Herods Maids 7-9

---[Session Seven]---

<[NPC]Narrator> [It's been a few days since the last event, and Vargas and Ayelen are just returning from their short time off in the hot springs. Alicia has been left to run things while she and Maria have been tasked with caring for Melody, who is still recovering. A detachment of gendarmes was stationed at the mansion while the two were gone; most of them have left by now.]
* [Tess]Vargas slowly drives around the front of the mansion, carefully looking around before turning towards the garage.
* Ayelen just sits in the back swishing her tail back and forth in a passive rhythm, recalling the vacation and just a little sad that it's now over...
* Ayelen on the other hand is looking forward to seeing everyone again. ( But I don't like wearing these clothes... ) She gives a few light tugs to her tube top, the annoyance on her face plainly revealing her half-minded idea to try going without it.
<[Tess]Vargas> Just what have you got in mind, Ayelen?
* Ayelen pouts.
<Ayelen> ... Do I have to wear stuff again?
<Ayelen> There were a lot of people there, and I didn't have to...
<[Tess]Vargas> Yeah, I know. But you can't go disappointing everyone else, they've seen you come a long way to get into that habit.
<[Tess]Vargas> And besides, since people don't expect it back here you'd draw attention.
<Ayelen> mou...
* Ayelen sits back in her seat and folds her arms as her ears fall dejectedly. ( I don't want to disappoint anyone, but I don't wanna... ) She concedes.
* [Atai]Maria hears an engine ever so faintly, and looks up from her cleaning.
* [Atai]Maria goes over to a window and looks out, and sure enough, waaaay off out there, comes a car.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (Ah. The Whore and her chupacabra are back.)
* [Atai]Maria wishes, not for the first time, for some land mines, or at least some dynamite.
* [Tess]Vargas hums a little as she approaches the mansion, keeping a look out.
* Ayelen gets that weird nagging feeling she gets sometimes around the mansion, again... ( I wish it would go away... )
* Alicia is still busy with paperworks in the office like usual. With Master's absence, she have to work extra hard to keep up with incoming works.
<Alicia> Ugh... this goes here... this goes there...
* [Atai]Maria . o O (just one goddamn twitch of my fingers and I could send her and that disgusting creature to Hell. ...I really hope Luis doesn't fuck up with that package.)
* [Tess]Vargas finally reaches the mansion, stopping in front of the main doors.
<[Tess]Vargas> Hm, we'll need to get the garage open... the girls probablylocked it.
* Ayelen nods, unbuckling herself and springing up.
<Ayelen> I'll go unl0
<Ayelen> [=-= 0 -> -]
* Ayelen forgets the roof of the car, however, and so hits her head against it with a fairly loud bang.
<Ayelen> Ow! ow, ow, ow...
* Ayelen holds the top of her head and falls back into her seat.
* [Tess]Vargas chuckles.
<[Tess]Vargas> C'mon, let's head out.
* [Atai]Maria is already downstairs, warm smile on her face as she greets the two mobile wastes of oxygen.
<Ayelen> heeey... ( ow... )
* Ayelen gets up and follows Vargas anyway.
* [Tess]Vargas leaves the car, walking up to the main doors and using a key to open them.
<[Atai]Maria> Welcome back, Minister, Ayelen. Was your trip a pleasant one?
* Ayelen just nods, then inching a little closer to Vargas.
<[Atai]Maria> I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves, then. Please, is there anything I can do?
* [Atai]Maria . o O (Like maybe an icepick through your ears?)
<[Tess]Vargas> Enough to get my mind off people trying to kill me from day to day. Guess I have to deal with the hazard again. Do you know where Alicia is?
* Alicia let out a frustrated yell from the office direction.
<[Tess]Vargas> Guess that answers my question. How have things been in my absence?
<[Atai]Maria> She is in the-- yes. She has been working quite hard recently.
<Alicia> ARGH! I NEED MORE DAKKA!
* Alicia is starting to sounds silly, now.
* Ayelen reflects her shy nature and remains silent, but cannot help but continue to get a bad feeling from being around this person... She edges out from being behind Vargas to in front of her out of instinct.
<[Atai]Maria> .........Other than that, things have been normal.
<[Tess]Vargas> I'll probably get her something for the trouble, it seems to have taken its toll. How's Melody been recovering?
* [Tess]Vargas begins to walk towards the office, putting her hands in her coat's pockets.
* [Atai]Maria is beginning to wonder if the chupacabra is reacting to more than just her body odor.
* Ayelen follows Vargas in silence, still continuing to place herself between her and Maria.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (I bathed 6 hours ago, you little monster. So it can't be that. Shit. I'm not scowling, am I? I thought Juana and I got that reflex under control...)
<[Atai]Maria> She has been doing as well as can be considered, under the circumstances.
* [Atai]Maria follows along behind.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (Well, on the bright side, maybe I can use this to my advantage. I just have to figure out what the fuck it is that I'm doing that sets her off.)
<[Tess]Vargas> From the way you say it, she's probably not able to move around yet? Well, with that much blood lost I guess it could be expected. It's only been a few days.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (I'll have to think about this, but I can't rule anything out. She has a fucking tail. And those ears. Like papa's gringo friend used to say, 'all bets are off.')
* Ayelen 's thoughts turn to Melody, upon mention of her injury... ( I've still got to pay her back... I'll give it to her when she's better! ) Her tail begins to swish back and forth in anticipation of that opportunity.
* [Tess]Vargas finally comes across the office, knocking twice on the door.
* Alicia jumps up in surprise.
<Alicia> Oh, okay! Comin'!
<[Atai]Maria> Ah, would you like me to unpack your bags from the car?
* Alicia answers the door in no time.
<[Tess]Vargas> Don't worry, I'll have Ayelen take care of it in a little.
<Alicia> Hey bo-- I mean... Greetings, master. Enjoy your vacation?
* Alicia 's face shown extreme stress and fatigue.
<[Tess]Vargas> Helped me get my mind off things. How're things back here?
<Alicia> It keeps coming like a rat in heat, master.
<Alicia> I mean the paperworks.
* Alicia sighs.
<Alicia> There's a lot left unattended.
* Ayelen just nods in acknowlegement of Vargas's request, then sneaking a somewhat non-covert quick glance at Maria.
<[Tess]Vargas> I haven't seen you this tired since...
* [Tess]Vargas laughs.
<[Tess]Vargas> Hell. We can't talk about it. Is there anything you need me to take care of right away?
<[Atai]Maria> ...As you wish, then.
* [Atai]Maria bows, and scoots out of the way.
* [Atai]Maria almost suppresses a giggle at Alicia's uncouth simile.
* Ayelen stands there for just another moment, cocking her head to the side in curiosity while glancing at Maria for just a bit longer.
<Alicia> I have arrange one file for you. All that need you to sign, anyway.
<Alicia> and seriously I need to go wash my face, master. I got a black patch under my eyes now.
* Ayelen only holds her gaze for a time totalling a handful of seconds before scurrying off back to the car to fetch Vargas's luggage.
<[Tess]Vargas> Leave the file on my desk, then you can go and take care of that. Make sure to come back here, though; I'll need to go through most of what's left with you around to know most of the context.
* [Atai]Maria can feel the eyes of the filthy beast upon her but is thinking only nice thoughts. Nice ones~ Pleasant, fluffy and nice get out of my head monster get out kind ones where everybody is laughing and happy, and things are joyful and wonderful~
<Alicia> Gotcha.
* Alicia stretches. Her bone is creaking, god damn.
<Alicia> NNNnnnnnngh~~~!
<Alicia> Be right back, master. Need a nice splash in the face and a cup of joe.
* Alicia showly striding elegantly to the restroom.
<Alicia> [*slowly]
<[Tess]Vargas> Hrrm. Maria, has she even left this office?
* [Atai]Maria pauses and counts on her fingers.
<[Atai]Maria> Aside from bathroom breaks and meals-- oh, no, not even those; she took those in here-- No, I don't think she has.
