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Wonderful World 1-15

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  1. Wonderful World Side A: 1-15
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  3.  
  4. “The reaches opened before us and closed behind, as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness. It was very quiet there. At night sometimes the roll of drums behind the curtain of trees would run up the river and remain sustained faintly, as if hovering in the air high over our heads, till the first break of day. Whether it meant war, peace or prayer we could not tell. The dawns were heralded by the descent of a chill stillness; the wood-cutters slept, their fires burned low; the snapping of a twig would make you start. We were wanderers on a prehistoric earth, on an earth that wore the aspect of an unknown planet.”
  5. -Joseph Conrad, /The Heart of Darkness/
  6.  
  7.  
  8. ---Session One---
  9.  
  10. [21:13] <[NPC]Narrator> [It's a calm, sunny day out in the city of Breslau, but the situation on the ground doesn't seem to fit. The city was recently sealed off by an international military force and though there are rumors, what happened still isn't exactly clear. Directly outside the city, a small car heads toward one of the military bases on the outside.]
  11. 06[21:15] * Dia is nervous. This is not the place she should be. But Raymond's here, and she follows him around pretty much everywhere, so...
  12. 06[21:15] * Dia can't really do anything but worry about Raymond's welfare.
  13. 06[21:16] * Raymond leans against the window as he goes, seemingly in thought.
  14. [21:16] <Dia> Ray.
  15. 06[21:16] * Dia approaches Raymond.
  16. [21:16] <Dia> You good?
  17. 06[21:17] * [Ora]Mia had just finished taking care of two patient at the infirmary inside the base.
  18. 01[21:18] <Raymond> Yeah, I'm just thinking. No idea what's in there, so I've been wondering about that.
  19. 06[21:19] * [Ora]Mia steps out of the infirmary catch a breath away from the mess.
  20. [21:20] <Dia> I... I have bad feeling. This may not good.
  21. [21:20] <Dia> city so gloomy... and gunmen around...
  22. [21:21] <[NPC]Narrator> [The car pulls into the base, next to a group of artillery guns. The ground is littered with rivets, bullets and spare parts; there are a couple of armored cars on their side. The guns let out small explosions from time to time, followed by a whistle until there's a reverbating thud from inside the city.]
  23. 06[21:22] * Dia flinches a bit from the explosion.
  24. 06[21:22] * Raymond gets out, stretching and pulling his briefcase out after him.
  25. 06[21:23] * Dia drag the rest of the luggage out, along with her "personal box".
  26. [21:23] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Another day huh?...
  27. 01[21:23] <Raymond> Thanks, driver, we'll take over from here. Come along, Dia.
  28. [21:24] <Dia> Um!
  29. [21:25] <[NPC]Narrator> [The driver leaves without a word. There are soldiers marching around in groups and several officers giving orders, the artillery officer talks to his radio operator.]
  30. 06[21:26] * [Ora]Mia goes and takes a look to see if more patients for her to look after or just your run of the mill infantry.
  31. 06[21:27] * Raymond walks towards the artillery officer.
  32. 06[21:28] * [NPC]Officer addresses his radio man before turning to Raymond.
  33. [21:29] <[NPC]Officer> Have the spotters found the position yet?
  34. 06[21:29] * Dia just let Raymond do the talking. It always been that way.
  35. [21:30] <[NPC]Officer> Radio: No, sir.
  36. [21:30] <[NPC]Officer> Have them keep looking, it's in there somewhere.
  37. 06[21:30] * [NPC]Officer turns.
  38. [21:31] <[NPC]Officer> Hello, what do you want?
  39. 06[21:31] * Raymond pulls out a sheet of paper.
  40. 01[21:32] <Raymond> I'm looking for the fort at the entrance to... BMT. Could you point me in the right direction?
  41. 06[21:33] * [NPC]Officer points to the ground, and then off to the left.
  42. [21:34] <[NPC]Officer> Headquarters is over there. At least you're not one of the ones who keep asking to get into the city, I've had a few of those. The whole place is stuffed with enemies and they want to get in... Hmph.
  43. [21:35] <Dia> Officer...
  44. 06[21:35] * Dia hands up.
  45. [21:36] <Dia> What enemy?
  46. 06[21:36] * Katherine , one of those so-called "enemies", is currently not far away, being watched over by a gruff soldier for the time being.
  47. 06[21:38] * Katherine takes off her glasses and polishes them on her jacket.  She avoids eye contact with anyone, but seems more intent about looking around at the base and city itself.
  48. 06[21:38] * Ilsa is pacing off the the side, arms crossed. After working towards this, she can't return home now... She turns to the officer. "Hey, can you at least tell me who the 'enemy' is?"
  49. 06[21:39] * [Ora]Mia takes a look outside at the commotion, she has two visibly seen .357 on both sides near her waist. She sees a man in holy white suit...
  50. [21:40] <[NPC]Officer> Enemies, enemies... tough to see them from out here. They've been ambling around in the city since the operation started, and we're shooting at them now. They're hidden out of sight, somewhere... Aren't they?
  51. [21:40] <[Ora]Mia> No.. it can't be... 14 Raymond?...
  52. [21:40] <[NPC]Officer> Radio: They sure are, sir!
  53. [21:41] <[NPC]Officer> Keep up the fire then. We'll get to them eventually.
  54. 06[21:41] * Dia is still confused, but decide to stay put. She can't really communicate well around these parts.
  55. 06[21:42] * Katherine eyes her large duffel bag she's brought with her.  She'd grab a book from it to pass the time, but with the way these soldiers are acting...best not to do anything suspicious.
  56. 06[21:42] * [NPC]Officer turns back to the guns. A flame and bang burst from one, white smoke dissipating not long after.
  57. 06[21:42] * [Ora]Mia approaches this man in white suit..
  58. [21:42] <[Ora]Mia> Excuse me sir.
  59. 01[21:42] <Raymond> Hm?
  60. 06[21:42] * Raymond turns to Mia. Looks familiar...
  61. [21:43] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Do you... remember me?
  62. 01[21:43] <Raymond> You seem familiar... hm.
  63. 01[21:43] <Raymond> Oh, that's right. Haven't seen you in a while.
  64. 06[21:44] * Raymond quickly turns to a confused expression.
  65. 01[21:44] <Raymond> What are you doing out here?
  66. 06[21:44] * Dia just look around in astonishment.
  67. 06[21:45] * Ilsa sighs, digging in her pockets. She retrieves a lighter and a carton of cigarettes. "... 'Enemies', huh..." She places a cigarette in her mouth and lights it nonchalantly. "...If you're not going to tell me, just say it," she mumbles.
  68. [21:47] <[Ora]Mia> 14 ...I... been looking for you. I heard you were around this area, so I worked here for about a month now...
  69. 06[21:47] * [Ora]Mia struggles to come up with words, but the overwhelming happiness is taking her by force.
  70. 01[21:48] <Raymond> ...Mia, right?
  71. 06[21:48] * Dia noticed Mia.
  72. [21:48] <Dia> Ray, Ray. Who?
  73. 06[21:49] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  74. [21:49] <[Ora]Mia> 14 You... saved me from becoming.... one of them.
  75. 01[21:50] <Raymond> Dia? Oh. This is a girl I met a while back, during my earlier days in research. She could probably give a better description of the circumstances than I could; you know I don't like to brag about things.
  76. [21:51] <Dia> Ah. Ray's au...accu....acquaintantz?
  77. [21:51] <Dia> hello.
  78. 06[21:51] * Dia extend her hand for a shake.
  79. 06[21:51] * [Ora]Mia promptly shakes her hand. Its a bit cool to the touch, but soft and reaffirming.
  80. [21:52] <[Ora]Mia> Greetings.
  81. 01[21:52] <Raymond> So... Mia. You know who these people are?
  82. 06[21:53] * Raymond points at Katherine and Ilsa.
  83. [21:53] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Them?
  84. 06[21:53] * [Ora]Mia points towards the officers.
  85. 06[21:53] * Katherine notices a formal-looking man pointing in her direction, surrounded by women who don't exactly look like soldiers.  What's going on now?
  86. 01[21:55] <Raymond> No, not them. The civilians. Any idea what they're doing here?
  87. 06[21:55] * Katherine sits up straighter on the wooden crate she's being "detained" on right now, so as not to be offensive to this man.  He's probably an officer or something.
  88. 06[21:55] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head.
  89. [21:56] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I know nothing of their plans... sorry.
  90. 06[21:57] * Ilsa is back to pacing. She looks up briefly at the man in white and raises an eyebrow, but goes back to staring at the ground in contemplation. He's probably not getting in, either...
  91. [21:57] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I just take care of the sick people who are stationed here.
  92. [21:58] <Dia> Ah. I am medic too.
  93. [21:58] <Dia> I'm good at herbs and things.
  94. 01[21:59] <Raymond> Well. Strange you heard I was around, even I don't know the complete circumstances of why I'm here. All I know is I'm being sent inside, but why that is I'll be told today.
  95. [21:59] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Ah!..
  96. 01[22:00] <Raymond> Hm?
  97. 06[22:00] * Raymond turns back to Mia.
  98. [22:00] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Will you... allow me to come... with you?
  99. 06[22:00] * Ilsa stops dead in her tracks. Did he just say...
  100. 01[22:01] <Raymond> Well, if you want to, sure, but...
  101. [22:01] <Dia> That's not ray decide. You ask other gunmen, I think.
  102. 01[22:01] <Raymond> ...are you sure you would want to? I don't know what's in there, but it can't be good with everything that's happened.
  103. [22:02] <Ilsa> Uh... Excuse me, sir? Did I hear you just say you're being sent inside?
  104. 06[22:02] * Raymond turns to the newcomer. Who's this?
  105. 01[22:02] <Raymond> Er... yes.
  106. 01[22:03] <Raymond> Who might you be?
  107. 06[22:03] * Katherine hears bits and pieces of the conversation, but it's all a mess to her.  What's all this military business about this city, anyways?  Isn't the city's "curse" just a local superstition?
  108. [22:03] <Ilsa> Ilsa. Ilsa Schneider. And I have a request.
  109. [22:03] <Ilsa> Will you let me go inside with you?
  110. 06[22:04] * Ilsa looks at the officer.
  111. [22:04] <Ilsa> It's fine if I'm accompanying him, right?
  112. [22:04] <[NPC]Officer> Not my problem. Go talk to HQ.
  113. 06[22:04] * Dia is worried that suddenly there's people accompanying Ray around.
  114. 06[22:04] * [NPC]Officer points to Katherine.
  115. 06[22:05] * Katherine is nervous about being pointed at again, but tries to act indifferent.
  116. [22:05] <[NPC]Officer> And get that girl to go too; civilians are tough to administer in a place like this.
  117. [22:05] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Yes.. I'm sure. You saved me after all, this is the least I can do...and I have some business to take care inside myself..
  118. 06[22:05] * [NPC]Officer raises his voice to reach Katherine's guard.
  119. [22:06] <[NPC]Officer> Soldier! Let her go!
  120. 01[22:06] <Raymond> How curious... I also have some business besides whatever my mission is.
  121. [22:06] <Dia> I...I follow Ray around.
  122. 06[22:07] * [Ora]Mia smiles as much as she can to be a small beacon of light in this dim ruined world.
  123. 06[22:08] * Katherine wonders why so many women are gathering around this white-uniformed man.  The military is a man's world, isn't it?
  124. [22:09] <[NPC]Officer> [Katherine's guarding soldier gestures for her to get up, then telling her to go on her way.]
  125. 01[22:09] <Raymond> So... Ilsa. Why would you want to go in there?
  126. 06[22:10] * Katherine gets back to her feet and slings her duffel bag back over her shoulder.  By the way she carries it, it looks pretty full and heavy.
  127. [22:10] <Ilsa> I've... got a business contract. It's important, and I need to see if I can get in touch with my employer. If you let me come with you, I'm sure can repay you.
  128. 06[22:11] * Katherine is pretty much at a loss for anything to do.  She'd just come to sightsee, but after all this mess...what now?
  129. 06[22:12] * Dia is looking left and right, trying to get the lay of the land.
  130. 01[22:13] <Raymond> ...Fine, you too, I guess. I don't see why you'd think it that important, but that's not my business.
  131. [22:14] <Dia> us group getting bigger, suddenly.
  132. 06[22:14] * Katherine hopes one of the women may have an idea of what's going on.  The man seems important and busy, after all.  Except...they all seem busy...
  133. 01[22:14] <Raymond> Yeah. Kind of a surprise. Now all that's missing is for that girl to join us too...
  134. [22:14] <Ilsa> Thank you. And I didn't catch your name, Mister...
  135. [22:14] <Dia> I think she will.
  136. 06[22:15] * Katherine swivels her head as she hears herself being referenced.
  137. 01[22:15] <Raymond> Oh, I'm sorry. Raymond Duvall.
  138. 06[22:15] * Raymond extends his hand.
  139. [22:15] <Ilsa> Mister Duvall. A pleasure.
  140. 06[22:15] * Ilsa shakes.
  141. 06[22:15] * Katherine bites her lip.  Join...?
  142. [22:17] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I-if you're worried about me Raymond... I-I can take care of myself.. look...
  143. [22:18] <Katherine> "...Sir, excuse me, sir?  Not to intrude, but might I ask what you mean by that?"
  144. 01[22:18] <Raymond> ...By what? And who're you?
  145. 06[22:18] * Raymond tries to alternate between addressing Katherine and paying attention to Mia.
  146. 06[22:19] * Katherine straightens herself again, trying to make a good impression.
  147. [22:19] <Katherine> "Sir, Katherine N. Owen, from England, sir.  I've been on holiday, and heard this city was...cursed, I suppose would be the right word.  It seemed interesting enough at the time."
  148. [22:20] <Katherine> "But I didn't exactly heard of all this military involvement.  No offense, sir."
  149. [22:20] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I-I'll wait until we're done..
  150. 06[22:21] * Dia look around, nervous.
  151. [22:21] <Dia> Uh... we should go in quick. people waits.
  152. 01[22:21] <Raymond> I'm... not really with the military, so no need to apologize. Come, let's talk on the way to headquarters.
  153. 06[22:21] * Ilsa eyes Katherine tentatively. An Englishwoman? 'Was she here when I arrived?' Ilsa thinks to herself.
  154. 06[22:21] * Raymond takes off in the direction the officer had shown.
  155. 06[22:21] * Dia follows as close as possible.
  156. [22:22] <Katherine> "Mmm, of course, sir."
  157. 06[22:22] * Katherine follows close behind, trying not to hit anyone near her with the duffel bag.
  158. 06[22:22] * [Ora]Mia talks to the officer about the Nurse who comes in next before following after Raymond.
  159. 06[22:23] * Ilsa follows, roughly behind the girl clinging to Raymond.
  160. 01[22:24] <Raymond> So you heard of something in the city and came to investigate. Simple enough, but now that you've seen this what will you do?
  161. 06[22:24] * Katherine pushes her glasses back onto her nose, as they've started to slip.
  162. [22:25] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I-I know what those things are... but I don't wish to speak about it.... better for you to find out...
  163. [22:27] <Katherine> "I wouldn't want to get in the way of all this military business, sir, frankly enough.  I'm just a student taking a holiday; I'm sure you've got better and more important matters to worry about."
  164. 06[22:27] * Ilsa drops her cigarette, stepping on it as she walks. ...'Things'?
  165. [22:28] <Katherine> "There's other places to visit in Europe, after all, I suppose."
  166. 06[22:28] * [Ora]Mia remains silent about the subject...
  167. 06[22:29] * Katherine looks at her feet, thinking about something far away from Germany.
  168. 06[22:31] * Katherine whispers quietly to herself... "...some dreams are better left as dreams..."
  169. [22:31] <Dia> you need travel machine first. I think it's hard to get around here.
  170. 01[22:31] <Raymond> You seem rather... deflated. Miss Owen, if you're not doing anything here, where do you expect to go?
  171. [22:33] <Katherine> "Not to be rude, sir, but I'm only not doing something here because of this barricade.  I expect I'll continue though to Poland sightseeing.  It's been some time since I've seen the mainland, sir."
  172. [22:34] <Dia> Will Gunmen let you go out?
  173. 06[22:34] * Dia state her worries.
  174. 01[22:34] <Raymond> How odd. In a few hours I'll be sent through it.
  175. 01[22:34] <Raymond> No, less than that. A few minutes maybe.
  176. 06[22:34] * Katherine turns to Dia, an eyebrow raised.
  177. 06[22:35] * Katherine thinks better than to say anything for the moment.
  178. [22:36] <Katherine> "If you're suggesting I travel with you, sir, I really don't see the use.  You don't need a woman like me holding you back.  You seem to have enough already."
  179. 06[22:37] * Raymond ignores her, continuing.
  180. 01[22:37] <Raymond> I've heard a little about that... No clearance, no passage, right? Well, I'll have clearance so you needn't sound so disappointed. Now, miss Owen, where do you expect to go?
  181. 06[22:38] * Katherine thins her lips into a flat expression as she stares at Raymond.  Not a glare per-se just...a look.
  182. [22:39] <Katherine> "I expect I'll be going wherever you 'convince' me it'd be prudent of me to go, is that correct?"
  183. 06[22:40] * Katherine considers it a rhetorical question, and continues.
  184. 01[22:40] <Raymond> Yes. But how much work should it be to convince you?
  185. 06[22:41] * [Ora]Mia looks at Dia.
  186. [22:41] <Katherine> "Sir, I'm fairly certain you hold more authority than me over who goes where around this region.  If you have a request to make of me, please make it.  This conversation is wasting time which must be of a fair importance to you."
  187. 06[22:41] * Dia also looks at Mia.
  188. 01[22:42] <Raymond> Alright. If you want to join, do so; I've no problem with letting you on.
  189. [22:43] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Mia Asymio.. Dia.
  190. 06[22:43] * Dia nods.
  191. 06[22:43] * Katherine can sense she won't be slipping quietly out of this debacle.  Might as well stop resisting and get on with it, then.
  192. 06[22:43] * Dia speaks some native tongue of her tribe, but with 'dia' on it. That's probably her full name.
  193. [22:45] <Katherine> "...it seems, at least for the moment, that my mind has been made up for me.  What do I need to know about all of this...Captain?"
  194. 06[22:45] * Dia eyes Katherine. She detect some sort of sarcasm from her.
  195. [22:45] <Katherine> "I'm afraid I don't know much more than rumors of a local superstition."
  196. 06[22:45] * Ilsa says nothing, but silently labels Katherine as "that curt English bitch". Not that it's any of her business. She looks off to the side innocently.
  197. 01[22:46] <Raymond> Captain?
  198. [22:46] <Dia> Ray is no captain.
  199. 06[22:46] * Dia state the obvious.
  200. 06[22:47] * Katherine readjusts her glasses again.
  201. [22:47] <Katherine> "Would you prefer a more appropriate title, sir?"
  202. 01[22:47] <Raymond> Professor would be more accurate. Ah, here we are; sorry, Mia, you'll have to wait a sec before showing me that.
  203. 06[22:48] * [Ora]Mia nods a single time at Raymond.
  204. 06[22:48] * Raymond stops in front of a small building, knocking on the door.
  205. 01[22:48] <Raymond> I'll be briefed here. Not sure what to expect.
  206. 06[22:48] * [Ora]Mia mutters these words under her breath..
  207. [22:49] <[Ora]Mia> 15 It'll be better in the actual enviroment...
  208. 06[22:49] * Ilsa nods and stuffs her hands in her pockets.
  209. 06[22:50] * [NPC]Jerry opens the door, a man in a white shirt with the top button open and necktie undone. He looks rather unkempt in comparison to Raymond, but seemingly thinks nothing of it.
  210. 06[22:50] * [Ora]Mia also look at the man.. a bit suspicious.
  211. [22:51] <[NPC]Jerry> Director Duvall, I presume. Would you rather we talk inside or out here?
  212. 06[22:51] * Raymond shrugs.
  213. [22:52] <[NPC]Jerry> And... I thought you only had one escort. Perhaps I should go into your business, it seems it's made you rather popular.
  214. [22:52] <Dia> I am his escort. all that not me are traveller.
  215. [22:53] <[NPC]Jerry> Hm. Well, let's see...
  216. 06[22:53] * [NPC]Jerry pulls out an envelope, removing a few papers and reading them.
  217. [22:54] <[NPC]Jerry> Professor Duvall, Raymond M., Director of Research in viral studies at... well, we've gone through this before. That's you, isn't it?
  218. 01[22:55] <Raymond> You already know the answer to that.
  219. 06[22:55] * Katherine wonders about many things.  Does all this mean this "curse" is real or something?  Obviously over-hyped nonsense hiding a more dangerous problem.
  220. [22:55] <[NPC]Jerry> Just answer.
  221. 01[22:55] <Raymond> Yes, that's me.
  222. 06[22:56] * [Ora]Mia looks behind her, she sees some faded subtle movements in the shadow.. perhaps its all in her mind... but she's getting a bit nervous.
  223. [22:59] <[NPC]Jerry> Alright, Professor. Well, I'll give you a few papers and set you off in the right direction, most of this has been figured out ahead of time. You'll be granted access to the city through the red line at this base, which should take you straight to Sector Bravo Mike Tango. That one's almost completely under control, so no worries there.
  224. 06[22:59] * [NPC]Jerry shuffles through the papers some more.
  225. 06[23:01] * Katherine thinks to herself... (They way they're talking, it sounds like the city is still occupied by the Axis or something.  But why; the Great War ended years ago...)
  226. [23:01] <[NPC]Jerry> After leaving the blue zone AE-1, you'll meet up with the 9th Armored Cavalry Regiment, a foreign element headed by Colonel... Carraza; you'll be escorted further into the city and from there you are to travel to the source of the events.
  227. [23:02] <[NPC]Jerry> Your objective throughout is to investigate the cause and the nature of the problem so that it can be fought more effectively and perhaps be eradicated. Any questions? Any of you?
  228. 06[23:02] * Dia hands up.
  229. 06[23:02] * [NPC]Jerry turns, bemused.
  230. [23:03] <[NPC]Jerry> Yes?
  231. [23:03] <Dia> what is the "it"?
  232. 06[23:03] * Dia heard nothing about fighting anything.
  233. 06[23:04] * [Ora]Mia lets out a gasp but hope that no one heard it.
  234. [23:05] <[NPC]Jerry> The problem? Well, it's... not entirely clear. Your boss is likely to know more than I. Other than that... it's not something I can describe effectively; perhaps it's best you see it.
  235. 06[23:05] * Dia nods.
  236. 06[23:05] * Katherine 's face grows grim, and a little paranoid.  This sounds FAR beyond some simple recon team...just what's going on here?!
  237. 06[23:05] * Ilsa shifts uneasily. 'Problem'? 'Eradicated'? She didn't know what had happened in the city, let alone that it was this bad. The chances of her employer still being in the area were getting slimmer by the second.
  238. 06[23:06] * Katherine raises her hand half-up.
  239. [23:06] <[NPC]Jerry> ...Yes?
  240. [23:07] <Katherine> "Sir, I am in no way trained in any sort of military activity.  Will this be problematic?"
  241. [23:09] <[NPC]Jerry> Mmm... that depends. If you're feeling fit and ready for adversity you should do well, and largely it's a combination of caution and luck. I wouldn't know too clearly, either, I'm a civilian officer. Can't really tell you what my job is, but you see.
  242. [23:11] <Dia> There will no be any dangerous danger? I mean, Ray is wiseman. He not have to fight, and should not to.
  243. 06[23:13] * Katherine nods, but retains her serious face.  Well, this will be a life experience at the very least...
  244. 06[23:13] * Ilsa looks around at her present company before clearing her throat loudly.
  245. [23:14] <[NPC]Jerry> There... may be trouble, so just be ready. Besides your escorts you should pass through a few military bases and established blue zones, so most of the time units and patrols should be nearby. As you go on you'll go closer to the center of the city, but I'm not the person to ask about what you'll find there.
  246. [23:14] <Ilsa> Sir, I think I can handle a firearm, should it come down to that. Will it be necessary?
  247. 06[23:15] * [Ora]Mia proudly pats her two .357 Magnun.
  248. [23:15] <[NPC]Jerry> Can't answer that. Even if it isn't, though, you'll likely be thankful you have it.
  249. 01[23:16] <Raymond> One thing... "Jerry", is it?
  250. [23:16] <[NPC]Jerry> Hm?
  251. 06[23:17] * Katherine pulls her duffel up subconsciously.  She's got her rapier in there she brought with her for God-knows-why, but amidst all these guns it just seems foolish now.
  252. 01[23:17] <Raymond> I need you to send some information ahead of me. My sister lives in this city, so I'd like to hear information you might have.
  253. [23:17] <[NPC]Jerry> Hm, alright. Name?
  254. 01[23:17] <Raymond> Valeria D. Duvall.
  255. 06[23:18] * [NPC]Jerry scribbles onto a sheet of paper.
  256. [23:18] <[NPC]Jerry> I'll send word ahead, you'll likely get it when you contact your escort or something.
  257. 06[23:18] * %Dia just stay silent and settle herself near Raymond for the rest of the meeting session.
  258. 01[23:19] <Raymond> Oh, and one more thing...
  259. 01[23:19] <Raymond> What's your real name?
  260. 06[23:20] * [NPC]Jerry smiles.
  261. [23:21] <[NPC]Jerry> Ask the Colonel the same question, and you'll get my answer too. Besides, what you see with your eyes is enough to tell I'm here, right?
  262. 01[23:21] <Raymond> What?
  263. [23:22] <[NPC]Jerry> Then again, I know this place well enough to tell you that the change you'll experience will go on behind them. You see, Professor, in your mind at least...
  264. [23:22] <[NPC]Jerry> ...where you're going, you're not coming back from.
  265. 06[23:23] * [NPC]Jerry pulls out another large envelope and hands it to Raymond.
  266. [23:23] <[NPC]Jerry> Here's your dossier. It has all the info you need to proceed with your mission and... you did bring all your supplies, right?
  267. 01[23:23] <Raymond> Um... yes...
  268. 06[23:23] * Katherine grips her fist.  What.  What-the-bloody-what.
  269. [23:24] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Supplies?
  270. 06[23:24] * [Ora]Mia askes inquisitively.
  271. [23:24] <Ilsa> .....
  272. [23:26] <[NPC]Jerry> Scientific equipment. Go off to the red line, a junior officer will present you with a steam car to take inside. Sure it's obsolete, but civilians inside shouldn't try to hijack it as much. Anything else, anyone?
  273. 06[23:27] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head as she understood it.
  274. [23:28] <Ilsa> ... With due respect, sir, I doubt you would answer.
  275. [23:28] <[NPC]Jerry> ...Well, I suppose we're done then. Go on, Professor, I wish you the best of luck.
  276. 06[23:28] * [NPC]Jerry shakes Raymond's hand before gently closing the door.
  277. 06[23:29] * Raymond seems to look off into space for a while, but then sighs.
  278. 01[23:29] <Raymond> ...Let's just go.
  279. 06[23:29] * Raymond turns and walks in the direction indicated, waiting for his accompaniment to start after him.
  280. 06[23:29] * [Ora]Mia is already behind him.
  281. [23:30] <Ilsa> I'm right behind you Mist-- I mean, Professor Duvall.
  282. 06[23:30] * Ilsa follows.
  283. 06[23:31] * Katherine feels like this could be the start of a long and arduous waste of time and effort.  Ahh, what a wonderful world we live in...
  284. 06[23:32] * [Ora]Mia lets out a sigh. Readying herself for what a nice encounter they will have down there.
  285.  
  286.  
  287. ---Session Two---
  288.  
  289. “Billy, in one of his nice new sashes,
  290. Fell in the fire and was burnt to ashes.
  291. Now, although the room grows chilly,
  292. I haven't the heart to poke poor Billy.”
  293. -Harry Graham, /Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes/
  294.  
  295. [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.]
  296. 06[21:19] * Katherine plods along semi-reluctantly, not exactly ecstatic about being dragged into all of this.
  297. [21:20] <Katherine> "Professor, I would just like to ask...just what is all of this about?"
  298. 06[21:22] * [Ora]Mia looks around with some semblance of Paranoia.. she's uneasy.
  299. [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?"
  300. 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.
  301. 06[21:25] * Katherine nods obediently, but is highly skeptical.  Political rhetoric and sugar-coating of the issues at hand, she believes.
  302. 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?
  303. [21:26] <[Ora]Mia> 14 A-ah... Raymond?...
  304. 01[21:26] <Raymond> Ah! Yes?
  305. 06[21:27] * Raymond turns, his earlier thoughts derailed.
  306. 06[21:27] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head softly..
  307. [21:27] <[Ora]Mia> 14 N-never mind... I..I wasn't thinking right.. I thought I saw something..
  308. 06[21:28] * Ilsa consciously fights the urge to look over her shoulder every so often.
  309. 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.
  310. [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.]
  311. 06[21:31] * Raymond turns towards the vehicle, pulling out the first papers in the envelope he was given earlier.
  312. 01[21:33] <Raymond> Hm, this might be it. What do you think?
  313. 06[21:34] * Ilsa nods.
  314. 06[21:35] * [Ora]Mia simply nods to affirm.
  315. 01[21:35] <Raymond> Well, then, let's take a look.
  316. 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.
  317. 06[21:36] * Raymond approaches the soldier standing by the vehicle, who looks up and smiles cordially.
  318. [21:36] <[NPC]Soldier> Hello! What do you need?
  319. 01[21:39] <Raymond> Um, let's see... I'm here for this car, I think. Raymond Duvall.
  320. 06[21:39] * Katherine thinks of many relevant answers to that question, obviously saying none of them aloud.
  321. 06[21:40] * [NPC]Soldier nods enthusiastically, and hands Raymond a sheet of paper. His voice is rather cheery as he continues to speak.
  322. [21:42] <[NPC]Soldier> So-o-o-o! Just give that a read. Let's see... oh, hm, others? Girls, are you accompanying him?
  323. 06[21:42] * Ilsa can't help but wonder why this one seems so chipper.
  324. [21:43] <Katherine> "Yes, sir.  More or less."
  325. [21:43] <Ilsa> Yes, that's correct.
  326. 06[21:43] * Ilsa glances at Katherine with a raised eyebrow. "More or less"?
  327. 06[21:45] * Katherine catches that eyebrow.  What?  She responds with a rather flat face.
  328. 06[21:46] * [Ora]Mia just stands back and lets the people do their job.
  329. [21:47] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Yes...
  330. [21:49] <Ilsa> Ahem... Miss, if you're having second thoughts, now would be the time to voice them.
  331. 06[21:52] * Katherine is not amused.  She narrows her eyes slightly in Ilsa's direction.
  332. [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!
  333. 06[21:54] * Katherine holds her rebuttal until after the team is on their way.  The soldier seems to be giving instructions, after all.
  334. 06[21:55] * [Ora]Mia is not surprised at the Soldier's advice at all.
  335. [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?"
  336. [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 concern for people like me is how much lead or iron it takes to kill one!
  337. 06[21:57] * [NPC]Soldier laughs enthusiastically.
  338. 06[21:58] * Katherine ponders that one for a moment.
  339. 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.
  340. [21:58] <Katherine> "What about steel?"
  341. [22:00] <[NPC]Soldier> You mean like, blades? Yeah, you can do that. Everyone has their own style, after all.
  342. 06[22:00] * Raymond takes a look over to the city, looking pensive and a little worried.
  343. 06[22:01] * Katherine regrets even asking the question, and looks somewhere else.  The definition of a person...?
  344. 06[22:01] * [Ora]Mia pats Raymond on the shoulder, and gives a weak thumbs up.
  345. 06[22:03] * Raymond gives a nervous smile, but still looks like something's bothering him.
  346. [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?"
  347. 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.
  348. [22:05] <[Ora]Mia> 14 They're... dead...well. Kinda.
  349. 06[22:05] * Katherine turns to Mia.  What...?
  350. [22:06] <Katherine> "Explain.  Obviously dead men are a threat to no one, save in politics I suppose."
  351. [22:06] <[Ora]Mia> 14 L-like the soldier.. said. They're not.. us anymore.
  352. 06[22:07] * Ilsa is unable to keep her focus any longer, and turns towards Mia.
  353. [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.
  354. [22:08] <[Ora]Mia> 15 Mom... dad.. I hope you're still alive, and not one of them...
  355. 06[22:08] * Katherine 's face grows more skeptical and serious with each sentence out of the man's mouth.
  356. [22:10] <Katherine> "Ghost stories."
  357. 06[22:10] * Katherine says simply.
  358. 06[22:10] * [NPC]Soldier shrugs, smiling.
  359. [22:11] <Katherine> "That's what this 'curse' is all about?  A fantasy come to life?"
  360. 06[22:12] * Katherine is very serious and direct.  There's no sarcasm here at all.
  361. [22:12] <Ilsa> ... I'll... have to agree with Miss Katherine. Things like that can't possibly exist.
  362. [22:13] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I-it's not a curse...
  363. 06[22:13] * Ilsa 's response sounds vaguely halfhearted. She covertly wipes a bead of sweat from her brow.
  364. 06[22:13] * Katherine turns to Ilsa immediately and glares with that flat face again.
  365. [22:13] <[NPC]Soldier> I won't insist. But... fantasy is the wrong word, anyway.
  366. [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.
  367. [22:14] <Katherine> "MIss...Ilsa, was it?  I did not say anything of existence or non-existence."
  368. [22:14] <Katherine> "Please, do not misconstrue my words.  Feel free to correct my errors, but only if I make them."
  369. 06[22:15] * Ilsa doesn't return her glare, looking forward again.
  370. 01[22:17] <Raymond> It isn't fully understood. That's why I'm here.
  371. 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.
  372. [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!
  373. 06[22:18] * [NPC]Soldier swings his submachine gun over his shoulder and walks off with a spring in his step, whistling.
  374. 06[22:18] * Katherine watches the man leave, thinking to herself.
  375. [22:19] <[Ora]Mia> 14 He's.. a little too happy about this.
  376. 01[22:19] <Raymond> Maybe it's his way of getting used to it.
  377. [22:20] <Katherine> "I would be inclined to agree, except that I have very little information on what "this" is."
  378. [22:21] <Katherine> "Then again, I suppose that's why we are here."
  379. 06[22:22] * Raymond reads over the sheet of paper that the soldier gave him.
  380. 06[22:24] * Katherine walks over to the car and unloads her duffel bag into it, finally getting some relief for her aching shoulder.
  381. 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.
  382. 01[22:26] <Raymond> Best of luck... Signed, Jerry. P.S: With company like that, I hope you brought a camera.
  383. 06[22:26] * Raymond seems unamused, eyes half-closed.
  384. 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.
  385. 06[22:27] * Ilsa can't help but sigh.
  386. 06[22:27] * [Ora]Mia is suprised at the list, she smirks a little bit.
  387. 01[22:28] <Raymond> Well, alright. Has everyone got their stuff? Mia?
  388. 06[22:30] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  389. [22:30] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I do.
  390. 06[22:30] * [Ora]Mia pulls out two .357 magnum with a handful of bullets.
  391. [22:32] <Katherine> "Please tell me you're not planning to fire those at the same time, Miss Mia."
  392. 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.
  393. [22:32] <Katherine> "The drop in accuracy from firing a revolver one-handed of that caliber is horrendous."
  394. [22:34] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Have faith in me...
  395. 06[22:34] * [Ora]Mia holds her hand like a nun prayer to god.
  396. 06[22:34] * Katherine is not amused.
  397. 06[22:35] * Ilsa again glances at Katherine, this time in mild surprise. She hadn't expected her to have any knowledge of firearms.
  398. 06[22:35] * [Ora]Mia was not joking though.
  399. [22:35] <Ilsa> ... Well then, I'll claim the rifle, if that's fine with you, Mr. Duvall.
  400. 01[22:38] <Raymond> Well, if you say so. I've prepared my own methods, so I have no objections.
  401. [22:38] <Ilsa> ... And I don't think she'll be firing that quickly, Miss Katherine.
  402. 06[22:38] * [Ora]Mia hugs her guns like they were her life, with a simple warm smile.
  403. 06[22:38] * Ilsa 's stubbornness gets the better of her.
  404. 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.
  405. [22:39] <Katherine> "Let us have faith that she does not, then, Ilsa."
  406. 06[22:41] * [Ora]Mia 's expression changes to a more somber one and faces Katherine.
  407. [22:41] <[Ora]Mia> 15 I'll show you.. Katherine.
  408. 06[22:43] * [Ora]Mia hops in the front seat.
  409. 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.
  410. 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.
  411. [22:44] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I.. don't mind.
  412. 06[22:45] * Katherine withdraws her rapier and a small composition book from her duffel before climbing in the back with Ilsa.
  413. [22:46] <Katherine> "A detour implies I actually have strong feelings towards the speed of our journey, which I do not."
  414. [22:46] <Katherine> "Therefore, no.  I have no objections."
  415. [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...
  416. 01[22:48] <Raymond> Alright, thanks. We've still got to wait for Dia, so I'll start the engine up meanwhile.
  417. 06[22:48] * Raymond proceeds to the engine compartment, opening up the hood and moving some things inside around.
  418. 06[22:49] * Katherine caught the tail end of that sentence.  Making enemies already, hmm...that's no good.  Better turn down the skepticism.
  419. [22:52] <Katherine> "Ilsa."
  420. [22:52] <Ilsa> ... Yes?
  421. [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."
  422. 06[22:53] * [Ora]Mia sighs at the two..
  423. [22:53] <Katherine> "Whatever we're doing here, I doubt holding grudges will help."
  424. [22:54] <[Ora]Mia> 15 IF you two keep fighting like this, we're going to die painfully.
  425. 06[22:54] * Ilsa stares out the window and inhales deeply.
  426. [22:55] <Ilsa> ...It's not your fault. I'm... not especially accustomed to dealing with other people in these situations.
  427. [22:57] <Katherine> "Indeed.  I think this is going to be hard on all of us."
  428. [22:58] <[NPC]Narrator> [An autogyro passes overhead, seemingly directed towards the inside of the city.]
  429. [23:01] <[Ora]Mia> 14 What's.. that thing?
  430. 06[23:01] * [Ora]Mia points towards it.
  431. 06[23:02] * Katherine looks upwards.  Oh.  That's new.
  432. [23:03] <Katherine> "I...honestly don't know.  An aeroplane of some sort, obviously, but...hmm..."
  433. 06[23:04] * Ilsa is busy examining her rifle. She runs her fingers lightly over the safety lever.
  434. 06[23:04] * Raymond closes the hood, looking up at it.
  435. 06[23:04] * Katherine places her hand lightly over Ilsa's as she comes close to the safety.
  436. [23:05] <Katherine> "Be careful with that one."
  437. [23:05] <Katherine> "Better to examine a firearm outside, I'd suggest.  Unless...is it loaded?"
  438. 06[23:06] * Ilsa angrily opens her mouth to protest before turning impassive again.
  439. 06[23:06] * [Ora]Mia takes a quick glance at the gun.
  440. [23:06] <[Ora]Mia> 14 It's not loaded.
  441. 06[23:07] * Katherine backs away.  Overstepped her bounds, there...bugger.
  442. 06[23:08] * Katherine retreats into her composition book, bringing out a stubby pencil from her jacket pocket and beginning to write.
  443. [23:08] <Katherine> "My apologies."
  444. [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.
  445. 01[23:12] <Raymond> 14Now, is there anything besides that...
  446. 01[23:13] <Raymond> Ah, damn. Dia still has all my books.
  447. 06[23:13] * Raymond gets into the driver's seat, turning to the others.
  448. 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.
  449. 06[23:16] * Katherine , obviously, jumps at the chance for some answers.
  450. [23:17] <Katherine> "These 'not-quite-people', Mia said it was some sort of biological contagion?"
  451. [23:17] <Katherine> "A disease, in layman's terms?"
  452. 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.
  453. 01[23:23] <Raymond> It's reversible at least in some cases, though, I know that for a fact.
  454. [23:24] <[Ora]Mia> 14.. Ah...
  455. [23:25] <Katherine> "And yet...that chipper man felt killing them was more advisable."
  456. [23:25] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I..
  457. [23:25] <Katherine> "It is a question of practicality, then?  The effort of 'curing' the 'disease'?"
  458. [23:25] <Ilsa> ...
  459. 06[23:27] * [Ora]Mia is overshadowed by Katherine's curiosity and ceases to talk for the time being.
  460. [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."
  461. [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."
  462. 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 accommodate 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?
  463. [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."
  464. [23:33] <Katherine> "But I digress.  It is merely an opinion."
  465. 06[23:33] * Katherine returns to her writings, ending the conversation prematurely.
  466. 06[23:34] * Raymond shrugs, turning to looking outside again. He seems to be thinking.
  467. [23:34] <[Ora]Mia> 15 I don't care if they're undeads or Demons. If they attack me they're dead.
  468. 06[23:35] * [Ora]Mia has a quite a serious face right now.
  469. 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...
  470.  
  471.  
  472. ---Session Three---
  473.  
  474. "'How wonderful to be alive,' he thought. 'But why does it always hurt?'"
  475. -Boris Pasternak, /Doctor Zhivago/
  476.  
  477. [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.]
  478. 06[21:18] * Katherine is immersed in her notebook, writing fervently.
  479. [21:22] <Dia> I back now. you wait so long? Sorry, I slow sometimes.
  480. 06[21:23] * Raymond idly drums his fingers on the steering wheel, turning almost absent-mindedly.
  481. 06[21:23] * Dia wipe the sweat from her forehead.
  482. 06[21:23] * Katherine becomes distracted by the new arrival, breaking her out of her world of words.  She closes the book.
  483. 01[21:23] <Raymond> It's fine. Just get the stuff in, no sense putting off our entrance.
  484. 06[21:24] * Raymond turns back to the inside.
  485. 01[21:24] <Raymond> Any of you more comfortable at the wheel than where you're sitting?
  486. [21:24] <Dia> I fine any place, Ray.
  487. 06[21:24] * Dia put the luggage where it belongs.
  488. [21:24] <Katherine> "Not particularly, but if no one else is..."
  489. [21:24] <Ilsa> Sorry. I don't have much driving experience.
  490. 06[21:24] * Katherine shrugs.
  491. 01[21:25] <Raymond> If you'd rather, I can drive.
  492. [21:25] <Dia> No no no no! I drive.
  493. [21:25] <Dia> You go sit at back, okay?
  494. 06[21:25] * [Mar]Mia silently looks at the people.. preparing for what awaits them.
  495. 01[21:26] <Raymond> Alright, if you say so.
  496. 06[21:26] * Dia take the wheel.
  497. [21:26] <Dia> Where to?
  498. 01[21:27] <Raymond> 15Although I don't remember anything about you learning to drive. 1Is there room back there?
  499. 06[21:27] * [Mar]Mia called shotgun as soon as they entered the car.
  500. 06[21:27] * Katherine scooches herself to the middle seat, opening up the side for Raymond.
  501. 06[21:28] * Raymond climbs over towards the back, briefcase trailing behind him; he takes a sheet of paper and hands it to Dia.
  502. [21:28] <Dia> I'm good, I'm good. I see you drive a lot. it no hard.
  503. 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.
  504. 06[21:30] * Ilsa places the butt of the rifle on the ground between her legs to make room.
  505. 06[21:31] * Katherine does likewise with her rapier.  This may not be the best road trip ever.
  506. [21:31] <Dia> okay. you tell me if I go bad way, okay?
  507. 01[21:31] <Raymond> Sure, I'll let you know.
  508. [21:31] <[Mar]Mia> Raymond.... do you want to switch seats?
  509. 01[21:32] <Raymond> Ah? No, it's fine. We'll just have to make sure anyone who looks inside can talk to me.
  510. 06[21:32] * Ilsa is staring out the window, distant.
  511. 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.
  512. 01[21:32] <Raymond> And if it gets hot, we can bring the roof down.
  513. 06[21:32] * [Mar]Mia nods and returns looking towards past the dashboard.
  514. 06[21:33] * Katherine certainly wishes her boss wasn't sitting right next to her in the back seat of some car.  So unorthodox...
  515. [21:34] <Katherine> "So, Professor Duvall...what exactly are we trying to do today?"
  516. 01[21:34] <Raymond> Well, first is getting inside, but before we go down to meet this...
  517. 06[21:35] * Raymond checks his dossier.
  518. 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.
  519. [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.]
  520. 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.
  521. 06[21:37] * Katherine tips her head down, thinking ardently.
  522. [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?"
  523. 06[21:40] * [Mar]Mia looks around carefreely as if it were a joy ride.
  524. [21:40] <Ilsa> With this kind of setup... you'd think they were assaulting the city, not just controlling an insurgency.
  525. 06[21:40] * Ilsa is still staring out the window.
  526. [21:41] <Dia> W-warzone?! Ray is no fighter! He should safe inside defense of gunmen!
  527. 06[21:41] * Dia 's voice clearly express her worriness.
  528. 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.
  529. 01[21:42] <Raymond> Ah, there's the entrance.
  530. 06[21:42] * Katherine caresses the pommel of her rapier, bringing her some small comfort.
  531. 06[21:43] * Dia pull a handbrake as they arrived at the place, nearly roll the car over.
  532. [21:43] <Dia> Wha--!
  533. 06[21:43] * [Mar]Mia takes a look at Katherine's rapier and laughs.
  534. [21:43] <[Mar]Mia> Oof.
  535. 06[21:43] * [Mar]Mia 's head hits the dashboard.
  536. 06[21:43] * Katherine snaps her head forward, almost colliding with the aforementioned rapier.
  537. [21:44] <Katherine> "Nngh.  Capital."
  538. 06[21:44] * Ilsa jerks back reflexively to right herself.
  539. 06[21:44] * Raymond braces himself, but still bumps his head against the window.
  540. [21:44] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Are.. you sure you know how  to drive Dia?..
  541. [21:44] <Ilsa> I-is everyone alright?
  542. [21:44] <Dia> Uh... Ray do it when park... I don't know what I do wrong....
  543. [21:46] <Katherine> "You, nnhh, wait until AFTER the car is stopped to pull the handbrake."
  544. [21:47] <Katherine> "Not TO stop the car."
  545. 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.
  546. [21:47] <[NPC]Soldier> Who are all you?
  547. [21:47] <Dia> Uh? o..okay...
  548. 06[21:48] * Katherine looks at the soldier dully, and tries to avoid eye contact until after Raymond has addressed the situation.
  549. 06[21:48] * [Mar]Mia simply bows and greets the soldier with calmness and serenity.
  550. 06[21:49] * Raymond opens his briefcase and roots around in it, but doesn't address the soldier.
  551. 06[21:49] * Ilsa huffs before straightening her jacket. She digs in her pocket for a cigarette, waiting for Raymond to say something.
  552. [21:50] <Katherine> "I really would prefer you not smoke so close to me, Miss Ilsa."
  553. 06[21:52] * Dia is looking at Raymond, waiting for him to communicate with the gunmen guy.
  554. 06[21:52] * [NPC]Soldier tries again in a couple other languages, but then reverts.
  555. [21:53] <[NPC]Soldier> Which one of you is in charge? I haven't got all day.
  556. 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.
  557. [21:53] <Ilsa> ...Excuse me.
  558. [21:54] <Dia> ...he.
  559. [21:54] <Katherine> "Thank you much."
  560. 06[21:54] * Dia points at Raymond.
  561. [21:55] <Katherine> "Mister Duvall, I believe you are being addressed."
  562. 06[21:55] * [NPC]Soldier reaches through the window and nudges Raymond with the muzzle of his weapon.
  563. [21:55] <[NPC]Soldier> You. Start talking.
  564. 06[21:55] * Dia frowns at the soldier.
  565. [21:55] <Dia> No harsh treatment!
  566. 06[21:55] * Raymond starts, before looking a little harder and getting a paper out from his briefcase before handing it to the soldier.
  567. 06[21:56] * Ilsa glares at the soldier briefly and looks back out the window.
  568. 01[21:57] <Raymond> My apologies, soldier. Raymond M. Duvall, I'm being sent in by MET command to evaluate the situation inside.
  569. 06[22:00] * [NPC]Soldier reads the paper, not seeming to get any more annoyed.
  570. [22:00] <[NPC]Soldier> Alright. Clearance?
  571. 06[22:00] * Raymond hands over a sheet from his dossier, which the soldier analyzes before handing all of them back.
  572. [22:01] <[NPC]Soldier> All is in order. Keep it moving.
  573. 06[22:03] * Katherine is actually put at ease by the no-nonsense soldier.  Finally someone acting in accordance to the supposed situation.
  574. 06[22:03] * Dia starts the engine again. This time she took some time to do everything in order.
  575. 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.
  576. [22:05] <[NPC]Soldier> Careful, there are roadblocks.
  577. 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.
  578. 06[22:06] * Dia slowly drives off.
  579. 06[22:06] * [Mar]Mia waves the soldier farewell.
  580. [22:10] <Katherine> "That was...surprisingly normal."
  581. [22:11] <Dia> It should be.
  582. [22:11] <Katherine> "Indeed."
  583. 06[22:11] * Dia have that stern look on her face. She's probably still pissed over soldier's treatment.
  584. 06[22:12] * Katherine gives Mia a glance.
  585. [22:12] <Katherine> "I assume you find my rapier in the presence of so many firearms amusing?"
  586. 06[22:12] * [Mar]Mia smiles at Katherine.
  587. [22:12] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Do as you wish miss Katherine.
  588. [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."
  589. [22:14] <Katherine> "And I have this.  Perhaps not the most practical weapon, but we shall see."
  590. [22:14] <Katherine> "Better than nothing, at the very least."
  591. [22:14] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Tis only fair that you underestimate me.
  592. [22:14] <Dia> You are no gunmen. You should have no gun!
  593. 06[22:14] * Dia state it matter-of-factly.
  594. [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.]
  595. 06[22:15] * Katherine considers blowing the comment off, but realizes the depth of such a simple statement.
  596. [22:16] <Katherine> "...perhaps, you are correct, Miss Dia.  Indeed..."
  597. 06[22:16] * Ilsa tries to look disinterested.
