Wonderful World 2-3

---Session 2---

[21:17] <[NPC]Narrator> [Same day, same city, same bleak sun. Raymond heads to the entrance to the city with some of his new accompaniment while Dia's been sent to write a telegram.]
06[21:19] * Katherine plods along semi-reluctantly, not exactly ecstatic about being dragged into all of this.
[21:20] <Katherine> "Professor, I would just like to ask...just what is all of this about?"
06[21:22] * [Ora]Mia looks around with some semblence of Paranoia.. she's uneasy.
[21:22] <Katherine> "The soldiers, the secrecy...frankly, I'm inclined to believe this is just another remnant of the Great War.  That's not too bold to say, is it sir?"
01[21:23] <Raymond> Well, let's see. The city's been closed off since there's been a problem on the inside, and I'm being sent to investigate that. From what I know, I've been picked because I've... seen it before. Still... this isn't really a remnant of the war. It's... different? I'll let you see it for yourself once we go in.
06[21:25] * Katherine nods obediently, but is highly skeptical.  Political rhetoric and sugar-coating of the issues at hand, she believes.
03[21:25] * Sensei-Orange ([email protected]) has left #maidrpg
01[21:26] <Raymond> So... let's see. That intel officer said something about a steam car... should be around here somewhere. Anyone see anything?
[21:26] <[Ora]Mia> 14 A-ah... Raymond?...
01[21:26] <Raymond> Ah! Yes?
06[21:27] * Raymond turns, his earlier thoughts derailed.
06[21:27] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head softly..
[21:27] <[Ora]Mia> 14 N-never mind... I..I wasn't thinking right.. I thought I saw something..
06[21:28] * Ilsa consciously fights the urge to look over her shoulder every so often.
06[21:28] * Katherine looks blandly at Mia.  Jittery woman, isn't she?  She doesn't blame her; she's just as far out of her depth right now.  But no sense showing it to everyone.
[21:29] <[NPC]Narrator> [It's actually quite close by. Clearly a civilian vehicle, a rather large and silvery blue car sits with a soldier leaning on it. The man seems to be waiting, smoking a cigarette.]
06[21:31] * Raymond turns towards the vehicle, pulling out the first papers in the envelope he was given earlier.
01[21:33] <Raymond> Hm, this might be it. What do you think?
06[21:34] * Ilsa nods.
06[21:35] * [Ora]Mia simply nods to affirm.
01[21:35] <Raymond> Well, then, let's take a look.
06[21:36] * Katherine assumes it's a rhetorical question, and does nothing but observe the city.  Seems normal enough from this distance.  As normal as a military-blockaded city can be, at least.
06[21:36] * Raymond approaches the soldier standing by the vehicle, who looks up and smiles cordially.
[21:36] <[NPC]Soldier> Hello! What do you need?
01[21:39] <Raymond> Um, let's see... I'm here for this car, I think. Raymond Duvall.
06[21:39] * Katherine thinks of many relevant answers to that question, obviously saying none of them aloud.
06[21:40] * [NPC]Soldier nods enthusiastically, and hands Raymond a sheet of paper. His voice is rather cheery as he continues to speak.
[21:42] <[NPC]Soldier> So-o-o-o! Just give that a read. Let's see... oh, hm, others? Girls, are you accompanying him?
06[21:42] * Ilsa can't help but wonder why this one seems so chipper.
[21:43] <Katherine> "Yes, sir.  More or less."
[21:43] <Ilsa> Yes, that's correct.
06[21:43] * Ilsa glances at Katherine with a raised eyebrow. "More or less"?
06[21:45] * Katherine catches that eyebrow.  What?  She responds with a rather flat face.
06[21:46] * [Ora]Mia just stands back and lets the people do their job.
[21:47] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Yes...
[21:49] <Ilsa> Ahem... Miss, if you're having second thoughts, now would be the time to voice them.
06[21:52] * Katherine is not amused.  She narrows her eyes slightly in Ilsa's direction.
[21:53] <[NPC]Soldier> Hm~! Well, then, that should be all. It's strange to see people going in, so I'll tell you something now: the enemies are like people who've gone berserk, so focus on stopping them and killing them; otherwise they'll keep going. Besides, they jump up real funny if you shoot them right!
06[21:54] * Katherine holds her rebuttal until after the team is on their way.  The soldier seems to be giving instructions, after all.
06[21:55] * [Ora]Mia is not surprised at the Soldier's advice at all.
[21:55] <Katherine> "Sir, could you please clarify for me.  They are LIKE people who have gone berserk, or they ARE people who have gone berserk?  Is there a difference?"
[21:57] <[NPC]Soldier> Ah? They behave the same, but they're not quite people who're berserk. And, even then, you might have to consider your definition of people. Nobody really knows, anyway, but the only corcern for people like me is how much lead or iron it takes to kill one!
06[21:57] * [NPC]Soldier laughs enthusiastically.
06[21:58] * Katherine ponders that one for a moment.
06[21:58] * Ilsa just keeps looking forward. She doesn't say anything; bizarre as the soldier's advice was, raising concerns after -that- would make her look like a fool.
[21:58] <Katherine> "What about steel?"
[22:00] <[NPC]Soldier> You mean like, blades? Yeah, you can do that. Everyone has their own style, after all.
06[22:00] * Raymond takes a look over to the city, looking pensive and a little worried.
06[22:01] * Katherine regrets even asking the question, and looks somewhere else.  The definition of a person...?
