Weston -- Logs

Bethpage watches Saburo start to access the KGB-provided mapfiles of Australia for a moment, then turns to scan the surrounding woods for signs of her returning comrades-in-arms.

Taiat looks at the maps curiously. "Where are we?"

Saburo finds the spot marked for the site of the sattelite contact, studies the map around it, and then estimates their position in relation to it. He adds a red x to the map. "We are somewhere near here, Taiat."

Taiat nods, "And where did this.. thing.. start?"

Dr_Chong stands quietly nearby watching and memorizing details.

Saburo indicates the southern side of the island, and the city of Melbourne. "It started down here, then spread up and out. Here, I can pull up another map showing that."

Taiat nods again, more firmly. "That would be the ideal place to begin the search then. They would have been there to start it and I'm sure they would have wanted to stay close to monitor it's progress. If there are any forests near this city, I would be suprised not to find them there."

Kavanaugh and Geneviev return to the group shortly. Kav's backpack seems to be fidgeting on his back, a mystery solved when Yarnchaser pokes his head out of the pack, some sort of catnip toy glommed in his mouth and a somewhat stoned look on his face, before he slinks back into the pack again. "So, what do we do next?" he asks cheeerfully.

Saburo nods, and pulls up a zoomed in map of the forests and area surrounding the current location of the team. "This is where we are, and the nearby city Sydney. You think they'll be in the forests surrounding the southern city, Melbourne. How well do your people know that area?"

Saburo searches through the files provided by the KGB, so see if there is a higher detail map of the area surrounding Melbourne.

Geneviev walks over to look at the display, pulling a canteen out and drinking from it. She pauses and points at the display. "That's a long way for that girl to have come...but they were headed towards there, weren't they? But...from Europe?"

Taiat frowns. "We don't know the area at all. We've not ventured very far outside of this area, except for patrols."

Bethpage says, "Taiat. How did you come here from across the water, again? Would the Dowrani have used the same way?"

Saburo finds maps of the Melbourne area, and pulls them up, one at a time to quickly look for the best one. Most of them focus on Military targets, but some have enough topographical data to show the forests surrounding the city of Melbourne.

Taiat says, "We used magic to cross here from our homeland. I can't see the Dowrani coming any other way. Ships are not precisely stealthy with your modern 'conveniences'."

Bethpage watches the maps, feeling adrift. Magic. Right. That stuff. "Um. Thanks, Taiat."

Geneviev's brow furrows. "Magic?"

Taiat nods at Geneviev. "Yes, of course magic," he says, as if this is perfectly logical.

Saburo says, "Okay, so there are several routes we could take to get there from here. There is a large mountain halfway between Sydney and Melbourne on a direct line. If your people don't know a good way through the mountains, our only option would be to fly over them. On the other hand, we could swing to the west and then south, and probably stick close to the hills and woods the entire way. It would be much slower, and might offer stiffer resistance. They're more likely to be patrolling the woods than the mountains or the cities, I would guess."

Geneviev glances at the others to see if they seem as confused. "Isn't that just illusions?"

Kavanaugh arches his eyebrows. "Sorry, m'son. Magic is a... bit on the unknown here. I'd love to talk with you about it though." He glances to Saburo. "After the planning session, that is.

Bethpage sighs. This makes my skin crawl, but... "Why aren't you using magic to get to the Dowrani, Taiat?"

Taiat laughs, "My apologies. Yes, I forgot that your people believe that magic is tricks and illusions or simple fantasy. I assure you, it is not."

Saburo says, "We could also take a route from Sydney to Melbourne, either a free way or by boat, and go out from Melbourne. If they notice us, we can take out their patrollers on our turf instead of theirs. Lure them into Melbourne...."

Saburo says, "Okay, then tell us how this magic of yours works. How do you travel with it? How can it help us?"

Taiat's laugh stops when he looks at Bethpage. "Because they devote themselves to the darker magics and they are far more powerful mages that we are, because they are trained so rigorously from such a young age. Their lives are devoted to war and ours are not."

Bethpage shrugs, "I figure it's their version of science, Gene. After all, they killed a lot of people here with it... so it must work. Just don't look too hard at it, and it's probably a lot like really cutting-edge tech..." she trails off when Taiat speaks, and just ends with, "Oh."

Saburo watches Taiat, taking that in. His Murasaki eyes don't show much emotion, but the way his lips harden into a line, it seems like he didn't like Taiat's revelation...

Taiat nods at Saburo, "Since we will be joining you on this patrol, and not you joining us, we will let the decision rest in your hands. You are far more aware of the capabilities and limitations of this vehicle of yours than we are."

Geneviev purses her lips during Taiat's explaination. "Is there any tricks we should know to fight them? Those that people without knowledge of magic should use to defeat them?"

Kavanaugh blinks, then grimaces slightly. "Darker magics." Man, that bodes ill. Well. Nothing like first-hand experiences. Time to see if the old Malleus Maleficarum was all horse hockey or not.

Bethpage's hand sneaks to caress her sidearm. Laser pistol. Nice straightforward little holes in people, makes sense how it works. We'll just shoot the magic, Page. It'll be okay. Nothing likes being shot. Not even elves.

Bethpage perks a little. "Good question, Gene." She listens hopefully.

Taiat smiles at Geneviev. "Your - pardon me - ignorance of their ways will prove to be your best weapon, I should think. You have the element of surprise, because they do not know you are here and they may not know what you are capable of."

Saburo says, "Well, this is not our only option for a vehicle... The city nearby is full of abondoned playthings of the rich and powerful. We can probably find whatever we need in a day or two at the most in Sydney."

