TTB One Shot #2

01[12:32] <@SpaceThor> After a long boat ride from the Three Kingdoms and more railroads than you can count, you’re finally close to the end of your journey. Dozens of people mill around the station, waiting for the train that will take them through the Breach and into Malifaux City. You’re there with your fellow expedition members, standing careful guard over the crate containing the Chinese mummy that you “liberated” from the Three Kingdoms. The crate itself is two and a half feet wide and tall, seven feet long, and made of sturdy wood. It’s stamped with shipping directions in both English and Mandarin, and you’ve just finished attaching the Malifaux import documents to its side when the train pulls into the station and releases a burst of billowing steam. As you prepare to load your crate onto the train, however, a soldier wearing the gray and crimson colors of the Guild approaches you. She cuts right to the chase, informing you that Sergeant Garth, the station’s manager, has placed a hold on your cargo, and that so long as the hold is in place, you will not be able to bring it into Malifaux.
[12:35] <Audrey_Delassi> "That is Quite inconvenient." The young womans voice is tinged with a medley of accents, the voice of someone well travelled. She's dressed in fine but hard wearing travellers clothes, feminine but practical. Over the course of the journey she's done her best to talk her way around obstructions to their passage, and it seems now is no exception. Her hair is a short brown bob, and her
[12:35] <Audrey_Delassi> eyes are a piercing green as she frowns at the guard.
[12:37] <Nolan-MacLellen> The man in the duster groans softly at the announcement, black hair barely visible underneath the hat  he's wearing. "Of course it's on hold."
06[12:39] * Saul_Duncan stands and listened as the guard and the overseer talk. His clothes speak of good taste, the wrinkles in his slacks, and shirt under his vest, as well as the 5 o'clock shadow he's sporting however speak to have been busy enough to not have had time to get things cleaned and pressed.
[12:39] <Saul_Duncan> *listens
06[12:40] * Saul_Duncan the coat and boots that he's been travelling,
[12:41] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Outrageous is what this is!" a well-dressed man with an unmatching beard and long hair and wearing a top hat gestures with his fancy cane. "Truly, truly outrageous." he pushes his round glasses up his nose and continues complaining. "We are bringing not only ancient history and a touch of culture to the city of Malifaux, but also considerable profits - for the Guild, I might add - which...
[12:41] <Donnovan_McGonagall> ...will no doubt make a killing selling admission, concessions, and accomodations to the throngs of people who will visit the museum to witness the wonders we bring, and it's on HOLD? Outrageous, I say."
03[12:42] * Nolan-MacLellen is now known as ARavenRemotely
[12:43] <Audrey_Delassi> "Now now Don." The woman lays a hand on his shoulder, smiling at the guard. "I'm sure this gentleman is just doing his job and relaying the news, aint that right hun?" She gives him a smile, before adding. "But his Boss is the man we need to talk to, to make sure we bring our fine fragment of history to the city, Mm?"
[12:49] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Hmm." he nods and strokes his beard, letting his cane fall through his fingers until he wraps his hand around its head right before it hits the ground, then pushes it down the rest of the way with an audible click on the stone pavement.
01[12:50] <@SpaceThor> There's an office nearby for the mentioned Sergeant Garth.
06[12:50] * Saul_Duncan Sauls blue eyes pass the guards as he takes in the station and the approaching train listening intently to the conversation.
[12:51] <Audrey_Delassi> "Well, let's go smooth this out." She walks over that way, even in the rougher travelling clothes walking with the grace of a dancer, wearing a winning smile.
01[12:53] <@SpaceThor> Sergeant Garth’s office proves to be a small room at the back of the train station.It’s fastidiously neat, and the walls are decorated with framed commendations from the Guild for excellent service. The no-nonsense black man seated behind the desk rises and offers you his hand as you enter, introducing himself as Sergeant Reginald Garth. “Please, have a seat,” he says, motioning to the single chair opposite his desk. He sits and begins looking through a stack of import documents. “You must be the… Cortez expedition, was it? I’m told that you wish to bring a corpse into Malifaux City?” He grimaces as he looks back up at you.
06[12:55] * Saul_Duncan follows making sure to shake the man's hand though he lets Audrey or Donnovan take the seat.
[12:55] <Audrey_Delassi> "Thank you." She takes the seat- Chivalry still being something done, at least in the world they're about to leave. "And while in technicality it is a corpse, I would call it a priceless artifact. It's well protected, and is going to a place where two bit ressies aren't going to touch it, the Museum. Surely you can see the sense in that?"
06[12:56] * Donnovan_McGonagall grabs the chair rather forcefully, but rather than sitting down himself, he offers it to Audrey. "Not a corpse sir, certainly not any old corpse. A priceless artifact, like my colleague mentions. It will be offered for viewing in a public place, no doubt bringing great profits to everyone involved, especially the Guild."
01[12:57] <@SpaceThor> "I'm just concerned about potentially putting a weapon into Resurrectionist hands."
[12:58] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey offers a smile to Don as she seats herself. Manners maketh the man~
[13:00] <Audrey_Delassi> "If anything, sir, holding it here is the best way to enable that. Our journey is precisely planned and appropriate measures have been taken, as shown in our itinerary. Delaying us here and disrupting our security only makes it easier for some ressie to try to snag the Mummy. We've come this far, and the safest place to store our honourable companion is in a Museum, where he belongs."
[13:00] <Audrey_Delassi> She adds a winning smile to her clear words.
01[13:00] <@SpaceThor> Sergeant Garth considers your words for a long moment, then sighs and pulls out a sheet of paper. "I had better not regret this," he warns, grumbling as he fills out the paperwork and hands it to you. "Now, you’d best hurry up before you miss your train."
[13:01] <Audrey_Delassi> "Thank you kindly." She gives him a smile and a nod of her head. "Don't worry yourself about it. We'll see it right, all the way to its new home."
06[13:02] * Saul_Duncan nods politely to the seargent and turns getting the door for the others.
03[13:03] * ARavenRemotely is now known as Nolan-MacLellen
[13:03] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "You most certainly will not regret this, good sir. Why, no doubt your favourable and expeditious decision in our matter will earn you a prrrromotion, or at least a nice bonus. In any case, in my next dealings with the Guild, I shall mention your name in a favourable light." he tips his hat before he leaves.
01[13:06] <@SpaceThor> The passenger car is nearly full, but you manage to find some open seats next to a young Asian girl. She scoots over to make room for you, glancing up timidly from the floor as you sit down. "Ah, hello," she says, smiling as she bows to you. "I am Xun Jiang. Am very pleased to meet you."
06[13:06] * Nolan-MacLellen didn't really bother going with the others. Someone had to keep an eye on the other shit.
[13:06] <Audrey_Delassi> "Audrey Delassi. Pleasure." She offers the girl a hand. "This your first time through the breach?"
[13:07] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...MacLellen." Don't know where he snagged a drink from, but he's sipping it quite contently.
06[13:07] * Saul_Duncan "Saul. Nice to meet you mam."
