For The Casual Roleplayer (Pt.3) [Archive]

GatoFiero

12-02-2003, 08:55 PM

<1 hour and 30 minutes after Garak and Tenjin's conversation>

The drop ship bucked with violence as it entered the planet's atmosphere. After much thought it was decided that taking the Jumpship into planetary orbit would be to noticeable, so they detached the dropship from the special niche in the jumpship's hull.

Gerek examined his fellow occupants. Tenjin appeared to be fairing the re-entry well. Just to be expected though, thought Gerek, he is a trueborn after all. Isis's avatar on the other hand did not look like she was having a good time.

<flash back>
Isis AI: Gerek, I would like to ask you to take my avatar with you.
Gerek: What? Why should i do that? We do not need someone like that down there.
Isis AI: Well you see, she's been eating a lot lately and I have not been able to reason with her..so..i wish to cut her off from her food source and force her to get some exercise.
Gerek: ....so basically your saying you want me to walk your avatar. Sure i will do it, if you say "please pretty please with a cherry on top, I can never do anything without you, you are the one who keeps this ship from falling apart and I would still rooting out system bugs for 3rd rate computer companies if it were not for you."
Isis AI: *sigh*...I will get you back for this...
Tenjin: *as Isis is saying her lines* ...what have i gotten myself into?

<flash back two>
Isis AV: Nooo! You can not take me away! There's still so much i have not tried!
Isis strugled to free herself but Gerek had her thrown over his back, fireman style.
Isis AV: I am warning you! Let me go this instant or i will do something bad!
Gerek: No can do. Your coming with us, i made a promise.
Isis AI: Now now, do not make things harder on yourself, biting him will only make things worse.
Isis AV: Great idea! *GLOMP*
Gerek: AHHHHH! *glares at Isis AI*
Tenjin: ...what have i gotten myself into?

Gerek rubs the sore spot on his arm where Isis bit him. Oh, i am so going to get vengeance.

*the ship starts to shake slighty*

Tenjin: How much longer until we reach the coordinates they sent us?

Gerek: Just a few more minutes. I just hope they have a pad ready, i do not want to risk overheating these engines. I usually use my Jagati for stuff like this so the dropship has not been used for awhile.

*the ship starts to shake noticeably*

Tenjin: *with a tinge of apprehension* This dropship is in good repair right?

*the shaking increases*

Gerek: Sure it is, what ever floats your boat. :D

*sound of groaning metal can be heard in the background*

Tenjin: ...what have i gotten myself into?

----
[OOC] I'm feeling silly today since i'm almost done watching Irresponsible Captain Tylor. I don’t intend for the dropship to break down (or at least in such a was that it cannot be returned to the jumpship). This post is mostly for comedic purposes and to accelerate the plot slightly. The dropship size is just large enough to hold 2 mechs and have room 10 people (or leave out the mechs and fit a whole lot more people inside). So it's comparable in size to a 737. [OOC]

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-02-2003, 11:28 PM

Tenjin listens to the Windrunner creak and groan around him. its not like this thing's going to disintergrate out from underneath me afterall I've had to do survive re-entry on dodgier ships than this one. He recalls the events that had happened in the last hour and a half and smiles. Things were certainly getting interesting but was this the limit or was there more to come...

Dante

12-03-2003, 05:53 AM

"The cockpit? Right." Virgil said to himself.

He looked to Ryan, who was standing beside the weapons locker. He walked up beside him and took a moment to compose himself. Then he turned to the ex-assassin.

"Ryan. You're an observant man - I'm sure you know that I have some background with the government myself. To me... this reminds me all too much of what happened around five years ago, when I went independent. I lost a... very close friend because I didn't take steps to protect her while I was taking care of several loose ends. To cut a long story short, those ends are still unravelled, and with its usual irony, fate has forced me to confront my past again."

Here Virgil stopped. He took a deep breath - then released it slowly.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is... take care of Stephanie for me. I didn't have anybody to rely on back then. Now, there's you. Once we reach the planet, I have a very strong feeling that soemthing bad is going to happen to me. I just hope that this time round, nobody dies who doesn't have to."

Virgil turned away, but then he looked back over his shoulders.

"Thanks."

As he walked towards the door, he smiled at Stephanie. In as cheerful a voice as he could manage, he said, "Take care of yourself, okay, Steph?"

And then the door closed, and he was gone.

This isn't exactly how I see Virgil (too young)b but there aren't a lot of other pics that don't look outlandish...

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/329156/setsuna1cool.jpg

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-03-2003, 06:00 AM

OOC: Dante that character in the pic has the face of Tenjin, About the same build as well!

LilWhiteMage

12-03-2003, 12:46 PM

Had to be a bishie with white hair @-@ *drool*

*hits herself repeatedly to snap outta fangirl mode*

Eheh ^^; sorry about that...

Stehpanie had been sitting in a chair now, deciding to just stay away from that locker unless she absolutely needed to go there.

She glanced up to see Virgil speaking with Ryan, but quickly looked away, figuring that it wasn't important enough for her to listen to anyways.

Finally the two finished speaking with each other, and Virgil began towards the door to leave. She stared down at the ground as he passed, letting out a little bit of a sigh.

As he walked towards the door, he smiled at Stephanie. In as cheerful a voice as he could manage, he said, "Take care of yourself, okay, Steph?"

She quickly jerked her head up and looked at him. "I..." She gave a nod, forcing a smile onto her face. "I will."

And then he was gone...

The smile faded away as she looked back down to the ground and just stared at it, just wishing they would just land and get this over with, hopefully without any trouble.

Tor

12-03-2003, 02:14 PM

Listening to Virgil, he suddenly felt something, felt something that he hadn't felt in a long time, but he did not know what it was... trust. he hadn't trusted to many when he worked for the empire. That is he hadn't trusted anyone, that was the thing that had kept him alive. As Virgil left he could do nothing but nod and smile the way he always did when he tried to assure people that he would do what he was told

-Stephanie, come with me ok. We need to arm you a bit if we should be shure that both of us has a chance to survive this, 'aight?

He opened the lockers and threw a vest towards her and grabed a couple of rifles and smaler hand guns plus a couple of clips to both of them

-Here ya go, it should be enough if a small group of clanners should belive it is a good idea to raid this ship.

His smile suddenly turned into a cold and stern expression

-And don't you dare to get killed now ok, it seems that you are important to some people, and since I am curious by nature I would like to know... Don't get me wrong now ok, I'm on your side. And as long you are loyal towards me I keep my side of the deal.

[ooc]
Try to find a character that looks a bit like Ryan ok... You'll find his description at the last post on part one. 'k? My thoughts are that he looks a bit like Vince in Cowboy Bebop, only that he won't try to kill everybody... yet ;p

LilWhiteMage

12-03-2003, 03:38 PM

Stephanie stood, going to Ryan and standing next to one of the lockers. She caught the vest that he tossed her, looking down at it for a moment before laying it onto a nearby table. She then took off her jacket and set it aside, picking up the vest and putting it on. "Alright..."

She hesitantly stood next to him as he pulled out the guns, but suddenly reached in and grabbed a few handguns by herself, loading them and sliding them into the vest, as well as putting a few extra loads in as well. "I prefer the smaller concealable weapons." She commented as she grabbed her jacket and put it back on over the gunloaded vest.

"And I don't have any plans on dying. At least, I'd hope not anytime soon." She buttoned up her jacket. "I'll be loyal to you, just as you do the same for me."