Geneviev nods to Taiat. "Nevertheless, I wish to know what tricks you would use. I would hate to be turned into a rabbit during combat because I didn't know what to expect."

Taiat nods, "We use stealth to our advantage as much as possible. We have never fought the Dowrani on their land before, only on ours, where we knew the territory better than they. We used our Rangers. They would hide near the tops of trees and fire down at the Dowrani from that vantage point. Others would use themselves as bait, to draw the Dowrani into traps, whether that trap be mechanical or simply a large group awaiting them."

Saburo says, "Those tactics will work well with us too, Taiat."

Saburo says, "Our weapons are long ranged, and some of us can sneak quite well."

Taiat continues. "We do use magic, but not offensively. Generally we would use it to conceal ourselves or mask things in illusions. The Dowrani though... they won't turn you into a rabbit as she," he motions at Geneviev. "Suggested. They'll simply use it to kill you as quickly and as devastatingly as possible."

Saburo says, "How? Will they shoot fire from their eyes or spit lightning like Gojilla does?"

Bethpage practically grins at Taiat. "Oh! I like that, yes. That's my style. Except for the, uh, magic. Hiding and shooting and hiding, though..."

Taiat blinks. "Gojilla?"

Bethpage gives Saburo an odd look.

Saburo says, "Godzilla. The Tyrant Lizard."

Kavanaugh blinks, and says wryly, "Well, that'd put a dampener on things right quick. We have a tradition of magic in our cultures, but it's been a long time since it was ever codified...." He starts to rifle his brain for all those little occult books that he read during Seminary.

Geneviev smiles at Bethpage, nodding.

Saburo says, "It is a Japanese legend."

Saburo shrugs.

Taiat shrugs at Saburo. "As for the lightning and fire part of your question.. That depends on what they're casting at you. Some spells have spectacular effects, others seem to have no effects at all.

Saburo says, "So how do you prevent them from casting such magic on you?"

Bethpage watches Taiat almost hungrily. Yes. Tell us how to live through this.

Taiat says, "If you can catch them in the moments that they are actually casting the spell and cause them to be interrupted, you have a chance of causing it to fail. I will warn you, however, that many of their combat spells have been designed with this weakness in mind, so they may only take a second to cast. And you can't interrupt the mage if you can not find him. Their mages may appear as warriors and they may be able to simply bring the spell to existance through force of will, rather than by ritual."

Bethpage says, "Uh, Taiat? This may be a stupid question, but can we... break their magic? Is there anything we can take from them to make it stop working, or be less effective? An energy source, say?"

Saburo says, "So the best bet is to ambush them and kill them before they see us then?"

Dr_Chong says, "What do you need to perform your magic? Do you need gestures, chant, dance or do you use items or focii? Is there any visual clue we can use to see a spell is being cast? There are so many different myths and legends concerning magic"

Taiat shakes his head. "The magical energies can be drained from someone, but only by a mage with the proper spell to do so."

Taiat nods at Saburo. "Yes."

Saburo nods, and looks around the clearing, thinking.

Geneviev finishes her canteen. "So...could you help us to get there faster? Is the way that you arrived here able to allow our vehicle to move that way?"

Bethpage smiles. She can't help it. Everybody says it's time to just kill them. So, we go, and we kill. Just... kill them. As many as we can find. I hope it's soon. It's been days...

Taiat looks at Doctor Chong. "Again. It depends on the spell and they have such a focus on combat, that many of their spells are learned to such a degree, or optomised to minimise or completely erase any ritual that may be involved in the casting of it. For example. I could lift a log from the fire and set it back down, or hurl it at someone without so much as a flick of my finger. However, to enchant a weapon with magical properties could take weeks or even months of ritual. Do you see what I mean?"

Saburo says, "And I suppose they will have such weapons."

Dr_Chong nods his head, considering, then says over the comm, "A quick sniper might be effective at stopping any magical retaliation if we can get a visual clue that its coming."

Taiat frowns. "I don't believe that we will be able to transport your vehicle, no. The spell is meant for the movement of us and the equipment that we carry. We can not bring carts and the like.

Dr_Chong says, "Can any member of either of your races learn magic, or is it something that one must be born to do?"

Saburo answers on the communicator, "Yes, and if we could lure some of them into Melbourne, we could set traps and use explosives on groups of them as well as stationing snipers."

Taiat says, "Any Antyrii or Dowrani has some magical abilities. Some can only do minor magics, others excel at magic."

Geneviev subvocalizes. "There's only forty or fifty. Does Australia have any gunships?"

Dr_Chong says, "Is there any way to detect those with stronger magics? Something in their aura perhaps?"

Bethpage nods thoughtfully to Taiat. Ooo. Magic blood. Maybe it'll last longer.

Taiat shrugs, "I have no ability to tell them apart, no."

Saburo says on the comm, "Not likely here. If they have any, the Germans in Perth are probably looking them over now."

Kavanaugh says, "Well, then... that means that we have to be careful. Taiat, is it possible they would be using magic to watch for any interlopers? and if so, how can it be countered?"

Taiat says, "They may be, yes, though their guard may be relaxed if they believe that they are alone here. Those who flew overhead of us may have shattered that unguardedness, however."

Kavanaugh grimaces. "Bloody Lufttruppen," he mutters, "always barging in on the party...."

Bethpage suggests, "The Dowrani may try to attack or investigate what flew overhead. We might be able to hit them from the other side while they're distracted."