<[Tess]Vargas> No wonder. She looks like she didn't even sleep.
* [Tess]Vargas walks to her desk, opening the folder and reading over the paper inside.
<[Tess]Vargas> Wait, did that leave you with the rest of the mansion to clean?
<[Atai]Maria> It did.
<[Tess]Vargas> Oh, damn. My apologies, I probably should've seen this coming.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (Oh, did it ever.~ I finally got a few little projects done, too, and it was about high damn time they got done.)
* Alicia is back with tray of coffee. Extremely bitter one at that.
<Alicia> Let's get it done, master.
<[Tess]Vargas> Yeah, let's finish this up. Sleeping like you should'll do you good.
<[Tess]Vargas> Any assassination attempts while I was gone?
<Alicia> Not that I know of. I'm stuck in the office all the time. Maria's taking point-----
<Alicia> ---I mean taking care of the mansion, sorry.
* Alicia make a mental note not to use military slangs often.
<[Tess]Vargas> I still understand you, Alicia. You don't have to be that careful when there aren't other people around.
* Alicia sigh.
<Alicia> I guess livng in the field for half of my life does give me this troublesome habit eh boss?
<[Tess]Vargas> The little luxury of knowing exactly who wanted you dead... ah, those were the days. Let me just get my signature on this.
* [Tess]Vargas reaches into her desk, pulling out a pen and signing the file.
<[Atai]Maria> Can I get you anything, Minister?
<Alicia> I hope you do read it. if it's just a trivial matter I already copy your autograph and sign it myself.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (...her signature is that easy to forge?)
<[Tess]Vargas> I've looked at it, but I'll look closer if it's that important. Actually...
<Alicia> It IS important/.
<[Tess]Vargas> Maria, if you could get me that phonebook of mine. Comissioner Byrewood should be hearing from me in the next couple days.
[Tess]Vargas goes back to reading the file, this time examining it thoroughly.
* [Atai]Maria pauses, looking about... oh, over there? She goes over and checks-- yep, that's it. Bringing it back, she sets it quietly upon Vargas' desk so as not to disturb her reading.
<[Tess]Vargas> Thanks. So things have been quiet... guess I got lucky there.
* [Atai]Maria bows slightly in acknowledgment.
<Alicia> I wonder how you could tackle all this paperworks all by yourself. It is troublesome.
<[Atai]Maria> I suppose everyone did, Minister.
<[Atai]Maria> Imagine how silly an assassin would feel, killing us all only to realize you were out of town?
<[Atai]Maria> Indeed, peacefulness is best.
* [Atai]Maria . o O (As long as it's the peace your finally-stopped breath.)
<[Tess]Vargas> It's part of the reason I'm here.
* [Tess]Vargas finishes reading and puts the folder down.
<[Atai]Maria> ...Hmm?
<[Tess]Vargas> So now that that's done, you two feel like doing anything?
* [Atai]Maria . o O (How's a bullet between the eyes sound, bitch?)
* [Atai]Maria blinks, curiously.
<[Atai]Maria> Such as ...what?
<Alicia> huh?
* Alicia is also confused. She works. All the time.
* [Atai]Maria is confused and is trying to think of what she means. Free time? Shit, that's right. Uh, quick. What would a normal girl do with free time?
<[Tess]Vargas> Oh, I didn't have anything specific in mind. Whether you want to relax or not is your decision, isn't it?
<[Atai]Maria> ...we're... are we off-duty for the day, then...?
<Alicia> I guess.
<Alicia> I'd, uh... go check on Melody.
* Alicia feel that Melody's condition is somehow her fault.
* [Atai]Maria feels a little odd, but bows graciously.
<[Atai]Maria> Thank you very much, Minister.
* [Atai]Maria scoots out of there, and goes back to her room.
<[Tess]Vargas> Before you go, Alicia...
* Alicia turns to Vargas.
<Alicia> yes?
<[Tess]Vargas> Did the detachment report anything unusual to you these past few days?
<Alicia> There is something amiss. But that's just my hunch.
<Alicia> We will have to discuss this further when we have time.
<[Tess]Vargas> Understood. Dismissed, then. Let me know if there's anything else.
<Alicia> Wilco.
* Alicia do a brief, unofficial salute. more like a tip of hat.
* [Tess]Vargas returns it, bringing out her typewriter and inserting a sheet.
* Alicia is off to see Melody.
<[NPC]Narrator> [quicksave!]

---[Session Eight]---

[21:59] <Wardenclyffe> [So!]
[22:01] <Wardenclyffe> [Vargas and Ayelen have returned and settled in again from their three-day vacation; things have quickly returned to business as usual. The only thing strange about today is that it's somehow unusually calm; there aren't any appointments and hardly any papers... man, it's a slow day.]
06[22:01] * Alicia yawns. Not much to do here...
03[22:01] * Dune|Idle is now known as Ayelen
06[22:02] * Wardenclyffe sits in her office, twiddling her thumbs. Bored...
06[22:03] * Ayelen just pads around the halls, simply, plainly, and idly.
02[22:03] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[22:03] * Ayelen . o O ( hmm... I still can't give that to her, but I hope I will soon... )
06[22:03] * Vargas takes off her fedora and twirls it on a finger. Better find something to do...
06[22:03] * Ayelen ponders various things.
06[22:04] * Vargas gets up, puts her hat on and adjusts her coat before striding out of her office.
03[22:07] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[22:08] * Alicia doze off.
[22:09] <Alicia> Munyuuu~~~....
06[22:10] * Vargas decides to go to Alicia's office first. Maybe she's up to something.
06[22:10] * Alicia slide on her warm mahogany desk.
[22:11] <Alicia> Hyuuu~
[22:11] <Alicia> 15 so warm, yet so cool at the same time~
06[22:12] * Vargas gently raps on Alicia's door.
[22:14] <Alicia> Ah---?
06[22:14] * Alicia idly stand up, and walk over to the door.
[22:14] <Alicia> Who's there?
06[22:16] * Vargas gently raps again. Let's see how ready she is for the unexpected...
06[22:17] * Alicia just casually open it.
[22:17] <Alicia> what do you need?
06[22:17] * Alicia is still in daze. She just wake up, after all.
01[22:18] <Vargas> Seeing what you were up to. Be a bit more careful, though; you never do know what to expect.
[22:18] <Alicia> Oh, 'sup boss.
01[22:18] <Vargas> Anyway, I figured we could go and do something today. Get an ice cream in town like we usually do or something.
06[22:18] * Alicia smiles, and does a curtsy.
[22:18] <Alicia> I'm nothing but a mere little fragile maid, mistress.
[22:19] <Alicia> I cannot possibly fight anyone barehanded and bath in their blood.
[22:19] <Alicia> ...or can I?
06[22:19] * Ayelen comes to an intersection of hallways on the first floor, at the same time coming to a split between decisions in her mind. ( Go see Vargas, or take a nap in the garden...? )
06[22:19] * Alicia have that mischievious smile on her face.
[22:19] <Alicia> I'd better utilize my decieving look at its best, boss.
01[22:20] <Vargas> I'm glad you have such fond memories of the old days. Come on, let's see what the others are up to.
[22:20] <Alicia> Gotcha.
06[22:20] * Alicia is somewhat reluctant to leave her awesome mahogany desk, but she comply anyway.
06[22:21] * Vargas strides down the hall, in the direction of the garden.
01[22:21] <Vargas> Any idea where the others might be?
06[22:21] * Ayelen finds no contest in the question, and so sniffs the air to try and find where Vargas is.
[22:22] <Alicia> Nope. I'm just dozing off in the office.
[22:22] <Alicia> I mean, the weather is so nice today.
[22:22] <Alicia> How 'bout you go doing something girlish for a change, boss? sure is a good change of pace.
06[22:24] * Vargas stops, thinking about it.
01[22:24] <Vargas> Strange thing to suggest... still, you've got a point. What sort of stuff do you mean?