  598. 01[22:17] <Raymond> Anyway, Dia. Can you get to the spot I marked?
  599. [22:17] <Dia> okay!
  600. 06[22:17] * Dia park it right this time.
  601. [22:17] <Dia> pull AFTER park. hup!
  602. 06[22:17] * Dia pull the handbrake.
  603. 01[22:18] <Raymond> Uh... Dia? Other side of the block.
  604. [22:19] <Dia> Ahaha... sorry.
  605. [22:19] <Dia> we can walk.
  606. 06[22:20] * Dia actually don't want to drive it any longer. It's too hard.
  607. 01[22:20] <Raymond> Hm, alright. Why not.
  608. 06[22:21] * [Mar]Mia readies both of her guns, filling it with what ammos she has left into it and then gets out.
  609. [22:21] <Ilsa> Fine by me.
  610. 06[22:21] * Ilsa wants to get out so she can have a smoke.
  611. 06[22:21] * Dia get off.
  612. 06[22:21] * Raymond opens the door, climbing out and stretching. He doesn't seem too relaxed.
  613. 06[22:22] * Katherine files out after Raymond, strapping her blade to her side.
  614. [22:22] <Dia> why we bring weapon too? it dangerous?
  615. 06[22:23] * Ilsa slings the rifle over her shoulder and gets out.
  616. 06[22:23] * Dia despite saying that, still bringing her Kar98K with her.
  617. [22:23] <Katherine> "I image it's always best to be prepared, in a world such as this."
  618. [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.
  619. [22:24] <[Mar]Mia> 14 If something doesn't feel right Raymond sir.. please.. don't hesitate to ask for help.
  620. 06[22:25] * Dia just stay close to Raymond at all times. It's always the best decision.
  621. [22:25] <Katherine> "Speaking of which...should I bring my duffel with me, Professor?"
  622. [22:25] <Dia> So what next?
  623. 06[22:27] * Ilsa retrieves three extra clips from the rear compartment and stows them in her pockets (which are, fortunately, fairly numerous.)
  624. 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.
  625. [22:28] <[Mar]Mia> 15 Damn.. should have known to not rely on the military..
  626. [22:28] <Katherine> "Very well, I'll refrain for now."
  627. 06[22:28] * Ilsa loads a fourth into the rifle. It makes a slight, mechanical 'clack'.
  628. [22:29] <Dia> I confuse why we need weapons... hope this is not danger.
  629. 06[22:29] * Katherine looks around the nearby city.  Very...ominous.  The city itself looks sick.
  630. [22:30] <Dia> Say, I never see your sister face before. how her face?
  631. 06[22:31] * Dia probably means "what's her look?"
  632. 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.
  633. 06[22:33] * [Mar]Mia is curious and listens with upmost effort.
  634. 06[22:33] * Raymond comes up to a door, knocking on it twice. After a second, sound comes from the other side.
  635. 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.
  636. 06[22:36] * JohnAugustin opens the door, his expression quickly turning to displeasure.
  637. [22:36] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Raymond, I'm going with Kathy ok?..
  638. 06[22:36] * [Mar]Mia taps him on the shoulder.
  639. 01[22:36] <Raymond> 15Ah... alright.
  640. [22:37] <JohnAugustin> What the hell do you want with me, Raymond?
  641. 06[22:37] * [Mar]Mia trails off after the serious-looking girl.
  642. 01[22:37] <Raymond> What sort of a welcome is that, John-
  643. [22:37] <JohnAugustin> You're not welcome here, Raymond.
  644. 06[22:38] * Raymond sighs but continues, sounding a little exasperated.
  645. 01[22:38] <Raymond> Look, I just wanted to know where I can find Valeria.
  646. [22:38] <JohnAugustin> You really don't know?
  647. 01[22:38] <Raymond> Know what?
  648. [22:40] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Kathy.. wait....
  649. 06[22:40] * Katherine turns to Mia.
  650. [22:40] <Katherine> "...Mmm?"
  651. 06[22:41] * Ilsa is focused on Raymond's conversation.
  652. 06[22:41] * [Mar]Mia stops for a moment to catch her breath.
  653. 06[22:42] * Dia 's sense is tingling.
  654. [22:42] <JohnAugustin> I'll tell you, just so you don't come show your mug around here again.
  655. [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.
  656. [22:42] <Dia> Something bad happen Valeria?
  657. [22:42] <JohnAugustin> And then... I guess she couldn't take that much tragedy anymore.
  658. [22:42] <JohnAugustin> I got a call... she'd thrown herself off a bridge.
  659. [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...
  660. [22:42] <JohnAugustin> That was you, you bastard.
  661. 06[22:42] * JohnAugustin slams the door in Raymond's face.
  662. 06[22:43] * Dia ah----!
  663. 06[22:43] * Dia put her hands on her mouth. holding bac tears.
  664. 01[22:43] <Raymond> 15Ah- ah...
  665. [22:43] <Dia> R...Ray....
  666. 06[22:43] * Raymond stands in shock, too confused even to move.
  667. 06[22:44] * Katherine sees no move from Mia to talk, and returns to looking around in silence, thinking.
  668. 06[22:44] * [Mar]Mia gets back up in a jiffy.
  669. [22:44] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Looking for something?
  670. 06[22:44] * Ilsa bites her lip. What does someone say at a time like this?
  671. 06[22:44] * Dia just stay like that, unknown of what to do.
  672. [22:45] <Ilsa> Mister Duvall... I'm sorry...
  673. 01[22:46] <Raymond> 15I... I think I need to go sit down...
  674. 06[22:46] * Raymond starts walking back, dragging his feet and with his eyes to the ground.
  675. [22:47] <Katherine> "...Nothing.  Or, everything."
  676. [22:47] <Dia> Ray...
  677. [22:47] <Katherine> "Answers.  Or questions."
  678. [22:47] <Katherine> "I feel like looking is all I've been doing for years."
  679. [22:48] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Then stop looking and enjoy things once in a while ok?
  680. 06[22:48] * Dia following behind, meekly grabbing Raymond's shirt.
  681. 06[22:49] * Katherine turns to Mia melancholically.
  682. [22:49] <Katherine> "I...am starting to enjoy things.  But I enjoy them in my own way.  It's...very hard to explain."
  683. [22:50] <Katherine> "I doubt it'd even make sense to me if I said it aloud.  I'd rather not try."
  684. 06[22:50] * Raymond sits on the curb, burying his face in his hands. He seems unusually pale.
  685. 06[22:50] * Ilsa follows with a pained expression. She doesn't bother with the cigarette.
  686. 06[22:51] * Dia put her hand on Ray's shoulder and stare at him with that troublesome look of hers.
  687. [22:51] <Dia> 'Kushala daora', Ray.
  688. [22:52] <Dia> Death is not parting.
  689. 06[22:52] * Raymond nods, slowly.
  690. [22:52] <[Mar]Mia> 14 You'll never know until you do. It may be easier than you think.
  691. 06[22:53] * Dia try to hold bac her tears, but failed.
  692. [22:53] <Dia> If you... death... you be on same plane... with her... so you meet her again...
  693. [22:53] <Dia> I...
  694. 06[22:53] * Dia sobs
  695. 06[22:54] * Katherine shoots Mia a non-threatening glare.
  696. [22:54] <Katherine> "Nothing in this world is easy."
  697. 06[22:55] * [Mar]Mia simply smiles back. She has nothing to hide.
  698. [22:55] <Katherine> "What, you find this funny?"
  699. 06[22:55] * Katherine is not amused.
  700. 06[22:56] * Raymond 's shoulders shake a little, but he doesn't react or make much noise.
  701. 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.
  702. 06[22:57] * Dia can do nothing. She just stay right there, and take Raymond's sorrow as her own.
  703. [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.
  704. 01[22:59] <Raymond> 15Ah... ah... 14Maybe... we should go.
  705. 06[23:00] * Dia nods.
  706. 06[23:00] * Katherine is somewhat reassured by this more serious side of Mia.
  707. [23:00] <Dia> Someone drive... I can't.
  708. 06[23:00] * Ilsa looks at Dia briefly. She wasn't speaking either. But... someone -must- say something.
  709. 06[23:00] * [Mar]Mia returns back to her warm demeanor.
  710. [23:01] <Ilsa> ...Mister Duvall.
  711. 06[23:01] * Dia take Raymond to sit at the backseat.
  712. 06[23:01] * Raymond turns, rather wearily.
  713. [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."
  714. [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.
  715. [23:02] <Katherine> "My brother managed to find his again.  I've not fared quite as well."
  716. 06[23:03] * Katherine is marginally downcast.
  717. [23:03] <[Mar]Mia> 14 I suggest clinging on to it. You'll need it for harder times yet to come.
  718. 01[23:03] <Raymond> 15Ilsa... 14Thanks, but Augustin has nothing to do with the military. I appreciate... the thought.
  719. 06[23:05] * Dia angrily glares at Ilsa. She don't even bother hiding her tears anymore.
  720. [23:05] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Just.. don't die on me.
  721. [23:05] <Dia> Please! No talk about this! Just.... just go already!
  722. 06[23:05] * Ilsa swallows, attempting to keep a straight face.
  723. 06[23:06] * Katherine gives Mia a heavy-lidded and quizzical look.
  724. 01[23:06] <Raymond> 14...The other two...?
  725. [23:06] <Katherine> "I have no intention of doing that, Miss Mia."
  726. [23:07] <Katherine> "Rather inconvenient, dying.  There's a mite too many things I'd rather be doing before then."
  727. 06[23:07] * [Mar]Mia speaks up for the first time in front of Katherine.
  728. [23:07] <[Mar]Mia> Good.
  729. [23:10] <[Mar]Mia> This, conversation.. never happened.
  730. 06[23:10] * Katherine understands.
  731. [23:10] <Katherine> "Very well."
  732. 06[23:11] * Katherine looks over to the other three.  Something seems to be going on over there.
  733. [23:12] <Katherine> "Shall we rejoin them, then?"
  734. [23:15] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Lets.
  735. 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!
  736. 06[23:16] * [Mar]Mia takes the lead first.
  737. 06[23:16] * Ilsa cannot. Dia's words had taken the wind out of her. She fails to maintain eye contact.
  738. 06[23:17] * Katherine follows, taking one last glance back.  (...IF it's true...)
  739. [23:19] <Ilsa> 140A-ah... h-here they come now... e-excuse me...
  740. 06[23:20] * [Mar]Mia approaches the group.
  741. [23:20] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Hello.. everyone.
  742. 06[23:20] * Katherine says nothing.  The mood appears to be somber.
  743. 06[23:20] * Dia stay silent.
  744. 06[23:21] * Raymond doesn't react, most of his face still in his hands.
  745. 06[23:22] * Ilsa begins to walk off rather unsteadily. Her breathing sounds erratic. She digs in her pockets for the carton.
  746. 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.
  747. 06[23:24] * Raymond sniffs a few times, then gets to his feet and continues to walk.
  748. 06[23:25] * [Mar]Mia recognizes the mood and breaks it up with a cheerful face.
  749. 06[23:26] * [Mar]Mia hops in small strides behind Raymond.
  750. 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.
  751. 06[23:28] * Katherine , having nothing better to do, leans against the car and unsheathes her rapier, examining it for grime.
  752. 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.
  753. 06[23:28] * Dia sit besides Raymond, also saying nothing.
  754. 01[23:30] <Raymond> 14...Who's driving?
  755. [23:30] <[Mar]Mia> 14 Raymond?
  756. [23:30] <Katherine> "I shall, if there's no objections."
  757. [23:31] <Dia> please.
  758. 06[23:31] * Dia nods.
  759. 06[23:31] * Raymond looks up at Mia, but his gaze looks a little vacant.
  760. 06[23:31] * Katherine enters the driver's seat, positioning her rapier next to her against the door.
  761. 06[23:32] * [Mar]Mia gets in the passenger side before turning back to Raymond.
  762. [23:32] <Katherine> "Where to, Professor?"
  763. 06[23:32] * Katherine asks quietly.
  764. [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.
  765. 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.
  766. 06[23:35] * Raymond breathes deeply, wiping some tears from his eyes, but seems to acknowledge Mia's address.
  767. 06[23:36] * Dia hand Raymond her handkerchief. It's a little bit damp, though.
  768. 01[23:39] <Raymond> 14...Let's just go, alright? I don't want to talk... don't want to be here...
  769. 06[23:39] * Raymond gently leans on Dia as he drifts off.
  770. [23:39] <Katherine> "As you wish."
  771. 06[23:40] * Dia hold Raymond's hand tight, trying to comfort him as much as he could.
  772. 06[23:40] * Katherine starts up the car.
  773. 06[23:40] * Katherine leans out the window.
  774. [23:40] <Katherine> "Miss Ilsa!  We're moving out!"
  775. [23:41] <Ilsa> Coming.
  776. 06[23:42] * Ilsa swiftly kills off the cigarette and discards it before climbing into the back seat.
  777. 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.
  778. 06[23:45] * Katherine kicks the car into gear and begins driving to the next checkpoint.
  779. 06[23:45] * Katherine shakes her head.  To think a place like this...no, not yet.  Still...what a wonderful world...
  780.  
  781.  
  782. ---Session Four---
  783.  
  784. “Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
  785. The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
  786. From the small of my back take the camshaft
  787. And assemble the engine again.”
  788. -Royal Flying Corps mess song
  789.  
  790. [19:03] <[NPC]Narrator> [The sky becomes orange over the city of Breslau, just as a small, grayish blue car moves up a street. As you go further in, the vague sounds of small arms and larger guns becomes distinguishable though it still seems far off; inside the car it's been silent for a while.]
  791. #06[19:03] * Raymond has been looking out the window for a while now; he hasn't said a word since the car last started moving.
  792. #06[19:04] * [Owen]Katherine grips the rubber of the steering wheel, touching the car slightly left to stay on the road.
  793. #06[19:05] * [Ora]Mia looks outside at the building blurring by as if it were a road trip. She simply smiles as nothing else is worrying her right now.
  794. [19:05] <[Owen]Katherine> "...eeeuumm, ey-....no, no, nevermind..."
  795. #06[19:06] * Dia try her best to share Ray's anguish, but she don't know how. She can only place her hand over his, clasping it. Sharing her warmth with him.
  796. #06[19:06] * Raymond seems to react a little, but neither turns nor speaks.
  797. #06[19:07] * Dia is too afraid to talk. She might break this fragile balance of silence.
  798. #06[19:07] * Ilsa is also silent. She steals a guilty glance up at Dia before her eyes retreat back to the ground.
  799. #06[19:10] * Dia inhales.
  800. #06[19:10] * Dia does a big sigh afterward.
  801. #06[19:10] * [Owen]Katherine can feel this sorrow in the air. Something...terrible, must have happened.
  802. [19:10] <Dia> Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.....
  803. #01[19:10] <Raymond> 15Hm...
  804. [19:10] <[Owen]Katherine> "I..."
  805. #06[19:10] * [Owen]Katherine finally tries to break this silence.
  806. #06[19:11] * Dia sit back, and smiles.
  807. [19:11] <[Owen]Katherine> "Look, I'd just like to apologize to everyone, all right?"
  808. [19:11] <Dia> No good thing from sad face, no?
  809. #06[19:11] * [Ora]Mia recognizes this dead air emanating from the people, it's never a good thing as it was commonplace in the infirmary. hm?.. she turns to the source of the voice, Katherine.
  810. [19:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "When I feel uncomfortable, I get far too serious. I talk like some elitist or something, I don't know..."
  811. [19:12] <Dia> We keep that inside, we move forward. ahead is dangerous. sad face no good for work.
  812. [19:13] <Ilsa> It... isn't your fault.
  813. #06[19:13] * [Owen]Katherine shakes her head.
  814. [19:13] <Dia> it is not good talk about it now.
  815. [19:13] <[Owen]Katherine> "No, no, it is, and that's the point. Other people shouldn't affect what I do, and what I say. It's me, just me."
  816. [19:13] <[Ora]Mia> 14Dia's right. Keep moving forward, it's all we got left in this forsaken world.
  817. [19:14] <Dia> we cannot change past. we can change present and future.
  818. [19:14] <Dia> past for mourning. present for living. future for expecting.
  819. [19:14] <Dia> so, look to present.
  820. #06[19:15] * [Ora]Mia nods sagely to those words.
  821. #06[19:15] * Dia indirectly say that to Raymond.
  822. #06[19:16] * Ilsa nods, but can't bring herself to say anything.
  823. #06[19:16] * [Owen]Katherine glances to the back. Past, present...future...?
  824. #06[19:16] * Raymond thinks about it, but doesn't seem to come to a conclusion. He takes off his glasses and leans his forehead on his hands.
  825. [19:17] <Dia> I... I can very talk confuse often... so...
  826. #06[19:17] * Dia is a bit troubled now.
  827. [19:17] <[Owen]Katherine> "Anyways...I just wanted to apologize, is all. Sorry for interrupting."
  828. #06[19:18] * Dia decide to shut up for the time being.
  829. #06[19:18] * [Owen]Katherine focuses on driving again, her cheeks turning pink. She just stepped on an emotional conversation with her pointless "life problems". Inconsiderate girl...
  830. [19:18] <[Ora]Mia> #14 You're fine Katherine.
  831. #06[19:18] * [Ora]Mia pats her left shoulder.
  832. #06[19:19] * [Owen]Katherine 's lips twitch upwards slightly, but fail to break into a smile.
  833. [19:21] <[Owen]Katherine> "Doctor Duvall, what road should I be taking up here?"
  834. #01[19:21] <Raymond> #14Eh... ah...#1 One second. Are there signs...?
  835. #06[19:22] * [Owen]Katherine squints ahead through her glasses.
  836. #06[19:23] * [Ora]Mia presents a genuine smile, not the kind used to lie to people, it emanates of warmth hopefully bringing that said person to ease.
  837. [19:23] <[Owen]Katherine> "I think, maybe, but, it'd be nice to know beforehand just in case..."
  838. [19:23] <[Ora]Mia> #14 So... please Kathy. Smile for all of us, that'll be one less person who's sad in this world.
  839. #06[19:24] * [Owen]Katherine catches Mia's warm face. Somehow, it manages to move her, if just a little. But for her, a little is a lot.
  840. [19:25] <[Owen]Katherine> "I...I'll, try...Just, doesn't seem to be many things to smile about these days..."
  841. [19:26] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I smile.. because I can.
  842. #06[19:26] * [Owen]Katherine remembers a time so long ago, and her lips turn upwards.
  843. [19:27] <[Owen]Katherine> "I...heemm, I remember back a few years ago, though, went my brother moved to America for college."
  844. [19:28] <[Owen]Katherine> "I told him he'd lose his taste for tea within a year without us with him."
  845. [19:29] <[Owen]Katherine> "He told me he'd never liked it to begin with, and blamed Father for not being British enough."
  846. [19:30] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ahh, Arthor...always found a way to look on the bright side, him."
  847. #06[19:30] * [Ora]Mia listens intently.
  848. [19:30] <Dia> I not have brother like you.
  849. [19:30] <Dia> It must be nice...
  850. #06[19:32] * Raymond fliches, barely noticeably.
  851. #01[19:32] <Raymond> #15Yeah... It's nice...
  852. #06[19:32] * [Owen]Katherine shrugs.
  853. [19:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "It was great growing up; twins end up getting so close before too long no matter what you do."
  854. [19:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "These days...it hurts it much as it helps, knowing how far away he is."
  855. [19:34] <Dia> Ah. The city is bad shape in.
  856. #06[19:34] * Dia try to change the subject, considering what Raymond have been through.
  857. #06[19:35] * [Owen]Katherine returns to seriousness. Indeed.
  858. [19:36] <[Owen]Katherine> "Quite. Feels like the war never left this town at all."
  859. [19:36] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ah.. yes it has Dia... to your left right now is a decrepit building. It used to be a grocery store, now its mortar fodder.
  860. #06[19:36] * Dia just silently watch the ruined cityscape until the group arrives at the destination.
  861. #06[19:37] * [Ora]Mia is acting as a pseudo tour-guide in this apocolyptic town, explaining various "what has been", from monuments to dating spots.
  862. [19:38] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir, that road, please...?"
  863. #06[19:38] * [Owen]Katherine is coming up on a fork in the road quickly.
  864. #06[19:39] * Ilsa wets her lips as if she wanted to say something, but ends up merely asking Mia token questions, not unlike what a vacationer would.
  865. #01[19:39] <Raymond> #14Left, then right to stay on Charlottenstrasse... Then it'll merge to where we're going.
  866. #06[19:40] * [Owen]Katherine nods, veering left.
  867. [19:40] <[Owen]Katherine> "Thank you, doctor."
  868. #06[19:40] * [Ora]Mia answers accordingly with some enthuasism to Ilsa.
  869. #06[19:42] * Raymond looks like he wants to say something. He sits up and opens his mouth, but seems to decide against it and leans again.
  870. #06[19:42] * Ilsa seems to take some solace in communication, even if it's trivial. She visibly eases up as Mia answers her.
  871. [19:43] <Dia> what is it, Ray?
  872. #06[19:44] * [Ora]Mia shuts her trap for a moment to give ray some space to talk.
  873. #01[19:45] <Raymond> ...Was it really my fault?
  874. [19:45] <Dia> I cannot judge you. You can judge yourself only.
  875. [19:46] <Dia> but for me, fault or not fault, Ray's Ray. same same.
  876. #01[19:48] <Raymond> I didn't write... I wasn't there when she needed someone to talk to. I wondered whether she thought of me, now I know she did... but I wasn't there... now...
  877. #01[19:49] <Raymond> ...I didn't save her, though I could. What now?
  878. [19:49] <Dia> Could you?
  879. [19:49] <Ilsa> ...I don't think you should blame yourself. #15,0And we don't even really know that we can't...
  880. #06[19:49] * Ilsa suddenly speaks up, her confidence having been slightly replenished.
  881. [19:49] <Dia> You could not.
  882. #06[19:49] * Dia is getting serious.
  883. #01[19:50] <Raymond> Hm?
  884. #06[19:50] * Raymond turns to the two.
  885. [19:50] <Dia> You know this before? you not.
  886. [19:50] <Dia> you know this before, you can stop this very much.
  887. [19:50] <Dia> You not know this before, you not stop this no how much you try very hard.
  888. [19:51] <Dia> talk about past in present about how to help thing.....
  889. [19:51] <Dia> ....it is no use.
  890. #06[19:51] * Dia look down. She can't face Raymond after those harsh words. But it have to be said.
  891. #01[19:53] <Raymond> ...Maybe you're right.
  892. #06[19:53] * [Owen]Katherine thinks she's got the jist of the situation now. Best not to ask specifics here.
  893. #06[19:54] * [Ora]Mia understands the atmosphere and leaves it be until he is ready to talk about it freely.
  894. #06[19:55] * Ilsa purses her lips. She knows helping Raymond to move on would be the right thing to do, but... she just can't let go of her gut feeling.
  895. #06[19:56] * Raymond leans back.
  896. #01[19:57] <Raymond> I miss her already... hasn't been long at all, and yet...
  897. #06[19:57] * Raymond shuts his eyes, stifling a sob.
  898. [19:58] <Dia> I....
  899. #06[19:58] * Dia decide not to propose that to him.
  900. [19:58] <Ilsa> ...
  901. #06[19:58] * Raymond turns back.
  902. #01[19:58] <Raymond> Hm?
  903. [19:59] <Dia> If you feel sad...uh, I am around. You can talk me lots of things.
  904. #01[19:59] <Raymond> ...Thanks.
  905. [19:59] <Dia> but for now, work work!
  906. #06[19:59] * Dia clap her hands once.
  907. #01[19:59] <Raymond> Eh?
  908. [19:59] <Dia> Giddy up!
  909. #06[19:59] * Raymond is caught by surprise.
  910. [20:00] <Dia> refresh! hands up! hands down! No gloomy! Work work!
  911. #06[20:00] * [Ora]Mia turns to the trio in the back.
  912. [20:00] <Dia> active person, Ray!
  913. [20:00] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Work is good, but we must find a place to rest soon. It's getting dark.
  914. #06[20:01] * Ilsa deflates upon hearing Dia use a string of strange expressions. She can't help but smile.
  915. #06[20:01] * [Owen]Katherine shakes her head bemusedly. What a bunch of children we all are...
  916. [20:03] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Raymond, do we have a place to reside for the night?
  917. #01[20:05] <Raymond> The files don't say much about that... Says a bit about the sheets and the car seats- oh... Guess they really weren't expecting more than two. Uh...
  918. #06[20:05] * [Owen]Katherine bites her lip. Sleeping in the car...?
  919. #01[20:06] <Raymond> ...I'll sleep on the outside if you all prefer...
  920. #06[20:06] * Dia , the one who ramble about being active, has fallen asleep after she down a capsule of sleeping pill. She's sleeping peacefully, resting her head on Raymond's shoulder.
  921. [20:07] <[Ora]Mia> #14 If you do that, please allow me to keep you company.
  922. #06[20:07] * Raymond nods, but keeps quiet.
  923. [20:07] <[Owen]Katherine> "Is that...safe?"
  924. #06[20:08] * [Owen]Katherine glances back again, conveying her worry.
  925. [20:08] <Ilsa> No, I should sleep outside. I am the follower, here.
  926. [20:08] <[Owen]Katherine> "Pretense of gender ratios aside, this is supposed to be a dangerous city. Shouldn't we stay together?"
  927. [20:09] <Ilsa> That's a good point. Shall I keep watch?
  928. [20:09] <[Ora]Mia> #14 We are going to stay together, are we not? We'll be right outside the car, and it's important to get all the rest we can get if we are to make any progress.
  929. [20:10] <Dia> ZzzZzz...
  930. #06[20:10] * Ilsa 's voice has the faintest hint of... something. #14,0Nervousness?
  931. [20:11] <[Owen]Katherine> "Look, I'm just saying Mia...If something happens, it takes the ones inside the car ten seconds bare minimum to wake up, grab a weapon, and get out of the car. Ten seconds may as well be an eternity during some kind of night ambush."
  932. [20:12] <[Ora]Mia> #14 No problem. I won't be sleeping tonight.
  933. #06[20:12] * [Ora]Mia states it as a matter of fact.
  934. [20:12] <Ilsa> Well, if you're certain...
  935. #06[20:13] * [Owen]Katherine sighs.
  936. #06[20:13] * Dia slips, and fall on Raymond's laps.
  937. [20:13] <Dia> ZzzZzz...
  938. #01[20:13] <Raymond> Seems I can leave the decision to you. Where- ah!
  939. [20:14] <[Owen]Katherine> "I don't know what to be certain about right now. I'm just saying a little awkwardness is a small price to pay for safety."
  940. #06[20:14] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head.
  941. [20:14] <[Owen]Katherine> "Also, have we even considered asking Raymond if he's the sort of man that would do...that, to begin with?"
  942. #06[20:15] * [Owen]Katherine address Raymond.
  943. [20:15] <[Owen]Katherine> "Doctor Duvall, do you have any intention of taking advantage of us sexually? Might as well get it out of the way now while we still can."
  944. #06[20:16] * [Owen]Katherine is rather sarcastic at the moment. It may or may not show.
  945. #01[20:16] <Raymond> ...You really expect I'm the person to answer that question?
  946. [20:17] <Ilsa> Ahem... at any rate, it would make sense for those of us with firearms take shifts. I doubt a gunshot would fail to wake the rest of us, and close-quarter weaponry would be ineffectual if a threat is spotted in the distance.
  947. #06[20:18] * [Ora]Mia chuckles at Katherine's comment. She can be funny once in a while eh?
  948. [20:18] <[Owen]Katherine> "I expect that if you truly care about the importance of this expedition, it'd be a simple enough question to answer."
  949. [20:19] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Let us have some faith in Raymond, Katherine.
  950. #06[20:20] * [Ora]Mia intertwines her finger, forming a prayer of some sort.
  951. #06[20:20] * Ilsa chuckles upon seeing that Katherine apparently intends to follow through with her question. Even when she jokes, she's serious.
  952. #01[20:20] <Raymond> #14...Either answer would not apply given what's just happened, either... #1I'll just leave it to your reasoning.
  953. #06[20:21] * Raymond seems a bit more casual compared to his earlier demeanor.
  954. [20:21] <Ilsa> More importantly, I believe Mister Duvall is already spoken for tonight.
  955. #06[20:22] * Ilsa gestures towards Dia.
  956. [20:22] <Dia> Hau~
  957. #06[20:22] * Dia sleeptalks.
  958. #06[20:24] * [Ora]Mia looks around, this place looks fine.. no particular spots that would make a good ambush.
  959. [20:24] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Kathy, stop here. This place is good to rest for the night.
  960. #06[20:27] * [Owen]Katherine pulls around to a good spot and parks the car. She turns off the ignition, then looks skeptically at Mia.
  961. [20:28] <[Owen]Katherine> "If you're going to abbreviate my name, I'd actually prefer Kat."
  962. [20:28] <[Owen]Katherine> "I know it's inevitable; we can't all have the time in our day to speak all three syllables of our friend's names."
  963. #06[20:28] * [Ora]Mia gives her some assurance.
  964. [20:32] <[NPC]Narrator> [You've stopped at a small bit of open space, seemingly a public square of sorts; about six roads branch off from it. A sign, now barely visible, stands on the side of the road reading: Hofchenplatz. Though you can still hear weapons, engines and other things off in the distance and one or two vehicles pass by on the roads, it's quite tranquil.]
  965. [20:34] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I live in this town, at least before it became a drop zone for lead and mortar, I assure you this is a good place. Take a look, there are little spots to be ambushed, the nearest building is about 100 feet that way which leaves more than enough time to alert the people sleeping inside.
  966. #06[20:36] * [Ora]Mia points out other various safe spots and places to hide should it become necessary.
  967. #06[20:36] * Ilsa nods in concurrence.
  968. #06[20:39] * Raymond sits idly by for a few seconds after the car stops.
  969. #01[20:39] <Raymond> So... perhaps we should figure out the details now...
  970. #06[20:41] * [Ora]Mia nods. She awaits his order.
  971. [20:42] <[Owen]Katherine> "Well, as my weapon's rendered myself unsuitable for guard duty, I suppose I don't have much choice."
  972. #06[20:44] * [Ora]Mia gets out of the car, take a look around, making sure none of them are around.
  973. #06[20:44] * [Owen]Katherine gets out of the car anyways to stretch her legs.
  974. #06[20:47] * Ilsa hoists the rifle and steps out of the car.
  975. #06[20:47] * Raymond follows, gently putting Dia onto the seat as he does so; he leans against the side of the car and looks out to where the sun begins to hide behind some buildings.
  976. [20:47] <[Ora]Mia> #14 hm~ Gonna start a small campfire, everyone ok with that?
  977. #06[20:47] * [Ora]Mia turns to those who are already out of the car.
  978. [20:47] <Ilsa> Of course.
  979. #01[20:49] <Raymond> ...Can you, with what's on hand? The car runs on kerosene, I think...
  980. [20:49] <[Owen]Katherine> "Wait, I might have something...hold on..."
  981. #06[20:49] * [Ora]Mia nods eagerly.
  982. [20:50] <[Ora]Mia> #14 A-ah.. of course! Standard military survival techniques.
  983. #06[20:50] * [Owen]Katherine jogs to the back of the car and extracts her duffel bag she's been carrying with her. She starts looking through it.
  984. [20:51] <[Owen]Katherine> "Didn't expect to do much wilderness survival when I packed this, but there might be some-thing...Got a one-person tent for what it's worth. Hmm..."
  985. [20:52] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Might you have some flint?
  986. #06[20:52] * [Ora]Mia goes over to take a look with Katherine.
  987. #06[20:52] * [Owen]Katherine pulls out a small lighter and hands it to Mia.
  988. [20:52] <[Owen]Katherine> "I'll do you one better."
  989. #06[20:53] * [Ora]Mia smiles at the sight of modern technology.
  990. [20:53] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Yay~
  991. #06[20:56] * [Ora]Mia hops to the nearest building and takes chunks of wood, returning with a good handful of tinder and small wood chips.
  992. #06[20:57] * Ilsa compulsively reaches into her pocket upon seeing the lighter, but removes nothing.
  993. [20:57] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Haaghn..... heavy!
  994. [20:58] <Ilsa> Do you need some help?
  995. [20:59] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Y-yes..
  996. #06[20:59] * [Ora]Mia peers out to the side of the wood pile she's carrying.
  997. #06[20:59] * [Owen]Katherine keeps looking around in her pack. What else might they need for a night inside enemy lines?
  998. #06[21:00] * Raymond walks over, taking as many pieces as he can hold under one arm and then following Mia.
  999. [21:00] <[Ora]Mia> #14 T-thank you.. both of you.
  1000. #06[21:00] * [Ora]Mia brightens her smile as some load of work is being taken off of her.
  1001. #06[21:01] * Ilsa grabs some off of the top of what Mia was carrying as well.
  1002. #06[21:01] * [Ora]Mia stops at the stop she thinks would be a good fireplace.
  1003. [21:02] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Is this a good spot to you guys?
  1004. [21:03] <Ilsa> I wouldn't know. I trust your judgement more than mine.
  1005. [21:05] <[Ora]Mia> Alright~
  1006. #06[21:06] * [Ora]Mia drops her stack of wood down and sets it teepee style.
  1007. #06[21:08] * Raymond sets down his briefcase, placing his underneath the structure.
  1008. #06[21:08] * Ilsa just puts hers down nearby, looking lost.
  1009. [21:08] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ah.. just hand them to me Ilsa.
  1010. #06[21:08] * [Ora]Mia offers her hand.
  1011. [21:08] <Ilsa> Y-yes.
  1012. #06[21:08] * Ilsa complies.
  1013. #06[21:09] * [Ora]Mia adds them upon hers and attempts to start the lighter.
  1014. #06[21:10] * [Owen]Katherine pulls out an old rolled-up green and blue blanket. It's thick, but small, only big enough for one. Two, if you didn't mind cuddling up...
  1015. [21:10] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Gah.. cmon!...
  1016. #06[21:11] * [Ora]Mia starts it after a few tries, she carefully lights the little indian house on fire, the flames starts out small but grows considerably after a few minutes.
  1017. #06[21:12] * Raymond sits next to it, bringing his briefcase up next to him.
  1018. #06[21:15] * [Ora]Mia stomach's grumble she hasn't eaten in over 48 hours due to the nature of her job.
  1019. #06[21:17] * Raymond perks up.
  1020. #01[21:17] <Raymond> Anyone hear something?
  1021. #06[21:17] * [Ora]Mia blushes.
  1022. [21:17] <[Ora]Mia> A-ah.. #14 Anyone hungry? I know I am.
  1023. #06[21:18] * Ilsa heard it. She tilts her head at Mia.
  1024. [21:18] <[Owen]Katherine> "I could eat. We might as well; no sense in not."
  1025. [21:19] <Ilsa> What do we have to prepare?
  1026. [21:19] <[Ora]Mia> #14 uhm.. did we bring any supplies other than what was provided?
  1027. #06[21:20] * [Ora]Mia thinks about it for a moment... the guns, and some sleeping supplies.. but I think that's it....right?
  1028. [21:20] <[Owen]Katherine> "I didn't, or at least, I'm out of what I have."
  1029. #01[21:22] <Raymond> ...There's a food stock in the car... Don't know what's inside.
  1030. [21:22] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I'll check.
  1031. [21:23] <[Owen]Katherine> "If the military can live off of it, we can. I expect."
  1032. #06[21:23] * [Ora]Mia stops for a moment before reaching the car..
  1033. [21:23] <[Ora]Mia> #14 It's.. in the back trunk right?
  1034. [21:25] <[Owen]Katherine> "To my knowledge."
  1035. #06[21:25] * [Ora]Mia laughs nervously.
  1036. [21:26] <[Ora]Mia> #14 O-of course... I knew that!
  1037. #06[21:26] * [Ora]Mia opens up the back to see...
  1038. #06[21:26] * Ilsa scratches her head.
  1039. [21:30] <[NPC]Narrator> [The supply is contained in a box, looks rather well stocked. With a few exceptions, among them mint candies and two or three bottles (signed, again, by that "Jerry"), it seems to contain standard-issue rations. They're not all the same, however, as the cases span several languages.]
  1040. #06[21:32] * [Owen]Katherine zips her duffel back up and puts it away. Nothing else of use right now.
  1041. #06[21:32] * [Ora]Mia browses through the wares, seriously considering what to have tonight..
  1042. [21:34] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Oh wow.. they actually stocked these?...
  1043. #01[21:36] <Raymond> What did you find?
  1044. #06[21:36] * [Ora]Mia smiles as if there was a shopping spree that was just awarded to her.
  1045. [21:37] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Lots of stuffs! T-they even have canned beef!
  1046. #06[21:37] * [Ora]Mia can barely contain her excitement, she has never seen this much food in one place at where she worked.
  1047. [21:39] <[Owen]Katherine> "Really now? Wouldn't have expected that..."
  1048. #06[21:40] * [Owen]Katherine goes over to see the "lots of stuffs".
  1049. [21:43] <[Owen]Katherine> "Well well, not bad at all. One more thing to add to the bright side of life."
  1050. [21:43] <[Ora]Mia> #14 You can choose too!
  1051. #06[21:44] * [Ora]Mia checks each item with fervor, seeing which would be good to have tonight.
  1052. #06[21:46] * [Ora]Mia picks out a can of what seems to be a bunch of small sausages on the can cover.
  1053. [21:47] <Ilsa> Uh, I'll just have what you don't want, thanks.
  1054. [21:48] <[Owen]Katherine> "Vienna, eh? Lucky lucky."
  1055. #06[21:48] * [Ora]Mia frowns but that changes as she veers back to the rations.
  1056. #06[21:48] * Raymond walks over.
  1057. #06[21:48] * [Owen]Katherine searches for a can of beans. Gotta eat you veggies, especially when you're away from home.
  1058. #01[21:48] <Raymond> Found anything convenient?
  1059. [21:49] <[Ora]Mia> Uhm... #14 They have some crackers.
  1060. #06[21:52] * Ilsa lights a cigarette, everyone else having stepped away momentarily.
  1061. #01[21:52] <Raymond> You choose. I'm not really... in a mood to think about things like this.
  1062. #06[21:54] * [Owen]Katherine understands. And after all, he's technically their boss. Should they be serving him for the times he really needs it?
  1063. #06[21:55] * [Ora]Mia whispers something to Katherine.
  1064. [21:55] <[Ora]Mia> #15 Hey...
  1065. [21:56] <[Owen]Katherine> "...mmm?"
  1066. [21:57] <[Ora]Mia> #15 Lets make something nice for Raymond, will you help me?
  1067. #06[21:58] * [Owen]Katherine nods.
  1068. [21:59] <[Owen]Katherine> #15"Anything come to mind out of this?"
  1069. #06[21:59] * [Ora]Mia selects a bag of rice, a can of veggies, snow pea, the can of vienna sausage earlier and some instant mash-potatos.
  1070. [22:01] <[Ora]Mia> #15 This~
  1071. #06[22:03] * [Owen]Katherine contemplates how best to mix it together into something nice.
  1072. [22:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "...Mmm, no sauce, but...I think we could do something with this."
  1073. [22:05] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ilsa!
  1074. [22:05] <Ilsa> Huh??
  1075. #06[22:05] * [Ora]Mia motions Ilsa to come over here.
  1076. #06[22:06] * Ilsa walks over.
  1077. [22:08] <Ilsa> What i-- ...#14,0What is it?
  1078. [22:09] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Help us make something for Raymond, cheer him up a little.
  1079. [22:12] <Ilsa> #14,0Uh...
  1080. #06[22:12] * Ilsa turns slightly red.
  1081. [22:12] <Ilsa> #14,0What should I do?
  1082. [22:16] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Kathy here can teach you.
  1083. #06[22:16] * [Ora]Mia directs her attention to Katherine~
  1084. #06[22:18] * [Owen]Katherine shrugs but is feeling too kind to talk back right now.
  1085. [22:21] <[Owen]Katherine> "Well, we've got no sauce, but beggars can't be choosers; I think the best way to go is to mix the sausage with the vegetables and rice."
  1086. #06[22:21] * Ilsa puts her hands in her pockets #15,0partially so that she can't be seen grasping the folds of her pants as if they were a skirt.
  1087. [22:22] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ilsa, do we have water in the car?
  1088. [22:22] <[Owen]Katherine> "Either that or mix them in with the peas. It's your preference as to whether peas or mixed veggies taste better alone."
  1089. #06[22:22] * [Ora]Mia turns her attention to Kathy now.
  1090. [22:23] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ah, yes. Mixed please.
  1091. [22:23] <Ilsa> #14,0I'll check.
  1092. [22:29] <[Owen]Katherine> "Very well. Now, if we've got a pan of some kind I should be able to fry it together using what left over from the Vienna sausage juices. I can't say it'll be very good but...well, it's military rations."
  1093. [22:31] <[Ora]Mia> #14 hm...
  1094. [22:36] <[Owen]Katherine> "Let's get to work, then. I might have something in my duffel; I'll go check."
  1095. [22:37] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Alright.
  1096. #06[22:37] * [Ora]Mia prepares all the ingredients, opening the can, making sure they're still edible.
  1097. #06[22:37] * [Owen]Katherine goes back to her pack and manages to find a (rather small) skillet.
  1098. [22:38] <[Owen]Katherine> "Here we are..."
  1099. #06[22:39] * [Ora]Mia takes the skillet and and the ingredients towards the campfire.
  1100. #06[22:39] * [Owen]Katherine carefully pours the rice, meat, and peas into the skillet. Adding in just enough sausage juice for oil, she hunches over the fire and starts cooking her bootstrapped-together stir fry.
  1101. #06[22:42] * [Ora]Mia looks on with amazement, this girl's good despite her looks.
  1102. #06[22:42] * Ilsa ,after some fumbling around, retrieves the bottled water from the compartment and returns.
  1103. #06[22:43] * Raymond walks back and leans against the car, looking towards the surrounding buildings.
  1104. [22:44] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ah.. I'll take one Ilsa.
  1105. #06[22:44] * [Ora]Mia motions Katherine, that she'll take over for now and tell her to get some rest.
  1106. [22:44] <Ilsa> #14Ok.
  1107. #06[22:45] * Ilsa hands Mia the bottle and takes a seat, watching intently.
  1108. [22:47] <[NPC]Narrator> [Katherine sits back, seemingly in thought, but saying nothing. A bugle plays something in the distance, but the melody cannot be easily discerned with all the other sounds in the background.]
  1109. #06[22:50] * [Ora]Mia takes over, and works her magic on the meal, she lets the sausage simmer just long enough to have that delicious browning covered and sauteed the veggies along with it. It emits a rather pleasant aroma.
  1110. [22:52] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Hahh.. just a bit here... oh!.. and there too~
  1111. #06[22:52] * [Ora]Mia hums while she is making this mix meal of theirs.
  1112. #06[22:54] * Ilsa attempts to feign disinterest... and fails.
  1113. [22:57] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Oh... do you wanna help too Ilsa?
  1114. #06[22:57] * Ilsa stares blankly.
  1115. [22:57] <Ilsa> #14... how?
  1116. #06[22:57] * [Ora]Mia offers her the utensil to Ilsa.
  1117. [22:57] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Just keep it stirring so it won't stick to the skillet.
  1118. [22:58] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I forgot the seasoning again.. hehe.
  1119. #06[22:58] * Ilsa nods and attempts to follow instructions.
  1120. #06[23:02] * [Ora]Mia goes back to the ration box and retrieves a packet of pepper and salt.
  1121. #06[23:05] * [Ora]Mia returns shortly, still humming, as this is the most fun she's had in the longest time, however strange it may be.
  1122. [23:05] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I'm back~
  1123. [23:10] <Ilsa> ... Did I do it correctly?
  1124. #06[23:10] * [Ora]Mia nods soundly.
  1125. [23:10] <[Ora]Mia> #14 You did quite well in fact. Thank you.
  1126. #06[23:12] * Ilsa looks relieved.
  1127. #06[23:12] * Raymond pulls his dossier out again, reading one of the papers. While he looks over it, his expression changes several times.
  1128. [23:15] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Alright, let me add these in and it should be done.
  1129. #01[23:15] <Raymond> ...Mia, do you know anything about a supposed "Carraza"?
  1130. #06[23:15] * [Ora]Mia pours just the right amount of the seasoning, stirring it a few more times before taking it out of the fire.
  1131. [23:17] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Carraza?.. hmmm
  1132. #06[23:18] * [Ora]Mia is thinking while holding the meal for Raymond.
  1133. [23:22] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ah! Yes, I do. But I mostly know that person by their records
  1134. #01[23:22] <Raymond> Records?
  1135. #06[23:23] * [Ora]Mia quickly turns to Ilsa to tell her to get a plate for Raymond and whoever else wants to eat.
  1136. #06[23:25] * Ilsa does so, though she wonders what they're talking about.
  1137. [23:25] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Well, this person. They're really good and stuffs, taking leads deep into the heart of this town, saving quite a few soldiers from becoming one of those things.
  1138. #01[23:27] <Raymond> ...Ever seen this Colonel? The file here has a note, but I don't know what to think of it...
  1139. [23:29] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Can't say I have, sorry. Only merits and occassional mentions of that person from the passerby infantries to where I was stationed at.
  1140. #01[23:32] <Raymond> Says... "The Colonel has an air of precision and eyes that can look right into the bottom of you, so don't let it catch you by surprise." Frankly, I don't know whether to be alert or nervous about that...
  1141. [23:33] <[Ora]Mia> #14 As long as you're yourself, you should be fine.. I think.
  1142. [23:35] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Though I haven't met that person myself so I can't really say much...
  1143. #01[23:36] <Raymond> Hm... so how's that dinner going?
  1144. [23:36] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ah.. It's done actually. Ilsa?
  1145. [23:36] <Ilsa> ?
  1146. #06[23:38] * [Ora]Mia takes the skillet she's still holding and gives Raymond a rather large portion for him.
  1147. [23:39] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Please give this to Raymond, Ilsa and I'll give you your share after that's done.
  1148. [23:41] <Ilsa> Alright.
  1149. #06[23:42] * [Ora]Mia walks past Ilsa and gets out three plates for the maids who are still awake and divides the portion evenly.
  1150. [23:43] <Ilsa> Excuse me, Mr. Duvall? Here's your plate.
  1151. #01[23:47] <Raymond> Oh, thanks.
  1152. #06[23:47] * Raymond proceeds to eat rather quickly, seems he's hungrier than he thought.
  1153. [23:49] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ilsa, here's your share. And Katherine too.
  1154. [23:51] <Ilsa> Hm, thanks.
  1155. #06[23:55] * [Ora]Mia helps herself, she happily devours her share, as this is the best thing she had in 48 hours.
  1156. [23:59] <[NPC]Narrator> [The sun eventually goes down completely, leaving the car and its occupants eating contentedly albeit silently. Oddly enough, it seems like the rest of the world is really far away... if it's there at all...]
  1157.  
  1158.  
  1159. ---Session Five---
  1160.  
  1161. “Violence is man re-creating himself.”
  1162. -Frantz Fanon, /The Wretched of the Earth/
  1163.  
  1164. [21:41] <[NPC]Narrator> [Slowly, the sun begins to shine again on the city of Breslau. The rays tint a metallic blue car, in the middle of a small clearing between buildings, a little orange as the day progresses. Nothing really happened after everyone went to sleep, though the sound of gunfire, low pops and engines never really went away.]
  1165. 06[21:42] * [kiri]Dia rises. It's the duty of the maid to wake early and prepare what master needs.
  1166. 06[21:42] * [kiri]Dia realize that this is not the house, so there's not much to prepare.
  1167. [21:42] <[kiri]Dia> *groan*....
  1168. 06[21:42] * Raymond stirs, just a little. Is it already morning...?
  1169. 06[21:42] * [Ora]Mia has been up.. she's been keeping rounds, making sure nothing bad happens.
  1170. 06[21:43] * [kiri]Dia stretches.
  1171. [21:43] <[kiri]Dia> Mmmmmnnngh.
  1172. 06[21:43] * Raymond realizes he's lying on something quite soft. Wasn't he supposed to be in- Hm? What's this?
  1173. 01[21:45] <Raymond> 14Mmmm... Bad dreams...
  1174. 06[21:45] * [Ora]Mia shakes the two up..
  1175. [21:46] <[kiri]Dia> Muhu?
  1176. [21:46] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Good morning you two... it's still early so.. get some more rest if you need to.
  1177. [21:46] <[kiri]Dia> I okay.
  1178. 06[21:46] * [Ora]Mia smiles as she checks around for any activites that may have happened in the dark.
  1179. 06[21:46] * [Rut]Ilsa sleeps on the other side of the car, propped up in a sitting position by the tire, hands around one knee. The rifle is leaned up against the door beside her.
  1180. 06[21:46] * [kiri]Dia shake her head to get rid of drowsiness.
  1181. 01[21:47] <Raymond> Morn'... Mia... Dia-whoa!
  1182. [21:47] <[kiri]Dia> what need doing?
  1183. 06[21:47] * Raymond scrambles off of Dia, thrashing for a second and falling over.
  1184. [21:47] <[kiri]Dia> Ah, Ray.
  1185. 06[21:47] * [kiri]Dia giggles.
  1186. [21:48] <[kiri]Dia> It's okay. I not dislike.
  1187. 01[21:49] <Raymond> 14Yow... my head... 1You seen my glasses, Dia?
  1188. [21:49] <[kiri]Dia> Here.
  1189. 06[21:49] * [kiri]Dia take the glasses out of her pocket.
  1190. [21:49] <[kiri]Dia> you good?
  1191. 06[21:49] * Raymond takes them and puts them on, but doesn't turn to face her.
  1192. 01[21:50] <Raymond> ...Yeah, I'm better. Where's that... that... Katherine? Seen her?
  1193. 06[21:52] * [Ora]Mia returns. Everything looks good.. no undeads here!
  1194. [21:52] <[Ora]Mia> ...Kathy?
  1195. [21:53] <[kiri]Dia> I dunno.