Saburo nods to Bethpage. "That would mean coming at them from the direction of Melbourne, instead of from here. If we take the overland forest route, we may run into them, if they're heading in the direction the German plane flew.

Taiat nods at Bethpage. "A good point. They will assess the immediate risk and decide if now is the time to get them. They will likely send Those Who Watch to follow them until a decision has been made."

Kavanaugh says, "Excuse me... 'Those Who Watch?'"

Bethpage says, "I'd like to run into them from behind... then the quiet ones of us can pick a few off, or lead them to the rest of you for an ambush."

Taiat nods at Kavanaugh. "Those Who Watch. The Dowrani who infiltrate and spy on your kind."

Saburo says, "They can move among us?"

Bethpage blinks at Taiat. "Spy? They can look just like us?"

Kavanaugh frowns. "That makes things complicated." His immediate thought is if any of the people he's met at the beginning of this mess was, in actuality, a Dowrani.

Taiat nods at both Saburo and Bethpage. "According to the Dowrani laws, or what I know of them, only the Inner Circle and Those Who Watch are allowed to learn the human tongues. Those Who Watch are possessed of magic that allows them to shapeshift into a human form, to move among the humans as a human and report back to the Inner Circle. Alamsech controls them and they report to him."

Bethpage says over the comm, "So we may have to kill a few real Germans, because the Russians won't let us contact them to warn them... and so we may not know if we've run across Dowarani scouts in disguise, or humans with bad luck."

Bethpage frowns, nodding thanks to Taiat.

Geneviev comms back, "Maybe our optics will see the differences."

Bethpage comms, "Optics?"

Geneviev nods, "Maybe their illusion only covers the visible spectrum."

Saburo says, "I think our best option is to do as Bethpage suggests, and hit them from behind while their attention is drawn towards the North West and the German paratroopers. We can return to Sydney, and move around to Melbourne stealthily, to come at them from the south."

Saburo traces a route on the map with his fingertip.

Saburo says, "There was definitely a drug trade between the two cities. If we look in the Police vice files, we may be able to find out where to find some powerboats or cars rigged up with masked aural and infrared signatures."

Saburo says, "Taiat, are the Dowrani likely to patrol the ocean or the human roadways between the cities?"

Bethpage nods to Saburo, for once in complete agreement with the man. "We need information, and we need them to get it. Which begs a question-- do we want to kill all of them we can, or capture one or more and take them away to question about the main camp?"

Geneviev smiles. "We will kill all of them. They won't be able to perpetrate their virus again if they're not breathing."

Saburo says, "Yes, if we find a prisoner worth taking, it will not be among their scouts and infantry troopers. If we need a live captive, it would be best to take one from their Inner Circle. Or one of those who watch."

Bethpage says, "Not that I'm not sympathetic, Gene... but we need information from them, and people stop talking when they stop breathing, too."

Dr_Chong says, "I see a river running through the forest on the map here. Surely the Dowrani would need water to survive?"

Dr_Chong points at the map.

Saburo says, "You think it would be safe to travel up the river they use for their water?"

Kavanaugh remains quiet and thoughtful at Gene's words, then glances to Beth, and looks again at the map.

Dr_Chong says, "I am thinking at least they would likely stay near to a large source of fresh water."

Bethpage nods thoughtfully at the Doctor.

Dr_Chong says, "Especially if they brought families and their goal is to create a settlement here."

Geneviev looks at the map. "It is a long way to Perth. Wouldn't they just magic themselves there?"

Saburo nods. "You mean over here, Doctor? In this wooded area where there aren't any major highways, east of Adelaide?"

Dr_Chong nods to Saburo.

Saburo says, "They might not know that's where the plane was headed. If they saw it flying in that direction, they may travel over land looking for it. It's hard to say. I don't want to chance running into their investigators if they are walking though."

Geneviev says, "Can you bring up the contact and spread map again?"

Saburo says, "The plane may have even landed closer than Perth too. Our assumption could be wrong too. In any event, it went that way, so I think we should go the other."

Saburo nods and pulls up the map showing the spread of the disease.

Geneviev leans closer, examining the map.

Bethpage says, "Taiat? Can you guys tell when the Dowrani use magic? Would you know if they used their, um, transportation magic here?"

Geneviev chews her lip. "Could it be that simple? The disease started right here...and there's a forested area right there, too."

Taiat looks thoughtful. "I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure. It may be large enough that sensitive magic users could feel it, though."

Saburo says, "Well, we can boat in and check it out."

Geneviev glances at Saburo. "Can we move that far by boat without being spotted by the sattelites?"

Bethpage says, "We might as well go there, yeah. We're not getting anywhere here now we're done finding the friendly elves."

Geneviev nods to Bethpage.

Saburo nods to Geneviev. "If we can find a drug runners boat in Sydney, yes."

Bethpage shakes a finger almost happily at Taiat. "Great! So we can be fairly sure that the Dowrani are stuck using the same transportation we are, or else your people might hear the magic happening. That's wonderful."

Geneviev ahhs. "Yeah...that might be a good idea. The question is, though...are the really bad ones still down there or in New Zealand?"

Saburo says, "Well, if they are there, it will save us time looking."

Saburo says, "It will only take a couple hours to get from Sydney to south of Melbourne. But it might take us a day or two to prepare."

Bethpage suddenly looks very sheepish, then alarmed, then sheepish again. "Shit. Oh, shit. Guys! We have to take Renthal with us. He knows English, and he was Dowrani, right? Only the inner circle and Those Who Watch are allowed to learn human languages. Renthal also said he could ID Alamsech if he saw him-- Those Who Watch are controlled by Alamsech, the Nastiest Elf. Renthal can tell us if the Dowarni we run across are Watchers, and probably WHICH Watchers they are-- Renthal used to BE one, unless I miss my guess completely here."