06[22:01] * [Ora]Mia pats Raymond on the shoulder, and gives a weak thumbs up.
06[22:03] * Raymond gives a nervous smile, but still looks like something's bothering him.
[22:03] <Katherine> "Forgive my inquisitiveness, sir, but I would like to know why.  Why are these "not quite people" enemies of anyone?  Why is death the focus, and not capture?"
06[22:04] * Katherine asks simple questions to mask the bigger ones mounting inside of her.  This definitely isn't England anymore...not even close.
[22:05] <[Ora]Mia> 14 They're... dead...well. Kinda.
06[22:05] * Katherine turns to Mia.  What...?
[22:06] <Katherine> "Explain.  Obviously dead men are a threat to no one, save in politics I suppose."
[22:06] <[Ora]Mia> 14 L-like the soldier.. said. They're not.. us anymore.
06[22:07] * Ilsa is unable to keep her focus any longer, and turns towards Mia.
[22:07] <[NPC]Soldier> ...Well... I'm not supposed to tell civilians, but since you're going in I might as well go out with it. The enemies are people who have been affected by some sort of change in their biological construction, but last I heard it wasn't really understood. We call 'em... demonics, based on the changes that some of them undergo. The more dangerous ones, you see, have claws and stuff like that, but they're the minority. You'll get a better idea when you come across them.
[22:08] <[Ora]Mia> 15 Mom... dad.. I hope you're still alive, and not one of them...
06[22:08] * Katherine 's face grows more skeptical and serious with each sentence out of the man's mouth.
[22:10] <Katherine> "Ghost stories."
06[22:10] * Katherine says simply.
06[22:10] * [NPC]Soldier shrugs, smiling.
[22:11] <Katherine> "That's what this 'curse' is all about?  A fantasy come to life?"
06[22:12] * Katherine is very serious and direct.  There's no sarcasm here at all.
[22:12] <Ilsa> ... I'll... have to agree with Miss Katherine. Things like that can't possibly exist.
[22:13] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I-it's not a curse...
06[22:13] * Ilsa 's response sounds vaguely halfhearted. She covertly wipes a bead of sweat from her brow.
06[22:13] * Katherine turns to Ilsa immediately and glares with that flat face again.
[22:13] <[NPC]Soldier> I won't insist. But... fantasy is the wrong word, anyway.
[22:14] <[Ora]Mia> 14 It's an infection... I've seen some of them as my patients coming down.. I.. I have to.. put them down.
[22:14] <Katherine> "MIss...Ilsa, was it?  I did not say anything of existence or non-existence."
[22:14] <Katherine> "Please, do not misconstrue my words.  Feel free to correct my errors, but only if I make them."
06[22:15] * Ilsa doesn't return her glare, looking forward again.
01[22:17] <Raymond> It isn't fully understood. That's why I'm here.
06[22:17] * Katherine can't really make much of this.  A superstitious curse, or a biological infection, or some kind of demonic possession...clearly there's too many unknowns to believe or disbelieve anything yet.
[22:18] <[NPC]Soldier> In any case, I'll be heading back inside in a few hours so my work here seems done. Best of luck, I'll make sure to say hello if I see you!
06[22:18] * [NPC]Soldier swings his submachine gun over his shoulder and walks off with a spring in his step, whistling.
06[22:18] * Katherine watches the man leave, thinking to herself.
[22:19] <[Ora]Mia> 14 He's.. a little too happy about this.
01[22:19] <Raymond> Maybe it's his way of getting used to it.
[22:20] <Katherine> "I would be inclined to agree, except that I have very little information on what "this" is."
[22:21] <Katherine> "Then again, I suppose that's why we are here."
06[22:22] * Raymond reads over the sheet of paper that the soldier gave him.
06[22:24] * Katherine walks over to the car and unloads her duffel bag into it, finally getting some relief for her aching shoulder.
01[22:25] <Raymond> Perhaps... you would know better than I. Let's see here... Dear Director Duvall... steam car... center of the city... ah, here. Inventory includes... food stock, water purifier to be used in conjunction with the car's boiler, sheets, an automatic rifle for defense, radio, equipment for hygiene in all practical regards.
01[22:26] <Raymond> Best of luck... Signed, Jerry. P.S: With company like that, I hope you brought a camera.
06[22:26] * Raymond seems unamused, eyes half-closed.
06[22:27] * Katherine furrows her brow at that postscript.  She certainly hopes the Professor isn't going to take overt advantage of this gender ratio.
06[22:27] * Ilsa can't help but sigh.
06[22:27] * [Ora]Mia is suprised at the list, she smirks a little bit.
01[22:28] <Raymond> Well, alright. Has everyone got their stuff? Mia?
06[22:30] * [Ora]Mia nods.
[22:30] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I do.
06[22:30] * [Ora]Mia pulls out two .357 magnum with a handful of bullets.
[22:32] <Katherine> "Please tell me you're not planning to fire those at the same time, Miss Mia."
06[22:32] * Ilsa considers the list of what the inventory included. An 'automatic rifle'?  Was that a misprint? If not, they spared no expense in this operation.
[22:32] <Katherine> "The drop in accuracy from firing a revolver one-handed of that caliber is horrendous."
[22:34] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Have faith in me...
06[22:34] * [Ora]Mia holds her hand like a nun prayer to god.
06[22:34] * Katherine is not amused.
