Weston -- Logs

Bethpage looks up to greet her returning partymates, from chatting idly with Dhori between listening on the party comm link. She scans the familiar faces, then blinks and looks harder at Geneviev. She rises from her fallen log, frowning.

Bethpage says, "Gene, can I have a word with you?"

Dr_Chong keeps a careful watch of Beth and Gene out of the corner of his eye, without trying to look like it.

Geneviev glances at Bethpage curiously and nods. "What is it?"

Saburo turns and says, "Hi Dhori. He sits down on the log, and pulls out a cigarette. He lights it, and his gaze goes back to Geneviev again.

Bethpage starts walking a little away from the main party. "Over here, please?"

Geneviev gives the rest of the group a quick glance and then follows Bethpage.

Saburo adjusts his parabolic hearing, to try and hear what they're talking about anyway.

Bethpage says over the comm, "Would somebody get rid of Dhori gently so we can all chat?"

Bethpage adds, "Please."

Saburo says, "Dhori, can you run off to do us a favour? We need to speak with your leader Taiat. In an hour, if that's possible."

Dhori puffs up proudly, glad to be able to do something for the group he found. "Yes. Dhori go tell Taiat!" He stands up and runs off towards the huts.

Bethpage stops just out of normal earshot and says to Gene, "Do you know what your face looks like right now? You're looking mighty elfy. Have you been eating anything odd, or getting a rash, or anything out of the ordinary?"

Dr_Chong examines her face more closely.

Geneviev's eyebrows lift curiously and she smiles. "Oh...can you tell already? I haven't seen a mirror since we arrived."

Bethpage starts rubbing her hands on the black fabric of her legs, semi-consciously. I touched one! Ack! Is it contagious?

Bethpage blinks and looks hard at Geneviev. "It's on purpose? You can do that? What the hell?"

Geneviev nods. "It takes time...and I thought it would be good to get started on it early...in case we needed to do any infiltration. Language will be a problem, though."

Bethpage glances at camp to see if Dhori's left yet.

Bethpage tilts her head and looks back at Geneviev, thoughtful. "That is a good idea, Gene! Nice work. Let's go back... I was afraid maybe you'd been infected and we were all going to turn, like it was maybe an elf plot... I should get more sleep."

Saburo smiles, and drags on his smoke, trying to listen in on Bethpage and Geneviev.

Geneviev smiles. "Well...I hope it will work for us. I am concerned that we're still vulnerable to these Warlords and their bio weapons." She walks back to the campfire with Bethpage as she talks.

Bethpage looks sheepish when she returns. She says, "Sorry, guys... wanted to get away from the elf-kid, not you."

Kavanaugh finishes his discussion with Yarnchaser, then blinks as Gene and Page return -- specifically at Gene's face. He tilts his head one way, then the other, quirks one eye, then the other, frowning a little bit.

Saburo says, "How do you do that, Geneviev? A modified elastic face implant?"

Dr_Chong says, "The ultimate toy for the supermodel who has everything, or for an intelligence operative.."

Geneviev hmms. "My face is elastic...I just ordered it to change last night. I knew it would take awhile."

Saburo says, "Excellent. This will be useful."

Saburo says, "Now, when do we go and look for these Dowrani warlords?"

Geneviev says, "Do we want to risk our lives if they can unleash that biological agent on us?"

Kavanaugh blinks again. It's something he's heard of some razorboys being able to do... well, no, actually, he hasn't. He wonders if it's due solely to Gene's... unusual heritage. He glances to Saburo. "Are we sure that's what we want to do? Sounds like David walking into the lions' den, and I don't think we're quite ready to do that, faith or no.

Geneviev says, "If we go...we might want to take out the masterminds of the genocide first."

Geneviev gestures to an empty place on the log for Page.

Saburo nods to Geneviev. "And we might be able to lure two of those warlords into a trap."

Dr_Chong says, "As far as a biological agent, we can suit up before any encounter, and I think we should at least do some scouting to discover their positions and activity, but avoid confronting them for now."

Bethpage sighs. If only I were nasty enough to suggest that that point wouldn't matter if the kid couldn't talk. I'm not. Not at all.

Dhori runs back into the camp, breathless. "Taiat will see when ready. He over by cook fire."

Saburo says, "Arigato, Dhori."

Saburo says, "Thank you."