  1196. 06[21:53] * [kiri]Dia shakes her head.
  1197. [21:53] <[Ora]Mia> ..14 Check inside the car Sir Raymond?
  1198. 01[21:54] <Raymond> Sure. Not like she could've gone anywhere...
  1199. 06[21:54] * [kiri]Dia pop some herbal candy into her mouth. This is an alternate method of brushing teeth. Well, gotta endure until we reach next place.
  1200. 06[21:54] * Raymond gets up, stretching.
  1201. 01[21:54] <Raymond> I'll start the engine, we should have somewhere to go today.
  1202. 06[21:54] * [kiri]Dia gets up as well.
  1203. [21:54] <[kiri]Dia> Eat first? I can go warm ration.
  1204. 06[21:55] * Raymond goes back around to the front of the car, opening the hood from the side and tinkering with the engine.
  1205. 01[21:55] <Raymond> Up to you, but something to eat in general would be fine.
  1206. [21:55] <[kiri]Dia> Dried yellow rope food, okay?
  1207. 06[21:55] * [kiri]Dia probably means instant noodles.
  1208. 06[21:56] * [Rut]Ilsa remains sitting against the side, motionless. Almost eerily so.
  1209. [21:56] <[Ora]Mia> 14 oh.. lets wake up Ilsa too...
  1210. 06[21:57] * [Ora]Mia walks over to wake this person up as well... She nudges ever so slightly as to not rudely awaken them.
  1211. 06[21:57] * [Rut]Ilsa doesn't give even the slightest response.
  1212. 06[21:57] * [kiri]Dia wait for confirmation from Ray.
  1213. [21:58] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Ilsa... please wake up.. or they'll eat your flesh...
  1214. 06[21:58] * [Ora]Mia shakes her some more.
  1215. 06[21:59] * [kiri]Dia get the camping stove out, and starts boiling water.
  1216. [21:59] <[kiri]Dia> La la la~
  1217. 01[21:59] <Raymond> Yeah, that'll be fine. Let's see here..
  1218. 06[22:00] * Raymond tinkers a little more and then closes the hood back down, reaching inside the car for his dossier.
  1219. 06[22:00] * [Rut]Ilsa falls over sideways, sliding down the side of the car. She hits the ground with a subtle thump. If she's breathing, she isn't making any noise, nor does her chest rise and fall.
  1220. [22:00] <[Ora]Mia> Wahh!
  1221. [22:01] <[kiri]Dia> ?!
  1222. 06[22:01] * [kiri]Dia turns to the noise, halting whatever she's doing.
  1223. 06[22:01] * [Ora]Mia checks her pulse.
  1224. 06[22:03] * [Rut]Ilsa has no apparent pulse on her wrist.
  1225. [22:04] <[Ora]Mia> 14 oooh... this is bad....
  1226. 06[22:05] * Raymond leafs through the papers, still a little absent-mindedly.
  1227. 01[22:06] <Raymond> Well... looks like today we'll be leaving the blue zone, so I guess we all need to keep on our toes.
  1228. 06[22:06] * [kiri]Dia just shrug it off and get back to work.
  1229. 06[22:06] * [Ora]Mia lays her down completely... she looks ready to perform CPR.
  1230. 06[22:06] * [kiri]Dia throw the whole instant noodle package into the pot.
  1231. [22:07] <[kiri]Dia> La~ lala~
  1232. 06[22:08] * [Rut]Ilsa eyes flicker open abruptly as Mia climbs on.
  1233. [22:08] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  1234. [22:09] <[Ora]Mia> 14 h-here we go...
  1235. 06[22:09] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes come into focus.
  1236. 06[22:09] * [Ora]Mia leans down slowly..
  1237. 06[22:09] * [kiri]Dia took a while, but finally finished with the food.
  1238. [22:09] <[kiri]Dia> Tralala~ la lalilaaa~
  1239. [22:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...!
  1240. 01[22:10] <Raymond> Mia, you've taken a second. Something back there?
  1241. [22:10] <[Ora]Mia> A-ah... I think Ilsa... might be...hurt..
  1242. [22:11] <[kiri]Dia> Finished~!
  1243. 06[22:12] * [kiri]Dia is happy with her somewhat-yellowy-soggy-substance food.
  1244. 06[22:12] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes open wide. Though previously pale, goes to beet red in a split second.
  1245. [22:12] <[kiri]Dia> Food serve~
  1246. 06[22:12] * [kiri]Dia walk over to Mia just about time to see---
  1247. 01[22:13] <Raymond> Oh, boy. Just what I need... first...
  1248. 06[22:13] * Raymond peers over to the other side of the car.
  1249. 06[22:15] * [Ora]Mia looks down at her would be victim..
  1250. [22:15] <[Ora]Mia> ....
  1251. 06[22:16] * [Rut]Ilsa is wordlessly staring up in shock.
  1252. [22:16] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Are you ok?...
  1253. 06[22:16] * [Ora]Mia looks really worried...
  1254. [22:16] <[kiri]Dia> Uh, I come in bad time?
  1255. 06[22:16] * [kiri]Dia absentmindedly present the bowl of yelowy substance at Raymond.
  1256. 01[22:17] <Raymond> 14Thanks...
  1257. 06[22:17] * Raymond takes it, but doesn't start eating just yet.
  1258. 06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa scrambles out from under Mia and to her feet. She starts straightening her tie in attempt to hide her embarrassment.
  1259. 01[22:18] <Raymond> You know, I rather wouldn't ask for an explanation, given I'm not your formal boss, but... I would rather know.
  1260. [22:18] <[Rut]Ilsa> E-e-excuse me...
  1261. [22:18] <[Ora]Mia> 14 N-no.. I thought Ilsa was.. hurt... she looks... fine now.. I think.
  1262. [22:18] <[kiri]Dia> .........food?
  1263. 06[22:18] * [Ora]Mia looks at Raymond just as confused as they are.
  1264. 06[22:18] * [kiri]Dia gives two more to Mia and Ilsa.
  1265. [22:18] <[Rut]Ilsa> Ahem... y-yes. I apologize. I'm a heavy sleeper.
  1266. 06[22:20] * [Rut]Ilsa is quite obviously hiding -something-.
  1267. 06[22:20] * [Ora]Mia kisses her slightly and then gets off from her, helping her up as well.
  1268. [22:21] <[Ora]Mia> 14 If you're hurt.. don't hesistate to ask for help ok~?
  1269. [22:22] <[kiri]Dia> ........?
  1270. [22:22] <[kiri]Dia> You take it or no take?
  1271. 06[22:22] * [kiri]Dia sitll, holding out her, uh, food, to the two.
  1272. 06[22:23] * [Ora]Mia turns to Dia, smiling and gladly accepts her bowl.
  1273. [22:23] <[Ora]Mia> 14 thank you.
  1274. 06[22:23] * [kiri]Dia nods.
  1275. 01[22:23] <Raymond> So how are you feeling today?
  1276. 06[22:23] * [Rut]Ilsa is dazed.
  1277. 06[22:24] * [Rut]Ilsa snaps back to reality.
  1278. 06[22:24] * [kiri]Dia put the rest on the car hood, in case the other wants more.
  1279. 06[22:24] * Raymond starts to eat, not changing his expression in regards to the food.
  1280. [22:24] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... I'm ready to go when you are, Mr. Duvall.
  1281. 06[22:25] * [Ora]Mia helps herself to the thin yellow noodles, she devours them with some haste as she's been starving for a while now,
  1282. 06[22:25] * [kiri]Dia still humming happily while packing up the portable stove.
  1283. [22:28] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Hello Raymond, slept well?
  1284. 06[22:29] * [Ora]Mia finished her noodle some moments ago.
  1285. 01[22:29] <Raymond> Well enough. Had a strange dream, though.
  1286. 06[22:29] * Raymond goes through his share rather quickly, but leans on the car and waits for Ilsa.
  1287. 06[22:32] * [Rut]Ilsa seems to pick up on the gesture and nods.
  1288. 01[22:32] <Raymond> As good as it was bad, so it's tough to describe.
  1289. [22:32] <[Ora]Mia> 14 They say.. dreams are sometimes premonitions to the future...
  1290. 06[22:33] * [Rut]Ilsa slings the rifle across her chest and climbs into the driver's seat.
  1291. 01[22:35] <Raymond> No, it was some old memories of mine.
  1292. 06[22:36] * Raymond starts taking the bowls and such, putting it in the trunk, before walking over to the other of the car and standing next to the door.
  1293. 01[22:36] <Raymond> ...Well, after you.
  1294. [22:37] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Do you want to ride the front?
  1295. 06[22:38] * Raymond shrugs.
  1296. [22:38] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Ok~ I'll ride front then~
  1297. 06[22:39] * [Ora]Mia hops up.
  1298. 06[22:40] * Raymond gets in the back with Dia in tow, gently propping Katherine against the other side.
  1299. 06[22:43] * [Ora]Mia rolls down the window.
  1300. 01[22:43] <Raymond> By the way, Ilsa, this is a steam car. You know how the car works?
  1301. 06[22:43] * [Rut]Ilsa shakes her head.
  1302. [22:44] <[Rut]Ilsa> I've not operated a steam-run one before.
  1303. [22:46] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Oh.. I have.. I can tell you the basics...
  1304. 06[22:48] * [Rut]Ilsa looks over the controls.
  1305. 06[22:49] * Raymond leans over the seats, moving a few switches.
  1306. 01[22:49] <Raymond> Now, hit the clutch.
  1307. 06[22:51] * [Rut]Ilsa follows instructions.
  1308. [22:52] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Oh.. don't forget this part too
  1309. 06[22:53] * [Ora]Mia points our a small but crucial step too.
  1310. 06[22:54] * [Rut]Ilsa follows along, looking determined (which she is naturally oblivious to.)
  1311. 01[22:54] <Raymond> Hm, you should be good to go. Let's head out.
  1312. 06[22:57] * [Rut]Ilsa starts moving cautiously before seeming to hit a comfort level. She gets fully underway.
  1313. [22:59] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Wow.. you're good~... most people would have killed the car by now.
  1314. 06[23:00] * Raymond works to get back to his seat, but slips and lands on Mia.
  1315. 01[23:00] <Raymond> Oof!
  1316. 06[23:01] * Raymond scrambles to get back, once making it trying his best to act like it didn't happen.
  1317. 01[23:03] <Raymond> So... um... take this road until you reach Gartenstrasse, the blue zone ends a little before that. Once there, we can take a right to meet up with this cavalry unit.
  1318. [23:04] <[Rut]Ilsa> Got it.
  1319. [23:05] <[Ora]Mia> 14 W-wahh..
  1320. [23:05] <[Ora]Mia> R-raymond?
  1321. 06[23:05] * [Ora]Mia was spaced out.
  1322. 06[23:07] * Raymond just leans back into his seat. Apparently he's thinking again.
  1323. 06[23:08] * [Ora]Mia turns back to him for a moment to look at him and giggles before turning back to the front, looking out the window.
  1324. [23:09] <[NPC]Narrator> [As you get closer to the end, military vehicles and soldiers appear more frequently and the sounds become more distinct. In particular, you start noticing wounded soldiers walking back; the better off hold gauze onto their wounds while the worse off are carried on stretchers.]
  1325. [23:10] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Oh my...
  1326. 06[23:10] * [Ora]Mia looks at the injured folks but can do nothing to help them... she waves back though.
  1327. 06[23:11] * [Rut]Ilsa hides her horror well, giving no indication other than gripping the wheel tighter.
  1328. 06[23:12] * Raymond turns more serious, looking back to the map to distract himself.
  1329. 01[23:12] <Raymond> 14A couple roads down...
  1330. [23:13] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Raymon and Ilsa?..
  1331. 06[23:14] * [Ora]Mia keeps looking forward.
  1332. 06[23:15] * [Rut]Ilsa approaches the turn.
  1333. [23:16] <[NPC]Narrator> [Just at the end of the blue zone, you see something in particular before you move on and turn on the next street; three soldiers stand over one in a stretcher, on the ground, thrashing. One of them draws a pistol, covers his eyes with his arm and shoots the one on the ground.]
  1334. [23:17] <[Ora]Mia> ...15.. one of them already?..
  1335. 06[23:18] * Raymond looks away, back at focusing as hard as he can on the map.
  1336. 06[23:19] * [Rut]Ilsa finds herself unconsciously slowing down, eyes glued on the scene. She quickly realizes her error, fumbling with the gear and speeding back up through the turn.
  1337. 06[23:20] * [Ora]Mia ahems.
  1338. [23:20] <[Ora]Mia> You two..and Dia too..
  1339. 01[23:20] <Raymond> Turn here, then head straight for a couple blocks- eh?
  1340. [23:20] <[Ora]Mia> Do not worry yourself after everyone here... do so.. and you'll only end up losing yourself.
  1341. 01[23:21] <Raymond> ...You're probably right.
  1342. 06[23:22] * [Rut]Ilsa remains stoic, but nods in acknowledgment.
  1343. [23:24] <[NPC]Narrator> [As you proceed, the hum of engines gradually develops into a roar. Just a little off, you can clearly see a large group of men and vehicles milling about, seemingly detached from the activity carried out by the rest of the soldiers you've been seeing.]
  1344. 01[23:25] <Raymond> 14Shouldn't they have been a little further out?. 1Ilsa, over there, I think.
  1345. [23:26] <[Ora]Mia> 14 They're....lost....
  1346. [23:26] <[Rut]Ilsa> Hm.
  1347. 06[23:27] * [Rut]Ilsa pulls up.
  1348. 06[23:28] * [Ora]Mia gets out as soon as the car stops... she takes in the surrounding.
  1349. [23:28] <[NPC]Narrator> [The area is swarming with soldiers and vehicles. Infantrymen, reconnaissance vehicles, jeeps, halftracks, and especially tanks. They all move with an air of determination, but the men you can see look rather relaxed. All of the vehicles, for some reason, are inscribed with the letters VV.]
  1350. 06[23:29] * Raymond gets out of the car, though Dia stays put, taking in the scenery. What is this?
  1351. [23:30] <[Ora]Mia> 14 ...VV?...
  1352. 06[23:31] * [Rut]Ilsa gets out and shifts the gun to hang from one shoulder uneasily.
  1353. 01[23:31] <Raymond> Well, I suppose we should start by asking someone where their commanding officer is, see if we get info from there. What do you think?
  1354. 06[23:31] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  1355. [23:31] <[Ora]Mia> 14 This place... I feel something is watching us..please be careful.
  1356. 06[23:36] * Raymond approaches a passing soldier, who regards him with only partial interest and seems to look through him.
  1357. 01[23:37] <Raymond> Excuse me, but may I inquire as to where the commanding officer is?
  1358. [23:38] <[NPC]Soldier> The command tank's over there.
  1359. 06[23:38] * [NPC]Soldier points to a tank, a little bigger than the others, that has a white band painted around the turret. It moves at an intermediate speed, though the turret still turns and fires its machine gun at some windows.
  1360. 01[23:40] <Raymond> Well, seems that's it. Care to accompany me?
  1361. 06[23:40] * [Ora]Mia waves at the solider with unseen energy.
  1362. [23:40] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Of course..
  1363. 06[23:41] * [NPC]Soldier smiles at Mia and tips his helmet as if it were a hat before moving on.
  1364. [23:42] <[Ora]Mia> 15 I know that soldier...
  1365. 06[23:42] * [Ora]Mia giggles.
  1366. 06[23:42] * [Rut]Ilsa stays close to Raymond, warily gripping the rifle's strap with one hand and retrieving a cigarette with the other.
  1367. 06[23:42] * Raymond walks towards the indicated tank, which has since slowed to a stop.
  1368. [23:45] <[NPC]Soldier> [Looking up reveals two people on the turret, both in some foreign officer's uniform you haven't seen before. One, a broad-shouldered man with some headphones and coming out of the turret hatch, currently looks forward through some binoculars. The second, an impressively voluptuous woman with a grenade launcher resting idly under her right hand, sits on the rear edge while looking around.]
  1369. [23:48] <[Ora]Mia> Ohh!
  1370. [23:48] <[Ora]Mia> You're that lady!
  1371. 06[23:48] * [Ora]Mia is rather surprised.
  1372. [23:49] <[NPC]Officer> [Both the officers turn, seemingly a little surprised at seeing civilians address them.]
  1373. [23:50] <[NPC]Officer> [The man from the hatch is the first to speak.]
  1374. [23:50] <[NPC]Officer> Who?
  1375. [23:51] <[Ora]Mia> H-her... that... are you lady Carraza?
  1376. 06[23:51] * [Ora]Mia is sorta eager and yet anxious to see this person.
  1377. 01[23:52] <Raymond> [The woman smiles, a little knowing in her expression.]
  1378. [23:52] <[NPC]Officer> Well, I certainly didn't expect this.
  1379. 06[23:53] * [NPC]Officer swings her legs over and uses the momentum to vault directly off of the tank and onto the ground. Her breasts bounce notably when she lands.
  1380. [23:54] <[NPC]Officer> Hello! I'm... Carraza, colonel of the regiment. What brings you here and looking for me?
  1381. 06[23:55] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes narrow slightly at the display. Damn...
  1382. [23:56] <[Ora]Mia> A-ah. I'm the medic who looks after the soldiers at the AE-1 outpost right outside the city ma'am.
  1383. 06[23:57] * ColonelCarraza is a tall, curvaceous woman with long black hair whose uniform appears peculiar for the use of a peaked lapel. A patrol cap hides her eyes. She thinks for a second, then chuckles.
  1384. [23:58] <ColonelCarraza> Well, good to have you here. What brings you out here, though? AE-1 ends a few blocks that way.
  1385. 06[23:58] * ColonelCarraza points in the direction you came from, though she looks honestly curious.
  1386. [23:59] <[Ora]Mia> O-oh.. I'm just here... this man wants your attention though.
  1387. 06[23:59] * [Ora]Mia points to Raymond.
  1388. [00:00] <ColonelCarraza> Hm...
  1389. 06[00:01] * Raymond is a little surprised at the sudden address, but composes himself in a few seconds. He takes a paper out from his dossier, handing it to the Colonel.
  1390. 01[00:02] <Raymond> Professor Duvall, Raymond M. I'm sorry, but I don't know if you've been told about what I'm doing... the details should be there, if you haven't been given them already.
  1391. 06[00:03] * [Ora]Mia falls back to where Ilsa is at.
  1392. [00:03] <ColonelCarraza> Duvall... I'll check communications and directives, though I think we have a message from a few hours ago. These girls with you?
  1393. 06[00:03] * ColonelCarraza points at Mia and Ilsa.
  1394. 06[00:04] * Raymond just nods.
  1395. [00:05] <ColonelCarraza> Well, let's see what I can do for you. We're cleaning up here, so I could use a second to learn just who I'm dealing with.
  1396. 06[00:06] * ColonelCarraza turns to face the girls, smiling but saying nothing. She seems friendly enough, but her gaze feels like it can look right into you.
  1397. 06[00:08] * [Rut]Ilsa meets the Colonel's eyes when they fall on her, as neutral as ever.
  1398. 06[00:08] * [Ora]Mia simply waves back and smiles.
  1399. [00:10] <[Rut]Ilsa> Ilsa Schneider. I am accompanying Professor Duvall for the time being. Nice to meet you.
  1400. [00:11] <ColonelCarraza> Schneider, is it. Are you from here?
  1401. [00:12] <[Rut]Ilsa> No ma'am.
  1402. [00:15] <ColonelCarraza> Sorry, sorry. I'm not from here either, so I can have trouble telling. Well, I'm the commanding officer; if you need anything let me or my executive officer know. The Captain shows up... just about whenever she's needed, somehow, so we'll see. I've got to finish this up here, so after that we can have a better conversation. I hope you don't mind, but there isn't much to do.
  1403. [00:15] <[Ora]Mia> 14 No problem.. take care..
  1404. [00:16] <[Rut]Ilsa> I understand.
  1405. 06[00:16] * ColonelCarraza turns back up to the other officer back on the tank.
  1406. [00:17] <ColonelCarraza> Lieutenant, I'll need an artillery strike forward of our position for a block or two; it should help clear it out.
  1407. 06[00:18] * Raymond whispers to the girls.
  1408. 01[00:18] <Raymond> 15What do you think? I'm not sure what impression I get of her...
  1409. 06[00:19] * [Rut]Ilsa crosses her arms thoughtfully.
  1410. [00:21] <[Rut]Ilsa> 15She's not ordinary, for a CO. And this isn't an ordinary operation. It may not be a coincidence.
  1411. [00:21] <ColonelCarraza> [A few moments after her officer acknowledges and starts speaking into a radio piece, some whistling appears and not long after you start hearing explosions, very clearly, from the adjacent blocks. None of the soldiers seem very surprised, least of all the Colonel.]
  1412. 06[00:22] * [Ora]Mia says without thinking.
  1413. [00:23] <[Ora]Mia> 14 She does what she needs to get done without much hassle.
  1414. 01[00:25] <Raymond> Hm.
  1415. [00:26] <ColonelCarraza> Well, while we're at this, I hear that it's actually pretty quiet outside the red line. Can't say I've spent much time there, so out of curiosity, is it true?
  1416. [00:28] <[Ora]Mia> It is.
  1417. 06[00:28] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  1418. [00:30] <ColonelCarraza> Ah, I see. Well, we just have to wait for these buildings to clear and then we can move on. Where are you all headed?
  1419. 06[00:30] * [Rut]Ilsa says nothing, but her lips thin slightly. Small talk?...
  1420. 01[00:31] <Raymond> Ah. Erm... Sector ARN.
  1421. 06[00:32] * ColonelCarraza turns more serious.
  1422. [00:33] <ColonelCarraza> There's hardly anything there, Professor. I'd ask what you were up to but I'll probably check the latest transmissions instead. Just a second, then...
  1423. [00:36] <[Ora]Mia> I have.. some things I need to take care of here.. have you seen a rather odd peculiar house of a purple-ish color?
  1424. [00:36] <ColonelCarraza> Purple-ish... Maybe. Wasn't in the residential areas, was it?
  1425. 06[00:39] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  1426. [00:41] <ColonelCarraza> I'll see what I can do, but there's little leeway if it isn't in the route we're taking. Let me know the address or something later, and we'll see then.
  1427. 06[00:41] * ColonelCarraza walks off, taking steps that seem measured and giving some orders as she goes. On one occasion, she stops to shoot a grenade through a window before continuing on with the same appearance of determination.
  1428. 01[00:44] <Raymond> ...So that's the Colonel the dossier talked about. Hm.
  1429. [00:45] <[Ora]Mia> 14 That's right.. she's kinda cold at first.. but a nice lady though.
  1430. [00:47] <[Rut]Ilsa> She... doesn't -seem- like a bad sort.
  1431.  
  1432.  
  1433. ---Session Six---
  1434.  
  1435. “What we do is repugnant to us too, but necessary... Now, there is no such animal as a noncombatant.”
  1436. -Peter Strasser, Luftschiffer Chief Commander 1915-1918
  1437.  
  1438. [20:39] <[NPC]Narrator> [The day progresses over the city of Breslau. Ilsa's been sent to check up on messages with the signallers and isn't back yet. Inside the car, the sun gets a little brighter as it goes further up; most of the group is still outside.]
  1439. 06[20:45] * [Ora]Mia takes a lookie around.. her smile no bigger than the last.
  1440. 06[20:46] * Raymond stands around, looking a little absent-minded. He adjusts his glasses.
  1441. 06[20:46] * [Owen]Katherine stirs in her slumber, and finally starts to wake up from her long sleep.  Her neck is killing her.
  1442. 01[20:46] <Raymond> Well, let's head back and see how those other two are doing.
  1443. [20:49] <[Owen]Katherine> "...grrrrmmmmnnbbb... Gah, my neck..."
  1444. 06[20:50] * Raymond turns and starts walking back, gesturing Mia to follow with a smile.
  1445. 06[20:50] * Dia hop down from the car.
  1446. [20:50] <Dia> hup.
  1447. 06[20:51] * [Owen]Katherine rubs her eyes and sits up, hoping she didn't oversleep too much.  Did someone just jump off of the car...?
  1448. [20:51] <[Ora]Mia> 14 hmhm~
  1449. 06[20:51] * Dia take a look around. Not really a nice place to be...
  1450. [20:51] <[Owen]Katherine> "Hello?  I apologize for sleeping so long..."
  1451. 06[20:52] * [Owen]Katherine remembers falling asleep after dinner last night.  But this is definitely not the square they parked in.  How much did she miss?
  1452. 01[20:52] <Raymond> Hey, Dia. Much happen while we were off?
  1453. [20:52] <Dia> Nein!
  1454. 06[20:53] * Dia shake her haid.
  1455. [20:53] <Dia> Every is good and fine.
  1456. 06[20:53] * [Owen]Katherine hears the doctor's voice.  She grabs her rapier and exits the car.
  1457. 01[20:53] <Raymond> Hm, alright. Oh, good morning.
  1458. 06[20:53] * Raymond turns his head to face Katherine.
  1459. [20:54] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Welcome back to the land of the living Kathy.
  1460. 06[20:54] * [Owen]Katherine bows her head to Raymond.
  1461. [20:54] <[Owen]Katherine> "I apologize for oversleeping, Doctor.  What have I missed?"
  1462. 01[20:55] <Raymond> Well, to put it briefly we've moved further ahead and met with the military unit that's going to escort us further in. And don't mind it, but be careful.
  1463. 06[20:55] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  1464. 06[20:56] * [Owen]Katherine gathered that from the more prominent gunfire around her.
  1465. [20:56] <[Owen]Katherine> "Thank you, sir.  What should I be doing, then?"
  1466. [20:57] <Dia> ...Gunmen will help us, no?
  1467. 06[20:57] * Dia look around, worried.
  1468. [20:57] <Dia> I have gun, but I not like use it much...
  1469. 06[20:58] * [Owen]Katherine gives a semi-caring look at Dia.
  1470. [20:58] <[Owen]Katherine> "The doctor just told us to not mind them, Dia.  We're safe...so the speak."
  1471. 01[20:58] <Raymond> Well, I don't think they'll hurt us. Right now there isn't much to do, since I'll go start some research. You can follow me if you like or stay here, but make sure I know where you are. Is that alright?
  1472. [20:59] <Dia> I am your helper. I always with you.
  1473. [20:59] <Dia> but still...
  1474. 06[20:59] * Dia have that troublesome look on her face.
  1475. 06[20:59] * [Ora]Mia standsby..
  1476. 01[20:59] <Raymond> Hm?
  1477. [20:59] <Dia> why so dangerous?
  1478. 06[21:00] * [Owen]Katherine considers her options for a moment.
  1479. [21:01] <Dia> it is a disease. Why gunmen be in this place if it is only disease?
  1480. [21:01] <Dia> I feel very so unsafe...
  1481. 01[21:01] <Raymond> ...If you want to know, you should accompany me.
  1482. [21:01] <Dia> I will, always.
  1483. 06[21:01] * Raymond , suddenly, sounds stern.
  1484. 06[21:01] * Dia nods.
  1485. 01[21:03] <Raymond> Mia? Katherine?
  1486. 06[21:03] * [Owen]Katherine perks up at that.  An answer to this insidious question!
  1487. [21:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "I'll be coming as well, I think."
  1488. 06[21:05] * Dia double-check her gun, just to be sure.
  1489. [21:06] <[Ora]Mia> Yes sir?
  1490. 06[21:06] * [Ora]Mia turns to Raymond.
  1491. 01[21:07] <Raymond> Do you also want to come along?
  1492. 06[21:08] * [Ora]Mia nods fervently.
  1493. [21:08] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Of course!
  1494. 06[21:09] * [Owen]Katherine wonders, "Why not just say 'You should see this; follow me' then?"
  1495. 01[21:10] <Raymond> Well, let's go then.
  1496. 06[21:11] * [Owen]Katherine drinks in the scenery of soldiers and shooting.  Life...death...Even this close, she still doesn't feel truly moved to fear or action.
  1497. 06[21:11] * Raymond swivels on a heel and starts walking; this time he doesn't gesture.
  1498. 06[21:11] * <Dia> just stay close to Raymond like a terrified kitty.
  1499. [21:14] <[NPC]Narrator> [The sounds of gunfire are becoming more sporadic, and it really seems like the soldiers are just cleaning up. Officers direct the motions around, they all move with a sort of efficiency coupled with a sense of drollery.]
  1500. 06[21:14] * [Ora]Mia sticks close to Raymond..
  1501. 06[21:15] * [Owen]Katherine thinks, "Those men...how long will it take before I'm walking just like them?"
  1502. 06[21:16] * Raymond looks across the different officers, as if trying to decide who to approach.
  1503. 01[21:16] <Raymond> Hm...
  1504. 06[21:20] * Raymond approaches one directing a group of soldiers; they seem to be moving things around in groups of two; it's too difficult to tell from this distance.
  1505. 01[21:21] <Raymond> Erm...
  1506. 06[21:22] * [Owen]Katherine takes a few steps to side to try and see better as they get closer.
  1507. 06[21:23] * [NPC]Officer turns his head, giving each of you an analytical look in the eyes. Seemingly without conclusion, he turns to Raymond.
  1508. [21:23] <[NPC]Officer> Mm?
  1509. 06[21:23] * [Ora]Mia looks onward.. curious..
  1510. [21:23] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Hmm?
  1511. 01[21:24] <Raymond> Morning. I'm a researcher dispatched to investigate something... looking for...
  1512. 06[21:25] * Raymond looks inside his dossier for a few seconds, pulling out a sheet of paper and handing it to the officer.
  1513. 06[21:25] * [NPC]Officer looks at Mia again before looking at the paper, but takes to reading it after a few seconds.
  1514. 06[21:27] * [Owen]Katherine stands at attention with her left hand resting on her rapier.  Can't look sloppy in front of the real superiors.
  1515. 06[21:27] * Dia stay still like a good girl. Don't want to cause mor problem for Ray.
  1516. [21:28] <[NPC]Officer> Right.
  1517. 06[21:28] * [Ora]Mia giggles at teh Officer.. and waves.
  1518. [21:29] <[NPC]Officer> Good day.
  1519. 06[21:30] * [NPC]Officer , immediately afterwards, holds the paper back out while calling to some of the soldiers.
  1520. 06[21:30] * [Owen]Katherine eyes Ms. Mia.  Don't start something... please don't start something.
  1521. [21:30] <[NPC]Officer> You two! Bring that over here and put it down; there's somebody that'll need it. Come back for it later!
  1522. 06[21:32] * [Ora]Mia waves Katherine off.
  1523. 06[21:33] * [Owen]Katherine narrows her eyes and subconsciously put a better grip on her rapier.  That woman...
  1524. 06[21:33] * Raymond takes the paper and puts it back into its envelope; right afterwards he slightly opens his briefcase and reaches inside. He pulls out a needle and some vials, keeping expressionless throughout.
  1525. 06[21:34] * Dia is getting ready.
  1526. [21:34] <Dia> I carry something?
  1527. 01[21:34] <Raymond> Sure, hold these.
  1528. 06[21:35] * Raymond hands the vials over and takes to assembling the syringe.
  1529. 06[21:36] * [Owen]Katherine watches intently.  So it IS a viral infection?
  1530. 06[21:37] * Dia be a good helper.
  1531. [21:37] <[NPC]Officer> [As the soldiers get closer, it becomes clear they're carrying around civilian corpses. The two signaled walk over and throw one onto the ground before walking back to resume their task; a fair-haired boy, in his early teens. There's blood at the mouth, hands and joints, and several stains of red through the front of a white button-up shirt.]
  1532. 06[21:39] * Dia see the scene, and stiffens up. They're shooting at their own people? What is this?!
  1533. [21:39] <[NPC]Officer> [Looking at it more closely shows the boy's eyes are red and bloodshot, unusually open; the skin itself has a sort of odd coloration.]
  1534. 06[21:40] * [NPC]Officer doesn't react, walking back off to continue with his job and seemingly ignoring you.
  1535. 06[21:40] * [Owen]Katherine grimaces.  Death looks a lot worse up-close.
  1536. 06[21:40] * Dia still keep her moth shut and just do her job. It's not her field. Raymond must know something.
  1537. 01[21:41] <Raymond> Well, this is it. Why the red line exists.
  1538. 06[21:42] * [Ora]Mia shows no difference, she still smiles.
  1539. [21:43] <Dia> Red line?
  1540. 01[21:43] <Raymond> The city's been blocked off from the outside to prevent this escaping.
  1541. [21:44] <Dia> ..."this"?
  1542. 06[21:45] * Raymond crouches down over the corpse as he explains. Talking, he takes a sample of blood.
  1543. [21:50] <[Ora]Mia> 14..is that one.. of them yet?
  1544. 01[21:54] <Raymond> Looks it. Well, see, it's like this...
  1545. 06[21:56] * Raymond holds up the syringe, tapping it twice.
  1546. 06[21:57] * [Owen]Katherine moves closer with morbid curiosity.
  1547. 01[21:59] <Raymond> ...It's not known exactly what this is, but it seems to behave like a disease. There are a few theories... viral, cellular, etcetera, but since it's unknown there's no way to stop it directly besides eliminating the host. That's why I'm here.
  1548. 01[22:03] <Raymond> I don't know too much about symptoms. If the soldier who left us the car is to be believed, they apparently go berserk. It's possible to prevent someone who's infected from converting, but I don't think there's been an example of reversing it fully.
  1549. 06[22:03] * Raymond stands back up, taking the vials from Dia and injecting some of the sample into each.
  1550. [22:04] <[Ora]Mia> 14... and what is this supposed to do?
  1551. 01[22:05] <Raymond> I'm going to study it with this. But before that...
  1552. 06[22:06] * Raymond packs his equipment and leaves his briefcase on the ground.
  1553. 01[22:06] <Raymond> Come aside, Mia. I have something to ask you.
  1554. 06[22:07] * [Owen]Katherine turns away.  Not as exciting as she'd hoped.  Still...it's chilling to think about.
  1555. [22:08] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Yes.. of course sir..
  1556. 06[22:08] * Raymond steps aside, though not too far.
  1557. 06[22:08] * [Ora]Mia turns to Raymond's attention
  1558. 01[22:09] <Raymond> Mia, this might sound strange, but... are you afraid of needles?
  1559. 06[22:11] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head.
  1560. [22:11] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I am not..I work with them almsot 24/7.
  1561. 01[22:14] <Raymond> Okay. Let me explain... did I ever tell you just what I used to counteract the infection that would've turned you into a... demonic?
  1562. [22:19] <[Ora]Mia> ..14 O-oh?
  1563. 06[22:19] * [Ora]Mia is mildly surprised.
  1564. 06[22:54] * Raymond seems a bit taken aback by Mia's surprise.
  1565. 01[22:54] <Raymond> ...Something wrong, Mia?
  1566. [22:58] <[Ora]Mia> ...14 I'd.. thought it'd be something like that.. but.. thank you for telling me.
  1567. 01[23:00] <Raymond> Oh, no. I think you misunderstand.
  1568. 06[23:00] * [Owen]Katherine , having nothing better to do while the two talk, sits down on a nearby empty crate and begins writing in a small pocket notebook.
  1569. 01[23:02] <Raymond> I used a virus... I engineered it to destroy the part that... wasn't you, put simply. It was put together quickly, but it worked.
  1570. [23:03] <[Ora]Mia> Ah..
  1571. 01[23:03] <Raymond> Thing is, there are no cultures, except...
  1572. [23:04] <[Ora]Mia> ..14 except?
  1573. 01[23:05] <Raymond> ...I think it's still in your blood.
  1574. 06[23:07] * Raymond speaks nervously.
  1575. 01[23:07] <Raymond> So... I could use samples from there... is that okay?
  1576. 01[23:07] <Raymond> I... er...
  1577. 01[23:07] <Raymond> Hm.
  1578. 06[23:08] * Raymond just nods, ending there.
  1579. 06[23:08] * [Ora]Mia smiles.
  1580. [23:08] <[Ora]Mia> ..Of course.
  1581. 06[23:08] * [Ora]Mia bears her arm.
  1582. 06[23:10] * Raymond takes another syringe from inside his coat and takes a sample, gently as he can. Finishing that, he puts it back and then turns back at Mia.
  1583. 01[23:10] <Raymond> Well, let's head back.
  1584. 06[23:11] * Raymond turns, walking over to where Katherine is. Arriving, he picks up his briefcase.
  1585. 06[23:11] * [Owen]Katherine glances in the doctor's direction.
  1586. [23:11] <[Owen]Katherine> "Are we moving?"
  1587. [23:11] <[Ora]Mia> mm..
  1588. 06[23:12] * [Ora]Mia pulls back her sleeve
  1589. 01[23:13] <Raymond> Well, I'm finished here for now.
  1590. 06[23:16] * [Ora]Mia waves at Kathy.
  1591. 06[23:36] * Raymond turns and heads back towards the car, gesturing the girls to follow him. He still seems a bit distracted.
  1592. 06[23:40] * [Ora]Mia teeters after Raymond.. she looks worried about him.
  1593. [23:43] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Sir Raymond?..something the matter?
  1594. 01[23:45] <Raymond> Hm? Not really. Just got to thinking about something, not too important.
  1595. 01[23:48] <Raymond> Anyway, we've got to keep moving; I still have to talk to the Colonel about where we're going. Need anything beforehand?
  1596. 01[23:50] <Raymond> ...Well, not much we could do now that we couldn't later. Best to keep moving...
  1597.  
  1598.  
  1599. ---Session Seven---
  1600.  
  1601. “Do you like bass?”
  1602. -REDALiCE, /Cross Breeding/
  1603.  
  1604. [19:46] <[NPC]Narrator> [Early afternoon in the city of Breslau. With Dia guarding the car, the team has left to look for the command post to talk to the CO. Ilsa just finished a long and fruitless session with the signallers; apparently there are no messages.]
  1605. #06[19:49] * Raymond walks along quietly, looking around but still not all there. He pulls out an old photograph and looks at it for a second, but then pockets it and gets back to looking.
  1606. #06[19:51] * [Owen]Katherine walks nearby, still thinking about that corpse.  She wonders what a living one will be like...
  1607. #06[19:53] * [Owen]Katherine notices Raymond's picture, and is reminded of her brother back in the States.  If only he could see her now...
  1608. #01[19:54] <Raymond> ...Anyone see any indications of the command post?
  1609. [19:56] <[Owen]Katherine> "No, doctor, though I cannot exactly say I know what I'm looking for.  One tent looks like another to me in this warzone..."
  1610. #01[19:58] <Raymond> Warzone... that's an oddly fitting word for it.
  1611. #06[20:02] * CaptainValenzuela approaches the team. A man in a white suit... this should be it.
  1612. #06[20:03] * [Owen]Katherine becomes conscious of her own white suit, rather dirty and unattended at the moment.  She hides a blush.
  1613. [20:04] <CaptainValenzuela> Excuse me.
  1614. #06[20:11] * [Owen]Katherine salutes the captain.
  1615. [20:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "Yes sir, Ms. Owen here, sir, attending Doctor Duvall."
  1616. [20:14] <[Owen]Katherine> "Your...orders, sir?"
  1617. #06[20:14] * CaptainValenzuela gives a quick salute in return. Oddly enough, the officer is female; around two meters tall, the woman seems quite imposing in uniform despite a pair of spectacles. Unique to her uniform is a beret, which has a unit badge on the front.
  1618. #06[20:15] * [Owen]Katherine [ignore my last comment]
  1619. [20:16] <CaptainValenzuela> I was told to look for you. Follow me, the Colonel wants to talk to you. All of you.
  1620. #06[20:17] * [Owen]Katherine is rather intimidated.  She's not too short for a lady herself, but this woman...!  She gives the captain her full respect.
  1621. #06[20:18] * CaptainValenzuela walks right by you, looking straight ahead but apparently still addressing you.
  1622. [20:19] <CaptainValenzuela> The unit will move forward to another position in less than an hour, so it's best we hurry.
  1623. #06[20:20] * Raymond turns to follow, keeping quiet.
  1624. #06[20:21] * [Rut]Ilsa just... does as she's told. She can't make heads or tails of the situation any more, but she'll damn well act like she can. As long as she follows instructions, it shouldn't matter...
  1625. [20:24] <[Owen]Katherine> "Permission to speak, ma'am?"
  1626. [20:24] <CaptainValenzuela> ...Go ahead.
  1627. [20:25] <[Owen]Katherine> "Will the unit be advancing into a combat zone, ma'am?"
  1628. [20:27] <CaptainValenzuela> From the looks of it, yes. It seems to be a rather large concentration, so the regiment is being moved forward. Apparently patrols and smaller units found it too extense to secure.
  1629. #06[20:31] * CaptainValenzuela suddenly stops in front of a building, apparently a shop, gesturing inside.
  1630. [20:31] <CaptainValenzuela> In there. Weapons?
  1631. #06[20:32] * [Owen]Katherine half-draws her rapier and shows it to the captain.
  1632. [20:32] <[Owen]Katherine> "Only this, ma'am."
  1633. [20:32] <CaptainValenzuela> Understood. The rest are plain to see, go on inside.
  1634. #06[20:33] * [Owen]Katherine waits for Raymond to enter first.  She still doesn't know if the lackeys go first or last, so best to be more humble.
  1635. #06[20:34] * Raymond walks inside, nodding his thanks to the captain.
  1636. #06[20:35] * [Owen]Katherine follows shortly after.
  1637. [20:37] <CaptainValenzuela> [The inside seems empty except for a desk. The lighting on the inside is either off or not working, but there's enough light coming in through the windows to see clearly. Apparently this was a small grocer.]
  1638. #06[20:41] * ColonelCarraza walks out from behind one of the shelves, her cap still over her eyes. She seems to be in a relatively good mood.
  1639. #06[20:43] * [Lui]Mia finally caught up with her daydreaming and is with the group now..
  1640. #06[20:44] * [Owen]Katherine wonders who this "official"-looking woman is.  She certainly doesn't look like a commander, and those breasts...
  1641. #06[20:45] * [Lui]Mia looks forward to seeing this lady again... she's like her idol..
  1642. #01[20:47] <ColonelCarraza> Good afternoon, Director Duvall. Ladies.
  1643. #06[20:47] * ColonelCarraza tips her cap.
  1644. [20:49] <[Lui]Mia> Hi Colonel..
  1645. [20:49] <ColonelCarraza> Good to see you again. Come on, let's head outside.
  1646. #06[20:49] * [Owen]Katherine salutes momentarily, wishing she could see the Colonel's eyes so she could focus on those and not...her...yeah.
  1647. [20:50] <ColonelCarraza> I was hoping to find some wine in here, but it's been looted too thoroughly.
  1648. #06[20:51] * [Owen]Katherine is skeptical.  Thinking of drinking at a time like this?!
  1649. #06[20:51] * ColonelCarraza walks out, stopping at the door. Apparently the captain's gone already.
  1650. [20:51] <[Lui]Mia> ..#14 Uhm... looking for something Colonel?
  1651. [20:52] <ColonelCarraza> No, nothing. Just checking to see how the unit's been progressing.
  1652. #06[20:54] * ColonelCarraza 's uniform, against the background, looks rather impressive; the suit accentuates her curves, and against the muddle of a background where things seem disorganized to their core her uniform contrasts sharply. High starched collar, white cuffs, clean necktie, varnished boots...
  1653. #06[20:57] * [Owen]Katherine thinks, "Well, at least her clothes are nice.  You'd think a military officer would bind her chest, though..."
  1654. #06[20:57] * [Lui]Mia looks at Katherine..
  1655. [20:57] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. Kathy?
  1656. #06[20:58] * [Owen]Katherine is glad to be distracted, for once.
  1657. [20:58] <[Owen]Katherine> "Mmm, yes Ms. Mia?"
  1658. [20:58] <[Lui]Mia> #15.. They're nice..aren't they~?
  1659. #06[20:59] * [Owen]Katherine squints her eyes skeptically.  That was...a rather unorthodox statement.
  1660. #06[21:00] * [Owen]Katherine whispers back.
  1661. #06[21:00] * [Rut]Ilsa is spacing out, and doesn't hear the conversation. She looks a bit lost...
  1662. #01[21:00] <Raymond> Colonel... you wanted to talk?
  1663. [21:01] <[Owen]Katherine> "In another world... Yes, very nice.  But this is not that world, not now."
  1664. [21:01] <ColonelCarraza> Well, I wanted to discuss with you just what you're doing. Director, I think it's best you explain to your subordinates what your objective is; if you haven't already, it's best they know.
  1665. [21:01] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. I mean her figure....
  1666. [21:02] <[Owen]Katherine> "So do I, Mia; I am not blind, or naive."
  1667. [21:02] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. Then... grab them~
  1668. #06[21:03] * Raymond seems to think for a second, as if pondering how to phrase his next words.
  1669. #06[21:06] * [Owen]Katherine is unamused, and simply walks away while saying:
  1670. [21:06] <[Owen]Katherine> "...No."
  1671. #06[21:06] * [Owen]Katherine goes over to stand by Raymond.
  1672. [21:07] <[Lui]Mia> W-well.... uhm.. #14 Raymond?..
  1673. #06[21:07] * Raymond turns, answering quickly.
  1674. #01[21:07] <Raymond> Uh, yes?
  1675. [21:08] <[Lui]Mia> ..uhm.. #14 Explain to us.. your.. objective..?.. I-I know what it is.. but it may be unclear to us.
  1676. #01[21:09] <Raymond> ...Alright.
  1677. #01[21:10] <Raymond> We're going to sector ARN, which is the very center of the city. No blue zones, and few bases in there, so it's the most dangerous.
  1678. [21:11] <ColonelCarraza> I'll help there. Inside the red line, which I'm sure you're familiar with, the city has been divided into sectors. Blue zones are areas within the secors that are controlled by the MET, which is us... the Multinational Expeditionary Taskforce. You'll notice many of those in it, like myself, aren't from around here.
  1679. [21:13] <ColonelCarraza> Blue zone AE-1 is the biggest, covering most of sector BMT. That's where you came from. Conversely, there's hardly any footing in ARN and it's the worst of the lot. Apparently whatever this is came from in there.
  1680. #06[21:14] * [Lui]Mia nods...
  1681. [21:14] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. My home.. is in that sector..
  1682. #06[21:15] * [Owen]Katherine listens intently.  Now THIS is why she signed up for this gig!
  1683. [21:16] <[Owen]Katherine> "Are we to be scouting, or fighting, ma'am?  Or, perhaps Doctor, you would know better?"
  1684. [21:16] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. I have a feeling.. Kathy..
  1685. #06[21:17] * [Rut]Ilsa 's rate of breathing is steadily increasing.
  1686. [21:17] <[Lui]Mia> #14 We will be forced into combat...b-but.. I'd like to avoid that if we can..
  1687. #01[21:17] <Raymond> ...This apparently came from nearby a building conducting research programs on microorganisms and pathogens... programs under my direction. So I've been dispatched to find out exactly what it is. As I understand it, I'm not the first to be inserted there, but I don't know what to expect...
  1688. [21:18] <ColonelCarraza> Oh, yeah, you're not the first. I escorted another guy in a couple weeks back. Heard he shot himself.
  1689. #06[21:18] * ColonelCarraza 's demeanor doesn't change in the least.
  1690. #06[21:19] * [Lui]Mia eyes widen a bit but returns to normal in a flash.
  1691. #06[21:20] * [Owen]Katherine is relatively unphased.  She's already prepared herself mentally for this sort of thing.
  1692. [21:20] <[Rut]Ilsa> He... -shot- himself?
  1693. #06[21:20] * [Lui]Mia speaks in a louder tone..
  1694. [21:21] <[Lui]Mia> War is hell they say.. I've seen some of my patient.. overdose on their pills to escape this twisted world.
  1695. #01[21:22] <Raymond> Yeah. Who knows what drives them all... The city was too much, or the people maybe.
  1696. #01[21:23] <Raymond> But... after I found out about what happened to my sister, I don't think things can be quite so hammering.
  1697. #06[21:24] * ColonelCarraza turns, apparently confused.
  1698. [21:24] <ColonelCarraza> Well... what happened to her?
  1699. [21:25] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  1700. #06[21:26] * [Rut]Ilsa shifts uncomfortably at the mention of it, wishing she could answer herself.
  1701. #06[21:28] * [Owen]Katherine raises an eyebrow.  She never heard about this...
  1702. #01[21:28] <Raymond> Because... because I didn't do anything, she...
  1703. #06[21:28] * Raymond gulps.
  1704. #01[21:29] <Raymond> ...She killed herself.
  1705. #06[21:29] * [Lui]Mia mumbles a soft prayer.
  1706. [21:29] <[Lui]Mia> ...#15.. in peace..
  1707. #06[21:31] * ColonelCarraza first seems confused, but then looks like she's trying to stifle laughter. After a moment, she fails, leaning onto the door's frame for support.
  1708. #06[21:31] * [Lui]Mia clasps her hands together for a moment, closing her eyes..
  1709. [21:31] <[Rut]Ilsa> W-what are you...
  1710. #06[21:32] * [Rut]Ilsa is too shocked to be upset.
  1711. #06[21:32] * [Owen]Katherine jumps a bit.  This... what...?
  1712. [21:32] <ColonelCarraza> Director, you /cannot/ be serious.
  1713. #06[21:33] * ColonelCarraza walks back to the desk, bobbing up and down as she goes.
  1714. [21:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ma'am, permission to speak freely?"
  1715. #06[21:34] * Raymond just stares at the colonel, bewildered beyond words.
  1716. #06[21:34] * ColonelCarraza picks up a yellow folder, opening it and looking at the contents.
  1717. [21:34] <ColonelCarraza> Mm, go ahead.
  1718. [21:35] <[Owen]Katherine> "That was most inconsiderate.  I do not claim to know the situation fully, but family death I do not consider to be a laughing matter."
  1719. [21:36] <[Owen]Katherine> "Though I suppose you, being more experienced, may have a different perspective concerning our location."
  1720. [21:36] <ColonelCarraza> Well, I wanted to see you about this too. Yesterday I got a call from an intel officer, wanted me to look at the status of a supposed Valeria D. Duvall. The report I got was a couple of days old...