[22:24] <Alicia> Dunno. Like having a tea party or somethin'.
[22:25] <Alicia> or just giggling like a teenager schoolgirl. I really wanna see that from you.
[22:25] <Alicia> C'mon. give it a try!
01[22:25] <Vargas> 14...Strange contemplations for former military officers and current political assassins.
06[22:25] * Ayelen detects her trail in the direction of Alicia's office, and so she takes off towards it on all fours.
01[22:25] <Vargas> Giggling...hm.
[22:27] <Alicia> It'll be fun.
06[22:27] * Vargas tries, covering her mouth with her hand; it's convincing but still a little forced.
[22:28] <Alicia> Oh my~! Such a cute giggling you did!
06[22:28] * Alicia tries, too. but come out really bad.
06[22:28] * Ayelen 's rapid pace enables her to reach the office, peeking then around the doorframe. She twitches one of her ears.
06[22:29] * Ayelen . o O ( ... what's this? )
[22:29] <Alicia> look, look, boss!
01[22:29] <Vargas> Ah, maybe we ought to practice. Especially if you're talking about things like tea parties... gee, it all seems so foreign.
06[22:29] * Alicia grab her hair and make a twintail.
[22:30] <Alicia> Konnichinya onee-chyan~!
06[22:30] * Alicia spins around, trying to be cute.
[22:31] <Alicia> sheesh, that's pretty bad I wanna erase my memory.
06[22:31] * Ayelen stands there without making a noise, blinking several times.
06[22:31] * Alicia straighten up her dress.
01[22:32] <Vargas> Things that you're not adept at take practice. So what now?
[22:32] <Alicia> Let's take them somewhere for a change. Ice-cream parlor sounds nice.
[22:32] <Alicia> Your treat, 'kay?
01[22:33] <Vargas> Naturally. Let's go find them.
06[22:34] * Alicia take the lead.
06[22:34] * Vargas follows, adjusting her hat by the brim.
06[22:35] * Alicia kinda walk around, searching for her fellow maid.
[22:35] <Alicia> Eh. Where the hell are they?
01[22:36] <Vargas> Maybe we should try calling them or something. Ayelen in particular should have an interest in the treat, I think.
02[22:36] * HY ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: BLARGLE)
[22:37] <Alicia> okay.
06[22:37] * Alicia inhale.
06[22:37] * Ayelen steps out from beside the doorframe, planting herself square and center.
[22:37] <Ayelen> hey, i'm here already!
06[22:37] * Alicia is going to call Ayelen, but stop just in time.
[22:38] <Alicia> Ah, it's you.
01[22:38] <Vargas> Oh, that's not bad at all then. I take it you're interested?
06[22:39] * Alicia whisper to her boss.
[22:39] <Alicia> 15 I hope she didn't see us back then, heh.
06[22:39] * Ayelen nods and smiles.
06[22:39] * Vargas freezes, but only for a split second before returning to her earlier demeanor.
[22:39] <Ayelen> Ice cream's tasty.
06[22:40] * Ayelen waits for later to speak her mind, however. ( ... what /were/ they doing?... )
[22:40] <Alicia> where's the others?
01[22:42] <Vargas> Melody's probably asleep, as for Maria... I sent her on a minor assignment, but there's a posse trailing her. So I think that covers it.
[22:42] <Alicia> Then that's the three of us? Alright.
[22:43] <Alicia> I'll drive, since there's only me around now.
03[22:43] * PaperBoy ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
02[22:44] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
01[22:44] <Vargas> We'll discuss it when we get there.
06[22:44] * Vargas heads in the direction of the garage.
06[22:45] * Ayelen follows right by Vargas's side, her tail moving back and forth.
03[22:45] * PaperBoy is now known as Wriggle
06[22:46] * Alicia take the old and battered car. She don't have to worry much about crashing into anything that way.
06[22:47] * Ayelen throughout their journey to the car seems more quiet and introspective than usual, even compared to how she isn't too outgoing to begin with.
01[22:48] <Vargas> Well... alright, I'll leave it to you.
[22:48] <Alicia> Hey, what's the matter? you seems a bit more tense than usual today.
06[22:48] * Alicia nudge Ayelen's back.
[22:50] <Ayelen> huh?
06[22:51] * Ayelen glances towards Alicia for a quick, surprised instant before pulling herself a nudge's distance further away from her.
[22:51] <Alicia> oh well...
06[22:51] * Alicia just shrug, and climb over driver seat.
06[22:52] * Vargas gently tugs at one of Ayelen's ears.
[22:52] <Alicia> Please tell me the destination, miss Vargas.
06[22:52] * Ayelen shakes her head at the gesture, out of reflex.
[22:52] <Ayelen> aah~
01[22:53] <Vargas> Well, just tell me what's bothering you and then we can go. Won't do to have you distracted out there.
06[22:54] * Ayelen looks up to Vargas with curiosity, and then some repidation.
[22:54] <Ayelen> yeah, that's right...
03[22:55] * Ataisai is now known as [Atai]Maria
02[22:56] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[22:56] * Ayelen falls silent, a pause of introspection filling the space. ( She acts real nice, but a good fox would... )
[22:56] <Alicia> hm?
06[22:56] * Alicia just drive. A bit awkward for a driving, but still drive.
06[22:57] * Ayelen goes ahead and speaks up, after a few more moments' passing.
[22:57] <Ayelen> um, Maria...
02[22:58] * Alicia ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: We will meet again when this country needs me. Until then, Adios.)
06[22:59] * Ayelen shakes her head.
[22:59] <Ayelen> She's really nice, but something feels weird around her...
06[23:00] * Ayelen 's ears twitch, drawing attention to Ayelen's nature.
03[23:00] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
01[23:00] <Vargas> Yeah, true. All we need is to keep an eye on her, though, and be ready if she tries anything.
03[23:00] * Alicia ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[23:02] * Ayelen looks up to Vargas, now outwardly shocked and apprehensive to a light extent.
01[23:02] <Vargas> Hm? Something wrong?
06[23:03] * Ayelen 's eyes reflect a degree of worry.
[23:03] <Ayelen> So... something's wrong about her?
01[23:03] <Vargas> I have my suspicions, but, well, I told you about this. Don't you remember?
06[23:07] * Ayelen blinks in recognition.
[23:08] <Ayelen> ... oh, that's right...
06[23:08] * Ayelen continues insisting, regardless.
[23:08] <Ayelen> but it seems like more than hiding a name, 14I think...
[23:09] <Alicia> What are you talking about? I'm too focused on the road I didn't follow.....Ah! Here we are!
[23:09] <Wardenclyffe> [Traffic is noticeable but isn't too bad, and you park on the side without much difficulty.]
06[23:09] * Alicia pull a car to a stop with a little bump.
[23:10] <Alicia> Whew. I manage to get it here in one piece this time.
06[23:10] * Alicia wipe her sweat.
06[23:10] * [Atai]Maria strolls along on the sidewalk when she sees a familiar car pull to the curb a block or so ahead.
06[23:10] * Ayelen is caught between a sullen and exstatic disposition with the two situations: ice cream, and Maria.
06[23:10] * [Atai]Maria sighs dejectedly.
01[23:11] <Vargas> Well, let's head on over. We're here for a reason, after all... and... hah. What a coincidence.
06[23:11] * Vargas gets out of the car, stretching and adjusting her coat.
06[23:11] * Ayelen shakes her head and smiles, though, opting to follow Vargas with a happy demeanor. Curiosity strikes her just as she arrives at Vargas's side.
[23:11] <Ayelen> eh?
06[23:12] * Alicia , after ensure that everyone is out, lock the car.
06[23:12] * [Atai]Maria . o O (...Perfect opportunity, and here's me without a grenade or three on hand. Sr. Santiago would be ashamed of me.)
06[23:12] * [Atai]Maria forces herself to brighten up, and waves to them as they spot her.