GatoFiero

12-03-2003, 03:57 PM

The Windrunner's dropship settled into a steady flight as it cruised over the surface of the planet toward the meeting. Due to high winds and an electrical storm in their flight path and the dropship's general state, Gerek didn't want to risk going through the storm.

Gerek: Well, things have settled down now. We should be there in a half hour. You two follow me.

Gerek unbuckles himself and beckons them to follow him through the door. He leads them through the narrow passageway of the dropship and through a secure door which he has to give a pass code and palm print. Once open, Gerek lead the two through the door and hit the lights. The room turned out to be an armory. Closed steel cabinets lined the walls with racks of varying types of body armor. In one corner there was even a suit of Elemental Powerarmor.

Gerek: We should arm ourselves just in case.

Tenjin nods with understanding, Isis becomes agitated.

Isis AV: "Just in case?" What do you mean by just in case?! I do not want to get into a fight! I just started experimenting with this body and i do not want to get it destroyed! You guys can leave the dropship, I’ll stay here!

Gerek: Ok, but you do know that the first thing a logical enemy would attack would be the dropship. It would cut off our escape.

Isis AV: ...damnitalltohell.

The trio disperse and begin to equip themselves.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-03-2003, 05:20 PM

Tenjin looks around the armoury "you had some serious cash to spend when you bought Windrunner didn't you?"
He begins surveying the armoury lets see here: pistols, rifles, ANTI-TANK rifles, the odd energy weapon or two and a crate full of grenades "while I'm honoured by your need to preserve my life um I really don't need anything, my sword has carried me through situations ten times worse than this could ever be." He smiles "plus I have the odd trick or two up my sleeve."

Dante

12-03-2003, 10:40 PM

OOC: The best I could do for Ryan.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/496467/gato-garou1.jpg

And Tenjin... try this one instead...

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/496467/hanzo-ss1-s.jpg

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 12:14 AM

OOC: I'll try and get a sketch done up for Tenjin. If all goes to plan I should have it done by tomorrow afternoon (thats colour and everything) and BTW where do you get your pictures from? I need inspiration you see. In the meantime think more towards the Ninja from Metal Gear Solid.

Neverwhere

12-04-2003, 01:15 AM

Xypher leads Virgil up the ladder and into the cockpit.

Virgil, there are a few things we need to discuss about the way we are going to proceede once we reach my base. Now, as you already know we are deep within clanner terroritory and that probably seems like a ludacrious idea to you. I have a long history of dealing with the clanners, and have sinced gained the trust of a few high-ranking officials here. Why and how is not of importantance to you at this time, but how we are going o go about lying low for a bit is. You asked how I got my weapons. Simple, I took some, bought some, and was given some. Most of the clanner technology I have was given to me for services rendered, as was the base. Only a select few know of my dealings with the clanners and by telling you this I am letting you in on a tight circle of people. Rest assured, if this leaks your dead. Stephanie is dead, Ryan is dead, and anyone who knows you or them is also dead. Now, I am loyal to the mission, but that is because I am, for lack of a better word, a mercenary. I do what I am paid to do by the highest bidder, which as of right now, has me protecting Stephanie. When we reach the planet we will need to goto a bar there called The Last Bastallion. The two ships following us, one of which has disappeared, are both marked with clanner identities. I do believe the one remaining on my scanners is the man I first met who helped me kill those three brutes. He will know of the bar and meet us there. I will take you first to my armery (sp) at the base, where you can restock your weapon supply. Now, be weary of the clanners; they are not open to outsiders such as us. However, dont expose your weapons, merely keep them ready. If you do so they will perceive this as a threat and undoubtably kill us both. I would not like that too terribly much, and Im assuming neither would you. As for what is going to happen once we reach there, leave that to me. Follow my lead, and do not open your mouth. Im sure everyone on this side of the galaxy is searching for you, and the clanners make it a habit to know everything about their targets. Everything. Your voice will be recognizable to them. Now, before I continue do you have any questions about what we are going to be doing or anything to tell me?

The bar on the planet will be the perfect opportunity for new people to join. So, if you want to get in, jump in once we reach there. I think the 5 or 6 people who actually RP on here would like some "fresh meat" so to speak. So, consider this an invite.!

Tor

12-04-2003, 02:29 AM

[ooc]
Good pic there Dante, but Ryan is a skinny guy, but we might just pretend that the guy was skinny too
[ooc]

-Huh?

He had never expected Steph to be like this, it seemed for a moment that she had turned into someone else. Like a soldier for a moment

-Ah yeah thats good

Loading the rifle he had chosen to use and throwing it on the back, he started to look around the ship for places to hide

LilWhiteMage

12-04-2003, 02:40 AM

"You looked shocked." Stephanie cracked a brief smile as she brushed her hair away from her eyes and behind her ears. "Like I said, I've no plans of dying yet.... So if it means having to use a gun to protect myself... I will."

Somehow she felt as though she had to try and be strong... to try and survive this.

For Virgil.

She walked alongside Ryan, suddenly grabbing a hold of his arm and pulling him through one of the doors as they walked in the hallway. "This way. There's a secret passage way through here."

In only a matter of a couple of hours, she had seemed to learn just about ever nook and cranny in the ship. She didn't to where she was in life by just sitting in one spot. It was her job to learn anything and everything she could, by any means necessary.

"Right here." She stopped in front of another door, obviously quite isolated from most of the other rooms in the ship. "They'll have to search nice and long to find us in here."

Tor

12-04-2003, 02:52 AM

Suddenly feeling someone dragging him further inside the ship, he didn't have a chance too struggle or to look untill he heard Steph saying Right here. They'll have to search nice and long to find us in here

-You haven't wasted your time I see... where are we?

LilWhiteMage

12-04-2003, 03:06 AM

She laughed a little. "Remember when I said I had gotten lost?" Stephanie walked over to the wall in the small room, leaning against it for a moment.

"This is just your typical, run of the mill, extra storage space room." She stood up straight again, reaching out and tapping a couple of times on the wall, a hollow sound emmanating. "Sorta."

She faced the wall, placing her hands next to a hairline crack and leaning in. "See this?" She wedged her nails in the crack, prying it back until finally the wall slid open, revealing an extra closet, filled with even more weapons, including a few grenade and mini rocket launchers.

"Tada!" She waved her hand out, showing off her find. This was the sort of thing that had gotten her hired by the government in the first place... her innate ability to be able to snoop around and find just about anything. "We only use those as a last resort though, for nothing else."

Tor

12-04-2003, 03:15 AM

-Oooh... I love smart girls, I understand why they hired you now.

Understanding how she found that room was impossible, it had been invisible untill she had opened it

-But last resort... no blowing this ship up is oure last resort, this is oure second last resort

LilWhiteMage

12-04-2003, 03:23 AM

"Then let us both hope that we won't have to resort to blowing up the ship." She commented as she pulled the walldoor back to its original position, though left it open about an inch so that it would be a bit easier to get into next time.

"After all, we both have promises to keep... me to stay safe, and you apparently to protect me until the others return."

Dante

12-04-2003, 03:27 AM

Virgil nodded as he took in the Darleth's words. It felt just like the old days, when he was given the ball and told how to run with it...

"You are correct," he said. "I am... infamous here in clanner territory. Of course, I will keep as low a profile as possible, and rest assured, nobody will hear about your links with the clanners from me."

"I do have another question, though. You've told me about what we're going to do once we reach the surface. Would you care to elaborate on our plans for the future?"

OOC: There's goingto be a villain's party coming up soon... PM me for details... /OOC

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 03:28 AM

OOC: YAY character pic is done! I should have it done by tomorrow so you can finally see what I thought Tenjin looks like.