[13:08] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Yes, yes, hello." he boldly strides in and captures the seat closest to the window without waiting for anyone.
06[13:08] * Saul_Duncan heads for the car the mummy is in.
[13:10] <Saul_Duncan> [retcon] takes a seat.
01[13:10] <@SpaceThor> "Um, if I may ask, have you gone to Malifaux before?"
01[13:11] <@SpaceThor> REDACT
06[13:12] * Saul_Duncan "Yes I have. Is this your first time though Xun Jiang?"
01[13:12] <@SpaceThor> Jiang sits up a bit straighter as a bright smile appears on her face. "It was very good fortune," she explains. "I received letter informing that I received management job at large factory in Malifaux. Job pays very well, and soon I will be able to bring entire family from Three Kingdoms to Malifaux."
01[13:14] <@SpaceThor> "But this is first time through the Breach, yes."
[13:14] <Audrey_Delassi> "Just be careful, Xun." Audrey gives her a wary smile. "I came through with my family, when I was a little girl... Make sure you find somewhere safe for them, y'hear? Family is important. Y'only got one."
06[13:14] * Saul_Duncan "Make sure you watch out for eachother then. Malifux can eat you alive if your not careful."
[13:14] <Nolan-MacLellen> "And that's if you're lucky."
01[13:15] <@SpaceThor> She looks frightened. "I...see. Thank you for warning."
[13:15] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Yes, it seems like it's a great time for business opportunities for all indeed! A certain measure of care is certainly called for, but also a great deal of daring, and of course, cunning!" in the limiited space of the train car, he forgoes large sweeping gestures, limiting himself to just sticking his index finger up and shaking it about.
[13:15] <Saul_Duncan> "taking the plunge always feels wierd. always makes me feel like I've got little bigs crawling up my scalp. But you'll be fine."
01[13:15] <@SpaceThor> She looks a little less terrified now.
[13:16] <Saul_Duncan> *bugs
[13:16] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey gives her a comforting smile. "Lots o'good things there too. A real land of opportunity. Just important to stay safe, especially for girls like us."
[13:16] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Just don't be afraid to get some weapons whilst you're there."
01[13:17] <@SpaceThor> The train lurches into motion and gradually begins to pick up steam as it pulls out of the station. Xun Jiang turns to stare out the window, her eyes wide as she watches the scenery pass. As the train rounds a bend, Jiang points at a glowing blue portal up ahead. "It is the Breach!" she exclaims. The portal is ringed with a mechanical contraption that sparks with blue lightning, and a dozen armed guards stand on the fortifications built up around it. You barely have time to glance at them before the train barrels through the dimensional rip.
[13:18] <Audrey_Delassi> "Wonder what it'll look like this time..."
01[13:18] <@SpaceThor> At once, it’s as if everything has slowed to a crawl, and when you glance at Jiang, there’s something much more mature and confident about her demeanor. It’s fleeting, however, and before you can make complete sense of it, everything speeds back up, and the train is fully in Malifaux. Xun Jiang is back to normal, and she gasps as she looks out the window at the new scenery. The train’s brakes squeal as it begins to slow, and from the window, you can see the train station, and behind it, Malifaux City, looming over everything like a slumbering giant.
06[13:19] * Saul_Duncan takes off his bowler to scratch his headd for a tick before replacing it.
06[13:19] * Audrey_Delassi looks out on the city, wearing a sad smile... Remembering the first time she saw it.
[13:20] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...So this is what Laws was on about when he said going through felt strange."
01[13:20] <@SpaceThor> A few moments pass by as everyone still processes the trip through the breach, but soon people start to stand up and take their bags from storage, milling towards the exits.
[13:21] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey stands, taking her carry on and giving Xun a smile. "I'll wish you good luck with your new job. Maybe I'll see you round."
06[13:21] * Saul_Duncan get's up to head for hte exits.
01[13:21] <@SpaceThor> She bows. "I hope to see you agin when I get settled."
[13:22] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Welcome to Malifaux, child." he gestures out the window as if unveiling the landscape behing it like a painting. "And of course, ladies and gentlemen." he checks his luggage very, very carfully several times. "Let us be off to a successful and profitable venture, shall we?"
06[13:22] * Saul_Duncan "Got an adress or neighborhood pre-arranged?" he asks as he makes sure his things are in order.
01[13:22] <@SpaceThor> The weather is cooler on this side of the Breach, and as you make your way toward the walled city, you pass the expansive Governor’s Mansion to the left and the sinister Hanging Tree to the right. The two landmarks make it clear that the Guild holds the reins of power in Malifaux City, and that those who refuse to accept this fact will inevitably find themselves hanging from a sturdy branch.
06[13:22] * Audrey_Delassi pointedly looks away from the hanging tree, muttering "Simply frightful..."
06[13:23] * Nolan-MacLellen gets up and heads after Saul. "Nothing particularly disconcerting compared to the shit I saw in the gold rush."
06[13:24] * Audrey_Delassi makes sure the import and duties are all satisfactory, hanging close to their cargo as they approach, glancing at the address again. "Let's hope we manage to navigate properly... I've heard this city can be tricksome to newcomers."
[13:25] <Nolan-MacLellen> "I'd be lying if I said I felt comfortable here."
01[13:26] <@SpaceThor> It doesn’t take long to locate the Malifaux Museum of Natural History, a blocky stone building that takes up an entire city block. The primary entrance is flanked by two statues depicting kneeling rams, and as soon as you arrive, a young man in a three-piece suit hurries out to meet you.
01[13:26] <@SpaceThor> "Ah, you must be with the Cortez Expedition, yes?" He flashes you a wide grin and sticks out his hand in welcome. "Professor Marcel Alting, of Cambridge. We’ve been expecting you all morning! Please, please, come inside, and we’ll get everything unpacked."
[13:28] <Audrey_Delassi> "Charmed." She takes his hand with a smile. "I'm glad to hear you're well ready. The border guards were concerned at bringing a corpse into the city. Like there aren't enough of them here already."
01[13:28] <@SpaceThor> "Oh, well, you handled it so pay it no mind. Come in, come in!"
06[13:28] * Nolan-MacLellen nods and takes the lead, his blue eyes staring slightly at Marcel as he does so.
06[13:30] * Saul_Duncan follows on.
[13:30] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Oh come on, chap. Don't let your guard down and you'll be fine." he remarks towards Nolan. "It's all about who you know, and you're already in about the best company you could be in right now." he waits for his turn to shake the professor's hand, rather enthusiastically. "Very nice to meet you, professor. The name's Donnovan McGonagall. I have to say, it's a great honor to be able to...
[13:30] <Donnovan_McGonagall> ...contribute to the spread of learning and culture in Malifaux." the tips of his mustache rise up as he smiles. "Of course, the pay's not bad either."
01[13:30] <@SpaceThor> As you go inside, you notice a number of strange and fascinating exhibits. A two-headed dinosaur skeleton, a winged humanoid preserved in a large glass jar, a row of classical paintings.