[23:13] <Alicia> Oh, isn't that Maria? what a coincidence!
06[23:13] * Ayelen spots Maria soon after that, and tries to keep as normal of an appearance while keeping an eye on her as she can...
06[23:14] * Vargas waves back, walking to the place and gesturing at her to follow.
06[23:16] * Ayelen tapers after Vargas, settling to track Maria with at least one of her ears when turning her back. She goes ahead and cocks her other ear in a seperate direction, however, to try and make it look normal...
[23:16] <[Atai]Maria> Hi~
[23:17] <Alicia> hi there.
01[23:18] <Vargas> So, have you finished?
06[23:18] * Ayelen stays quietly by Vargas, keeping in line with her shy personality.
06[23:19] * [Atai]Maria . o O (Ah. The chupacabra's with her. No surprise, really... Okay, let's see... ruled out telepathy, sight, smell, touch, dunno about taste, and proximity seems to be vaguely related. Whatever. Think pleasant thoughts. Calmness. Ordinary maid. Ordinary woman.)
06[23:19] * [Atai]Maria nods.
[23:19] <[Atai]Maria> I delivered it to them as requested, Minister.
01[23:20] <Vargas> Well, then come along. We were just dropping by so there's room for another.
06[23:21] * Ayelen gains a shadow of that odd feeling while trying to keep Vargas seperated from Maria. ( She's niceish, but I should trust my instincts... )
06[23:22] * Alicia take the lead, like usual.
03[23:23] * TaxationSansLoli is now known as CompletelyDifferent
[23:24] <[Atai]Maria> Very well.
06[23:24] * Ayelen takes close/rear guard, as usual in the recent past.
06[23:24] * [Atai]Maria falls in behind the others.
06[23:24] * [Atai]Maria does it best from behind. So there.
[23:26] <Wardenclyffe> [The shop is pretty basic but with some nice decorations and a generous selection; the floor is tiled and there are small tables along the window.]
01[23:26] <Vargas> So, I'll leave it to you to choose and order for yourselves. No problems, I hope?
06[23:26] * Ayelen finds an idle part of her mind in amazement with all of the stone and steel and glass and people around her in this town. ( ... It's been years since then, but even still i'm not used to it. )
[23:26] <Alicia> &#65410;&#12539;
[23:26] <Alicia> Affirmative.
06[23:27] * [Atai]Maria . o O (The fuck is this joint supposed to be?)
[23:27] <Alicia> Well-----
[23:27] <[Atai]Maria> ...What kind of shop is this?
03[23:27] * huh is now known as huhway
06[23:28] * Alicia take up a piece of paper and a pen.
[23:28] <Alicia> Order, please.
[23:28] <Alicia> It's an ice-cream parlor, dear.
06[23:28] * Ayelen snaps out of it and turns around to face Vargas, realizing all of a sudden that last clause.
[23:28] <Ayelen> um...
06[23:29] * Alicia just jot down a coffe + Rum raisin sundae for her own.
[23:29] <[Atai]Maria> Oh.
01[23:29] <Vargas> If you want Alicia or someone to help, just ask, right?
06[23:30] * Ayelen 's tail swishes and she fidgets. ( o-other people...-oh! )
06[23:30] * Ayelen brightens in an instant.
[23:30] <[Atai]Maria> Aha. I haven't been to one in some time, that's all.
[23:30] <Ayelen> thank you!
06[23:30] * [Atai]Maria laughs lightly.
[23:30] <Alicia> please be in your best behavior. We are in the public.
06[23:30] * Alicia adjust her glasses.
06[23:31] * Ayelen forgets in part that worry in the back of her mind, twirling to Alicia so she may get her ice cream.
[23:31] <Ayelen> Vanilla, please!
[23:32] <Alicia> Got it. Vanilla sundae, with heavy caramel and a bright red cherry on top.
06[23:32] * Ayelen after another instant that she's probably just broken that request of Alicia's. ( eh? she seems fine~ )
06[23:33] * Ayelen nods towards Alicia while giving a wide smile.
06[23:33] * [Atai]Maria looks for a list of available flavors, and finds one on the large menu above.
[23:33] <[Atai]Maria> Ah.
06[23:33] * Alicia hide her smile behind the paper, and turns to Maria and Vargas.
02[23:34] * Alicia ([email protected]) Quit (Killed (NickServ (GHOST command used by Mystearica|irc)))
03[23:35] * [kiri]Alicia ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[23:35] * Ayelen cocks her head in curiosity towards Alicia, and leans to the side to see what she's hiding while swishing her tail a bit.
02[23:36] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[23:37] * Vargas looks at the menu for a bit. Hm... something unusual...
06[23:37] * [kiri]Alicia can't resist her urge, and pats on Ayelen's head.
06[23:39] * Ayelen just looks at her blankly for a small, enjoyable moment before taking a halfway-reluctant step back.
03[23:40] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
[23:41] <[Atai]Maria> ...I would like strawberry, please.
06[23:42] * [kiri]Alicia quickly jot it down without any problem.
[23:42] <[kiri]Alicia> And I think miss Vargas' should be...?
06[23:42] * [kiri]Alicia nudgenudge her boss. 'just order already, you picky eater!'
01[23:42] <Vargas> One of those... raspberry ones, I guess. Don't think I've even seen that before.
[23:43] <[kiri]Alicia> Understood.
06[23:43] * [kiri]Alicia squiggles squilggles and rip a page out.
[23:43] <[kiri]Alicia> I'll be right back.
06[23:43] * [kiri]Alicia send the paper to the shopkeeper.
06[23:44] * Ayelen takes a quiet step closer to Vargas, keeping herself close as an anchor in this chaotic passing of society around her. ( so many sounds, and smells, and... )
[23:46] <Wardenclyffe> [The shopkeeper puts all of them on the counter over just a few minutes. True efficiency at the line of work.]
06[23:46] * [kiri]Alicia balance it on the tray, and do her job as a maid.
[23:46] <[kiri]Alicia> Your order's here.
01[23:47] <Vargas> Ah, impressive.
06[23:47] * Ayelen 's ears perk up and her eyes light up as she looks over her sundae...
06[23:47] * Vargas walks over to the counter and pays for the items, returning immediately thereafter and getting her piece from Alicia's tray.
06[23:49] * [kiri]Alicia just sit down.
[23:49] <[kiri]Alicia> Here we go.
[23:50] <Wardenclyffe> [A black car pulls over outside, five large men in suits get out and move towards the parlor.]
06[23:50] * Vargas eyes them curiously.
06[23:51] * Ayelen begins reaching for her sundae, but stops with a sudden halt as she senses... danger.
06[23:51] * Ayelen 's demeanor instantly becomes more serious, and she tugs on the side of Vargas's shirt.
01[23:51] <Vargas> In the clear light of day, this obvious, with all these people around? That's either impressive confidence or stupidity just as impressive. Brace yourselves, I suppose...
06[23:51] * [kiri]Alicia stands up. This is not really good...
01[23:52] <Vargas> What do you think? Move preemptively or wait a second?
[23:52] <[kiri]Alicia> And I bet they're not coming for an ice cream.
06[23:52] * [Atai]Maria notices the chupacabra's agitation, followed by the secretary, too.
06[23:53] * [Atai]Maria . o O (Knew I should've taken a window seat.)
[23:53] <[Atai]Maria> Trouble coming to visit, Minister?
01[23:53] <Vargas> Yeah. I'm just surprised how obvious it is.
06[23:53] * Ayelen takes Vargas's words as a sign, and begins to raise herself to stand directly between Vargas and these odd men. She halts halfway, however, realizing that definite action hasn't yet been declared...
06[23:54] * [Atai]Maria looks back at the shopkeeper.
[23:54] <[kiri]Alicia> Not yet. Don't go trigger-happy. not just yet.
06[23:54] * [kiri]Alicia , however, is getting ready.
[23:54] <Wardenclyffe> [The men try and move around Ayelen, attention focused on Vargas.]
