Wonderful World 10

[21:33] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Morning again in the city of Breslau, but the sun hasn't come up just yet. It's unusually quiet based on the noises the group has gotten used to, but most of them are sound asleep so there is no way they could tell. A spotter plane passes overhead, but even after a while nothing happens... The city as a whole seems to have stopped to wait for something, but cracks and booms from other parts remind that there is still a world.]
06[21:40] * Raymond wakes up and rubs his eyes, quietly reaching around and feeling for his glasses after a moment.
06[21:40] * `Mia gets up before the others, not getting too much of a semblance called sleep due to the recent events that unfolded. She stretches out with a soft groan.
06[21:41] * Raymond starts and rolls over after a second, realizing he fell asleep on someone again. Not a good habit...
01[21:41] <Raymond> 15What a dream. Glasses, glasses...
06[21:44] * Raymond finds his glasses in his suit coat and sits up, putting them on. He shakes his head a couple of times to clear it some more.
[21:45] <`Mia> 14 Umhnn!!... morning people..
01[21:45] <Raymond> 14Ah, Mia... you're awake...?
06[21:46] * `Mia looks around for that familiar voice ah...
[21:46] <`Mia> Morning Sir.
06[21:47] * Raymond stretches, adjusting the glasses on his nose.
01[21:49] <Raymond> How are you feeling?
06[21:50] * `Mia checks herself.. ok.. no bites, no internal bleeding, loose stools? none...
[21:50] <`Mia> 14 Quite fine sir!
06[21:50] * `Mia nods happily.
01[21:51] <Raymond> Well, I guess now's as good a time as any. Follow me for a second, I still need a talk with you...
06[21:52] * Raymond stands up and stretches his legs, picking up his briefcase and checking it for a few seconds before walking over behind the car. He leans on it, placing the briefcase on the hood.
[21:52] <`Mia> 14 Uhm.. sure.. what might it be?
01[21:53] <Raymond> 14Well, I'll be direct. How are you really doing?
[21:54] <`Mia> Uhm...well...
[21:55] <`Mia> 14 It has been..unnerving as of lately you know? Like how a white mouse scampers around in your dream and even in the real world.
06[21:56] * Raymond shrugs.
[21:57] <`Mia> but..if you're.. talking about that.
06[21:57] * Raymond nods, his expression turning more serious.
06[21:57] * `Mia seems to have shrunk.
[21:59] <`Mia> I....did... what.. I had to do.
06[22:00] * `Mia nods to herself slightly.
01[22:00] <Raymond> Well, what happened? Under other circumstances I would just say it wasn't my business, but now...
06[22:04] * Raymond puts his hand on Mia's shoulder, trying to reassure her.
[22:09] <`Mia> My parents was already one of them when I left the place... I...came back to give them their rest.. like how they wanted it to be... here..
06[22:09] * `Mia hands Raymond a small scrunched up letter.
06[22:10] * Raymond opens it up and reads it, straining slightly under the low light.
[22:14] <`Mia> [Mia, when you see this letter.. its too late for us. We both knew our fate, and it was too soon but we could at least offer you your freedom, enclosed with this letter is our old album... before any of this "infection" happened. I wish we could of given you a better life but it seems you've done us a favor instead.
[22:14] <`Mia> If you see us again Mia, we love you. You know what to do when you see us.(Throughout the letter, there's blood splatters, and the pen seem to have ran out when signing their name, using blood to be written instead.).
06[22:16] * `Mia lets her hair fall to the front as she backs off away from him.
06[22:17] * Raymond looks back at her, folding the letter back up neatly. What to say in a situation like this...
01[22:18] <Raymond> 14I... I'm sorry, Mia... I wish I could help...
06[22:19] * Raymond moves towards Mia, albeit very slowly.
06[22:22] * `Mia trembles, stifling a soft sobbing, she turns up to face him, eye's open still smiling but the tears, it continues flowing despite her "cheerful" demeanor.
06[22:24] * Raymond , very cautiously, draws Mia into a hug. He can't think of anything to say or even anything else to do at this point.
[22:24] <`Mia> Ah...?.. s-14sir?