[13:31] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Fascinating, truly. But I'm confident we're bringing something never before seen into these walls as well."
06[13:31] * Audrey_Delassi looks around politely... And rolls her eyes when they're turned away. Don always lays it on so thick.
06[13:31] * Nolan-MacLellen glances at, well, everything, one hand always remaining at his left side.
01[13:32] <@SpaceThor> Finally, you reach a square room at the end of the hall. There is a plinth set up for the mummy, as well as a rope gate to keep people from getting too close.
01[13:33] <@SpaceThor> "This is the room we’ve prepared for the exhibition," Marcel explains. "Once we’ve shipped in more artifacts from the burial site, we’ll cover the entire room with them! It will be quite the sight."
01[13:33] <@SpaceThor> His gaze turns to the crate, and he wrings his hands in excitement. "The mummy, of course, will be the prize of the collection. We have so few items from the Far East on display here."
[13:34] <Audrey_Delassi> "...You do have security here, right?" She glances at the professor. "I can't claim to know much about it, but the sergeant at the station seemed to think a Ressie would kill to take your prize."
[13:34] <Nolan-MacLellen> "It is a little light on hired hands..."
01[13:34] <@SpaceThor> He waves off your concern. "We have the finest security in Malifaux City. The Guild Guard. And, of course, the Death Marshals."
01[13:34] <@SpaceThor> "But let's talk of that later. Open the crate, please."
[13:35] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Finest security means jack shit if you have nobody here..." Still unimpressed.
[13:35] <Audrey_Delassi> "Well then, I'm sure you'll be just fine~ I'll have to come by and see the exhibit after you're all set up." She gestures to one of the others- A lady does not indulge in grunt work.
06[13:36] * Saul_Duncan gets a drink from the water fountain.
01[13:37] <@SpaceThor> The water tastes like copper.
06[13:38] * Donnovan_McGonagall frowns and taps the side of the box with his cane. "Yes well, I'm not exactly appropriately dressed for that task." not only is he wearing a fancy suit with a top hat and a cape, but also white gloves.
06[13:38] * Nolan-MacLellen sighs and shakes his head, reaching for a tool to pry the crate open. "So help me God if this goes to shit..."
01[13:40] <@SpaceThor> You lift the top of the crate to reveal the mummified Kotaro Shu. Her leathery flesh clings tight to her bones, but despite her appearance, you feel a chill move up your spine as you lay your eyes upon her, just as it had the first time you saw her resting in her ancient tomb. She is wrapped only in the scraps of decaying silk she had been buried in, but despite that, there’s a sense of power that sixteen hundred years of
01[13:40] <@SpaceThor> death have not been able to strip from her. "She’s beautiful," Marcel whispers, his voice filled with awe. "The stories say that Kotaro Shu was one of the most bloodthirsty warlords of her era. To have her here, in front of me..."
[13:41] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Back to the world of the living, professor."
01[13:41] <@SpaceThor> The moment of awe is interrupted by a sudden scream that quickly transforms into a wet gurgle. Marcel frowns and steps towards the door. "What in the world?"
01[13:41] <@SpaceThor> He peeks around the corner, only to gasp in pain and stagger backwards, blood welling up from the sharp throwing star that has imbedded itself into his chest. He manages to croak out a hoarse "I don’t" before fainting and collapsing to the floor in a heap.
[13:42] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Fucking lovely." And that's Nolan drawing his gun. "Everyone, get your asses behind something."
01[13:42] <@SpaceThor> A moment later, a burly man wearing a blue hood appears in the doorway. His features are Asian, but they have been marred by a frightening skull tattoo that covers his entire face. "Step back from the ancestor," he commands as more men in similar dress fill the hallway behind him.
[13:42] <Audrey_Delassi> "I must admit I will be quite glad to leave her in your capable care, sir. I am more accustomed to, ah, vital company-" She turns back towards the door, frowning. "...How good was your security again- Drat." A hand slips into her clothes, going for a slim revolver.
06[13:42] * Donnovan_McGonagall drops the cane and dives for his bag.
06[13:43] * Saul_Duncan grabs his gun as he finishes his drink.
[13:44] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "You've just tried to get between Donnovan McGonagall and his payday, and that was a very big mistake, gentlemen." he starts pulling out a double-barreled shotgun from the bottom of it, ignoring the various items spilling out of it. This is an emergency.
[13:52] <Nolan-MacLellen> "How about you fuck off?" A quick movement of that big pistol in his hand, and Nolan starts things off with a very literal bang in the direction of the apparent leader.
[13:57] <Nolan-MacLellen> That fast a draw makes it hard to dodge -- though it's not fast enough to hit square in a vital part, more punching through a small chunk of arm.
06[13:57] * Audrey_Delassi shows the better part of valour, ducking behind the plinth, aiming her own rather smaller pistol at one of the goons, hesitating only for a moment before squeezing the trigger-
[13:59] <Audrey_Delassi> *Click* "...Oh hells."
01[14:09] <@SpaceThor> Two of them miss their mark, but one lands a deep gash on Nolan's chest.
01[14:18] <@SpaceThor> The remaining two ninja slip around to get to the crate.
06[14:20] * Saul_Duncan "Gah!" Saul stumbles back, as his blood goes smattering in an arc up the wall. His own gun goes off hitting hte Ninja in the thigh mid stumble.
06[14:26] * Nolan-MacLellen turns and notices one of the ninjas slipping past him, quickly moving his gun in that direction. "Hands off my paycheck!" Wouldn't know he was firing a Ganten with that rapid movement...
06[14:28] * Saul_Duncan The gun continues its assent and the hammer drops a second time, seding a bullet though the Neck of the assailent. The ninja stubmles, and slumps sideways in a pool of his or her own blood dead before their blade hits the floor.
[14:30] <Nolan-MacLellen> It's not much of a shot, but grazing a kneecap will certainly make it known that attention has been kept on them.
06[14:34] * Donnovan_McGonagall spins around as he finishes pulling the gun out of his bag, discharging both barrels in rapid succession at the thugs near the crate. Turns out shooting while spinning around isn't the best for your accuracy. Some shot from one barrel finds their mark in one of them, the other shot goes wide and hits something that looks like a stuffed bear with scales in the background. Some fluff flies out...
06[14:34] * Donnovan_McGonagall ...of it.
06[14:39] * Nolan-MacLellen frowns and quickly snaps off another shot before bringing his attention back to the skull-faced man -- unlike the other guy, who got back up after a moment's pause, skullface crumples under the force of the shit landing square in his torso. "...One down."
01[14:44] <@SpaceThor> The two on the crates quickly hammer down the lid to the crate and start to slowly move it towards the entrance.
06[14:45] * Audrey_Delassi takes a moment to compose herself... Being attacked by a knife wielding weirdo in pyjamas was bad enough, but she wouldn't let a dud round knock her down. Breathe deeply, hold the gun steady... And this time, the trigger pull is accompanied by a satisfying bang, although her assailant doesn't yet fall.
