Wonderful World 7

[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.]
#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.
#06[19:51] * [Owen]Katherine walks nearby, still thinking about that corpse.  She wonders what a living one will be like...
#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...
#01[19:54] <Raymond> ...Anyone see any indications of the command post?
[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..."
#01[19:58] <Raymond> Warzone... that's an oddly fitting word for it.
#06[20:02] * CaptainValenzuela approaches the team. A man in a white suit... this should be it.
#06[20:03] * [Owen]Katherine becomes conscious of her own white suit, rather dirty and unattended at the moment.  She hides a blush.
[20:04] <CaptainValenzuela> Excuse me.
#06[20:11] * [Owen]Katherine salutes the captain.
[20:12] <[Owen]Katherine> "Yes sir, Ms. Owen here, sir, attending Doctor Duvall."
[20:14] <[Owen]Katherine> "Your...orders, sir?"
#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.
#06[20:15] * [Owen]Katherine [ignore my last comment]
[20:16] <CaptainValenzuela> I was told to look for you. Follow me, the Colonel wants to talk to you. All of you.
#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.
#06[20:18] * CaptainValenzuela walks right by you, looking straight ahead but apparently still addressing you.
[20:19] <CaptainValenzuela> The unit will move forward to another position in less than an hour, so it's best we hurry.
#06[20:20] * Raymond turns to follow, keeping quiet.
#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...
[20:24] <[Owen]Katherine> "Permission to speak, ma'am?"
[20:24] <CaptainValenzuela> ...Go ahead.
[20:25] <[Owen]Katherine> "Will the unit be advancing into a combat zone, ma'am?"
[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.
#06[20:31] * CaptainValenzuela suddenly stops in front of a building, apparently a shop, gesturing inside.
[20:31] <CaptainValenzuela> In there. Weapons?
#06[20:32] * [Owen]Katherine half-draws her rapier and shows it to the captain.
[20:32] <[Owen]Katherine> "Only this, ma'am."
[20:32] <CaptainValenzuela> Understood. The rest are plain to see, go on inside.
#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.
#06[20:34] * Raymond walks inside, nodding his thanks to the captain.
#06[20:35] * [Owen]Katherine follows shortly after.
[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.]
#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.\
#06[20:43] * [Lui]Mia finally caught up with her daydreaming and is with the group now..
#06[20:44] * [Owen]Katherine wonders who this "official"-looking woman is.  She certainly doesn't look like a commander, and those breasts...
#06[20:45] * [Lui]Mia looks forward to seeing this lady again... she's like her idol..
#01[20:47] <Raymond> Good afternoon, Director Duvall. Ladies.
#06[20:47] * Raymond tips her cap.
#01[20:48] <Raymond> [Carraza did that.]
[20:48] <[Lui]Mia> [Fail tesla... >.>]
[20:49] <[Lui]Mia> Hi Colonel..
[20:49] <ColonelCarraza> Good to see you again. Come on, let's head outside.
#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.
[20:50] <ColonelCarraza> I was hoping to find some wine in here, but it's been looted too thoroughly.
#06[20:51] * [Owen]Katherine is skeptical.  Thinking of drinking at a time like this?!
#06[20:51] * ColonelCarraza walks out, stopping at the door. Apparently the captain's gone already.
[20:51] <[Lui]Mia> ..#14 Uhm... looking for something Colonel?
[20:52] <ColonelCarraza> No, nothing. Just checking to see how the unit's been progressing.
#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...
#06[20:57] * [Owen]Katherine thinks, "Well, at least her clothes are nice.  You'd think a military officer would bind her chest, though..."
#06[20:57] * [Lui]Mia looks at Katherine..
[20:57] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. Kathy?
#06[20:58] * [Owen]Katherine is glad to be distracted, for once.
[20:58] <[Owen]Katherine> "Mmm, yes Ms. Mia?"
[20:58] <[Lui]Mia> #15.. They're nice..aren't they~?
#06[20:59] * [Owen]Katherine squints her eyes skeptically.  That was...a rather unorthodox statement.
#06[21:00] * [Owen]Katherine whispers back.
#06[21:00] * [Rut]Ilsa is spacing out, and doesn't hear the conversation. She looks a bit lost...
#01[21:00] <Raymond> Colonel... you wanted to talk?
[21:01] <[Owen]Katherine> "In another world... Yes, very nice.  But this is not that world, not now."