  1721. #06[21:36] * ColonelCarraza leafs through the papers.
  1722. #06[21:36] * [Lui]Mia puts a hand on Katherine's shoulder and shakes her head..
  1723. [21:36] <[Rut]Ilsa> Wait, Colonel, are you... do you mean to say that...
  1724. [21:36] <ColonelCarraza> But wherever did you hear that? Your sister's alive, she's in one of the forward blue zones.
  1725. #06[21:37] * Raymond 's mouth goes agape.
  1726. [21:38] <[Lui]Mia> ...oohhh?
  1727. #01[21:38] <Raymond> #15She's... alive? Valeria is.. alive?
  1728. #06[21:38] * [Lui]Mia turns her head immediately towards the colonel.
  1729. #06[21:39] * [Owen]Katherine is completely confused now.
  1730. #06[21:39] * [Rut]Ilsa looks on, wide eyed. Then grinning. Then even wider (and perhaps somewhat more smugly.)
  1731. #06[21:40] * [Rut]Ilsa turns her back for a moment, folding her arms, trying to keep her smirking to herself.
  1732. #01[21:40] <Raymond> But... I heard...
  1733. [21:40] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... I'm happy for you, Raymond.
  1734. [21:41] <[Lui]Mia> ...Colonel..
  1735. [21:41] <ColonelCarraza> Director... you'll learn this in time, but this is no longer a city where things make sense as often as you would like.
  1736. [21:41] <ColonelCarraza> Ah, yes?
  1737. [21:42] <[Lui]Mia> ..Do you have records of Yugo Asamiya and Yuno Asamiya?
  1738. [21:44] <[Lui]Mia> Case #Z0m31E colonel.. they were one of the first who decided to stay after the evacuation.
  1739. [21:46] <ColonelCarraza> ...Sounds familiar, actually. I'll ask the signallers to get a status for you, but if that's the case there's a reasonable chance they're around. Now, let's go. Looks like the unit is ready and we're off on an attack run. Would you care to join us?
  1740. [21:47] <[Lui]Mia> ..#14 thank you..
  1741. #06[21:47] * [Rut]Ilsa looks to Raymond expectantly.
  1742. #06[21:48] * [Owen]Katherine double-checks that her rapier is securely fastened, and pats her breast pocket for her notebook.
  1743. [21:50] <[Owen]Katherine> "I am ready when you are, ma'am."
  1744. #01[21:51] <Raymond> Alright, might as well since we're headed in with you for now.
  1745. #06[21:52] * ColonelCarraza heads out of the door without a second glance, waving her hand around and giving orders the second she's out the door.
  1746. #06[21:52] * [Lui]Mia checks her two guns.. they're missing a bullet in each.. she quickly reloads them without a problem.
  1747. #06[21:53] * Raymond walks out, looking confused and distant.
  1748. #06[21:54] * [Rut]Ilsa follows Raymond. She looks to be back to (what she'd have you believe to be) her old self.
  1749. #06[21:55] * [Lui]Mia simply smiles and goes along with the flow~
  1750. #06[21:55] * [Owen]Katherine is tired of being a simple sheep, but it seems she'll have to be longer still.
  1751. [22:00] <ColonelCarraza> [The unit's vehicles, above all the tanks, are now moving in unison and nearly making the windows vibrate from the sound of their engines. Getting into relative formations, the vehicles start rolling steadily north.]
  1752. #06[22:02] * Raymond stops a supply lorry with a gesture, then points to it. Yelling, she can barely be heard over her regiment's machines.
  1753. #06[22:02] * ColonelCarraza stops a supply lorry with a gesture, then points to it. Yelling, she can barely be heard over her regiment's machines.
  1754. [22:04] <ColonelCarraza> Alright, get on that, it'll follow me in. I might have room for one or two on my tank iif anyone likes; your call!
  1755. [22:05] <[Lui]Mia> I'll take the tank!
  1756. #06[22:05] * [Owen]Katherine calls out to Carraza.
  1757. [22:05] <[Owen]Katherine> "I will accompany you as well, ma'am!"
  1758. [22:05] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...Walking's fine.
  1759. #06[22:06] * [Rut]Ilsa hides her disappointment.
  1760. #06[22:09] * Raymond looks over at Mia, observing her response while talking to Ilsa.
  1761. #01[22:10] <Raymond> I... really don't think walking is a good idea around all these vehicles.
  1762. [22:11] <[Lui]Mia> Oh.. Ilsa..here.. you can ride with her instead!
  1763. #06[22:11] * [Lui]Mia hops off.
  1764. #06[22:12] * [Owen]Katherine clambers onto the tank.  Wow, very...solid.
  1765. #01[22:12] <Raymond> Oh, no, no need for that, Mia. I was simply suggesting taking the lorry.
  1766. [22:14] <[Lui]Mia> Oh.. no.. I was saying to Ilsa, she looks sad that she wants to ride the tank.
  1767. #06[22:16] * [Owen]Katherine hopes she'll learn how to theoretically fire the guns on this trip.  Useful stuff, that.
  1768. [22:17] <[Rut]Ilsa> I'm not... but, uh, if you insist. I suppose it makes sense for the one with the rifle to be on the tank.
  1769. #06[22:17] * [Owen]Katherine adds in her head, "Or for the person with NO gun to be on the tank..."
  1770. #06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa seems satisfied with her blatant rationalization and climbs aboard.
  1771. #06[22:18] * [Lui]Mia smiles and turns to Raymond..
  1772. [22:18] <[Lui]Mia> #14 I guess I'll be riding with you..
  1773. #01[22:19] <Raymond> I suppose. Come on, let's go.
  1774. #06[22:20] * [Lui]Mia trails behind Raymond.. doing small miniscule skips which could have been done better walking.
  1775. #06[22:20] * Raymond climbs into the back of the truck, extending a hand down to Mia.
  1776. [22:21] <[Owen]Katherine> "I trust I will not be a nuisance, Colonel?"
  1777. #06[22:21] * [Lui]Mia 's hand meets his and takes it bringing herself up.
  1778. [22:22] <ColonelCarraza> I figure not, just be careful.
  1779. [22:22] <[Owen]Katherine> "Yes ma'am."
  1780. #06[22:23] * ColonelCarraza pulls a grenade launcher from inside the turret hatch and pops it open, thumbing in a round before snapping it shut.
  1781. [22:25] <ColonelCarraza> Alright, let 'er rip!
  1782. [22:27] <[Lui]Mia> #14 mmm.. Raymond.. do you have something to protect yourself with?
  1783. [22:27] <ColonelCarraza> [Almost immediately, the column starts forward at a much higher speed, the crews mostly looking forward with a sense of determination. The streets move by quickly and some straggling civilians along the way dive to the sides of the road to avoid being crushed.]
  1784. #01[22:28] <Raymond> Er... hadn't thought about that. Guess there are some vials I could toss, but... no weapon in the strict sense of the word.
  1785. [22:30] <[Lui]Mia> Then... #14.. allow me to return the favor and let me protect you..
  1786. #06[22:31] * Raymond nods, though he doesn't say anything.
  1787. #06[22:33] * [Lui]Mia giggles...
  1788. [22:33] <[Lui]Mia> #14 Shouldn't it be the other way around?
  1789. #01[22:35] <Raymond> Hm? Why?
  1790. [22:35] <[Lui]Mia> #14 Oh...nothing~...
  1791. #06[22:35] * [Lui]Mia faces front still smiling.
  1792. #01[22:37] <Raymond> ...Are you poking fun at me?
  1793. [22:37] <[Lui]Mia> #14 Maybe..
  1794. #06[22:37] * [Lui]Mia hums..
  1795. #01[22:38] <Raymond> ...Alright, so what'll you make of it?
  1796. [22:39] <[Lui]Mia> ...#14.. what do you mean sir?
  1797. #01[22:39] <Raymond> Oh, nothing...
  1798. #06[22:39] * ColonelCarraza picks up the radio, listening to an incoming transmission. After a few seconds, she says something that sounds like a response.
  1799. [22:41] <ColonelCarraza> Blackout 6 to Drome, roger; set heading for seven-two, assume attack formation.
  1800. #06[22:42] * ColonelCarraza turns back to her passengers.
  1801. [22:42] <ColonelCarraza> Well, get set.
  1802. #06[22:42] * [Owen]Katherine holds onto a handle.  So she's really going out...
  1803. #06[22:44] * [Lui]Mia sighs..
  1804. [22:44] <[Lui]Mia> #14..be careful Raymond.. you're important.. so.. run away when things looks bad ok>?
  1805. #06[22:45] * Raymond looks at Mia, seeming to think about it but not giving an answer.
  1806. #06[22:46] * ColonelCarraza grabs a pair of binoculars, lowering her legs into the turret hatch and putting on a headset. Looking through the lenses, she keeps giving directions.
  1807. [22:47] <ColonelCarraza> Direct front. Group of demonics, out in the open; about 125 meters and closing.
  1808. [22:48] <ColonelCarraza> ...Fire.
  1809. #06[22:48] * [Owen]Katherine hears that.  125 meters... can she see them from here?
  1810. [22:49] <[Lui]Mia> A-ah?...#14 They're.. starting already?
  1811. [22:50] <ColonelCarraza> [The tank seizes and lurches with the combination of the shot and movement, stabilizing quickly and continuing to roll along. As it closes in, you can see groups of what appear to be civilians running around, a select few running from others while many others run in all directions, with no seeming sense of objective or what's happening.]
  1812. #01[22:50] <Raymond> ...Sure sounds like it.
  1813. #06[22:50] * [Owen]Katherine tries to understand the chaos.  Some of those... are they infected with that plague?  She can't tell the difference.
  1814. [22:51] <[Lui]Mia> ..#14.. It's as.. I.. expected.
  1815. #06[22:53] * ColonelCarraza looks around as her vehicles surround a plaza from its four entrances, peppering both the crowd and the adjacent buildings with machine gun fire. Some of them fire their main guns at the buildings, blowing out large parts of their structure and causing large chunks of debris to fall on those below.
  1816. [22:54] <ColonelCarraza> Well, this is it. We're stopping here, so you can choose whether to stay up here or go down there. Infantry's being carried in too, so I wouldn't worry too much...
  1817. #06[22:55] * Raymond stands as the truck stops, looking over the cab at the scene.
  1818. #06[22:56] * [Owen]Katherine looks down at Raymond.  It's his call, after all.
  1819. [22:56] <[Owen]Katherine> "What's your feelings, Doctor?"
  1820. #01[23:01] <Raymond> If you're going down, wait until the troops drop. I don't think you want to be alone down there...
  1821. [23:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "What about you, though?"
  1822. #01[23:05] <Raymond> ...I'll probably walk in once that happens.
  1823. #06[23:15] * ColonelCarraza launches a grenade in with the rest of the fire, but it's difficult to tell how far it goes or what it does. Most of the vehicles, even the personnel carriers, are strafing the plaza, buildings and adjacent streets while spraying them with small arms fire, shells, and grenades; some of the tankers are even rolling over the smaller groups. From here it's gotten much easier to tell them apart... mostly from how they behave. T
  1824. #06[23:15] * ColonelCarraza are targeted move a specific way... they really do seem berserk.
  1825. [23:16] <ColonelCarraza> Ah, I really do enjoy this job. So contemplative...
  1826. [23:16] <ColonelCarraza> Hey, look, there's another!
  1827. #06[23:16] * ColonelCarraza reloads and fires again.
  1828. [23:16] <ColonelCarraza> [(belated) quicksave!]
  1829. [20:59] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The team has grouped with the 9th Armored Cavalry Regiment, which is currently attacking a concentration of enemies in a small plaza and adjacent streets. Katherine and Ilsa accompany the colonel on the command tank, Mia accompanies Ray in a lorry, and Dia is probably chasing after the regiment in the car.]
  1830. #06[21:02] * Dia is in fact chasing after the regiment in the car.
  1831. #06[21:03] * [Ora]Mia looks around cautiously, eyeing all the small precarious spots and nookies for movement.
  1832. #06[21:04] * KatherineNOwen is busy learning the inner workings of the tank.  It'll come in handy, no doubt.
  1833. #06[21:05] * KatherineNOwen makes notes on a scrap piece of paper.  Side guns have this much radius of fire, reload like so, etc. etc.
  1834. #06[21:08] * KatherineNOwen pokes her head out the top of the tank cautiously.  How's it look form up here...?
  1835. [21:10] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Katherine: Things look much clearer now. The crowd is running about and being shot at from the vehicles, along with some autogyros that strafe from overhead. This close, you can tell that the eyes of most of the people are thoroughly bloodshot.]
  1836. #06[21:11] * KatherineNOwen reflexively turns away.  Euugh... that's just not right.
  1837. [21:12] <KatherineNOwen> "Colonel, your orders, ma'am?  I'm... untrained in live combat, I'm afraid."
  1838. #06[21:13] * ColonelCarraza turns up from the radio.
  1839. #06[21:13] * [Rut]Ilsa shoulders her rifle nervously, preferring to look at the 'people' down her sight rather than directly.
  1840. [21:14] <ColonelCarraza> Wait for now. We'll strafe them and attack them from the vehicles for a minute or two and then drop infantry. You'll go down with them if you want.
  1841. #06[21:15] * Raymond looks around nervously. Not something to get used to easily...
  1842. [21:15] <KatherineNOwen> "With all due respect, ma'am, I doubt my rapier will be of much use in large-scale combat.  If you require a gunner of some sort, perhaps I may be more useful."
  1843. [21:16] <[Ora]Mia> #14..mind the loud noise coming sir Raymond.
  1844. [21:17] <ColonelCarraza> Grab the roof gun if you want. Be selective about targets, though; don't want you shooting at my men.
  1845. #06[21:17] * Dia honks!
  1846. #01[21:18] <Raymond> Eh- what's...
  1847. #06[21:18] * Raymond turns to the sound.
  1848. #06[21:18] * KatherineNOwen salutes quickly and moves to the roof gun hatch.  It feels... heavy.  Real.  VERY real.
  1849. #06[21:18] * Dia waves! She's yelling something.
  1850. #06[21:18] * [Ora]Mia rolls down thje windows, if there was any and takes aim at a berserk civilian... boom! HEADSHOT. A fire is head and resonates inside the car for a brief moment. The body drops without a hitch, slumping onto the floor.
  1851. [21:18] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Rest in peace.
  1852. #06[21:20] * KatherineNOwen sights down the barrel and ironsights at the chaos in front.  This is SO much different than Rifle Club...
  1853. #06[21:21] * Dia is still waving!
  1854. #06[21:21] * Raymond looks at her, raising his hand in response.
  1855. #01[21:22] <Raymond> #14Man, I'm not going to enjoy explaining this.
  1856. #06[21:23] * [Rut]Ilsa steadies her breathing. Her trigger finger tightens, then relaxes as she lowers the rifle. Instead, she just stares at the crowd with a mixture of disgust and remorse.
  1857. [21:23] <[Ora]Mia> #14... I don't either...but... I'll do what I can to help contain this..
  1858. [21:23] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The tanks roll in coordinated directions, circling around the plaza while some of them make passes through other streets. They fire at the civilians in long bursts of machine gun fire and occasionally fire a shell. Infantrymen shoot from atop their vehicles.]
  1859. #06[21:24] * KatherineNOwen has her aim set on a patch of army-free civilians.  She hesitates.  They look so... normal.  And yet...
  1860. #06[21:24] * Dia is driving. You can see that she is panicking so bad now.
  1861. #06[21:24] * ColonelCarraza looks out the turret hatch, looking through some binoculars and still speaking through the headset.
  1862. #06[21:25] * Raymond gestures confusedly, apparently asking Dia to follow.
  1863. [21:26] <ColonelCarraza> Excellent shot, Drome, absolutely wonderful. I'll definitely get you something for that one.
  1864. #06[21:27] * KatherineNOwen defiantly bites her lips and fires.  Even mounted the recoil stings her hands.
  1865. #06[21:27] * Dia follows close as much as an adept driver like her could. Now you can probably hear her.
  1866. #06[21:27] * [Rut]Ilsa does not fire.
  1867. #06[21:28] * ColonelCarraza puts down the binoculars, looking around again. She nudges Ilsa and Katherine before speaking through the radio.
  1868. [21:29] <ColonelCarraza> Alright, this is Blackout 6. We're wheels up, all vehicles drop combat personnel. Repeat, all vehicles drop combat personnel.
  1869. #06[21:31] * KatherineNOwen shakily lets go of the trigger.
  1870. [21:32] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Infantry start dropping from trucks and halftracks almost instantly in response. Some of them look dazed, pulled off by other men that already dismounted. They scatter, firing at civilians all around with rifles, carbines, submachine guns, shotguns, and the like.]
  1871. #06[21:32] * Dia , amidst the aggressive atmosphere, pull over near the lorry with precision. She slows down into a stop, off the engine, pull the handbrake and unfasten seatbelt, step-by-step.
  1872. #06[21:33] * Dia almost launch herself away from the running men, straight to Raymond.
  1873. [21:33] <Dia> R-Ray!
  1874. #06[21:34] * Raymond gets off the truck, facing forward so as to climb down.
  1875. [21:34] <ColonelCarraza> Well, you two, here you are.
  1876. #06[21:35] * KatherineNOwen nods.  Yeah, here... here she is.
  1877. [21:35] <KatherineNOwen> "...Indeed, Madam Colonel."
  1878. #06[21:36] * [Ora]Mia turns to Colonel.
  1879. #06[21:36] * KatherineNOwen thinks... (I am now a murderer... or a soldier.  But once in Hell... it there a difference?)
  1880. #06[21:37] * Dia slow down once she saw Raymond and co.
  1881. #06[21:37] * KatherineNOwen tries to focus on reality now, not wasteful introspection.
  1882. [21:37] <Dia> it so terrible, Ray! Drive and people chase me and kill by gunmen's gun a lot! And I alone in car!
  1883. [21:38] <Dia> At least I want people too in car together me!
  1884. #01[21:38] <Raymond> Just come over here! Did you bring your rifle?
  1885. #06[21:39] * [Ora]Mia reloads because she forgot earlier.
  1886. #06[21:39] * KatherineNOwen clambers out of the gunner hatch.  For a few seconds, she stands silhouetted against the smokey city, pensive...
  1887. #06[21:39] * KatherineNOwen slides off the tank, hand on the pommel of her blade.
  1888. [21:40] <Dia> Y-yes!
  1889. #06[21:40] * Dia sling it over her shoulder.
  1890. #06[21:40] * ColonelCarraza takes over the roof gun and fires a couple bursts. She's humming a lively little swing tune in four-four.
  1891. #06[21:41] * [Rut]Ilsa jumps off the tank with Katherine. She doesn't seem "all there".
  1892. #06[21:42] * [Ora]Mia approaches Ilsa and Kathy.
  1893. [21:42] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Are you.. two.. ok?
  1894. #06[21:43] * KatherineNOwen has a rather unsure look.
  1895. [21:43] <KatherineNOwen> "I... can't answer that."
  1896. [21:44] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Let's keep going.
  1897. #06[21:44] * [Rut]Ilsa says simply.
  1898. #06[21:44] * KatherineNOwen nods.
  1899. #06[21:44] * Dia check her loadout. Medkit, good to go. Kar98k, lock and loaded. Yup.
  1900. [21:44] <KatherineNOwen> "Indeed.  In battle there is no time to waste."
  1901. [21:45] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Katherine/Ilsa/Mia: Just as you three look out at the crowd, you notice one civilian with red eyes has turned his attention to you. Close up, you can see that the young man's hands have extended almost into claws. He charges.]
  1902. #06[21:45] * KatherineNOwen gasps, but luckily still had her hand on the rapier.  She draws it quickly and adopts a solid stance.
  1903. #06[21:47] * [Rut]Ilsa 's rifle is up in a flash. She fires burst at the man's center mass.
  1904. #06[21:48] * [Ora]Mia gasps and unloads all six shot into the head, effectively crushing in the man's face and his eyes.
  1905. [21:50] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The demonic first slows under the shots, jerking backwards from them before just falling. He doesn't move after that.]
  1906. #06[21:51] * KatherineNOwen watches as the now-dead once-man skids into the ground not too far away from her.  A few splashes of blood scatter onto her no-longer white jacket.
  1907. #06[21:52] * KatherineNOwen twitches.  So fast... so fast...
  1908. #06[21:53] * [Rut]Ilsa is eerily calm. Keeping her weapon pointed at the carcass, she walks up to it, checking for any animation.
  1909. #06[21:53] * Raymond holds Dia by the shoulders, looking up every one or two seconds as he talks.
  1910. #01[21:53] <Raymond> Dia, are you alright?
  1911. #06[21:54] * KatherineNOwen shakes her head slightly.  Rifle rounds... revolver rounds... and the thing, didn't, stop.
  1912. #06[21:54] * [Ora]Mia keeps a straight face.
  1913. #06[21:54] * Dia nods.
  1914. [21:54] <Dia> I okay, it just.....
  1915. #06[21:55] * Dia look around and see the gruesome scene.
  1916. [21:55] <Dia> ...."horrifying".
  1917. #06[21:55] * Dia speaks that using her old native language, Raymond knows this one.
  1918. #01[21:56] <Raymond> It's okay, it's okay. Won't be there forever, right?
  1919. [21:56] <KatherineNOwen> "...my dream is a nightmare... And it is real..."
  1920. #06[21:57] * [Rut]Ilsa drops her gun barrel, finding no signs of life remaining. Her breathing is heavy but steady as she looks down on the body with an utterly neutral expression.
  1921. #06[21:57] * [Ora]Mia goes over to the body and closes its eyes before saying a short prayer.
  1922. #06[21:58] * KatherineNOwen keeps a grip on her rapier, but unholsters a pistol she decided to pick up in the tank.  She tries to gauge the feel of such a foolish method of arming oneself...
  1923. #06[21:59] * KatherineNOwen , fortunately, know that a good fencer will never need their off hand.  If she can learn how to aim left-handed, then... perhaps.
  1924. [21:59] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Rest this soul... you've done enough...
  1925. #06[21:59] * Dia nods, calming herself down as she's being hold.
  1926. #06[22:00] * KatherineNOwen opts not to observe this corpse.  There will be others, and it's no longer safe to dilly-dally.
  1927. [22:00] <KatherineNOwen> "We must move.  Get out of the open."
  1928. [22:01] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The sounds of fire are much less intense now, so it's much easier to make out all the yelling. Orders, acknowledgement, on occasion screams of panic from some civilians, some of pain from wounded soldiers.]
  1929. #01[22:06] <Raymond> Come on, we can't just stay here.
  1930. [22:06] <Dia> mm!
  1931. #06[22:06] * Dia nods.
  1932. [22:06] <[Ora]Mia> #14 yes, of course.
  1933. #06[22:07] * [Ora]Mia reloads!
  1934. #06[22:07] * KatherineNOwen moves off the street to a row of... residences?  Shops?  No one can tell now.
  1935. #06[22:07] * [Rut]Ilsa follows.
  1936. #06[22:08] * Raymond runs to where Mia is standing, gently holding Dia by the upper arm.
  1937. [22:08] <KatherineNOwen> "I... may be more efficient inside at room-to-room clearing.  Ilsa, do you have my back?"
  1938. #06[22:08] * Dia is looking left and right, preparing herself for any incoming ambush.
  1939. [22:08] <Dia> Anyone hurt?!
  1940. #06[22:09] * [Ora]Mia nods at Raymond and shakes her head at Dia.
  1941. [22:09] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I'm quite fine~
  1942. #06[22:09] * [Ora]Mia smiles briliantly.
  1943. [22:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> Got it.
  1944. #06[22:10] * [Rut]Ilsa nods to Dia in acknowledgment before continuing behind Katherine.
  1945. #06[22:11] * KatherineNOwen grips both her weapons and enters one of the buildings, checking corners left and right.
  1946. [22:12] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Ilsa/Katherine: A man approaches you, with a panicked look on his face. He holds his arms out in front of him, a quick glance will tell that the whites of his eyes look normal enough.]
  1947. [22:13] <KatherineNOwen> "State your name!  Your name!"
  1948. #06[22:13] * KatherineNOwen is a bit abrupt and pushy but will take no chances for the moment.
  1949. #06[22:14] * [Rut]Ilsa says nothing, but keeps the gun trained on him.
  1950. [22:14] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The man speaks quickly in a panicstricken and accented voice, ignoring your question completely.]
  1951. [22:15] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Man: "My wife is injured. Is there a doctor?"
  1952. #06[22:16] * KatherineNOwen turns her head slightly.
  1953. [22:16] <KatherineNOwen> "Mia!  Up here!"
  1954. [22:16] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [A small item comes from a doorway further in the building. You hear several voices from the other side that yell "Fire in the hole!" in three or four languages.]
  1955. #06[22:17] * KatherineNOwen has no idea what she's doing!  She attempts to flick the thing away with her rapier!
  1956. #06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa grabs Katherine by the collar and attempts to yank her backwards to the ground with her.
  1957. #06[22:21] * KatherineNOwen is off-balanced by Ilsa's tug and only manages to spin the object into the far wall.
  1958. [22:22] <KatherineNOwen> "Ils-gah!"
  1959. [22:23] <KatherineNOwen> "Get down!"
  1960. #06[22:24] * [Rut]Ilsa is way ahead of her. And has attempted to make Katherine follow suit.
  1961. #06[22:24] * KatherineNOwen was more calling to the man.
  1962. [22:27] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Katherine/The grenade detonates, letting out a deafening bang. Several splintered pieces of furniture and plaster fall on you, but you seem to be okay. The man's lying on the floor, apparently hurt but alive.]
  1963. #06[22:27] * [Ora]Mia hears an explosion she ducks down immediately.
  1964. [22:27] <[Ora]Mia> Ah!
  1965. #06[22:27] * KatherineNOwen stays on the ground.
  1966. [22:28] <KatherineNOwen> "Naah!  Friendly fire, friendly fire!"
  1967. [22:28] <[Ora]Mia> #14 What the hell is going on overe there!?
  1968. #06[22:28] * Dia , seeing Mia ducks, follow suit in an instant!
  1969. [22:28] <Dia> what what what?!
  1970. #06[22:30] * [Rut]Ilsa gets up and kneels beside the man.
  1971. #06[22:30] * Raymond crouches, looking around frantically.
  1972. [22:30] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 Someone just threw an explosive.. I'm going to go check it out. Stay here.
  1973. [22:30] <[Rut]Ilsa> No, I'll go. This man needs treatment.
  1974. [22:30] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [A voice comes out from further inside the building.]
  1975. #06[22:30] * KatherineNOwen stands up shakily and regains her bearings.
  1976. [22:31] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Voice: "Sorry! Is everyone alright?"
  1977. [22:31] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Ilsa: The man turns his eyes to look up at you. He's bleeding, and breathing quickly, but apparently still tries to speak.]
  1978. [22:32] <[Rut]Ilsa> Shh. Mia, hurry.
  1979. [22:32] <KatherineNOwen> "Civilian wounded but alive!  Check your positions next time!"
  1980. #06[22:32] * KatherineNOwen shouts indignantly.
  1981. #06[22:32] * Dia stays!
  1982. #06[22:34] * [Ora]Mia arrives immdiately at the scene.
  1983. #06[22:34] * KatherineNOwen makes her way upstairs, checking for the man's wife.
  1984. [22:34] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 ...its that explosion?
  1985. [22:34] <Dia> what now Ray?
  1986. #06[22:34] * Dia is currently proning on the ground, awaiting for further order. She's still a civvie, after all.
  1987. #06[22:35] * [Rut]Ilsa gestures for Mia to come over.
  1988. #06[22:35] * [Ora]Mia looks at this man closely...
  1989. #01[22:35] <Raymond> I hate being left behind like this...
  1990. [22:36] <[Ora]Mia> Sir.. can you hear me?
  1991. [22:37] <[Rut]Ilsa> Grenade fragments. He may have had other injuries before that, though.
  1992. [22:37] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Mia: The man's taken a hit to the abdomen, he's bleeding but holding his hand over it. There's probably shrapnel from the looks of it. He nods, but turns his eyes between you and the staircase.]
  1993. #06[22:38] * KatherineNOwen pokes round from room to room.  Any room might hide the wife... or something worse.
  1994. [22:41] <Dia> What are you say, Ray? I am here!
  1995. #06[22:43] * Raymond looks down at Dia, then stands back up.
  1996. #01[22:43] <Raymond> Let's go up to the wall. I don't like sitting out here.
  1997. #06[22:44] * [Ora]Mia holds opens her little med-kit..
  1998. [22:46] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Katherine: You find the woman in a small room on the third floor, lying in a bed. An older woman, at about middle age, she's very pale and doesn't look responsive. A phonograph set on a table right next to her scoots on the label of a record.]
  1999. #06[22:46] * Dia follows!
  2000. #06[22:47] * KatherineNOwen holsters her pistol and carefully approaches.  Out of habit she removes the phonograph needle and switches off the turntable.
  2001. #06[22:48] * KatherineNOwen observes the woman.  Not good, not good... but there's a fear in her heart.  Is this woman infected...?
  2002. #06[22:48] * Raymond moves up next to a corpse on the ground, up against the wall, and opens his briefcase.
  2003. [22:49] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Mia: The man still seems to be losing blood, but keeps breathing. He keeps looking at the stairs.]
  2004. [22:51] <[Ora]Mia> ...what are you looking at?
  2005. #06[22:51] * Dia is looking left and right, covering him.
  2006. [22:51] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Katherine: A close look at the woman's eyes show she seems to be free of infection, but she doesn't seem to respond to your presence. From the looks of it, she's barely alive if at all.]
  2007. #06[22:52] * KatherineNOwen sighs and shakes her head.  Only a doctor can tell if there's hope, but Mi must have her hands full already.  What to do, what to do...
  2008. [22:53] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Dia: An older man with red eyes and a skewed flat cap seems to take notice of you. He moves toward you, albeit clumsily.]
  2009. [22:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> He said his wife was upstairs. If he's stable, you should head up and find her with Katherine. I can do simple things like apply pressure to the wound in your absence.
  2010. #06[22:54] * KatherineNOwen carefully exits the room and starts to head downstairs.
  2011. #06[22:56] * [Ora]Mia nods at Ilsa.
  2012. #06[22:56] * Dia take aim!
  2013. [22:56] <Dia> P-please! Mister! Go away!
  2014. [22:57] <Dia> Go away or I shoot!
  2015. [22:57] <[Ora]Mia> Please do, and if it gets worse, please get the others for help or call me.
  2016. #06[22:57] * Dia aim for the heart.
  2017. [22:58] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Dia: The man doesn't respond, continuing his advance.]
  2018. #06[22:58] * KatherineNOwen peaks into the ground floor room where everyone's gathered.
  2019. #06[22:59] * Dia hesitates! He is one of them, but still. Shooting an unarmed man!?
  2020. [22:59] <KatherineNOwen> "Mia?  I found the wife.  Pale, very... very pale.  I'm not sure what you can do for her."
  2021. #06[23:01] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps gauze pressed firmly on the areas where the man is bleeding.
  2022. [23:01] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ok, thank you.
  2023. #06[23:02] * [Ora]Mia rushes to her side, she analyzes her condition..
  2024. [23:05] <[Ora]Mia> #14 This isn't good...
  2025. [23:06] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The woman has a very faint pulse. She's still alive, but she hardly has a chance. If she doesn't get blood immediately she probably won't make it, and that's near impossible.]
  2026. [23:07] <[Ora]Mia> Dammit.. she needs blood now..
  2027. [23:08] <[Ora]Mia> My.. med kit.. I should have one..
  2028. #06[23:08] * [Ora]Mia checks throughly.
  2029. #06[23:09] * KatherineNOwen 's no good to anyone here.  She carefully heads outside to check their perimeter.
  2030. [23:16] <[Ora]Mia> ....
  2031. [23:16] <[Ora]Mia> #14... urgh.. I can't.. do anything...
  2032. #06[23:18] * Dia can't wait! he's coming too close!
  2033. [23:18] <Dia> [BLAM!]
  2034. #06[23:18] * Dia missed horribly.
  2035. #06[23:18] * [Ora]Mia grits her teeth and does what little she can with her skills.
  2036. [23:18] <Dia> uwah--! wahwah--!!
  2037. [23:18] <Dia> I need to--- reload---!
  2038. #06[23:18] * Dia move the bolt!
  2039. #06[23:20] * KatherineNOwen notices a faltering Dia not too far away, and an enemy closing in!
  2040. #06[23:20] * Raymond turns his attention from the corpse he's analyzing, only then noticing the demonic.
  2041. #06[23:21] * Dia should not choose Kar98K in the first place. It's not very good at continuous firing like those semi-autos.
  2042. #06[23:21] * Dia finally pulled the bolt. Old shell plinked off the gun, loaded by the new rounds.
  2043. #06[23:23] * [Rut]Ilsa hears a nearby gunshot. She keeps the compress on, but turns her head.
  2044. [23:24] <[Rut]Ilsa> What's happening?
  2045. #06[23:25] * KatherineNOwen jogs towards Dia quickly, rapier at the ready.
  2046. #06[23:25] * [Ora]Mia performs whatever medical skills she has left and manages to keep her alive for just a bit longer but who knows how long...
  2047. [23:25] <[Ora]Mia> #14... Please don't die on me... please don't die on me..
  2048. [23:26] <KatherineNOwen> "If you miss, I'm right here, Dia... Shoot well."
  2049. #06[23:27] * [Ora]Mia goes back down to check on the others.
  2050. [23:27] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Dia: The demonic claws at you as it gets closer, grappling your rifle and trying to attack you.]
  2051. #06[23:30] * Dia screams as she try to fend it off with a kick. Only the rifle is keeping her away from its teeth.
  2052. #06[23:32] * KatherineNOwen attempts to take a stab with her rapier, but the rifle, Dia, and "monster" are too close together.  She accomplishes very little.
  2053. [23:34] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The demonic is knocked back a pace or two by the kick, letting go. It quickly turns its attention to Katherine, charging her instead.]
  2054. #06[23:36] * Raymond quickly pulls an orange vial from his briefcase, chucking it at the demonic as quickly as he can muster.
  2055. [23:38] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The demonic is hit on the side of its face, falling back again. This time, however, it seems to get confused. It waves its arms idly around for a second or two and then vomits blood; after that it lurches in several directions but stays standing.]
  2056. [23:41] <Dia> L-leave her away! Go!
  2057. [23:41] <Dia> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
  2058. #06[23:42] * Dia whack her gun like a mace, right on his head. It make a crunching sound, and he lies helpless on the ground. Dia does give that man a couple of whacking before her battlefield rage subsides.
  2059. [23:42] <Dia> #15 haah... haah... haah...
  2060. #06[23:43] * KatherineNOwen is too confused by this mishmash to react fast enough.  And then, poof, another re-un-dead lying on the ground before her.
  2061. #06[23:44] * [Ora]Mia arrives at the scene a minute or two too late...
  2062. #06[23:44] * KatherineNOwen turns away again, despite her curiosity.  For some reason, she feels she has to "earn" the right to look at these things.
  2063. #06[23:44] * Raymond takes a deep breath.
  2064. #01[23:45] <Raymond> Well, there's another culture I'll have to grow again. Katherine, where are the others?
  2065. #06[23:45] * KatherineNOwen thumbs into that building over there.
  2066. [23:45] <[Ora]Mia> #14 A-ah.. right here sir..!
  2067. #06[23:45] * [Ora]Mia catches her breath.
  2068. [23:45] <KatherineNOwen> "Tending to wounded, doctor."
  2069. [23:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> Hey! Can you hear me? What's going on out there?
  2070. #06[23:46] * Dia 's legs lose its strength, she sit down with a thud. her face is quite pale.
  2071. [23:46] <Dia> #15 haah... haah... haah...
  2072. #06[23:47] * KatherineNOwen sighs and sits down on a forlorn crate by the side of a wall.  Why does she feel so... useless?
  2073. [23:47] <[Ora]Mia> #14 d-did another one come?
  2074. #06[23:48] * Dia nods.
  2075. [23:49] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 a-and.. the man?
  2076. [23:49] <Dia> ...I not know.
  2077. #06[23:49] * Dia look down on the ground.
  2078. #06[23:50] * [Rut]Ilsa grits her teeth and wraps the gauze padding down tight on the man's wound before rushing outside.
  2079. [23:50] <[Rut]Ilsa> Everyone alright out here??
  2080. [23:50] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [A swarm of footsteps comes from the direction the grenade came from earlier. A squad of soldiers looks around, some of them start walking upstairs. One of them uneasily aims at the wounded man, still on the ground. He doesn't seem strictly preparing to shoot, though.]
  2081. #01[23:50] <Raymond> We're alright, but a bit shaken- eh?
  2082. [23:51] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I-ilsa? W-why arent' you attending to that man?
  2083. [23:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> I heard gunfire. I bound the wound, it should be fine for a little while.
  2084. #06[23:55] * Raymond quickly closes his briefcase and stands, walking briskly into the building and facing the soldiers. He lowers the weapon trained on the man with his hand, though gently so as to not seem threatening.
  2085. [23:55] <[Ora]Mia> #14.... this is bad.. I think I just heard a bunch of the soldiers go where the explosion was and they might think he's a demonic
  2086. #01[00:00] <Raymond> Easy. He's injured, but he isn't infected.
  2087. #06[00:00] * Raymond turns back at the group, speaking loudly through the door.
  2088. #01[00:00] <Raymond> Anyone else in here?
  2089. #06[00:01] * Dia notice the call but didn't response. she only look up.
  2090. [00:03] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Uhm.. there's two.. non-infected civilian inside the building.. b-but, if we don't hurry they will die.
  2091. #06[00:04] * KatherineNOwen , despite her better judgment, flips open her notebook and begins to write once more.
  2092. [00:04] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Soldier: Where's the second?
  2093. [00:06] <[Ora]Mia> #14 O-on top floor.
  2094. [00:08] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The squad's officer makes a few gestures and the rest of the squad scrambles, attending to the man and moving on in the building while one goes up the steps to catch up with those that went up before.]
  2095. #01[00:08] <Raymond> Well, let's go.
  2096. #06[00:09] * Raymond walks back out of the building, heading back out into the open with the group in tow.
  2097. [00:12] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Things seem to have calmed down some more, and it's vaguely reminiscent of the scene when you first met up with the unit. Both vehicles and men still move around and shoot, and even though it's tense it's nowhere near as bad as it was before. The command tank rolls and stops near you, almost next to you.]
  2098. #06[00:15] * ColonelCarraza gets back out of the hatch, standing and looking around while holding the visor on her patrol cap. Taking the grenade launcher in her hand, she jumps down and lands with catlike grace. Boing.
  2099. [00:16] <ColonelCarraza> Well, this is what you needed. We've got some sweeping to do, but anything else we can do for you before you move on?
  2100. [00:17] <ColonelCarraza> Oh, and I should be getting that report from the signallers in a few minutes. Hopefully you won't mind waiting that long.
  2101. #01[00:23] <Raymond> We can live with it.
  2102. #06[00:23] * ColonelCarraza smiles, nodding.
  2103. [00:24] <ColonelCarraza> Just a second, then. I've got a few last things to go through.
  2104.  
  2105.  
  2106. ---Session Eight---
  2107.  
  2108. “The soul is a thing so impalpable, so often useless and sometimes so embarrassing that I suffered, upon losing it, a little less emotion than if I had mislaid, while out on a stroll, my calling-card.”
  2109. -Charles Baudelaire, /The Generous Gambler/
  2110.  
  2111. [20:47] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Okay!]
  2112. [20:49] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The team has just accompanied the 9th Armored Cavalry Regiment further into the city, participating in a strike on a large collection of demonics. It's all quieting down, but hasn't been completely pacified yet as there are still the sounds of weapons.]
  2113. 06[20:51] * [k]Dia is, still, being quiet.
  2114. [20:51] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Right now the team is walking through the center of the square, the nearby Colonel looks on as her troops sweep up. She seems a little annoyed.]
  2115. 06[20:52] * Raymond checks his wristwatch before looking around. Now where did Dia leave that car...
  2116. 06[20:53] * [k]Dia leave that car besides the truck he got off.
  2117. 06[20:54] * [Ora]Mia takes a gander look at the colonel....she looks vexated.
  2118. [20:54] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Something... troubling you colonel Carraza?
  2119. [20:55] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Eh, this just took a little longer than expected. There are still some holed up over there; we're going to have trouble getting to them.
  2120. 06[20:57] * [k]Dia , after following them all this kind, understand that there is no cure for the infected. All we can do is euthanasia.
  2121. [20:57] <[k]Dia> Co... colonel.
  2122. [20:58] <[k]Dia> I ask to speak a bit to you.
  2123. [20:58] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The Colonel turns her head to regard you.]
  2124. [20:58] <[k]Dia> we cannot bomb?
  2125. [20:59] <[k]Dia> like, up from sky bomb.
  2126. [20:59] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Hm. Do you mean the entire city or on an operational level?
  2127. [21:00] <[k]Dia> very small place bomb, colonel.
  2128. [21:00] <[k]Dia> so no gunmen get to in close and fire. Gunmen are safe.
  2129. [21:02] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Oh, now there's an idea. Happens all the time, but it's tough to carry out sometimes. All the protocols and relays...
  2130. 06[21:03] * [k]Dia nods once. There's no more to add.
  2131. 06[21:04] * [Ora]Mia nods slightly, but she's still worried about those two couple from earlier..
  2132. 06[21:05] * [Owen]Katherine walks in the back, remaining silent, her face undecipherable.
  2133. 01[21:05] <Raymond> So how much longer, Colonel?
  2134. [21:07] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The Colonel looks up and surveys the sky, though the visor of her cap projects a shadow over her eyes. Seeing something, she grins and waves over a soldier with a radio on his back.]
  2135. [21:08] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Just a minute, actually. Please give me a moment... need to get those out of the hole there.
  2136. 06[21:09] * [Owen]Katherine shakes her head. It's no different than back in Britian... completely average and unimportant. She sighs sadly.
  2137. [21:10] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The Colonel picks up the radio, speaking into it with a tone of mild annoyance.]
  2138. 06[21:12] * [Owen]Katherine walks over to Mia.  She wants someone to talk to, someone unofficial.
  2139. [21:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "Mia... do you mind if I talk to you for a while?"
  2140. 06[21:13] * [k]Dia kinda look around the place and.... understand the cold, hard truth of this place.
  2141. 06[21:14] * Raymond looks at Katherine, adjusting his glasses, but turns back. He seems a little distant and a bit djected but it's just there for an instant.
  2142. 06[21:14] * [Ora]Mia nods happilly and smiles.
  2143. [21:14] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Yes, of course.
  2144. 06[21:14] * [Rut]Ilsa has been quiet. Her eyes don't seem focused on anything in particular.
  2145. [21:15] <[Owen]Katherine> "So, you've... been in this city for some time, I heard.  Is this all there is?  Random military sweeps and guerrilla warfare?"
  2146. [21:16] <[Ora]Mia> 14 N-no.. it's actually a nice city before all of this.. contamination occurred, we were a crossroad city at one point but.. as you can see now.. we are no longer that.
  2147. [21:17] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Cyclone 4, this is Blackout 6. I need some bombs, if you don't mind; northeast of ...Tauentzplatz, whatever building is on the other side of Blumenstrasse.
  2148. [21:19] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [An autogyro flies overhead, circling just northeast of your position before flying back off. As it does, the Colonel gestures at her forward troops. Men and tanks begin to pull back to the plaza.]
  2149. 06[21:19] * [Owen]Katherine could care less about the warfare in the background right now.
  2150. [21:19] <[k]Dia> ?
  2151. [21:20] <[Owen]Katherine> "No, I mean... this "war", this "resistance", whatever you call it.  Are these little fights and purges all there are, people getting wounded from friendly fire as much as these... infected things?"
  2152. 06[21:21] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  2153. [21:21] <[Owen]Katherine> "I thought there was something... more, to it, is all..."
  2154. [21:21] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Over half the people I attend to are from friendly fires..
  2155. 06[21:22] * [Rut]Ilsa suddenly stumbles, despite having been standing still. She narrowly misses clipping Mia on the shoulder before regaining her balance.
  2156. [21:23] <[Ora]Mia> ..?
  2157. 06[21:23] * Raymond turns his head.
  2158. 01[21:23] <Raymond> You all right?
  2159. 06[21:23] * [Ora]Mia turns around, unaware of the danger she missed..
  2160. [21:23] <[Ora]Mia> 14 mmm? Ilsa?
  2161. [21:23] <[Rut]Ilsa> Y-yes.
  2162. [21:24] <[Rut]Ilsa> I just... need a smoke. Excuse me.
  2163. [21:24] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Three two-engined ground attack planes fly in from above, making a strident noise with their engines. They drop some bombs and pull up, these strike a building with an echoing explosion that blocks out other sounds for an instant. Some of the soldiers cheer as they move up again, but the Colonel has turned to look ahead.]
  2164. 06[21:25] * [Owen]Katherine winces from the explosion, but soon returns to her thoughts... (This is all there is...?  What an idiot I am.)
  2165. [21:25] <[k]Dia> oh. colonnel do it real.
  2166. 06[21:25] * [k]Dia look at the 'clered' building, deep in thoughts.
  2167. 06[21:26] * [Rut]Ilsa turns her back to the cacophony and clumsily lights a cigarette. It's true that things had quickly spiraled out of control... but she hadn't thought it would affect her this much.
  2168. [21:26] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: ...In the interior you will no doubt meet Major Perri.
  2169. [21:27] <[Ora]Mia> ..14 Who..?.. I don't think I've met that person before.
  2170. 06[21:30] * [Owen]Katherine busies herself with studying the pistol she picked up until someone actually addresses her.  She's feeling more and more like just another cog in a giant machine every hour.
  2171. [21:31] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: An officer further inside. A very... distinguished person to say the least. I hear he was meant to be moved up; those above meant him to be, but he supposedly got hard to control. Stationed in the very bottom of there, not heard from often.
  2172. 06[21:31] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  2173. 06[21:31] * [Ora]Mia then turns to Katherine.
  2174. [21:32] <[Ora]Mia> 14 So...I forget.. why are you here again Kathy?..you don't seem.. to..hrm.. belong here..
  2175. 06[21:32] * [Owen]Katherine is broken from her focus.  She distractedly looks at Mia.
  2176. [21:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "O-Oh, me?  I was just... on holiday, and heard a rumor of some cursed city.  It sounded interested.  And then, well... just got dragged into this mess."
  2177. 06[21:35] * [Rut]Ilsa attempts to get back into the swing of things. She nonchalantly holds a cigarette out to Katherine in offering.
  2178. [21:35] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The sounds of gunfire slowly begin to die down. Off to the side, the man from earlier is taken out and laid out on the pavement next to many other civilians. He doesn't seem to be moving from this distance. At the same time, civvies start approaching some of the soldiers; they keep their distance but make a droning buzz from their voices.]
  2179. 06[21:36] * [Ora]Mia giggles at Katherine.
  2180. [21:39] <[Owen]Katherine> "...what?"
  2181. 01[21:39] <Raymond> 14Hey, isn't that...
  2182. 06[21:39] * [Owen]Katherine doesn't have the energy to hold a powerful stare right now.
  2183. [21:40] <[Ora]Mia> 14 oh.. hmm? Raymond what now?
  2184. 06[21:41] * Raymond points over at the civilians laid out on the pavement.
  2185. [21:41] <[k]Dia> Ray.
  2186. [21:41] <[k]Dia> Is the person... from before?
  2187. 06[21:41] * Raymond nods.
  2188. 06[21:41] * [k]Dia sink into depression again.
  2189. [21:42] <[k]Dia> In ending, we can save no one...
  2190. 06[21:43] * Raymond shakes his head.
  2191. [21:43] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Don't smoke?
  2192. 01[21:43] <Raymond> I wouldn't go quite that far, but... wait, is he dead?
  2193. [21:44] <[k]Dia> he is with the dead. He must be is.
  2194. [21:44] <[Ora]Mia> He will be..
  2195. 06[21:44] * [Ora]Mia looks in the same direction as them.
  2196. [21:45] <[Rut]Ilsa> --What makes you so sure?
  2197. 06[21:45] * [Owen]Katherine can't even draw herself to sympathize with the dying and the dead.  It's war.  It happens.  And even when she's staring it in the face, for some reason she doesn't know why she can't feel anything.
  2198. [21:46] <[Ora]Mia> ...they've killed all that were infected so far.. even the just sickly.
  2199. [21:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  2200. [21:47] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Ah, that one? Er... No, not yet. Hrrm... when one has a command to run here, civilians can be quite troublesome. But, well, that's all. My orders now are to let you pass.
  2201. 06[21:48] * [k]Dia stick close to Raymond, awaiting his order.
  2202. 01[21:49] <Raymond> ...Well, I think I'm ready to go at least.
  2203. [21:49] <[Ora]Mia> Please let me say a prayer for the fallen here..
  2204. 06[21:50] * [Rut]Ilsa tucks the cigarette back into her suit. That girl doesn't look the type to smoke, anyway. Then again, neither does Ilsa, though she tries hard to pull it off.
  2205. 06[21:50] * [Ora]Mia clasps her hand together and mutter a low tone chant..
  2206. 06[21:52] * Raymond nods, waiting for her as he looks back at the car.
  2207. 06[21:54] * [k]Dia pay it no mind. She doesn't need to think as long as Raymond is there. She only need to follow him and do what he wanted her to. That's the best way.
  2208. 06[21:55] * [Ora]Mia turns to the group with a tear swelling in her right eye but she smiles anyway.
  2209. [21:55] <[Ora]Mia> 14... Well, I'm ready!
  2210. [21:56] <[Rut]Ilsa> Mm. Let's go.
  2211. 01[21:56] <Raymond> ...Yeah.
  2212. 06[21:57] * Raymond turns and begins to walk off, back in the direction of the car. Anything for things to make sense again...
  2213. 06[21:57] * [Owen]Katherine suddenly realized that Ilsa was trying to be friendly back there, and she totally blew her off.