06[22:35] * Ilsa again glances at Katherine, this time in mild surprise. She hadn't expected her to have any knowledge of firearms.
06[22:35] * [Ora]Mia was not joking though.
[22:35] <Ilsa> ... Well then, I'll claim the rifle, if that's fine with you, Mr. Duvall.
01[22:38] <Raymond> Well, if you say so. I've prepared my own methods, so I have no objections.
[22:38] <Ilsa> ... And I don't think she'll be firing that quickly, Miss Katherine.
06[22:38] * [Ora]Mia hugs her guns like they were her life, with a simple warm smile.
06[22:38] * Ilsa 's stubbornness gets the better of her.
06[22:38] * Katherine is about to make a claim on the rifle as well, but holds back.  She's far more confident in her fencing skills than her marksmanship.
[22:39] <Katherine> "Let us have faith that she does not, then, Ilsa."
06[22:41] * [Ora]Mia 's expression changes to a more somber one and faces Katherine.
[22:41] <[Ora]Mia> 15 I'll show you.. Katherine.
06[22:43] * [Ora]Mia hops in the front seat.
06[22:44] * Ilsa pops the trunk. It's as she thought; an imported American gun. What was it doing here? Is it someone's personal weapon, requisitioned by the military? But Ilsa banishes these thoughts from her head, slinging the strap over her shoulder. She sits in back. Looks like she's stuck with the Englishwoman.
01[22:44] <Raymond> Ah, there's one thing I forgot to tell you three. There's someone I'll be visiting to see if I can find news of my sister, a close friend of hers- hates my guts, though. Hopefully you don't mind if I take such a detour? I don't know what the forces here might tell me or whether they'll find anything.
[22:44] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I.. don't mind.
06[22:45] * Katherine withdraws her rapier and a small composition book from her duffel before climbing in the back with Ilsa.
[22:46] <Katherine> "A detour implies I actually have strong feelings towards the speed of our journey, which I do not."
[22:46] <Katherine> "Therefore, no.  I have no objections."
[22:47] <Ilsa> I'm just tagging along. I've no right to object. 15,0And she couldn't be much worse than present company...
01[22:48] <Raymond> Alright, thanks. We've still got to wait for Dia, so I'll start the engine up meanwhile.
06[22:48] * Raymond proceeds to the engine compartment, opening up the hood and moving some things inside around.
06[22:49] * Katherine caught the tail end of that sentence.  Making enemies already, hmm...that's no good.  Better turn down the skepticism.
[22:52] <Katherine> "Ilsa."
[22:52] <Ilsa> ... Yes?
[22:53] <Katherine> "I...realize I can be hard to get along with.  I apologize for that.  I've taken to working alone most of my life so...this is an adjustment."
06[22:53] * [Ora]Mia sighs at the two..
[22:53] <Katherine> "Whatever we're doing here, I doubt holding grudges will help."
[22:54] <[Ora]Mia> 15 IF you two keep fighting like this, we're going to die painfully.
06[22:54] * Ilsa stares out the window and inhales deeply.
[22:55] <Ilsa> ...It's not your fault. I'm... not especially accustomed to dealing with other people in these situations.
[22:57] <Katherine> "Indeed.  I think this is going to be hard on all of us."
[22:58] <[NPC]Narrator> [An autogyro passes overhead, seemingly directed towards the inside of the city.]
[23:01] <[Ora]Mia> 14 What's.. that thing?
06[23:01] * [Ora]Mia points towards it.
06[23:02] * Katherine looks upwards.  Oh.  That's new.
[23:03] <Katherine> "I...honestly don't know.  An aeroplane of some sort, obviously, but...hmm..."
06[23:04] * Ilsa is busy examining her rifle. She runs her fingers lightly over the safety lever.
06[23:04] * Raymond closes the hood, looking up at it.
06[23:04] * Katherine places her hand lightly over Ilsa's as she comes close to the safety.
[23:05] <Katherine> "Be careful with that one."
[23:05] <Katherine> "Better to examine a firearm outside, I'd suggest.  Unless...is it loaded?"
06[23:06] * Ilsa angrily opens her mouth to protest before turning impassive again.
06[23:06] * [Ora]Mia takes a quick glance at the gun.
[23:06] <[Ora]Mia> 14 It's not loaded.
06[23:07] * Katherine backs away.  Overstepped her bounds, there...bugger.
06[23:08] * Katherine retreats into her composition book, bringing out a stubby pencil from her jacket pocket and beginning to write.
[23:08] <Katherine> "My apologies."
[23:08] <Ilsa> ... Yes, the gun is unloaded. And I wasn't going to do anything rash. I was just looking at the firing mode mechanism.
01[23:12] <Raymond> 14Now, is there anything besides that...
01[23:13] <Raymond> Ah, damn. Dia still has all my books.
06[23:13] * Raymond gets into the driver's seat, turning to the others.
01[23:14] <Raymond> So, I'll take this chance to answer what questions I can about what this is. Only so much I know and only so much I can describe, but it's probably better if we address this now.
06[23:16] * Katherine , obviously, jumps at the chance for some answers.
[23:17] <Katherine> "These 'not-quite-people', Mia said it was some sort of biological contagion?"
[23:17] <Katherine> "A disease, in layman's terms?"
01[23:23] <Raymond> Something like that. It's not known exactly how it spreads or how it starts, but ultimately the result is a change in the biological structure. I took a look at some of the earliest cases and found a couple things. Usually the changes are unsupportable by the host, usually leading first to lots pain and then to organ failure, and somewhere along the line some brain functions are affected.