[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.
[21:01] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. I mean her figure....
[21:02] <[Owen]Katherine> "So do I, Mia; I am not blind, or naive."
[21:02] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. Then... grab them~
#06[21:03] * Raymond seems to think for a second, as if pondering how to phrase his next words.
#06[21:06] * [Owen]Katherine is unamused, and simply walks away while saying:
[21:06] <[Owen]Katherine> "...No."
#06[21:06] * [Owen]Katherine goes over to stand by Raymond.
[21:07] <[Lui]Mia> W-well.... uhm.. #14 Raymond?..
#06[21:07] * Raymond turns, answering quickly.
#01[21:07] <Raymond> Uh, yes?
[21:08] <[Lui]Mia> ..uhm.. #14 Explain to us.. your.. objective..?.. I-I know what it is.. but it may be unclear to us.
#01[21:09] <Raymond> ...Alright.
#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.
[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.
[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.
#06[21:14] * [Lui]Mia nods...
[21:14] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. My home.. is in that sector..
#06[21:15] * [Owen]Katherine listens intently.  Now THIS is why she signed up for this gig!
[21:16] <[Owen]Katherine> "Are we to be scouting, or fighting, ma'am?  Or, perhaps Doctor, you would know better?"
[21:16] <[Lui]Mia> #14.. I have a feeling.. Kathy..
#06[21:17] * [Rut]Ilsa 's rate of breathing is steadily increasing.
[21:17] <[Lui]Mia> #14 We will be forced into combat...b-but.. I'd like to avoid that if we can..
#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...
[21:18] <ColonelCarraza> Oh, yeah, you're not the first. I escorted another guy in a couple weeks back. Heard he shot himself.
#06[21:18] * ColonelCarraza 's demeanor doesn't change in the least.
#06[21:19] * [Lui]Mia eyes widen a bit but returns to normal in a flash.
#06[21:20] * [Owen]Katherine is relatively unphased.  She's already prepared herself mentally for this sort of thing.
[21:20] <[Rut]Ilsa> He... -shot- himself?
#06[21:20] * [Lui]Mia speaks in a louder tone..
[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.
#01[21:22] <Raymond> Yeah. Who knows what drives them all... The city was too much, or the people maybe.
#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.
#06[21:24] * ColonelCarraza turns, apparently confused.
[21:24] <ColonelCarraza> Well... what happened to her?
[21:25] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
#06[21:26] * [Rut]Ilsa shifts uncomfortably at the mention of it, wishing she could answer herself.
#06[21:28] * [Owen]Katherine raises an eyebrow.  She never heard about this...
#01[21:28] <Raymond> Because... because I didn't do anything, she...
#06[21:28] * Raymond gulps.
#01[21:29] <Raymond> ...She killed herself.
#06[21:29] * [Lui]Mia mumbles a soft prayer.
[21:29] <[Lui]Mia> ...#15.. in peace..
#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.
#06[21:31] * [Lui]Mia clasps her hands together for a moment, closing her eyes..
[21:31] <[Rut]Ilsa> W-what are you...
#06[21:32] * [Rut]Ilsa is too shocked to be upset.
#06[21:32] * [Owen]Katherine jumps a bit.  This... what...?
[21:32] <ColonelCarraza> Director, you /cannot/ be serious.
#06[21:33] * ColonelCarraza walks back to the desk, bobbing up and down as she goes.
[21:33] <[Owen]Katherine> "Ma'am, permission to speak freely?"
#06[21:34] * Raymond just stares at the colonel, bewildered beyond words.
#06[21:34] * ColonelCarraza picks up a yellow folder, opening it and looking at the contents.
[21:34] <ColonelCarraza> Mm, go ahead.
[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 me a laughing matter."
#06[21:35] * [Owen]Katherine [*be]
[21:36] <[Owen]Katherine> "Though I suppose you, being more experienced, may have a different perspective concerning our location."
[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...
#06[21:36] * ColonelCarraza leafs through the papers.
#06[21:36] * [Lui]Mia puts a hand on Katherine's shoulder and shakes her head..
[21:36] <[Rut]Ilsa> Wait, Colonel, are you... do you mean to say that...
[21:36] <ColonelCarraza> But wherever did you hear that? Your sister's alive, she's in one of the forward blue zones.