  2214. [21:57] <[Owen]Katherine> "Oh, Ilsa, I'm... I'm sorry, I'm just a little distracted."
  2215. [21:58] <[Owen]Katherine> "But no, no I don't smoke."
  2216. 06[21:59] * [Rut]Ilsa grunts in response. Callous, but not outwardly hostile.
  2217. [22:00] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Well, best of luck to you. I don't know if we'll meet again, but I had fun.
  2218. 06[22:00] * [Ora]Mia bows towards the colonel.
  2219. [22:01] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I will...and I'll do my best to bring him back alive and well colonel.
  2220. [22:02] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Colonel: Good show, sport. I'll count on you then.
  2221. 06[22:03] * [Ora]Mia smiles warmly at the colonel and follows Raymond.
  2222. 06[22:04] * Raymond gets back to the car, opening the hood and hurriedly tinkering with the engine.
  2223. 06[22:05] * [Owen]Katherine just moves to the hatchback trunk and rummages through her duffel bag for whatever reason.
  2224. 06[22:06] * [Ora]Mia checks her guns to make sure they're loaded and ready for action at anytime. Click, click.. its good.. she checks her first-aid kit.. still in good stock.. hm.. ok!
  2225. 06[22:08] * [k]Dia have all those stuff with her all the time. Oh you packmule you.
  2226. 06[22:10] * Raymond gets the engine going, closes the hood and sighs.
  2227. 01[22:10] <Raymond> Let's just go. Are we all ready?
  2228. 06[22:10] * [Ora]Mia nods with a rather cheerful umph!
  2229. 06[22:11] * [Rut]Ilsa kills her cig and slips into the back seat.
  2230. [22:11] <[k]Dia> umu.
  2231. 06[22:11] * [k]Dia nods.
  2232. 06[22:23] * Raymond gets into the car, putting it in first gear and accelerating slowly.
  2233. 01[22:25] <Raymond> Let's see... our first goal is across there...
  2234. 06[22:27] * [k]Dia try to take a look.
  2235. [22:28] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The plaza falls back and all of the soldiers and vehicles have turned to the matter. As you go over a bridge  across a river, the last soldier you see is the Captain. Distinguishable by her beret and holding a rifle with a drum magazine, she turns to look at you for a few seconds and then turns back.]
  2236. 06[22:29] * [Owen]Katherine looks back.  Suddenly she wishes she would have been paying more attention.
  2237. 06[22:29] * [Ora]Mia looks back.. hmmm.. she's pretty.
  2238. [22:29] <[Owen]Katherine> "Doctor, forgive me, but where are we going now, again?  I was distracted."
  2239. 06[22:29] * [k]Dia pay her no mind at all. She's trying to remember the way through this messy road network.
  2240. 01[22:30] <Raymond> We're going further into the city, to the sector that's in the middle of it. Back to where all this...
  2241. 06[22:30] * Raymond sighs.
  2242. 01[22:30] <Raymond> Can I tell you all something?
  2243. [22:31] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I am ready to listen to you at anytime sir.
  2244. [22:31] <[k]Dia> ?
  2245. 06[22:31] * [k]Dia perks up.
  2246. 01[22:33] <Raymond> You see, we're headed in the general direction of where... all this got started. It's from a general area, but in that area there's a building dedicated to biological research. I've heard some of the programs there are suspected to have something to do with the situation...
  2247. 06[22:33] * Raymond breathes deeply before continuing.
  2248. 01[22:34] <Raymond> ...I was directing them. I just wanted you four to know.
  2249. 06[22:34] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  2250. 06[22:35] * [Owen]Katherine nods solemnly.  Something like that was probably to be expected.
  2251. [22:35] <[Owen]Katherine> "We do what we can, and we try to fix what we wish we didn't do."
  2252. [22:36] <[Ora]Mia> 14 I see..so.. does that mean.. you.. were the cause of this?..
  2253. 01[22:36] <Raymond> ...I don't know. But that uncertainty is the worst of it.
  2254. [22:37] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Ahh.. well.. the important thing is to repent and to fix your wrongdoings.
  2255. 01[22:39] <Raymond> Well... how could I have known? This looks like nothing I had worked on. And... first I heard that my sister was dead, then that Valeria's still alive... who was right? It was horrible when I thought she had passed, but at least I thought I knew...
  2256. 06[22:39] * Raymond looks rather distant, unwaveringly focusing on the road ahead.
  2257. 06[22:39] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head.
  2258. [22:39] <[Ora]Mia> 14 The past is the past, there is no use to dwell on it sir.
  2259. 06[22:40] * [k]Dia just touch his shoulder and let her hand stay there. Nothing can be said. we can only accept it and move on.
  2260. 06[22:40] * [Owen]Katherine thinks... (except when the present is no different from the past in the first place.)
  2261. 06[22:41] * Raymond takes another long breath but says nothing.
  2262. [22:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  2263. [22:46] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Beyond the frenzy of the attack you've just left, the city seems quite desolate. There doesn't seem to be anyone around, even though the muffled sounds are still coming from everywhere. A few abandoned cars lie on the street, next to a derailed tram.]
  2264. [22:47] <[k]Dia> a very....'negative' place.
  2265. [22:47] <[Ora]Mia> ...My home is here...
  2266. 06[22:47] * [Ora]Mia looks around for it..
  2267. 06[22:47] * [k]Dia say that as she look around. It IS filled with negative thoughst.
  2268. [22:49] <[Ora]Mia> 14 ...n-no.. we're still.. a bit far.
  2269. 06[22:49] * [Ora]Mia sighs.
  2270. 06[22:50] * [Owen]Katherine gazes across the city.  Dead... alone.
  2271. [22:52] <[Ora]Mia> ....we're being watched...
  2272. [22:54] <[Owen]Katherine> "...Eh?"
  2273. 06[22:54] * Raymond perks up, slowing down and looking around carefully.
  2274. [22:55] <[k]Dia> ?
  2275. [22:55] <[Ora]Mia> ...14 They won't.. attack us...not yet.. in this daylight... I think.
  2276. 06[22:55] * [Rut]Ilsa remains silent. No, don't think about this. Focus on safety. Awareness. Your surroundings.
  2277. [23:03] <[Ora]Mia> U-uhm...you guys?
  2278. 01[23:03] <Raymond> Eh?
  2279. [23:04] <[Ora]Mia> ...my house is nearby.. I believe I've told you all but.. I used to live here.. and I'd like to visit it one more time before we leave this place.. is that ok with you?
  2280. 06[23:05] * Raymond nods. Nothing to argue about it.
  2281. [23:06] <[Rut]Ilsa> It is Doctor Duvall's decision... But unless you think someone could still be alive in there, I would say no.
  2282. [23:06] <[k]Dia> but off target is not safe! you sure?
  2283. 06[23:06] * [Rut]Ilsa says this emotionlessly.
  2284. [23:08] <[Ora]Mia> I.. just want to collect something from there..
  2285. [23:08] <[Ora]Mia> That is all.
  2286. [23:11] <[k]Dia> If... if you want so...
  2287. [23:11] <[k]Dia> Ray?
  2288. 01[23:11] <Raymond> We can stop by. Do you know the address?
  2289. 06[23:11] * [k]Dia ask Raymond, hesitating.
  2290. [23:12] <[Ora]Mia> Yes its.. erm...
  2291. 06[23:12] * [Ora]Mia thinks for a bit..
  2292. [23:21] <[Ora]Mia> Its.. 4311 Altbusser...
  2293. 06[23:24] * Raymond stops the car for a second, pulling out a map and looking at it closely.
  2294. 01[23:25] <Raymond> Hm... Street's much closer than I thought. We're on Schweidnitzerstrasse, so...
  2295. 06[23:26] * Raymond starts the car again and moves forwards for a couple of blocks, turning right onto a street in between two small buildings.
  2296. 01[23:30] <Raymond> Just let us know which one it is.
  2297. [23:33] <[Ora]Mia> ..ah.
  2298. 06[23:34] * [Ora]Mia points to that one there, its the most decrepit one there.. you can't miss it.
  2299. 06[23:35] * Raymond drives over, stopping just in front. He parks the car carefully, despite how obviously unnecessary it is.
  2300. [23:37] <[k]Dia> I go with you. For safe,
  2301. 06[23:37] * [k]Dia get outside.
  2302. 06[23:37] * [Ora]Mia shakes her head.
  2303. [23:38] <[Ora]Mia> 14 You may wait here.. but.. please don't come inside.....I'll.. explain myself later.
  2304. 01[23:38] <Raymond> ...I understand. Oddly enough.
  2305. 06[23:39] * [k]Dia turn to her (self proclaimed) superior.
  2306. [23:39] <[k]Dia> Ray? what now?
  2307. 01[23:40] <Raymond> I guess we wait. Want to do something meantime?
  2308. [23:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... I don't like this.
  2309. [23:41] <[k]Dia> I not know.
  2310. 06[23:41] * [Ora]Mia enters the old home..
  2311. 06[23:41] * [Rut]Ilsa moves, attempting to see through the door and into the house from a distance.
  2312. 06[23:42] * [k]Dia fiddlesticks!
  2313. [23:42] <[Ora]Mia> [A few minutes later, you hear the sound of furniture being broken and multiple gunshots.]
  2314. 01[23:43] <Raymond> Oh, just what we needed.
  2315. 06[23:43] * Raymond opens the window, leaning out to try and get a better look.
  2316. [23:44] <[k]Dia> Should I... should I...?!
  2317. 06[23:44] * [k]Dia aim kar98K at ready.
  2318. [23:46] <[Ora]Mia> [It falls silent after a bit, you can hear the footstep, it sounds human and very much alive.. you see Mia coming back out, a bit of blood on her white and red priestess outfit and smiling, carrying a pendant of sorts and a photo album.]
  2319. 01[23:47] <Raymond> ...Are you all right? What happened in there?
  2320. [23:47] <[Ora]Mia> .... I'm.. fine~ Just killed my parents.. that's all.
  2321. 06[23:47] * [Ora]Mia chuckles softly.
  2322. 01[23:47] <Raymond> ...Eh-huh...?
  2323. [23:49] <[k]Dia> ?!
  2324. 06[23:49] * [k]Dia hurry inside that place, disregarding Mia's request!
  2325. [23:49] <[Ora]Mia> ...w-wait...
  2326. 06[23:50] * [Ora]Mia is too emotionally drained to stop her.. and continues towards Raymond.
  2327. 01[23:50] <Raymond> Mia...
  2328. 06[23:51] * [Rut]Ilsa doesn't know what she is supposed to say.
  2329. [23:52] <[Ora]Mia> [Inside Dia, you find two bodies a man and woman in their mid-thirties, both of them were shot through the head, their eyes are still open a white, milky color. Their mouths agape, if you looked carefully you may even catch a tear or two on their face.]
  2330. [23:52] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Yes sir Raymond?
  2331. 01[23:53] <Raymond> ...What happened? Are you okay? Why...
  2332. 06[23:54] * [k]Dia checks. Are they one of the infested?!
  2333. [23:55] <[Ora]Mia> 14 They were them already before I left to go work at the base... I set out here to do what they wanted me to do.. I.. ended their life.
  2334. [23:56] <[Ora]Mia> [Yes, they are infected Dia, in fact they have a very advanced form of the disease.]
  2335. 06[23:56] * Raymond pulls Mia into a tight hug. Words probably won't do at a point like this.
  2336. 06[23:56] * [k]Dia startled back and almost fell on her behind.
  2337. [23:57] <[k]Dia> .......
  2338. [23:57] <[Ora]Mia> 14 A-ah.. s-sir?..w-what.s wrong?
  2339. 06[23:57] * [k]Dia turn back and drag her sorry, depressed self out of the house.
  2340. 06[23:59] * [k]Dia get back to the car and stay there. Expression unreadable.
  2341. 01[23:59] <Raymond> 14I can't answer that, Mia. I... don't know. Just relax, don't take it too hard.
  2342. [23:59] <[Ora]Mia> 15 ..I'll...be alright Raymond.. I can't be sad right now...tonight.. maybe.. but.. not right now ok?
  2343. 06[00:00] * Raymond nods, slowly relaxing his grip.
  2344. [00:01] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Did you find what you wanted to see Dia?
  2345. 06[00:01] * [Ora]Mia smiles.
  2346. 06[00:02] * [Rut]Ilsa swallows hard. She could do nothing...
  2347. 06[00:03] * [Rut]Ilsa compulsively lights a cigarette.
  2348. 06[00:03] * [k]Dia cower before the harshness of this world. She curls into a ball, sobbing.
  2349. [00:03] <[Ora]Mia> Oh..
  2350. [00:04] <[Ora]Mia> Do you want to look at the book Ilsa? It's real nice..
  2351. 06[00:05] * [Rut]Ilsa freezes. Is... is this a good idea? Would it calm her down? Or make it worse?
  2352. [00:05] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Yes.
  2353. 06[00:05] * [Rut]Ilsa decides that she at least won't be doing -nothing-.
  2354. 06[00:06] * [Ora]Mia hands you a book-like item but it appears to be a photo album instead.
  2355. 06[00:06] * Raymond lets go, turning to Dia. He can't think of much to do besides put an arm around her. Just when did all this happen?
  2356. [00:08] <[Ora]Mia> [It has wonderful images back when Mia was a child with her two happy parents, there are a few of them with her going out on a picnic too.]
  2357. 06[00:09] * [Rut]Ilsa stops at the picnic.
  2358. [00:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> When was this?
  2359. [00:09] <[Ora]Mia> ...about 10 years ago?
  2360. [00:12] <[Rut]Ilsa> Was it a special occasion?
  2361. [00:13] <[Ora]Mia> Yes, it was. It was my birthday.
  2362. [00:16] <[Rut]Ilsa> It looks nice...
  2363. 06[00:16] * [Rut]Ilsa musters a smile. She turns the pages, looking for something more recent.
  2364. [00:17] <[Rut]Ilsa> ["More recent" as in, later, not necessarily within the past year or so.]
  2365. [00:18] <[Ora]Mia> [You see a younger version of me.. a few years different, it hasn't been that long really. But she was brightly smiling in this image as she is currently now. She's holding a bouquet of flowers celebratng her father's job promotion.]
  2366. [00:21] <[Rut]Ilsa> Tell me about this one.
  2367. [00:22] <[Ora]Mia> Oh.. my father was a hard working person, we weren't the most financially stable family but we made ends meet, he finally got a promotion for working at the workshop not too far from here.
  2368. [00:23] <[Rut]Ilsa> What did he do?
  2369. [00:24] <[Ora]Mia> He worked on...erm.. what was it.. oh yes! It was.. .hm.. I guess you could say.. a handyman?
  2370. [00:32] <[Rut]Ilsa> A handyman? What was he like?
  2371. 06[00:32] * Raymond listens, but doesn't interrupt.
  2372. [00:33] <[Ora]Mia> He, just did things asked of him. Plumbing, biomedical assistant, cook, labor..
  2373. [00:39] <[Rut]Ilsa> Hmm... what inspired you to take up medicine, Mia?
  2374. [00:39] <[Ora]Mia> hmm... I guess.. I like to be that person who would be relied upon... who you can come to ask for help without fear of being rejected.
  2375. [00:40] <[Rut]Ilsa> Yes... that suits you...
  2376. 06[00:40] * [Rut]Ilsa decides to take a risk.
  2377. [00:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...How did he feel?
  2378. [00:41] <[Ora]Mia> ..what do you mean?
  2379. 06[00:41] * [Ora]Mia is curious.
  2380. [00:42] <[Rut]Ilsa> When you decided what you wanted to do, I mean...
  2381. [00:43] <[Ora]Mia> He was quite supportive of it, and thought that fits me perfectly.
  2382. [00:43] <[Ora]Mia> Even bought me this outfit...
  2383. 06[00:43] * [Ora]Mia giggles.
  2384. [00:45] <[Rut]Ilsa> Ahaha... yes. He must have been very proud of you.
  2385. [00:45] <[Rut]Ilsa> You told him what you told me? About being the person who people rely on?
  2386. [00:46] <[Ora]Mia> Of course.
  2387. [00:46] <[Ora]Mia> I would not lie to my own father.
  2388. [00:47] <[Rut]Ilsa> I know you wouldn't. He...
  2389. 06[00:47] * [Rut]Ilsa breathes deeply.
  2390. [00:48] <[Rut]Ilsa> He was certainly proud of you for... wanting to do what's right.
  2391. [00:48] <[Rut]Ilsa> For -doing- what was right.
  2392. [00:48] <[Ora]Mia> I just sorta follow what I feel at the time.. nothing big to it.
  2393. 06[00:50] * [Rut]Ilsa looks at Mia more seriously.
  2394. [00:51] <[Ora]Mia> 14.. hmmm?
  2395. [00:52] <[Rut]Ilsa> Just now... I think you did the right thing, Mia. And I think... they'd be proud of how strong their daughter is.
  2396. 06[00:52] * [Ora]Mia smiles warmly.
  2397. [00:52] <[Ora]Mia> hehe.. thank you.
  2398. [00:52] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...But you know.
  2399. 06[00:52] * [Ora]Mia bows slightly.
  2400. [00:54] <[Ora]Mia> ...14 yes?
  2401. [00:55] <[Rut]Ilsa> Even if you're the one other depend on, even if you say things like "nothing big to it", and smile like you do...
  2402. [00:57] <[Rut]Ilsa> A person like that deserves to grieve, at least a little. You don't need to do this. -It's okay-.
  2403. 06[00:57] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  2404. [00:57] <[Ora]Mia> 14 Of course.. I'll be sure to take note of that.
  2405. [00:57] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  2406. 06[00:58] * [Rut]Ilsa can't think of anything else to say.
  2407. [00:59] <[Ora]Mia> 15 It.. may be sooner than you think..
  2408. 06[00:59] * [Ora]Mia changes expression for just a mere moment before her normal self again.
  2409. 06[00:59] * Raymond slowly revs the engine up, moving slowly. He seems to have something in his mind, but keeps quiet for now.
  2410. [01:04] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The afternoon has grown a bit older, and there are hints of orange in the few clouds in the sky. Besides the background noises, which have lulled but never leave, all is still and silent.]
  2411.  
  2412.  
  2413. ---Session Nine---
  2414.  
  2415. “My god, why have you forsaken us?... We have fought 15 days for a single house... Animals flee this hell... The hardest stones cannot bear it for long... Only men endure.”
  2416. -A German soldier on the Battle of Stalingrad
  2417.  
  2418. [21:14] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Late afternoon in the city of Breslau, and the sky is turning orange once again. It's been oddly quiet since the group stopped by Mia's house, and fortunately they haven't come under attack since. There's no telling when that luck might change, though, as the sounds of engines and gunfire you've all grown used to have been superseded in volume by shuffling and the occasional voice from somewhere nearby.]
  2419. [21:14] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The engine chugs diligently and the car advances steadily, but judging from the light you might have to stop soon for another day.]
  2420. #06[21:16] * `Mia keeps to herself... looking and browsing through her old photo album.
  2421. #06[21:18] * [K]Diadora look around. It's unsettling... like a calm before storm.
  2422. #06[21:18] * Raymond keeps driving, taking occasional glances at his watch and fidgeting with his tie and glasses. It very obviously is more out of nervousness than necessity.
  2423. [21:18] <[K]Diadora> #15 ...Akula, manada denore'.
  2424. #06[21:21] * Raymond sighs, leaning back in his seat as he goes. It's not dark enough to turn the lights on yet, but he tries it once anyway.
  2425. #06[21:22] * `Mia flips to the page where she caught a fish and pull her into the water.. she chuckles softly..Oh...this one.. too!
  2426. #06[21:22] * [Rut]Ilsa is smoking, as usual. She repeatedly tells herself that she'd done her best earlier. Mia said it'd be fine, so there's no point in thinking about it further. Right? Right.
  2427. #06[21:22] * [Owen]Kathy keeps rather quiet and to herself.
  2428. #06[21:22] * [Rut]Ilsa glances at Mia.
  2429. #06[21:22] * [Owen]Kathy isn't even writing in that notebook of hers right now.
  2430. #06[21:22] * [K]Diadora look at Mia and feel nothing but regret. I shouldn't let her in...
  2431. [21:22] <[Rut]Ilsa> . o O (... If only I could believe that...)
  2432. #06[21:23] * [K]Diadora displaces, and sit besides Ilsa.
  2433. [21:23] <[K]Diadora> ...
  2434. #06[21:24] * [Rut]Ilsa shakes out of her daze.
  2435. [21:24] <[Owen]Kathy> "...useless...grrrmmmbbblll... s'less..."
  2436. [21:24] <[Rut]Ilsa> Oh, Dia. How are you feeling?
  2437. [21:25] <[K]Diadora> ...nothing.
  2438. #06[21:25] * [K]Diadora stares out of the window.
  2439. [21:26] <[K]Diadora> Feel.... nothing.
  2440. [21:26] <[Rut]Ilsa> Hm. I see.
  2441. #06[21:27] * `Mia stops reading for a moment..
  2442. [21:27] <`Mia> #14 Oh.. the... sun's.. setting.
  2443. #06[21:27] * [Rut]Ilsa response is unintentionally curt. She regrets asking.
  2444. [21:27] <[K]Diadora> I.... do no wrongthing, I don't?
  2445. #06[21:28] * [K]Diadora asks no one in particuliar... It's like she say that to confirm her thought.
  2446. [21:28] <[Rut]Ilsa> Of course not.
  2447. #01[21:28] <Raymond> #14It's... a little comforting, isn't it? The darkness.
  2448. [21:28] <`Mia> ..wrong... you did.. something.. wrong Dia?
  2449. #06[21:28] * `Mia answers anyway.
  2450. [21:28] <[Owen]Kathy> "... Yes sir. I agree."
  2451. #06[21:29] * [Owen]Kathy responds from the blue.
  2452. [21:29] <[K]Diadora> I... dunno...
  2453. [21:30] <[K]Diadora> I do my thing... I do only that thing....
  2454. #06[21:31] * [K]Diadora hugs her Kar98K.
  2455. [21:31] <[Rut]Ilsa> We all do what we can. There's no reason to regret that.
  2456. #06[21:32] * [K]Diadora nods. Yeah. There's someone agreeing with her. That's reassuring.
  2457. [21:33] <[Owen]Kathy> "What if what we can... isn't anything at all?"
  2458. #06[21:33] * [Owen]Kathy asks pessimistically.
  2459. [21:33] <[K]Diadora> ...
  2460. #06[21:33] * [K]Diadora stay silent
  2461. #06[21:33] * [Rut]Ilsa lifts her hand to place on Diadora's shoulder, but changes her mind and returns it to attending the cigarette in her mouth.
  2462. #01[21:35] <Raymond> I... don't know whether it's that bleak. I wish I stil thought I knew things for sure...
  2463. [21:35] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...We all do something. Whether or not you believe it yourself.
  2464. #06[21:35] * [K]Diadora look at Mia in silence. It will pass, eventually. It's none of my concerns. That's someone else. It's none of my concerns. None at all. Shoud not worry about it. No.
  2465. #06[21:35] * [Rut]Ilsa avoids glaring at Katherine, but the tone of her voice hides little.
  2466. #06[21:36] * [Owen]Kathy sighs. What's she's done so far feels pretty nothing to her. Why is she even here?
  2467. [21:36] <[K]Diadora> um, Kathy miss.
  2468. #06[21:36] * [K]Diadora speaks.
  2469. #06[21:37] * `Mia smiles at Dia for a bit then returns back to her photo album.
  2470. #06[21:37] * [Owen]Kathy turns her head slightly, cheek resting in a contemplative palm at the moment.
  2471. [21:37] <[Owen]Kathy> "Ms. Dia, yes."
  2472. [21:38] <[K]Diadora> you come to... see things, no?
  2473. [21:40] <[K]Diadora> Do you see what you come for see?
  2474. [21:41] <[K]Diadora> dead people and all.
  2475. #06[21:41] * [K]Diadora bit her tongue a bit. English is hard.
  2476. [21:41] <[Owen]Kathy> "What I've seen so far is... nothing special. War. War is hell. But that is not what I came to see."
  2477. [21:42] <[K]Diadora> What you come to see, then?
  2478. [21:44] <[Owen]Kathy> "Something... different. Something you can't just see anywhere. I don't know just what, but... I want to believe it's out there."
  2479. [21:44] <[K]Diadora> um.
  2480. #06[21:44] * [K]Diadora nods, and the conversation ends there.
  2481. #06[21:47] * `Mia faces everyone.
  2482. [21:47] <`Mia> Hey.. what's wrong everyone?.. can't be this quiet..
  2483. [21:48] <[Owen]Kathy> "Actually, it can."
  2484. #06[21:48] * [Owen]Kathy states matter of factly, staring out the dark window.
  2485. [21:48] <[K]Diadora> radio...?
  2486. #06[21:48] * [K]Diadora look around for one.
  2487. [21:49] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [There is, in fact, a radio situated right under the instrument panel. Looks military, but the frequencies listed also cover civilian bands from the looks of it.]
  2488. #06[21:50] * `Mia looks at Kathy and frowns for a bit.. but doesn't give it too much thought..
  2489. [21:50] <[K]Diadora> Ray? Open radio, please?
  2490. #01[21:51] <Raymond> Oh? Sure.
  2491. #06[21:51] * [Rut]Ilsa reminds herself that shoving a traveling companion out the window of a moving vehicle is not appropriate mature conduct.
  2492. [21:52] <[K]Diadora> never understand message inside radio music, me...
  2493. #06[21:53] * [K]Diadora lets out a small sigh.
  2494. #06[21:53] * Raymond switches on the radio, turning the dial until he comes upon some swing music. On the way there he goes over a multitude of military chatter, most of it calm and collected but some of it dazed and hesitant, and a few of the voices high and panicked.
  2495. #06[21:54] * [K]Diadora listen to the variety of voices, deep in thoughts.
  2496. [21:55] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Radio: We used to have a two-four rhythm, but it's had its day; Blackwater and the Charleston, they are passe... There are some that you've heard about, Vaudeville we can do without, we'll take four-four rhythm by a four-four rhythm band!
  2497. [21:56] <[K]Diadora> ?
  2498. #06[21:56] * [K]Diadora thinks that this is confusing.
  2499. [21:56] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Radio: One-two-three-four, four-four rhythm; a new style of music. Can't you feel that modern rhythm, that the four-four band has given...
  2500. [21:57] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The radio goes on like this, playing onwards as if nothing could ever be wrong.]
  2501. #06[21:58] * [K]Diadora is stuck in her English-analysis loop.
  2502. #06[21:59] * [Rut]Ilsa is poor in English, but used to listen to the radio often. She starts humming for a moment before catching herself.
  2503. #06[22:03] * Raymond comes upon another plaza, this one with a corner opening to another with a large building in the center. There is some space taken up by a stopped tram and several abandoned cars. It's still quite spacious so he still parks near the center; several roadsigns, some askew, read "Blucherplatz".
  2504. #06[22:03] * `Mia giggles.
  2505. #06[22:06] * Raymond keeps the engine running and the lights on, but pulls the handbrake into place.
  2506. #06[22:06] * [Owen]Kathy is slightly pulled out of her seemingly-perpetual daze.
  2507. [22:06] <[K]Diadora> we down here?
  2508. [22:06] <[Owen]Kathy> "Oh? Stopped?"
  2509. #01[22:06] <Raymond> Well, does this seem like a good place? I took a roundabout way, but here we are...
  2510. [22:07] <`Mia> ..ah...
  2511. #06[22:07] * `Mia hops out of the car and stretches.
  2512. [22:08] <[K]Diadora> I okay with you choose any, Ray.
  2513. #06[22:08] * [Owen]Kathy gets out too and observes the surroundings.
  2514. #06[22:08] * [K]Diadora steps down, weapon on her back.
  2515. #06[22:09] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps her own at the hip, following Dia.
  2516. [22:09] <[Owen]Kathy> "Where should we sleep to keep the safest?"
  2517. [22:11] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The area seems to have been recently occupied, actually, there's litter and casings spread around the ground and one or two wrecked and abandoned tents. Nearby, on the ground, is a book; it's worn from use and a litte damaged from the elements but none worse for the wear.]
  2518. [22:12] <`Mia> hmm...
  2519. #06[22:12] * `Mia looks around.. it seems fine..
  2520. #06[22:13] * [K]Diadora walk over the book. It's not really eye-catching, so it slips from her vision.
  2521. #06[22:16] * [Owen]Kathy checks on the tents. Anything salvagable?
  2522. #06[22:19] * [Rut]Ilsa takes note of the book, but tries to keep her eyes moving. With the sun down, she isn't sure what to expect. Better be safe...
  2523. [22:19] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The tents are completely empty. One of the two has a useable tarp- it seems the frame collapsed- but the other one's has a large tear that would probably make it unusable.]
  2524. [22:22] <`Mia> Ohh...this looks nice~...
  2525. #06[22:22] * [Owen]Kathy spends some time rolling up the tarp. In the wild, foraging is ket to survival.
  2526. #06[22:23] * Raymond gets out of the car, opening the trunk and rummaging through it. What supplies for today...
  2527. #06[22:23] * [K]Diadora stick close to Raymond. It's the only thing that matters.
  2528. [22:27] <[Owen]Kathy> "I'd advise making camp indoors, team. Don't wander around, I wouldn't think."
  2529. #01[22:28] <Raymond> #14Food, purifier, water, brandy... right, stoves, sponges... sponges? Medical supplies, flashlights...
  2530. [22:30] <`Mia> #14 should we pull shifts again watching guards?
  2531. [22:31] <[Owen]Kathy> "Yes. Definitely."
  2532. #01[22:32] <Raymond> Well, if we're going to camp indoors I'll move the car. Is there anything else for now?
  2533. [22:33] <[K]Diadora> want me do anything, Ray?
  2534. #01[22:35] <Raymond> Take a look around and see if there's anything interesting or dangerous. You know we don't want surprises.
  2535. [22:36] <[K]Diadora> o...okay!
  2536. #06[22:36] * [K]Diadora nods.
  2537. #06[22:36] * [K]Diadora ran off into the wilderness.
  2538. [22:37] <[Owen]Kathy> "Dia, wait wait! Don't go alone!"
  2539. #06[22:37] * [Owen]Kathy runs to catch up with her.
  2540. [22:38] <[K]Diadora> Wah-!
  2541. #06[22:38] * [K]Diadora is startled!
  2542. [22:38] <`Mia> What would you like for me to do Raymond?
  2543. #01[22:40] <Raymond> Help me find a place to set ourselves up. Where's Ilsa, by the way?
  2544. [22:40] <[Rut]Ilsa> Here. Need me?
  2545. #06[22:41] * `Mia nods.. she starts setting up a small area for encampment.
  2546. #01[22:42] <Raymond> Just take a look through the supplies. We'll need to eat something at least.
  2547. #06[22:46] * Raymond trots over to Mia, letting her go on her way until she's about done before putting a hand on her shoulder and stopping her.
  2548. [22:46] <`Mia> ...mm?
  2549. [22:46] <`Mia> ...what is it sir?
  2550. #01[22:48] <Raymond> Don't do that, Mia. I think you know.
  2551. #06[22:48] * [K]Diadora go take a look around the place with kathy.
  2552. [22:49] <`Mia> O..ok...as you wish.
  2553. #06[22:49] * `Mia stops and backs away a few steps.
  2554. #06[22:50] * [Owen]Kathy , out of nervousness, draws her rapier. Every second matters...
  2555. #06[22:51] * [K]Diadora , seeing that Kathy draws her weapon, also does the same.
  2556. #06[22:51] * [K]Diadora KA-KLACK!
  2557. #01[22:51] <Raymond> Mia... how are you doing? I don't mean to pry, but... I suppose I'm worried.
  2558. #06[22:51] * [Owen]Kathy flinches a little at that sound.
  2559. [22:52] <`Mia> A-ah..
  2560. [22:52] <`Mia> I guess.. I'm.. a bit unnerved but... I'm mostly ok..
  2561. [22:53] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Kathy/Dia: The place seems oddly quiet, though you can still hear the radio buzzing in the background. A breeze runs through the area but there's no sign of movement; the shuffling sounds from earlier continue, though.]
  2562. [22:54] <[K]Diadora> ....I wish more gunmen stay here. Quiet a lot.
  2563. #06[22:54] * [K]Diadora look around nervously.
  2564. [22:55] <`Mia> #15.. I..'ll... talk more tonight.. ok?..
  2565. #01[22:56] <Raymond> ...Sure.
  2566. #06[22:56] * [Owen]Kathy bites her lip.
  2567. [22:56] <[K]Diadora> uh... we go back?
  2568. #06[22:57] * [K]Diadora starting to retreat. It feels... unsafe.
  2569. [22:57] <[Owen]Kathy> "Yes. I don't sense anything amiss for the time being. I wouldn't think those... things, to know much subtlety."
  2570. #06[22:58] * `Mia bows lightly to Raymond then goes back to idling.
  2571. [22:59] <[K]Diadora> Then go back, we!
  2572. #06[22:59] * [K]Diadora quickly retreats!
  2573. #06[22:59] * [Rut]Ilsa has difficulty concentrating while rummaging through the supplies. Nervous for the others...
  2574. [22:59] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Kathy/Dia: The wind makes a whistling noise through one of the abandoned cars' slightly open windows, but there's nothing there. It's like a tin toy, in a way.]
  2575. [23:00] <[K]Diadora> ...
  2576. #06[23:00] * [K]Diadora double up her cautious gauge.
  2577. #06[23:01] * [Owen]Kathy shivers. That...
  2578. #06[23:01] * [Owen]Kathy takes Dia's free hand.
  2579. #06[23:01] * [K]Diadora squeeze it with all her might.
  2580. [23:01] <[Owen]Kathy> "It's dark. We shouldn't get separated even by accident."
  2581. [23:01] <[K]Diadora> I have gun. Hm.
  2582. #06[23:02] * [K]Diadora nods.
  2583. [23:02] <[Owen]Kathy> "Let's move. Quickly."
  2584. #06[23:02] * [Owen]Kathy starts hustling back to the rest.
  2585. #06[23:03] * [K]Diadora does so!
  2586. #06[23:08] * Raymond slowly walks over to the car, listening for either anything wrong or the return of the other two.
  2587. [23:10] <[K]Diadora> It's scary, Ray!
  2588. #06[23:10] * [K]Diadora is back, startled.
  2589. #01[23:10] <Raymond> Huh? What's wrong?
  2590. [23:10] <[K]Diadora> I see nothing, but it so quiet it scary!
  2591. #06[23:11] * [Owen]Kathy pants a little. Dia's quite the little hustler.
  2592. #06[23:11] * `Mia hmms.. and polishess her gun~
  2593. [23:11] <[Owen]Kathy> "I think... hoo, we went a little too far. Nothing out there we could see or here, though."
  2594. #01[23:13] <Raymond> Well, that's good. For now let's just get something to eat and calm down a little. Do you need some water or anything?
  2595. [23:14] <[K]Diadora> Water please.
  2596. #06[23:15] * [K]Diadora nods.
  2597. #01[23:15] <Raymond> Sure, sure. Kat?
  2598. [23:15] <[Owen]Kathy> "No, no, I'll save it for later."
  2599. #01[23:17] <Raymond> Mm.
  2600. #06[23:17] * Raymond walks around the back of the car, reaching past Ilsa to fill two glasses of water. Walking back, he hands the first to Dia and drinks the other himself.
  2601. #06[23:18] * [K]Diadora sighs, and drink it in one go.
  2602. [23:18] <[K]Diadora> so stressful...
  2603. [23:19] <`Mia> Oh.. #14 Can I get some water please?
  2604. #01[23:20] <Raymond> Oh, you're back? Just a second...
  2605. #06[23:21] * Raymond gets another and hands it off.
  2606. #01[23:21] <Raymond> Well, let's get camp set up. The sun's going down, so...
  2607. [23:23] <[Rut]Ilsa> Alright. #15As long as everyone's safe...
  2608. #06[23:24] * `Mia takes it.. thanks..
  2609. #06[23:25] * Raymond shuts the trunk and drives over to the area Mia designated, parking the car again and shutting it down.
  2610. [23:25] <[Owen]Kathy> "Oh... I managed to salvage a tarp from a deserted camp back there. Maybe we can use it for bedding, or whatever."
  2611. #01[23:26] <Raymond> Good, good, set it up. I'll get some of those rations...
  2612. #06[23:27] * `Mia is filled with gleee..yay
  2613. #06[23:30] * [K]Diadora is doing her thing as a good helper.
  2614. #06[23:31] * Raymond pulls some chocolate rations from the trunk while the rest set up the tarp and take the blankets from the car, probably no time to cook stuff today...
  2615. #01[23:34] <Raymond> Well, I suppose we'll have watch in shifts. Does anyone... well, anyone besides Ilsa want to go to sleep right now?
  2616. #06[23:35] * `Mia nods.
  2617. [23:36] <[K]Diadora> so I can take shift after you.
  2618. #06[23:36] * [K]Diadora nods.
  2619. [23:36] <`Mia> I'll go first.
  2620. #06[23:37] * Raymond nods pensively, tossing a few bars around.
  2621. #06[23:38] * `Mia munches.. ah...
  2622. #06[23:39] * Raymond takes a bite himself, leaning on the car.
  2623. #06[23:42] * Raymond apparently wants to say something, but holds his tongue. Wait for now...
  2624. [00:01] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Again, the sun drops over the city of Breslau. So many names and faces, so many dangers and comforts, with little knowing which is which... From one day onto the next, and from that onto the next...]
  2625.  
  2626.  
  2627. “The earth seemed unearthly. We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there — there you could look at a thing monstrous and free. It was unearthly, and the men were, — No, they were not inhuman. Well, you know, that was the worst of it — this suspicion of their not being inhuman. It would come slowly to one. They howled, and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces; but what thrilled you was just the thought of their humanity — like yours — the thought of your remote kinship with this wild and passionate uprour. Ugly. Yes, it was ugly enough; but if you were man enough you would admit to youself that there was in you just the faintest trace of a response to the terrible frankness of that noise, a dim suspicion of there being a meaning in it which you — you so remote from the night of first ages — could comprehend. And why not? The mind of man is capable of anything — because everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future.”
  2628. -Joseph Conrad, /The Heart of Darkness/
  2629.  
  2630.  
  2631. ---Side Session---
  2632.  
  2633. #06[21:40] * Raymond wakes up and rubs his eyes, quietly reaching around and feeling for his glasses after a moment.
  2634. #06[21:40] * `Mia gets up before the others, not getting too much of a semblance called sleep due to the recent events that unfolded. She stretches out with a soft groan.
  2635. #06[21:41] * Raymond starts and rolls over after a second, realizing he fell asleep on someone again. Not a good habit...
  2636. #01[21:41] <Raymond> #15What a dream. Glasses, glasses...
  2637. #06[21:44] * Raymond finds his glasses in his suit coat and sits up, putting them on. He shakes his head a couple of times to clear it some more.
  2638. [21:45] <`Mia> #14 Umhnn!!... morning people..
  2639. #01[21:45] <Raymond> #14Ah, Mia... you're awake...?
  2640. #06[21:46] * `Mia looks around for that familiar voice ah...
  2641. [21:46] <`Mia> Morning Sir.
  2642. #06[21:47] * Raymond stretches, adjusting the glasses on his nose.
  2643. #01[21:49] <Raymond> How are you feeling?
  2644. #06[21:50] * `Mia checks herself.. ok.. no bites, no internal bleeding, loose stools? none...
  2645. [21:50] <`Mia> #14 Quite fine sir!
  2646. #06[21:50] * `Mia nods happily.
  2647. #01[21:51] <Raymond> Well, I guess now's as good a time as any. Follow me for a second, I still need a talk with you...
  2648. #06[21:52] * Raymond stands up and stretches his legs, picking up his briefcase and checking it for a few seconds before walking over behind the car. He leans on it, placing the briefcase on the hood.
  2649. [21:52] <`Mia> #14 Uhm.. sure.. what might it be?
  2650. #01[21:53] <Raymond> #14Well, I'll be direct. How are you really doing?
  2651. [21:54] <`Mia> Uhm...well...
  2652. [21:55] <`Mia> #14 It has been..unnerving as of lately you know? Like how a white mouse scampers around in your dream and even in the real world.
  2653. #06[21:56] * Raymond shrugs.
  2654. [21:57] <`Mia> but..if you're.. talking about that.
  2655. #06[21:57] * Raymond nods, his expression turning more serious.
  2656. #06[21:57] * `Mia seems to have shrunk.
  2657. [21:59] <`Mia> I....did... what.. I had to do.
  2658. #06[22:00] * `Mia nods to herself slightly.
  2659. #01[22:00] <Raymond> Well, what happened? Under other circumstances I would just say it wasn't my business, but now...
  2660. #06[22:04] * Raymond puts his hand on Mia's shoulder, trying to reassure her.
  2661. [22:09] <`Mia> My parents was already one of them when I left the place... I...came back to give them their rest.. like how they wanted it to be... here..
  2662. #06[22:09] * `Mia hands Raymond a small scrunched up letter.
  2663. #06[22:10] * Raymond opens it up and reads it, straining slightly under the low light.
  2664. [22:14] <`Mia> [Mia, when you see this letter.. its too late for us. We both knew our fate, and it was too soon but we could at least offer you your freedom, enclosed with this letter is our old album... before any of this "infection" happened. I wish we could of given you a better life but it seems you've done us a favor instead.
  2665. [22:14] <`Mia> If you see us again Mia, we love you. You know what to do when you see us.(Throughout the letter, there's blood splatters, and the pen seem to have ran out when signing their name, using blood to be written instead.).
  2666. #06[22:16] * `Mia lets her hair fall to the front as she backs off away from him.
  2667. #06[22:17] * Raymond looks back at her, folding the letter back up neatly. What to say in a situation like this...
  2668. #01[22:18] <Raymond> #14I... I'm sorry, Mia... I wish I could help...
  2669. #06[22:19] * Raymond moves towards Mia, albeit very slowly.
  2670. #06[22:22] * `Mia trembles, stifling a soft sobbing, she turns up to face him, eye's open still smiling but the tears, it continues flowing despite her "cheerful" demeanor.
  2671. #06[22:24] * Raymond , very cautiously, draws Mia into a hug. He can't think of anything to say or even anything else to do at this point.
  2672. [22:24] <`Mia> Ah...?.. s-#14sir?
  2673. #06[22:26] * `Mia was taken aback from this sudden contact, she doesn't fight it however, just.. standing there... looking blank.
  2674. #01[22:28] <Raymond> #14I... know it's hard, but you can't keep suppressing it. If there's anything that you need I'll... do what I can, but... I don't think you should keep this up forever.
  2675. [22:28] <`Mia> #14..a-ah... I'm n-not.. s-sir...
  2676. #01[22:28] <Raymond> #14If it hurts, then... #15tell me.
  2677. [22:28] <`Mia> #15 I am...I'.. I was never good at expressing my sadness.. my.. dad told me I should be a strong girl..
  2678. #06[22:31] * Raymond draws Mia up more tightly as he continues.
  2679. [22:32] <`Mia> #14 Once...this is over...Raymond... I'll... let it out ok?
  2680. #01[22:33] <Raymond> #14Are you... sure? I... don't know if we'll all see the end of it...
  2681. [22:34] <`Mia> I have a feel it will, but... not without sacrifices.
  2682. #06[22:35] * Raymond nods, keeping quiet.
  2683. #06[22:38] * `Mia sobs quietly into his shoulder...
  2684. [22:39] <`Mia> #14 For now.. please.. let me stay this way.
  2685. #06[22:39] * Raymond brings up one of his hands to cradle the back of her head, and nods again.
  2686. [22:41] <`Mia> Thank you.
  2687. #06[22:41] * `Mia turns up and lightly kisses him on the forehead.
  2688. #06[22:43] * Raymond freezes for a moment, taken completely by surprise, but then regains his composure and carefully moves over to lean his back on the car.
  2689. #06[22:43] * `Mia giggles.
  2690. [22:44] <`Mia> #14 hmhm~ I think the others should be waking up soon.
  2691. #01[22:46] <Raymond> The sun can't be much longer, either... well, I think we can't put off the issues of hygiene for much longer, either... Well, let's just wait for them and then have breakfast, okay?
  2692. #06[22:48] * `Mia nods.
  2693. [22:48] <`Mia> Of course.
  2694. #01[22:59] <Raymond> Well, should we stay a little longer?
  2695. [23:00] <`Mia> I do not mind however.
  2696. #01[23:02] <Raymond> Actually, this brings up a good opportunity. Just a second...
  2697. [23:02] <`Mia> Ok?
  2698. #06[23:02] * `Mia is curious.
  2699. #06[23:03] * Raymond opens up his briefcase, pulling out a vial with a blank label on it. Inside is some orange liquid, which moves around like water.
  2700. [23:06] <`Mia> #14...what is that?... a medical substance?
  2701. #01[23:06] <Raymond> I think I managed to isolate the agent, whatever it is. I'll be needing to take some more samples of your blood to improve the virus that's in it, but this agent is pretty interesting in itself.
  2702. #06[23:07] * `Mia nods and retrieves a syringe from her small red medkit and hands it to him then bears her arm.
  2703. #01[23:08] <Raymond> Well, that is if you don't mind me taking those samples-oh.
  2704. [23:08] <`Mia> #14 Please, if it helps end this madness.. I'd gladly give up some blood.
  2705. #06[23:09] * Raymond takes a sample from her arm, pulling a small vial from his case and passing it into that. Taking another syringe from his case, he does it a second time.
  2706. #06[23:09] * `Mia winces a little, its been a while since she felt pain.
  2707. #01[23:10] <Raymond> That should do it for now. But this culture looks pretty strange... There are cells that're a little different from the animal cells you usually see, including human ones... And they seem to propagate through a sort of virus that I've never seen before. It's not something I can analyze too closely, with what I have here, but... I think I'm closer to understanding it.
  2708. #01[23:11] <Raymond> What's strange is that there isn't anything I've ever worked on that would do something like this, and... as far as I know conditions like these didn't exist.
  2709. [23:11] <`Mia> Ohh?....
  2710. #06[23:12] * `Mia brightens up a little.. a step closer to understanding and developing a cure.
  2711. #01[23:15] <Raymond> But the qualities it gives a person are strange too. It's not by too much, but apparently it increases the metabolic rate and other things in a person. I guess that's why victims are difficult to kill, but my expertise ends there when it comes to humans. But still...
  2712. [23:15] <`Mia> #14 A step is still a step, no matter how insignificant or awkward it may be.
  2713. #01[23:16] <Raymond> ...It's ironic. You could use it to help someone hurt or dying, even though you've seen what it does to people... what to think?
  2714. [23:18] <`Mia> #14 Do you believe... this was.. intentional?
  2715. #01[23:20] <Raymond> ...Personally, I would usually say no, but I don't know what to take as something I know for sure anymore.
  2716. [23:21] <`Mia> #14Understandable.
  2717. #06[23:24] * Raymond packs his supplies back into the briefcase, looking off in the distance but focusing on nothing in particular.
  2718. #01[23:24] <Raymond> You know, Mia...
  2719. [23:24] <`Mia> Yes?
  2720. #01[23:25] <Raymond> I feel like the world we knew is really far off, even if it's just been a couple of days, but... if you could reach it again, what would you do?
  2721. #01[23:27] <Raymond> I should know what I would, and I don't... do you?
  2722. [23:29] <`Mia> I would face it front on and do the same things.
  2723. #06[23:31] * Raymond nods, looking around.
  2724. #06[23:33] * Raymond seems to notice something in the middle of the abandoned camp. He walks over into the dark for a moment and then walks back, holding a book which has apparently fallen apart and been sewn back together. It seems that the margins are full of annotations.
  2725. [23:33] <`Mia> #14 The important thing is sir, is to not regret what you have done in the past but to amend it for the future.
  2726. #01[23:36] <Raymond> I suppose that is always the case.
  2727. [23:36] <`Mia> ...like earlier..
  2728. [23:36] <`Mia> I don't regret what I did.
  2729. #06[23:37] * Raymond nods, looking pensive. He sits on the hood of the car and starts leafing through the book.
  2730. #01[23:40] <Raymond> Hey, can you make any sense of these?
  2731. #06[23:41] * Raymond presents the book, indicating the notes in the margins. They're written in incomprehensible glyphs.
  2732. [23:52] <`Mia> It's..#14 an... equation for a chemical reaction and... some formula pertaining to said equation. Seems... familiar... somehow.
  2733. #01[23:52] <Raymond> ...Hm.
  2734. #06[23:53] * Raymond opens the door of the car, tossing the book in.
  2735. [23:56] <`Mia> #14 Where did you get the book anyway/
  2736. #01[23:57] <Raymond> Oh, that? It was outside a wrecked tent in the remains of the camp here. I don't know where it came from, but I'll probably be keeping it.
  2737. #01[23:59] <Raymond> Anyway, nothing left now except for the others to wake up. Either that or for my lust to catch up to me.
  2738. #06[23:59] * Raymond chuckles.
  2739. #01[23:59] <Raymond> Sorry, I'm not so great at jokes. Should we wake them up?
  2740. #06[00:01] * `Mia giggles at Raymond.
  2741. [00:01] <`Mia> A man shouldn't be kept at such a dangerous level of testorones you know?
  2742. #06[00:02] * Raymond shrugs.
  2743. #01[00:02] <Raymond> There isn't much we can do about that.
  2744. [00:06] <`Mia> #14 Well.. I suggest relieving yourself if that is to be the case.
  2745. #01[00:07] <Raymond> You're quite direct. So, should we wake them up?
  2746. [00:08] <`Mia> #14 I'm still a medic sir. And yes, best to not keep them waiting.
  2747. #06[00:08] * `Mia giggles at his remark.
  2748. [00:17] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Morning gently progresses in the city... quicksave]
  2749.  
  2750.  
  2751. ---Session Ten---
  2752.  
  2753. “'Hallo, Piglet. This is Tigger.' 'Oh, is it?' said Piglet, and he edged round to the other side of the table. 'I thought Tiggers were smaller than that.' 'Not the big ones.' said Tigger.”