Kavanaugh blinks, looking to Bethpage. "Oh, blast. Good point, Page. You're right, we should."

Dr_Chong nods his head in agreement.

Saburo blinks his clear blue Murasaki eyes, several times.

Bethpage shakes her head and feels stupid for not getting this earlier.

Geneviev looks at Bethpage and nods. "Yes. Maybe we can get his help in creating a Dowrani language chip, too."

Saburo says, "Good thing he is coming with us. Keep an eye on him Page."

Bethpage also pauses to think, I was getting my kicks teasing THAT the whole time? Oh, fuck me.

Geneviev glances at Kavanaugh and Saburo. "Do either of you have the equipment for that?"

Bethpage half-yelps, "Me? Why m-- ah, crap, I guess somebody has to. Oh, fuck."

Saburo says, "You seem to be watching him already...."

Saburo looks at Gene. "Murasaki has the equipment and people to make one, yes. But it would take several months.

Kavanaugh looks to Bethpage. "Page, not for nothing, but I think you're the quickest one out of us."

Bethpage says, "He deserved it! --Oh. Uh, thanks, Kav. I dunno, I think Gene may have me beat on speed, but you're right, it ought to be somebody who can dodge fast if he's lying about being on our side, yeah."

Dr_Chong says, "I am skilled in linguistics, but I fear a language chip would take far to much time and effort to produce here."

Saburo says, "The initial chip design from other languages may work, but it would take time to build the database and program it for their particular nuances... And it takes time to get the financial details straightened out prior to actual manufacturing."

Pitch_Black says, "Why don't I keep an eye on him as well, from a distance. Just for safety's sake. I do have the most precise long-distance firepower."

Bethpage gives Pitch Black a very grateful look.

Kavanaugh nods, "I've no problem with that.

Pitch_Black says, "We still don't know precisely what they-- he-- is capable of. No point in leaving any of our operators' asses in the breeze."

Saburo nods to Pitch.

Geneviev ohhs. "I had no idea it took that long. I could likely learn the language myself in that amount of time, but not two days."

Geneviev grins at Taiat and jokes, "I don't suppose you have a ma- er spell for that, do you?"

Bethpage grins at Pitch Black, "Yeah, especially when the operator's gonna have to go change her pants after realizing what she was deliberately annoying for fun."

Taiat grins and shakes his head, "It is, from what I've heard, possible to 'lend' a language to someone through the use of magic, but it doesn't last long and requires that the mage know the language being lent. I'm afraid I cannot lend you what I do not have."

Kavanaugh says, "Renthal might. Wether he would or not is another story."

Geneviev blinks, having not seriously considered it being possible.

Saburo nods. "Well that's part of what takes so long, all the engineering and manufacturing industry beuracracy aside. We'd need several fluent speakers to assemble the language database, and design the grammar routines and translation software. It's not really something you can make in a garage. Languanges are the most complex database chips to design and program. Along with physical skill skips for very complex activities."

Bethpage says warily, "How much magic do Those Who Watch have? Are they all... uh, magical?"

Taiat shrugs, "I'm not sure. You'd have to ask Renthal for that."

Saburo says, "Well, we shall be sure to show them how much firepower Those Who Snipe have...."

Geneviev laughs.

Saburo says, "When can your scouts be ready to leave here Taiat?"

Bethpage winces visibly at Taiat's answer.

Pitch_Black just grins. "I'll help you with your pants later. In the meantime, just leave it to me."

Bethpage snickers, and regains a bit of cheer.

Taiat says, "They will be ready to leave at an hour's notice, once I actually find someone that doesn't absolutely refuse to get into that contraption of yours."

Saburo says, "Well, maybe you'd best start asking now then, and we can be on our way to Sydney in a few hours. It will take them longer to get there walking... And we will travel by boat to Melbourne."

Saburo says, "They have been on a boat before, right?"

Taiat nods. "I shall leave you then, and see who I can round up for you. Would you like me to send Renthal over?"

Bethpage sighs and says to Taiat, "Please. Much as I hate to take him away from your side."

Saburo says, "Please. Thank you, Taiat. Your wisdom and aid will ensure our success."

Saburo stands up and bows politely in the Japanese fashion to the elven leader.

Taiat smiles at Saburo. "Thank you." He walks off towards a group of scouts that have just appeared at the far side of the camp, apparently from a scouting expedition.

Bethpage slides her back down a treetrunk to sit down, resting her face in her hands for a bit.

Kavanaugh glances over to Bethpage, frowning slightly, then edges over. "Page? What's wrong?"

Geneviev glances over at Kavanaugh's words, watching curiously.

Bethpage looks up at Kav. "Nothing.. I'm feeling a little stressy, I guess. Maybe... maybe I should go for a walk for a little while." She slides back up the tree to her feet.

Pitch_Black says, "I'll go with you. It'll be awhile before Taiat can con any of his people into climbing into the vehicle with us."

Saburo watches her, wondering if she's afraid of Renthal...

Saburo sits back down, looking at his laptop.

Bethpage nods to Pitch and starts walking, hands shaking very, very slightly.

Page walks into the woods with Pitch Black, hands shaking a little more. "I'm sorry, man. I know I shouldn't again so soon, but I'm starting to feel my hands go, and I need to be able to concentrate when we fight... the fighting will help the stress too, but we don't have any yet, and I know this will fix everything..." she swings her pack around and fumbles in it while they walk.