01[23:23] <Raymond> It's reversible at least in some cases, though, I know that for a fact.
[23:24] <[Ora]Mia> 14.. Ah...
[23:25] <Katherine> "And yet...that chipper man felt killing them was more advisable."
[23:25] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I..
[23:25] <Katherine> "It is a question of practicality, then?  The effort of 'curing' the 'disease'?"
[23:25] <Ilsa> ...
06[23:27] * [Ora]Mia is overshadowed by Katherine's curiousity and ceases to talk for the time being.
[23:27] <Katherine> "For that matter, why call them such a fanciful word as 'Demonics'?  Titles like that may best be left for more juvenile ventures, which I assume this is not."
[23:28] <Katherine> "Forgive my curtness, but I simply think we should treat what is real as what is real, and not as what is merely a story."
01[23:30] <Raymond> Well, from what I know it doesn't work in all cases, in a similar way to how some people seem better suited to accomodate the changes. And I can't really say much about the semantics, but I think the unknown nature of the ailment might have contributed to the name. But in this case, what do you mean by a story?
[23:32] <Katherine> "Merely semantics, Mister Duvall.  A word like "Demonics" inclines one to treat the situation as something not real, something supernatural.  But this is a very real situation, is it not?  Serious times call for serious thinking and serious words."
[23:33] <Katherine> "But I digress.  It is merely an opinion."
06[23:33] * Katherine returns to her writings, ending the conversation prematurely.
06[23:34] * Raymond shrugs, turning to looking outside again. He seems to be thinking.
[23:34] <[Ora]Mia> 15 I don't care if they're undeads or Demons. If they attack me they're dead.
06[23:35] * [Ora]Mia has a quite a serious face right now.
06[23:35] * Katherine 's mind races with contemplations about all these speculations.  Real, not real, diseases or demons...a world full of questions.  What a worrisome world...
[23:41] <[NPC]Narrator> [quicksave.]

---Session 3---

[21:18] <[NPC]Narrator> [A short while afterward, Dia is returning to the group from writing her telegram. The rest are in the car, waiting patiently but silently.]
06[21:18] * Katherine is immersed in her notebook, writing fervently.
[21:22] <Dia> I back now. you wait so long? Sorry, I slow sometimes.
06[21:23] * Raymond idly drums his fingers on the steering wheel, turning almost absent-mindedly.
06[21:23] * Dia wipe the sweat from her forehead.
06[21:23] * Katherine becomes distracted by the new arrival, breaking her out of her world of words.  She closes the book.
01[21:23] <Raymond> It's fine. Just get the stuff in, no sense putting off our entrance.
06[21:24] * Raymond turns back to the inside.
01[21:24] <Raymond> Any of you more comfortable at the wheel than where you're sitting?
[21:24] <Dia> I fine any place, Ray.
06[21:24] * Dia put the luggage where it belongs.
[21:24] <Katherine> "Not particularly, but if no one else is..."
[21:24] <Ilsa> Sorry. I don't have much driving experience.
06[21:24] * Katherine shrugs.
01[21:25] <Raymond> If you'd rather, I can drive.
[21:25] <Dia> No no no no! I drive.
[21:25] <Dia> You go sit at back, okay?
06[21:25] * [Mar]Mia silently looks at the people.. preparing for what awaits them.
01[21:26] <Raymond> Alright, if you say so.
06[21:26] * Dia take the wheel.
[21:26] <Dia> Where to?
01[21:27] <Raymond> 15Although I don't remember anything about you learning to drive. 1Is there room back there?
06[21:27] * [Mar]Mia called shotgun as soon as they entered the car.
06[21:27] * Katherine scooches herself to the middle seat, opening up the side for Raymond.
06[21:28] * Raymond climbs over towards the back, briefcase trailing behind him; he takes a sheet of paper and hands it to Dia.
[21:28] <Dia> I'm good, I'm good. I see you drive a lot. it no hard.
01[21:29] <Raymond> Around there, but first we have to get in. There should be signs, look for the nearest access into the city and stop when you're asked.
06[21:30] * Ilsa places the butt of the rifle on the ground between her legs to make room.
06[21:31] * Katherine does likewise with her rapier.  This may not be the best road trip ever.
[21:31] <Dia> okay. you tell me if I go bad way, okay?
01[21:31] <Raymond> Sure, I'll let you know.
[21:31] <[Mar]Mia> Raymond.... do you want to switch seats?
01[21:32] <Raymond> Ah? No, it's fine. We'll just have to make sure anyone who looks inside can talk to me.
06[21:32] * Ilsa is staring out the window, distant.
06[21:32] * Dia whirring up the wheel. She put the gear at 3 and step on it. The car accelerates in a very slow manner.
01[21:32] <Raymond> And if it gets hot, we can bring the roof down.
06[21:32] * [Mar]Mia nods and returns looking towards past the dashboard.
06[21:33] * Katherine certainly wishes her boss wasn't sitting right next to her in the back seat of some car.  So unorthodox...
[21:34] <Katherine> "So, Professor Duvall...what exactly are we trying to do today?"
01[21:34] <Raymond> Well, first is getting inside, but before we go down to meet this...
06[21:35] * Raymond checks his dossier.
01[21:35] <Raymond> ...Colonel Carraza, we'll pay a visit to a friend of my sister's. He doesn't like me, but I think he might know something I don't about her whereabouts.