[23:55] <[kiri]Alicia> Hold it right there, gentlemen. State your business. I'm her personal secretary.
06[23:55] * Ayelen tolerates this no longer, rising from the table and growling at them.
06[23:56] * [kiri]Alicia stands between the girls and the invader.
03[23:56] * Wardenclyffe is now known as [NPC]Strangers
06[23:56] * [Atai]Maria motions to the shopkeeper that he should maybe go hide in the back room. Quickly-like.
[23:56] <[NPC]Strangers> [The first of them speaks.]
[23:57] <[NPC]Strangers> Nothing too complex, just something to leave for the minister.
06[23:57] * Vargas sighs. They're even worse than Delgado...
06[23:57] * Vargas draws immediately and shoots him.
[23:57] <[kiri]Alicia> Holy shi---
[23:58] <[Atai]Maria> Oh.
[23:58] <[NPC]Strangers> [The first falls back onto the sidewalk, injured, and the other four draw pistols immediately.]
Session Time: Sat Oct 03 00:00:00 2009
06[00:00] * [Atai]Maria 's handgun is in her hand immediately, and she shoots from the hip.
06[00:02] * Ayelen just as quickly combines a rush and the drawing of her wakizashi into a swift attack aimed to sever one of the men's hands at the wrist!
06[00:05] * [Atai]Maria . o O (...Fuck.)
06[00:06] * [Atai]Maria doesn't like the chupacabra, but she's impressed. Less impressed is she with her own shot. That window won't be terrorizing anyone any time soon.
02[00:07] * [kiri]Alicia ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: We will meet again when this country needs me. Until then, Adios.)
03[00:09] * Alicia ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[00:09] * [Atai]Maria . o O (Very ashamed. Bitch's middle name must be Collateral Damage.)
06[00:10] * Alicia /me give one of them a swift groinshot.
[00:12] <Ayelen> [=-= ~]
[00:13] <Alicia> What the hell, boss?! I'll give you a through lecture later! Now get your ass behind that counter pronto!
06[00:14] * Alicia jump at the remaining guy.
02[00:15] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[00:18] * Vargas kicks at the hand of the guy that Alicia just hit, but is stopped from acting further by blocking a countering punch.
06[00:22] * Ayelen , after having severed the man's let hand, stops and completely reverses the direction of her next slice, aimed nigh straight up towards the man's neck and ching. As the result, she and a nearby wall are painted with a bit of scarlet, and a new corpse gains a gruesome cut neck, split jaw, and ruined face.
06[00:22] * Alicia get on top of the guy and starts pummeling his face.
03[00:23] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[00:26] * [Atai]Maria is a little disappointed at the lack of violence she has been able to inflict so far, and resolves to try better on this here hapless unwounded son of a bitch.
06[00:27] * [Atai]Maria takes a moment to steady her hand this time --and actually aim-- before firing.
06[00:29] * [Atai]Maria misses by a mile, and draws attention to herself instead.
06[00:30] * [Atai]Maria . o O (Fucking lovely. I'm going to haunt the bitch's ass into the fourth generation if I fucking die in one of these shitball assassination attempts.)
06[00:33] * [Atai]Maria dives for cover.
02[00:36] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
03[00:43] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
[00:49] <[NPC]Strangers> [The guard Maria was shooting at returns fire, but doesn't hit her lethally; as she dives, however, he tags her in her left shoulder.]
[00:50] <Alicia> Oh F---! MARIA!
06[00:50] * Alicia rush in to intercept.
06[00:51] * Ayelen spares nothing more than an instant of peripheral vision for her, and moves in to eviscerate the offender.
01[00:51] <Vargas> Ah, shit!
06[00:53] * [Atai]Maria 's shoulder blooms in agony, and she swears as she lands and goes into a roll on her right side.
06[00:54] * Alicia take a look at Maria's wound.
[00:54] <Alicia> Not fatal. Get back up. you're good to go.
06[00:54] * Alicia give Maria a slap on the back.
[00:54] <[Atai]Maria> Blasted blood-filled mother of Christ, fuck!
06[00:56] * [Atai]Maria That last one comes out particularly forcefully as Alicia's hand lands on her left shoulderblade. Not on the wound, but close enough to be painful.
02[00:56] * CompletelyDifferent ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: ChatZilla 0.9.85 [Firefox 3.5.3/20090824101458])
[00:56] <Alicia> I'll fuck your brains out later, soldier! now get going!
06[00:56] * Alicia jump out of the cover, dashing to the nearest guy.
06[00:58] * [Atai]Maria , enraged, throws an punch at Alicia, only to hit air, as the secretary has already taken off.
[00:58] <[Atai]Maria> --fuck!
06[01:00] * Vargas moves forward and kicks at one of the men; the man dodges and lands a punch to her side.
01[01:00] <Vargas> 14Gh!
06[01:01] * [Atai]Maria finds a small shard of wood, and bites down on it, then picks up her gun and looks for the next asshole to ventilate.
02[01:02] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[01:03] * Ayelen sprints in and slashes perpendicular to the gunman's midsection and with her luck, the man is split in two, the new gap between his vertebrae a clean one. Soon enough, the gap between torso and hip becomes even more noticeable.
06[01:03] * [Atai]Maria flinches.
06[01:04] * Alicia goes 'Ew'.
01[01:04] <Vargas> Um, maybe that was a little exaggerated. Be a little more careful, will you?
06[01:05] * [Atai]Maria . o O (...Not going to kill that one from less than 100 meters away.)
[01:06] <[Atai]Maria> [ =-= *Not going to try killing that one ]
[01:07] <Alicia> Whoa. Seriously. you don't have to mincemeat every one of them. At least left some for questioning!
06[01:07] * [Atai]Maria 's eyes dart around the room, looking for anyone else to shoot.
02[01:07] * Pygmalion ([email protected]) Quit (Remote host closed the connection)
03[01:10] * Pygmalion ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
03[01:10] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[01:12] * Ayelen registers only in part their message, for a sort of battle focus has taken her.
06[01:13] * Vargas takes another strike from the man she attacked, this time to the gut. She's shoved back a short distance and seemes a little stunned.
06[01:15] * [Atai]Maria draws a bead on the next available assailant, prays that she'll hit him this time, and fires.
03[01:15] * [Atai]Maria is now known as Jesus
06[01:16] * Jesus is not taking Maria-based prayers at this time.
03[01:16] * Jesus is now known as [Atai]Maria
[01:16] <[NPC]Strangers> [The man is effectively hit, stepping back but not exactly down yet.
[01:16] <[NPC]Strangers> ]
[01:16] <[Atai]Maria> FUCK!
06[01:17] * Ayelen begins moving towards the one who is attacking Vargas, but leaves an unintentional opening!
06[01:18] * [Atai]Maria tosses the gun aside and looks for something a little more personal.
[01:20] <[NPC]Strangers> [The same one manages to exploit the opening, giving Ayelen a kick that propels her backwards.]
02[01:21] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
[01:22] <Ayelen> Kyah-
06[01:23] * Ayelen emits a yelp as she topples backward over a table, dropping her bloodies wakizashi in the process.
06[01:26] * Vargas gives a sly smile, finally at a good range. She levels her pistol and shoots one of the men in the head, killing him outright.
03[01:27] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
[01:28] <Ayelen> [=-= bloodied, sorry]
02[01:36] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[01:39] * [Atai]Maria is pissed and hurting and has kind of stopped giving a rat's ass. Grabbing the first thing that comes to hand, she throws a drinking glass at him. Unfortunately, her throwing arm is more used to lobbing grenades in an arc, rather than other things in a more direct line. This does not work so well in small ice cream shops.
06[01:40] * [Atai]Maria The glass shatters, and Maria splinters the wood as she bites on it to keep from screaming.
03[01:43] * Wriggle ([email protected]) has joined #maidrpg
06[01:45] * Ayelen , on the other hand, is too angry to pay attention to much of anything else for a few seconds. With a quick recovery, she rises and throws herself in an arc through the air to crush the man's windpipe in one blow.