#06[21:37] * Raymond 's mouth goes agape.
[21:38] <[Lui]Mia> ...oohhh?
#01[21:38] <Raymond> #15She's... alive? Valeria is.. alive?
#06[21:38] * [Lui]Mia turns her head immediately towards the colonel.
#06[21:39] * [Owen]Katherine is completely confused now.
#06[21:39] * [Rut]Ilsa looks on, wide eyed. Then grinning. Then even wider (and perhaps somewhat more smugly.)
#06[21:40] * [Rut]Ilsa turns her back for a moment, folding her arms, trying to keep her smirking to herself.
#01[21:40] <Raymond> But... I heard...
[21:40] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... I'm happy for you, Raymond.
[21:41] <[Lui]Mia> ...Colonel..
[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.
[21:41] <ColonelCarraza> Ah, yes?
[21:42] <[Lui]Mia> ..Do you have records of Yugo Asamiya and Yuno Asamiya?
[21:44] <[Lui]Mia> Case #Z0m31E colonel.. they were one of the first who decided to stay after the evacuation.
[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?
[21:47] <[Lui]Mia> ..#14 thank you..
#06[21:47] * [Rut]Ilsa looks to Raymond expectantly.
#06[21:48] * [Owen]Katherine double-checks that her rapier is securely fastened, and pats her breast pocket for her notebook.
[21:50] <[Owen]Katherine> "I am ready when you are, ma'am."
#01[21:51] <Raymond> Alright, might as well since we're headed in with you for now.
#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.
#06[21:52] * [Lui]Mia checks her two guns.. they're missing a bullet in each.. she quickly reloads them without a problem.
#06[21:53] * Raymond walks out, looking confused and distant.
#06[21:54] * [Rut]Ilsa follows Raymond. She looks to be back to (what she'd have you believe to be) her old self.
#06[21:55] * [Lui]Mia simply smiles and goes along with the flow~
#06[21:55] * [Owen]Katherine is tired of being a simple sheep, but it seems she'll have to be longer still.
[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.]
#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.
#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.
[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!
[22:05] <[Lui]Mia> I'll take the tank!
#06[22:05] * [Owen]Katherine calls out to Carraza.
[22:05] <[Owen]Katherine> "I will accompany you as well, ma'am!"
[22:05] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...Walking's fine.
#06[22:06] * [Rut]Ilsa hides her disappointment.
#06[22:09] * Raymond looks over at Mia, observing her response while talking to Ilsa.
#01[22:10] <Raymond> I... really don't think walking is a good idea around all these vehicles.
[22:11] <[Lui]Mia> Oh.. Ilsa..here.. yoy can ride with her instead!
#06[22:11] * [Lui]Mia hops off.
#06[22:12] * [Owen]Katherine clambers onto the tank.  Wow, very...solid.
#01[22:12] <Raymond> Oh, no, no need for that, Mia. I was simply suggesting taking the lorry.
[22:14] <[Lui]Mia> Oh.. no.. I was saying to Ilsa, she looks sad that she wants to ride the tank.
#06[22:16] * [Owen]Katherine hopes she'll learn how to theoretically fire the guns on this trip.  Useful stuff, that.
[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.
#06[22:17] * [Owen]Katherine adds in her head, "Or for the person with NO gun to be on the tank..."
#06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa seems satisfied with her blatant rationalization and climbs aboard.
#06[22:18] * [Lui]Mia smiles and turns to Raymond..
[22:18] <[Lui]Mia> #14 I guess I'll be riding with you..
#01[22:19] <Raymond> I suppose. Come on, let's go.
#06[22:20] * [Lui]Mia trails behind Raymond.. doing small miniscule skips which could have been done better walking.
#06[22:20] * Raymond climbs into the back of the truck, extending a hand down to Mia.
[22:21] <[Owen]Katherine> "I trust I will not be a nuisance, Colonel?"
#06[22:21] * [Lui]Mia 's hand meets his and takes it bringing herself up.
[22:22] <ColonelCarraza> I figure not, just be careful.
[22:22] <[Owen]Katherine> "Yes ma'am."
#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.
[22:25] <ColonelCarraza> Alright, let 'er rip!
[22:27] <[Lui]Mia> #14 mmm.. Raymond.. do you have something to protect yourself with?
[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.]
#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.
[22:30] <[Lui]Mia> Then... #14.. allow me to return the favor and let me protect you..