[21:36] <[NPC]Narrator> [There are soldiers and military vehicles milling about, some of the trucks tow artillery pieces. Ammo and rivets spill from broken crates; you still see the occasional car on its side like a dead animal. People don't really seem to notice or care, though... from here, the city is much clearer, you can see several autogyros circling overhead and small objects seem to drop from some of the planes. Small thuds accompany them when they fall out of sight.]
06[21:37] * Dia nearly put a car to a brake as she slowly turn at the next intersection. She really is not good at driving.
06[21:37] * Katherine tips her head down, thinking ardently.
[21:40] <Katherine> "Sir...just how bad is it in there?  I mean, how dangerous?  Are we walking into an alleyway, an infested forest, or a warzone?"
06[21:40] * [Mar]Mia looks around carefreely as if it were a joy ride.
[21:40] <Ilsa> With this kind of setup... you'd think they were assaulting the city, not just controlling an insurgency.
06[21:40] * Ilsa is still staring out the window.
[21:41] <Dia> W-warzone?! Ray is no fighter! He should safe inside defense of gunmen!
06[21:41] * Dia 's voice clearly express her worriness.
01[21:41] <Raymond> I haven't been in there myself, but... well... for them to bring in artillery it can't be anything simple. I suppose we'll see in a minute.
01[21:42] <Raymond> Ah, there's the entrance.
06[21:42] * Katherine caresses the pommel of her rapier, bringing her some small comfort.
06[21:43] * Dia pull a handbrake as they arrived at the place, nearly roll the car over.
[21:43] <Dia> Wha--!
06[21:43] * [Mar]Mia takes a look at Katherine's rapier and laughs.
[21:43] <[Mar]Mia> Oof.
06[21:43] * [Mar]Mia 's head hits the dashboard.
06[21:43] * Katherine snaps her head forward, almost colliding with the aforementioned rapier.
[21:44] <Katherine> "Nngh.  Capital."
06[21:44] * Ilsa jerks back reflexively to right herself.
06[21:44] * Raymond braces himself, but still bumps his head against the window.
[21:44] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Are.. you sure you know how  to drive Dia?..
[21:44] <Ilsa> I-is everyone alright?
[21:44] <Dia> Uh... Ray do it when park... I don't know what I do wrong....
[21:46] <Katherine> "You, nnhh, wait until AFTER the car is stopped to pull the handbrake."
[21:47] <Katherine> "Not TO stop the car."
06[21:47] * [NPC]Soldier jogs over, carrying his weapon in a less-than-casual fashion. He has a bright armband that seems to be there to separate him from the soldiers you've seen before, and he has the uniform of the local military. He regards the car's passengers suspiciously, before speaking in an accented voice.
[21:47] <[NPC]Soldier> Who are all you?
[21:47] <Dia> Uh? o..okay...
06[21:48] * Katherine looks at the soldier dully, and tries to avoid eye contact until after Raymond has addressed the situation.
06[21:48] * [Mar]Mia simply bows and greets the soldier with calmness and serenity.
06[21:49] * Raymond opens his briefcase and roots around in it, but doesn't address the soldier.
06[21:49] * Ilsa huffs before straightening her jacket. She digs in her pocket for a cigarette, waiting for Raymond to say something.
[21:50] <Katherine> "I really would prefer you not smoke so close to me, Miss Ilsa."
06[21:52] * Dia is looking at Raymond, waiting for him to communicate with the gunmen guy.
06[21:52] * [NPC]Soldier tries again in a couple other languages, but then reverts.
[21:53] <[NPC]Soldier> Which one of you is in charge? I haven't got all day.
06[21:53] * Ilsa has the cigarette on her lips as Katherine speaks. She gives a her a look, as if to say 'it's already in my mouth', then shrugs and replaces it in the carton.
[21:53] <Ilsa> ...Excuse me.
[21:54] <Dia> ...he.
[21:54] <Katherine> "Thank you much."
06[21:54] * Dia points at Raymond.
[21:55] <Katherine> "Mister Duvall, I believe you are being addressed."
06[21:55] * [NPC]Soldier reaches through the window and nudges Raymond with the muzzle of his weapon.
[21:55] <[NPC]Soldier> You. Start talking.
06[21:55] * Dia frowns at the soldier.
[21:55] <Dia> No harsh treatment!
06[21:55] * Raymond starts, before looking a little harder and getting a paper out from his briefcase before handing it to the soldier.
06[21:56] * Ilsa glares at the soldier briefly and looks back out the window.
01[21:57] <Raymond> My apologies, soldier. Raymond M. Duvall, I'm being sent in by MET command to evaluate the situation inside.
06[22:00] * [NPC]Soldier reads the paper, not seeming to get any more annoyed.
[22:00] <[NPC]Soldier> Alright. Clearance?
06[22:00] * Raymond hands over a sheet from his dossier, which the soldier analyzes before handing all of them back.
[22:01] <[NPC]Soldier> All is in order. Keep it moving.
06[22:03] * Katherine is actually put at ease by the no-nonsense soldier.  Finally someone acting in accordance to the supposed situation.
06[22:03] * Dia starts the engine again. This time she took some time to do everything in order.
01[22:04] <Raymond> Alright, go to the spot that's indicated on the sheet I gave you. Seems to be in this sector, so it can't be too far off.
[22:05] <[NPC]Soldier> Careful, there are roadblocks.