Tor

12-04-2003, 03:28 AM

-Yep it seems so, and I always keep my promises.

But I also promised never to return here... fuck fuck fuck... why does things always go against my plans, I was going to have an easy life, with my wife and child, but then this had to happen. Fuck!!!

-We should probably hide now, it seems that we are about to land now

Dante

12-04-2003, 03:39 AM

OOC: YAY character pic is done! I should have it done by tomorrow so you can finally see what I thought Tenjin looks like.

OOC: Sure, bring it on. Sorry about stealing your pic though. :p

(Much later at night...)
AAARGH! HELP! THE NINJAS! THE NINJAS ARE STABBING ME! AAAARGH!

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 03:42 AM

OOC: its cool I think I'll hold off the ninja attacks just this once (like I'd wear a suit that looks like THAT!)

Tor

12-04-2003, 03:46 AM

[ooc] found a pic that shows how I think Ryan looks, but it's at home sooo, I'll post it later lots ooc-ing now

LilWhiteMage

12-04-2003, 03:51 AM

Yes ninja minions... return... allow him to think he's safe for now ..... >: )

I think weirdly at late hours... just... ignore me >_>

"Right.." She put her hand to her chin, a thoughtful look on her face.

She finally pulled it away, looking right at Ryan. "If you don't feel comfortable holed up in this room, you can head back a little ways and stand guard there. I'll stay here, since the only way into this room is the way we came. They'd have to get through you first."

God... That's sounds like I'm using him as a sort of... shield... Hope he doesn't take it wrong...

Tor

12-04-2003, 04:02 AM

-Yeah... I saw a place where I can take them by suprise just before you draged me away, but I think there are similiar places close too so... let the games begin

His stern face suddenly became a joyfull grinn. Hmm I hope she don't think that I'll be her shield or something now, shit, I will ont die so easely, I've been in worse situations, but didn't have a smal arsenal on me then, hmm ok lets hope they don't come then. He walks out of the room and sees a hole in the sealing that he should manage to fit inside.

-Ah there I knew there was more of them

He jumps up and climbs inside the hole making his rifle ready to take down any intruders.

LilWhiteMage

12-04-2003, 04:24 AM

As Ryan left, Stephanie leaned back against the wall again. Her eyes moved to stare up at the ceiling as her hand strayed from her side and into her jacket.

Never would have figured this would have gone this far.

Her fingers traced the outline of the gun in the vest. She shut her eyes, grabbing hold of the gun and pulling it out. She squeezed the handle of it as she placed the flat top of the barrel against her forehead.

Why did it have to come to this?

A light sigh escaped her lips as her eyes opened again, dropping the gun to her side. There was a quiet click as she flicked the safety off, being ready for anything from this moment on.

Tor

12-04-2003, 05:13 AM

Trying to see how much space there was inside his hiding spot inside the roof he started to move a bit, it seemed to be about 20' long and 10' wide

-Hmm wonder what it is used for?

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 05:46 AM

OOC: Ive taken a look at my pic and decided that it would look better as a B/W pencil sketch. So I guess you'll all have to wait till tomorrow to see it. by the way LWM don't you be stealing my ninja minions!

Tor

12-04-2003, 05:59 AM

[ooc] poop sticks lemme see the scetch then

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 07:07 AM

OOC: you will see it tomorrow cos thats the only time I can use the scanner without hassle

Tor

12-04-2003, 07:10 AM

[ooc]
ok

GatoFiero

12-04-2003, 01:58 PM

Tenjin: "While I'm honored by your need to preserve my life..um, I really don't need anything, my sword has carried me through situations ten times worse than this could ever be." *smiles* "Plus, I have the odd trick or two up my sleeve."

Gerek winces at the use of contractions. And begins rummaging around in a nearby locker.

Gerek: It certainly shows that your clan has been living among free birth for so long. You would best watch out using contractions, here they are views as obscenities." *gerek turns to see an odd expression on Tenjin's face*it is because if you use contractions your viewed as lazy. Although i doubt we will have much problems where we are going. But if you were on Strana you would have stood out like a sore thumb." Gerek suddenly jumps up* "Hell yes! I found it!"

Isis puts a hand on her forehead, "Oh God no, I hope that is not what i think it is."

Gerek brandishes an unusual looking gun triumphantly. “You thought you could hide little buster from me! But i still found him!”

Little Buster: http://hometown.aol.com/nichol901/images/caster.jpg [OOC] that's right, it's a Caster. Mass destruction packed into a tiny package. One of my favorite sci-fi guns of all time. [OOC]

Isis: *sigh* I guess next time we should try to hide it better.

Gerek: Bah, I am keeping this baby with me from now on. You are not going to get your grubby little hands on it....or clamps in Isis AI's case. Now, get finding your equipment. We do not have much time.

Isis began to rummage through the armory while mentally reviewing texts on weapon specs and evaluations. In the end she decided to go with a set of protective armor designed to go under clothing, 3 fusion pistols (just in case one broke), and a few flash bangs. All of this she hid under a large overcoat. I want to be nice and light just in case i have to run. Taking an armored coat would have weighed me down, and powerguns, although packing a punch, are too heavy with their iridium barrels.

Gerek on the other hand knew exactly what was in the room and what he could use. Hey Tenjin, have you ever heard of devices capable of creating a pocket dimension? Well you see, this coat *holds up a normal looking coat* uses that technology.

Tenjin was shocked, I thought CSW was the only clan with that technology. If they have developed a coat which can transport it's user into a pocket dimension then we might need to re-evaluate our position.

Gerek: You see, this coat works sort of like a bag of holding.

...wtf is a bag of holding?! thought Tenjin, But by the sounds of it they took the technology in a different direction than we did.

Gerek: It's inner pockets are, ironically enough, doorways to pocket dimensions. That allows for quite a bit of storage capacity. Too bad more of these coats were not made. They discontinued them because they were more dangerous to produce than the benefits they gave. Most clan research into pocket dimensions has pretty much been halted, and the resources diverted to other projects. But it is still a nice coat. *shoves the caster, several boxes of shells, a palm powergun, a bandoleer of various grenades, some C8, remote detonators, a pair of optic enhancers (binocular/night vision), managed to somehow fit a sub machine gun in, several knifes, and garrote cord into the coat.*

Upon attempting to fit in a missile launcher, Isis speaks up, "Why not just take the kitchen sink with you while you are at it? You planning on fighting a war that your not telling us about?

Gerek: I just want to be prepared for any contingency.

Isis mutters, more like prepared for a contingent of infantry.

*beep**beep**beep*

All three look toward the nearest display panel.

Tenjin: It appears we are on final approach, it would be best if we headed back to the cockpit.

Gerek looked with apprehension at the missile launcher. *sigh* I guess what i already have in the coat will do.

All three made their way back to the cockpit for the landing.

VeritasHertz

12-04-2003, 03:07 PM

Hope you don't mind if I join the fun. I've read all on pt.3 and a bit from pt.1 so I think I have a general grasp of the universe type you guys are playing.

Latmov exited the demolished ship. His overcoat had a huge tear in it, his pistol had sand in it, his brown hair had sand it... come to think of it, this whole desert and everything in contact with it had sand all over it. Latmov hated sand, almost as much as he hated Ralk. Rat bastard owed him money. He had been traveling for weeks with Ralk. Ralk new some clanners here and said he could get some money off of some old friends. Latmov still didn't know why he believed him. All throughout the trip they were at each others's throats. Ofcoarse, the crash kinda killed Ralk... Latmov was lucky to survive. Latmov sat on a rock in this god forsaken wasteland, pulled out his zippo, lit a cigarette, and took a long deep drag..