Pitch_Black shrugs. "It's gotta get done. If you tweak out in combat you're a liability to all of us. Don't apologize... call it necessity."

Bethpage finds the tablet, but hesitates before popping it in her mouth, though it's obvious she really, really wants it by the way her eyes keep straying back to it between her fingers. "Remember what I told you last time. Knock me the fuck out if I get dangerous, and tie me up. I don't want to hurt you. You're like my only friend, Yang. I hope to make it up to you someday." She tries to wait for a response from Pitch Black before taking the hit of SIN. Her fingers tremble.

Pitch_Black just cracks his knuckles. "I got some plastic zip binders in my backpack. Just relax and make this one a good one."

Bethpage grins nervously, but doesn't have to be told twice. The tablet of SIN goes in, and she closes her eyes for several seconds. The shaking stops. Her eyes open, bright and manic. She says, "Oh, it's a good one... you want some? I have three more." Everything about her posture is loosening up. Page grins broadly.

Pitch_Black smiles a little and shakes his head, leaning back against a tree. Diu... makes me nervous every time. He relaxes a little himself, but doesn't fold his arms or otherwise compromise his hands... just in case. "No thanks, Page... I'm the designated driver tonight. Maybe when we get back home."

Her tongue is apparently looser, too. She adds, "You could use it, cutie. You're doing such a good job taking care of the rest of us, bicker as we do-- and that damn elf-- damn kid-- ah, we all deserve a vacation. Little break. Wish I had enough to share with everybody. Even the elf. Zzz. Elf-zz. Plural, man. Soooo plural... hehehehe."

Pitch_Black grins a little. "Nice of you to call the patchwork man cute. We'll party when this is over, promise. I'll take you down to Wanchai. Ten thousand bars and not an elf in sight."

Page pouts, an unusual expression on her. "Awww. Yeah, yeah. I understand. Alright, guy. You, me, all the drugs we can eat and none of the elves. Elves complicate things, man!" She looks terribly earnest.

Pitch_Black takes a breath, exhaling slowly, and glances over his shoulder at that. "Can't argue with that... I think I liked this gig better when I thought it was space aliens."

Bethpage gets abruptly to her feet and starts taking off her boots, hopping on one foot. "Wanna play tag? I bet it's been ages. I know it has for me, 'less you count that time in the alley, but, heh, I'm not gonna hurt you, Yang. You're on my side."

Bethpage says, "Whoa, you believe in aliens?"

Bethpage says, "Do you believe in life after love?"

Pitch_Black snickers softly. "It was a noodle house, for my turn. It wasn't 'tag'... more like full-contact Simon Says." He blinks at the other question; he doesn't look as if he has a reply in store for that one.

Bethpage giggles and falls over, boneless as a drunk and unhurt. She starts singing, but mercifully segues into something else pretty quickly. "Short people got.. no reason to live!...Show me the meaning of being lonely... Somewhere.. out there... beneath the pale moonlight... someone's thinking of me..."

Pitch_Black grins and crouches down at the foot of the tree. "Maybe tag's not such a good idea, babe."

Page adds in a moment of lucid non-song, "I think Simon's full of shit. Always telling people what to do. Fucker." She answers Pitch Black, "Eh, maybe. Help me get these boots off?"

Pitch_Black smirks. "He was telling me to get my ass in the van. Apparently I didn't listen; so he kicked me in the head. Reminds me of my childhood." He moves a little closer and helps Page unlace her boots; if nothing else it limits her mobility just in case she decides she's a bunny or something...

Bethpage says seriously, "You point him out if you see him again. I'll give him something for you. I don't hold with people kicking you in the head. In fact, I strongly object!" She loses the scowl pretty quickly, though, lost in pure, drugged happiness. With a little flip, she's back on her bare, silver-toenailed feet again, and suddenly about halfway up a treetrunk, squirrel-style.

Page says happily, silvery nails on hands and feet dug into the treebark, "Your turn! C'mon up, we can pee on the elves if they walk by. Heheh."

She starts singing again. "Macavity's a mystery cat, he's very tall and thin! ..his coat is black as coal! --Y'know, Pitch. I've never seen coal. It might not be black. I wonder."

Pitch_Black stumbles backward a bit. She's fast... "Doesn't look like I got a choice... I did promise to keep an eye on you." He hops to his feet and follows along underneath. "I'll just make sure you don't take a dive."

Bethpage carols cheerily down to Pitch Black, "Okay! Follow me! Just remember what I said about the elves!"

Pitch_Black tries his best to keep up with the jacked-up razorgirl... "Couldn't forget it if I tried," he mutters.

Bethpage launches herself merrily from her tree to go sailing onto the next one, a ways away. She makes it, and clings squirrellike, grinning down at Pitch Black. "Yang! This is SO much fun! Thanks man!"

Pitch_Black finds himself involuntarily bracing for impact as Page goes sailing over him in what seems like movie-CGI slow motion... it takes an apparent eternity. He exhales as she makes the destination tree. But just a little.

The razorgirl grins down like a maniac. Which she more or less is. "Catch me if you can!" Not, perhaps, the best sentiments, as she suddenly jumps for another fir tree's trunk.

Bethpage sings out, "I can fly!"

Pitch_Black spends yet another heart-stopping set of moments watching Page very nearly miss the initial tree and scrabble like a demented squirrel for purchase. Any number of thoughts run through his head; how much that much esoteric cybertech must add to the weight of the human frame, how much momentum she must have by the fifth or sixth leap, and where exactly he should be standing in order to break his damned fool spine. He fairly sprints along underneath her. "Jo med gwai?! What are you doing?!"