06[22:05] * [NPC]Soldier walks off to deal with a vehicle trying to get out, on the other side there's a crowd of civilians directly beyond the military position.
06[22:06] * Dia slowly drives off.
06[22:06] * [Mar]Mia waves the soldier farewell.
[22:10] <Katherine> "That was...surprisingly normal."
[22:11] <Dia> It should be.
[22:11] <Katherine> "Indeed."
06[22:11] * Dia have that stern look on her face. She's probably still pissed over soldier's treatment.
06[22:12] * Katherine gives Mia a glance.
[22:12] <Katherine> "I assume you find my rapier in the presence of so many firearms amusing?"
06[22:12] * [Mar]Mia smiles at Katherine.
[22:12] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Do as you wish miss Katherine.
[22:13] <Katherine> "I would wish a gun in this situation as much as the next woman.  But we must make do with what we have."
[22:14] <Katherine> "And I have this.  Perhaps not the most practical weapon, but we shall see."
[22:14] <Katherine> "Better than nothing, at the very least."
[22:14] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Tis only fair that you underestimate me.
[22:14] <Dia> You are no gunmen. You should have no gun!
06[22:14] * Dia state it matter-of-factly.
[22:15] <[NPC]Narrator> [The inside seems rather different, but still has the same bleak ambience. Besides the people crowded at the entrance to the city, many of them walk casually on the sidewalk; small patrols of soldiers move around among them.]
06[22:15] * Katherine considers blowing the comment off, but realizes the depth of such a simple statement.
[22:16] <Katherine> "...perhaps, you are correct, Miss Dia.  Indeed..."
06[22:16] * Ilsa tries to look disinterested.
01[22:17] <Raymond> Anyway, Dia. Can you get to the spot I marked?
[22:17] <Dia> okay!
06[22:17] * Dia park it right this time.
[22:17] <Dia> pull AFTER park. hup!
06[22:17] * Dia pull the handbrake.
01[22:18] <Raymond> Uh... Dia? Other side of the block.
[22:19] <Dia> Ahaha... sorry.
[22:19] <Dia> we can walk.
06[22:20] * Dia actually don't want to drive it any longer. It's too hard.
01[22:20] <Raymond> Hm, alright. Why not.
06[22:21] * [Mar]Mia readies both of her guns, filling it with what ammos she has left into it and then gets out.
[22:21] <Ilsa> Fine by me.
06[22:21] * Ilsa wants to get out so she can have a smoke.
06[22:21] * Dia get off.
06[22:21] * Raymond opens the door, climbing out and stretching. He doesn't seem too relaxed.
06[22:22] * Katherine files out after Raymond, strapping her blade to her side.
[22:22] <Dia> why we bring weapon too? it dangerous?
06[22:23] * Ilsa slings the rifle over her shoulder and gets out.
06[22:23] * Dia despite saying that, still bringing her Kar98K with her.
[22:23] <Katherine> "I image it's always best to be prepared, in a world such as this."
[22:24] <Ilsa> This equipment is here for a reason. But I don't intend to let anything happen while I remain in your company.
[22:24] <[Mar]Mia> 14 If something doesn't feel right Raymond sir.. please.. don't hesitate to ask for help.
06[22:25] * Dia just stay close to Raymond at all times. It's always the best decision.
[22:25] <Katherine> "Speaking of which...should I bring my duffel with me, Professor?"
[22:25] <Dia> So what next?
06[22:27] * Ilsa retrieves three extra clips from the rear compartment and stows them in her pockets (which are, fortunately, fairly numerous.)
01[22:27] <Raymond> We're just stopping by to ask this guy if he knows anything about my sister. I haven't heard from her in a while, and she's been here since the beginning of the operation so I can't help but worry.
[22:28] <[Mar]Mia> 15 Damn.. should have known to not rely on the military..
[22:28] <Katherine> "Very well, I'll refrain for now."
06[22:28] * Ilsa loads a fourth into the rifle. It makes a slight, mechanical 'clack'.
[22:29] <Dia> I confuse why we need weapons... hope this is not danger.
06[22:29] * Katherine looks around the nearby city.  Very...ominous.  The city itself looks sick.
[22:30] <Dia> Say, I never see your sister face before. how her face?
06[22:31] * Dia probably means "what's her look?"
01[22:33] <Raymond> Hm? Oh, tough for me to describe. She's a little shorter than me, and has a little bit of a childish complexion. The man here, John Augustin, might be able to give you a better description, but hopefully you'll get to see.
06[22:33] * [Mar]Mia is curious and listens with upmost effort.
06[22:33] * Raymond comes up to a door, knocking on it twice. After a second, sound comes from the other side.
06[22:34] * Katherine wanders a bit away from the rest, one hand on her blade's pommel, oddly enjoying this strange isolation the city offers.
06[22:36] * JohnAugustin opens the door, his expression quickly turning to displeasure.
[22:36] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Raymond, I'm going with Kathy ok?..
06[22:36] * [Mar]Mia taps him on the shoulder.
01[22:36] <Raymond> 15Ah... alright.
[22:37] <JohnAugustin> What the hell do you want with me, Raymond?
06[22:37] * [Mar]Mia trails off after the serious-looking girl.
01[22:37] <Raymond> What sort of a welcome is that, John-
[22:37] <JohnAugustin> You're not welcome here, Raymond.
06[22:38] * Raymond sighs but continues, sounding a little exasperated.