06[22:26] * `Mia was taken aback from this sudden contact, she doesn't fight it however, just.. standing there... looking blank.
01[22:28] <Raymond> 14I... know it's hard, but you can't keep suppressing it. If there's anything that you need I'll... do what I can, but... I don't think you should keep this up forever.
[22:28] <`Mia> 14..a-ah... I'm n-not.. s-sir...
01[22:28] <Raymond> 14If it hurts, then... 15tell me.
[22:28] <`Mia> 15 I am...I'.. I was never good at expressing my sadness.. my.. dad told me I should be a strong girl..
06[22:31] * Raymond draws Mia up more tightly as he continues.
[22:32] <`Mia> 14 Once...this is over...Raymond... I'll... let it out ok?
01[22:33] <Raymond> 14Are you... sure? I... don't know if we'll all see the end of it...
[22:34] <`Mia> I have a feel it will, but... not without sacrifices.
06[22:35] * Raymond nods, keeping quiet.
06[22:38] * `Mia sobs quietly into his shoulder...
[22:39] <`Mia> 14 For now.. please.. let me stay this way.
06[22:39] * Raymond brings up one of his hands to cradle the back of her head, and nods again.
[22:41] <`Mia> Thank you.
06[22:41] * `Mia turns up and lightly kisses him on the forehead.
06[22:43] * Raymond freezes for a moment, taken completely by surprise, but then regains his composure and carefully moves over to lean his back on the car.
06[22:43] * `Mia giggles.
[22:44] <`Mia> 14 hmhm~ I think the others should be waking up soon.
01[22:46] <Raymond> The sun can't be much longer, either... well, I think we can't put off the issues of hygiene for much longer, either... Well, let's just wait for them and then have breakfast, okay?
06[22:48] * `Mia nods.
[22:48] <`Mia> Of course.
01[22:59] <Raymond> Well, should we stay a little longer?
[23:00] <`Mia> I do not mind however.
01[23:02] <Raymond> Actually, this brings up a good opportunity. Just a second...
[23:02] <`Mia> Ok?
06[23:02] * `Mia is curious.
06[23:03] * Raymond opens up his briefcase, pulling out a vial with a blank label on it. Inside is some orange liquid, which moves around like water.
[23:06] <`Mia> 14...what is that?... a medical substance?
01[23:06] <Raymond> I think I managed to isolate the agent, whatever it is. I'll be needing to take some more samples of your blood to improve the virus that's in it, but this agent is pretty interesting in itself.
06[23:07] * `Mia nods and retrieves a syringe from her small red medkit and hands it to him then bears her arm.
01[23:08] <Raymond> Well, that is if you don't mind me taking those samples-oh.
[23:08] <`Mia> 14 Please, if it helps end this madness.. I'd gladly give up some blood.
06[23:09] * Raymond takes a sample from her arm, pulling a small vial from his case and passing it into that. Taking another syringe from his case, he does it a second time.
06[23:09] * `Mia winces a little, its been a while since she felt pain.
01[23:10] <Raymond> That should do it for now. But this culture looks pretty strange... There are cells that're a little different from the animal cells you usually see, including human ones... And they seem to propagate through a sort of virus that I've never seen before. It's not something I can analyze too closely, with what I have here, but... I think I'm closer to understanding it.
01[23:11] <Raymond> What's strange is that there isn't anything I've ever worked on that would do something like this, and... as far as I know conditions like these didn't exist.
[23:11] <`Mia> Ohh?....
06[23:12] * `Mia brightens up a little.. a step closer to understanding and developing a cure.
01[23:15] <Raymond> But the qualities it gives a person are strange too. It's not by too much, but apparently it increases the metabolic rate and other things in a person. I guess that's why victims are difficult to kill, but my expertise ends there when it comes to humans. But still...
[23:15] <`Mia> 14 A step is still a step, no matter how insignificant or awkward it may be.
01[23:16] <Raymond> ...It's ironic. You could use it to help someone hurt or dying, even though you've seen what it does to people... what to think?
[23:18] <`Mia> 14 Do you believe... this was.. intentional?
01[23:20] <Raymond> ...Personally, I would usually say no, but I don't know what to take as something I know for sure anymore.