Bethpage nods. "If we go, we need to know what we want to do with them when we find them... kill the leaders, kill them all, see if we can strike a deal... or bargain, with the kid as a bribe..." She cuts off as Dhori returns.

Dhori nods and runs back to the huts again.

Saburo says, "All of those Page, but not in that strict order."

Geneviev hmms. "Bait might be problematic if they don't even know that our hosts are here."

Bethpage snorts. "Well, it is tough to bargain with dead people, yeah."

Saburo says, "I took a lock of the girls hair. It will be enough to get their attention."

Geneviev says, "Yes...but our hosts might not appreciate the attention."

Saburo says, "We don't need to tell them where the girl is."

Saburo says, "None of you have ever been on a kidnapping before, have you?"

Kavanaugh says dryly, "Not as such."

Bethpage looks at Saburo with no expression at all. "No, I haven't. Have you?"

Geneviev says, "Why don't you explain to us the entirety of what you're suggesting?"

Saburo says, "We deliver a message with the lock of hair. If they fail to come to the meeting location to discuss her release, the next message will contain her little finger. The next one after that three of her toes. Then one of her pretty dark eyes. One of the parents will come after reading that message."

Bethpage gets an expression. She snarls. "No. We are not animals."

Kavanaugh frowns. "Well, it was going to happen at some point, Yarnchaser -- oh, hush, now, I know what I'm doing." He coughs a bit, and straightens. "I'm going to take issue with that, Saburo. Threaten, sure. But no more than that, and if they call our bluff, so be it.

Saburo says, "Do they know that?"

Saburo says, "I would not expect them both to call the bluff."

Bethpage watches Saburo, eyes narrowed. "Would you be bluffing?"

Geneviev shakes her head. "Who would deliver this message? Our hosts might wish to remain anonymous? Will one of us deliver it, then?"

Saburo says, "If you don't wish to deliver it Gene, I will myself. "

Geneviev continues. "And deliver it where? The girl didn't know the location of their camp."

Saburo says, "Well, we need to find that. I am sure Taiat can point us in the right direction."

Geneviev says, "Why are we considering negotiating at all with those creatures? They murdered an entire continent of people."

Saburo says, "It would not be a true negotiation. Only a means of getting to our ultimate objective. More of their leaders."

Bethpage says, "The girl was willing to die to keep her people safe, before we hypnotized her. She learned that attitude somewhere... I would not assume her parents will have a human protective reaction toward her, when their... national... security is at risk." "

Dr_Chong says, "Should we go see Taiat before making any final decisions?"

Saburo says, "Certainly. We need his wisdom to narrow our search radius for their camp."

Bethpage says, "Of course, Doctor. We might want to have in mind what we want to argue Taiat into letting us do first, though."

Saburo says, "Letting us do?"

Saburo says, "Taiat does not tell us what to do, Page."

Kavanaugh says, "Considering Taiat's people vastly outnumber ours right now, I would say it's prudent to discuss and coordinate with him. Above and beyond the fact that they know the Dowrani, and we don't."

Geneviev nods at Bethpage and glances at Dr. Chong and back to Saburo. "If we find their camp...we'll likely find more of them together than if we set up a meeting place and they're all on guard."

Bethpage says, "Or what we're going to do, regardless. --Saburo, we want them to think of us as potentially helpful right up to the point where we bugger off and leave. Or they won't give us what we need to know."

Saburo says, "We can reevaluate options when we see how many of them there are."

Dr_Chong says, "I feel intelligence gathering should be our first priority for now."

Bethpage says, "Saburo, you didn't answer me. Would you be bluffing, or would you cut off bits of that child as a message?"

Saburo says, "I would personally prefer not to attack the site their children are at, but you are right, we should scope out the possiblity of attacking them while they are massed together."

Saburo says, "I have not come to that decision myself yet, Page. "

Geneviev looks at the group arrayed around her. "I venture to suspect that we are excellent marksmen. We could leave the children for adoption by these people here."

Saburo says, "Yes, we could keep casualties to a minimum...."

Kavanaugh stands. "Well, Yarnchaser and I have decided. And I think Page has, as well. About wether we would be bluffing or not, that is. Be that as it may, let's speak with Taiat, first.""

Geneviev says, "How much more intelligence should we attain before we call our 'employers'?"

Dr_Chong says, "I think we should base that on what we discover. If they are planning a biological attact on another continent, we might need to step in."