01[14:45] <@SpaceThor> The other one, engaged with Audrey, attempts to punch her.
01[14:48] <@SpaceThor> The second punch lands right onto her solar plexus, knocking Audrey down and setting her gasping for air.
[14:48] <Audrey_Delassi> She sidesteps one blow... And takes the second to the gut, with a rather unladylike grunt of pain, doubling over and collapsing to the floor.
06[14:58] * Saul_Duncan before the ninja can completely tun around a bullet wizzes past his left ear. a second burrowns into his right kidney,
01[14:58] <@SpaceThor> He goes down.
[15:01] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "That." he breaks the shotgun open, the spent shells fly out. "Isn't." he slips two new shells into it and levels it at the ones trying to escape with the crate again. "YOURS." and boom goes another shot.
[15:09] <Donnovan_McGonagall> A hail of lead and some splinters from the crate hit the two ninjas at neck level and they both gurgle, grasp at their throat, and slide to the ground in almost comical unison. "So this is the famous Far East discipline. They even DIE in a coordinated manner."
01[15:09] <@SpaceThor> The hooded man falls to his knees, a hand pressed against his chest. "You cannot stop the inevitable," he coughs. "Our lord knows your names and faces. You may have defeated us, but we shall be...avenged" The man’s eyes roll up into his skull as he collapses.
01[15:10] <@SpaceThor> There’s a groan from Marcel as he slowly begins to stir. When he sits up, the front of his shirt is soaked through with blood. "what happened?" he asks, before looking down at the throwing star in his chest. "oh dear."
[15:10] <Nolan-MacLellen> "How in the hell are you still alive?" Nolan at least moves to pick Marcel up onto his feet.
06[15:11] * Audrey_Delassi is still groaning on the floor, slowly dragging herself up. "Well... I think you need to hire more security... Professor." She props herself up, breathing heavily, clutching at her bruised stomach.
[15:11] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Have no fear, sir, we've dispatched the foul villains who tried to escape with the treasure." he motions with his hand towards the crate. "Somebody please haul it back in. And... get the professor some medical attention."
01[15:12] <@SpaceThor> "I don't...know." He presses a hand to his chest...and tugs a few folded pages of notes out with the folding star. "Oh, that would do it."
[15:12] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Let me be the first to tell you, you are one lucky son of a bitch. Those slants looked like elite fuckers, and you got to stay breathing."
[15:13] <Donnovan_McGonagall> He reloads his gun, just in case, and checks his ammo stock. " If any gratitude is to be expressed for this feat of incredible heroism, I wouldn't say no to recompense in 10 gauge shotgun shells, I'm afraid I'm running a bit low"
01[15:13] <@SpaceThor> "I've heard of these before. They're tattooed thugs who shake down businesses in the Little Kingdom. Why are they all the way out here?"
[15:13] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Apparently they wanted our paycheck."
01[15:14] <@SpaceThor> "Someone wants this mummy very badly..." Marcel leans against the wall for support, one hand pressed to the wound in his chest. "I doubt that they’ll stop after just this attempt. People like this..." he shakes his head. "...they rarely give up so easily. Next time, they may harm innocent patrons as well."
[15:15] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Who wouldn't? Unfortunately for them, they were just petty lowborn thugs, trying to deprive us of our honestly earned money. And truth, justice, and the American way prevailed."
[15:15] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Well, professor, it DOES sound like you need to increase your security."
[15:16] <Audrey_Delassi> "Would someone Please go get us assistance?" Audrey pants. "I would walk myself, but I'm in rather a lot of pain..."
01[15:16] <@SpaceThor> "I'll call the Guild and see if they can assign some extra guards to the area. In the mean time, you should go to the Little Kingdom and see why they want this mummy so badly. After we see a doctor, of course."
[15:17] <Nolan-MacLellen> "I suppose it wouldn't be too much to ask for a bonus if we do this."
[15:18] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Oh very well, I suppose I'll go fetch the Feldscher." he waits to see if anyone else joins him. "Where IS everyone, anyway? A firefight like this should've attracted SOME attention, especially in a public institution like this.
01[15:18] <@SpaceThor> "I'll talk to the accountant, but I'll also remind you the terms of our agreement was for you to ensure that we take this mummy into possession safely. There was nothing safe about what just happened."
[15:19] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Sir, I DO have to remind you that at the moment of the attack, we HAVE in fact delivered the mummy into your possession, fulfilling the terms of our contract without error. Anything else is, in fact, extra."
01[15:20] <@SpaceThor> "The word 'safely' is the key point, but again, I'll see if we have anything left in our procurement fund."
01[15:21] <@SpaceThor> A doctor has come by to help Audrey and Marcel. The receptionist at the front, sadly, could not be saved.
06[15:21] * Saul_Duncan kneels down, sucking chest wound be damnded. and begins looking though the ninja's things after reloading his pistol
06[15:27] * Audrey_Delassi thanks the attending physician, quickly relieved of her pain, although not her grumpiness. "Really, this sort of business... I should have expected it of Malifaux, but so soon?"
[15:29] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Just another town to me..."
[15:31] <Nolan-MacLellen> "So where's Little Kingdom?"
06[15:31] * Saul_Duncan balences one of the throwing starts on one finger, watching it closely as he strolls up to the others, his newly bandaged chest visible though his ruined shirt and vest.
01[15:31] <@SpaceThor> "It's in the slums. Here, I'll show you on a map."
01[15:31] <@SpaceThor> He leads you to a map of the city. The slums are actually in the same area as the factory that Xun said she got hired by.
[15:32] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...We ain't walking that."
[15:32] <Audrey_Delassi> "Then we'll take a cab."
01[15:33] <@SpaceThor> "I'll hire one for you."
06[15:33] * Saul_Duncan "I think I found something. One of them had THIS on them." he unrolls a peice of paper and sets it out ontop of the map, it is a drawing that looks very much like Xun Jiang. "Look familiar?"
[15:34] <Audrey_Delassi> "...That looks like Xun. Could she be wrapped up with that sort? I mean, she was of the Three Kingdoms..."
[15:34] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Fucking slants."
01[15:34] <@SpaceThor> "If you're in the Little Kingdom, I wouldn't use that word."
06[15:35] * Saul_Duncan " I could use a change of clothes. Sir. Walking around like this would draw just the wrong sort of attention I think." He says as he turns to face the Museum man.
[15:36] <Saul_Duncan> [REDACTED]
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[15:37] <Nolan-MacLellen> "I'll stay quiet."
[15:38] <Audrey_Delassi> "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." Audrey smirks, repeating the sing song rhyme.
06[15:39] * Nolan-MacLellen sighs gently and starts loading bullets into his gun. "Or at least say it in bullet."
01[15:39] <@SpaceThor> The cab arrives, a cramped horse-drawn carriage.
[15:40] <Audrey_Delassi> She rolls her eyes at Nolan as she steps into the cab. "Such a lack of finesse."