  2754. -A.A. Milne, /The House at Pooh Corner/
  2755.  
  2756. [21:33] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Another day as the sun comes up in the city of Breslau. The sun rises and the ruinous buildings begin to give a faint glow from their tops and inching downwards with the passage of time. It's still shadow over a particular blue car and the people around it, as they proceed to wake and begin their day. Odd how quickly things become routine...]
  2757. #06[21:35] * `Katherine wanders around doing "routine" chores. She still seems a little out of it, though not due to fear oddly enough.
  2758. [21:36] <`Katherine> "...Why am I even here...?"
  2759. #06[21:36] * `Katherine wonders aloud.
  2760. #06[21:37] * [Rut]Ilsa doesn't stir. Her sleep is as silent as ever.
  2761. #06[21:37] * Raymond sits on the hood of the car with several vials, slides, utensils and a simple microscope, studying and tampering with samples taken from his briefcase.
  2762. #06[21:38] * `Mia is up and going, checking her aid kit, making sure nothing is damp or otherwise out of order because you never know when disaster may strike.
  2763. [21:39] <`Katherine> "I feel like I'm going insane from sanity..."
  2764. #06[21:39] * `Katherine sighs as she finishes bringing back some broken wood for a fire if needed.
  2765. #01[21:40] <Raymond> Oh, morning there Katherine. Didn't know you were already up.
  2766. [21:40] <`Mia> #14 hmhm~ The little teapot short and stout, get angry and then you bubble hearth out~
  2767. #06[21:40] * `Katherine shrugs and leans against the car.
  2768. [21:41] <`Katherine> "Been having trouble sleeping much. Too bored."
  2769. #01[21:41] <Raymond> Bored? What do you mean?
  2770. [21:42] <`Katherine> "Just... Whatever I thought I expected here, it isn't what I expected."
  2771. [21:42] <`Katherine> "If that means anything to you."
  2772. #06[21:43] * `Katherine taps on the car window with the pommel of her rapier.
  2773. [21:44] <`Katherine> "Ilsa. Up."
  2774. #01[21:45] <Raymond> I think I know what you mean. Not something that's easy to put in words, is it?
  2775. #01[21:45] <Raymond> But then again, the things that hit you the hardest are often like that.
  2776. [21:46] <`Katherine> "Believe me, I've tried to put it into words... but I still don't think you know what I mean."
  2777. [21:46] <`Katherine> "That's perfectly fine, though."
  2778. #06[21:46] * [Rut]Ilsa gives no reply.
  2779. [21:47] <`Mia> #14 Perfect~ Everything is in working order~
  2780. [21:47] <`Mia> #14 Now then.. I think one of us is still asleep...
  2781. #06[21:47] * `Mia peers into the car.
  2782. #01[21:48] <Raymond> Is it? Would it be any easier if I knew?
  2783. #06[21:48] * `Katherine taps her fingers on her folded arms.
  2784. [21:49] <`Katherine> "Either way, nothing here is going to be easy."
  2785. [21:49] <`Mia> #14 Ah... its Ilsa today~
  2786. #06[21:50] * `Katherine yawns and stretched her arms.
  2787. [21:51] <`Katherine> "Nnnnaaaggghh, too early to bugger on about my problems, Doctor."
  2788. #01[21:51] <Raymond> ...I suppose you're right. Plenty of time for that later, I suppose.
  2789. #06[21:52] * `Mia opens the door and crawls on all four over Ilsa.
  2790. [21:52] <`Katherine> "Provided we live that long, I suppose."
  2791. [21:52] <`Mia> #14 Wake up~.. or they will get you~ and eat your innards out~
  2792. #01[21:52] <Raymond> Hm.
  2793. #06[21:52] * Raymond shrugs, peering through his microscope at a pink-stained slide.
  2794. #06[21:53] * `Katherine checks her little Colt 25 she picked up. Working, but finding ammo might be tricky.
  2795. #01[21:53] <Raymond> By the way, I am a little curious. Where's your brother now? Still in America?
  2796. #06[21:53] * `Katherine starts a little at that.
  2797. [21:54] <`Katherine> "...Yes. He's been for a while, now."
  2798. [21:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Nn... U-uh... Who?
  2799. [21:54] <`Katherine> "If there was post in this city I'd be writing to him."
  2800. #06[21:54] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes flicker open.
  2801. #06[21:54] * `Mia bears her teeth as she leans down to "wake" you up.
  2802. [21:55] <[Rut]Ilsa> Mia? Wha--
  2803. #01[21:55] <Raymond> We can do that if you want, actually. Just hand mail to a military unit that's got access to a blue zone, and it should make it there eventually. Well, only so much will go through; I hear it's all checked before being sent out.
  2804. [21:57] <`Mia> #14 ahhnnn....
  2805. #01[21:57] <Raymond> Heh... it was the opposite for me, actually. My sister moved here first to study and then again to work... haven't seen her in a while now. I wonder where she is, actually; I... hope she's still okay.
  2806. #06[21:57] * `Katherine recalls hearing vague bits about that.
  2807. [21:58] <`Katherine> "You'll forgive me for not knowing much; I realize your sister is somewhat of a... sore subject."
  2808. [21:58] <`Katherine> "I'm not one to pry if other don't offer their thoughts."
  2809. #01[21:59] <Raymond> I understand. But still... well, I'm sure you know it's difficult for all of us here, but when I think of her... it helps, somehow. Maybe you know what I mean.
  2810. #06[21:59] * `Katherine nods somberly.
  2811. [22:00] <`Katherine> "I know. I've written letters to my brother daily... I suppose once we find a lull I'd like to send them. Thank you."
  2812. #06[22:01] * Raymond nods, switching the slides in his microscope. His eyes widen a little but quickly narrow in analysis.
  2813. [22:02] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  2814. #06[22:03] * Raymond takes the slide and transfers some of the contents to a test tube, then proceeding to pack his things back into his briefcase.
  2815. #06[22:03] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes are out of focus. She gives little resistance.
  2816. #01[22:04] <Raymond> Katherine, did we already move Dia back into the car? I don't think she'll be getting up anytime soon.
  2817. #06[22:05] * `Katherine nods.
  2818. [22:05] <`Katherine> "She's fine."
  2819. [22:06] <`Katherine> "Dr. Raymond... I still want to know what we're doing here."
  2820. #01[22:06] <Raymond> What do you mean? Why I've been sent in here, or something else?
  2821. #06[22:06] * `Katherine sighs.
  2822. [22:07] <`Katherine> "I've been told scouting, I've been told viral testing, I've been told damage control. Most likely it's a mixture of the three, but frankly, I've done nothing of use since entering this city, and I'm growing sick of it."
  2823. [22:08] <`Katherine> "Forgive my rudeness, but I'm starting to think my being here is pointless and inconsequential."
  2824. #06[22:08] * `Mia blinks for a second..
  2825. [22:08] <`Mia> #14 Oh... you're awake now...morning~
  2826. #06[22:09] * `Katherine keeps her eyes dull and her mouth :|. It's the best way for her to cope right now.
  2827. [22:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> N... nhaa... what are you doing, Mia?
  2828. #01[22:09] <Raymond> Well, the original plan was to send me in to find out just what the problem was caused by, but I don't think we're here for that anymore. I know, mostly, but... there is one more thing.
  2829. #06[22:09] * [Rut]Ilsa struggles to form the sentence. Her speech is slurred.
  2830. #01[22:12] <Raymond> I got a transmission through the radio night before last, didn't tell any of you because I didn't know what to make of it. It was across all channels, and it asked me, under the callsign 'Acidbreak', to investigate a... rogue MET base in the middle of the city. They didn't say how, but... I suppose it's selfish, but I also want to see just what the people here have turned into.
  2831. #01[22:12] <Raymond> ...What we turn into when we see it.
  2832. [22:13] <`Mia> #14 Waking you up~
  2833. #06[22:13] * Raymond closes up his briefcase and stands, opening the car's hood and fiddling with the engine.
  2834. #06[22:13] * `Mia giggles incessantly at Ilsa's reaction.
  2835. #06[22:13] * `Katherine contemplates.
  2836. #01[22:14] <Raymond> In any case, if I show up at the red line before having looked at the base I won't be let out anyway and neither will my escorts, so I suppose we have to at least do that.
  2837. #06[22:14] * `Katherine nods.
  2838. [22:15] <`Katherine> "...Perhaps the reason why you are here and the reason why I am here are not so different after all, doctor."
  2839. #01[22:15] <Raymond> ...Perhaps.
  2840. #06[22:16] * Raymond taps on the window with his knuckle, looking inside the car through the windshield.
  2841. #06[22:17] * [Rut]Ilsa 's breathing is rather shallow.
  2842. [22:17] <`Mia> #14 C'mon, the others are waiting for us.
  2843. #06[22:17] * `Mia goes back out the same way she came in from.
  2844. [22:17] <[Rut]Ilsa> Y-yes...
  2845. #06[22:17] * `Katherine keeps a weather eye out. Despite good company, they're STILL pilgrims in an unholy land.
  2846. #01[22:18] <Raymond> Is everyone ready? We need to keep moving, so...
  2847. #06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa steps out, but her knees give way as soon as she puts weight on them.
  2848. #06[22:19] * Raymond walks over, crouching by Ilsa.
  2849. #01[22:19] <Raymond> You alright? We'll be driving, but still.
  2850. [22:20] <[Rut]Ilsa> I...
  2851. #06[22:20] * `Mia turns back to see a falling Ilsa.
  2852. [22:20] <`Mia> #14 Are you alright?
  2853. #06[22:21] * [Rut]Ilsa rises to one knee, takes a deep breath, and draws a cigarette from her ubiquitous carton-case.
  2854. [22:21] <[Rut]Ilsa> Yes. There's no reason to be concerned. I'm fine.
  2855. #01[22:23] <Raymond> If you say so. Alright, let's get ready to go.
  2856. #06[22:24] * Raymond opens the door and leans into the driver's seat, moving the controls around to get the car ready.
  2857. #06[22:25] * [Rut]Ilsa takes her regular seat, lighting up as she does.
  2858. #06[22:25] * `Mia nods and loads her magnums.
  2859. #06[22:26] * `Katherine hops in as well. She's too existential to whine about smoking right now.
  2860. #06[22:26] * Raymond gets in completely, pulls out his map and looks for a minute before putting the car into gear and starting to drive.
  2861. [22:26] <`Mia> #14 So where are we at now?
  2862. #01[22:30] <Raymond> We're in Blucherplatz, due south and a little to the west of that university by the bank of the Oder. We're going to start by going by a military base two or three blocks due northeast, get some supplies, water and fuel there.
  2863. #06[22:31] * `Mia cheers.
  2864. [22:31] <`Mia> #14 Hooray~ Supplies~
  2865. #06[22:33] * Raymond drives in the indicated direction, the sound of weapons growing a lot stronger.
  2866. [22:34] <`Katherine> "Seems like in this city we're never far from support."
  2867. #01[22:35] <Raymond> You'd think so, but distances... somehow become much longer here.
  2868. [22:40] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [You come into view of the base in short order, a series of trenches dug into the ground, sometimes right into the road, with soldiers milling about and firing just about in every direction except the clear streets. Most pay little mind to the car as it approaches, but some notice and begin to jog alongside it as it approaches while asking who you are,
  2869. #06[22:40] * `Mia waves at them, perhaps they at least know me.
  2870. #06[22:41] * `Katherine inwardly rolls her eyes. More soldiers... more reason for no one to care about her in particular.
  2871. [22:41] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> where you're going, if you'll take them. They give up and break away, though, once the car moves into a clear space along the edge that was clearly intended for vehicles. An armored car, smashed, shares the parking space.]
  2872. #06[22:41] * [k]Dia take a cautious stance and observe them.
  2873. [22:41] <[k]Dia> So we in battle zone. Mm.
  2874. #06[22:41] * [k]Dia nods.
  2875. [22:42] <[k]Dia> Extra care full we must.
  2876. #01[22:42] <Raymond> Oh, you woke up already? Well, I'm going to go look for some fuel, see if I can get supplies. Who wants to accompany me?
  2877. #06[22:43] * [k]Dia hands up.
  2878. #06[22:43] * `Katherine raises her hand apathetically.
  2879. [22:43] <[k]Dia> not let you go lonely.
  2880. #06[22:43] * [Rut]Ilsa finishes her cigarette.
  2881. [22:43] <`Mia> I will~
  2882. [22:44] <[Rut]Ilsa> I'll join you as well, if you'd like.
  2883. [22:44] <[k]Dia> So we go all center.
  2884. [22:45] <[k]Dia> Good. Since this very dangerous place. Split is no good.
  2885. #01[22:45] <Raymond> Okay, let's go.
  2886. #06[22:45] * Raymond gets out of the car, stretching and taking a look around. Rather... dreary.
  2887. #06[22:47] * [k]Dia stays very close to Ray. Almost hugging his back.
  2888. #06[22:48] * `Katherine exits in suit, bored-looking as always. Even in war the routine is routine.
  2889. #06[22:48] * `Mia looks and even greets some of the passing soldier warmly.
  2890. #06[22:49] * [NPC]Soldier walks up to the group, holding his rifle in a relaxed manner and apparently confused by the new arrivals.
  2891. [22:49] <[NPC]Soldier> Hello there. Who might you be? What brings you here?
  2892. #06[22:50] * [k]Dia urges Ray to talk by tucking on his sleeve.
  2893. #01[22:51] <Raymond> Ah. Erm... I'm Raymond Duvall, these ladies are traveling with me; we're here for some supplies.
  2894. [22:52] <[NPC]Soldier> Eh? Supplies? No, no, no no no! You people again, here for our chairs? We only have a few, and we need those to sit on! No! How can that be what's the most important thing in your mind now? Here?
  2895. [22:52] <`Mia> #14 Chairs!~
  2896. #06[22:52] * `Mia gleams.
  2897. #06[22:53] * [NPC]Soldier turns around, spreading his arms out as if to indicate all of their surroundings in gesture.
  2898. [22:55] <[NPC]Soldier> Listen to the music, sir, gentleladies, the music! It sounds and reverbates with the thousand hearts that surround each of us as they thrive, as they stop and as they come to be replaced! That's what there is! That's what you'll find!
  2899. [22:55] <[NPC]Soldier> Over the sea, let's go men~... We're shovin' right off, we're shovin' right off again~...
  2900. [22:55] <[k]Dia> ...
  2901. [22:55] <[k]Dia> He not right in head. Very.
  2902. #06[22:56] * [NPC]Soldier trots off doing a sort of tap dance which makes a series of dull thuds with his boots, using his rifle like a cane and his helmet like a top hat as he goes.
  2903. [22:56] <`Mia> #14 Oh dear....such denial..
  2904. [22:57] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  2905. #06[22:58] * Raymond sighs, resuming his walk like he didn't see anything. He drops into one of the trenches, walking along it with his head down, and gestures for the others to follow. He climbs over a soldier, lying motionless in the bottom, careful not to step on the man.
  2906. #06[22:58] * [k]Dia does so, paying respect to the deceased as she passes by.
  2907. #06[22:59] * `Mia nods ever so slightly at the corpse and follows closely behind.
  2908. #06[23:00] * `Katherine just goes through the motions. She's never done well with caring about strangers.
  2909. #06[23:01] * [Rut]Ilsa tries to stay focused.
  2910. #06[23:01] * [NPC]Soldier explodes into motion as Katherine steps on him while she walks by, and he begins to speak quickly, irritated, and not too coherently, but enough to be understood.
  2911. [23:01] <[Rut]Ilsa> !
  2912. [23:01] <[NPC]Soldier> Dammit, you stepped on my stomach! I was having a nap! What the hell!
  2913. #06[23:02] * `Katherine is WTF?!
  2914. [23:02] <`Katherine> "I'm... I'm sorry, sir! I thought..."
  2915. #06[23:02] * [Rut]Ilsa suddenly drives her boot heel into the soldier's neck!
  2916. [23:02] <[k]Dia> Sorry!
  2917. [23:03] <[NPC]Soldier> Ggh!
  2918. #06[23:03] * [k]Dia reflexively says sorry. She said it a lot back in her times, being lowly servant and all.
  2919. #06[23:03] * [Rut]Ilsa gasps and steps back, bewildered.
  2920. #06[23:04] * [NPC]Soldier gets up, sluggishly, bids a nearly incomprehensible good morning with his hand on his throat and staggers off. He walks into the side of the trench once before righting himself and continuing.
  2921. #06[23:04] * `Katherine is sweating now, and bites her lip.
  2922. #01[23:04] <Raymond> ...What is it with everyone here?
  2923. [23:05] <[k]Dia> You did bad thing.
  2924. #06[23:05] * [k]Dia frownd at kat.
  2925. [23:05] <`Mia> Seems everyones so.. antsy..
  2926. [23:06] <`Katherine> "Everyone else walked right over him... I thought..."
  2927. [23:06] <[k]Dia> No we not.
  2928. [23:06] <[k]Dia> Just go all ready.
  2929. [23:06] <[Rut]Ilsa> I-I apologize. I thought...
  2930. #06[23:07] * `Mia shrugs.
  2931. [23:07] <`Mia> #14 He'll be fine
  2932. #06[23:07] * [k]Dia brows ties into a knot. Battle stress is getting to her.
  2933. #06[23:09] * [NPC]Soldier walks by the group, stopping in front of them and looking at the recently awakened one go by. He looks at the team, looking a little absent-minded, before pointing in the general direction of the city.
  2934. [23:09] <[NPC]Soldier> I found an arm and some fingers in that building over there. Do they belong to you?
  2935. #06[23:09] * `Katherine is flustered but tries to hide it. Should have stayed by the car...
  2936. [23:10] <`Mia> #14 Nope~ Mine is right here~
  2937. #06[23:10] * `Mia shows him all of her appendages~
  2938. [23:12] <[NPC]Soldier> Ah...
  2939. #06[23:13] * [NPC]Soldier walks off. Nearby are two soldiers, one firing a machine gun to the outside of their position and yelling while the other plays idly on a saxophone.
  2940. #06[23:13] * [k]Dia tries not to speak. The more she talks, the more she's being irritated with all this.
  2941. [23:14] <[k]Dia> ...messy places.
  2942. [23:14] <[NPC]Soldier> There you go, how's that feel?! Come on, help me practice with my new glasses!
  2943. [23:15] <[Rut]Ilsa> We should keep moving.
  2944. #06[23:15] * [Rut]Ilsa insists.
  2945. #06[23:15] * `Katherine has no idea what's going on here.
  2946. #06[23:16] * [NPC]Soldier , the one on the sax, looks up at the group and points to the other side of the trench like it's routine. Looking there, you find water, fuel, food, cigarettes, beer, everything that you would expect to come into a base like this.
  2947. [23:17] <`Mia> #14 Whoa~
  2948. #01[23:17] <Raymond> ...Let's just go.
  2949. #06[23:18] * Raymond pics up a jerry can and holds it in his left hand, his briefcase in the other, and waits for the rest to get something before walking back.
  2950. #06[23:19] * [NPC]Soldier plays on as everyone goes about their business, bringing his feet in and sitting cross-legged so as to be out of their way.
  2951. #06[23:19] * [Rut]Ilsa refills her case with fresh cigs, and tucks a few more cartons away in her suit.
  2952. #06[23:19] * `Mia picks up some MORE medkits, can never have enough stuffs~ also some beer too.
  2953. #06[23:20] * `Katherine rummages around, trying to find some more bullets for her gun.
  2954. #06[23:22] * [Rut]Ilsa picks out a small, automatic pistol, and clips of ammo. The bullets would be far easier to find than those of her rifle, which chambers western calibers...
  2955. #06[23:22] * [NPC]Soldier , this one with rank insignia higher than that of the ones you've seen up till now, passes by them. He, too, appears to have something to say.
  2956. [23:23] <[NPC]Soldier> You know, two guys just got attacked in the university building.
  2957. #06[23:23] * `Katherine scraps the idea of finding small caliber bullets and just trades what she's got for a much much common Colt 1911.
  2958. [23:23] <[NPC]Soldier> No worries, though, you're going to be okay. Aren't you?
  2959. #01[23:24] <Raymond> ...Are you the commanding officer here?
  2960. #06[23:24] * [NPC]Soldier shrugs.
  2961. [23:24] <[NPC]Soldier> Honestly, I don't know.
  2962. #01[23:24] <Raymond> ...What's with everything here? I mean...
  2963. [23:25] <[NPC]Soldier> Why do you ask? Are you sure it isn't you?
  2964. #06[23:25] * [NPC]Soldier walks off, whistling a slow tune and humming as he goes.
  2965. #06[23:26] * Raymond walks back to the car with the fuel in hand, clearly in a hurry.
  2966. #06[23:27] * `Mia sighs..
  2967. #06[23:28] * `Katherine hustles similarly. This place... what's with everyone here? She almost feels safer out in the wild where she knows what's what.
  2968. #06[23:29] * Raymond gets into the car and starts it as soon as he can, though he waits for everyone else.
  2969. [23:29] <`Katherine> "Doctor... Is this what an army base is supposed to feel like...?"
  2970. #06[23:30] * [Rut]Ilsa gets in. One hand rests on the strap of her rifle, and the other, in her pocket, over the pistol she just picked up...
  2971. #01[23:30] <Raymond> I... don't think so. All the same, right now I just want to get out of here.
  2972. [23:31] <[Rut]Ilsa> Yes. I get the feeling this area is less than safe.
  2973. #06[23:31] * Raymond pulls out of the base and continues along, going in the same general direction for several blocks.
  2974. [23:33] <`Mia> hmm... such a stretch..
  2975. [23:35] <`Katherine> "They say war changes people..."
  2976. #06[23:35] * `Katherine begins out of the blue.
  2977. [23:36] <`Mia> It's been tried and true.
  2978. [23:36] <`Katherine> "And yet... this isn't even a war. It's a cleanup crew. Man against... something less than a man."
  2979. [23:36] <`Katherine> "Why is it that these soldiers feel so... wrong, to me? And I just that naive?"
  2980. [23:37] <`Mia> #14 No.. you're not wrong... there is something that is.. "off" about this place.
  2981. #01[23:37] <Raymond> I'm not sure it's just you. We've seen plenty of other soldiers, and not all were... like that.
  2982. [23:38] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The group is surprised by a group of men standing in the middle of the road, apparently all but one of them in a group. The man in front of them faces their apparent leader, the first wearing a dirty white coat and beneath that a worn shirt and tie while the one in front of the group is dressed casually. They seem to be having an argument.]
  2983. [23:39] <`Mia> #14 Internal clashes?
  2984. #06[23:40] * Raymond brings the car to a stop, leaning out to listen but not getting any closer.
  2985. #06[23:40] * `Katherine doesn't like the look of this.
  2986. [23:40] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Man 1: Well, there you have it. I just told you what I wanted to communicate, no need for killing.
  2987. [23:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> A white coat...?
  2988. [23:42] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Man 2: You come all the way out here, by yourself, into MY neighborhood, and have the gall to tell me to surrender? I think you forget where you are, you fucking immigrant! I run this town, you got it? Me! Do me a favor or give me a reason, because not much is going to stop me and the boys from fucking shooting you!
  2989. [23:44] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The first man sighs, and points at the man with whom he's arguing. Bullets come flying in from several buildings in almost all directions, and men in worn military uniform (some of which have painted themselves up) follow them. Soon enough the second man and most of his troop are dead, the rest lined against a wall.]
  2990. [23:45] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Well, I told them. Can't blame me, can you, Corporal?
  2991. #06[23:45] * `Katherine says nothing, but inhales sharply. This... makes no sense.
  2992. [23:45] <[NPC]Soldier> Sir, what do we do about the survivors?
  2993. [23:46] <`Mia> #14 Wonderful...
  2994. [23:46] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Survivors? I don't see anyone there.
  2995. [23:46] <[NPC]Soldier> Sir, these men are-
  2996. [23:47] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> I don't think you understand me, Corporal. I don't see... anyone... there. Do you?
  2997. #06[23:47] * [Rut]Ilsa tenses up.
  2998. #06[23:47] * [NPC]Soldier sighs.
  2999. [23:48] <[NPC]Soldier> No, sir... I don't see anyone. Must've been the wind I heard.
  3000. [23:48] <[Rut]Ilsa> Doctor... should we do something?
  3001. #06[23:49] * [Rut]Ilsa wants to, but asks nonetheless.
  3002. #06[23:49] * [NPC]Soldier makes a gesture to the men, and they promptly execute the remaining men with the weapons they have at hand. Rifles, carbines, pistols, shotguns, submachine guns... they're a mess compared to the soldiers you've seen before, even those at the base.
  3003. [23:49] <[Rut]Ilsa> Ugh...
  3004. [23:49] <`Mia> #14 ....too late I see..
  3005. #06[23:49] * Raymond drops his head onto the steering wheel.
  3006. #06[23:50] * [Rut]Ilsa takes out another cigarette. She bites down on it. Hard.
  3007. #06[23:52] * `Katherine rubs her temple. Pretend it's not happening... you're just some woman random men don't care about...
  3008. [23:53] <`Mia> #14 I suppose we should move on then~?
  3009. #06[23:53] * [NPC]Man_in_coat walks over to the car, though none of the soldiers follow. He takes a long look at the people, but then points at the man behind the wheel.
  3010. [23:53] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Him. Is he Raymond Duvall?
  3011. [23:53] <`Katherine> "...Yes, sir."
  3012. #06[23:53] * `Katherine responds, thought she doesn't want to.
  3013. #06[23:53] * Raymond looks at the man, obviously surprised.
  3014. [23:54] <`Mia> #14 That he is~
  3015. [23:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> --What would your business with Dr. Duvall be?
  3016. #06[23:54] * [Rut]Ilsa cuts in.
  3017. [23:54] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> I'm a virologist. I used to work in his department, before... all of this happened. He was, in a way, my boss. Hi, boss.
  3018. #06[23:55] * Raymond waves, cautiously.
  3019. [23:55] <`Mia> #14 Oh wow.
  3020. [23:56] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Would... any of you happen to have a cigarette?
  3021. #06[23:56] * `Mia points to Ilsa~
  3022. #06[23:57] * [Rut]Ilsa reaches into her jacket pocket and produces one cigarette. She does not break eye contact as she does so.
  3023. [23:58] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Ah, now that's what I've been dreaming of. Thank you, my lady.
  3024. #06[23:58] * [NPC]Man_in_coat pulls a lighter from his coat and lights up, though it takes several attempts for it to catch.
  3025. [00:01] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Well, if you'll just accompany me. We're not with the MET; well, most of us aren't anymore, but I think it should be interesting to converse with you. You don't mind, do you?
  3026. #06[00:01] * Raymond turns to the group, whispering.
  3027. #01[00:01] <Raymond> #14Should we just get out of here?
  3028. #06[00:02] * `Katherine nods slightly. She's not a people person.
  3029. [00:02] <`Mia> #14 First.. who are you?
  3030. [00:03] <`Mia> Your name particularly... you seem.. familiar.
  3031. #01[00:04] <Raymond> I was a researcher at the offices here. I wasn't so high up... Can't say I know you, though... did you live in this city?
  3032. [00:04] <`Mia> #14 I did. I'm... the one he saved.
  3033. [00:05] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Ah, he wrote a short paper on that. Didn't get the chance to read it all, though...
  3034. #06[00:05] * Raymond engages the engine and hits reverse, moving backwards and progressively picking up steam.
  3035. [00:06] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Tsk, tsk. Can't have that.
  3036. #06[00:07] * [BNS]Zerena leaps from her perch above the street, directly atop the hood of the car.
  3037. #06[00:08] * [BNS]Zerena swiftly draws her sword and drives it through the hood and into the engine block, causing the car to slowly putter out and die
  3038. #06[00:08] * `Katherine is jostled awake from her lethargic state. What?
  3039. #06[00:09] * `Katherine draws her own sword and stands up.
  3040. [00:09] <`Mia> ...great. So.. what do you want with us?
  3041. [00:09] <`Katherine> "I am Katherine Owen, a nobody. Explain yourself."
  3042. [00:09] <[BNS]Zerena> That's up to the Doctor. For now, please get out of the car.
  3043. #06[00:09] * [BNS]Zerena smiles sweetly
  3044. #06[00:09] * `Katherine doesn't move.
  3045. [00:10] <`Katherine> "I asked that you explain yourself, kindly."
  3046. [00:10] <[BNS]Zerena> The Doctor would like to converse with you. Best that you allow him to do so.
  3047. [00:10] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> [Steam hisses and rushes out from the hood, though it stops after a moment.]
  3048. #06[00:11] * `Katherine lowers her rapier, but does not sheathe it.
  3049. #06[00:11] * Raymond shuts the engine off, then takes a look around while holding on tightly to his briefcase.
  3050. #01[00:12] <Raymond> #14Damn, the car...
  3051. #06[00:12] * [Rut]Ilsa steps out of the car slowly.
  3052. #06[00:12] * `Katherine grumbles to herself, "...converse with Dr. Ray, more like..."
  3053. [00:13] <`Mia> Do what they say, they have us surrounded already.
  3054. #06[00:13] * [NPC]Man_in_coat walks up to the car, leaning lightly on one of the tireguards.
  3055. #06[00:13] * [BNS]Zerena withdraws her sword from the car and sheathes it, turning back and nodding to the man in the coat.
  3056. #06[00:14] * Raymond slowly steps out of the car, facing the man.
  3057. #06[00:14] * [Rut]Ilsa opens the door for him and stands to his side, like a bodyguard.
  3058. #06[00:14] * `Katherine keeps an eye on this lady... she just broke their car. Unkind.
  3059. #01[00:15] <Raymond> I'm sorry, but... I still don't understand what's going on. Now, if you don't mind telling me just who you are, aside from formerly one of my researchers of course!
  3060. [00:16] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Take it easy, boss. These days I'm working with the Major, Major Perri. Carlton Perri, heard anything about the man?
  3061. #06[00:20] * `Mia shakes her head.
  3062. #06[00:20] * `Katherine shrugs. These days she's really been caring less about the chain of command that doesn't care about her anyways.
  3063. #06[00:22] * [Rut]Ilsa does nothing other than keep a firm grip on her rifle, eying Zerena in particular.
  3064. [00:23] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> He's set himself up in the middle of the city, with a few people behind him. The base isn't far from here, and I'll get some of these men to push your car for you; would you mind accompanying me?
  3065. #06[00:24] * `Katherine motions to the woman on the hood.
  3066. [00:24] <`Mia> I don't.. think we have a choice in the matter.
  3067. [00:24] <`Katherine> "Is she with you, sir?"
  3068. #06[00:25] * [BNS]Zerena smiles at Katherine
  3069. #06[00:26] * `Mia sighs.
  3070. [00:26] <`Mia> If it werent for the fact that I have someone aiming behind my head right now I'd shoot you.
  3071. #06[00:27] * [BNS]Zerena turns to Mia and grins
  3072. [00:27] <[BNS]Zerena> I never get tired of hearing people say that...
  3073. [00:27] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Oh, no worries, I do believe you'll get your chance... probably, someday. Ah, as for that... yes and no. She's doing what I say now, but if the Major told her she'd have every right to kill me. He threatened me with that, once but... he meant it. Said he could kill just about anyone he pleased for any reason he liked... and he meant it because he could and knew. What a man, the Major...
  3074. #06[00:28] * `Katherine no longer has any illusions about why she prefers to be alone.
  3075. [00:28] <`Katherine> "I...see."
  3076. [00:28] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  3077. #01[00:28] <Raymond> So, you want us to talk with him?
  3078. [00:30] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> No, that isn't exactly it. You... don't... talk to him, you listen. Just come with us for now; once our little business is over we'll let you go. Don't you worry about that; I promise, stand on me.
  3079. [00:30] <`Mia> Oh...
  3080. [00:30] <`Mia> Mind if I ask favor right quick~?
  3081. [00:31] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Um, not at all. What do you need?
  3082. [00:31] <`Mia> Once this is over.. I want to "play" with this girl over here.
  3083. #06[00:31] * `Mia motions over to Zerena.
  3084. #06[00:31] * `Katherine :|'s at Mia.
  3085. #06[00:31] * [BNS]Zerena eyes brighten as she casts a bemused look at this impetuous little girl
  3086. #06[00:32] * [NPC]Man_in_coat nods, grinning.
  3087. [00:32] <[Rut]Ilsa> Mia...
  3088. #06[00:32] * `Mia turns to Ilsa and smiles.
  3089. [00:32] <`Mia> #14 I want to make this girl eat her words.
  3090. [00:33] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Yes, you'll get your chance; I'll make sure of it myself. Now, boss, ladies, if you will.
  3091. #06[00:33] * [NPC]Man_in_coat begins to walk off, motioning several men over to the car.
  3092. [00:33] <[BNS]Zerena> #68Ohohohoho... this is going to be fun~
  3093. [00:33] <[Rut]Ilsa> If you break your word...
  3094. [00:34] <[BNS]Zerena> If he breaks his word, I'll kill him myself.
  3095. #06[00:34] * [BNS]Zerena smiles at the man in the coat, a certain gleam in her eyes
  3096. [00:34] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> No wonder the Major kept you around.
  3097. #06[00:35] * `Mia smiles at the man in coat.
  3098. [00:35] <`Mia> #14 Then a pleasure to meet you~
  3099. #06[00:35] * `Katherine just returns to going through the motions. Why is it that in war, allies find ways to make enemies amongst themselves...?
  3100. #06[00:36] * Raymond is deep in thought, obviously nervous; he's probably thinking about what to do about this turn of events.
  3101. #06[00:37] * [Rut]Ilsa narrows her eyes. The stock of her gun aligns with her shoulder slightly, as if entering a shooting position, but goes no further.
  3102. #06[00:40] * [BNS]Zerena stands off to the side, arms folded and grinning as she keeps an eye on the group
  3103. #06[00:40] * Raymond sighs, looking around the part of the city that he can see from where he's standing.
  3104. #06[00:40] * [Rut]Ilsa suddenly shudders. She shakes her head and returns to her prior stance.
  3105. [00:42] <`Mia> #14 well then~ Lets go!~
  3106. #06[00:42] * `Mia sounds cheerful... almost too cheerful.
  3107. #06[00:43] * `Katherine nods silently. It appears that it's all too easy to go insane in this city... Keeping a level head might be all that's required to get out of here alive.
  3108.  
  3109.  
  3110. ---Session Eleven---
  3111.  
  3112. “He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you.”
  3113. -Friedrich Nietzsche, /Beyond Good and Evil/
  3114.  
  3115. [21:08] <[NPC]Researcher> [Early afternoon in the city of Breslau. The group's been captured by followers of the so-called "Major" and escorted into a building, in relatively good condition, a few blocks to the north. The car's been brought inside through a caved-in wall while most of the group has been taken one room further in; though Dia and Mia have been left behind you hear their voices from time to time so you guess they're alright. In this room, whi
  3116. [21:08] <[NPC]Researcher> to have once been a lobby of some sort, the rest of the group is confronted with Zerena and the researcher while under vigil of the Major's... perhaps men is the best word for them.]
  3117. #06[21:10] * [Owen]Katherine is slowly getting more and more fed up with the politics of war. She tries not to show it, and merely keeps eying Zerena.
  3118. #06[21:11] * [BNS]Zerena stands off leaning against the wall, keeping an eye on the entire room... including the Researcher.
  3119. #06[21:12] * [NPC]Researcher struts about while taking occasional puffs of his new cigarette. He appears to be thinking about something.
  3120. [21:14] <[NPC]Researcher> Well, ladies, boss, I figured we should start here. What brings you into the city at such a... time as this one? Did you come to see the sights?
  3121. #06[21:15] * [Rut]Ilsa doesn't answer.
  3122. #06[21:15] * [Owen]Katherine is very :|
  3123. [21:15] <[Owen]Katherine> "I came here to do something I haven't done yet."
  3124. #06[21:15] * [BNS]Zerena lightly clicks her tongue...
  3125. [21:15] <[Owen]Katherine> "Whatever it is you're doing, you're not helping it."
  3126. [21:15] <[Owen]Katherine> "That is all."
  3127. [21:17] <[NPC]Researcher> Me? You make me sound villianous. What better place to do something you haven't than one which kind you haven't seen, right? But what difference do I make?
  3128. #06[21:17] * [Owen]Katherine points at him.
  3129. [21:17] <[Owen]Katherine> "You--"
  3130. #06[21:17] * [Owen]Katherine points to herself.
  3131. [21:18] <[Owen]Katherine> "Are keeping me here--"
  3132. #06[21:18] * [Owen]Katherine points outside.
  3133. [21:18] <[Owen]Katherine> "When I want to be out there."
  3134. [21:19] <[NPC]Researcher> What a fussy little lady you are. Is she the kind to give trouble, boss?
  3135. #06[21:19] * Raymond keeps quiet, adjusting his shoes by tapping his toes against the floor.
  3136. #06[21:21] * [Owen]Katherine taps her toes as well, returning momentarily to polishing her blade. Over-inflated bureaucratic war...
  3137. #06[21:22] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps shifting her gaze from the Researcher to his "assistant" and back again, keeping tabs on them both.
  3138. [21:22] <[NPC]Researcher> But that's all besides the point. You don't strike me as the kind of girl to be from around here, and I know for certain that the boss isn't from anywhere near. You see, something brought you here, and all I need to know is what.
  3139. #06[21:22] * [NPC]Researcher turns to Ilsa.
  3140. [21:23] <[NPC]Researcher> So it's not so difficult an issue. Would you be any more disposed to helping me about my... affairs?
  3141. #06[21:27] * [NPC]Researcher moves his briefcase from hand to hand, taking occasional glances in the directions of the exits.
  3142. [21:27] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  3143. #06[21:27] * [Owen]Katherine moves over to that new girl instead. At least she was DOING something.
  3144. #01[21:28] <Raymond> [*Raymond]
  3145. [21:28] <[Owen]Katherine> "So... what's YOUR function in life?"
  3146. #06[21:28] * [BNS]Zerena is taken aback by the sudden question
  3147. #06[21:29] * [BNS]Zerena coughs
  3148. #06[21:29] * [NPC]Researcher looks at Katherine go, first surprised, then bewildered, and then shrugs and gives a sigh.
  3149. #06[21:29] * [BNS]Zerena looks at Katherine with a strange gleam in her eye
  3150. [21:29] <[BNS]Zerena> I do what Daddy tells me to.
  3151. #06[21:30] * [Owen]Katherine is slightly intrigued. She continues.
  3152. [21:30] <[Owen]Katherine> "Hmm... Then who is your 'Daddy', may I ask?"
  3153. [21:31] <[BNS]Zerena> No, you may not.
  3154. #06[21:31] * [BNS]Zerena grins
  3155. #06[21:31] * [Owen]Katherine nods. All right, all right, at least that's something.
  3156. [21:32] <[NPC]Researcher> I tried asking that myself. She goes on and on... daddy said so, daddy wants this or that. But she never says who that is. Though I guess that in a place like this not all things matter like they used to.
  3157. #06[21:33] * Raymond takes a look at his watch, shuffling uncomfortably.
  3158. #06[21:33] * [Owen]Katherine ignores the boring man, for he is boring.
  3159. [21:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "Your Daddy keeping our crew here, or are you just passing through?"
  3160. #06[21:33] * [BNS]Zerena shoves Katherine out of the way and saunters over to the Researcher, leaning forward to stick her face right in front of him
  3161. [21:34] <[BNS]Zerena> You're taking too long. Hurry up before I have to take care of this myself.
  3162. #06[21:35] * [Owen]Katherine is shoved. Well... worth a shot.
  3163. #06[21:35] * [BNS]Zerena walks back to her place on the wall and leans against it again
  3164. #06[21:37] * [Owen]Katherine decides to not push her luck for a while. She leans on a patch of wall slightly further down.
  3165. [21:37] <[NPC]Researcher> No nonsense, is it sweetheart? Perhaps it has been part of your charm. In any case, it might be better left in your hands... Would you mind using that door to your right? A cozy place for a chat, don't you think?
  3166. [21:37] <[BNS]Zerena> Sure thing~
  3167. #06[21:38] * [BNS]Zerena walks over to Raymond and wraps her arm around his... tightly. All the while, smiling quite sweetly.
  3168. [21:39] <[BNS]Zerena> Just this way~
  3169. #06[21:39] * [BNS]Zerena doesn't give Raymond much of a choice as she practically drags him into the room to the right, slamming the door behind them
  3170. [21:40] <[Rut]Ilsa> --Hey!
  3171. #06[21:40] * [Rut]Ilsa starts after them.
  3172. [21:40] <[Owen]Katherine> "Let them be, Ilsa. Let them be."
  3173. [21:41] <[NPC]Researcher> Clever girl.
  3174. [21:41] <[NPC]Researcher> I feel like I'm forgetting something, though... does either of you remember the name of the girl with the rifle?
  3175. [21:42] <[Owen]Katherine> "You'll have to be a little more specific."
  3176. [21:43] <[NPC]Researcher> The one who is not currently in this room. Of those two in the next one, you know.
  3177. [21:44] <[NPC]Researcher> ...Whatever. Truth is it should be good to have her around. One of you, go get her.
  3178. [21:44] <[Owen]Katherine> "Fine."
  3179. #06[21:44] * [Owen]Katherine goes to get "her".
  3180. #06[21:45] * [Rut]Ilsa bang on the door loudly.
  3181. [21:45] <[NPC]Researcher> Well, I meant one of the guards, but if you want to- Oy! Don't do that yet!
  3182. [21:46] <[NPC]Researcher> [The guards divert their attention from straight ahead to look at Ilsa, though they make no other motions.]
  3183. [21:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> You didn't say anything about this. Let me through!
  3184. #06[21:47] * [Rut]Ilsa tries to force her way in.
  3185. [21:48] <[NPC]Researcher> Calm down, dear. If you lose your cool I... can't guarantee we won't.
  3186. [21:50] <[NPC]Researcher> [One of the guards lifts his rifle and takes aim, firing a shot just above Ilsa's head and blowing out a chunk of the doorframe.]
  3187. #06[21:50] * [Rut]Ilsa stops. Slowly, resentfully, she turns around.
  3188. #06[21:51] * [Owen]Katherine runs back in with Dia, hearing the shot.
  3189. [21:51] <[Owen]Katherine> "What? What happened?!"
  3190. [21:51] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... If anything happens to him, you're dead before your men see it coming.
  3191. #06[21:51] * [Rut]Ilsa mutters.
  3192. [21:52] <Dia> I hear gun!?
  3193. #06[21:52] * Dia is with Kat, being all cautious.
  3194. [21:52] <[NPC]Researcher> Please keep your heads about you, sweeties, no one's hurt. Now, I figured we have most of the right people here. We did need someone with the car to keep the men from taking things, but everyone we need should be around.
  3195. #06[21:53] * [Owen]Katherine holds her head in her hands, getting increasingly frustrated.
  3196. [21:53] <[Owen]Katherine> "Will someone-I don't care who-please tell me why the bloody hell we are in, this, room?!"
  3197. [21:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> Katherine.
  3198. #06[21:54] * [Owen]Katherine is >:|
  3199. [21:54] <[Owen]Katherine> "What."
  3200. [21:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> Shut up.
  3201. #06[21:54] * [Owen]Katherine is STILL >:|
  3202. [21:55] <[Owen]Katherine> "Why."
  3203. #06[21:55] * Dia load her gun in ready state.
  3204. #06[21:55] * Dia is ready to fire on anything suspicious.
  3205. #06[21:56] * [Rut]Ilsa eyes Katherine in a way unlike she has before. There's nothing personal about it. No childish contempt for speech or mannerisms, no sarcastic roll of the eyes.
  3206. [21:56] <[NPC]Researcher> Ah, you should seem disposed to listen. Now, let me explain. I can tell when people have an... attachment to things- perhaps it's helped me significantly in the past weeks. You all can volunteer stuff if the good boss doesn't, and I know that at least some of you will show concern enough to help... the question is, of course, whether you do it in the appropriate manner. Now, where was she...
  3207. #06[21:57] * [NPC]Researcher walks over to the door, knocking on it twice, then walks back.
  3208. #06[21:57] * [Owen]Katherine is fairly confident she just heard a big load of BS. This is not at all helpful.
  3209. [21:58] <Dia> I don't know what is happening here! explain please!
  3210. #06[21:58] * [BNS]Zerena has taken the time to tie Raymond to a chair inside and now takes her sword and draws it down Raymond's arm, just barely drawing blood
  3211. [21:59] <[NPC]Researcher> ...That's odd. I should be hearing things by now.
  3212. #06[22:00] * [BNS]Zerena whispers into Raymond's ear
  3213. [22:00] <[BNS]Zerena> #69Made of tougher stuff, huh?
  3214. #06[22:00] * [BNS]Zerena gently takes Raymond's wrist up in one of her hands
  3215. #06[22:01] * [BNS]Zerena smiles as Raymond's wrist splinters into little pieces
  3216. [22:02] <[NPC]Researcher> Anyway, as for you. Your boss is on the other side of this wall, and there are a couple things we want to learn from him. He... should be alright, provided our operative doesn't get-
  3217. #06[22:02] * Raymond screams, audible through the wall, mostly out of surprise.
  3218. [22:02] <[NPC]Researcher> ...overzealous. Wonder what that was.
  3219. [22:02] <[BNS]Zerena> That's better~
  3220. #06[22:02] * [Owen]Katherine 's sword has been out since she was polishing it, and she grips it tightly.
  3221. [22:02] <Dia> !!
  3222. #06[22:03] * Dia , without restraint, run to the door
  3223. #06[22:03] * [Rut]Ilsa levels her weapon with the researcher's head.
  3224. [22:03] <[Rut]Ilsa> What the hell are you doing?!
  3225. #06[22:03] * [BNS]Zerena straddles Raymond, sitting on his lap with her legs wrapped around him
  3226. #06[22:03] * Dia weapon up.
  3227. [22:03] <Dia> OPEN OR I SHOOT!
  3228. #06[22:04] * [BNS]Zerena leans forward to whisper into his ear again
  3229. [22:04] <[NPC]Researcher> I'm trying to find out where he keeps those samples of his. From what I know, he's carrying some... cultures that me and the gang could make use of.
  3230. [22:04] <[BNS]Zerena> #69The virus sample. Where is it?
  3231. [22:04] <[Owen]Katherine> "The... bloody... hell...?"
  3232. #01[22:04] <Raymond> #14It's... not a... virus...
  3233. [22:05] <[BNS]Zerena> #69I don't care what it is. Daddy wants it. Give it to me.
  3234. #06[22:05] * [Owen]Katherine looks around the room. THIS is why war is hell. Because the good guys kill each other in the end.
  3235. [22:06] <[NPC]Researcher> Now please, do any of you know where those might be? If you tell me I assure you it'll all be over. And you'll get the boss back, that too.
  3236. #01[22:07] <Raymond> #15D... Daddy...?
  3237. [22:07] <[Owen]Katherine> "Frankly, sir... I asked him every day and he didn't ONCE tell me a bloody thing that mattered."
  3238. #06[22:07] * [BNS]Zerena tires of Raymond's reticence and slides her hand a bit further up Raymond's arm
  3239. [22:08] <[Owen]Katherine> "He told me we were here to investigate some viral problem. Cure it, maybe. I have no bloody clue. It was all a means to an end for me."
  3240. #06[22:09] * [BNS]Zerena feels Raymond's bone bend in her hand unnaturally. It should be quite painful for him
  3241. #06[22:09] * [Rut]Ilsa hands tremble. She keeps her gun on the researcher as she draws and lights a new cigarette, bringing it to her lips with twitching fingers.
  3242. [22:10] <[Owen]Katherine> "But if all I'm going to get out of it is some petty gang war... I might as well just run into the nearest house full of infected whatever-they-ares for all the good it's going to do me."
  3243. #06[22:10] * Dia aims at the doorknob. Ray is on the other side and is in trouble!
  3244. [22:10] <[Rut]Ilsa> Let him go. -Now-.
  3245. #06[22:10] * [BNS]Zerena whispers into Raymond's ear again...
  3246. [22:10] <[NPC]Researcher> That isn't what I'm asking. I'm looking for those cultures. And as long as I find out where they are, we can all walk away happily from this.
  3247. [22:10] <[BNS]Zerena> #69Last chance, my dear. Where are the samples?
  3248. #06[22:11] * [Owen]Katherine is super- >:| now.
  3249. [22:11] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  3250. [22:11] <[Owen]Katherine> "I. Don't. Know. None of us do. We have NO IDEA what you're talking about!"
  3251. #06[22:11] * [Rut]Ilsa looks towards the guards.
  3252. [22:11] <[Owen]Katherine> "NO idea. Period."
  3253. #06[22:11] * Raymond tries to speak, but can only make out weak and incoherent words. He clenches his good hand into a trembling fist to try and dull the pain.
  3254. [22:12] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... I give up. I'll take you to them. Just stop.
  3255. [22:12] <[BNS]Zerena> Oh... I broke it... oh well~
  3256. [22:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "...what...?"
  3257. #06[22:12] * [Owen]Katherine turns to Ilsa.
  3258. [22:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "What?"
  3259. [22:12] <[BNS]Zerena> Time to clean up the broken toy~
  3260. #06[22:12] * [Rut]Ilsa holds out her weapon for one of the guards to take.
  3261. #06[22:12] * Dia does the same as Kat. What?!
  3262. #06[22:13] * [BNS]Zerena lifts Raymond's head by the chin and stares deeply into his eyes.
  3263. #06[22:14] * [BNS]Zerena 's eyes glow a vibrant purple as she kisses Raymond deeply...
  3264. [22:14] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ilsa... how deep does this go?"
  3265. [22:14] <[Rut]Ilsa> [Wait a moment, please.]
  3266. #06[22:20] * Raymond struggles weakly, making as much noise as he can through the kiss.
  3267. #01[22:20] <Raymond> Enough... Enough... #14Make it stop... #15Hurts...
  3268. #06[22:20] * Dia fires a shot of rifle round at the lock, making a loud impact sound!
  3269. [22:21] <Dia> Kat! Help me! Kick open it!