[23:21] <`Mia> 14Understandable.
06[23:24] * Raymond packs his supplies back into the briefcase, looking off in the distance but focusing on nothing in particular.
01[23:24] <Raymond> You know, Mia...
[23:24] <`Mia> Yes?
01[23:25] <Raymond> I feel like the world we knew is really far off, even if it's just been a couple of days, but... if you could reach it again, what would you do?
01[23:27] <Raymond> I should know what I would, and I don't... do you?
[23:29] <`Mia> I would face it front on and do the same things.
06[23:31] * Raymond nods, looking around.
06[23:33] * Raymond seems to notice something in the middle of the abandoned camp. He walks over into the dark for a moment and then walks back, holding a book which has apparently fallen apart and been sewn back together. It seems that the margins are full of annotations.
[23:33] <`Mia> 14 The important thing is sir, is to not regret what you have done in the past but to amend it for the future.
01[23:36] <Raymond> I suppose that is always the case.
[23:36] <`Mia> ...like earlier..
[23:36] <`Mia> I don't regret what I did.
06[23:37] * Raymond nods, looking pensive. He sits on the hood of the car and starts leafing through the book.
01[23:40] <Raymond> Hey, can you make any sense of these?
06[23:41] * Raymond presents the book, indicating the notes in the margins. They're written in incomprehensible glyphs.
[23:52] <`Mia> It's..14 an... equation for a chemical reaction and... some formula pertaining to said equation. Seems... familiar... somehow.
01[23:52] <Raymond> ...Hm.
06[23:53] * Raymond opens the door of the car, tossing the book in.
[23:56] <`Mia> 14 Where did you get the book anyway/
01[23:57] <Raymond> Oh, that? It was outside a wrecked tent in the remains of the camp here. I don't know where it came from, but I'll probably be keeping it.
01[23:59] <Raymond> Anyway, nothing left now except for the others to wake up. Either that or for my lust to catch up to me.
06[23:59] * Raymond chuckles.
01[23:59] <Raymond> Sorry, I'm not so great at jokes. Should we wake them up?
06[00:01] * `Mia giggles at Raymond.
[00:01] <`Mia> A man shouldn't be kept at such a dangerous level of testorones you know?
06[00:02] * Raymond shrugs.
01[00:02] <Raymond> There isn't much we can do about that.
[00:06] <`Mia> 14 Well.. I suggest relieving yourself if that is to be the case.
01[00:07] <Raymond> You're quite direct. So, should we wake them up?
[00:08] <`Mia> 14 I'm still a medic sir. And yes, best to not keep them waiting.
06[00:08] * `Mia giggles at his remark.
[00:17] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [Morning gently progresses in the city... Another day as the sun comes up in the city of Breslau. The sun rises and the ruinous buildings begin to give a faint glow from their tops and inching downwards with the passage of time. It's still shadow over a particular blue car and the people around it, as they proceed to wake and begin their day. Odd how quickly things become routine...]
06[21:35] * `Katherine wanders around doing "routine" chores.  She still seems a little out of it, though not due to fear oddly enough.
[21:36] <`Katherine> "...Why am I even here...?"
06[21:36] * `Katherine wonders aloud.
06[21:37] * [Rut]Ilsa doesn't stir. Her sleep is as silent as ever.
06[21:37] * Raymond sits on the hood of the car with several vials, slides, utensils and a simple microscope, studying and tampering with samples taken from his briefcase.
06[21:38] * `Mia is up and going, checking her aid kit, making sure nothing is damp or otherwise out of order because you never know when disaster may strike.
[21:39] <`Katherine> "I feel like I'm going insane from sanity..."
06[21:39] * `Katherine sighs as she finishes bringing back some broken wood for a fire if needed.
01[21:40] <Raymond> Oh, morning there Katherine. Didn't know you were already up.
[21:40] <`Mia> 14 hmhm~ The little teapot short and stout, get angry and then you bubble hearth out~
06[21:40] * `Katherine shrugs and leans against the car.
[21:41] <`Katherine> "Been having trouble sleeping much.  Too bored."
01[21:41] <Raymond> Bored? What do you mean?