06[15:40] * Saul_Duncan climbs inside
01[15:41] <@SpaceThor> It's pretty cramped, but not the most cramped you've been on this long journey. It moves along towards the Little Kingdom
[15:41] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Let's go. Stick close and keep your weapons closer." he eyes the carriage disapprovingly. "By the look of this thing, it doesn't look like it'll be possible any other way." he gets in.
06[15:41] * Saul_Duncan "he helped save your life, I think you can forgive him for that Audrey."
01[15:41] <@SpaceThor> The Little Kingdom neighborhood instantly brings back memories of the Three Kingdoms. The streets are cluttered with carts selling broth and noodles, and paper lanterns hang overhead. The buildings are labeled in a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese dialects, and the number of bath houses, acupuncturists, herbalists, and curio shops on display is almost staggering. The neighborhood’s residents are primarily of Asian descent, and with their flowing kimono, exotic robes, and top knots, it’s easy to imagine that you’ve wandered into an entirely new world. It comes as a surprise, then, when you see a familiar face.
01[15:41] <@SpaceThor> Xun Jiang, the girl you met on the train, is standing outside a curio shop, her luggage in front of her as she attempts to beg coins from passers-by. There’s a large bruise across her face, as if she had been strongly backhanded, and her dress is partially torn. The joyful excitement you had seen a few hours ago is gone, now replaced with a desperate vulnerability.
[15:42] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey's eyes widen at that... She'd just been eyeing up some exotic dresses that might be in her size, but this was far more urgent. "Xun? Oh, Xun! What ever happened to you, hun?" Her eyes are full of compassion for another young woman in need.
[15:42] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "There she is!" cane in one hand and bag in the other, he heads straight for her as soon as he can get out of the carriage.
06[15:43] * Saul_Duncan signals fo the  carriage driver to stop just after they pass so that Xun can't see them get out.
01[15:43] <@SpaceThor> "It was lie! All a lie." Jiang clutches her luggage to her chest, looking heartbroken. "They say there is no job, that I would not be qualified even if there was. I said that Wei Lu had hired me and showed them letter, but they say that no such man works at factory!"
01[15:43] <@SpaceThor> Her shoulders slump, making her look like a kicked dog. "How am I supposed to live with no job? Have already been attacked by tattooed men, tried to kidnap me." She gestures to the bruise across her face. "I escape with just bruise,
01[15:43] <@SpaceThor> but do not know how long can live on streets without..." Jiang’s voice trails off as she raises a hand to brush away a tear.
[15:44] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Tattoo'd men after you too? Lucky us."
[15:44] <Audrey_Delassi> "Tattooed men? Oh dear..." She bites her lip, stepping up to give Xun a hug. "Seems like you're caught up in this mess along with us, and no mistake... We had a run in with the same foul sort."
[15:44] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Everything we touch turns to shit."
01[15:44] <@SpaceThor> "You have problem with same men?" She accepts the hug.
[15:45] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I'm afraid that's not the worst thing to happen to you today, seems you're wanted." he turns to whoever has the picture of her and gestures for them to show it to her.
06[15:45] * Saul_Duncan shows the lady the picture.
[15:45] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey releases the hug a bit, to let her look, but keeps a hold on the girls shoulders, steady and comforting.
01[15:45] <@SpaceThor> She freezes. "Did they send me letter? Was this setup?"
[15:46] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Quite possibly."
[15:46] <Audrey_Delassi> "Seems likely... Any idea who those folk are? Know any like them from back home?"
01[15:46] <@SpaceThor> She shakes her head. "I don't know them. Probably local gang."
[15:47] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Great. Well all we know is that they're from aroudn here."
01[15:47] <@SpaceThor> "Are you looking for them?"
[15:48] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Yes. They tried for my paycheck."
01[15:48] <@SpaceThor> "I see. Please find and stop them."
[15:48] <Audrey_Delassi> "Yeah... Maybe you could help us?" Audrey gives her a smile. "We don't speak the language... And maybe we can at least buy you some food, make sure you're safe from hunger, and from more of those dastards for a little while."
01[15:49] <@SpaceThor> "I don't know much, but I'd be grateful for the company."
[15:49] <Nolan-MacLellen> "A little bit of talking is better than no talking."
[15:50] <Audrey_Delassi> She smiles, reaching down to give the girls hand a squeeze. "Then let's go... Although first, I'm going to buy you a new dress."
01[15:51] <@SpaceThor> "Oh, thank you so much! You don't have to do that though, I have other clothes."
[15:51] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Before we go, please read this." he brings up the paper again. "For us. We don't speak the language."
[15:52] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Try not to get offended if I get annoyed, I say stupid things when I'm annoyed."
01[15:52] <@SpaceThor> She reads it.
01[15:53] <@SpaceThor> "It says: 'Xun Jiang, 10:20 Train. Bring to the Shrine Alive.'" Alive is underlined numerous times.
[15:53] <Audrey_Delassi> "...Shrine. Curious. But we can think about it over lunch... And find somewhere for you to get changed, dear. It doesn't do for a girl to look bedraggled."
[15:53] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I wonder where this shrine could be."
[15:53] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "But yes, lunch does sound acceptable. And something to drink."
01[15:54] <@SpaceThor> She shakes her head. "Dozens of shrines in this part of Little Kingdom alone. Could be any of them." You all start walking towards your next objective.
[15:54] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Any with a skull motif?"
01[15:59] <@SpaceThor> Another of the men, in a blue hood, starts to approach the group from behind. A quick glance reveals three more of them working through the crowds.
[15:59] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Guys, they're coming to us."
[15:59] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "WATCH OUT!" Donnovan shouts and starts pointing them out with his cane.
06[16:00] * Saul_Duncan Is already drawing.
01[16:00] <@SpaceThor> The one closest freezes at the shouting. The others also panic at being noticed so quickly.
06[16:00] * Saul_Duncan "GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!"
06[16:00] * Donnovan_McGonagall takes the time he hopefully bought to fish his shotgun out of the bottom of his bag again.
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06[16:02] * Nolan-MacLellen draws his pistol and sighs. "Again with the shit..."
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06[16:03] * Donnovan_McGonagall passes one hand over the length of his shotgun, as if caressing it. The metal seems to heat up from the inside, but doesn't burn his hand.
06[16:04] * Saul_Duncan punctuates his Order to the thugs with a shot.
01[16:04] <@SpaceThor> The shot goes wide, thankfully not nailing any civvies.
[16:09] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Fuck this." A snapshot... Straight in one of the would-be aggressor's heads. There's not much left after the fact.
01[16:09] <@SpaceThor> He goes down. The others shout "GOKUDO!" And rush.
06[16:17] * Nolan-MacLellen slowly cocks the hammer... And unleashes a bullet towards one of the remaining assailants.
01[16:19] <@SpaceThor> The crowd scatters at the sounds of gunfire.
06[16:20] * Saul_Duncan shoos the one who shouted "Gokudo!" in the hip.