Bethpage stops leaping at last, and says almost sedately, "Coming down. I brought you something." She hands Pitch Black a fir twig from high up in one of the trees. "It's not fair to do that if you can't. It's too much fun. Hm. I wonder if I could carry you. Like, piggyback. You really oughta try it."

Pitch_Black takes the twig, and stares at it blankly for a few moments, then at Page. He says, finally, "I think I'd prefer some other way to get intimate, if that's okay with you."

Bethpage grins happily and reaches out to squeeze Pitch Black's shoulder. "Sure. 'Never Have I Ever' is a great drinking game. And hey, man... you, me, and a bucket of elves, anytime."

Pitch_Black laughs quietly. "I'll bring the bullets. C'mon, let's go find your shoes."

She drifts back into herself enough to add more seriously, "You serious, you should know you gotta watch out for the nails. I try to talk to them, but they want the blood. It's been so long. I can feel it. Gotta see combat soon. --Ok, let's get the boots." Singing resumes. "Da na na na na na na-- she's got the boots! She's got the boots..."

Pitch_Black trails along behind, keeping an eye out for less musical threats in the wood beyond. He fishes out a cigarette. "I think I'll enjoy this more out of the combat zone. Just make sure the nails know who is and isn't fair game."

Bethpage nods, "I'll do my best... maybe the magic blood will be stronger. I'll have to taste it." She grins and does a dance step as they walk, before she starts singing again, not a care in the world.

Pitch_Black laughs quietly. Mostly to himself, he murmurs, "Yeah, I used to think the same thing."

Kavanaugh blinks a bit, and nods. "All right. If you need anything, just holler." He nods to Pitch, and settles down on a log, glancing again back towards Page before opening up his deck.

Dr_Chong watches them walk away with a slightly puzzled look on his face.

Saburo continues scanning the more detailed map files, plotting possible, probable, and preferable routes between Sydney and Melbourne. He also marks the area Doctor Chong indicated as the most likely location of the Dowrani settlement.

Renthal walks into the area and looks around. "Taiat sent me over to speak with you...?"

Geneviev points to the map. "I think it's closer to Melbourne, myself, but we'll find out soon enough, I suppose."

Saburo says, "Hello, Renthal. We are plotting our approach to the Dowrani encampment. "

Renthal nods and sits down on a log nearby..

Saburo says over the comms, "Should we tell him right away that we know he is one of Alemsech's Watchers?

Kavanaugh subvocs, "That would be a bad idea, I think."

Saburo says, "Renthal, we will be sneaking up on them from the south, from the city of Melbourne, while their attention is pulled to the north and west by the plane that flew over us earlier. Will the Dowrani be watching this roadway here?"

Dr_Chong says over the comm, "I think if we are going to trust him, he should be able to trust us as well."

Saburo traces his finger along the freeway system between Sydney and Melbourne. "Or would the be watching the ocean along here?" He indicates the coastal waters of the Tasman Sea.

Saburo says on the comms, "The Doctor has a point. Taiat knows he is one of them, clearly. If he earned Taiat's trust, we may have to be polite and honour that."

Renthal leans over to look at the roadway that Saburo points out. He nods. "Very likely, yes, especially if they are situated in an area where they could see or hear that craft flying over. They will be suspicious, but they won't be likely to expose themselves, either."

Renthal frowns, "I'm not sure that they will be watching the coast. Perhaps one or two scouts. Likely not more than that."

Saburo nods. "Then approaching by boat might be quieter and less likely to be noticed? Or will Those Who Watch be watching the ocean?"

Geneviev looks at Renthal curiously. "Can you see in the dark?"

Saburo says, "We plan to insert into the city from the South. If we are noticed, we will try to lure them into an ambush in the city, where they are not comfortable, and where we can lay traps effectively."

Renthal raises an eyebrow and smirks slightly, almost looking pleased. He doesn't comment on the fact that you know of Those Who Watch. "Those Who Watch, if there are any here, will be more concerned with the obvious human presence than the possibility that there could potentially be a human presence. They are not scouts, they are used only when a human presence is obvious. If Those Who Watch are not yet present, they will arrive shortly."

Renthal nods at Geneviev.

Saburo says, "And they will be going in the opposite direction from our arrival?"

Renthal looks over the maps again as Saburo outlines the plan. "Seems a sound enough plan. Expect that they have seen you, no matter how quietly you move in. They may not see you, but at least they will not have an element of complete surprise if they have seen you. Yes. Those Who Watch will be moving in the direction of the obvious human activity."

Saburo says, "Would a pair of scouts along the coast that sees us move into the city to investigate us and try to kill us, or would they communicate back to the main camp to request reinforcements first?"

Kavanaugh remains quiet, listening to the talking between Renthal and Saburo.

Renthal says, "Since they will see this possibility as unlikely, chances are great that the sentries who watch the coast will be young. Children or Near-Adults. They will not engage you in combat if this is the case. They will make directly for the camp to alert the Warlords."

Saburo says, "Excellent. So if we are seen, it will be easy to lure them in for an ambush. And if not... we will either get their attention when we're ready, or try to sneak north into the woods. When we get to Sydney, we will teach your scouts how to fight in an urban environment. Taiat says they are skilled at ambushing from tree tops with long ranged weapons."

Renthal nods. "The scouts in this camp are good with distance targets and they are quick learners. It will not take them long to adjust."