#06[22:31] * Raymond nods, though he doesn't say anything.
#06[22:33] * [Lui]Mia giggles...
[22:33] <[Lui]Mia> #14 Shouldn't it be the other way around?
#01[22:35] <Raymond> Hm? Why?
[22:35] <[Lui]Mia> #14 Oh...nothing~...
#06[22:35] * [Lui]Mia faces front still smiling.
#01[22:37] <Raymond> ...Are you poking fun at me?
[22:37] <[Lui]Mia> #14 Maybe..
#06[22:37] * [Lui]Mia hums..
#01[22:38] <Raymond> ...Alright, so what'll you make of it?
[22:39] <[Lui]Mia> ...#14.. what do you mean sir?
#01[22:39] <Raymond> Oh, nothing...
#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.
[22:41] <ColonelCarraza> Blackout 6 to Drome, roger; set heading for seven-two, assume attack formation.
#06[22:42] * ColonelCarraza turns back to her passengers.
[22:42] <ColonelCarraza> Well, get set.
#06[22:42] * [Owen]Katherine holds onto a handle.  So she's really going out...
#06[22:44] * [Lui]Mia sighs..
[22:44] <[Lui]Mia> #14..be careful Raymond.. you're important.. so.. run away when things looks bad ok>?
#06[22:45] * Raymond looks at Mia, seeming to think about it but not giving an answer.
#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.
[22:47] <ColonelCarraza> Direct front. Group of demonics, out in the open; about 125 meters and closing.
[22:48] <ColonelCarraza> ...Fire.
#06[22:48] * [Owen]Katherine hears that.  125 meters... can she see them from here?
[22:49] <[Lui]Mia> A-ah?...#14 They're.. starting already?
[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.]
#01[22:50] <Raymond> ...Sure sounds like it.
#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.
[22:51] <[Lui]Mia> ..#14.. It's as.. I.. expected.
#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.
[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...
#06[22:55] * Raymond stands as the truck stops, looking over the cab at the scene.
#06[22:56] * [Owen]Katherine looks down at Raymond.  It's his call, after all.
[22:56] <[Owen]Katherine> "What's your feelings, Doctor?"
#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...
[23:03] <[Owen]Katherine> "What about you, though?"
#01[23:05] <Raymond> ...I'll probably walk in once that happens.
#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
#06[23:15] * ColonelCarraza are targeted move a specific way... they really do seem berserk.
[23:16] <ColonelCarraza> Ah, I really do enjoy this job. So contemplative...
[23:16] <ColonelCarraza> Hey, look, there's another!
#06[23:16] * ColonelCarraza reloads and fires again.
[23:16] <ColonelCarraza> [(belated) quicksave!]
[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.]
#06[21:02] * Dia is in fact chasing after the regiment in the car.
#06[21:03] * [Ora]Mia looks around cautiously, eyeing all the small precarious spots and nookies for movement.
#06[21:04] * KatherineNOwen is busy learning the inner workings of the tank.  It'll come in handy, no doubt.
#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.
#06[21:08] * KatherineNOwen pokes her head out the top of the tank cautiously.  How's it look form up here...?
[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.]
#06[21:11] * KatherineNOwen reflexively turns away.  Euugh... that's just not right.
[21:12] <KatherineNOwen> "Colonel, your orders, ma'am?  I'm... untrained in live combat, I'm afraid."
#06[21:13] * ColonelCarraza turns up from the radio.
#06[21:13] * [Rut]Ilsa shoulders her rifle nervously, preferring to look at the 'people' down her sight rather than directly.
[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.
#06[21:15] * Raymond looks around nervously. Not something to get used to easily...
[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."
[21:16] <[Ora]Mia> #14..mind the loud noise coming sir Raymond.
[21:17] <ColonelCarraza> Grab the roof gun if you want. Be selective about targets, though; don't want you shooting at my men.
#06[21:17] * Dia honks!
#01[21:18] <Raymond> Eh- what's...
#06[21:18] * Raymond turns to the sound.
#06[21:18] * KatherineNOwen salutes quickly and moves to the roof gun hatch.  It feels... heavy.  Real.  VERY real.
#06[21:18] * Dia waves! She's yelling something.
#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.
[21:18] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Rest in peace.