[16:20] <Saul_Duncan> *shoots
06[16:26] * Donnovan_McGonagall takes his time to aim, and two of the ninja get bombarded with a literal cloud of misshapen, molten pieces of lead and burning gunpowder. The barrels of Donnovan's gun look like they're almost at the melting point too, judging by the color, but curiously, this doesn't seem to impair its function or burn his hand.
[16:26] <Donnovan_McGonagall> One of them stops drops and dies. The other one should probably proceed to put himself out if he knows what's good for him.
01[16:27] <@SpaceThor> The two still alive hurl shuriken.
01[16:31] <@SpaceThor> Their stars land, but are stopped mostly by thick clothing. Still sting though.
06[16:32] * Audrey_Delassi wraps an arm around Xun's shoulder and hustles her away, drawing her pistol into her free hand, not firing yet- More concerned with getting them both into the relative safety the cluttered environment provides.
01[16:32] <@SpaceThor> One of them collapses, clothes still smoldering.
[16:33] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Look at that, fried rice." Two quick shots at the last remaining goon. There's no point in belabouring this one - two bullets are more likely to kill than one, after all.
[16:36] <Nolan-MacLellen> Turns out only the one shot was needed, a shot to the kneecap leaving the mook to faceplant rather painfully against a very sharp-looking object. "...Ouch."
01[16:36] <@SpaceThor> They should probably ban those fences with the wrought iron spikes on top. Oh well.
01[16:37] <@SpaceThor> Xun looks very shaken.
06[16:37] * Donnovan_McGonagall raises an eyebrow and plucks the throwing star from his shirt. "Disgusting oriental toys." he drops it onto the pavement with a clang.
06[16:37] * Nolan-MacLellen lowers his gun and starts loading rounds back into it. "Credit where it's due, they're damn good if you get the drop on someone."
06[16:37] * Saul_Duncan adds the star to his collection and goes to investigate his second pile or corpses for hte day
06[16:38] * Donnovan_McGonagall grumbles and shrugs, having lost a bit of composure with the tear in his clothes. He loads a fresh shell into his gun. The barrels seemingly cool down after a minute or so.
01[16:38] <@SpaceThor> More throwing stars and identical orders are on the corpses.
[16:39] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey is breathing heavily as well, trying to give Xun a comforting smile. "Well... Twice in one day. What do you know?"
06[16:39] * Nolan-MacLellen holsters his gun. "...Like fukken bandits. Probably find them hiding around a cave or some shit."
[16:39] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I say, did anyone manage to notice where the last thuggee ran off to?"
06[16:40] * Saul_Duncan takes pictures of their faces and any tatoos they ahve.
06[16:41] * Saul_Duncan "That's Indian. These are Tongs I think."
[16:41] <Nolan-MacLellen> "The fuck are BBQ implements doing here?"
[16:41] <Audrey_Delassi> "Whatever they are, they're unpleasant." Audrey stands... Looking more than a little shaken herself, but trying to be brave for Xun.
01[16:42] <@SpaceThor> She is incredibly uninterested in letting go of Audrey's arm at this time.
06[16:42] * Saul_Duncan "Tongs are a type of Chinese gang Nolan."
06[16:43] * Saul_Duncan "alright. I suggest we go get something to eat before anything else happens."
01[16:43] <@SpaceThor> There's a ramen stand nearby.
[16:43] <Audrey_Delassi> "Right, yes... Food, and then... And then we figure out who these devils are, and how we can stop them... And make sure they won't trouble you again, Xun."
[16:44] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Are you sure we won't get attacked a third time as we are trying to eat? Or even, God forbid, get our food poisoned?"
01[16:44] <@SpaceThor> People are starting to filter back into the streets and gawk at the corpses.
06[16:48] * Audrey_Delassi helps Xun onto a stool with a smile, paying for her meal so graciously~
[16:49] <Nolan-MacLellen> "As long as none of us make a bad remark, we'll probably be fine."
01[16:49] <@SpaceThor> Saul and Audrey work well together, getting a lot of information from normally recalcitrant locals. The Gokudo that have been haranguing them are thugs and criminals in service of a powerful sorceror known as Wei Lu. Wei Lu has all kinds of rumors associated with him, like being able to steal mens' souls, transform into a cricket, grant petitioners eternal youth, and call lightning from the sky.
06[16:49] * Saul_Duncan eats his rice, lo-main, ramen, and sweet rolls with fried beef, washing it down with Lapsang Souchong tea. This job works up an appetite.
01[16:49] <@SpaceThor> More concrete is a location. Apparently the center of their territory is the Falling Star Shrine, located on the eastern edge of these slums.
06[16:51] * Donnovan_McGonagall eats silently, taking care not to get anything into his beard. Or even hair.
06[16:52] * Saul_Duncan "I should come here more often, the food is great."
06[16:52] * Nolan-MacLellen ...quite frankly has no idea what the hell he's doing. And is making quite the pig's ear of his meal.
06[16:52] * Saul_Duncan makes a mental note of it "the te too."
[16:52] <Saul_Duncan> *yea
[16:52] <Audrey_Delassi> "Well, we have the shrine... And between you and me, fellas, I think I should get Xun to a safe place, while you gents go and see that they won't trouble us again."
[16:52] <Saul_Duncan> *tea
[16:53] <Nolan-MacLellen> "About that."
06[16:53] * Nolan-MacLellen smiles a bit. "Anyone know where we can get explosives?"
06[16:54] * Saul_Duncan "they'll keep after he I think. probably best we all work together on finding her a safe place, then all go deal with these Gokudo tongs."
06[16:54] * Saul_Duncan "I might. Nolan, question is an I trust you to not blow yourself up with them"
[16:55] <Saul_Duncan> *can I
[16:55] <Nolan-MacLellen> "My parents were gold rush miners, I can handle some dynamite."
[12:45] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Well, I'd rather not overdo it. It'd be nice if I knew how much I'd need to get the place ready to drop."
[12:46] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "That seems reasonable."
06[12:47] * Saul_Duncan comming back from giving his plates and bowels back the the purveyor he looks thi s way and that to see if he recognizes the street he's on or if there are any maps avalible from a street vendor.
06[12:47] * Audrey_Delassi looks to Xun. "I might have to keep an eye on these gentlemen, to make sure they don't go in half cocked. Think you'll be okay? I reckon you'd be safe staying with these kind people, if only for a few hours."
[12:47] <Saul_Duncan> *Bowls
01[12:48] <@SpaceThor> She nods. "I'll keep an eye out. Please come back soon."
[12:49] <Nolan-MacLellen> "If we take a while, we'll eat again."
01[12:50] <@SpaceThor> The Tumbling Star Shrine is a square structure about ten yards long on each side. In front is a box labeled "Collections." It's not even locked.
[12:51] <Audrey_Delassi> "..." Audrey raises an eyebrow. "Not exactly the temple of evil you'd expect."
01[12:51] <@SpaceThor> You hear voices coming from the inside.