  3270. #06[22:21] * Dia is dead set on getting to the other side posthaste!
  3271. #06[22:22] * [Rut]Ilsa suddenly makes her move! As she hands her rifle to the guard, she spits her cigarette out into his eyes. Her free hands shoots for a grenade on his belt. She pulls the pin and shoves the stunned man at at the rest!
  3272. #06[22:22] * [BNS]Zerena finishes her 'clean-up', climbing off of Raymond's body, which has suddenly turned a very pale color as she turns towards the door, waiting for incoming visitors
  3273. [22:24] <[NPC]Researcher> [The guard runs for a moment and chucks the grenade through a door, but the ensuing explosion still has him in its range. The rest of the guards react before the researcher raises his hand to stop them.]
  3274. [22:25] <[NPC]Researcher> Good, good. But since it's quieted down in there we might still resolve this. As for him, well... his sacrifice will not be forgotten. You two, go toss his body with the others on our way out.
  3275. #06[22:27] * Dia violently kicks the door, but being weak as she is, it's not very effective.
  3276. #06[22:28] * [Rut]Ilsa follows suit, rushing shoulder-first into the door.
  3277. #06[22:29] * [Owen]Katherine slashes at the researcher, purposely missing but perhaps missing by more that she'd have liked. Regardless, she holds the blade close to his chest afterwards.
  3278. [22:30] <[NPC]Researcher> ...Yes, sweetheart?
  3279. #06[22:30] * [NPC]Researcher doesn't move but looks a tad unnerved.
  3280. [22:31] <[Owen]Katherine> "You, tell me, what is going on, right now, or you WILL no longer enjoy my company."
  3281. #06[22:31] * [BNS]Zerena steps back a bit as new toys bust into the room...
  3282. [22:32] <Dia> Faceplant on floor! Now!
  3283. [22:32] <[NPC]Researcher> We're interrogating the boss to find the cultures. I had you out here so you would hear him scream and intervene by telling us in case he didn't. You seem less cooperative that I would have hoped. Feel better?
  3284. #06[22:32] * [Rut]Ilsa charges in, firing a spray of shots at Zerena without hesitation.
  3285. [22:32] <Dia> !!
  3286. [22:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "Your words are SHITE to me. Why? WHY?! Bloody hell WHY do they matter?!"
  3287. [22:33] <[NPC]Researcher> The cultures or what I'm telling you? I can't answer your questions if you make less sense than I do, sweetie.
  3288. #06[22:33] * [BNS]Zerena is caught off guard, and is unable to react fast enough to avoid injury!
  3289. #06[22:34] * [BNS]Zerena collapses to a knee, having suffered several bullet wounds...
  3290. #06[22:34] * [Rut]Ilsa tries to use the opportunity to dash past Zerena and get to Raymond!
  3291. #06[22:35] * Raymond sits limply, overtaken by an unnatural pallor; his glasses are askew and his left wrist is at an impossible angle.
  3292. #06[22:36] * Dia tend to Ray as fast as she could!
  3293. [22:36] <Dia> Ray! Hear me?
  3294. #06[22:36] * Dia slaps his face a couple of time.
  3295. #06[22:36] * [Owen]Katherine flicks a scratch onto the man's chin. She is NOT happy.
  3296. #06[22:36] * [Owen]Katherine seems to have made a deeper gash than intended. Oh well.
  3297. #06[22:36] * [BNS]Zerena stands back up and turns around, glaring at Dia and Ilsa, who have conveniently turned their backs to her...
  3298. #06[22:36] * [Rut]Ilsa tries to lift Raymond.
  3299. #06[22:37] * Raymond is limp as a ragdoll, completely unresponsive. And heavy.
  3300. [22:37] <[Owen]Katherine> "You are NOT being funny. You tell me what's so important about those cultures. NOW."
  3301. [22:38] <Dia> ｩﾔｺﾋﾒﾂﾅﾐ 眥鞦ﾅ鯢 !! Ray! Up!
  3302. #06[22:39] * Dia , during her panic, let her native tongue rolls.
  3303. #06[22:39] * [BNS]Zerena laughs trillingly
  3304. [22:39] <[BNS]Zerena> Oh, silly girls. Why are you playing with that broken toy?
  3305. #06[22:40] * [BNS]Zerena puts her arm out and makes a flicking gesture at Dia and Ilsa
  3306. [22:40] <[NPC]Researcher> Please... there is no need for this kind of attitude. The Major wants them... he wants to infect larger swaths of people so the world can stand together against them and finally unify. Or that's what he's last said, he's said different things over time... please don't hurt me for saying this, that's shooting the messenger. I don't understand it any more than you do.
  3307. #06[22:41] * [Rut]Ilsa hoists Raymond onto her shoulder just in time to catch Zerina's attack out of the corner of her eye. She instinctively jumps sideways.
  3308. #06[22:41] * Dia take it whole.
  3309. [22:41] <Dia> Wah-!
  3310. [22:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> Dia!?
  3311. #06[22:42] * [Owen]Katherine is >:|-ing harder than she's even >:|-ed before. This... all this... it was...
  3312. [22:44] <[Owen]Katherine> "You kill a dragon by crushing it in the egg, sir... not by letting it grow and waging war against it."
  3313. #06[22:45] * [Owen]Katherine drives the point of her sword deep into the man's left shoulder. She WANTS to hurt him this time.
  3314. #06[22:45] * [NPC]Researcher grimaces in pain, but keeps talking.
  3315. #06[22:46] * [BNS]Zerena laughs as Dia goes flying across the room, before turning to Ilsa...
  3316. #06[22:47] * Dia rolls on the floor helplessly!
  3317. [22:47] <Dia> agh-!
  3318. #06[22:48] * [BNS]Zerena takes advantage of Ilsa's encumbrance with carrying Raymond to take a slash at her!
  3319. #06[22:49] * Dia gets up.
  3320. [22:49] <[NPC]Researcher> It isn't about... just destroying these... demonics. In them, I believe the Major saw an... opportunity. An opportunity others did not, to finally unify the world by giving it a common enemy. To do it, we need those cultures... I was originally to set about it myself, on orders of the same man, but... an officer, a foreign armored cavalry officer, was just... given command of all of the troops in the city. The Major believes... th
  3321. [22:49] <[NPC]Researcher> can stop him. We would not have resorted to this were it not for the... development, but I think he believes that if he waits he will be killed. Of course, he thought all the miltary men that attacked him were under the command of this officer to begin with...
  3322. #06[22:50] * [Owen]Katherine stabs the man in the right shoulder this time.
  3323. #01[22:51] <Raymond> #15Agh...
  3324. #06[22:51] * [Rut]Ilsa manages to lurch out of the way, stumbling back before regaining her balance.
  3325. [22:52] <Dia> Let Ray go, you!
  3326. #06[22:52] * [BNS]Zerena misses her slash, but is still aware enough to stop Dia's shot this time
  3327. #06[22:52] * Dia squeeze one shot out in prone position!
  3328. [22:52] <Dia> Gackt!
  3329. [22:52] <[Owen]Katherine> "So much waste... so much talk... we HAVE a common enemy already, and yet... and yet... you fight against us anyways?!"
  3330. [22:53] <[Owen]Katherine> "If a nation is divided against itself... how can it stand?"
  3331. [22:54] <[Owen]Katherine> "We will destroy each other before the monsters ever come close..."
  3332. #06[22:55] * [BNS]Zerena reaches her hand out and clasps it, firmly grabbing Ilsa in a psionic grip!
  3333. #06[22:55] * [Owen]Katherine shakes her head minutely over and over, seeing the pointlessness of it all...
  3334. [22:55] <[NPC]Researcher> That's too small... a scale... he means... the... earth... if things are left... as is... that officer will... probably win... and the world... will recover to its... previous state...
  3335. #06[22:55] * Dia bolt, and take aim. This time for her pesky glowing hands!
  3336. #06[22:55] * [NPC]Researcher totters. The blood loss might be getting to him.
  3337. [22:56] <Dia> Tah!
  3338. #06[22:56] * Dia fires another!
  3339. #06[22:56] * [Rut]Ilsa tries to get around Zerena!
  3340. [22:56] <[Rut]Ilsa> Dia, run!
  3341. #06[22:57] * [BNS]Zerena stops the bullet again and sends Ilsa flying through the open doorway, sending her spilling across the floor of the room outside
  3342. [22:57] <Dia> But Ray!
  3343. [22:57] <[Owen]Katherine> "All this effort on a grand plan... when you could have spent it on cleaning up the mess when it was small in the first place."
  3344. [22:57] <Dia> Ray is---!
  3345. #06[22:58] * [Owen]Katherine sighs.
  3346. #06[22:58] * Dia bolt, aim! She's a trained warrior! She can at least fire a gun properly!
  3347. [22:58] <Dia> Tah--!
  3348. #06[22:58] * [Rut]Ilsa spins middair to land on her feet, like a cat. Skidding to a halt, she immediately breaks into a run for the exit.
  3349. #06[22:58] * Dia keep on shooting, baby.
  3350. #06[22:59] * [BNS]Zerena turns her attention to Dia...
  3351. [22:59] <[Owen]Katherine> "The difference between you and me... is that when you found out, you kept doing it anyways."
  3352. [22:59] <[Rut]Ilsa> Katherine, come on!
  3353. #06[22:59] * [BNS]Zerena slowly saunters over to Dia, ignoring the bullets as they stop inches in front of her and drop to the ground
  3354. #06[23:00] * [BNS]Zerena finally stands over Dia, looking down, smiling... sweetly.
  3355. #06[23:00] * [Rut]Ilsa shouts to the rest as she makes a beeline for the exit. She can't carry more than one person like this!
  3356. #06[23:00] * [Owen]Katherine turns her head to the others. She barely even knows what going on around her.
  3357. [23:00] <[NPC]Researcher> That's you... and the Major. I follow because... I am a small man... he's a... big man...
  3358. #06[23:00] * Dia tries to scamper back, but eventually hits the wall. Oh no!
  3359. [23:00] <[NPC]Researcher> If only I had met... that Colonel first...
  3360. #06[23:01] * Dia B...b-bolt! and...and... and a-aim!
  3361. #06[23:01] * [Owen]Katherine still :|'s.
  3362. [23:01] <[Owen]Katherine> "One raindrop raises the sea, poor sir."
  3363. #06[23:02] * [BNS]Zerena grabs the gun and rips it out of Dia's hands!
  3364. #06[23:02] * [BNS]Zerena flings it across the room
  3365. #06[23:02] * Dia 's Kar98K got taken away just like that! It's like taking a candy from a kid!
  3366. #06[23:03] * Dia is now shaken in fear, with only her medikit as a weapon. What could she possibly do, bonk her with it?!
  3367. #06[23:03] * [Owen]Katherine raises her foot and pushes the man to the floor, gently but firmly.
  3368. [23:04] <[NPC]Researcher> Flags, laws... civilization... they have chosen her... to be their guardian. As for you... you have a side... to pick. Your friends are making some... noise, aren't they? Perhaps you... should start there.
  3369. [23:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "May you live forever, to see the hell you helped create."
  3370. #06[23:04] * [NPC]Researcher chuckles, sitting up but not moving any further.
  3371. #06[23:04] * [BNS]Zerena lifts Dia from the floor, staring into her eyes with a predatory gaze...
  3372. [23:05] <Dia> wha- a... away! Away---!
  3373. #06[23:06] * Dia tries to push, but to no avail. even in the girl's standard, she is considered weak.
  3374. [23:06] <[NPC]Researcher> It is... your world too. The world ends here... sweetheart... the rest of it... is nowhere. You can reconquer it still, and you may bring it to your reality again... at least I... would like to think so. Say... this floor is... more comfortable than I thought.
  3375. [23:06] <[BNS]Zerena> Oh, don't be that way~ it's fun to be a toy, I promise.
  3376. #06[23:06] * [Owen]Katherine moves back to the world around her, letting the man babble his nonsense.
  3377. #06[23:06] * [BNS]Zerena gently kisses Dia... her eyes are not glowing.
  3378. [23:06] <[NPC]Researcher> Now... those... friends of yours...?
  3379. [23:06] <Dia> ---?!
  3380. #06[23:07] * Dia in the first time of her life, is getting kissed. By some random stranger, and a girl no less.
  3381. [23:08] <Dia> mu---!
  3382. #06[23:08] * Dia is too fear to struggle!
  3383. #06[23:08] * [Owen]Katherine notices Dia in some sort of pickle. With that strange girl, too. Hmm...
  3384. #06[23:09] * [Rut]Ilsa makes it out of the building. She doesn't see anyone chasing her... or -following- her. She stops at the nearest safe/hidden spot she can find to set Raymond down.
  3385. [23:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> R... Ray... Professor. Are y... how are you?
  3386. #06[23:10] * [BNS]Zerena gently caresses Dia's head, trying to lull her into a false sense of security...
  3387. #06[23:10] * [Rut]Ilsa can barely complete sentences between her frantic pants.
  3388. #06[23:10] * Raymond breathes shallowly, eyes vacant, saying nothing. It's as if he can't notice anything.
  3389. #06[23:11] * Dia finally regain her sense and start thrashing around with her voice being muffled by a kiss.
  3390. [23:11] <Dia> ---------!?!?!
  3391. #06[23:12] * [Owen]Katherine marches up to above Zerena and does some fancy rapier work. She brushes the point of the blade against both side's of the girls hair defiantly before resting the point sharply against the back of her neck.
  3392. #06[23:12] * [BNS]Zerena feels a tickle on her neck and tries to brush it away
  3393. [23:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ma'am. Is there some sort of problem here?"
  3394. [23:13] <[Rut]Ilsa> Guh... I... d-don't die! I'll be right back!
  3395. #06[23:13] * [BNS]Zerena stops kissing Dia and turns around with an unpleasant look on her face...
  3396. [23:13] <[BNS]Zerena> You're interrupting my PLAY TIME!
  3397. #06[23:14] * [Rut]Ilsa looks around hastily, making sure no demonics are nearby, then sprints back for the others.
  3398. #06[23:15] * Dia still trying her best to resist with her weak arms.
  3399. [23:15] <Dia> Off! Off, you!
  3400. #06[23:15] * Dia hits. pok pok pok pok pok.
  3401. #06[23:15] * [BNS]Zerena goes to throw a punch at Katherine, but stops just short. The force of a Mack Truck hits her full-on though.
  3402. #06[23:16] * [Owen]Katherine wasn't exactly expecting that. Somehow she doesn't feel a punch, and yet is still sent reeling. What...?
  3403. #06[23:17] * [BNS]Zerena again blasts Katherine with a violent psychic push!
  3404. #06[23:22] * [Owen]Katherine for some reason doesn't feel the second "punch" hardly at all. She's rather confused, but at this point doesn't really care.
  3405. [23:22] <[Owen]Katherine> "Out of the frying pan... Geez."
  3406. #06[23:24] * Dia quickly retrieves her rifle.
  3407. #06[23:24] * [Owen]Katherine stands back up. Seems it's a fight after all...
  3408. [23:25] <[BNS]Zerena> Ah!
  3409. [23:25] <[BNS]Zerena> Oh, come back little toy...
  3410. #06[23:25] * [BNS]Zerena frowns
  3411. [23:26] <[BNS]Zerena> Fine, if you don't want to play... then go visit Daddy.
  3412. #06[23:26] * [BNS]Zerena points at the ground and the area begins to rumble...
  3413. #06[23:26] * [Rut]Ilsa makes it back to the building, scrambling inside. She ducks low, in case the (strangely inactive?) guards open fire as she makes a beeline for where the others were.
  3414. [23:27] <Dia> Tah-!
  3415. #06[23:27] * Dia use her stock as a club and tries to bonk Zerena
  3416. #06[23:29] * [BNS]Zerena 's focus is broken as Dia strikes her with her gun and she stumbles backward!
  3417. #06[23:29] * [BNS]Zerena tries to regain her footing as the shaking stops...
  3418. #06[23:29] * [Owen]Katherine lunges from far away with the rapier! Good form, though not the best...
  3419. #06[23:31] * [Rut]Ilsa rushes into the room. Seeing Zerena stumbling, she speeds up, driving the body of her gun into the back of Zerena's neck with all the force of her moving weight behind it.
  3420. [23:32] <Dia> whoa!
  3421. #06[23:32] * [BNS]Zerena doesn't regain her footing in time and is impaled on Katherine's blade! She looks down, then up at Katherine to stare her in the eyes as her own start to glow... before Ilsa runs up behind and drives the gun into the back of her neck, snapping Zerena's spine.
  3422. #06[23:33] * [BNS]Zerena slumps and collapses to the ground, dead.
  3423. #06[23:33] * Dia still tries her blind bonk attemp with her eyes closed. Fighting is kind of scary!
  3424. #06[23:34] * [Owen]Katherine is pulled forwards a little from the falling body since her blade's still in it.
  3425. [23:34] <[Rut]Ilsa> D-dia... Everyone...
  3426. #06[23:35] * [Rut]Ilsa breaks into a coughing fit.
  3427. #06[23:35] * [Owen]Katherine stares into Zerena's dead eyes... staring... staring...
  3428. #06[23:35] * [BNS]Zerena 's body suddenly dissipates into a fine purple mist that swirls in the air for a moment before disappearing in a flash of light. All that remains is a glowing ball of light that slowly begins to float outside...
  3429. #06[23:35] * [NPC]Researcher gets back up, gesturing to the guards so they move out of the building. He turns to the group, hands on the wounds on his shoulders, but then smiles and turns away. He walks out after the men without saying a word.
  3430. #06[23:36] * Dia blindly swings around.
  3431. #06[23:37] * Dia eventually collide with kat.
  3432. #06[23:37] * [Owen]Katherine quickly reaches out to grab the orb to find her hands pass right through it. And then is collided by Dia.
  3433. [23:37] <[Owen]Katherine> "Gucck! Wha?"
  3434. [23:38] <Dia> Ow!
  3435. [23:38] <Dia> where the kiss girl?
  3436. #06[23:39] * [Owen]Katherine tries to stay on her feet. The light... she wants to follow it... she HAS to. It means... something.
  3437. #06[23:39] * [Rut]Ilsa falls to her knees, curling slightly, hyperventilating between coughs.
  3438. #06[23:39] * Dia doesn't see that.
  3439. [23:39] <Dia> Oh! Irusha!
  3440. #06[23:39] * Dia rush over to Ilsa with her medikit
  3441. [23:40] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ladies... you'd better do that somewhere else. We need to move."
  3442. [23:40] <[Owen]Katherine> "NOW."
  3443. [23:40] <[NPC]Researcher> [The orb floats out of the building, steadily ambling across the street. It gains speed, gradually, but doesn't go very fast.]
  3444. [23:40] <Dia> I check isla, one minute!
  3445. #06[23:40] * [Owen]Katherine is still following the light, slightly unconcerned with the other two.
  3446. [23:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> *hack**cough*... N... NOW you want to move? *gack**wheeze*
  3447. #06[23:42] * [Rut]Ilsa can't help but laugh in a fusion of relief and exasperation. It doesn't help the coughing much.
  3448. #06[23:42] * [Rut]Ilsa unsteadily rises to her feet.
  3449. [23:42] <Dia> Stop breathing much! Now take this---
  3450. #06[23:42] * Dia rummageher kit.
  3451. #06[23:43] * Dia present Ilsa with kid's anti-coughing drug. Syrup type. Sweet!
  3452. #06[23:43] * [Rut]Ilsa clears her throat and takes a breath, drawing another cigarette.
  3453. [23:43] <Dia> Should help!
  3454. [23:43] <[NPC]Researcher> [The orb does a gentle arc as it travels across, going into a crumpled figure in a white suit without stopping. It's a bit too far to tell who it is just by looking.]
  3455. [23:44] <[Rut]Ilsa> N-no... don't worry about me. Listen, Raymond needs help. Follow me.
  3456. #06[23:44] * [Owen]Katherine is whispering... "If you could see this... If you only could... I don't believe it, but I do..."
  3457. [23:44] <Dia> where is Ray?
  3458. #06[23:44] * [Rut]Ilsa takes off in the same direction that Katherine went, lighting up as she goes. She motions for Dia to follow her.
  3459. [23:44] <[NPC]Researcher> [The figure moves but does it sluggishly, not even looking around.]
  3460. #06[23:45] * [Owen]Katherine walks to the crumpled figure slowly, her footsteps far more resolute than they were a half-hour ago.
  3461. [23:45] <Dia> o-okay! Take the drug, too! it helps!
  3462. [23:45] <[Rut]Ilsa> Uh, later! Hurry!
  3463. [23:45] <Dia> move to point alpha two-six.
  3464. #06[23:45] * [Rut]Ilsa hates medicine, also.
  3465. [23:45] <Dia> [shit, retcon that. not for this chat.]
  3466. #06[23:46] * Raymond looks up at the three, which finally makes clear that it's him. He tries to bring his left hand up to adjust his glasses, but winces and stops.
  3467. [23:47] <[Rut]Ilsa> Don't move, Professor...
  3468. #06[23:47] * [Owen]Katherine crouches down and looks Ray over. The orb... was it REALLY that simple.
  3469. #06[23:48] * [Owen]Katherine can worry about that later. She stands up and looks around.
  3470. [23:48] <Dia> RAY!
  3471. #06[23:48] * [Rut]Ilsa 's voice is quiet, as if she, herself, didn't believe the name she just used. Raymond... is alive. Everyone is.
  3472. [23:48] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  3473. #06[23:48] * Dia tackle-hug the injured Ray.
  3474. #06[23:48] * Raymond takes a deep breath, only to inhale some dust; he breaks into a fit of coughing. He still looks... out of sorts, but he's moving.
  3475. [23:48] <[Owen]Katherine> "Car... we need a car. Ours is dead."
  3476. #06[23:49] * [Rut]Ilsa faces away from the group, and walks for a bit, distancing herself. She takes a long drag of her cigarette.
  3477. [23:49] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... *sniff*...
  3478. #06[23:49] * Raymond 's eyes widen from the tackle as he suddenly notices the pain in his arm.
  3479. [23:50] <[Owen]Katherine> "How much do we need from it? Professor?"
  3480. #01[23:50] <Raymond> ...Kat? That's you, isn't it? Well...
  3481. [23:50] <Dia> Ray! You hout much? hurt where? the kissgirl do you pain? you scream loudmuch!
  3482. #06[23:50] * Dia shakeshakeshake
  3483. [23:50] <[Rut]Ilsa> A-ah... *sniff* Hhhh...
  3484. #06[23:51] * [Rut]Ilsa tries in vain to mute her own voice. She walks further away from the others.
  3485. #01[23:51] <Raymond> Ow, ow! I'm okay now! We'll all be fine! Ouch!
  3486. #06[23:51] * [Owen]Katherine paces around the other three; she's having difficultly standing still now.
  3487. [23:52] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ilsa, Dia. How much do you have in the car we need to take?"
  3488. #06[23:52] * [Rut]Ilsa swallows the lump in her throat.
  3489. [23:53] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Nothing, for me. I took the extra clips of ammo.
  3490. #06[23:53] * [Owen]Katherine nods and turns to Dia.
  3491. #06[23:53] * Raymond cradles Dia's head with his right arm, working hard to calm her down.
  3492. [23:54] <[Owen]Katherine> "Dia? Dia, over here. You can hug him later; this area is dangerous. How much did you bring with you you can't leave behind?"
  3493. [23:54] <Dia> Ah-
  3494. [23:54] <Dia> Sorry!
  3495. #06[23:54] * Dia separates.
  3496. [23:55] <Dia> I have gun, and drug box, and cloth in a box.
  3497. [23:55] <Dia> I don't want to leave cloths behind, but if it is need I ok with leave it...
  3498. #06[23:56] * [Owen]Katherine nods again.
  3499. [23:57] <[Owen]Katherine> "I'll find us a new vehicle. You three, get back to the car and grab what you need. Get my duffel; it's got supplies we could use. And find Mia!"
  3500. #06[23:57] * [Owen]Katherine jogs off and starts searching for some jeep or small truck with keys in it.
  3501. [23:57] <Dia> ok!
  3502. #06[23:57] * Raymond shakes his head to clear it. The car... the stuff... what's the last thing that happened...?
  3503. #06[23:58] * Dia does as ordered.
  3504. [23:58] <[Rut]Ilsa> Professor, are you able to stand?
  3505. #01[23:59] <Raymond> Yeah... I think so.
  3506. #06[23:59] * Raymond gets up slowly, resting himself only on his right hand as he does so.
  3507. #01[00:00] <Raymond> Have you seen my briefcase, Ilsa?
  3508. [00:01] <[Rut]Ilsa> Your... I, ah, forgive me. I don't recall. It must still be in that building. I'll recover it.
  3509. #06[00:02] * [Rut]Ilsa give a polite sort of nodding-bow, and walks off towards the building again.
  3510. #06[00:03] * Raymond follows, finally adjusting his glasses. Where's Mia... she's the one who can best deal with the wrist, right?
  3511.  
  3512.  
  3513. ---Side Session---
  3514.  
  3515. SESSION CURRENTLY MISSING
  3516.  
  3517. ---Session Twelve---
  3518.  
  3519. “At death's approach, all creatures discover an aptitude for violence.”
  3520. -Alan Moore, /Watchmen/
  3521.  
  3522. #01[22:47] <Raymond> [Late afternoon in the city of Breslau. The team's gotten together again, and through a combination of skill, ingenuity, and a whole lot of luck were able to procure replacement parts for the car's boiler. The combination of some foreign parts and cloths tied around leaks seems spartan, maybe even haphazard, but the car keeps going. The aim now is, mostly, to find out where you are...]
  3523. [22:50] <[Ora]Mia> ...s-sir...#14... will this hold?....
  3524. #06[22:50] * [Ora]Mia seems apprehensive of it.
  3525. #01[22:52] <Raymond> I think so, but... well, it won't run like it used to.
  3526. [22:52] <%Dia> it go forward. it is okay much, already.
  3527. #06[22:52] * %Dia nods.
  3528. [22:53] <%Dia> just it will go forward okay when I and you want to?
  3529. [22:53] <%Dia> get chase and not run car, it's bad.
  3530. #01[22:55] <Raymond> I suppose...
  3531. #06[22:56] * %Dia 's English is still broken as ever.
  3532. #06[22:56] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  3533. #06[22:57] * [Ora]Mia looks around...she seeing things again.
  3534. #06[22:57] * Raymond looks briefly at the wisps of steam that are occasionallly released out from the side vents in the hood, but focuses on his map again. Still no good roadsigns to figure anything out by...
  3535. [22:59] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Sir.. what is our next destination?...
  3536. #06[23:03] * %Dia checks content of her medikit for consistency.
  3537. #01[23:03] <Raymond> I was hoping to get to... sector ARN. The best street from where we were is Bismarckstrasse, but I've only got a vague idea of where that might be. Do you have an idea?
  3538. #06[23:04] * %Dia shakes head.
  3539. [23:04] <%Dia> Never here before first. not know road and places.
  3540. #06[23:04] * [Ora]Mia .oO( This is my town, I should know better... think Mia.. think!)
  3541. #06[23:09] * [Ora]Mia spots a familar spot...
  3542. [23:10] <[Ora]Mia> ...Northwest...Oda... we're not too far from it...sir..
  3543. #01[23:11] <Raymond> Let's see... that puts us somewhere around...
  3544. #01[23:12] <Raymond> Hm. So we need to go a little to the east, but...
  3545. [23:14] <%Dia> There!
  3546. #06[23:14] * %Dia points at one of the random intersection!
  3547. [23:14] <[Ora]Mia> ...
  3548. [23:15] <%Dia> Gut feeling!
  3549. [23:15] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I'm not too sure that is the best idea to point in a random directon...
  3550. #01[23:15] <Raymond> ...I suppose we don't have much of an alternative. That is eastwards, so maybe...
  3551. #06[23:16] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  3552. [23:16] <[Ora]Mia> #14...I am in your guidance then Dia...
  3553. [23:16] <%Dia> ?
  3554. [23:17] <%Dia> but but-
  3555. #06[23:17] * %Dia still points
  3556. [23:17] <%Dia> I think better go that! Gut feeling says so!
  3557. [23:17] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 That is what we're going Dia...
  3558. [23:19] <%Dia> um.
  3559. #06[23:20] * %Dia back down and cross her arms, satisfied with the results.
  3560. #06[23:21] * Raymond puts the map away, looking around.
  3561. [23:22] <[Ora]Mia> ah..#14 Sir.. what.. happen...to that sword girl?...
  3562. #06[23:23] * Raymond answers as he scrutinizes a building just ahead and to the right.
  3563. #01[23:23] <Raymond> Sword girl? You mean the one with... the researcher?
  3564. #06[23:24] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  3565. [23:24] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Yes
  3566. #01[23:24] <Raymond> ...Wish I knew. When I woke up she was gone. And I would've liked to have given her something for my wrist, too.
  3567. #06[23:25] * Raymond lifts up his left hand, the wrist still bound and with a splint.
  3568. [23:26] <[Ora]Mia> ...#14 are you ok sir?
  3569. #06[23:26] * %Dia hold up medikit.
  3570. #06[23:26] * [Ora]Mia looks worries upon looking at that wrist.
  3571. #01[23:26] <Raymond> It just needs some time, don't you worry. Didn't you make sure of that yourself?
  3572. #06[23:27] * %Dia nods
  3573. [23:27] <%Dia> yes. no big deal. balm and wait, Ray will okay.
  3574. #06[23:27] * Raymond suddenly turns more serious.
  3575. #01[23:28] <Raymond> Mia, focus on driving for a moment. Dia, take a look at that building just ahead and to the right...
  3576. #06[23:28] * %Dia does so.
  3577. #06[23:30] * [Ora]Mia takes over.
  3578. #06[23:35] * [Ora]Mia is a pretty darn good driver.. she takes a smooth sailing through... slowly of course.
  3579. #01[23:36] <Raymond> [The building is teeming with activity... There's a large mass of people in there that look like civilians. It's difficult to tell what they're doing, let alone where one person ends and the next begins, but one leans out of a second story window... he's got a sporting rifle.]
  3580. [23:37] <[Ora]Mia> ...#14 survivors?
  3581. [23:37] <%Dia> maybe.
  3582. #06[23:38] * %Dia readies her Kar98K. never hurt to be prepared.
  3583. [23:39] <[Ora]Mia> ...
  3584. #06[23:39] * [Ora]Mia keeps her eye on the road, bad if we crash and cause some unneedd commotion.
  3585. [23:40] <%Dia> they armed. prepare your gun.
  3586. #06[23:41] * %Dia tenses up.
  3587. #01[23:41] <Raymond> [The man gets back inside, paying the car no heed.]
  3588. [23:43] <%Dia> ...?
  3589. [23:43] <%Dia> Ray, ray.
  3590. #06[23:43] * %Dia nudges Raymond.
  3591. #01[23:43] <Raymond> Yes?
  3592. [23:43] <%Dia> Lots people ahead. with guns. what to do?
  3593. [23:44] <%Dia> not gunmen you know, too.
  3594. #06[23:44] * Raymond looks, adjusting his glasses- he has to stop himself from using his left hand.
  3595. #01[23:44] <Raymond> Hm...
  3596. [23:45] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Guns?...can't be good..
  3597. #01[23:46] <Raymond> [The commotion from within the building escalates quickly, before all of a sudden movements inside come to a halt. A murmur, which you hadn't noticed, dies and leaves an abyssal silence...]
  3598. [23:46] <%Dia> ...
  3599. [23:46] <%Dia> let's stop.
  3600. #06[23:46] * %Dia feel the shift of atmosphere.
  3601. #01[23:47] <Raymond> [Bullets come flying out of the windows. They're not accurate but there are a lot of them... you can't hear machine guns, too irregular, but it's too many weapons to tell just how many shooters there are.]
  3602. [23:48] <[Ora]Mia> ...!!
  3603. #06[23:49] * [Ora]Mia stops the car immediately.
  3604. [23:49] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Cover. Now.
  3605. #01[23:49] <Raymond> What? No! We won't clear them by stopping!
  3606. [23:50] <[Ora]Mia> #14 S-sir?.. keep moving!?
  3607. [23:50] <%Dia> ---!
  3608. #01[23:50] <Raymond> Would you rather be a sitting duck?!
  3609. #06[23:50] * %Dia scoped for any figures with a gun!
  3610. #06[23:50] * %Dia squeeze a round out.
  3611. #06[23:50] * Raymond crouches into the footspace, doing his best to lower his profile.
  3612. [23:51] <%Dia> Ray, down!
  3613. #06[23:51] * [Ora]Mia keeps the car moving immediately.
  3614. [23:51] <[Ora]Mia> Moving now sir.
  3615. #01[23:53] <Raymond> [There's a car, all of its tires flat, just in front. The car swerves to avoid it just as Katherine crouches and Ilsa leans out of the window to fire back.]
  3616. [23:53] <[Ora]Mia> Tch...
  3617. [23:53] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Are you ok sir?
  3618. #06[23:54] * %Dia is stuck in battlefield fury! she still fires!
  3619. [23:56] <%Dia> pinned!
  3620. #01[23:56] <Raymond> Get back inside! The car's got some proofing!
  3621. #06[23:56] * %Dia report the current situation to Raymond. What to do, Ray?!
  3622. #06[23:57] * %Dia is grazed by the return fire!
  3623. [23:57] <%Dia> Kya-!
  3624. #06[23:58] * Raymond literally pulls Ilsa back inside to the point where she's got more cover.
  3625. #01[23:58] <Raymond> Dia! You alright?!
  3626. [23:59] <%Dia> good good! all green!
  3627. #06[23:59] * %Dia fires back some more.
  3628. [23:59] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Get in and stop firing... we must leave now,.
  3629. #01[00:00] <Raymond> [Katherine pulls out her pistol to return fire, although from the looks of it she isn't getting much. As the car goes out to avoid the other, most of the fire dies down. A shot whizzes in through one window and goes directly through the car, out another, without hitting anyone.]
  3630. [00:00] <[Ora]Mia> !!
  3631. #06[00:00] * [Ora]Mia 's heart almost skips a beat.
  3632. #06[00:01] * %Dia is still focused on firing as much as she could.
  3633. #06[00:02] * [Ora]Mia speaks but keeps her eyes on the road.
  3634. [00:03] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Everyone ok?
  3635. #06[00:03] * %Dia just pant heavily, covering her bleeding forearm.
  3636. #01[00:06] <Raymond> [Katherine glares at the building intently, getting back up and leaning forwards a little. Ilsa relaxes just a little, but is still breathing pretty hard. There's a quick, vague sound, and Katherine's gun is clumsily thrown into the front seat as she leans back into the car door; she's looking like she's lost her balance.]
  3637. #06[00:10] * Raymond pants and slowly relaxes, looking over himself. Realizing and starting to feel that some of his weight is on his left hand, he notices it's unusually warm. He brings it back up.
  3638. #01[00:10] <Raymond> [The palm is stained red, easily seen even by those in front.]
  3639. [00:11] <[Ora]Mia> ..
  3640. [00:11] <[Ora]Mia> Sir...get it taken care of now.
  3641. #01[00:12] <Raymond> But... I wasn't-
  3642. #06[00:12] * Raymond turns around, suddenly in a panic.
  3643. #01[00:13] <Raymond> Kat! Shit! Mia, get back here. I'm taking over.
  3644. #06[00:14] * Raymond leaves no room for questions as he climbs ahead, even slightly using his injured hand, and leaves some space for Mia to move into the back.
  3645. #06[00:14] * [Ora]Mia does so without question.
  3646. #06[00:14] * %Dia is getting dizzy. her bleeding is not life-threatening, but it saps her strength.
  3647. #01[00:16] <Raymond> [Katherine's been hit just above the jaw; though she's lost quite some blood she'll probably live, her vital signs are all stable and if the injury doesn't get infected it'll recover with time. She herself, however, is out cold.]
  3648. [00:17] <%Dia> must... treat... Kat...
  3649. #06[00:17] * %Dia crawls over with a medikit.
  3650. #06[00:17] * Raymond takes over the car, getting as far away as possible from the site as quickly as he can without crashing.
  3651. #06[00:24] * %Dia , together with Mia, proceed to patch Kat up okay despite Dia being injured herself. But even that, Kat shows no sign of waking up.
  3652. #06[00:29] * [Ora]Mia sighs.
  3653. [00:29] <[Ora]Mia> #14... She'll be fine sir.
  3654. #06[00:29] * [Ora]Mia is completely red and exhausted from the strenous work.
  3655. #06[00:30] * Raymond is visibly relieved, and finally slows down the car. What a day...
  3656. [00:36] <[Ora]Mia> How is your hand?
  3657. #01[00:39] <Raymond> Huh? Oh. I... damn, I think I moved it too much. I'm going to feel that later, aren't I?
  3658. #06[00:40] * [Ora]Mia nods.
  3659. [00:42] <[Ora]Mia> ....
  3660. #06[00:43] * [Ora]Mia pulls out a pill, its white.
  3661. [00:43] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Please take this but not too many or it may bleed again.
  3662. #01[00:43] <Raymond> Eh...? Sure.
  3663. #06[00:44] * Raymond grabs it and takes it as instructed. He looks back out, stopping in front of a signpost that's bent but still readable.
  3664. [00:44] <[Ora]Mia> ...??
  3665. #01[00:47] <Raymond> 'Roseninaterstrasse and... Am Waldchen...'
  3666. #06[00:47] * Raymond pulls out the map again, checking it.
  3667. #01[00:48] <Raymond> ...So that's where we wound up...
  3668. #01[00:49] <Raymond> Guess you were right, Dia, after all...
  3669. [00:52] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Strange luck...
  3670.  
  3671.  
  3672. ---Session Thirteen---
  3673.  
  3674. “As far as we discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.”
  3675. -Carl Jung, /Memories, Dreams, Reflections/
  3676.  
  3677. 21:48] <[GM]Moltar> [The afternoon progresses into the evening in the city of Breslau, as a familiar silverish blue car comes to a stop just outside an abandoned building. It's quiet... even that drone seems further away than usual.]
  3678. [21:51] <[GM]Moltar> [The structure's size is imposing, but it seems soulless and hollow. Open and smashed windows look out at you like vacant, unseeing eyes...]
  3679. #06[21:52] * Raymond parks just outside and turns the engine off. He gets out of the car somewhat and looks about, keeping one foot still on the inside.
  3680. [21:53] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Is this spot safe sir?...
  3681. #06[21:53] * [Mar]Mia peers.
  3682. #06[21:53] * [Owen]Katherine has her Colt out and ready, flicking her eyes about from doorway to doorway.
  3683. #01[21:53] <Raymond> ...I hope so. It could be anything, here... all that was in the dossier on this sector was how little footing the MET has.
  3684. [21:54] <Dia> MET?
  3685. #06[21:54] * Dia asks.
  3686. #06[21:54] * [Owen]Katherine tries to talk a little. Her jaw is still super-sore.
  3687. [21:54] <[Owen]Katherine> "We, nmmnrr... We are, pilgrims, in an unholy land..."
  3688. #06[21:55] * Raymond listens, but answers Dia's question.
  3689. #01[21:55] <Raymond> Gunmen, Dia.
  3690. [21:55] <Dia> Ah.
  3691. #06[21:55] * Dia nods.
  3692. [21:56] <[Mar]Mia> Aye...
  3693. #06[21:56] * Raymond picks up his briefcase, reluctantly stepping out completely and shutting the door behind him.
  3694. #06[21:56] * [Owen]Katherine follows.
  3695. [21:57] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir, what gear will we need from the auto? Are you planning on setting up camp inside?"
  3696. #06[21:58] * [Owen]Katherine instantly winces from talking that much that fast. Silly girl... talk less, SAY more.
  3697. #06[21:58] * Dia is not really aware of the danger. She just get down normally, fixing her dress, and sling the medkit up her shoulder.
  3698. #01[21:58] <Raymond> Let's leave it packed for now. We don't know what's inside.
  3699. [21:59] <[Mar]Mia> #14 I'd suggest just keeping your weapons and nothing else...
  3700. #06[21:59] * Raymond begins to take slow, measured steps towards the entrance.
  3701. #06[22:00] * [Rut]Ilsa checks hers. It gives an all-too familiar mechanical "ka-chak".
  3702. #06[22:00] * [Owen]Katherine cautiously unsheathes her rapier and balances her gun hand on top of her sword hand. Awkward, but versatile.
  3703. #06[22:00] * Dia kinda follows, oblivious to everything. Ray's here, so there's nothing to worry about!
  3704. [22:01] <[Rut]Ilsa> Let me take point, Doctor.
  3705. #06[22:01] * Raymond nods.
  3706. [22:01] <[Owen]Katherine> "Dia, eyes."
  3707. [22:01] <Dia> Yah?
  3708. #06[22:01] * [Rut]Ilsa goes first.
  3709. #06[22:01] * Dia does not comprehend.
  3710. #06[22:01] * [Owen]Katherine points to any number of blind spots.
  3711. [22:02] <[Mar]Mia> #14Nothing here...
  3712. [22:02] <[Owen]Katherine> "Always... pay attention. Adversaries... anywhere."
  3713. [22:02] <Dia> Adver--?
  3714. #06[22:03] * Dia is not a native English speaker.
  3715. #06[22:03] * [Owen]Katherine keeps swiveling around, checking blown out windows.
  3716. #06[22:03] * Dia notice the word 'attention', however.
  3717. [22:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "Enemies."
  3718. #06[22:03] * Dia going into lock 'n load status in a jiffy!
  3719. [22:03] <Dia> Where?!
  3720. #06[22:04] * Raymond follows behind Ilsa, taking a look around.
  3721. [22:04] <[Owen]Katherine> "We don't know, Dia. So... watch."
  3722. [22:05] <Dia> Aye!
  3723. #06[22:05] * Dia is in alert.
  3724. #06[22:05] * Dia mumble something in her native tongue. But she doesn't seems to be afraid. Probably because Raymond is here.
  3725. [22:05] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Easy there Dia...
  3726. #06[22:06] * [Owen]Katherine might be a little paranoid here. But at least it's better than apathetic. She is on the ball.
  3727. #01[22:06] <Raymond> [The building seems as though it hasn't been inhabited for some time... there are items strewn about everywhere of all varieties. A book here, a water cooler there, a broken ceramic dog, a small bottle, etcetera, etcetera...]
  3728. #01[22:07] <Raymond> [A familiar, but not at all pleasant, voice rings out from the inside.]
  3729. #06[22:07] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps her back straight, shoulders loose and ready to raise the muzzle, hands steady...
  3730. [22:07] <[Mar]Mia> #14 We should check, there might be supplies we could use...
  3731. [22:07] <[NPC]Researcher> Oh, hello there... I heard you come in, but I didn't know it was you. Boss. Ladies.
  3732. [22:07] <Dia> Hi!
  3733. #06[22:08] * Dia , as a good-natured person (AKA idiot) greets the voice.
  3734. #06[22:08] * [NPC]Researcher is sitting on a table with a book in his lap. looking pleasantly surprised. He gives the group a respectful nod.
  3735. #06[22:08] * [Mar]Mia points her gun to this person...but upon recognize he/she isn't one of them, she carefully puts her gun down.
  3736. #06[22:09] * [Owen]Katherine stares. And stares. And stares.
  3737. #01[22:09] <Raymond> What are you doing here?
  3738. #06[22:09] * [Owen]Katherine then stares no more and refuses to acknowledge the man's presence. He is dead to her.
  3739. #06[22:09] * [NPC]Researcher ignores the question.
  3740. #06[22:10] * [Owen]Katherine continues to scout the room, gun lowered but rapier raised.
  3741. [22:10] <[NPC]Researcher> Lucky you chanced here, then, if you don't know... Well, this is it. Everything had its start here. I come here to think sometimes, but don't you worry. It's just me you've got as company. Besides, there are usually a few demonics lumbering around, here...
  3742. #06[22:11] * Dia is between them. Utterly confused by the threatening atmosphere.
  3743. [22:11] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  3744. #06[22:11] * [Rut]Ilsa eyes him cautiously, still alert.
  3745. [22:11] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Who...are you?...
  3746. [22:12] <[NPC]Researcher> I used to work for the boss, a researcher in biological projects here in town.
  3747. [22:13] <[Rut]Ilsa> We aren't here to chat, sir. If you have something to say...
  3748. [22:13] <[Mar]Mia> ...#14I see...
  3749. #06[22:14] * [Owen]Katherine kneels down and inspects a discarded flask. Empty. She hopes the drinker gained some solace from it in this dead place.
  3750. [22:14] <[NPC]Researcher> Every day, I'd take the tram from my apartment... back to this part of the city to do my work. And yes, this is the very building that it all started in... wanna know how I know?
  3751. #06[22:15] * Raymond grits his teeth, tightenting his grip on his briefcase so much his knuckles turn white.
  3752. #06[22:17] * [Mar]Mia keeps an eye on this person at all times...
  3753. #06[22:18] * [Owen]Katherine looks up a staircase... doesn't seem like it'd hold much weight.
  3754. [22:18] <Dia> R-Ray?
  3755. #06[22:18] * Dia is alarmed by Ray's shift of mood.
  3756. [22:18] <[Rut]Ilsa> No. -What- do you know?
  3757. #06[22:19] * [Rut]Ilsa can sense the tension building, and would prefer to keep this as short as possible.
  3758. [22:19] <[NPC]Researcher> I was just right by here... when it happened. Just an ordinary day... the minute before it happened had you said something would go wrong anyone would have laughed in your face. And yet... an explosion, like nothing you'd ever heard! A telharmonium played so hard it comes apart, that sort of sound. Then a silly little flask drops to the ground, I hear, and...
  3759. [22:19] <[NPC]Researcher> Well, you know the rest.
  3760. #06[22:20] * Raymond takes his glasses off, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.
  3761. [22:20] <[Rut]Ilsa> That's impossible. How are you still--
  3762. #06[22:20] * [Owen]Katherine pays attention to the conversation but refuses to look at the man. So that's how it all started. A simple accident with a not-so-simple experiment...
  3763. #06[22:20] * [Rut]Ilsa shuts up. She should know better...
  3764. [22:22] <[NPC]Researcher> And yet, it's not what you're thinking. It's a question I bet you were asking, whether or not the biological events were your fault, right boss? It did come from this part of town, after all...
  3765. [22:23] <[Mar]Mia> #14 what?...
  3766. [22:23] <[NPC]Researcher> ...But the building with your projects in it, the ones I was working on, is two blocks east of here. They had nothing to do with the... outbreak, if you will. It's much more... complicated. Were it that simple, we would be much happier, wouldn't we?
  3767. #06[22:23] * Raymond 's breath catches in his throat. He looks surprised, unsure of how to react.
  3768. [22:23] <Dia> ...Ray. You here before?
  3769. #06[22:23] * Dia neve know this.
  3770. #06[22:24] * Raymond shakes his head.
  3771. #06[22:24] * [Owen]Katherine exhales calmly. Yet another misdirection... it's just wheels within wheels with this town, isn't it?
  3772. [22:25] <[NPC]Researcher> Nah, his subordinates worked close by... not that they had anything to do with this, although we all thought we did, for some time. But still, I wonder... would be such motivation to find the cure you've been seaching for, right? Redemption is a big thing to offer a man without a hope in hell, taking back an error or making things right.
  3773. [22:26] <[NPC]Researcher> And yet, what is there left of him when it's found he is guiltless? Only all there was before, which is still a tad saddening... now, he's just like everybody else again. But to really understand, you have to take a close look at what's around you. Take this, for example...
  3774. #06[22:26] * [NPC]Researcher begins to read a passage from his book.
  3775. #06[22:28] * [Owen]Katherine is fairly confident there are no... "enemies" lurking nearby. But then again, who is she to know how well they can hide?
  3776. [22:28] <[NPC]Researcher> “As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;
  3777. As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
  3778. Stones ring; like each tucked string tell, each hung bell's
  3779. Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
  3780. Each mortal does one thing and the same;
  3781. Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
  3782. Selves- goes itself; /myself/ it speaks and spells,”...
  3783. [22:29] <[NPC]Researcher> “...Crying /What I do is for me: for that I came./”
  3784. [22:29] <Dia> Is he crazy?
  3785. #06[22:29] * Dia asks Katherine straight.
  3786. #06[22:29] * [Owen]Katherine whispers back very simply.
  3787. [22:29] <[Owen]Katherine> {"Yes...quite."}
  3788. [22:30] <Dia> 犧ｧ犹謂ｸｲ犹≒ｸ･犹霞ｸｧ犹€犧癌ｸｵ犧｢犧ｧ.
  3789. #06[22:30] * Dia murmurs.
  3790. [22:30] <[NPC]Researcher> ...Makes you think, doesn't it? But this book... First published 1953. This edition published by the Reprint Society Limited by arrangement with MacMillan & Company Limited, 1955. Now how can that be?
  3791. #06[22:31] * [Owen]Katherine continues to whisper. It gives her something different to think about.
  3792. #06[22:32] * [Mar]Mia only finally takes this all in..
  3793. [22:32] <[Owen]Katherine> {"He... is lost. He follows one way, then another. He does not know what is right, Dia."}
  3794. #06[22:33] * Raymond just thinks about it. He looks quite confused.
  3795. #06[22:33] * [Owen]Katherine would pat her on the shoulder, but her hands are occupied by weapons she doesn't want to give up.
  3796. #06[22:33] * [Rut]Ilsa grips her rifle in a combination of unease and impatience.
  3797. [22:34] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...Don't waste our time.
  3798. #06[22:35] * Dia pats Katherine instead.
  3799. #06[22:35] * [Owen]Katherine manages a weak smile.
  3800. [22:37] <[NPC]Researcher> Right you are, sweetheart. In the center of the building is a... tear, if you would, in what we know as time and space. All you see here- and that flask, also, came from it. Such a revolutionary thing, and it seems to be controlled, like it's artificial, but hardly anyone can begin to understand it.
  3801. [22:37] <[Owen]Katherine> {"Are you ready to get out of here, Dia?"}
  3802. #06[22:38] * Dia nods.