#06[21:20] * KatherineNOwen sights down the barrel and ironsights at the chaos in front.  This is SO much different than Rifle Club...
#06[21:21] * Dia is still waving!
#06[21:21] * Raymond looks at her, raising his hand in response.
#01[21:22] <Raymond> #14Man, I'm not going to enjoy explaining this.
#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.
[21:23] <[Ora]Mia> #14... I don't either...but... I'll do what I can to help contain this..
[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.]
#06[21:24] * KatherineNOwen has her aim set on a patch of army-free civilians.  She hesitates.  They look so... normal.  And yet...
#06[21:24] * Dia is driving. You can see that she is panicking so bad now.
#06[21:24] * ColonelCarraza looks out the turret hatch, looking through some binoculars and still speaking through the headset.
#06[21:25] * Raymond gestures confusedly, apparently asking Dia to follow.
[21:26] <ColonelCarraza> Excellent shot, Drome, absolutely wonderful. I'll definitely get you something for that one.
#06[21:27] * KatherineNOwen defiantly bites her lips and fires.  Even mounted the recoil stings her hands.
#06[21:27] * Dia follows close as much as an adept driver like her could. Now you can probably hear her.
#06[21:27] * [Rut]Ilsa does not fire.
#06[21:28] * ColonelCarraza puts down the binoculars, looking around again. She nudges Ilsa and Katherine before speaking through the radio.
[21:29] <ColonelCarraza> Alright, this is Blackout 6. We're wheels up, all vehicles drop combat personnel. Repeat, all vehicles drop combat personnel.
#06[21:31] * KatherineNOwen shakily lets go of the trigger.
[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.]
#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.
#06[21:33] * Dia almost launch herself away from the running men, straight to Raymond.
[21:33] <Dia> R-Ray!
#06[21:34] * Raymond gets off the truck, facing forward so as to climb down.
[21:34] <ColonelCarraza> Well, you two, here you are.
#06[21:35] * KatherineNOwen nods.  Yeah, here... here she is.
[21:35] <KatherineNOwen> "...Indeed, Madam Colonel."
#06[21:36] * [Ora]Mia turns to Colonel.
#06[21:36] * KatherineNOwen thinks... (I am now a murderer... or a soldier.  But once in Hell... it there a difference?)
#06[21:37] * Dia slow down once she saw Raymond and co.
#06[21:37] * KatherineNOwen tries to focus on reality now, not wasteful introspection.
[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!
[21:38] <Dia> At least I want people too in car together me!
#01[21:38] <Raymond> Just come over here! Did you bring your rifle?
#06[21:39] * [Ora]Mia reloads because she forgot earlier.
#06[21:39] * KatherineNOwen clambers out of the gunner hatch.  For a few seconds, she stands silhouetted against the smokey city, pensive...
#06[21:39] * KatherineNOwen slides off the tank, hand on the pommel of her blade.
[21:40] <Dia> Y-yes!
#06[21:40] * Dia sling it over her shoulder.
#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.
#06[21:41] * [Rut]Ilsa jumps off the tank with Katherine. She doesn't seem "all there".
#06[21:42] * [Ora]Mia approaches Ilsa and Kathy.
[21:42] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Are you.. two.. ok?
#06[21:43] * KatherineNOwen has a rather unsure look.
[21:43] <KatherineNOwen> "I... can't answer that."
[21:44] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Let's keep going.
#06[21:44] * [Rut]Ilsa says simply.
#06[21:44] * KatherineNOwen nods.
#06[21:44] * Dia check her loadout. Medkit, good to go. kar98K, lock and loaded. Yup.
[21:44] <KatherineNOwen> "Indeed.  In battle there is no time to waste."
[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.]
#06[21:45] * KatherineNOwen gasps, but luckily still had her hand on the rapier.  She draws it quickly and adopts a solid stance.
#06[21:47] * [Rut]Ilsa 's rifle is up in a flash. She fires burst at the man's center mass.
#06[21:48] * [Ora]Mia gasps and unloads all six shot into the head, effectively crushing in the man's face and his eyes.
[21:50] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The demonic first slows under the shots, jerking backwards from them before just falling. He doesn't move after that.]
#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.
#06[21:52] * KatherineNOwen twitches.  So fast... so fast...
#06[21:53] * [Rut]Ilsa is eerily calm. Keeping her weapon pointed at the carcass, she walks up to it, checking for any animation.
