know Alamsech if I see him. Mortchl and Lakusta too. I don't know Ladisla."

Dr_Chong says, "What is your father's name?"

Saburo says, "Which one of them is her father? After that you can wake her up, Doctor."

Saburo says, "Unless you have some suggestions you want to plant first."

Miiryn says, "Ansrellion."

Saburo makes a point of remembering that name.

Miiryn draws herself up proudly.. as proudly as she can while still tied up. "Kandre and Ansrellion are my parents."

Dr_Chong says, "Miiryn, you are very brave. You never saw any of us, the last thing you will remember is being beaten here in the hut and being unconcious. You will have no memory of us or of any of our conversations. "

Dr_Chong says, "You did not reveal any secrets, and you stood defiant and strong in the face of your enemies. When I snap my fingers you will be asleep, and you will rest and recover. You will wake up again in 2 hours, and have no memory of this. "

Saburo subvocalizes, "Both of her parents are War leaders here, Page. Ansrellion and Kandre. If the father doesn't care, maybe the mother will. We can try the bait at least."

Dr_Chong snaps his fingers near hear head.

Saburo moves behind her as Chong finishes.

Bethpage answers over comm, "Mm, useful. Thanks, Saburo."

Miiryn's head droops back down, her hair falling to cover her face.

Saburo draws his katana quietly, and slices off a lock of her hair with it.

Pitch_Black says, "Good enough, Doc. We'll have to make our decision about what we report back."

Geneviev steps out of the tent into the cool morning air.

Saburo ties the long lock of the girls hair to the grip of his katana, then resheaths it. He waits for the Doctor, then files out of the tent.

Dr_Chong leaves the tent, subvocalizing, "We must discuss her fate with the leader here."

Pitch_Black watches the girl, then Renthal, then steps out. He taps Kavanaugh on the shoulder, "Let's go, father, we got a lot to think about."

Saburo subvocalizes his agreement with Doctor Chong's decision.

Kavanaugh nods to Pitch, and moves outside with Pitch. He glances back between Renthal and the girl. "What will you do with her now, Renthal?" he asks.

Renthal shakes his head, "It is up to Taiat to decide."

Kavanaugh nods slowly, and then heads outside again.

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

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