Latmov-"I still can't believe that idiot..."

Flashback
Latmov-"Ralk what the hell are you doing!"
Ralk-"Shut UP Latmov! I can pilot through an energy storm it's no big deal! I just need to be able to concentrate that's all."
Latmov-"No Ralk you can't do it, yo- WTF! You aren't even paying attention to the scopes, what the hell do you think your doing, your going to get us killed! Get out of that pilot seat! I'll fucking fly this thing!"
*A bolt of energy hits the hull*
Comp-"POWER GRIDS 1 THROUGH 3 ARE DOWN, ROUTING EMERGENCY POWER TO THRUSTERS"
Latmov-"RALK YOU IDIOT!!!"
End of Flashback

Latmov-"And then we flew like a rock and plummeted into the sand."

Latmov looked around 360 degrees.

Latmov-"And I'm stuck in a god damn desert... I don't even know which way civilization is..."

He started walking east... absolutely nothing wrong with east.

Latmov-"I just hope I kind find a bar, I need to forget a couple bad memories."

Neverwhere

12-04-2003, 03:29 PM

ROCK! Fresh blood! WOOT!

The ship slowly began reentry into the atmosphere of the planet, but the heat was repelled by the deflectors. As reentry is completed, the barren landscape comes into view. Xypher pilots the ship towards a set of mountains.

See it Virgil? Over there, in the mountains. No? chuckles I thought not. Here, let me show you.

The ship skims the ground at blinding speeds, only to halt in front of one of the mountains. Xypher presses a few keys on the board, and the ground beneath them beings to open up. The ship slowly disappears into the ground. Xypher beckons for Virgil to follow him, then decends down the ladder.

Shena, hardlite form.

*Shena*Bossy are we? Fine, give me a second to finish post-flight checklist. . . . done. Xypher, you push that ship too hard. Its not exactly brand new.

Yeah, but it works.

*Shena*Correct. Let me go fetch the other humans who have hidden themselves inside of the ship for some reason or another... One is being quite intrusive I might add.

With that she turns, and disappears back into the ship.

So Virgil, what do you think?

Dante

12-04-2003, 04:38 PM

Virgil raised an eyebrow when he saw the concealed entrance to Xypher's base. For a moment, he considered the logistics of the place, then put it out of his mind. He didn't believe in looking a gift horse in the mouth.

"Not bad... Nobody's going to find us like this."

He followed the Darleth down inside the concealed hangar, and he was suprised by how large it was. Easily the size of a football field and half as tall as one inside, Virgil remarked to himself that this place could house a squadron of VTOL fighters with room to spare.

Then the Darleth broke his train of thought.

"So Virgil, what do you think?"

Virgil answered absently, eyes racing to take in all the details of the place.

"Impressive. Most... impressive."

He turned to Xypher, then remembered the alien's conversation with Shena.

"Now what have Ryan and Stephanie gotten themselves into now?"

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 04:58 PM

OOC: DAMMIT!! the image is too big for me to post it! I'll need to find another way. any suggestions?

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 05:21 PM

OOC: OK I had to do some severe cropping to get the image at a state where I could post it. If you want the full image I'll probably have to send it to you via AIM or MSN. In the mean time this is as good as the forum will allow *sniff*.

LilWhiteMage

12-04-2003, 05:25 PM

I've had that problem trying to put stuff on here... If you have another page you can put it one (like I know AOL Hometown gives you free web space to put stuff on) and if all else fails you can always take it to an editing program and shrink it. That's what I had to do with one of the larger pics I've posted on here. Hope that helps, cause I'd love to see your pic ^^

She braced herself a bit as the ship landed. "We're here..."

Stephanie continued to stand there in the room for a minute, but quickly got... well, bored to say the least... and made her way out of the small room and back through the pathway.

She stepped out into the main hallway finally, sticking her head out to make sure it was alright first, then stepped out and began to walk quietly through the halls.

That looks good ^-^ (what I can see of it) Hopefully you can do some of the stuff I suggested to possibly get it all on there.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-04-2003, 05:40 PM

OOC: BOOYA! now behold Tenjin in all his completness!

Tor

12-05-2003, 06:23 AM

Still lying in his litle roof room (strange word?) he sees Steph walking into the hall way

-Hey... thought you were trying to stay hidden, and how am I going to protect you if I can't protect the hall to where you hide?

Sticks his head out of the hole and grins twards Steph

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-05-2003, 07:24 AM

Tenjin feels the Windrunner touchdown with a light thud, A million thoughts and variables rushing through his head at a blistering pace. He places a hand on the hilt of his sword and thinks and now we let fate take control of the situation. He turns to Gerek " I hope you are ready, If there are people out there the situation will get very ugly very quickly" Tenjin watches as the landing ramp decends "and so it begins"

Dante

12-05-2003, 11:45 AM

VERY LONG POST ALERT!

YOU WILL KILL VENEDICT.

Danae (http://www.gamegen.com/fightgen/characters/annie-ratd.gif) snapped her eyes open as the command roared through her head like silent thunder. She was curled up in the corner of a sparsely furnished room. There was only one adornment on the walls of this cell, a wallscroll adjacent to the entrance, and she was beneath it.

The last command... Again... He must be close...

She failed to suppress a blood-thirsty grin as she imagined her nails tearing Venedict's beating, bloody heart from his chest and crushing it before his eyes just as he died, like the many before him had.

Wouldn't that be glorious? To watch the life leave him as you held him in your arms, to feel-

A knock on the metal door intruded upon Danae's reverie, and a muffled voice called out through the bulkhead.

Damn idiot. For professionals their sense of timing is pathetic.

She walked to the door and opened it, revealing the gigantic figure of Piotr Mikhail, a ronin clanner who had found money a greater motivation than honor. Although the big man was half again as tall as the seemingly harmless girl, he was fully aware of what she could do.

"Danae. We've gotten her to talk. Would you like to speak to her?"

She glared up at Piotr, and the grimace on her face became a grin as she let her teeth show.

"Yes. Take me to her."

They made their way through the innards of the building, walking side by side. Piotr, trying to break the uneasy air, continued talking as they went down the unlit corridors.

"We intercepted a number of burst transmissions from Clan space. Yang managed to decode them. Something about travelling with a pair of freebirth toads and and a Darleth. Do you think he told them?"

"Most likely. Venedict was always out of control, never following instructions, always resisting authority. We'll have to kill those three as well, then."

They turned another corner, and then they were faced with a large door with a wheel handle. Piotr grabbed it with both hands and twisted the lock open, then swung the door open. Danae entered the room, where Rath lay on a cot, her clothing in shreds. She had been beaten badly, and there was no doubt that Piotr and the other interrogator Miki had indulged themselves. Eyes shining in the dim light, Danae stalked over to the half-conscious woman and held the latter's chin with two fingers. The eyes were glazed, and there were dark rings under them. Danae let the head go, then grabbed a large handful of the woman's black hair which had been stained with wax and sweat.

"Wake up, bitch."

Danae jerked the handful, eliciting a muffled groan from her captive. The woman's eyes were unfocused, wandering over the room, but then they fixed on the face of a young girl... and behind that, Piotr.

Her eyes widened, and she began scuttling backwards from her tormentor of her past three days. She had been snatched - and oh so quickly when she had come back to check the messages he had sent her. She'd seen Kai on the ground, dead as a doornail, and then she had been knocked out from behind. While she was out, she thought she was dead, and prayed fervently to God that she wasn't. When she regained consciousness in this place, she began to wish that she had really died.