#06[21:53] * Raymond holds Dia by the shoulders, looking up every one or two seconds as he talks.
#01[21:53] <Raymond> Dia, are you alright?
#06[21:54] * KatherineNOwen shakes her head slightly.  Rifle rounds... revolver rounds... and the thing, didn't, stop.
#06[21:54] * [Ora]Mia keeps a straight face.
#06[21:54] * Dia nods.
[21:54] <Dia> I okay, it just.....
#06[21:55] * Dia look around and see the gruesome scene.
[21:55] <Dia> ...."horrifying".
#06[21:55] * Dia speaks that using her old native language, Raymond knows this one.
#01[21:56] <Raymond> It's okay, it's okay. Won't be there forever, right?
[21:56] <KatherineNOwen> "...my dream is a nightmare... And it is real..."
#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.
#06[21:57] * [Ora]Mia goes over to the body and closes its eyes before saying a short prayer.
#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...
#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.
[21:59] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Rest this soul... you've done enough...
#06[21:59] * Dia nods, calming herself down as she's being hold.
#06[22:00] * KatherineNOwen opts not to observe this corpse.  There will be others, and it's no longer safe to dilly-dally.
[22:00] <KatherineNOwen> "We must move.  Get out of the open."
[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.]
#01[22:06] <Raymond> Come on, we can't just stay here.
[22:06] <Dia> mm!
#06[22:06] * Dia nods.
[22:06] <[Ora]Mia> #14 yes, of course.
#06[22:07] * [Ora]Mia reloads!
#06[22:07] * KatherineNOwen moves off the street to a row of... residences?  Shops?  No one can tell now.
#06[22:07] * [Rut]Ilsa follows.
#06[22:08] * Raymond runs to where Mia is standing, gently holding Dia by the upper arm.
[22:08] <KatherineNOwen> "I... may be more efficient inside at room-to-room clearing.  Ilsa, do you have my back?"
#06[22:08] * Dia is looking left and right, preparing herself for any incoming ambush.
[22:08] <Dia> Anyone hurt?!
#06[22:09] * [Ora]Mia nods at Raymond and shakes her head at Dia.
[22:09] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I'm quite fine~
#06[22:09] * [Ora]Mia smiles briliantly.
[22:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> Got it.
#06[22:10] * [Rut]Ilsa nods to Dia in acknowledgment before continuing behind Katherine.
#06[22:11] * KatherineNOwen grips both her weapons and enters one of the buildings, checking corners left and right.
[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.]
[22:13] <KatherineNOwen> "State your name!  Your name!"
#06[22:13] * KatherineNOwen is a bit abrupt and pushy but will take no chances for the moment.
#06[22:14] * [Rut]Ilsa says nothing, but keeps the gun trained on him.
[22:14] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The man speaks quickly in a panicstricken and accented voice, ignoring your question completely.]
[22:15] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Man: "My wife is injured. Is there a doctor?"
#06[22:16] * KatherineNOwen turns her head slightly.
[22:16] <KatherineNOwen> "Mia!  Up here!"
[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.]
#06[22:17] * KatherineNOwen has no idea what she's doing!  She attempts to flick the thing away with her rapier!
#06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa grabs Katherine by the collar and attempts to yank her backwards to the ground with her.
#06[22:21] * KatherineNOwen is off-balanced by Ilsa's tug and only manages to spin the object into the far wall.
[22:22] <KatherineNOwen> "Ils-gah!"
[22:23] <KatherineNOwen> "Get down!"
#06[22:24] * [Rut]Ilsa is way ahead of her. And has attempted to make Katherine follow suit.
#06[22:24] * KatherineNOwen was more calling to the man.
[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.]
#06[22:27] * [Ora]Mia hears an explosion she ducks down immediately.
[22:27] <[Ora]Mia> Ah!
#06[22:27] * KatherineNOwen stays on the ground.
[22:28] <KatherineNOwen> "Naah!  Friendly fire, friendly fire!"
[22:28] <[Ora]Mia> #14 What the hell is going on overe there!?
#06[22:28] * Dia , seeing Mia ducks, follow suit in an instant!
[22:28] <Dia> what what what?!
#06[22:30] * [Rut]Ilsa gets up and kneels beside the man.
#06[22:30] * Raymond crouches, looking around frantically.