06[01:48] * [Atai]Maria sees this through the haze of pain and frustration.
[01:48] <[NPC]Strangers> [As the last of the men fall, men with pistols and various other weapons converge on the scene. Vargas gestures for the one she shot first to be taken away, the detectives fire on those lying on the ground before nudging them to ensure they're dead.]
06[01:49] * [Atai]Maria . o O (...hundred and fifty.)
06[01:49] * Vargas walks back towards the girls while projecting instructions to the detectives.
01[01:50] <Vargas> ...Oh, and make sure to get a new glass panel for this shop along with the cleanup team.
06[01:50] * [Atai]Maria 's gaze turns, and catches Vargas' simple gesture and the unquestioning obedient response of the police.
06[01:50] * Ayelen , after panting over the corpse of the one she just slew, rises and collects her wakizashi. Nonchalant, she then cleans them on the pant legs of the lone legs while making an evaluative glance towards Vargas.
06[01:50] * Vargas turns to Maria, offering her a hand up.
06[01:50] * [Atai]Maria . o O (...Three hundred for her, and four times the necessary tonnage.)
06[01:51] * [Atai]Maria looks up, and starts to raise her left arm, yelps, and jerks it back. She rolls back slightly, and offers her right, instead.
[01:52] <[Atai]Maria> ...Thanks.
06[01:53] * Vargas helps Maria up and proceeds to inspect her left shoulder, applying some cotton and wrapping it in some gauze.
06[01:53] * [Atai]Maria looks around unsteadily, seeing the destruction of the little shop.
01[01:54] <Vargas> There, I knew getting back into practice would help. Not much I can do here, but we'll have that checked out on the way back.
[01:54] <[Atai]Maria> 14...Christ.
06[01:55] * [Atai]Maria remembers something, seeing the bullet-riddled counter.
[01:55] <[Atai]Maria> ...the owner make it out okay?
[01:55] <[Atai]Maria> Kinda shooed 'im out. Sorta.
01[01:56] <Vargas> Yeah, I heard already. Arranged for the place to be fixed, so it should be all right.
06[01:56] * Ayelen finishes wiping her sword clean on the leg pair and then stands, then walking over to accompany Vargas.
06[01:56] * Vargas moves over to the table where what they just ordered was, seemingly untouched, and gets her ice cream from it before proceeding to the door.
01[01:57] <Vargas> And you?
06[02:00] * [Atai]Maria stares a little at Vargas, watching her take her ice cream, carefree as she pleases.
06[02:02] * [Atai]Maria . o O (.........I asked about the owner, you stupid bitch, not his shop. Just... fucking wow. Did she even fucking hear me?)
06[02:03] * [Atai]Maria is too angry at herself and in pain to really get any angrier. It's more sort of a sense of dumbfounded shock than anything.
01[02:04] <Vargas> Sound like the guy at the counter or... not so, like those we just... eh, no expression for that there. Met, I guess.
06[02:05] * [Atai]Maria is wondering if she hit her head a little hard in that dive. Did that make any sense?
[02:05] <[Atai]Maria> ...What?
06[02:06] * [Atai]Maria pauses as she peers over behind the counter. Anybody home?
06[02:06] * Ayelen glances at Maria for a moment, eyeing her with some empathy for her wound, and just a little bit of something else.
01[02:07] <Vargas> Okay, I'll be clearer. Are you okay? ...Ah, there's no one back there, he left just fine and is right outside now.
06[02:07] * [Atai]Maria blinks, and nods.
[02:07] <[Atai]Maria> Oh.
[02:07] <[Atai]Maria> Yes.
06[02:08] * [Atai]Maria looks at her shoulder, and frowns at it.
[02:08] <[Atai]Maria> Except for being shot.
02[02:08] * Wriggle ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
06[02:08] * [Atai]Maria remembers something, and her face darkens further.
[02:08] <[Atai]Maria> ...And that fucking gun.
06[02:10] * [Atai]Maria goes back into the debris, and looks around on the floor until she finds the weapon. She picks it up, glares at it, and jams it into a thigh holster.
06[02:10] * Ayelen eats her ice cream while pretending to pay attention elsewhere, where instead with a single pointed ear she is eavesdropping.
01[02:11] <Vargas> What about it? Well, let's head on out- we'll get your shoulder looked at more closely on the way back. From what I can tell, it might take a bit to recover, but it isn't something to really be concerned about since you should get better entirely in short order.
06[02:11] * Ayelen soon winds up sporting a curious combination of both ice cream and bloodstains on and around her lips.
06[02:12] * [Atai]Maria very nearly growls out a comment about getting rusty with these, before instead settling for muttering darkly that she'll be going to the shooting range a lot more often.
[02:13] <[Atai]Maria> I sincerely hope so, Minister.
01[02:13] <Vargas> Well, let's go. An assassination attempt is... enough for one day, isn't it?
[02:14] <[Atai]Maria> I was hoping to squeeze in a few lynchings and a riot in, but I have had my fill of playtime activities for the day.

---[Session Nine]---

[22:31] <[NPC]Narrator> [After the latest outing, the group has gone back to work and soon enough it's business as usual. Surprisingly little has gone on the past few days, so mostly the work has been reports; Vargas, however, has met with some people and there are rumors coming from universities and rural areas. For the moment, however, things are quiet in the mansion save for shuffling and key strokes.]
06[22:32] * Alicia unload the document from the typewriter. Whew. Half's done.
06[22:33] * Alicia look at the pile of work.
[22:33] <Alicia> 14.... A lot more to go, huh.
06[22:35] * Alicia stretches. Her joint make a cracking sound. She was here the whole morning.
[22:35] <Alicia> Deskjobs, deskjobs.
[22:36] <Alicia> To think that I would be working a deskjob as a maid. What a twist of fate.
06[22:36] * Vargas adjusts her hat before picking up yet another report and reading.
[22:36] <Alicia> Right, boss?
01[22:37] <Vargas> Yes, it is. to be frank, however, it isn't easy to tell whether your circumstances or mine are stranger.
[22:38] <Alicia> Hey. Militarymen to politician is not that strange. Frontline shocktrooper to maid is.
[22:38] <Alicia> Can't say I hate it though.
06[22:38] * Alicia load another paper into the typewriter.
01[22:39] <Vargas> Well, you're still my adjutant so there's sense there.
[22:39] <Alicia> Heh.
01[22:40] <Vargas> Well, as much as you can find in the place we've turned our workplace into, anyway.
[22:40] <Alicia> Oh, I get another batch done. I put it over there.
01[22:40] <Vargas> Ah, right. Thanks.
06[22:40] * Vargas stretches, moving her arms up above her head.
06[22:40] * Alicia get back to her work. The room is once again enveloped with silence and occational typing sound.
06[22:42] * Vargas gets back to reading the report. Her expression is rather neutral as she starts, but by the time she's done her head is tilted in curiosity and thought; apparently the paper is something unusual.
[22:43] <Alicia> I'll be out for some fresh air, boss. Call me if you need me.
06[22:43] * Alicia can't stand the boredom.
06[22:43] * [Mys]Melody wanders about the premises, doing nothing important.
01[22:44] <Vargas> Sure. Mind if I join your walk, though-
06[22:44] * Vargas seems suddenly alert.
06[22:44] * Alicia catch the signal.
01[22:46] <Vargas> 14Footsteps. Maria's resting, Ayelen's outside...
[22:46] <Alicia> 14 shit, I have no gun.
06[22:46] * Vargas gets up, walking to the door of the office and opening it without making any sound. She reaches into her coat, but doesn't draw her hand back out.
06[22:47] * Alicia follows closely.
06[22:49] * Vargas looks out in several directions before going out into the hall, head down a little and still completely silent.
06[22:50] * Alicia stay in the cover to watch for flank. When the situation looks clear, she follows her boss.