For three days, this giant of a man, Piotr and his assistant Miki had tortured her, with pliers, wax, batteries... she shuddered at the memory of their electric kiss. Always, the question had been the same - "Where is he?" At first she'd tried to resist, trying to remember what he had taught her, not to think about the pain, but about something else. Miki and Piotr had cured her of that notion quickly enough, and by the third day she broke and told everything. The bar incident. The unexpected involvement. The coded transmissions from aboard the ship. Everything.

The same thing she was burbling to Danae now.

"Please... please don't hurt me any more..."

Danae looked down at the snivelling woman. You'd think that she'd be tougher, given her name. Of course not. Regular humans were weak. Pathetic. Apply a little pain or pleasure and they'd do anything.

Don't hurt me any more...? No problem. I won't *just* hurt you...

Danae looked back down into Rath's quivering eyes.

"Answer a question and the pain will stop. Where exactly is Venedict headed?"

"I - I don't know..."

Danae picked up on the shift. Her grin widened.

"Wrong answer, Rath."

Saying so, Danae took one of Rath's fingers, extended it fully... then snapped it back hard, precisely the opposite way it was supposed to bend. There was a double ca-rack! and then Rath screamed, clutching her wounded hand ina futile effort to make the pain stop.

"Shut up. I'll ask you again. Where is he headed?"

In between sobs, Rath managed to gasp out an answer, "S-Strana M-m-mechty Prime..."

YOU WILL KILL VENEDICT.

Danae suddenly went rigid, and her eyes narrowed.

"That's all I wanted to hear."

She clapped a hand over Rath's throat, flipped her onto her chest with one motion and drove a long, sharp needle into the base of Rath's skull, twisting it around inside to ensure that the woman died. When Danae finally removed her hand, a long thin strand of bloody drool linking it to the dead woman's mouth, Rath was very, very still.

Danae wiped her hand on Piotr's pant leg as passed him. Then , when she was about to leave the room, she stopped and spoke without turning around.

"Clean that mess up. Have some men at the spaceport."

"It will be done, Danae."

"Don't forget the departure gates as well."

"What?" the big man asked, incredulous.

"The departure gates." Danae said as she inspected her nails. They shone a metallic grey and had filed, sharpened points.

"Venedict is a cunning one. It's much harder to get out of the spaceport via the departure gates, and they're on the other side of the spaceport from the arrivals. Therefore, he'll leave from there and take a shuttle back to the city. He knows how to stalk a crowd, and he blends in better than me. But his coat will stay the same. You'll know what to look for. Have someone bump into him if you're not sure. Those plates can't be concealed from a physical search."

"Certainly, Danae. I'll let them know immediately."

Then Danae left, and when she did Piotr breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't sure how much of her brutality he could take. She looked little more than a 14-year old girl but he wouldn't dare think of himself as being able to beat her. Danae was a mystery, a dangerous one, and Piotr looked forward to the day when they could finally part ways.

As Danae walked back along the shadowed halls, her grin reflected stray sunlight that had made its way through poorly placed boards on the windows, making her look something like a cheshire cat in the darkness.

"At last... I've found him after all these years..."

YOU WILL KILL VENEDICT.

She chuckled.

"Oh yes, I will..."

She walked past her room and glanced at the wallscroll. Her grin grew all the wider as she saw the face of the man she had hunted for the past five years.

Virgil.

GatoFiero

12-05-2003, 12:55 PM

^^you link doesn't work, here's the picture he was trying to post.

http://www.gamegen.com/fightgen/characters/annie-ratd.gif

Dante

12-05-2003, 01:00 PM

Gah! Knew I should have uploaded the damn thing. Thnks, gato.

LilWhiteMage

12-05-2003, 02:14 PM

*is now... REALLY scared of Danae* Please don't let me run into her, please don't let me run into her...

Stephanie stopped in her tracks as she suddenly heard a voice above her, slowly turning around and looking up. She blinked a couple of times in disbelief that Ryan had actually managed to get himself up into such a tight space in the ships innards, but that disbelief turned into a bit of a stiffled giggle.

"So that's where you went..." She smiled back up at him. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to put a serious face back on.

"I was just going out to make sure that the landing went okay, then come right back to where I was hiding. Promise."

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-06-2003, 06:35 AM

OOC: but it would be interesting to see what happens if you do...

Dante

12-06-2003, 06:43 AM

OOC: If Danae finds out Stephanie is connected to Virgil, she'll mail him a body part every day until he confronts her. She's sadistic, intelligent and dangerous (I loved Virtuosity...)

But I'll try not to let Danae meet up with Steph. Wouldn't be... nice.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-06-2003, 07:42 AM

OOC: OOH OOH we could also say that one of the goons shes hanging around with happens to be the Excommunicated Shadow Wraith that killed Tenjin's Sensei. Needless to say there would be one kickass battle between those two!

GatoFiero

12-06-2003, 02:48 PM

It was an unusual town to say the least. As the group made their way from the dropship they saw a myriad of buildings stacked up against one another in a haphazard fashion. It seemed to Isis's eyes that they were randomly thrown together. Gerek thought about how hard it would be to take such a city by force.

Gerek turned to Isis as the walked into the city, "You have a map in your database, where are we meeting?"

Isis nodded down one of the large side streets, "that way 3 km. Take a right, go for 600 meters. Building on the left. That's where the coords point to."

<<insert animated chibi versions of the characters walking here>>

Gerek expressed his disgust as they entered the building. A tavern, why did it have to be a tavern? Is there some sort of rule where all shady dealings had to take place in a bar or tavern?

The trio went to a table that allowed them a view of the entrance of the bar and sat down.

VeritasHertz

12-06-2003, 09:16 PM

Latmov had been walking for roughly 13 hours. The sand was beginning to get to him and the only thing that kept him company was the rambling of his own mind.

Latmov-"Latmov, why the hell did you agree to come here? Granted if I had let Ralk go on his own, I never would have seen him again. Then again, that wouldn't be so bad. The money wasn't worth it at all."

It was too late for 'what ifs' now. What was more disconcerning was the hazy shape on the horizon. Latmov noticed mountains in this direction, but something was headed this way, pretty fast too.

Latmov cleared the sand out of his pistol, a habit he had gained about 8 hours ago to keep him from thinking about depressing thoughts. Soon after the pistol was cleaned, he put the gun in a holster in the inseam of his coat.

A small hovercraft was approaching. Latmov was hoping he would have the opportunity to be greatful for their kindness, but he knew that it was just as likely he would have to kill the both of them for the hovercraft.

There were two men inside, clanners naturally, they started making their usual accusations, with complimentary death threats as soon as they stopped about 12 feet away from Latmov.

"Hold it right there! Who are you and what are you doing here?!"

"Ignorant pricks," Latmov thought to himself.

Latmov stretched slightly, noting that their guns followed the movements of his body, "Well my name is Latmov, and I crashlanded in this desert. My friend- urrr, the man I was traveling with was killed in the crash. Mind giving me a lift to some, you know, civilization?"

Latmov's pleas were ill received, "We had reports of two ships coming in, you're not telling the whole truth to us are you?"

At this point Latmov reasoned that negotiations had broken down, plus they were standing in the path between him and his much need drink.