  3803. [22:38] <[NPC]Researcher> It held no truth for me... I found it in the words of the Major. But for you... well, perhaps. Good day, Boss, girls.
  3804. [22:38] <Dia> But Ray not go... I stay.
  3805. #06[22:38] * Dia is determined not to leave Raymond alone ever again. She messed up last time. Not this time.
  3806. #06[22:38] * [Owen]Katherine nods somberly.
  3807. [22:39] <[Owen]Katherine> "I, I know... I was just saying, I... think I've hand enough."
  3808. #06[22:39] * [NPC]Researcher gets down from his perch, walking past the group towards the exit. He doesn't move his arms as he goes, and doesn't make a move of any sort, instead just whistling "Steamboat Bill".
  3809. [22:39] <[Rut]Ilsa> What the hell...
  3810. #06[22:39] * Raymond sits on the floor, opening his briefcase and taking a long look into it.
  3811. #06[22:39] * [Mar]Mia shakes her head... none of this makess any sense now.
  3812. [22:39] <[Rut]Ilsa> Doctor?
  3813. #06[22:40] * [Owen]Katherine is vaguely aware of the removal of a fool from the room.
  3814. #01[22:41] <Raymond> ...Yes?
  3815. #06[22:41] * [Rut]Ilsa kneels beside him.
  3816. [22:42] <[Rut]Ilsa> Are you, uh...?
  3817. #06[22:43] * Raymond picks up a vial filled with something orange, looking into it ponderously.
  3818. [22:44] <[Mar]Mia> #14 What is that...sir?
  3819. #06[22:45] * [Owen]Katherine watches from afar, but remains alert. Some do research, and some are on guard. That's how people survive.
  3820. #01[22:45] <Raymond> #14It's... the key. But what am I supposed to do with it now?
  3821. #06[22:48] * Dia stick to Raymond.
  3822. #06[22:49] * [Owen]Katherine thinks about what was said while guarding. A rift in the universe... a book from the future...?
  3823. #06[22:50] * [Owen]Katherine considers the possibility, but... that man she simply can't trust. At all.
  3824. #01[22:50] <Raymond> In this solution is... the virus that I'm using to create the cure. But these cultures can only keep them alive, they can't... make them propagate. I've only got one really... reliable culture in that sense. But I don't know what it was for. If I didn't have anything to do with this, then...
  3825. [22:51] <Dia> then?
  3826. #01[22:52] <Raymond> I don't know. Why don't I know? Was it to help? Was it because I wanted to? Was it to exalt myself? All that command asked of me was to find out what the demonics were, and I did... but on top of that, I made this. What's it for?
  3827. [22:53] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Will we find out if we ask?..
  3828. #01[22:54] <Raymond> ...Ask who?
  3829. [22:55] <[Rut]Ilsa> Raymond.
  3830. [22:56] <[Rut]Ilsa> Regardless of what you decide to do, I'm with you. There's no reason to stop now.
  3831. #06[22:56] * Dia kneel besides Raymond.
  3832. #06[22:56] * Dia take his hand.
  3833. [22:57] <Dia> Stop think now, Ray.
  3834. #06[22:57] * Dia squeeze it.
  3835. [22:57] <Dia> More time later.
  3836. #06[22:57] * Raymond starts, looking over at his two companions. He swallows, and appears to come to his senses.
  3837. #06[22:58] * Dia rummage into her medkit, and present Raymond with some candy.
  3838. [22:58] <Dia> V... vitamin cee?
  3839. #06[22:58] * Raymond puts the vial back inside his suitcase and closes it, his movements measured at first but gradually relaxing.
  3840. #01[22:58] <Raymond> I'll be alright.
  3841. #06[22:58] * [Rut]Ilsa nods.
  3842. [22:58] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir."
  3843. #01[22:58] <Raymond> Yes?
  3844. #06[22:59] * [Owen]Katherine addresses out of the blue.
  3845. [22:59] <[Owen]Katherine> "Do you have a plan? Time is our enemy, here."
  3846. #06[22:59] * Dia then make a round and pass everyone some vitamin C tablet to eat.
  3847. #06[22:59] * [Mar]Mia sighs..
  3848. #01[22:59] <Raymond> Actually, yes. In a way.
  3849. #06[23:00] * Raymond stands back up.
  3850. #06[23:00] * [Rut]Ilsa follows suit.
  3851. [23:00] <Dia> Eat up, ray!
  3852. #06[23:01] * Dia shove a candy into Raymond's mouth.
  3853. [23:01] <Dia> Sugar help brain!
  3854. #01[23:01] <Raymond> I've managed to grow cultures that can be injected into people to... help. The viruses themselves don't propagate in here, but-mmph!
  3855. #06[23:01] * Raymond finally eats it, looking annoyed at first but then starting to laugh.
  3856. [23:01] <Dia> You think too much. Slow down. Think later, 犹€犧もｹ霞ｸｲ犹・ｸ謂ｹ金ｸｦ
  3857. [23:02] <Dia> Underztand?
  3858. #01[23:02] <Raymond> Yeah... yeah, I understand.
  3859. #06[23:02] * [Rut]Ilsa 犂_犂s at Dia and Raymond.
  3860. [23:03] <[Mar]Mia> #14So...what are we still doing here?
  3861. #01[23:03] <Raymond> But still... do you think what that... guy said earlier about this building has any truth to it?
  3862. #06[23:03] * [Owen]Katherine sighs. Smiles are good for your health too, after all.
  3863. [23:03] <Dia> I did not listen~
  3864. #06[23:03] * Dia is so carefree it's annoying.
  3865. [23:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir, if I may be frank..."
  3866. #06[23:04] * [Owen]Katherine 's face grows grim.
  3867. #06[23:04] * Raymond is clearly listening, though he adjusts his glasses again.
  3868. [23:04] <[Owen]Katherine> "That man is utterly lost in attempting to... justify, his actions. I would not trust one word from his mouth."
  3869. [23:05] <[Owen]Katherine> "However..."
  3870. [23:05] <[Owen]Katherine> "You know, and I know, that this city is not... right."
  3871. #06[23:06] * Raymond nods.
  3872. [23:06] <[Owen]Katherine> "We are living in a fantasy world now, I think, doctor."
  3873. [23:06] <[Rut]Ilsa> It doesn't matter. Hindsight is only clear when the dust's subsided. As long as we keep moving forward, there's nothing else to regret.
  3874. [23:07] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Sir.
  3875. #06[23:07] * Raymond starts walking further inside the building, a little slowly, looking around him at the items strewn about.
  3876. #01[23:07] <Raymond> Yes, I suppose you're right.
  3877. [23:07] <[Owen]Katherine> "Anything, may be possible. Trust nothing, but... discount nothing, either."
  3878. [23:07] <[Owen]Katherine> "My opinion only, sir..."
  3879. #06[23:07] * [Owen]Katherine bows out of respect.
  3880. [23:08] <[Mar]Mia> Its fairy enough...
  3881. #01[23:08] <Raymond> Well... it is only this building we've got to investigate for this, after all. Be cautious, but... I can't help but want to know.
  3882. #06[23:09] * [Owen]Katherine nods.
  3883. [23:10] <[Owen]Katherine> "Aye, sir... I, do, as well."
  3884. #06[23:10] * [Rut]Ilsa takes point again, regaining focus on the task at hand.
  3885. [23:11] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Alright.. what should we do first sir?
  3886. #01[23:11] <Raymond> Let's just... see if what he said was true.
  3887. #06[23:13] * Raymond walks further inside with a new air of determination, although he keeps a close eye on his surroundings.
  3888. #06[23:16] * [Owen]Katherine takes the rear. Steady... steady...
  3889.  
  3890.  
  3891. ---Session Fourteen---
  3892.  
  3893. “The mediator between head and hands must be the heart!”
  3894. -Thea von Harbou, /Metropolis/
  3895.  
  3896. [22:17] <[GM]Moltar> [Late evening in the city of Breslau. The buildings, which you can see through the windows of the building you currently occupy, take on an orange hue as the day approaches its end. The ever-present drone is still there, but seems further away than ever... You wouldn't notice it if you didn't know it was there.]
  3897. [22:18] <[Mari]Mia> ...
  3898. [22:20] <[GM]Moltar> [The researcher has left, leaving the group to itself, the strange objects (some unrecognizable) and its thoughts. And so the day progresses...]
  3899. #06[22:21] * Raymond looks further inside, wondering whether or not to wander in. He takes a few steps in, after a moment, and opens a door...
  3900. [22:22] <[GM]Moltar> [A bright light comes from inside, accompanied by a disproportionately low hum. It just seems to... sit there.]
  3901. #06[22:23] * Raymond sighs and calmly closes the door, picking his briefcase back up and walking in the other direction. Some things... are things to think about later.
  3902. #06[22:24] * `Katherine taps her rapier on the dusty ground, sitting as she thinks...
  3903. [22:25] <`Katherine> "So lost... and yet so found..."
  3904. [22:26] <[Mari]Mia> ...
  3905. #06[22:26] * [Mari]Mia .oO( Where was I?...)
  3906. [22:27] <`Katherine> "Doctor, do we have a plan? A destination?"
  3907. #06[22:28] * Dia is kinda around.
  3908. #01[22:28] <Raymond> I... well, maybe.
  3909. #06[22:28] * Raymond sits down and opens his briefcase, remembering not to move his left arm.
  3910. #06[22:29] * `Katherine pulls out her Colt and checks the magazine. Full, like it was the first ten times. It's becoming a habit...
  3911. #01[22:29] <Raymond> I'll be direct. I think I've got it.
  3912. #06[22:29] * `Katherine nods and listens, putting the gun away.
  3913. #06[22:30] * [Mari]Mia nods.
  3914. [22:30] <[Mari]Mia> #14 yes..sir.
  3915. #06[22:31] * Raymond pulls out the same vial from earlier... it's glass, containing some sort of orangish liquid.
  3916. #06[22:31] * Dia sits besides Ray.
  3917. #06[22:34] * `Katherine rubs her chin. Science... or, something more...?
  3918. #01[22:35] <Raymond> Do you know what's in here? Well... I just told you, but I won't leave room for ambiguity. This culture is a collection of demonic cells that I took from a... victim. Inside is a virus... when you inject the solution into a victim, the virus will go around and destroy the demonic... components.
  3919. #06[22:35] * [Mari]Mia shakes her head.. she's not sure what to make sense of things anymore.
  3920. #01[22:36] <Raymond> At best... full recovery. At worst... organ failure and, I suppose, death. It isn't perfect... I don't even know how safe it is. But perhaps the chance isn't so bad when you consider the alternative, right...?
  3921. [22:37] <`Katherine> "Do you know how to duplicate it, sir?"
  3922. [22:37] <[Mari]Mia> #14....how will it work?... airborne?.. will it affect the uninfected?..
  3923. [22:38] <Dia> we need try sample.
  3924. #06[22:38] * Dia nods.
  3925. #01[22:40] <Raymond> I'm not sure you could blow it into the air, but maybe it could go in darts... anyway, these cultures of demonic cells keep the virus alive, but it can't really propagate. It destroys the demonic components systematically, so it reproduces with human cells. It's pretty easy to duplicate, actually, as long as you have a living person.
  3926. #01[22:41] <Raymond> Actually... now that I think of it, we have a culture of that sort.
  3927. #06[22:41] * Raymond gives a short laugh.
  3928. [22:42] <[Mari]Mia> ...#14who?
  3929. #01[22:42] <Raymond> Sorry, Mia. I injected the latest strain into your blood when you weren't looking.
  3930. #06[22:43] * `Katherine is thinking. Best solution, best solution...
  3931. [22:43] <[Mari]Mia> ....
  3932. #06[22:43] * [Mari]Mia blinks.
  3933. [22:43] <Dia> ......
  3934. #06[22:43] * Dia claps.
  3935. [22:43] <Dia> good for you.
  3936. #01[22:43] <Raymond> Sorry I didn't ask. It won't hurt you, I knew it wouldn't, but... still.
  3937. #06[22:44] * `Katherine bites her lip and glances at Mia, then at Raymond.
  3938. #06[22:44] * [Mari]Mia sighs.
  3939. [22:44] <`Katherine> "Sir... You said organ failure was possible."
  3940. [22:44] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Well sir...
  3941. #06[22:44] * [Mari]Mia moves her limbs around..hmm.. looks fine....
  3942. [22:45] <[Mari]Mia> #14 When did you do this?
  3943. #01[22:46] <Raymond> Not her. She had an earlier strain in there already, from... oh. You were asleep... lucky me, eh? I haven't caught you with even one eye closed very often.
  3944. #06[22:47] * [Mari]Mia nods..
  3945. [22:47] <Dia> ...............
  3946. [22:47] <Dia> R...ray....
  3947. [22:47] <Dia> you inject me, too?
  3948. #06[22:47] * Dia is somewhat afraid.
  3949. #01[22:48] <Raymond> No, Dia, don't worry. You can trust me... can't you?
  3950. [22:48] <Dia> ugh...
  3951. [22:48] <Dia> I trust Ray, but...
  3952. [22:48] <Dia> orgain failure scary.
  3953. #06[22:49] * `Katherine tries to bring the conversation back "on topic".
  3954. [22:49] <`Katherine> "Sir... Would it be advisable to leave the city and attempt to create more of this, for lack of a better term, antidote?"
  3955. [22:49] <`Katherine> "Or... then again, the soldiers..."
  3956. [22:49] <[Mari]Mia> #14 I see...
  3957. #06[22:50] * Raymond nods.
  3958. #06[22:50] * [Mari]Mia sighs.
  3959. #01[22:51] <Raymond> We're thinking the same thought. I could give this to high command at MET, but... the first time I visited they weren't regarded very well. Spare parts and munitions running short all throughout the city... but if I remember correctly...
  3960. #01[22:52] <Raymond> Say, hadn't my old subordinate said that someone had just been given command of all the troops inside the city?
  3961. [22:52] <Dia> The lady?
  3962. #06[22:53] * `Katherine considers that, between a rock and a hard place, they might very well be somewhere in between...
  3963. #06[22:54] * `Katherine begins pacing.
  3964. #01[22:55] <Raymond> ...Does have a reputation for getting things done. What do you all think?
  3965. [22:55] <Dia> I dunno...
  3966. #06[22:56] * [Mari]Mia is at a lost on what to do.. all of this is so hard to take in...
  3967. [22:59] <`Katherine> "Trust."
  3968. #06[22:59] * `Katherine simply states.
  3969. #06[23:00] * Raymond looks at Katherine, unsure if he understands.
  3970. #06[23:00] * `Katherine looks back seriously.
  3971. [23:01] <Dia> I don't know. If ray do, I do. If Ray go, I go.
  3972. [23:01] <Dia> Thinking is hard.
  3973. [23:01] <`Katherine> "You say that thing in your hand is a cure. I've no reason to deny that. But... it may be the ONLY cure, at the moment."
  3974. #06[23:01] * Dia take Raymond's arm.
  3975. [23:02] <`Katherine> "We can't... we can't give it away. The meddling... all the meddling, it's too thick."
  3976. [23:03] <`Katherine> "I, don't know who to trust. Except, for myself. This is my... opinion, sir. Forgive me."
  3977. #06[23:03] * `Katherine bows and sits back down.
  3978. #06[23:03] * Raymond nods and looks back ahead.
  3979. #01[23:03] <Raymond> I don't blame you.
  3980. [23:05] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Its war Kathy...
  3981. [23:05] <[Mari]Mia> #14 We do what we must.
  3982. #06[23:05] * `Katherine looks away. It's harsh, but... true. She's only known this crew for a few days, and... how much does she REALLY know?
  3983. [23:06] <`Katherine> "...What we must, is to fix this. Because..."
  3984. #06[23:06] * `Katherine pushes her glasses back up on her nose.
  3985. [23:07] <`Katherine> "...no one else seems to be trying to."
  3986. [23:07] <Dia> Ray is!
  3987. #06[23:07] * Dia frowns.
  3988. #06[23:07] * `Katherine nods.
  3989. [23:07] <`Katherine> "We, Dia. Not I."
  3990. [23:07] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Hmm..
  3991. #06[23:07] * Raymond looks over at Katherine like he's going to say something, but doesn't in the end.
  3992. [23:07] <[Mari]Mia> #14 I suppose I will keep on my words.
  3993. [23:09] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Will this affect my lifespan in anyway sir?
  3994. #06[23:11] * Raymond shrugs.
  3995. #01[23:11] <Raymond> I don't see why it would.
  3996. [23:11] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Possible risks sir, we have no idea on its side-effects.
  3997. #01[23:12] <Raymond> ...I know.
  3998. #06[23:13] * `Katherine is back to thinking mode.
  3999. #06[23:13] * `Katherine begins talking to herself, audible but not extremely loud.
  4000. [23:14] <`Katherine> "...no airborne... slow distribution... going to have quantity issues..."
  4001. [23:19] <`Katherine> "...base station...? No, no, risky... other options..."
  4002. #06[23:21] * Raymond is also thinking, not noticing it when his glasses start to slip.
  4003. [23:24] <`Katherine> "Sir, you said there was a woman, a lady... were you referring to the officer? The, uhh... one with the, large, chest."
  4004. #06[23:25] * `Katherine tries not to blush.
  4005. #06[23:25] * Raymond nods.
  4006. #01[23:25] <Raymond> From what I can gather from the radio chatter, it's her.
  4007. [23:25] <`Katherine> "Can you... trust her?"
  4008. [23:26] <Dia> She okay enough, Dia thinks.
  4009. #01[23:29] <Raymond> I... think so. I don't know what I can say for sure now, but I think... so.
  4010. [23:29] <Dia> We need step forward!
  4011. #06[23:30] * Dia proclaims!
  4012. #06[23:30] * [Mari]Mia nods.
  4013. #06[23:30] * Dia still hugs Raymond's arm though!
  4014. #01[23:30] <Raymond> At the very least, I can't think of anyone better. Not even that "Jerry". And I... I don't know... I want to trust _someone_.
  4015. [23:30] <Dia> Wrong one, right one, step forward needed!
  4016. #06[23:30] * `Katherine shrugs.
  4017. [23:31] <`Katherine> "I'm of the same opinion I believe, sir. As a handful of people we are useless, even with a cure."
  4018. [23:32] <`Katherine> "We NEED help if the cure is to be of any practical use. Time to produce more, and manpower to distribute it..."
  4019. #06[23:32] * `Katherine is thinking out loud again.
  4020. [23:33] <`Katherine> "I just... I have no idea if one person is more trustworthy than the next..."
  4021. #06[23:33] * Dia stares into katty's eyes.
  4022. #06[23:34] * Dia sending psychic wave telling Kat to 'trust meeeeeee... truuuussssstttt meeeeee'
  4023. #06[23:34] * Dia is that kind of simple-minded person.
  4024. [23:34] <[Mari]Mia> #14 I can offer assistance with the medical group I am affiliated with sir..
  4025. #06[23:35] * `Katherine looks back at Dia. Such a strange woman...
  4026. [23:35] <`Katherine> "Yes, Miss Dia?"
  4027. [23:36] <Dia> I, trust-able!
  4028. #06[23:37] * Dia say that with a serious face!
  4029. #06[23:39] * `Katherine points to her.
  4030. [23:40] <`Katherine> "You make gallons of cure all by yourself?"
  4031. #06[23:41] * [Mari]Mia tugs on Raymond's sleeve.
  4032. #06[23:42] * Raymond turns to regard her.
  4033. #01[23:42] <Raymond> Hm?
  4034. #06[23:42] * Dia shakes head.
  4035. [23:42] <Dia> No?
  4036. #06[23:43] * `Katherine nods.
  4037. [23:43] <`Katherine> "Exactly. We need to find someone to trust that CAN."
  4038. #06[23:44] * Dia 's goodwill is kinda shot down.
  4039. [23:46] <[Mari]Mia> #14 ..I can ask the medical group I am affiliated with.. if you'd like.
  4040. #06[23:48] * Raymond thinks about it for a second.
  4041. #01[23:49] <Raymond> Are they going to ask for clearance?
  4042. [23:49] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Unlikely, I am their clearance.
  4043. #06[23:50] * `Katherine nods.
  4044. [23:50] <`Katherine> "That's something to start with."
  4045. [23:52] <[Mari]Mia> #14 They come to me for their supplies... if that mean anything..
  4046. #01[23:53] <Raymond> I suppose it is, but we'll have to find a way to contact them en masse, too.
  4047. #06[23:53] * Raymond puts the vial away, closes his briefcase and stands back up.
  4048. #01[23:53] <Raymond> Well, where do we go from here?
  4049. [23:53] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Ah..
  4050. [23:55] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Should we return back the?
  4051. #01[23:56] <Raymond> As I see it... no. You tell me what you think first.
  4052. [23:57] <`Katherine> "...We need a more conclusive test."
  4053. #06[23:57] * [Mari]Mia tilts her head in confusion.
  4054. [23:57] <`Katherine> "We are here. It was not easy to come, it will not be easy to leave."
  4055. #01[23:58] <Raymond> Now that you mention it... even with this, I don't know if I'm yet cleared to exit the red line. The same would go for all of you...
  4056. [23:59] <Dia> Ehhhhh?!
  4057. [23:59] <Dia> how so?!
  4058. #06[00:01] * Raymond laughs.
  4059. #06[00:01] * [Mari]Mia giggles.
  4060. #01[00:02] <Raymond> SCMET wants a full report on what the demonics are and why. I wrote most of it, but they don't have it yet and I don't think they'll let me out until they approve it...
  4061. [00:03] <Dia> Ah.
  4062. [00:03] <Dia> Thought they not let we out cause infect.
  4063. #06[00:03] * `Katherine rolls her eyes. Red tape, red tape, red-bloody-tape...
  4064. #06[00:03] * Dia speaks her concerns with her confused Engrish like usual.
  4065. #01[00:07] <Raymond> I have an idea of what to do, but... I want to hear what you all think first. One at a time, now...
  4066. [00:07] <`Katherine> "Well, then... We'll need a base camp. Easily fortifiable, easily defendable."
  4067. #06[00:07] * [Mari]Mia ahems...
  4068. #01[00:07] <Raymond> Hm?
  4069. #06[00:08] * `Katherine explains.
  4070. [00:08] <`Katherine> "If we can't leave yet, we must plan to stay. And staying means dealing with the... locals, in an intelligent manner."
  4071. [00:09] <[Mari]Mia> And..then... why me sir?...
  4072. [00:09] <[Mari]Mia> Why was I selected?
  4073. #01[00:13] <Raymond> Mia... I guess you could say it was chance. I tried my first workable virus on you because otherwise, you would've died; I tried the last strain on you because you weren't suffering dramatic effects, or any real symptoms, from the first. I know it can seem like a lot of responsibility, but I suppose that it is what it is.
  4074. [00:14] <Dia> hm, hm.
  4075. #06[00:14] * Dia nods.
  4076. #06[00:15] * [Mari]Mia nods..
  4077. [00:15] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Thank you....
  4078. #06[00:20] * Raymond presses the toes of his shoes into the floor to adjust them, starting to walk back outside.
  4079. #06[00:21] * `Katherine follows. Perhaps he knows of a good place to hold up.
  4080. [00:21] <`Katherine> "Sir? You know this city; is there a strong building that we could use as a safe-house?"
  4081. #06[00:21] * Dia holding Raymond arm all the time.
  4082. #01[00:22] <Raymond> ...I know of a couple. I suppose you're right... a place like that is better to plan our next move, isn't it?
  4083. #06[00:23] * Raymond opens the door to the outside, but jumps back immediately.
  4084. [00:24] <`Katherine> "Sir?!"
  4085. [00:24] <[GM]Moltar> [The sun has gone down in the meantime, and the odd demonic that you saw earlier has turned into a crowd that swarms all over the street... even between the group and the car.]
  4086. [00:25] <[Mari]Mia> ....
  4087. [00:25] <[Mari]Mia> W-waht is it Kathy?
  4088. #06[00:25] * Dia is with Ray all the time, so she see what Ray did.
  4089. #06[00:25] * Dia readies the Kar98K.
  4090. [00:26] <Dia> Bad.
  4091. #06[00:26] * `Katherine turns back around.
  4092. [00:26] <`Katherine> "THIS building has just become our safehouse, Mia. For better, or for worse."
  4093. #06[00:26] * [Mari]Mia nods.
  4094. [00:26] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Barricades?
  4095. [00:27] <`Katherine> "Yes. Quickly."
  4096. #06[00:27] * Raymond idly looks at his injured wrist.
  4097. [00:27] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Will you be ok sir?
  4098. #06[00:27] * [Mari]Mia looks at where he's looking.
  4099. #01[00:28] <Raymond> Heh... don't you know better than I do?
  4100. [00:28] <Dia> Dia is pharmacist...
  4101. [00:28] <Dia> not bone doctor...
  4102. #06[00:28] * Dia sulk.
  4103. #06[00:31] * `Katherine puts her rapier away for now. Now is not the time to fight; rather, to prepare to fight.
  4104. [00:32] <[Mari]Mia> #14 Are you experiencing any internal bleeding? or loss of bodily reflexes?
  4105. #01[00:33] <Raymond> Er... Not that I know of, but... shouldn't we be focusing on something else...?
  4106. #06[00:33] * Dia is being panicky, since she's at loss without Ray guiding her around.
  4107. #06[00:38] * [Mari]Mia nods.
  4108. [00:38] <[Mari]Mia> Very well... Dia.
  4109. [00:41] <[Mari]Mia> And Kathy...come with me.. we need to set up the barriers as soon as possible.
  4110. [00:42] <Dia> R-right!
  4111. #06[00:42] * [Mari]Mia takes the two to bring various things to shut the place off from those.. things.
  4112. [00:45] <[GM]Moltar> [And so the evening progresses, although it's far more lively than usual... it would seem that, unlike the other days, the group finds no respite with the setting of the sun.]
  4113.  
  4114.  
  4115. ---Session Fifteen--
  4116.  
  4117. “Watch World War Three on pay TV!
  4118. Television can be such a thrill;
  4119. Sitting home in your chair, watch the boys over there,
  4120. Charging across your TV screen,
  4121. Getting blown to smithereens!
  4122.  
  4123. Watch World War Three on pay TV!
  4124. If you wanna keep the kids at home,
  4125. They'll be glued to their sets, watching rockets and jets
  4126. Blowin' up schools and factories;
  4127. Putting an end to the birds and bees!
  4128.  
  4129. It's worth every penny, to tune in and see,
  4130. Who wins the Emmy at the ruins of the Academy!
  4131.  
  4132. Watch World War Three on pay TV,
  4133. Before your television melts away!”
  4134. -Crown City Four, /Watch World War Three (on Pay Tv)/
  4135.  
  4136. [22:13] <[GM]Moltar> [The evening slides further and shadows lengthen in the city of Breslau. Last time, the group was about to leave the strange building, but instead ran into a swarm of demonics... they haven't yet noticed the presence of the team, it seems, but perhaps it is a matter of time. All sorts are to be found in the street between them and the car, from those that have much of their old human appearance to those that have sprouted claws and other things.]
  4137. [22:15] <[Mar]Mia> #14 What should we do? The supplies won't hold out for that long....
  4138. [22:16] <[GM]Moltar> [They shamble almost aimlessly, it would appear, but upon closer inspection seem to be headed down the street. None of them stop or turn, but some slow and perk up as they pass by the building.]
  4139. #06[22:17] * Raymond is thinking, biting his lip.
  4140. #06[22:17] * [Owen]Katherine is silently peeking out of a barricaded window.
  4141. #06[22:18] * Dia checks ammo...
  4142. #06[22:19] * Dia is, as usual, glued with Ray. She lost him once. Won't let it become twice.
  4143. #06[22:19] * [Owen]Katherine keeps her voice very hushed.
  4144. [22:20] <[Owen]Katherine> "Best to wait. No sense drawing undue attention."
  4145. #01[22:21] <Raymond> ...That's one way to go about it. It's either that or break through, if you ask me.
  4146. [22:22] <Dia> "Let we wait morning, Ray. Dark bad for gun aimers."
  4147. #06[22:22] * Dia says that in her usual broken English.
  4148. #06[22:22] * [Owen]Katherine peeks out again and shakes her head.
  4149. [22:22] <[Owen]Katherine> "No sense breaking if they're this dense."
  4150. #06[22:23] * Raymond sighs and leans against a wall.
  4151. #06[22:24] * [Rut]Ilsa exhales. She takes out a handkerchief and checks her gun over, looking around every so often.
  4152. [22:26] <[Mar]Mia> #14 We'll need a back-up plan in case things go south too sir...
  4153. #06[22:27] * Dia sighs and leans against Raymond.
  4154. #06[22:28] * [Rut]Ilsa looks around for escape routes. How many ways out...?
  4155. #06[22:28] * [Owen]Katherine looks over a map of the city in the failing light of the sun. Can't afford a torch...
  4156. #06[22:31] * Raymond pulls a couple of vials from his briefcase and pockets them, just in case the demonics move in.
  4157. [22:31] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir, which direction is the nearest military outpost?"
  4158. #01[22:32] <Raymond> Let me see...
  4159. #06[22:32] * Raymond takes a look at the map, comparing it with an overlay from the dossier.
  4160. #01[22:35] <Raymond> The closest outpost is a blue zone, AE-8. If we go back down to the south and a little to the east, we should reach it simply enough, but... it means crossing the rest of Sector ARN.
  4161. #06[22:36] * Raymond sighs a little.
  4162. #01[22:37] <Raymond> But it beats going to XCMET's headquarters, I guess. The train station is a long ways off.
  4163. [22:37] <[Mar]Mia> #14How dense are they there?
  4164. [22:40] <[Rut]Ilsa> Is there a way to be sure? If we move, we'd need to move fast...
  4165. [22:44] <[Mar]Mia> #14 I'd prefer to move by day as well.
  4166. #06[22:44] * [Owen]Katherine inspects the location, and hmmms...
  4167. [22:44] <Dia> "we can stay here and... not leave?"
  4168. [22:45] <[Owen]Katherine> "That's almost two kilometers straight through..."
  4169. [22:45] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir, forgive me, but..."
  4170. #06[22:45] * [Mar]Mia shakes her head at Dia
  4171. #06[22:45] * [Owen]Katherine points out the edge of the map, north.
  4172. [22:45] <[Mar]Mia> #14 It can't be possible, we can't stay here forever, we will run out of food before this is over.
  4173. [22:46] <[Owen]Katherine> "The edge of the city itself is only a kilometer north of here. Can't we take this road out and at least be out of harm's way?"
  4174. [22:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
  4175. [22:47] <[Owen]Katherine> "Unless, I'm not reading it right..."
  4176. #01[22:47] <Raymond> ...I don't know. I guess we could follow the red line, but I doubt Supreme Command is just going to let us out.
  4177. #06[22:47] * [Owen]Katherine frowns. RED TAPE, GAH.
  4178. [22:48] <[Owen]Katherine> "Explain, sir."
  4179. [22:48] <[Rut]Ilsa> Even so, if they're guarding the way out, it means they have a fortified position.
  4180. [22:48] <Dia> "At least until night no more?"
  4181. #06[22:48] * Dia frowns at Mia.
  4182. [22:49] <Dia> "Dia not stupid. stay here one day, food enough."
  4183. [22:49] <Dia> "night. deadly people. not good. should not travel."
  4184. #06[22:50] * [Mar]Mia nods, glad this girl still has some common sense left in her.
  4185. #01[22:50] <Raymond> Red tape. The red line and everything outside is under the jurisdiction of Supreme Command, everything inside is turned over to Executive Command. My papers say that unless Supreme Officers MET approve my report, I'm not to be let out.
  4186. #06[22:50] * [Owen]Katherine grits her teeth.
  4187. [22:51] <[Owen]Katherine> "Bloody hell..."
  4188. #01[22:52] <Raymond> I think the radio in the car is two-way, but I'm not sure... if it is, we can try to see how far out patrols go so we can meet one.
  4189. [22:52] <[Rut]Ilsa> They might let us stay at the checkpoint, though. That said, Dia is right. Moving now could be dangerous... but staying in a place like this overnight could be just as bad. It's your decision, Doctor.
  4190. [22:53] <[Owen]Katherine> "Even going out to get the radio could be... inadvisable."
  4191. #06[22:53] * [Rut]Ilsa nods.
  4192. [22:53] <[Mar]Mia> #14 I suggest we wait until dawn to do anything outside this door sir.
  4193. [22:53] <[Rut]Ilsa> The only thing we have protecting us now is the fact that we haven't drawn attention. If we leave, we -leave-.
  4194. #06[22:54] * [Mar]Mia nods sagely.
  4195. #01[22:55] <Raymond> If you ask me, I think we should wait for those to go by or thin out and then try to get to the radio. I just... remember back when we went into the city?
  4196. [22:55] <[Rut]Ilsa> What about?
  4197. [22:55] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Yes sir, that was the plan. And what of it?
  4198. #06[22:55] * [Owen]Katherine vaguely remembers. Much of the time before is a blur now.
  4199. #01[22:56] <Raymond> Ammunition spilling out of crates, ditches abandoned halfway during construction, rivets everywhere... and inside, not one unit that isn't short on something or other.
  4200. [22:57] <[Mar]Mia> #14 What.... are you suggesting sir? We salvage?
  4201. #01[22:58] <Raymond> I just don't know if we can entrust the cure to them. Trusting anyone is a leap of faith, but...
  4202. [22:59] <[Rut]Ilsa> Safety in numbers... we needn't ask for supplies or assistance, just shelter. From there, we could see if we can coordinate with another group heading our direction. At least partway.
  4203. [22:59] <[Owen]Katherine> "What of people OUTSIDE the city, sir? Colleagues from back home, trusted advisers?"
  4204. [23:00] <[Rut]Ilsa> That's still moot if nothing goes in or out.
  4205. [23:00] <[Owen]Katherine> "The most trustworthy should be trusted with the most, regardless of where they are."
  4206. #06[23:00] * [Owen]Katherine adds something a little bitterly.
  4207. [23:01] <[Owen]Katherine> "And... personally, I've had enough of this red-tape-army. If one can sneak past a monster, one can sneak past a patrol."
  4208. #06[23:01] * [Rut]Ilsa frowns.
  4209. [23:02] <[Rut]Ilsa> They're watching choke points, and have guns.
  4210. [23:02] <[Mar]Mia> #14 And they're more trained at it than any of us are.
  4211. [23:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "It's a large perimeter to cover. You can't tell me they're not stretched thin somewhere. Especially at night, with there being so few of us."
  4212. [23:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ilsa, I'd like to ask you... What is the point of a report right now?"
  4213. [23:04] <[Rut]Ilsa> Reporting isn't the point. The Doctor has made it clear we'd be better off -not- reporting any progress.
  4214. #06[23:05] * [Owen]Katherine nods.
  4215. [23:05] <[Owen]Katherine> "Then why would we not be better off not even reporting our position?"
  4216. #06[23:06] * [Owen]Katherine points at the ground.
  4217. [23:06] <Dia> "Go out at night? me, no."
  4218. #06[23:06] * Dia stands firm.
  4219. [23:06] <[Owen]Katherine> "THIS, is war. THIS, is hell. ALL, is fair."
  4220. [23:06] <[Rut]Ilsa> It doesn't make a difference if they don't know what we have. And where we entered, everything was fenced in or barricaded. You want us to spend time looking for a weak point with both demonics and patrols breathing down our necks??
  4221. #06[23:07] * [Owen]Katherine folds her arms huffily.
  4222. #06[23:07] * [Rut]Ilsa shifts, perhaps unconsciously, into a more aggressive sitting position, leaning towards Katherine..
  4223. [23:08] <[Owen]Katherine> "I want us to do as much as we can with as little involvement from that red-tape-army as possible."
  4224. [23:08] <[Owen]Katherine> "At every turn, they have only garnered more and more of my disapproval. It's appealing."
  4225. [23:08] <[Rut]Ilsa> With that attitude, why not just run straight for the goal? We need every advantage we can get.
  4226. [23:09] <[Owen]Katherine> "Because, Ilsa... we appear to as-of-yet be unclear as to what the goal even IS."
  4227. #06[23:11] * [Owen]Katherine massages her temple. Calm down... fighting with each other is precisely why she DOESN'T like "The Reds".
  4228. [23:11] <[Rut]Ilsa> We're delivering the cure. That's what Doctor Duvall has decided. If you have a problem with that, say it.
  4229. [23:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "To WHOM is the question, Ilsa. I have only support for the deliverance."
  4230. #01[23:15] <Raymond> Of our options now, I think two in particular come to mind.
  4231. [23:20] <[Mar]Mia> #14 And they are sir?...
  4232. #01[23:20] <Raymond> I don't know what you'll think, but... I believe we can take it to the Colonel, or seek out the Major. But I still don't know...
  4233. #06[23:21] * Raymond tugs on his hair, obviously quite frustrated with himself.
  4234. [23:21] <[Owen]Katherine> "Sir, my memory fails me. Which is which?"
  4235. #06[23:22] * [Rut]Ilsa refrains from saying "Which one had the double-Ds?"
  4236. [23:23] <[Mar]Mia> #14 I'd rather choose Carraza if it comes down to it.
  4237. #01[23:23] <Raymond> The Colonel, last I heard, is now the Executive Officer MET. The Major is the one who went rogue.
  4238. #06[23:27] * [Mar]Mia nods.
  4239. #06[23:28] * [Owen]Katherine scratches her head. She really hasn't been keeping up on all the people's names.
  4240. [23:28] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ilsa, who was the woman we met from before, again?"
  4241. [23:29] <[Rut]Ilsa> That was... the Colonel, I think.
  4242. #06[23:30] * [Owen]Katherine nods.
  4243. [23:30] <[Owen]Katherine> "She was... rather acceptable, as far as those we've met here are concerned."
  4244. #06[23:31] * [Rut]Ilsa looks away, embarrassed. She mainly remembered that due to her most noticeable feature...
  4245. [23:31] <[Owen]Katherine> "Though, considering the alternatives we've met..."
  4246. #06[23:31] * [Owen]Katherine turns away as well, but more because she's upset once again by RED TAPE and JERKS.
  4247. #01[23:32] <Raymond> So should we go to her?
  4248. #06[23:33] * Raymond checks on the situation outside through one of the windows, keeping his voice down.
  4249. [23:33] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Deep down I don't really trust her... but she's our most optimal choice as of now.
  4250. [23:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "If you trust her, sir, I have no objections; my trust is problematic enough, but this is my concern, not yours."
  4251. #01[23:35] <Raymond> Ilsa? What about you?
  4252. [23:36] <[Rut]Ilsa> I will go with whatever you decide. You know that.
  4253. #06[23:37] * [Rut]Ilsa nods firmly.
  4254. [23:37] <Dia> "if Ray choose, I okay."
  4255. #06[23:38] * Dia nods. She always believe that Ray's choice is the best option.
  4256. #06[23:38] * Raymond nods.
  4257. #01[23:39] <Raymond> Alright. Actually... come have a look. I think most of the demonics have passed.
  4258. #06[23:41] * [Mar]Mia looks outwards where Raymond points... wow.
  4259. #06[23:42] * [Rut]Ilsa does the same, weapon slung-yet-ready.
  4260. [23:44] <[GM]Moltar> [Most of them are gone, but there are still a few standing between the building and the car. They show no sign of going anywhere, although there are only a handful of them...]
  4261. #06[23:45] * Dia 's grip on Raymond's shoulder tightens.
  4262. #06[23:45] * [Rut]Ilsa looks to Raymond, awaiting his command.
  4263. #06[23:45] * Raymond pulls out one of the vials from his pocket, walking to the door.
  4264. #06[23:46] * [Owen]Katherine is not very relieved. Make noise, and all of them come back.
  4265. [23:46] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Wait sir..
  4266. [23:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...You sure?
  4267. #01[23:48] <Raymond> I hate to say it, but... what choice do we have?
  4268. #06[23:48] * [Mar]Mia ahems.
  4269. [23:48] <[Mar]Mia> We should be ready for anything once we open this door... we will not be able to come back.
  4270. #06[23:50] * Raymond chuckles.
  4271. #01[23:50] <Raymond> I thought the same thing when we drove through the red line.
  4272. #06[23:51] * [Owen]Katherine plays with the pommel of her rapier. Perhaps it will me of more use here, when silence is preferrable.
  4273. #06[23:51] * [Mar]Mia smiles for a bit.
  4274. [23:51] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Very well.
  4275. #06[23:51] * [Mar]Mia checks her guns and makes sure they are reloaded and ready to fire at a moments notice.
  4276. [23:51] <[Rut]Ilsa> Should we avoid making noise?
  4277. #01[23:53] <Raymond> If we can. I'd rather not draw too much attention, but if we have to...
  4278. #06[23:53] * Dia attach bayonet.
  4279. [23:53] <[Mar]Mia> #14 then melee weapons are preferable here...
  4280. [23:55] <Dia> Ray, ray.
  4281. #06[23:55] * Dia tugs on Raymond's shirt.
  4282. [23:55] <Dia> is dead blood dangerous?
  4283. #01[23:56] <Raymond> Just make sure it doesn't get in your mouth, okay?
  4284. [23:56] <Dia> Mm.
  4285. #06[23:56] * Dia nods.
  4286. #06[23:56] * Raymond slowly opens the door.
  4287. #06[23:56] * [Mar]Mia takes a deep breath, lets do this.
  4288. #06[23:57] * [Owen]Katherine remains calm. Or at least she looks calm.
  4289. #06[23:58] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps her gun lowered. She won't use it unless she has to...
  4290. [23:59] <[GM]Moltar> [Three of the creatures notice the noise and slowly move towards the group. Two bear a near complete resemblance to ordinary civilians, while the third has hands that have turned into claws and walks in a much more coordinated fashion.]
  4291. [00:00] <Dia> #14R-Ray--! What now?!
  4292. #06[00:00] * Dia asks for instruction. A panic can be heard in her voice.
  4293. [00:00] <[Rut]Ilsa> Dia.
  4294. [00:02] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Katherine... you're first.
  4295. [00:02] <[Mar]Mia> #14 I can't fire unless we would like to draw the crowd.
  4296. #06[00:03] * [Owen]Katherine nods and unsheathes her sword. It's a weapon of finesse... must approach slowly.
  4297. [00:07] <Dia> Mn?
  4298. [00:08] <[Rut]Ilsa> Stay calm, and keep the doctor safe. You'll do fine.
  4299. #06[00:08] * [Mar]Mia holds our her pistol next to Katherine, ready to fire at the monster's head at any moment's notice should something go wrong.
  4300. #06[00:08] * [Owen]Katherine sizes up the situation. The clawed one is closest, but it looks like it might be hard to get a clean kill on it...
  4301. #06[00:08] * [Rut]Ilsa nods to Katherine and lowers herself a little, ready to spring if needed.
  4302. #06[00:08] * [Owen]Katherine whispers back to the others.
  4303. [00:09] <[Owen]Katherine> "I'm... not sure if I can get a clean kill on it; it looks, smarter. Stronger."
  4304. #06[00:10] * [Mar]Mia nods.
  4305. [00:10] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Get it distracted, I think I can gun for its head.
  4306. #06[00:11] * Dia hold her Kar98 Karabiner as a spear. Bayonet will do nicely.
  4307. #06[00:11] * [Owen]Katherine approaches carefully. The rapier still has more range than it's claws, hopefully.
  4308. [00:12] <[GM]Moltar> [It seems to focus on Katherine, opening its claws a little.]
  4309. #06[00:14] * [Owen]Katherine finds her footing, inching forwards. This is just like back at school... wait until it's within lunge range.
  4310. #06[00:24] * [Owen]Katherine takes an opportunity to lash forwards, getting the thing in its stomach. Not the best of hits, perhaps.
  4311. [00:26] <Dia> Eyah-!
  4312. #06[00:29] * [Mar]Mia places herself behind it mysteriously and pushes the creature deeper onto Kathy's rapier.
  4313. [00:29] <[Mar]Mia> #14 hhgmm!
  4314. #06[00:30] * Dia make a stab that grazes its body.
  4315. [00:31] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Ahh... there!...
  4316. #06[00:32] * [Owen]Katherine withdraws the rapier and moves back quickly.
  4317. #06[00:33] * [Mar]Mia once again next to Katherine's side.
  4318. [00:33] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Ah.. did.. that do it?
  4319. #06[00:35] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps herself between Raymond and the demonics, staying on defense.
  4320. [00:36] <Dia> Ei-! Yagh-!
  4321. #06[00:36] * Dia tries her best to poke the pointy end of the stick at the enemy as many time as she can.
  4322. [00:39] <[Mar]Mia> #14 It's not going down Kathy....
  4323. [00:39] <[Owen]Katherine> "Then SHOOT it!"
  4324. [00:39] <[GM]Moltar> [The lesser creature, hit by a solid comibnation of Dia and Ilsa's, collapses, bleeding profusely; it seems helpless to move. The larger creature, having regained its composure, launches an attack on Mia and Katherine.]
  4325. [00:42] <Dia> Yaagh! Yaaaaaaahg!
  4326. #06[00:43] * Dia is in frenzy, keep on stabbing the fallen lesser demon.
  4327. [00:44] <[GM]Moltar> [It stops moving in short order; apparently it didn't take much more to kill it than it would have taken to kill an ordinary person.]
  4328. #06[00:44] * Dia does not notice, and keep on stabbing the thing in adrenalize-induced frenzy.
  4329. #06[00:45] * [Mar]Mia stealthily disppears like a true rogue, missing the demon's attack completely.
  4330. #06[00:46] * [Owen]Katherine is set upon! She holds her rapier sideways to defend against the enemy's grabbing claws.
  4331. #06[00:46] * [Rut]Ilsa steps in swiftly beside Katherine and tries to force it back with her stock.
  4332. #06[00:51] * Dia , seeing that the one she's stabbing ceased to move, find new target to unleash her fury.
  4333. [00:54] <[Mar]Mia> #15 Ah.. is it dead yet?
  4334. [00:56] <[GM]Moltar> [The creature that Dia attacks manages to dodge and defend against her attacks overall, but is focused completely on the matter.]
  4335. #06[00:56] * Raymond uncorks the vial from his pocket and throws the contents in its direction. Some of it splashes on the creature.
  4336. [00:57] <[Mar]Mia> !!
  4337. #06[00:57] * [Mar]Mia sees the precious cure(It was right?) being thrown.
  4338. [00:58] <[GM]Moltar> [It takes a second, but the demonic suddenly goes into convulsions of some sort, clearly in excruciating pain. Unable to defend or dodge, it falls prey to Dia's consistent attacks and also falls within a few moments.]
  4339. #06[01:02] * [Owen]Katherine vaguely notices the strange sight, but she's a little too busy stabbing her own foe in the neck.
  4340. #06[01:03] * Dia pant over the bloody mess.
  4341. [01:03] <Dia> Haah... haah...
  4342. #06[01:05] * [Rut]Ilsa jumps forward, timing a sweep of her rifle's barrel with the last demonic's shambling step, aiming to take it's feet out from under it.
  4343. [01:07] <Dia> Die die die die die die diediediediediedie!
  4344. #06[01:07] * Dia Keep on stabbing.
  4345. #06[01:10] * [Rut]Ilsa brings her bootheel down in it's head before it has even reached the ground. A few teeth skitter across the concrete.
  4346. [01:13] <[Mar]Mia> ...
  4347. #06[01:14] * [Mar]Mia is still breathless and shocked at what Raymond threw..
  4348. [01:14] <[Mar]Mia> #14 W--what..was that?...sir/
  4349. #06[01:14] * [Owen]Katherine is relatively sure she got the thing's spinal cord at some point. It's not moving, at least.
  4350. #06[01:15] * [Rut]Ilsa prods the fallen creature with her rifle carefully, checking for signs of (un)life. Satisfied, she turns back to Raymond, equally curious about the contents of the vial.
  4351. [01:16] <Dia> ----!
  4352. #06[01:16] * Dia look around for more thing to stab, still in battlefield high.
  4353. [01:16] <[Rut]Ilsa> Dia...?
  4354. [01:16] <[Mar]Mia> Sir.. what..did you throw at it?...
  4355. #01[01:17] <Raymond> Heh... it's a little something I concocted on my way to the cure. Kills all the nonhuman cells in a demonic, so it wouldn't work; it'll just kill or injure them.
  4356. [01:18] <[Mar]Mia> Ah....
  4357. #06[01:18] * [Mar]Mia nods.
  4358. #06[01:19] * [Owen]Katherine senses that the danger is over for now, and finds a spare rag to clean off her sword quickly.
  4359. #06[01:19] * [Rut]Ilsa smiles. Useful.
  4360. #06[01:19] * Raymond looks around for more creatures...
  4361. [01:19] <[GM]Moltar> [There are some here and there, but nothing in between the team and the car.]
  4362. [01:19] <[Owen]Katherine> "Radio. Get the bloody radio already!"
  4363. #06[01:20] * [Owen]Katherine hisses.
  4364. #06[01:20] * [Mar]Mia nods...
  4365. [01:20] <[Mar]Mia> #14 Y-yes ah.. yes...
  4366. #06[01:21] * Dia , seeing that there's no more thing to stab, returns to stabbing the thing she just stabbed earlier.
  4367. [01:21] <Dia> Ei-! Eiyah-!
  4368. #06[01:23] * Raymond puts his hand on Dia's shoulder. No need for the extra noise.
  4369. [01:24] <Dia> Haah... haah...
  4370. #06[01:24] * Dia stopped, though still very, very alert and jumpy.
  4371. #06[01:26] * Raymond begins to walk towards the car, trying to keep his footsteps relatively quiet.
  4372.  
  4373.  
  4374. “Let us do something, while we have the chance! It is not every day that we are needed. Not indeed that we personally are needed. Others would meet the case equally well, if not better. To all mankind they were addressed, those cries for help still ringing in our ears! But at this place, at this moment of time, all mankind is us, whether we like it or not. Let us make the most of it, before it is too late! Let us represent worthily for once the foul brood to which a cruel fate consigned us! What do you say?”
  4375. -Samuel Beckett, /Waiting for Godot/
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