06[22:51] * [Mys]Melody is oblivious.
03[22:53] * Kagami_is_out is now known as Ataisai
03[22:54] * Ataisai is now known as [Atai]Maria
06[22:54] * Vargas approaches as the steps get closer, hiding around a bend to cover and signaling Alicia to move forward.
06[22:55] * Alicia get the spare gun on the way here. It's not her forte', but she's quite sure she can hit the target within 5 meters.
[22:55] <Alicia> 15....goin!
06[22:55] * Vargas nods.
06[22:56] * Alicia advances.
06[22:57] * [Atai]Maria is 4awake.
[23:00] <[NPC]Narrator> Alicia: You run directly into Melody, who was right around the bend; you promptly knock over and fall on top of her. She's smaller, but she falls a little easier than she usually would have.
06[23:01] * [Atai]Maria is going over her new gun after throwing the old one back in Martin's face. The lousy piece of junk must have been thoroughly fucked, as it wasn't hitting the broad side of a barn. She has disassembled it and is carefully, lovingly cleaning each part and mechanism.
[23:01] <[Mys]Melody> Ahh... eh?
06[23:01] * Alicia put her hand on Melody's mouth, muffle her.
[23:02] <Alicia> 15.....clear so far.
06[23:02] * Alicia signal a go code.
06[23:02] * [Mys]Melody is intrigued to this development but still thankful to any Gods that are watching over her. Alicia is pretty soft~
[23:02] <Alicia> 14 Hush. Stay close to me, please.
06[23:03] * [Mys]Melody nods with Alicia's warm hand over her lips.
06[23:03] * Alicia pull Melody into the nearest blind corner, covering her.
[23:04] <Alicia> .........Uh, miss Vargas. I think it's probably Melody herself.
06[23:04] * Alicia sneak a peek. is she there?
02[23:04] * Klaymen ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: ChatZilla 0.9.85 [Firefox 3.5.5/20091102152451])
06[23:04] * Vargas looks off down the hall, scanning for any potential threats.
01[23:05] <Vargas> ...Well, it would appear so.
06[23:05] * Vargas relaxes, standing back up and drawing her hand, empty, back out of her coat.
[23:05] <Alicia> it's all good. You okay, Melody? Sorry that I bumped you.
01[23:06] <Vargas> Melody, since when have you been out of bed? Haven't talked to you very well for a few days now...
[23:06] <[Mys]Melody> nah, no trouble...
06[23:06] * [Atai]Maria hums a little tune to herself as each and every component is carefully cleaned and rubbed down. A few grenades lay on the table, as well as a couple of electric mechanisms and what looks like grey clay.
[23:07] <[Mys]Melody> I was just out an' stretching my legs.
[23:07] <[Mys]Melody> Sorry Vargas.
06[23:07] * Alicia smiles.
[23:07] <Alicia> It's alright.
06[23:07] * [Mys]Melody rubs the back of her  head as she bobs a bow.
[23:07] <Alicia> I'm about to go see you anyway.
01[23:07] <Vargas> Besides, lets us know you're a little better. How are you feeling?
06[23:08] * [Mys]Melody flushes at this comment backing up a bit...
06[23:08] * [Atai]Maria is still nowheres near ready to make a move, but by god at least she isn't slumming around this fucking joint with nothing to defend herself. The bitch has more enemies and assassins than veins in her body, it seems. And like fuck she's going to allow any of those assholes to do the deed...
[23:08] <[Mys]Melody> o-okay
06[23:09] * [Atai]Maria reassembles the gun, and slides the magazine in with a satisfying *click.*
06[23:09] * [Atai]Maria Nope. That's a privilege for her, and her alone.
[23:10] <[Mys]Melody> What is going on?
03[23:11] * CHOAM is now known as Ayelen
[23:11] <Alicia> I thought some thief broke in. Turns out false positive.
[23:12] <Alicia> Anyway.....
06[23:12] * Alicia stretches.
[23:12] <Alicia> All's well. I guess I'll resume my schedule with Melody here.
06[23:12] * Ayelen pads her way in from the back garden with subdued yet great speed on all fours.
[23:13] <Alicia> I suggest you continue with the report, miss Vargas. There's still much more to go.
06[23:13] * Alicia make a secret gesture known as "Work's too boring I'm gonna ditch it now seeya!".
01[23:14] <Vargas> Well, isn't that the truth. Maybe I should make some moves to cut down on paperwork, eh?
[23:14] <Alicia> That would be grande, miss.
06[23:14] * Vargas nods and smiles, spinning gracefully on her boots and walking back towards the office.
02[23:14] * UBOA ([email protected]) Quit
06[23:14] * Ayelen 's light, rapid steps become audible now, just down the hallway.
[23:15] <[Mys]Melody> Well, the boss is certainly in a good mood.
[23:15] <Alicia> It seems so.
06[23:16] * [Atai]Maria hums, a little more happily now as she puts the gun in its holster, along with a pair of spare magazines on one thigh strap. Grenades go on the other thigh, and the clay and mechanisms go into a separate parts of special shockproof, watertight pouch on her hip.
06[23:16] * [Mys]Melody pulls out a scrunchy from her pocket and pulls back her hair into a pony tail.
[23:17] <Alicia> Want to go for a walk in the garden?
06[23:17] * Alicia grab the trimming scissor nearby.
06[23:18] * [Atai]Maria gets up, and does her hair, carefully brushing it smooth before donning that silly little frilly headband. She straightens her uniform slightly, smoothes down her skirt, and nods in approval at the reflection in the mirror.
06[23:18] * [Mys]Melody 's heart skips a beat... Opening and closing her mouth not quite able to talk, she nods instead.
[23:18] <[Atai]Maria> 14...Like her little trained attack dog.
06[23:18] * Ayelen rounds the hallway corner a little too fast, now, and slips on the rug to result in bumping against the wall. To compound it all, she did not notice the mood.
06[23:19] * [Atai]Maria sneers at the reflection, and walks out of the room.
[23:19] <[Atai]Maria> 14.....Sickening.
[23:19] <Ayelen> 14Ow!
[23:19] <[Mys]Melody> Ah! Ayelen!
06[23:19] * Alicia catch a glimpse of fleeting shadow.
[23:19] <[Mys]Melody> Are you okay?
[23:19] <Alicia> Ayelen, huh?
06[23:20] * Alicia strides over. Must keep her elegant facade in front of her fellow maids.
06[23:20] * Ayelen squeezes her eyes shut and rubs her head, as though it will relieve the shock.
06[23:20] * [Mys]Melody follows, a first aid kit already in hand.
[23:20] <Alicia> Get up. hup!
[23:20] <Ayelen> um, h-hi-14ow...
06[23:21] * Alicia pull the girl up.
[23:21] <Alicia> That's why I told you not to run in the hallways! now you learned it the hard way.
06[23:21] * Ayelen in this rare event lets herself be pulled up, despite the fact that she really looks just about fine.
06[23:22] * [Atai]Maria walks down the stairs, idly wondering where all the other useless women are.
[23:22] <Alicia> It seems that everyone is here for some reason. Good afternoon, maria.
06[23:23] * Ayelen realizes with a small start that she's let herself be picked up, and so backs away from Alicia while responding.
[23:23] <Ayelen> but it's faster...
06[23:23] * [Atai]Maria 's question is answered as she rounds the bend.
06[23:23] * Alicia ruffles the girl to silence her.
[23:24] <[Atai]Maria> Ah, there you all are. Good afternoon to you, as well!
06[23:24] * [Atai]Maria seems genuinely happy today. Almost perky.
06[23:24] * [Atai]Maria ...for Maria.
[23:24] <Alicia> you seems awfully happy today. Anything good happened?
[23:25] <[Mys]Melody> Afternoon, Maria~
[23:25] <[Atai]Maria> Just one of those days, you know?
06[23:25] * Ayelen lets herself be ruffled a bit, but then falls silent and just regards the group at a small distance.