Without further hesitation, Latmov pulled out his gun in perfect harmony of the leap toward the vehicle. As he rolled forward through the sand, kicking up enough to slightly distract the two shortsighted clanners, he fired two shots. One into each of the clanners's right hands. The bullets (as they were designed to do) then proceeded to send bolts of electricity through their body. The resulting short burst fire was so poorly aimed it gave Latmov time to jump onto the hood of the hovercraft and hit them with the barrels of their own guns.

Latmov kicked the unconscious bodies off of his newly annexed hovercraft and began speeding toward the mountains again.

"Wow, that felt surprisingly good. Bloodshed always requires a cigarette afterwards."

As he flew across the desert sand, Latmov loaded his clip with two more designer bullets and took a drag off of his "after-bloodshed" cigarette.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-06-2003, 10:45 PM

Tenjin stopped dead in his tracks "I need to find some more normal clothing, unless I am truely mistaken stealth suits are not the current fashion. I will meet you back here in 10 minutes" With that leaps up the side of a building and proceeds down the street via the rooftops. Exactly 10 minutes later, Tenjin wanders through the front door of the tavern wearing a very sharp suit and carring a smallish sports bag. He sits down at the same table as Gerek and Isis "so what have I missed?"

Tor

12-08-2003, 05:02 AM

Laughing childishly, then jumping head first down from the hole doing half a flip before landing on his feet

-Ok, but I'll join ya, I have to talk a bit with Virgil

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 10:54 AM

*is still quite afraid of Danae... doesn't WANT to end up being mailed in pieces to Virgil* @-@;

Stephanie gave a nod. "Alright then, let's go try to find them then." She led the way back through the halls, glancing back to Ryan. "They might have already left."

Dante

12-08-2003, 11:20 AM

He frowned as the dial tone of the comlink rolled over into the engaged tone after a minute of ringing.

Damn. What the hell is wrong with Rath? She should have answered by now.

Then the old fear crept up his spine, like a spider of ice leaving a frozen trail as it crawled towards his head.

No. Not Danae. It couldn't be. Not so soon. How could she have known?

"Unless Makae was the set-up... It would be just like her to use a girl who looked like Claire as bait. And Rath... Danae must have thought that she knew something about me..."

Virgil came down the landing ramp, and as he did he turned to look at Stephanie. He sighed and shook his head.

No. It will never work out. She can't be seen with me.

He walked up to Stephanie. He took a moment to compose himself, then he spoke.

"Stephanie, I don't know how to tell you this, but... once we enter the city, we cannot be seen together. It's a long story, but let's just say that very bad people are after me... and they've just caught my trail. I don't want you to get hurt, so please... for your sake, stay away from me. Otherwise, I cannot assure your safety."

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 12:27 PM

Stephanie finally came to where the ramp was, seeing Virgil already out. "There's Virgil.." She smiled and waved a bit as he started to head towards her.

"Stephanie, I don't know how to tell you this, but... once we enter the city, we cannot be seen together. It's a long story, but let's just say that very bad people are after me... and they've just caught my trail. I don't want you to get hurt, so please... for your sake, stay away from me. Otherwise, I cannot assure your safety."

She stopped, quirking a brow for a moment, then looked down. "Oh... I .. suppose I understand. I mean, if it's dangerous for me to be around you, then... I'll just likely hang around here with Ryan." She quickly looked up. "Oh, that's right.. Ryan wanted to talk to you for a moment..."

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 05:27 PM

Tenjin was becoming increasingly agitated, He did not like staying in one place for long periods of time, especially in public. Only God knows what kind of people would be looking to start something here. When the hell is this contact getting here? And by the Wraith Of Shadows why did he have to pick a bar?! AND WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING HIM SO LONG?! Tenjin let out an exasperated sigh and sat back in his chair. I guess I should be more patient I mean I have had to wait longer than this, waaaaaaay longer but something feels strangely awry. Like someone is watching... He studied the faces in the bar and then looked expectantly towards the door. Hurry up whoever you are my patience it wearing thin

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 06:16 PM

http://imageshack.us/images12/chu.jpg

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 06:39 PM

Behold the sign of infinite wisdom! BTW we have been posting. Look up a bit and you will see.

Dante

12-08-2003, 08:43 PM

Neverwhere's probably just bored... And besides, we do post a little...

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 09:58 PM

Yea i know, i was just bored and wanted to post that nifty pic i made. Hell, here's another one:
http://imageshack.us/images12/chsign.jpg

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 10:07 PM

OOC: mwhahaha. That sign could bring out the evil in anyone. Now then lets get back to it people.

Dante

12-08-2003, 10:07 PM

All I can say is...
EAT L33T!
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/496467/l33t_cereal.jpg

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 10:10 PM

OOC: mmmm carconegenic

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 10:23 PM

OOC: mwhahaha. That sign could bring out the evil in anyone. Now then lets get back to it people.

http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/hijackharrisonford-mr_brett.jpg

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 10:25 PM

Waiiiiiii *drool* @-@

*looks away* must... return... to rp....

Dante

12-08-2003, 10:27 PM

OOC: Seriously, though, how are the two groups going to link up? Gato and Tenjin are at one place, Tor, NeverWhere, LWM and I are on another, plus there's a new guy called VeritasHertz who just joined.

Any ideas, peeps?

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 10:29 PM

Well, it seems to me that ya'll were meant to meet up at the bar to discuss things... perhaps ya'll go there... dunno where I'm gonna go though ._.

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 10:33 PM

[OOC] Just fast foward. Next post one of you makes be about your group walking through the town and into the bar or something.
and here's another pic:
http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/kittensniper.jpeg
you best hurry up and get back on track, i've got alot of pictures....and a sniper rifle.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 10:36 PM

What the current President of the United States would be thinking in this situation...

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 10:45 PM

[Ok...still OOC]
Kyaaaaaa!!! Kitteh!!! *huggles teh cuuuuuuuuuute little kitteh, even though it is holding a sniper rifle* ^____^

Okay, but that still leads to the question as to where I'm supposed to go.. I'm not supposed to tag along due to... eh... other girl problems >_>

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 10:48 PM

http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/Onioninfoabbreviations.jpg

http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/owneddogiinmicrowave.jpg
That's what I think of dogs!

http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/angrykitty.jpg
rawr!

Edit - Disguise yourself or make him disguise himself, or make him go off some place or stay with the ship.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 10:48 PM

OOC: ish called being sneeky just follow them without being seen

Dante

12-08-2003, 11:01 PM

Sees above pics...

http://www.runicsoft.com/images/forumpics/lmao.jpg

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 11:02 PM

[OOC]

Hmm.. now to just wait for them to go *hinthints at Dante* ^^;

Dante

12-08-2003, 11:09 PM

OOC: OK, OK, I'll get to it... Wonder what Mashirosen, Rai and shiney will say when they see all this...

http://www.runicsoft.com/images/forumpics/neo_howcouldyou.jpg

LilWhiteMage

12-08-2003, 11:11 PM

[OOC]

*prays for forgiveness?*

Mrrr... >_>

Well, let's make up for it by getting back on with this show ^^;

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 11:15 PM

OOC think death via papercut

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 11:18 PM

http://www.student.smsu.edu/s/san232s/hardfunnypics/portablecomputer-Jnex26.jpg

Edit - Previous picture was removed for being too mean. Now i have to take out the trash. Time to get my mobile pc.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-08-2003, 11:30 PM

: I remember seeing that one. God knows what would happen if the wood supports broke. Aaaaaaaanyway lets get back to it

Tenjin glanced around the bar once more. This time a familiar face appeared No! That cannot be him. Hes dead! Tenjin watched as the face of his masters killer vanished into the shadows Kojiro you bastard. I WILL find you and this time I will see you die! He snapped back to reality and looked at Gerek "still no show regards your contact I see. He had better hurry up, I do not like to be kept waiting" Tenjin sits back in his chair and waits some more.