01[22:38] <Raymond> Look, I just wanted to know where I can find Valeria.
[22:38] <JohnAugustin> You really don't know?
01[22:38] <Raymond> Know what?
[22:40] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Kathy.. wait....
06[22:40] * Katherine turns to Mia.
[22:40] <Katherine> "...Mmm?"
06[22:41] * Ilsa is focused on Raymond's conversation.
06[22:41] * [Mar]Mia stops for a moment to catch her breath.
06[22:42] * Dia 's sense is tingling.
[22:42] <JohnAugustin> I'll tell you, just so you don't come show your mug around here again.
[22:42] <JohnAugustin> After you left to work on that project, misfortune after misfortune... first you didn't call or write. Then she got into trouble at her work. Then one of her friends got pretty ill, and she seemed a little nervous at not knowing who to talk to; and to top it off the city got closed down.
[22:42] <Dia> Something bad happen Valeria?
[22:42] <JohnAugustin> And then... I guess she couldn't take that much tragedy anymore.
[22:42] <JohnAugustin> I got a call... she'd thrown herself off a bridge.
[22:42] <JohnAugustin> And now that you know, get the hell out. I hope your conscience never leaves you at peace; because if there was someone who carried the blame for all this...
[22:42] <JohnAugustin> That was you, you bastard.
06[22:42] * JohnAugustin slams the door in Raymond's face.
06[22:43] * Dia ah----!
06[22:43] * Dia put her hands on her mouth. holding bac tears.
01[22:43] <Raymond> 15Ah- ah...
[22:43] <Dia> R...Ray....
06[22:43] * Raymond stands in shock, too confused even to move.
06[22:44] * Katherine sees no move from Mia to talk, and returns to looking around in silence, thinking.
06[22:44] * [Mar]Mia gets back up in a jiffy.
[22:44] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Looking for something?
06[22:44] * Ilsa bites her lip. What does someone say at a time like this?
06[22:44] * Dia just stay like that, unknown of what to do.
[22:45] <Ilsa> Mister Duvall... I'm sorry...
01[22:46] <Raymond> 15I... I think I need to go sit down...
06[22:46] * Raymond starts walking back, dragging his feet and with his eyes to the ground.
[22:47] <Katherine> "...Nothing.  Or, everything."
[22:47] <Dia> Ray...
[22:47] <Katherine> "Answers.  Or questions."
[22:47] <Katherine> "I feel like looking is all I've been doing for years."
[22:48] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Then stop looking and enjoy things once in a while ok?
06[22:48] * Dia following behind, meekly grabbing Raymond's shirt.
06[22:49] * Katherine turns to Mia melancholically.
[22:49] <Katherine> "I...am starting to enjoy things.  But I enjoy them in my own way.  It's...very hard to explain."
[22:50] <Katherine> "I doubt it'd even make sense to me if I said it aloud.  I'd rather not try."
06[22:50] * Raymond sits on the curb, burying his face in his hands. He seems unusually pale.
06[22:50] * Ilsa follows with a pained expression. She doesn't bother with the cigarette.
06[22:51] * Dia put her hand on Ray's shoulder and stare at him with that troublesome look of hers.
[22:51] <Dia> 'Kushala daora', Ray.
[22:52] <Dia> Death is not parting.
06[22:52] * Raymond nods, slowly.
[22:52] <[Mar]Mia> 14 You'll never know until you do. It may be easier than you think.
06[22:53] * Dia try to hold bac her tears, but failed.
[22:53] <Dia> If you... death... you be on same plane... with her... so you meet her again...
[22:53] <Dia> I...
06[22:53] * Dia sobs
06[22:54] * Katherine shoots Mia a non-threatening glare.
[22:54] <Katherine> "Nothing in this world is easy."
06[22:55] * [Mar]Mia simply smiles back. She has nothing to hide.
[22:55] <Katherine> "What, you find this funny?"
06[22:55] * Katherine is not amused.
06[22:56] * Raymond 's shoulders shake a little, but he doesn't react or make much noise.
06[22:56] * Ilsa can do nothing but stand solemnly, with her hands clasped behind her back. She looks at the ground. She had always hated this feeling... this powerlessness.
06[22:57] * Dia can do nothing. She just stay right there, and take Raymond's sorrow as her own.
[22:57] <[Mar]Mia> 14 It's not.. funny. Nor do I think it's easy Kathy. People die every single day, I see soldiers die in front of me, I think I know the meaning of this.. "easy" you speak of.
01[22:59] <Raymond> 15Ah... ah... 14Maybe... we should go.
06[23:00] * Dia nods.
06[23:00] * Katherine is somewhat reassured by this more serious side of Mia.
[23:00] <Dia> Someone drive... I can't.
06[23:00] * Ilsa looks at Dia briefly. She wasn't speaking either. But... someone -must- say something.
06[23:00] * [Mar]Mia returns back to her warm demeanor.
[23:01] <Ilsa> ...Mister Duvall.
06[23:01] * Dia take Raymond to sit at the backseat.
06[23:01] * Raymond turns, rather wearily.
[23:02] <Katherine> "I've...I've just had a bad year.  Growing up removes the optimism you had as a child, I've discovered."
[23:02] <Ilsa> I... I don't know much about the situation here, b-but... given the way the military is behaving, it is possible that he was told a lie.
[23:02] <Katherine> "My brother managed to find his again.  I've not fared quite as well."
06[23:03] * Katherine is marginally downcast.