Saburo says, "I don't think we're ready to call them yet."

Geneviev looks at Dr. Chong. "You don't think retribution for the one they've already wiped out is reason enough?"

Saburo says, "She has a good point, Doctor."

Dr_Chong says, "I am just saying that how much information we need will depend on what we initially discover."

Bethpage stands up as well, nodding to Kav. "I will not condone slicing bits off of a living child. No one in this group will do so, or I will kill you myself. I agree with Saburo on the question of calling our employers, however."

Geneviev nods. "Is there anything left to discuss, then, before we talk to Taiat?"

Bethpage says, "Not in my mind... my desires are to locate the Dowrani. After that, we can decide what to do with them."

Bethpage stands still, looking relaxed and ready to go.

Geneviev glances at Kavanaugh. "Father? Anything more to discuss?"

Kavanaugh shakes his head. "Nothing from me. Yarnchaser?" The cat yawns, perched on his shoulder. "No, nothing from him."

Saburo stands up, stretches, and starts walking the direction Dhori ran off in. He doesn't look at anybody.

Dr_Chong watches Saburo leave, and looks to the others.

Geneviev watches Saburo's back for a moment and glances at the others, shrugging and following.

Kavanaugh, perfectly unconcerned, trots off affter Saburo.

Dr_Chong follows along in the back.

Bethpage follows. She catches up a bit but stays several steps behind Saburo, strolling.

When you arrive, Taiat and Renthal are standing close together speaking quietly. Taiat looks over and nods in greeting to you, touches Renthal on the shoulder and says one last thing to him. Renthal leaves the area and Taiat motions you over. "Dhori said you wish to speak to me?"

Geneviev glances at the others, not inclined to speak first.

Bethpage says, "Doctor, would you like to do the honors?"

Dr_Chong says, "If you wish"

Dr_Chong says to Taiat, "What do you intend with the girl?"

Taiat says, "She won't be allowed to return to her people. Her fate is uncertain, though Renthal has petitioned for her life."

Bethpage blinks. Renthal what?

Dr_Chong says, "Not that we have any place within your society, but we would prefer it if you left her with her life as well."

Kavanaugh arches an eyebrow. Really? Well, that was nice of him! Uh... I wonder why?

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "What else did we want to ask him about?"

Bethpage thinks wryly, None of the Good Elves will sleep with him, and he wanted a kid, maybe..

Saburo replies, "It's her people that concern us. We want to find them."

Taiat says, "Renthal petitioned for her life. That suprises you?"

Bethpage subvocalizes, "Try to see gently how they feel about us looking for the Bad Guy camp, or just go looking?"

Taiat nods at Saburo. "We've got several groups of scouts out looking for them. I'm sure we'll find them soon and we will let you know."

Bethpage looks at Taiat. "A bit, yes. He seemed to dislike the Dowrani so strongly."

Taiat shrugs, "They are still his people and she is young. He knows that we cannot return her. If someone had not petitioned for her life, she would have been killed."

Saburo says, "The Antryrii let him live, Page."

Geneviev says, "Are you concerned about them finding out that your people are also here?"

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "So do we want to scout on our own or leave it to them?"

Kavanaugh subvocs, "They seem to know the territory better. WHy not both? See if any will travel with us?"

Taiat nods at Geneviev. "Very concerned, yes, but we know they will find us eventually. They will not be any more merciful to us than they would be to you."

Saburo says over the comms, "It would put us less at risk... But how fast can their scouts search?"

Bethpage frets and say subvocally, "I want to be on a search party... Gene probably does too, we have the skills. But I'll go with the will of the majority on this one."

Geneviev subvocalizes, "Maybe slower, but quieter?"

Geneviev adds, "I suggest we don't use the APC."

Saburo says, "How quickly can your scouts cover the territory, Taiat? Perhaps we could help you search."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "I go with the majority of bodies, in case I am needed."

Taiat says, "My scouts are fleet. They will find them quickly if they are nearby. However, we do not have great mobility. We are without traditional modes of faster transportation."

Saburo subvocalizes, "I for one am not worried if the Dowrani see us. When they attack, we'll kill them."

Bethpage subvocalizes, "We could find the elves a vehicle and pilot it for them?"

Dr_Chong wonders curiously outloud, "What forms of transportation do your people consider "traditional"?

Saburo says, "What are your tradional modes of fast transportation?"

Taiat says, "Horses."