Saburo says, "They will have a day or so to practice in Sydney, while we locate and prepare a stealthy boat. Pitch Black and the Father and I can teach them the tactics for building to street long ranged sniping."

Saburo says, "Enough to give them the advantage over the Dowrani when they run into Melbourne looking for us. By the time they send a second larger force, we will hopefully be gone from Melbourne. Maybe we can divide their forces, and give them the slip."

Dr_Chong says, "That sounds like a reasonable plan to me."

Renthal nods. "Very reasonable."

Saburo nods. "Good. Unless you have other questions... Doctor? Anything else we should ask Renthal before we load the truck up?

Geneviev nods. "Only one thing...their camp may be south of Melbourne...where the first contact with the virus started."

Dr_Chong says, "I cannot think of anything else"

Renthal nods at Geneviev, "Is there a large forest south of this 'Melbourne'?"

Saburo says, "Then we will be ready. That is where we will be sailing up. If we need to land an assault, we should be prepared for it."

Geneviev nods. "Appears to be southwest on the map."

Saburo says, "Well, either way, we will sail up the bay and into Melbourne. If their camp is right there, they will see us and come in greater force."

Renthal nods again. "If it is large enough to support a group of two hundred or so in secret than it's possible."

Geneviev blinks. "I thought it was fifty."

Renthal laughs. "It's probably fifty now. They appear to be establishing a new homeland for themselves, though, so if the forest is not large enough to support a few hundred, then it will not have been suitable. This small group that is here now is just to establish a settlement. It's not a full Clan."

Kavanaugh frowns. "If I can ask, Renthal... what drove them from their, er, original homeland?

Renthal says, "Any number of things. Uncontrolled Human incursion into the area. Human pollution wiping out plant and animal populations necessary for survival.. Simple wanderlust."

Geneviev shrugs.

Saburo looks the maps over, thinking.

Geneviev looks at Kavanaugh. "Anything need to be done to prepare the APC?"

Kavanaugh thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "No. It should be all set to go as soon as we reach it.

Saburo says, "I think Doctor Chong's suggestion is more likely. Look here, near Adelaide... The river provides a large fresh water source, as well as travel. The forests are larger, and less cut up by roads and cities. And the central location would make a better place to start an expanding colony."

Geneviev nods. "Alright. We can travel faster by freeway anyway. What is the sattelite schedule for the rest of the day?"

Saburo shrugs.

Kavanaugh checks his deck. "It passed not too long ago. The next one is in about 12 hours.

Saburo says, "The satellites do not worry me as much as the Dowrani do."

Geneviev says, "Whatever. They still worry me...even if not as much as the Dowrani...and we can plan around them still."

Saburo says, "If you insist..."

Saburo says, "That gives us plenty of time to reach Sydney and be indoors or on foot by the time the next satellite comes by."

Kavanaugh nods firmly. "I would insist as well. Avoiding the satellites is still a good idea. So. When do we move out?

Geneviev nods. "Yes. We're good, I think. As soon as the scouts are ready, I presume. And Bethpage. She didn't look quite well."

Saburo says, "Did she look sick?"

Geneviev says, "Well...I'm not sure. She said stress. Her hands were shaking."

Taiat walks into the camp, with two Antyrii trailing behind him. He smiles and motions to them. "I would like to introduce your scouts." He points at the woman. "This is Selian," and then at the man. "And Jainar. They have agreed to go along with you." From the looks of their faces, agreed is probably too strong a word.

Saburo says, "So long as it's not symptoms. Shaking hands we can live with."

Saburo stands up. "Thank you." He looks back at Taiat. "Just two?"

Kavanaugh smiles warmly to the two... elves. "Hello there," he says, "Pleased to meet you, and thank you. It's really appreciated."

Dr_Chong simply bows in greeting to the scouts.

Taiat nods, "I should have two more for you. They seemed interested in going, but they are out on their duties right now. I expect them back within the hour."

Saburo says, "Ah, good. I wouldn't want your people too badly outnumbered."

Geneviev smiles to them. "Selian. Jainar. I'm Geneviev."

The two Antyrii smile at Genviev, though they clearly don't understand.

Geneviev hmms. "I suppose you'll be our translator, too, Renthal?"

Renthal shakes his head. "I will ensure that they are able to communicate with you."

Saburo says, "Well, what are the rest of those scouts going to be doing, if they are afraid to come with us Renthal?"

Renthal says to Saburo, "They will be defending our home."

Geneviev looks at the two scouts and tries German, "Ich heisse Geneviev."

The two scouts smile at Geneviev again.

Geneviev purses her lips. "Je m'applle Geneviev."

The two scouts look at each other, then back at Geneviev. They smile and nod.

Geneviev's brow furrows and she tries Russian and then Japanese and Manderin Chinese.

Kavanaugh coughs a little. "Gene... I, uh, don't think they understand....."

Kavanaugh says, "Honestly... before you tempt me into trying High Church Latin with them...."

Geneviev nods. "Yes...I suspect that, too, but I thought I'd gone that far, I might as well finish the ones that I knew." She smiles a little.

Saburo closes his cyberdeck's display screen, and carefully puts it back into it's armoured briefcase. He sets it at the top of his backpack, hooks the cord to the jack on the casing, and keeps it plugged in, but safely stowed away.

Saburo says, "It's an impressive collection of languages."

Renthal looks over at the two scouts and says something in their own language. Selian grins and Jainar starts laughing.

Saburo says, "Renthal."

Geneviev blinks. "I think I know what that means."