06[23:26] * [Atai]Maria . o O (I might actually stand a chance of killing your worthless hides, now~)
[23:26] <Alicia> is it.... that?
06[23:26] * [Atai]Maria looks a little confused.
[23:26] <[Atai]Maria> "That"?
06[23:26] * Alicia mischievious smile, extending her pinky finger.
[23:26] <Alicia> The guy.
[23:26] <[Mys]Melody> Eh?
06[23:27] * [Atai]Maria is lost.
[23:27] <[Atai]Maria> ...Guy?
06[23:27] * [Mys]Melody is lost.
[23:27] <Alicia> I mean, what can make a girl become this happy? It's probably love.
[23:27] <[Atai]Maria> Ahhh.
06[23:27] * [Atai]Maria grins.
[23:27] <[Atai]Maria> More like contentedness.
06[23:27] * Ayelen half-listens, but the other half of her withdraws into introspection. ( I wonder if I could give that to her right now...? )
[23:28] <Alicia> Good to hear that. I'm about to go tend to the garden. Catch me there if you need me.
06[23:29] * [Atai]Maria . o O (...content at knowing I have the means to end you all at my disposal, now~)
[23:29] <[Mys]Melody> Ah, me too I guess...
06[23:29] * Alicia ruffles Ayelen again as the finisher.
[23:29] <[Atai]Maria> I shall be sure to do so!
[23:29] <Alicia> 15....oh dear... if you're a little smaller, like a cat....
[23:29] <[NPC]Narrator> [A gunshot comes from one of the adjacent halls. No sound after that.]
[23:30] <Alicia> !!
06[23:30] * Ayelen decides that now is probably the right time since Melody's up and about again, but is interrupted by Alicia's ruffling and -
06[23:30] * [Atai]Maria seriouses the fuck up.
06[23:30] * [Mys]Melody drops the first aid kit. And drops to the ground.
[23:30] <[Atai]Maria> Shit.
06[23:30] * Ayelen is then thrown onto full alert, in the same instant drawing her sword and dropping into a primal sort of combat stance.
[23:31] <Alicia> You. watch out. I'm gonna go take a look.
06[23:31] * [Atai]Maria drops into a crouch as well, gun already in hand.
[23:31] <Alicia> Maria. On me.
[23:31] <[Atai]Maria> Need back-- roger.
06[23:31] * Alicia rush over to the source, Maria in tow.
06[23:32] * [Atai]Maria covers Alicia, eyes darting this way and that.
[23:32] <[Mys]Melody> Ayelen, I'll check on the boss...
06[23:32] * Ayelen dashes forth with them, attempting to reach the point of suspicion in front of the others.
06[23:32] * [Mys]Melody dashes to the Vargas' office.
[23:33] <Alicia> Didn't I told you to stay close to Melody? Oh well.
[23:33] <[NPC]Narrator> Melody: The office is empty.
[23:33] <[Mys]Melody> Shit.
[23:33] <[NPC]Narrator> Alicia, Maria: You find Vargas lying underneath a desk, her hands over its bottom and seemingly tinkering with something.
06[23:33] * Ayelen then skids to a stop, remembers her main purpose, and darts off towards Vargas's office.
[23:33] <Alicia> The heck you're doin', boss?
[23:34] <[Atai]Maria> Are you taking cover, Minister, or playing Fortress?
06[23:34] * Alicia slips. But decide to just let it go.
01[23:34] <Vargas> Hello again, sorry I bothered you.
01[23:34] <Vargas> And... Maria. Good day to you too.
06[23:34] * Ayelen arrives at the office a short time after, finding it just as empty.
06[23:34] * Alicia facepalms.
[23:34] <[Atai]Maria> ...The gunshot was from you?
[23:35] <Alicia> Imaginary fortress. Wow, that just....
[23:35] <Alicia> ......nice.
06[23:35] * [Mys]Melody exits the house and circles the house quickly and quietly; if anyone got in, they aren't going to get out the same way. But nothing seems amiss...
01[23:35] <Vargas> Imaginary fortress? There was a wire trap here.
[23:36] <Alicia> what? How could it be?
06[23:36] * Alicia checks.
06[23:36] * Ayelen instead tries to scent out Vargas's location from the office...
01[23:37] <Vargas> Automatic firing system or whatever you might want to call it. Easiest way to deactivate it was set it off, but I didn't really give too much thought to how- hey, careful not to slip or you'll land on me.
[23:38] <[Atai]Maria> ...oh?
[23:38] <[NPC]Narrator> Alicia: A derringer is built under the desk, with a (now severed) wire connected to the trigger.
01[23:38] <Vargas> Well, no matter, I'll set off again. You were going for a walk, weren't you?
[23:38] <Alicia> run-off-the-mill boobytrap. Amateur work, but how did it slips in here?
06[23:38] * Vargas slips out from under the desk.
06[23:39] * Ayelen finds the familiar scent with ease, and tracks it down to another room to find Vargas, Alicia, and Maria.
[23:39] <Alicia> Nothing amiss, I suppose?
06[23:39] * [Mys]Melody spends the next few minutes double checking that there was no breaking into the mansion, followed by going inside, worried and tense.
06[23:39] * Alicia asks Ayelen and Melody.
[23:39] <[Atai]Maria> ...Do you believe there to be any further such traps, Minister?
06[23:40] * Ayelen 's face betrays confusion as she just shakes her head and glances a concerned look towards Vargas.
[23:40] <[Atai]Maria> Within the mansion, that is.
06[23:40] * [Mys]Melody arrives to find everybody in the same room...
[23:41] <Alicia> Can't take a walk with the thought of some deadly traps in the house. I'll go check the manor inside-out.
[23:41] <Alicia> People. Take care of Miss Vargas. I have something to do.
06[23:41] * Ayelen sheathes her sword, then plodding over to Vargas's side.
01[23:42] <Vargas> Ah- sure, then. I'll see you in a bit.
[23:42] <[Atai]Maria> ...My personal opinion would be no, if the trap was indeed as unprofessional as it seems to be. Such a mindset does not seem inclined towards planning for redundancy. However, I of course defer to you on the matter.
[23:42] <Alicia> Better be safe than sorry.
[23:42] <[Atai]Maria> Shall I assist Alicia?
01[23:42] <Vargas> If you would rather, but it isn't necessary.
[23:43] <Alicia> Well then. I'll be right back.
06[23:43] * [Atai]Maria is more than a little pissed. She'd considered this same idea before.
06[23:43] * Alicia does a curtsy, and exits the room in a hurry.
[23:43] <[Atai]Maria> Very well, then. What would you have me do?
01[23:44] <Vargas> What were you up to to begin with? I thought you were supposed to be resting for your shoulder.
[23:47] <[Atai]Maria> I was. It's gotten a bit better. I can still draw with my other arm, anyway.
06[23:49] * Vargas shrugs.
[23:49] <[Mys]Melody> Hmmm...? She was happy in the halls, last I saw though.
01[23:50] <Vargas> Well, I was going to ask about something that's come up. Ah... so long as you can keep reasonably quiet about it.
[23:51] <[Mys]Melody> I can keep a secret ma'am!
06[23:51] * [Mys]Melody zips her lips.
06[23:51] * Ayelen stands by, concerned and thoughtful.
06[23:51] * [Mys]Melody locks them and throws the key into a pocket.
01[23:56] <Vargas> Well, a report just came in from some informants and detectives.
06[23:57] * Ayelen cocks an ear Vargas's way, listening with attentiveness.
01[23:58] <Vargas> Said that some civilians were organizing in small groups with violent intentions, but that if they acted it would be sympathetic to what is, well, our side in politics.
01[23:58] <Vargas> So I'm wondering how to react if they do move. What do you think?
[00:00] <[Mys]Melody> Well you know my answer. Force should be met with force.
[00:00] <[Atai]Maria> You're against it, professionally, but not so much, personally?
06[00:00] * [Mys]Melody crashes her knuckles into her palm to illustrate.