[23:03] <[Mar]Mia> 14 I suggest clinging on to it. You'll need it for harder times yet to come.
01[23:03] <Raymond> 15Ilsa... 14Thanks, but Augustin has nothing to do with the military. I appreciate... the thought.
06[23:05] * Dia angrily glares at Ilsa. She don't even bother hiding her tears anymore.
[23:05] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Just.. don't die on me.
[23:05] <Dia> Please! No talk about this! Just.... just go already!
06[23:05] * Ilsa swallows, attempting to keep a straight face.
06[23:06] * Katherine gives Mia a heavy-lidded and quizzical look.
01[23:06] <Raymond> 14...The other two...?
[23:06] <Katherine> "I have no intention of doing that, Miss Mia."
[23:07] <Katherine> "Rather inconvenient, dying.  There's a mite too many things I'd rather be doing before then."
06[23:07] * [Mar]Mia speaks up for the first time in front of Katherine.
[23:07] <[Mar]Mia> Good.
[23:10] <[Mar]Mia> This, conversation.. never happened.
06[23:10] * Katherine understands.
[23:10] <Katherine> "Very well."
06[23:11] * Katherine looks over to the other three.  Something seems to be going on over there.
[23:12] <Katherine> "Shall we rejoin them, then?"
[23:15] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Lets.
06[23:16] * Ilsa wants to say something. She wants to say that Augustin never said who made the call. That it happened after the city was isolated.That -because- Augustin isn't involved with the military that he was lied to. That he's a hateful bastard, drunk with his own sorrows. Something!
06[23:16] * [Mar]Mia takes the lead first.
06[23:16] * Ilsa cannot. Dia's words had taken the wind out of her. She fails to maintain eye contact.
06[23:17] * Katherine follows, taking one last glance back.  (...IF it's true...)
[23:19] <Ilsa> 1,40A-ah... h-here they come now... e-excuse me...
[23:20] <Ilsa> [=-= Typo'd the color change]
06[23:20] * [Mar]Mia approaches the group.
[23:20] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Hello.. everyone.
06[23:20] * Katherine says nothing.  The mood appears to be somber.
06[23:20] * Dia stay silent.
06[23:21] * Raymond doesn't react, most of his face still in his hands.
06[23:22] * Ilsa begins to walk off rather unsteadily. Her breathing sounds erratic. She digs in her pockets for the carton.
06[23:23] * Katherine wonders what she's missed, but knows better than to break the mood.  Seems she's not the only one with personal problems.
06[23:24] * Raymond sniffs a few times, then gets to his feet and continues to walk.
06[23:25] * [Mar]Mia recognizes the mood and breaks it up with a cheerful face.
06[23:26] * [Mar]Mia hops in small strides behind Raymond.
06[23:26] * Ilsa hastily shoves a cig into her mouth and attempts to light it, having substantial difficulty due to the fact that her hands are shaking badly. She shuts her eyes and breathes deeply.
06[23:28] * Katherine , having nothing better to do, leans against the car and unsheathes her rapier, examining it for grime.
06[23:28] * Raymond , after a few minutes, reaches the car. He opens the door and sits where he was before, looking downwards and saying nothing.
06[23:28] * Dia sit besides Raymond, also saying nothing.
01[23:30] <Raymond> 14...Who's driving?
[23:30] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Raymond?
[23:30] <Katherine> "I shall, if there's no objections."
[23:31] <Dia> please.
06[23:31] * Dia nods.
06[23:31] * Raymond looks up at Mia, but his gaze looks a little vacant.
06[23:31] * Katherine enters the driver's seat, positioning her rapier next to her against the door.
06[23:32] * [Mar]Mia gets in the passenger side before turning back to Raymond.
[23:32] <Katherine> "Where to, Professor?"
06[23:32] * Katherine asks quietly.
[23:34] <[Mar]Mia> 14 I-I'm not sure what happened in that house.. but keep a good face will you? I have a strange feeling, our troubles has only begun. If you gave up now, it'll be hard on all of us.
06[23:34] * Raymond pulls a sheet out from the dossier, marking where and when the 9th Armored Cavalry regiment is set to meet with the group. It marks a spot in the next sector, outside of marked blue zones.
06[23:35] * Raymond breathes deeply, wiping some tears from his eyes, but seems to acknowledge Mia's address.
06[23:36] * Dia hand Raymond her handkerchief. It's a little bit damp, though.
01[23:39] <Raymond> 14...Let's just go, alright? I don't want to talk... don't want to be here...
06[23:39] * Raymond gently leans on Dia as he drifts off.
[23:39] <Katherine> "As you wish."
06[23:40] * Dia hold Raymond's hand tight, trying to comfort him as much as he could.
06[23:40] * Katherine starts up the car.
06[23:40] * Katherine leans out the window.
[23:40] <Katherine> "Miss Ilsa!  We're moving out!"
[23:41] <Ilsa> Coming.
06[23:42] * Ilsa swiftly kills off the cigarette and discards it before climbing into the back seat.
06[23:44] * [Mar]Mia hums a tune she always does when she know someone's going to die. But it'll never look it from the uplifting tone.
02[23:44] * Shinki ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[23:45] * Katherine kicks the car into gear and begins driving to the next checkpoint.
06[23:45] * Katherine shakes her head.  To think a place like this...no, not yet.  Still...what a wonderful world...
[23:45] <[NPC]Narrator> [quicksave...]