Bethpage starts to ask and bites it off with a slight grin as she's both too slow and answered.

Kavanaugh subvocs, "And then when they fail to report in from their patrol, the Dowrani start getting suspicious. Trust me, I didn't spend all that time in La Legion dusting desks. But there'll be time for that later...."

Saburo says, "We could get vehicles from the nearby city, or other settlements closer by, such as farms or ranches, or old tourist spots."

Geneviev glances at Saburo and subvocalizes, "Not necessarily. The girl seems to think their magic is equivilent to our 'noisy' weapons and they outnumber us."

Bethpage censors a suggestion that they ride the Dowrani, and nods to Saburo's suggestion.

Saburo says, "I did not see any horses on the way here. Your kin probably rounded most of them up already."

Geneviev hmms. "Consider the sats, though."

Taiat arches an eyebrow. "Vehicles? I will have a terribly difficult time getting my scouts to agree to that."

Saburo says, "The Sats do not concern me. "

Saburo says, "We can drive them further afield, to let them scout other areas without having to walk all the way there, Taiat."

Taiat shakes his head, "They are not comfortable with your technology."

Bethpage tries to look encouraging. "It would be easier on your people, Taiat. They would waste less energy."

Taiat nods. "I will discuss it with the scouts. Perhaps some of them may be open to riding in these vehicles."

Geneviev stares at Saburo. "I think I attended a different briefing than you, Saburo-san."

Dr_Chong watches Geneviev and Saburo closely, walking stick casually held ready.

Saburo looks at Geneviev and says in english "No, you just believed everything they told you to keep their own asses covered."

Bethpage subvocalizes, "Yes, Saburo's ignoring some of our 'employer's' rules... and it might not be safe. But it's a question of evils, here. We need to be involved with the search... and our 'employers' never thought of this situation. It's more important to save the rest of humanity than anything else, isn't it?"

Geneviev frowns. "And ours. If other governments pick up on the activities here, it won't be just our employers that get the heat for it."

Saburo says, "They just don't want anybody to find out they sent us. It's only a matter of time until someone else sat scan sees what the Russian ones did. "

Geneviev says, "Let's not add to that by being careless with heat-plumes from numbers of vehicles. Let's time our movements."

Kavanaugh subvocalizes, "And you have proof that a selection of dial-a-yields aren't going to be lobbed at our general vincinity? No, you both have a good point, Page, Saburo. There's a higher... heh... a higher calling for this. Let's at least minimize the risk, though."

Bethpage says out loud, hoping to cover the subvocal distractions, "Taiat... who decides whether the girl lives, and when will they decide?"

Saburo says, "Heat? What heat? The financial penalties for breaking the accord will fall on Russia, not us as individuals."

Taiat looks at Bethpage. "Her life is spoken for already. She will not be killed. She belongs to Renthal now."

Bethpage says, "Oh. I thought 'petitioned' meant the decision was still pending."

A low whine, like the engines of an airplane can be heard faintly. It's coming from the east and travelling west. Flying fairly low from the sounds of it.

Taiat shakes his head, "He petitioned and I agreed to it."

Saburo says, "See, they are here already."

Bethpage looks at Taiat. "The girl is his slave--?" She looks up.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, "Sounds like a plane, can anyone id it from the sound?"

Saburo runs out to where he can get a better view of the sky, zooming in his telescopic vision.

Kavanaugh's ears perk, and he looks up sharply. He tries to identify the plane by it's sound, wondering briefly if he can see it through the treeline.

The clearing that the team is in is fairly wide and has a light forest canopy, but not so much that the plane won't be visible as it goes over.

Dr_Chong adjusts his telescopics in preperation of the fly by.

Saburo says, "It's a prop plane.. Four engines...."

Geneviev moves quickly, but away from the clearing, standing under cover of the trees.

Dr_Chong tells Taiat, "You might want to tell your people to take cover under trees."

The plane goes over the clearing. It isn't travelling quite as low as originally thought. Rather, it's flying low and is a large plane. Four propeller engines, wide body with a launch ramp at the back.

Saburo says, "They've probably already seen the smoke from the fires."

Geneviev calls out, "We all might want to take cover."

Kavanaugh moves back to the brushes once he sees that the plane will be easilly seen, and thus possibly see them. "Get to cover, quick," he says. Then he blinks. "It's a cargo plane -- they might be making a paradrop."