GatoFiero

12-08-2003, 11:35 PM

OOC: I remember seeing that one. God knows what would happen if the wood supports broke.

http://imageshack.us/images13/csign.jpg

Dante

12-08-2003, 11:50 PM

OOC: Right...

Just as he was about to leave, Virgil turned back to Stephanie.

"I'll be going now. Tell Xypher that I'm grateful for his help, but this is one fight he doesn't need to be involved in. And..."

He brushed a strand of stray her away from in front of her face.

"... Be careful."

Then he turned and faded into the shadows. As he did, he dialled Rath's number.

Time to put an end to this.

LilWhiteMage

12-09-2003, 12:07 AM

Stephanie just watched silently as he walked away, the hair he had moved away falling back down. "But..."

Why did she suddenly feel so...

Abandoned. That's what that feeling is.

She shook her head a little. That wasn't what she was so.. confused about. She had been abandoned by just about everyone else. Why should she feel any different when this man she hardly knew just left her? After all, she had the other two to protect her.

I couldn't...

Before she could think anymore, she suddenly found herself walking in the direction he had left in, almost as though she were in a trance, ignoring everything else around her for once in the past few days.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-09-2003, 01:23 AM

Tenjin was about ready to leave. He could understand the that he had agreed to tag along but this was getting rediculous. He turns to Gerek "Has this contact of yours heard of punctuality? Or does he need a "reminder" from me?" Tenjin orded another cup of coffee and continued to wait.

GatoFiero

12-09-2003, 01:34 AM

Tenjin: "So what have I missed?"

Gerek let out a sigh of relief, "It is about time you returned, I have been having quite a time keeping Isis from going on a drinking binge.”

Isis: “Hey!”

Gerek: “She seems to want to drink some alcohol. I, of course, wont let here because it is likely, considering past evidence, that she will go on a binge. But as you can see," Gerek displays his arm for Tenjin to see. It appears to have been bitten at least a half dozen times, "she seems to have other ideas."

Isis: "I just want to try some...for scientific purposes, and I wont go on a binge! Just one, I can quit after just one!”

Gerek, stands up and pushes Isis next to Tenjin. "It is your turn to keep a hold of her. I need to go get some ice for my arm. Oh yes, watch out, she has quite a bite...and do not let her try to lick the spilt alchol off the table. She has already tried it once."

Gerek goes to the bar to ask for some ice. While Gerek is at the bar Isis eyes Tenjin and considers whether or not to try anything. But she eventually discards the concept after seeing the no-nonsense look on Tenjin's face. I better just stick to messing with Gerek for now.

Tenjin: "Has this contact of yours heard of punctuality? Or does he need a "reminder" from me?" Tenjin orded another cup of coffee and continued to wait.

Edit - *peers at above post* Ah hell, wait a tic, lets just say he's talking to Isis. Or something....there, i hope that patches together half decently.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-09-2003, 02:02 AM

OOC: well enough for me

Tor

12-09-2003, 02:22 AM

Watching Virgil leave he glances over to Steph

-What is it Steph? It seems that you are about to cry...

LilWhiteMage

12-09-2003, 02:40 AM

"What is it Steph? It seems that you are about to cry..."

Hearing Ryan's voice, she snapped out of it, stopping in her tracks. "I...." She turned her head to look back at Ryan.

Had she been crying? She lifted her hand up to her eyes, the tips of her fingers getting just a little wet.

Stephanie quickly turned her head back around so he couldn't see. "It's... just something in my eyes."

A lie.

I shouldn't be feeling like this... It's.. not right.

Tenjin Matsukaru

12-09-2003, 02:47 AM

Tenjin looked over at Isis who gave a rather harsh glare in return. It seemed as though the telekinetic barriers were keeping her at bay though he was slowly loosing focus. "would you mind settling down? You would make this whole debarkle a lot easier on the both of us" Isis considers it for a moment bofore going back to finding a way out. Tenjin lets out an exasperated sigh "what have I gotten myself into?"

Dante

12-09-2003, 04:03 AM

Piotr and Danae were cruising down the streets of Strana Mechty. Yang, the oddly named Asian, was driving the vehicle. Looking down at her PDA, she spoke without turning to look at her lieutenant.

"You say that there was no trace of Virgil at the spaceport?"

The big Russian cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck. The sound from both was barely distinguishable.

"No. Every exit was watched. Nobody fitting the description you gave was encountered. I doubt that he ever- "

Danae interrupted him. " Save it. I know. He didn't come in by the spaceport."

"How would you know that?"

"Look at this." She lifted the PDA to her lieutenant's face, and Piotr took it from her.

"Rath's comlink received three calls in the past 15 minutes. It was on silent mode and in my bag, so I didn't feel it, but when I did, I noticed that they were from Virgil. I had Miki do a trace, and while it wasn't long enough to pinpoint the exact location, it's virtually guaranteed that he's on the planet, but outside the city."

"Got it. I'll have my men watch the city gates."

"Good. Take me to-"

Just then, Rath's comlink began vibrating. Instantly, Danae had it open and to her ears.

"Virgil?"

"Yes. Danae. You know I'm here, but what have you done with Rath?"

"Oh, her? She's still in our custody. If you want her back-"

"What do you mean, we? Who'd you hook up with?"

"It doesn't matter! Do you want her back or not?"

There was a short pause, and then Virgil spoke up again.

"Yes. What do you want?"

"Meet me at the Hotel Rendezvous tonight at 1930. Come alone. If I smell a rat, the dal's off. If you don't show up, the deal's off. If there is any word at all about this leaked to the authorities, the media, or anyone from the establishment, the deal's off. Do you know what happens when the deal's off?"

"No."

"It simply means you'll be getting pieces of her back every month in your safety deposit box with the Altair System Private Bank. An eye here, a hand there... Ooh, Virgil, have you f-"

"That's none of your goddamn business!"

<click>

Danae looked up at Piotr, her face flushed and slightly damp.

"Could you get your men to the hotel? I want to make sure he doesn't run away this time..."

"R...right. I'll recall them now."

Danae smiled in a kitten-like way that made her look almost angelic.

"Thank you, Piotr. I'd like that very much."

She squeezed his hand, and he recoiled inwardly despite the neutral expression on his face. One moment she was talking about dismembering a woman and mailing the pieces back, then acting like an innocent schoolgirl the next. He was both surprised and disgusted by the way she could change faces, like a spinning coin.

That girl makes me sick.

Then he picked up his handset and began issuing the necessary orders.

* * * * * *

Sasaki Kojiro reached into his coat the instant he felt the comlink's vibration. He tapped the "send" button and plugged in the earphones.

"Yeah, Piotr?"

"She's got him to meet her. Come down to Rendezvous now."

"Whatever for? She is deadly enough for an entire army of us."

"She just wants some security. Come down now."

Piotr's voice clicked off, and Kojiro was just about to put it back when it vibrated again. He opened it up, but instead of a call there was a text message.

"I did some digging, and it turns out the guy she wants dead is as dangerous as she is. We're probably going to end up as cannon fodder, so don't stick your neck out for nothing. I'd have told you over the line, but she's sitting beside me, and you know how bloody sharp her ears are. Good luck."

Kojiro let the cover slide shut, and then he ran his hand through his black hair.

As though one insane killer wasn't enough, now she's using us to block bullets from another mad murderer...