[22:30] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 Someone just threw an explosive.. I'm going to go check it out. Stay here/
[22:30] <[Rut]Ilsa> No, I'll go. This man needs treatment.
[22:30] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [A voice comes out from further inside the building.]
#06[22:30] * KatherineNOwen stands up shakily and regains her bearings.
[22:31] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Voice: "Sorry! Is everyone alright?"
[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.]
[22:32] <[Rut]Ilsa> Shh. Mia, hurry.
[22:32] <KatherineNOwen> "Civilian wounded but alive!  Check your positions next time!"
#06[22:32] * KatherineNOwen shouts indignantly.
#06[22:32] * Dia stays!
#06[22:34] * [Ora]Mia arrives immdiately at the scene.
#06[22:34] * KatherineNOwen makes her way upstairs, checking for the man's wife.
[22:34] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 ...its that explosion?
[22:34] <Dia> what now Ray?
#06[22:34] * Dia is currently proning on the ground, awaiting for further order. She's still a civvie, after all.
#06[22:35] * [Rut]Ilsa gestures for Mia to come over.
#06[22:35] * [Ora]Mia looks at this man closely...
#01[22:35] <Raymond> I hate being left behind like this...
[22:36] <[Ora]Mia> Sir.. can you hear me?
[22:37] <[Rut]Ilsa> Grenade fragments. He may have had other injuries before that, though.
[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.]
#06[22:38] * KatherineNOwen pokes round from room to room.  Any room might hide the wife... or something worse.
#06[22:39] * [Rut]Ilsa nods to the man, then calls out to Katherine.
[22:39] <[Rut]Ilsa> Katherine, try upstairs.
[22:41] <Dia> What are you say, Ray? I am here!
[22:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> [=-= misread, disregard those last two]
#06[22:43] * Raymond looks down at Dia, then stands back up.
#01[22:43] <Raymond> Let's go up to the wall. I don't like sitting out here.
#06[22:44] * [Ora]Mia holds opens her little med-kit..
[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.]
#06[22:46] * Dia follows!
#06[22:47] * KatherineNOwen holsters her pistol and carefully approaches.  Out of habit she removes the phonograph needle and switches off the turntable.
#06[22:48] * KatherineNOwen observes the woman.  Not good, not good... but there's a fear in her heart.  Is this woman infected...?
#06[22:48] * Raymond moves up next to a corpse on the ground, up against the wall, and opens his briefcase.
[22:49] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Mia: The man still seems to be losing blood, but keeps breathing. He keeps looking at the stairs.]
[22:51] <[Ora]Mia> ...what are you looking at?
#06[22:51] * Dia is looking left and right, covering him.
[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.]
#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...
[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.]
[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.
#06[22:54] * KatherineNOwen carefully exits the room and starts to head downstairs.
#06[22:56] * [Ora]Mia nods at Ilsa.
#06[22:56] * Dia take aim!
[22:56] <Dia> P-please! Mister! Go away!
[22:57] <Dia> Go away or I shoot!
[22:57] <[Ora]Mia> Please do, and if it gets worse, please get the others for help or call me.
#06[22:57] * Dia aim for the heart.
[22:58] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Dia: The man doesn't respond, continuing his advance.]
#06[22:58] * KatherineNOwen peaks into the ground floor room where everyone's gathered.
#06[22:59] * Dia hesitates! He is one of them, but still. Shooting an unarmed man!?
[22:59] <KatherineNOwen> "Mia?  I found the wife.  Pale, very... very pale.  I'm not sure what you can do for her."
#06[23:01] * [Rut]Ilsa keeps gauze pressed firmly on the areas where the man is bleeding.
[23:01] <[Ora]Mia> #14 Ok, thank you.
#06[23:02] * [Ora]Mia rushes to her side, she analyzes her condition..
[23:05] <[Ora]Mia> #14 This isn't good...
[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.]
[23:07] <[Ora]Mia> Dammit.. she needs blood now..
[23:08] <[Ora]Mia> My.. med kit.. I should have one..
#06[23:08] * [Ora]Mia checks throughly.
#06[23:09] * KatherineNOwen 's no good to anyone here.  She carefully heads outside to check to check their perimeter.
[23:13] <KatherineNOwen> [*minus one to check]
[23:16] <[Ora]Mia> ....
[23:16] <[Ora]Mia> #14... urgh.. I can't.. do anything...