[21:42] <`Katherine> "Just... Whatever I thought I expected here, it isn't what I expected."
[21:42] <`Katherine> "If that means anything to you."
06[21:43] * `Katherine taps on the car window with the pommel of her rapier.
[21:44] <`Katherine> "Ilsa.  Up."
01[21:45] <Raymond> I think I know what you mean. Not something that's easy to put in words, is it?
01[21:45] <Raymond> But then again, the things that hit you the hardest are often like that.
[21:46] <`Katherine> "Believe me, I've tried to put it into words... but I still don't think you know what I mean."
[21:46] <`Katherine> "That's perfectly fine, though."
06[21:46] * [Rut]Ilsa gives no reply.
[21:47] <`Mia> 14 Perfect~ Everything is in working order~
[21:47] <`Mia> 14 Now then.. I think one of us is still asleep...
06[21:47] * `Mia peers into the car.
01[21:48] <Raymond> Is it? Would it be any easier if I knew?
06[21:48] * `Katherine taps her fingers on her folded arms.
[21:49] <`Katherine> "Either way, nothing here is going to be easy."
[21:49] <`Mia> 14 Ah... its Ilsa today~
06[21:50] * `Katherine yawns and stretched her arms.
[21:51] <`Katherine> "Nnnnaaaggghh, too early to bugger on about my problems, Doctor."
01[21:51] <Raymond> ...I suppose you're right. Plenty of time for that later, I suppose.
06[21:52] * `Mia opens the door and crawls on all four over Ilsa.
[21:52] <`Katherine> "Provided we live that long, I suppose."
[21:52] <`Mia> 14 Wake up~.. or they will get you~ and eat your innards out~
01[21:52] <Raymond> Hm.
06[21:52] * Raymond shrugs, peering through his microscope at a pink-stained slide.
06[21:53] * `Katherine checks her little Colt 25 she picked up.  Working, but finding ammo might be tricky.
01[21:53] <Raymond> By the way, I am a little curious. Where's your brother now? Still in America?
06[21:53] * `Katherine starts a little at that.
[21:54] <`Katherine> "...Yes.  He's been for a while, now."
[21:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> ... Nn... U-uh... Who?
[21:54] <`Katherine> "If there was post in this city I'd be writing to him."
06[21:54] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes flicker open.
06[21:54] * `Mia bears her teeth as she leans down to "wake" you up.
[21:55] <[Rut]Ilsa> Mia? Wha--
01[21:55] <Raymond> We can do that if you want, actually. Just hand mail to a military unit that's got access to a blue zone, and it should make it there eventually. Well, only so much will go through; I hear it's all checked before being sent out.
[21:57] <`Mia> 14 ahhnnn....
01[21:57] <Raymond> Heh... it was the opposite for me, actually. My sister moved here first to study and then again to work... haven't seen her in a while now. I wonder where she is, actually; I... hope she's still okay.
06[21:57] * `Katherine recalls hearing vague bits about that.
[21:58] <`Katherine> "You'll forgive me for not knowing much; I realize your sister is somewhat of a... sore subject."
[21:58] <`Katherine> "I'm not one to pry if other don't offer their thoughts."
01[21:59] <Raymond> I understand. But still... well, I'm sure you know it's difficult for all of us here, but when I think of her... it helps, somehow. Maybe you know what I mean.
06[21:59] * `Katherine nods somberly.
[22:00] <`Katherine> "I know.  I've written letters to my brother daily... I suppose once we find a lull I'd like to send them.  Thank you."
06[22:01] * Raymond nods, switching the slides in his microscope. His eyes widen a little but quickly narrow in analysis.
[22:02] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
06[22:03] * Raymond takes the slide and transfers some of the contents to a test tube, then proceeding to pack his things back into his briefcase.
06[22:03] * [Rut]Ilsa 's eyes are out of focus. She gives little resistance.
01[22:04] <Raymond> Katherine, did we already move Dia back into the car? I don't think she'll be getting up anytime soon.
06[22:05] * `Katherine nods.
[22:05] <`Katherine> "She's fine."
[22:06] <`Katherine> "Dr. Raymond... I still want to know what we're doing here."