As he got up, he muttered silently to himself, "I am so damn fucked..."

Then he turned, and he locked eyes with Tenjin Masakaru. His fellow disciple. Tenjin saw Kojiro, and he too rose from his seat, the malice plainly evident in his eyes.

Kojiro groaned and immediately made a bee-line for the bar's exit.

"No, now I'm fucked...."

Tor

12-09-2003, 04:11 AM

-Take it easy Step, I know how it feels, right?

He had seen it al along, and he knew how it was, geting all emosional when not wanting to be it

-You are starting to feel emmosionalabout him, if its friendly or other I don't care, but you should not try to hide it from him... ok? Just a friendly advice...

He looked at Steph again

-Ok I'll shut up now

LilWhiteMage

12-09-2003, 04:26 AM

Stephanie stood there in silence for a few minutes, letting Ryan's words sink in. She had to make a decision here and now as to what she would do next.

She could either sit here and do nothing, waiting possibly only to be caught by some form of authority.

Or she could leave. Follow after Virgil most likely.

One way was just as risky as the other.

Her eyes slowly shut, and once again turned to face Ryan, her decision made.

"I'm going. You can follow me if you like. But I'm not going to keep myself cooped up in that ship waiting for them to find me." With that, she turned and took off running.

Liar... you know just want to be sure Virgil is going to be okay. There's no point in hiding that. Still, you'd be much safer back at the ship. What you ought to do once your out of sight is find the nearest ship and hightail it the hell out of here. She scolded herself over and over as she ran, staying more along the shadowy path.

I just have to know he's going to be okay though.

Tor

12-09-2003, 06:47 AM

"Shit he thought... Ok... Calm down this was not planned"

He started to follow Steph trough the dark alleys and roads

-Hey take it easy ok? Hmpfr I thought you where a spy, calm down and walk slowly and cassual now ok, no need to attract unwanted attention.

Dante

12-09-2003, 10:01 AM

Virgil squinted as he opened the doors to the outside world. The sun was a blinding contrast to the cool darkness of the corridors of Xypher's base.

He glanced at his watch. 1530. The warehouse was two hours from here.

Just enough time.

He descended a small flight of steps to a covered carpark. Most of the spaces were unoccupied, save three. They held an SUV and two motorcycles. He noted with irritation that the SUV used a DNA laser key system - his pocket myriad would be useless.

Damn. Don't have a Slim Jim, and bullet holes will attract too much attention to me when I go into town. It'll have to be the bikes, then.

Virgil walked towards a red racing bike. He reached into his pocket and withdrew the pocket myriad, which was actually more of a nanotech multitool than anything else. He switched the fluid injectors and scanning head on, then pointed it into the lock. The greyish-silver nanomechanicals ebbed and flowed, then they solidified into a key-head.

Here goes nothing...

He inserted the shaped head into the slot, turned it, and gunned the engine. To his relief, it gunned to life.

Excellent.

Then he noticed that the oil level was dangerously low. He checked the other bike. That one was empty too. Cursing his luck, he reluctantly switched the engine off, getting off the bike and looking for a shed or engine oil of some kind.

"A bloody waste of time..." he muttered under his breath. He had the feeling Stephanie wanted to follow him, and if she did, she could get caught in the crossfire.

Suddenly, Virgil felt like turning back. It would be so easy, to hide out in Xypher's base. He'd probably be able to run off to some resort world and spend the considerable sum he had accumulated in various off-system accounts. He might even be able to persuade Stephanie to run away with him too.

But then, the sight from that night flashed before his eyes. Claire, dead, crucified against the kitchen wall, her pale skin bleached a bone white by the full moon shining on her. And beside her, the note scrawled in blood - "I'm waiting, Virgil..."

No. This ends now. Living in fear isn't living - it's little more than a field mouse fleeing a hawk.

And besides, Virgil knew that his fate would be the same. He would run, but sooner or later, when he tired, he would be caught.

There was an added urgency to Virgil's movements as he ran down another flight of steps cut into the hillside.

LilWhiteMage

12-09-2003, 10:58 AM

Stephanie continued her quickened pace through the shadows.

If I don't hurry up...

She came bursting out of one of the alleyways, landing herself in the middle of an open area, with a group of clanners heading right towards her. Hell, now there wouldn't be any excuse for her not to get caught.

Stupid! Stupid stupid! Now look what you've gotten yourself into! As she stood frozen like a deer in the headlights and mentally scolded herself, she felt a firm hand placed on her shoulder, then quickly grasp and pull her back into the safety of the alley way.

She stood there now and watched as the clanners passed by, apparently having been so busy with their conversation they luckily hadn't noticed her.

"Hey take it easy ok? Hmpfr I thought you were a spy, calm down and walk slowly and casual now ok, no need to attract unwanted attention." She shook her head, turning around to see that it had been Ryan to pull her back to safety, and was now warning her not to try that kind of stunt again.

"I'm sorry... I just..." Her voice was just over a soft whisper. After a brief pause, she continued. "I won't do that again. I need to be more careful if I intend to make it to Virgil alive."

Her head peered out of the corner of the alleyway, seeing the clanners a good distance away now, still chatting between themselves. Being a little more careful now she made her way through the streets.

Now, if I were him, where would I be..?

I wish he was here.

Another one of those 'less than sane' thoughts she had been having as of late. It was the thoughts like these that were making her head so scatter-brained that she would run blindly into an open street with clanners heading directly towards her.

No more of that. I HAVE to concentrate if I'm going to find him at all.. much less survive getting to him through here.

Tor

12-09-2003, 11:23 AM

Looks down the alley where the Claners where

-Now listen Steph, we have changed our clothes but since Xypher didn't have any makeup we couldn't change our faces, so our best chance is to just walk cassualy as a married couple or friends... I don't know just act cassual alright?

VeritasHertz

12-09-2003, 02:12 PM

Holy crap you guys post a lot, note to self don't ever miss a single day of posting again! EVER! Seriously though, I'll try to post more, but I have finals this week so I can only do so much.

Latmov was enjoying the hot air being swept over his face as he glided onward. The desert isn't so bad once you get past the dying of thurst part of it, nevermind the trudging through it barefoot part of it.

Latmov had a smile on his face, the map database on the craft told him exactly where the nearest drink was, and it was minutes away to the east. East is always a good direction.

Latmov started passing by buildings as he entered town. The place was crawling with clanners. Luckily they paid little attention to one of their own vehicles.

As the hovercraft came to a stop Latmov sighed, "At last a fucking drink. Now I can get the taste of sand out of my mouth."

He stepped out of the hovercraft only to be stopped by a clanner, "What are you doing with a clan issued hovercraft?"

"Again with the questions... you people are so nosey," Latmov said under his breath.

The clanner picked up his standard issue assault weapon from his side, "What was that? ...Answer me!"

"I said I'm undercover ops, and I need a drink. Don't worry here let me show you my ID,"

As the clanner lowered his weapon in slight relief, Latmov reached into his coat and pulled out his pistol, "You people need to be more throughly screened for terminal stupidity," one shot entered the clanner's neck.

Latmov was slightly confused, however, because the residual shock treatment did not come into effect. He thought to himself for half a second, "shit."

Latmov dived through the window into the bar next to him as the designer bullet exploded, causing a chain reaction with the hovercraft fuel tanks and its ammunition stocks.

"I need to get a god damn label for those cases. God damnit!" Latmov looked at the bar patrons, who were, naturally, staring at him, "I suggest ducking, and somebody get me a drink!"