#06[23:18] * Dia can't wait! he's coming too close!
[23:18] <Dia> [BLAM!]
#06[23:18] * Dia missed horribly.
#06[23:18] * [Ora]Mia grits her teeth and does what little she can with her skills.
[23:18] <Dia> uwah--! wahwah--!!
[23:18] <Dia> I need to--- reload---!
#06[23:18] * Dia move the bolt!
#06[23:20] * KatherineNOwen notices a faltering Dia not too far away, and an enemy closing in!
#06[23:20] * Raymond turns his attention from the corpse he's analyzing, only then noticing the demonic.
#06[23:21] * Dia should not choose Kar98K in the first place. It's not very good at continuous firing like those semi-autos.
#06[23:21] * Dia finally pulled the bolt. Old shell plinked off the gun, loaded by the new rounds.
#06[23:23] * [Rut]Ilsa hears a nearby gunshot. She keeps the compress on, but turns her head.
[23:24] <[Rut]Ilsa> What's happening?
#06[23:25] * KatherineNOwen jogs towards Dia quickly, rapier at the ready.
#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...
[23:25] <[Ora]Mia> #14... Please don't die on me... please don't die on me..
[23:26] <KatherineNOwen> "If you miss, I'm right here, Dia... Shoot well."
#06[23:27] * [Ora]Mia goes back down to check on the others.
[23:27] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Dia: The demonic claws at you as it gets closer, grappling your rifle and trying to attack you.]
#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.
#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.
[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.]
#06[23:36] * Raymond quickly pulls an orange vial from his briefcase, chucking it at the demonic as quickly as he can muster.
[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.]
[23:41] <Dia> L-leave her away! Go!
[23:41] <Dia> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
#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.
[23:42] <Dia> #15 haah... haah... haah...
#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.
#06[23:44] * [Ora]Mia arrives at the scene a minute or two too late...
#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.
#06[23:44] * Raymond takes a deep breath.
#01[23:45] <Raymond> Well, there's another culture I'll have to grow again. Katherine, where are the others?
#06[23:45] * KatherineNOwen thumbs into that building over there.
[23:45] <[Ora]Mia> #14 A-ah.. right here sir..!
#06[23:45] * [Ora]Mia catches her breath.
[23:45] <KatherineNOwen> "Tending to wounded, doctor."
[23:46] <[Rut]Ilsa> Hey! Can you hear me? What's going on out there?
#06[23:46] * Dia 's legs lose its strength, she sit down with a thud. her face is quite pale.
[23:46] <Dia> #15 haah... haah... haah...
#06[23:47] * KatherineNOwen sighs and sits down on a forlorn crate by the side of a wall.  Why does she feel so... useless?
[23:47] <[Ora]Mia> #14 d-did another one come?
#06[23:48] * Dia nods.
[23:49] <[Ora]Mia> ..#14 a-and.. the man?
[23:49] <Dia> ...I not know.
#06[23:49] * Dia look down on the ground.
#06[23:50] * [Rut]Ilsa grits her teeth and wraps the gauze padding down tight on the man's wound before rushing outside.
[23:50] <[Rut]Ilsa> Everyone alright out here??
[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.]
#01[23:50] <Raymond> We're alright, but a bit shaken- eh?
[23:51] <[Ora]Mia> #14 I-ilsa? W-why arent' you attending to that man?
[23:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> I heard gunfire. I bound the wound, it should be fine for a little while.
#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.
[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
#01[00:00] <Raymond> Easy. He's injured, but he isn't infected.
#06[00:00] * Raymond turns back at the group, speaking loudly through the door.
#01[00:00] <Raymond> Anyone else in here?
#06[00:01] * Dia notice the call but didn't response. she only look up.
[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.
#06[00:04] * KatherineNOwen , despite her better judgment, flips open her notebook and begins to write once more.
[00:04] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Soldier: Where's the second?
[00:06] <[Ora]Mia> #14 O-on top floor.
[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.]
#01[00:08] <Raymond> Well, let's go.
#06[00:09] * Raymond walks back out of the building, heading back out into the open with the group in tow.
[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.]
#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.
[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?
[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.
#01[00:23] <Raymond> We can live with it.
#06[00:23] * ColonelCarraza smiles, nodding.
[00:24] <ColonelCarraza> Just a second, then. I've got a few last things to go through.
[00:24] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [save]