01[22:06] <Raymond> What do you mean? Why I've been sent in here, or something else?
06[22:06] * `Katherine sighs.
[22:07] <`Katherine> "I've been told scouting, I've been told viral testing, I've been told damage control.  Most likely it's a mixture of the three, but frankly, I've done nothing of use since entering this city, and I'm growing sick of it."
[22:08] <`Katherine> "Forgive my rudeness, but I'm starting to think my being here is pointless and inconsequential."
06[22:08] * `Mia blinks for a second..
[22:08] <`Mia> 14 Oh... you're awake now...morning~
06[22:09] * `Katherine keeps her eyes dull and her mouth :|.  It's the best way for her to cope right now.
[22:09] <[Rut]Ilsa> N... nhaa... what are you doing, Mia?
01[22:09] <Raymond> Well, the original plan was to send me in to find out just what the problem was caused by, but I don't think we're here for that anymore. I know, mostly, but... there is one more thing.
06[22:09] * [Rut]Ilsa struggles to form the sentence. Her speech is slurred.
01[22:12] <Raymond> I got a transmission through the radio night before last, didn't tell any of you because I didn't know what to make of it. It was across all channels, and it asked me, under the callsign 'Acidbreak', to investigate a... rogue MET base in the middle of the city. They didn't say how, but... I suppose it's selfish, but I also want to see just what the people here have turned into.
01[22:12] <Raymond> ...What we turn into when we see it.
[22:13] <`Mia> 14 Waking you up~
06[22:13] * Raymond closes up his briefcase and stands, opening the car's hood and fiddling with the engine.
06[22:13] * `Mia giggles incessantly at Ilsa's reaction.
06[22:13] * `Katherine contemplates.
01[22:14] <Raymond> In any case, if I show up at the red line before having looked at the base I won't be let out anyway and neither will my escorts, so I suppose we have to at least do that.
06[22:14] * `Katherine nods.
[22:15] <`Katherine> "...Perhaps the reason why you are here and the reason why I am here are not so different after all, doctor."
01[22:15] <Raymond> ...Perhaps.
06[22:16] * Raymond taps on the window with his knuckle, looking inside the car through the windshield.
06[22:17] * [Rut]Ilsa 's breathing is rather shallow.
[22:17] <`Mia> 14 C'mon, the others are waiting for us.
06[22:17] * `Mia goes back out the same way she came in from.
[22:17] <[Rut]Ilsa> Y-yes...
06[22:17] * `Katherine keeps a weather eye out.  Despite good company, they're STILL pilgrims in an unholy land.
01[22:18] <Raymond> Is everyone ready? We need to keep moving, so...
06[22:18] * [Rut]Ilsa steps out, but her knees give way as soon as she puts weight on them.
06[22:19] * Raymond walks over, crouching by Ilsa.
01[22:19] <Raymond> You alright? We'll be driving, but still.
[22:20] <[Rut]Ilsa> I...
06[22:20] * `Mia turns back to see a falling Ilsa.
[22:20] <`Mia> 14 Are you alright?
06[22:21] * [Rut]Ilsa rises to one knee, takes a deep breath, and draws a cigarette from her ubiquitous carton-case.
[22:21] <[Rut]Ilsa> Yes. There's no reason to be concerned. I'm fine.
01[22:23] <Raymond> If you say so. Alright, let's get ready to go.
06[22:24] * Raymond opens the door and leans into the driver's seat, moving the controls around to get the car ready.
06[22:25] * [Rut]Ilsa takes her regular seat, lighting up as she does.
06[22:25] * `Mia nods and loads her magnums.
06[22:26] * `Katherine hops in as well.  She's too existential to whine about smoking right now.
06[22:26] * Raymond gets in completely, pulls out his map and looks for a minute before putting the car into gear and starting to drive.
[22:26] <`Mia> 14 So where are we at now?
01[22:30] <Raymond> We're in Blucherplatz, due south and a little to the west of that university by the bank of the Oder. We're going to start by going by a military base two or three blocks due northeast, get some supplies, water and fuel there.
06[22:31] * `Mia cheers.
[22:31] <`Mia> 14 Hooray~ Supplies~
06[22:33] * Raymond drives in the indicated direction, the sound of weapons growing a lot stronger.