Bethpage takes the advice and moves to a spot where she hopes she's less visible, but can still see the sky.

Bethpage subvocalizes, "So.. whose side are we on?"

Geneviev says, "If they see the 'natives', that's one thing...if they see us and our gear...that's another."

Saburo says, "We'd better keep an eye on it then, to see if it drops or turns to land."

Bethpage says, "Yeah. Might wanna try to follow it under the trees, see where it goes."

Saburo says, "Taiat, we should follow this plane to make sure they do not come here. "

Geneviev moves quickly to a taller tree, her skin and hair darkening as she moves. She sets herself and leaps up into the branches, heading for near the top of the canopy to keep an eye on it.

Taiat nods at Saburo. "I will leave it in your hands."

Kavanaugh starts to pull on his helmet, then sees Gene change color and jump into a tree. "Nifty trick, that," he comments, and seals up the battledress, checking his SMG.

Dr_Chong watches Geneviev, obviously impressed.

Bethpage watches Gene for a moment-- Ooo, neat!-- and waits, able to think of nothing immediately useful to do.

Saburo runs back over to the groups campsight, to grab his helmet, and his AK-107. He jogs through the camp, staying under the trees, moving towards the crest of the hills the elven camp is on top of.

Saburo scans the sky to find the plane again, zooming in his optics to keep an eye on it.

Geneviev comms, "I can't see nationality. Says SZ71-29 on the side, though."

Saburo answers on the comm, "Maybe we can find that registration number in some foreign air registries."

Kavanaugh heads for the crest with Saburo. "Keep in radio contact at all times, everyone," he subvocalizes. "Be aware they might have dropped off packages before we saw them, but it's unlikely they'd be still flying that low."

Saburo asks, "Do you think we should go meet them if they land?"

Bethpage pats her sidearm briefly and heads to get her own helmet, just in case.

Geneviev comms, "Ramp is closed, Father. You're right, though...it probably wouldn't have been near us, though."

Dr_Chong runs to catch up with Saburo and Kav.

The plane continues at it's current altitude off into the west. The doors do not open while it is in sight of the group, nor does it seem to be turning to make a landing. Gradually the whine of the engines fades off as well.

Geneviev drops back down and moves to grab her own helmet, yanking it on and pulling out her SMG. She then runs after the others.

Saburo looks over at Chong and Kavanaugh, and asks, "Should we follow it in the APC?"

Bethpage joins the group on the hill, in armor. "Anybody have a way to track it? We need to go find out what it's doing."

Kavanaugh says over the radio, "They're heading west. Wasn't the location of the sighting west of our current position?"

Saburo says, "They're going towards Perth."

Bethpage says, "I want to know who they are and what they want before we reveal ourselves."

Geneviev arrives at the hill and takes a couple quick breaths. "I think...calling in now? ...might be appropriate."

Kavanaugh says, "I mean, the last contact, that is. Gene, that might be a good idea. Our employers might be able to tell us who those guys are."

Bethpage grins, despite the situation's seriousness. "I think I agree with that."

Saburo says, "Maybe you are right."

Dr_Chong says, "Sounds reasonable to me."

Bethpage says, "Let's go do it now if we're gonna do it. Those strangers won't wait."

Geneviev looks back in the direction of the camp and further, to where they parked the APC. "Should we all go?"

Dr_Chong waits, prepared to stay with the majority.

Kavanaugh blinks, then remembers. "Blast! I knew that designation was familiar. Thost bozos in the Landstruppendivizion, back in Somal-- er... sorry. 'SZ' is a German designator. The Russians apparently weren't the only ones to make that contact...."

Saburo says, "Anyone speak German?"

Bethpage says, "Hm. Don't need to, Gene, if we can rig the comms right to pick up what our bosses say back so we can all hear and talk..."

Saburo says, "Do it then. I'll wait here."

Dr_Chong says, "I am fluent in German."

Bethpage looks at Kav. "Oh, hell. No, I don't speak German."

Geneviev nods to the doctor. "As am I."

Saburo says, "How much are you going to tell them? Just that we're close to narrowing down the cause of the epidemic?"

Geneviev says, "I think two of us should go. The fastest."

Bethpage says, "Fine. Who's fastest?"

Kavanaugh murmurs, "Definitely military, too, as if a civilian would be operating a trooper.... Uh, I can do that, Page, definitely."