Renthal looks over at Saburo and raises an eyebrow. "Mm?"

Saburo says, "Translation.... that's your task isn't it?"

Saburo grins.

Renthal nods, then half-smiles. "I'm afraid there's simply no equivalent. It would lose something in the translation."

Saburo says, "Right...."

Kavanaugh nods slowly. Riiiiiiiight.....

Saburo says, "Well, you've explained to them that we're going to attack the Dowrani?"

Renthal nods, "Yes. They are aware of that."

Renthal discusses with the two of them for a few moments, then they leave. He turns to Saburo. "I have given them a rough outline of your plan. They are going to pack their things accordingly."

Saburo nods. "Good. We leave as soon as Taiat convinces a few more of his scouts to come with us. Will you need to go pack too?

Renthal nods. "Yes. I will, but I will wait until the other scouts have arrived."

Saburo says, "You do not have to bring your new ward along, do you Renthal?"

Renthal shakes his head. "No. I will not be bringing Miiryn along."

Saburo says, "Good. She'll make better bait if we don't actually have her along to ransom back."

Kavanaugh grimaces a bit at Saburo's choice of words, but leaves it at that for now.

Three more scouts shuffle-walk into the camp, directly over to Renthal, who speaks to them and sends them off to pack their things. "That is all of them now."

Saburo says, "Just five?"

Geneviev glances at Saburo. "The APC will likely not carry any more than us and their six."

Saburo looks at their retreating back, then turns to Renthal. "Is that enough of you to take on the Dowrani?"

Saburo says, "A-so, that is a good point."

Renthal says, "Well. I wouldn't want to meet them on an open battlefield to charge against each other. But, open battlefields are for people who don't understand tactics."

Geneviev nods. "Or automatic weapons."

Page's voice floats ahead of her actual presence... singing. She's not bad at all. "Are you blind when you're born? Can you see in the dark? Can you look at a king? Would you sit on his throne? Can you say that your bite is worse than your bark? Are you cock of the walk... when you're walking alone? Because Jellicles are, and Jellicles do..." She strides back into camp, Pitch Black walking beside her, a big grin on her face.

Saburo nods to them both.

Kavanaugh nods in agreement with Renthal, not aware that nobody's caring about it. He blinks at the singing, and slo-w-ly turns to look at Page as she and Pitch returns.

Saburo looks around, arching an eyebrow. Seeing Page's grin, Saburo looks at Pitch, then laughs softly.

Page spies Renthal and giggles. "Ren baby! So glad you could make it, sweetcakes. I love your ass in those pants."

Pitch_Black trails alongside and a little behind, smoking a Yeheyuan, grinning faintly and shaking his head. "Tsi leng sin, man," he murmurs to himself.

Geneviev looks over at the pair and blinks. She looks a lot be- Oh. She nods and looks back to Renthal.

Kavanaugh blinks. By now, Yarnchaser has poked his head out to see what the deal is. The cat blinks, too. He and the priest share a look, then go back to blinking at Page.

Renthal's eyes widen in shock, just as he was turning to look at Bethpage. He just shakes his head in amazement, or something and rolls his eyes. He coughs and mumbles. "Thanks."

Saburo grins slyly at Pitch Black and teases, "Pitch, she's already looking for another. Don't they teach you how to satisfy women in Hong Kong?"

Pitch_Black flicks his cigarette. "Haven't got a clue what you're talking about, gwailo."

Geneviev glances at Saburo, surprised.

Saburo watches Pitch, hmming to himself.

Pitch_Black says, "So we ready to go or what?"

Bethpage grins brightly at Renthal and walks a little closer, singing. "Macavity's a mystery cat, he's called the Hidden Paw..." She eyes the elf.

Renthal clears his throat. "I am going to pack my things. The scouts and I will be ready to leave in half an hour.." He walks off towards the huts.

Geneviev looks at Bethpage. "What is that called, Page?"

Kavanaugh stands. "I'm going to go get the APC ready," he says succinctly. "Hush, Yarnchaser, now's not the... I said, it's not the time." He nods, "'Scuse me." He starts heading off towards the APC.

Geneviev glances quickly towards Kavanaugh. "Not alone you're not."

Saburo decides to take that opportunity to get back into his combat armor. He begins to doubt that Pitch and Page were off in the woods screwing...

Bethpage bursts into giggles and doesn't lower her voice. "That's called 'scared,' Gene... awww. You going too?"

Pitch_Black says, "Page, c'mon. Don't rattle his cage too much. The less you tweak Renthal makes my job that much easier."

Pitch exhales a long plume of smoke, and grins, "Consider it a personal favor."

Kavanaugh says as he lopes off, "You're welcome to come alone, Gene."

Geneviev snatches her free gear and heads off after Kavanaugh, calling back. "Don't dawdle. Let's use as much of our window training when we get there that we can."

Bethpage sighs at Pitch Black, grinning. "Ok... since it's you askin, mi amigo. But man... I just can't deny it anymore. He has a FINE ass! Who'd ha' thought? Christ."

Saburo starts strapping holsters, clips and grenades onto his armor.

Saburo says, "At least it will keep him off his game, Pitch."

Pitch_Black smirks and shakes his head. Lowering his voice, he adds, "Gonna make me jealous, Page. Let's make this as easy on ourselves as possible."

Bethpage says, "Whoa, I better get ready too. Awesome! I am SO ready to kill some pointyeared narcs." She blinks at Pitch Black and grins. "Aww, you're so sweet. All right, man, all right. I'll try not to eye the ass out loud."

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

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