06[12:51] * Saul_Duncan "This is Malifux. They may have built it overtop of a large cellar."
06[12:53] * Saul_Duncan starts walking up looking for any guards or people keeping watch. if noone bothers him he'll try to get close enough to listen in while looking at the grounds.
01[12:53] <@SpaceThor> Nobody bothers him. Inside is the standard decorations of a shrine. Instead of walls, thick pillars support the stylized roof, leaving the temple open on all sides. The center of the temple’s interior is elevated, creating a wide, flat dais upon which are a half-dozen of the tattooed men in hoods. They are kneeling before an old man in a dark robe who is leaning heavily upon an ornate staff.
01[12:54] <@SpaceThor> The old man is flanked by two stone altars, both of which are empty. “You have failed me,” he says in Mandarin, his voice audible despite the distance between you. One of the hooded men kneeling before him looks up and attempts to offer an excuse, only for the old man to make a sharp gesture with his hand. The kneeling man’s voice becomes a scream as he collapses in writhing agony, the flesh melting from his bones while the old man watches in silence.
01[12:54] <@SpaceThor> When the screaming finally comes to an end, the old man addresses the remaining thugs. “Heed this lesson. So long as Kotaro Shu’s physical remains and reincarnated soul are unharmed, there is still hope for her resurrection. Bring them to me, no matter the cost.” The hooded men respond in unison with “Yes, my lord,” and the old man turns and fades away into nothingness as if he had been a ghost.
06[12:54] * Saul_Duncan looks around from the back as though he's never seen any of the iconography or been in the temple of an eastern faith before.
[12:55] <Audrey_Delassi> "...Huh."
[12:56] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Jesus christ..."
06[12:56] * Saul_Duncan gets behind a pillar.
[13:02] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "...I better go back and check. You should start procuring the dynamite, and I suggest you hurry. They seem eager to move again." with that he turns on his heel and starts walking away.
[13:03] <Nolan-MacLellen> "You heard him." A foot forward, followed by a sigh... Though whatever he's sighing about, he didn't mention.
[13:05] <Audrey_Delassi> "Check What? I mean... They aren't paying attention... Could we just start shooting?" Audrey whispers frantically.
[13:06] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Y'don't go into an ambush without having something up your sleeve."
06[13:09] * Saul_Duncan peeks to see if he recognizes any of the surviving men from the earlier fight.
01[13:11] <@SpaceThor> There were no surviving men from your earlier fights
01[13:13] <@SpaceThor> Saul, Nolan, and Audrey make it in and out of the guild prospecting shop fairly quickly. Must be a lull in the digging, or at least in new claims.
06[13:13] * Saul_Duncan waits for the men dispersing to leavethe area where the man dissapeared from befire sneaking up to investigate the area.
[13:13] <Saul_Duncan> (oops)
[13:13] <Saul_Duncan> (retcon)
06[13:14] * Nolan-MacLellen smiles a little, feeling a little bit safer despite now being a chunk of explosives heavier.
01[13:15] <@SpaceThor> You have plenty of time to set things up around the shrine while you wait.
06[13:23] * Nolan-MacLellen sighs in relief as he plants the last of the explosives. "Alright... This should bring the place down with great American fury."
06[13:26] * Saul_Duncan "I'd say let's try to captures one of those men alive and press him for information, but after that display I don't think they'd rather die than talk."
06[13:27] * Donnovan_McGonagall rushes back into the scene, breathing heavily. "I'm afraid that I was right... and also too late."
06[13:27] * Saul_Duncan "what happened?"
[13:28] <Audrey_Delassi> "Don? What's wrong... Is Xun alright?"
01[13:28] <@SpaceThor> Gokudo start to filter back into the building, their faces ashen.
[13:29] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "More ninjas came for the girl. I... I regret to inform you that she has perished in the chaos."
[13:29] <Audrey_Delassi> "...No." Audrey's eyes widen.
06[13:30] * Saul_Duncan turns and looks looks at donnovan
01[13:30] <@SpaceThor> "The girl is dead!" one shouts in Mandarin. "You idiot, you killed her?" "No! She was shot when I got there!"
01[13:30] <@SpaceThor> The gokudo look at each other, then, as one, pull out their swords and fall on them.
[13:31] <Audrey_Delassi> "...When they got there? Don, what happened?"
06[13:31] * Saul_Duncan "What did you do."
[13:31] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Well this is a right clusterfuck."
[13:32] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I accept my part of blame in the incident, however, I assure you it was in the interest of preserving her life. You may remember how I fired in the direction of the mummy back at the museum and almost hit it? Well... I may have done that again, with the girl."
[13:32] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Those must've been different ones."
[13:32] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "The ones who got to her first, I killed."
06[13:34] * Saul_Duncan "and what did these ones look like?"
[13:34] <Audrey_Delassi> ...Audrey has tears in her eyes. "You... You Monster! You shot a poor, defenceless girl? Are you some kind of idiot? What were you Thinking, waving around some bloody blunderbuss like that near poor Xun? We were trying to help her!"
[13:34] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Road to hell, good intentions..."
[13:34] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "At the risk of sounding racist, all of these orientals really DO look the same, especially wearing the same darn pyjamas these clowns do."
01[13:35] <@SpaceThor> Mist rises from the inside of the shrine, and the old man from earlier steps out.
[13:35] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Aaaaand we're probably fucked."
01[13:35] <@SpaceThor> The old man’s head snaps towards you. “You meddle in events above your station!” He points his ornate staff at Donnovan, then sweeps it to include the rest of you as well.
01[13:36] <@SpaceThor> “This insult shall not be forgotten. Your spirits are now known to me, and when you perish, I shall be there to drag them into the Hell of Drowning Blood.” The old man raps his staff against the floor and turns, his body fading away into nothingness like a ghost.
06[13:36] * Donnovan_McGonagall points back at him. "I'm not afraid of YOU, old man. You have FAILED, and now the mummy is USELESS to you!"
06[13:36] * Saul_Duncan shoots at hte fading man.
[13:38] <Nolan-MacLellen> "And exactly /how/ is that mummy useless to him, Don."
[13:40] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Well, they needed both the mummy and the girl to complete their plan. The girl was closer, so I figured I'd go check on her first. Good thing too." he point accusingly again, this time at his companions. "Whose bright idea was it anyway, to hide her right here, in the Little Kingdoms? These "ninjas" clearly have their eyes everywhere in here."
[13:40] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I was planning to take her back to the museum and suggest to them that they put both of them under maximum security until this gets solved. Unfortunately, I didn't even get so far as being able to call for transportation."
[13:41] <Audrey_Delassi> "You could have Told me you were going to check on Xun. You just ran off!"
[13:41] <Audrey_Delassi> She still looks very cross with him.
06[13:41] * Saul_Duncan "yes."
[13:42] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...So you just shot her there and then huh."
[13:43] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I said I was going back to check, but... I apologize. I should've been clearer in my wording. I WAS quite worried." he still looks mostly out of breath.