Geneviev nods to Saburo. "Maybe...but I think Bethpage has the idea. Patch us all in."

Bethpage says, "Fastest may not matter, then-- Kav needs to go, and someone to protect him."

Kavanaugh grimaces. "'Fastest' might not be the right term for me... but right, no problem."

Saburo says, "Gene, Kav, go ahead and call Anikita."

Geneviev nods to Bethpage. "True." She glances at Saburo. "Alright...maybe you guys can get lined up with the scouts, then?"

Kavanaugh nods, and looks to Gene cheerfully. "Well, then, shall we, Gene?"

Bethpage says, "We'll do what we can here. Later, you two. Don't forget to patch us all in."

Geneviev nods. "Alright. Let's get moving, then." She waits for Kavanaugh to set the pace.

Kavanaugh nods, and starts heading out towards the APC, not at a sedate pace but not going breakneck.

Kavanaugh and Geneviev reach the APC fairly quickly. It is untouched, except by a couple of birds, who have left a "gift" on the windshield and the mesh camoblanket that covers it.

Geneviev comms, "If we key up, will it be picked up by our new neighbors?"

Saburo says, "A plane like that doesn't likely have advanced communications gathering gear. I'm sure the good Father can keep the signal from their notice."

Kavanaugh maintains (for once) a professional quiet as they go to the APC. Must remember... old lessons on quicktime travel through unfriendly woods, just like how la Petit Serjeant Duvalier taught us.... La, voila le boudoin, voila le boudoin... do dee do dee da dee.... "They shouldn't get more than activity, the sets are encrypted, and even then it's spectrum-hopping. That being said -- oh, blasted birds! Son of a... Miserable rotten... arrgh! Yarnchaser, KILL!"

Geneviev quickly checks the perimeter of the APC and then lifts the covering enough on the back to allow the ramp to be lowered.

Geneviev says, "I think the gear is still crated, Father."

The cat doesn't even bother to poke it's head out of his pack. Grumbling, Kav goes into the APC and starts unpacking the specific crate. "Right. Help me get it out, will you, Gene?"

Geneviev nods and helps him tug the crate out of the back and down the ramp to the ground.

Kavanaugh unlatches the crate once Gene gets it onto the ground, and starts to set it up.

Kavanaugh snickers softly, "Oh, I've seen this before. Yep, radial antenna goes here... okay, what do you think, Yarnchaser, this goes here, or there? Here? Sounds good to me, too.... That's done, now to patch in the computer tuner... we've got bootstrap... Hah! Done! One more bit to go..."

There is a short *pop*, then silence. Then Kav says over the radio, "All right, we're live. I can only transmit from here, though. I can relay anything you say to them, however, and you'll all be able to hear the reply. Sorry I couldn't do better than that."

Bethpage says via comm, "Great job, Kav. All we could ask for."

Kavanaugh says, "My pleasure, Page. All right, let me call Annie, then.... Give it a moment for their system to sync up with ours."

Geneviev keeps her eyes on the surrounding forest, tuning out the comm chatter for now.

The Comm uplink light goes on, indicating that the systems have synced. There is a short delay, then, "Kazekov here. We read you."

Kavanaugh clears his throat a little. "Hello, Aleksei. We are checking in, and we have some news to report. The rest of the team is patched in, Yarnchaser and I will be relaying comments and questions from them."

Aleksei says, "Go ahead, Father Kavanaugh."

Kavanaugh takes a deep breath. "Well, where to start. It appears that the plague was the precursor to some kind of invasion, we're not exactly sure from where. On the plus side, there appears to be another faction also present which also has a vested interest in preventing the invasion as well. In addition, earlier we spotted a German military troop transport plane, registry Sierra Zulu... Uh, Gene, what was the registry number again?

Geneviev glances over. "71-29."

Kavanaugh says, "Thanks. Sierra Zulu Seven One dash Two Niner. They were last spotted heading towards the position of the last contact."

Geneviev returns to keeping watch.

Aleksei says, "I'm getting them to run that number through now, Father. Should have an answer for you shortly.

Aleksei says, with some urgency. "Do you know what's causing the plague? Have you figured out how to stop it?"

Saburo says over the comms, "We know who caused it, and that it is no longer active. We're working on trying to figure out how to stop them from using it again."

Geneviev comms, "That sounded a little desperate, didn't it?"

Saburo says, "Yeah, it did."

Dr_Chong says, "Perhaps it is already being used again."

Geneviev frowns. "They started in Europe and headed for Australia...to test it?"

Kavanaugh says, "Thank you, we appreciate knowing who else is here. Uh... well, yes, in a manner of speaking, to both. We've all been off our suit air for about a day now, and Doctor Chong's experiments seem to indicate that it's no longer active. Doctor Chong might be able to relay more about it, but we haven't found a way to stop it. The solution would appear to be to stop the use of it, instead, which we're working on now."

Aleksei says, "I'm afraid, Father, that you're going to have to work faster. There have been two more outbreaks of the disease."

Dr_Chong relays whatever additional medical details he has managed to discover if any.

Geneviev frowns and looks at the radio. "Where?"

Aleksei says, "SZ71-29 belongs to the Luftwaffe's Fallschirmjager division. Paratroopers."

Kavanaugh grimaces, "We'll do our best. Here's Dr. Chong's information that we've found." He relates Chong's information verbatim, and adds, "Where are the outbreaks?"

Saburo says, "German paratroopers. Special Forces. Any way we can find out what their purpose is here, short of asking them?"

Geneviev comss, "We might want to give them our intelligence on the perpetrators, Father. Anybody concur?"

Aleksei says tightly. "We have confirmed cases in Tasmania and the southern island of New Zealand, with a suspected case on the northern island as well."

Bethpage hisses to herself. "Shit!" This changes... everything. Oh, little elf-girl... I do hope I don't have to... change my mind.

Kavanaugh grimaces. In the middle of an interdimensional invasion and now we're dealing with the Fallschirmjager. "Those guys. Oh, wonderful. Any indicator as to why they're here might be helpful.... And thank you for the information as well."

Aleksei says, "SZ71-29 is still listed as "On base", Father. Why it's there? Your guess is as good as mine."

Dr_Chong says, "Can they keep an eye on them with satellite surveilance for us?"

Kavanaugh says, "Great. Can you keep an eye on them with the spysats? And a moment while I confer with the others. Break. Anyone have anything they'd like to add?""

Aleksei says, "Will do, Father."

Geneviev answers, "Should we tell them we know who did it? Send them the image from the security camera?"

Saburo says, "Yes, why not? "

Saburo laughs.

Bethpage says, "Because then the whole island may blow up as their idea of stopping it, with us still here? That's why!"

Saburo says, "No one is going to blow up the continent."

Geneviev says, "If they're still running around on New Zealand...they've got to know what to shoot at."

Bethpage says, "I do hope you get to say 'I told you so' later, Saburo. I truly do. "

Saburo says, "Father, tell him that the disease does not spread over normal vectors. If there is a new outbreak, then the faction that is trying to colonize the now unpopulated Australia has used their weapon again. We will find out how to counter it, and we will stop them as soon as we find their base of operations."

Saburo says, "We don't think it can survive in normal air. It may just have a very short half life."

Kavanaugh mutes his side. "All right, Saburo. Any idea of what I can tell them that will keep them from dropping nukes to sterilize the area of enemies and the pathogen?"

Saburo says, "Nuking australia will not stop the Dowrani from using the weapon again, once they have finsished clearing off the nearby islands. There is not traditional pathogen to destroy. If they destroy all the enemies here, we may not be able to learn who else in their organization can duplicate the process. They need us to find that out before we eliminate those capable of unleashing it."

Saburo says, "And if they could make sure the Germans don't shoot at us, it will make our task much easier."

Bethpage says, "Nicely put, Saburo."

Bethpage mutters, "We have enough to do here dealing with the Tooth Fairy... we don't need real people shooting at us too."

Saburo says, "Maybe we can convince the Germans to help us. "

Geneviev says, "If they even come out this way. They're being dropped off a long way from here.."

Bethpage says, "Maybe. Military people generally seem to have an authority-complex hangup, but they might."

Kavanaugh says, "Okay, let's see how well I can spin this, then...." He unmutes the uplink. "Aleksei, Father Kav here, again, m'son. All right. The pathogen is being initiated by a ra-- er, group called the Dowrani. They do not appear to be limited in geographic region, so sterilizing a location of the outbreak won't matter, they can initiate an outbreak somewhere else. There is no typical pathogen that can be cauterized or sterilized in any way. The pathogen does seem to have a short span -- it possibly might even be a chemical weapon of some kind rather than biological, we're still not entirely sure. Dr. Chong'll be able to clear taht up, I think. "

"We are currently in contact with a group that is aligned against the Dowrani, and are working towards stemming the Dowrani's inva-- er, actions against us. The world in general, that is. By the way, is there anything you could do to keep the Germans from shooting at us?"