06[13:43] * Saul_Duncan turns to look to see if any of the reamaiining gokudo are coming to attack us
01[13:43] <@SpaceThor> Nope, they all killed themselves to save themselves from whatever their boss was going to do to them
[13:44] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Not gonna lie Don, you are being suspicious as hell right now. Half a mind to kick you into the place and hit the button."
[13:44] <Audrey_Delassi> "Wait, Nolan- You don't think..." Audrey turns her eyes back to Don. "...Say it aint so, Don... You wouldn't hurt an innocent girl like that, would you?"
[13:46] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Save the dynamite for some other time. I'm sure it was quite costly. Shame to waste it." he turns to Audrey. "I assure you madam, it was a miscalculation on my part. A very, very unfortunate one." he does look quite ashamed of himself "Had I known it would end like this, I would've wished my shot back at the museum hit the mummy instead."
[13:46] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Speaking of the museum, can we go back there now? These goons seems to have commited suicide, but I'm still worried other ones might destroy the mummy out of spite."
06[13:47] * Saul_Duncan "I'm more worried about hat old man."
[13:47] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "At the very least, can we keep talking about this on the way, instead of standing around?"
[13:47] <Saul_Duncan> *that
06[13:47] * Saul_Duncan "Whose to say those are all of his minions."
[13:47] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Yes, exactly."
[13:47] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "We should stop standing around."
06[13:47] * Nolan-MacLellen sighs and shakes his head. "It's already set up and primed, Don. I don't wanna jostle with it with charges on it."
[13:48] <Nolan-MacLellen> "But before we go anywhere?"
06[13:48] * Saul_Duncan "ok then." turns and looks to donnovan "Where do we start looking?"
06[13:48] * Nolan-MacLellen draws his gun. "Talk. The *Whole* story."
06[13:52] * Donnovan_McGonagall puts his hands up. "Whoa, you're not going to let him shoot me over this, are you?" he looks over the rest of them. "We started the day as friends, let's end it that way. I understand if you're on edge right now, but I assure you, I told you everything. I tried to get the girl out of the Little Kingdoms. Ran into more thugs. I'm no match for them physically, so they grabbed her. I tried...
06[13:52] * Donnovan_McGonagall ...stopping them by shooting them - my ONLY means of self-defense, really, but hit the girl between them as well."
[13:53] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Awful convenient how you knew the mummy was useless without her too. Care to explain that one?"
[13:53] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "A quote from earlier - “Heed this lesson. So long as Kotaro Shu’s physical remains and reincarnated soul are unharmed, there is still hope for her resurrection. Bring them to me, no matter the cost.” end quote."
[13:54] <Audrey_Delassi> "Wait... Reincarnated soul? What's that to do with Xun?"
[13:54] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I realized what he meant and rushed away, I should've probably paused to explain, and I'm sorry - AGAIN - but no turning back time now."
[13:54] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Yes, he meant her."
[13:54] <Nolan-MacLellen> "..."
[13:54] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "That's why they needed her."
06[13:54] * Nolan-MacLellen holsters his gun. "Last chance. Any more funny business, you get a bullet."
[13:55] <Nolan-MacLellen> "Are we clear?"
[13:55] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "What funny business?" he sticks his hands up even higher. "I don't even have a gun in my hand right now. What could I POSSIBLY gain from lying to you in this position?"
[13:55] <Audrey_Delassi> "Your share is paying for her body to be sent back to her family, Don. She deserves to get home... One way or the other."
[13:55] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "I accept, just stop this maniac from shooting me."
[13:56] <Nolan-MacLellen> "You don't need a gun to betray us."
[13:56] <Nolan-MacLellen> "And for the record, I hate it when people don't pipe up on something like a job detail."
[13:57] <Audrey_Delassi> "I've half a mind to let him... But we've no proof. Shooting him now would make us as big a fools as he is." She gives him a glare. "Even if you're not a murderer, Don, you're an incompetent fool, and that cost a sweet girl her life."
06[13:57] * Saul_Duncan "Right." "Let's get out of here."
06[13:58] * Saul_Duncan "nolan if your not going to defuse those things then set them off now while the place is empty of civvies."
06[13:59] * Nolan-MacLellen nods before picking up a... surprisingly small detonator. "Cover your ears. This stuff is loud."
06[13:59] * Saul_Duncan finds cover and covers his ears.
06[14:05] * Donnovan_McGonagall offers to shield Audrey from the shockwave with his cape, at a safe distance. "You didn't let him shoot me and I am not ungrateful." he says before covering his ears.
06[14:07] * Nolan-MacLellen shrugs, covers one ear with his hand and pushes the detonator together - the explosion is pretty impressive, sending debris a few dozen feet up into the air before coming back down again, pillars crushing any who were stupid enough to remain inside the shrine... The collections box also goes flying, landing upside-down in the middle of the street with coins going absolutely everywhere. There's a pretty impressive cloud of
[14:08] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...can't hear anything... high noon, high noon, high noon..."
[14:08] <Nolan-MacLellen> >There's a pretty impressive cloud of smoke too, and somehow a hole in the ground where there wasn't even a bomb.
01[14:08] <@SpaceThor> Dust and rubble scatters everywhere, burning guild scrip fluttering down like rain. 12 of it total.
06[14:09] * Saul_Duncan stamps some out.
01[14:11] <@SpaceThor> And with that, there's nothing left to do but go back to the museum and get paid.
06[14:12] * Saul_Duncan reloads the collections box
[14:12] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...I think they're gonna need more than that."
01[14:14] <@SpaceThor> Back at the museum, the curator is more than thrilled to hear the ninja aren't going to be coming back. "For ridding us of those terrible saboteurs, this should be more than enough in compensation. We're set to have our biggest night ever soon, and it's all thanks to you!" He counts out scrip into four different piles, totaling 8 scrip in each pile.
[14:15] <Donnovan_McGonagall> "Thank you." he smiles "I sure feel safe in this Guild building, surrounded by Guild guards, assuredly no-one would shoot me in the back for my share in a place such as this." he grabs his share and starts leaving, at a casual yet quick pace.
[14:15] <Nolan-MacLellen> "...Asshole, I'm not that broke."
06[14:16] * Saul_Duncan looks to the others "so are we making sure he plays to have her sent back?"
[14:16] <Nolan-MacLellen> "If you can convince him. He looks about ready to go back through the breach and just stay the hell away from me for the rest of his life."
[14:17] <Audrey_Delassi> "Don?" Audrey moves over... Giving him a smile and a hug. "Sorry I got so emotional... I know you were trying your best."
06[14:18] * Nolan-MacLellen twists a finger in the ear he hadn't covered earlier. Tinnitus is a bitch.
06[14:19] * Donnovan_McGonagall smiles at her but is intent on leaving quickly.
[14:20] <Audrey_Delassi> Audrey smiles, gaving as he goes... And then turns with a grin towards the others... Six extra scrip folded into one hand. "I'll make sure he pays for her return, don't worry~"