Saburo says, "We may be able to reach them over shortwave radio."

"Yarnchaser asks that you say 'hi,' to Anikita for him, by the way"

Geneviev nods. "Yes...see if they can dredge up a frequency for us."

Aleksei says, "What? Do you think we're going to drop a nuke on you or something, Father? Nuclear weapons are last-strike, not first. You can be assured that we're not in the habit of nuking things. I will see what I can do about the Germans through our diplomatic channels, or our less convential channels if they're not open to that." He chuckles. "Assure Yarnchaser that I will give his message to Anikita."

Kavanaugh blinks, then says dryly, "Well, we were kind of worried about that. The lobbing and dropping of process tritium-enriched products was mentioned in the briefing, uh, briefly. It's a relief, though, Aleksei, thank you, and thank you for contacting the Germans, too." he pauses, listening to Saburo and Geneviev. "Would it be a good idea to contact them, do you think? Oh, and Yarnchaser thanks you."

Saburo says, "Well, their soldiers and equipment will definitely be useful in routing out the Dowrani. Or we could send them out of our way, or get them to help us by finding out what is in Perth."

Aleksei says, "You are to follow your original mission parameters. You are not to expose yourselves."

Bethpage can't help it. She allows herself a dirty chuckle at that, safe in the awareness that she can hear Aleksei, but Aleksei can't hear her.

Bethpage sighs. Stress makes us all weird.

Kavanaugh thinks, So much for getting the freq for those German paratruppen. Rats. "Understood." He wonders briefly -- like, a quarter of a second -- why Page is chuckling, then tries not to let any humor trickle into his own voice. "Ah, ahem. Right, then. Other than that, we're doing well, all in all. When would you like the next update?"

Aleksei says, "You may contact us at any time. There is always someone here listening out for your signals. It may not be Anikita or I, but someone here in the offices will hear you. If you need myself or Anikita, you may ask them to call us in."

Kavanaugh says, "Understood, Aleksei. Unless there's anything else, that's all from our end.""

Aleksei says, "Good work, all of you. Keep yourselves safe. Kazekov out."

Kavanaugh says, "Kavanaugh out," then shuts down the uplink. He lets out a heavy breath. "Well, that went well."

Geneviev says, "Outbreaks in New Zealand...I think we need to go exterminating."

Bethpage says, "Pushy Russians. What business is it of his if we expose oursel--" she breaks down into snickering for a moment. "Augh. Gah. It's good to hear we're not gonna get blown up. Giddy, even."

Saburo says, "I agree. We need to find them as fast as we can. Even if it does mean driving trucks or flying planes."

Bethpage sighs, more soberly. "I'm afraid I agree with Gene. We need to go kill some people."

Geneviev says, "Fine...just as long as we can try to keep it to safe windows."

Geneviev turns to Kavanaugh. "Ready to pack that up, Father?"

Kavanaugh says, "I'm reasonably sure the Lord isn't going to mind some butt-kicking in the name of preserving the human race. I am, m'child, let's get this secured and head back to the others."

Geneviev blinks at Kavanaugh and grins. She helps him pack up the equipment, sliding the crate back into the APC and securing it. She comms the others, "We'll be on our way back."

Bethpage flicks a mental ear at the religious titles. Eh well. Losing one to the Christians is the least of our worries these days.

Saburo says, "Taiat... We need to find the Dowrani as fast as we can."

Taiat nods at Saburo. "How can we help you?"

Saburo says, "They have used their weapon again, on the neibouring islands. Two more outbreaks of deaths have begun."

Taiat closes his eyes and tilts his head down. He says something in his own language that sound suspiciously like an explitive.

Saburo says, "We have maps. You can help us find the most likely locations they will be in, so that we can dispatch scouts to those areas to locate their base of operations. We need to locate their warlords."

Bethpage looks at Taiat more favorably.

Saburo takes his pack off, and digs down to the bottom to pull out the briefcase containing his cyberdeck. He opens it up, takes the deck out, and plugs it intot he jack above his left temple. He pulls up the LCD screen, and accesses the map files of Australia provided by the KGB.

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

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