[22:34] <`Katherine> "Seems like in this city we're never far from support."
01[22:35] <Raymond> You'd think so, but distances... somehow become much longer here.
[22:40] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [You come into view of the base in short order, a series of trenches dug into the ground, sometimes right into the road, with soldiers milling about and firing just about in every direction except the clear streets. Most pay little mind to the car as it approaches, but some notice and begin to jog alongside it as it approaches while asking who you are,
06[22:40] * `Mia waves at them, perhaps they at least know me.
06[22:41] * `Katherine inwardly rolls her eyes.  More soldiers... more reason for no one to care about her in particular.
[22:41] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> where you're going, if you'll take them. They give up and break away, though, once the car moves into a clear space along the edge that was clearly intended for vehicles. An armored car, smashed, shares the parking space.]
06[22:41] * [k]Dia take a cautious stance and observe them.
[22:41] <[k]Dia> So we in battle zone. Mm.
06[22:41] * [k]Dia nods.
[22:42] <[k]Dia> Extra care full we must.
01[22:42] <Raymond> Oh, you woke up already? Well, I'm going to go look for some fuel, see if I can get supplies. Who wants to accompany me?
06[22:43] * [k]Dia hands up.
06[22:43] * `Katherine raises her hand apathetically.
[22:43] <[k]Dia> not let you go lonely.
06[22:43] * [Rut]Ilsa finishes her cigarette.
[22:43] <`Mia> I will~
[22:44] <[Rut]Ilsa> I'll join you as well, if you'd like.
[22:44] <[k]Dia> So we go all center.
[22:45] <[k]Dia> Good. Since this very dangerous place. Split is no good.
01[22:45] <Raymond> Okay, let's go.
06[22:45] * Raymond gets out of the car, stretching and taking a look around. Rather... dreary.
06[22:47] * [k]Dia stays very close to Ray. Almost hugging his back.
06[22:48] * `Katherine exits in suit, bored-looking as always.  Even in war the routine is routine.
06[22:48] * `Mia looks and even greets some of the passing soldier warmly.
06[22:49] * [NPC]Soldier walks up to the group, holding his rifle in a relaxed manner and apparently confused by the new arrivals.
[22:49] <[NPC]Soldier> Hello there. Who might you be? What brings you here?
06[22:50] * [k]Dia urges Ray to talk by tucking on his sleeve.
01[22:51] <Raymond> Ah. Erm... I'm Raymond Duvall, these ladies are traveling with me; we're here for some supplies.
[22:52] <[NPC]Soldier> Eh? Supplies? No, no, no no no! You people again, here for our chairs? We only have a few, and we need those to sit on! No! How can that be what's the most important thing in your mind now? Here?
[22:52] <`Mia> 14 Chairs!~
06[22:52] * `Mia gleams.
06[22:53] * [NPC]Soldier turns around, spreading his arms out as if to indicate all of their surroundings in gesture.
[22:55] <[NPC]Soldier> Listen to the music, sir, gentleladies, the music! It sounds and reverbates with the thousand hearts that surround each of us as they thrive, as they stop and as they come to be replaced! That's what there is! That's what you'll find!
[22:55] <[NPC]Soldier> Over the sea, let's go men~... We're shovin' right off, we're shovin' right off again~...
[22:55] <[k]Dia> ...
[22:55] <[k]Dia> He not right in head. Very.
06[22:56] * [NPC]Soldier trots off doing a sort of tap dance which makes a series of dull thuds with his boots, using his rifle like a cane and his helmet like a top hat as he goes.
[22:56] <`Mia> 14 Oh dear....such denial..
[22:57] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
06[22:58] * Raymond sighs, resuming his walk like he didn't see anything. He drops into one of the trenches, walking along it with his head down, and gestures for the others to follow. He climbs over a soldier, lying motionless in the bottom, careful not to step on the man.
06[22:58] * [k]Dia does so, paying respect to the deceased as she passes by.
06[22:59] * `Mia nods ever so slightly at the corpse and follows closely behind.
06[23:00] * `Katherine just goes through the motions.  She's never done well with caring about strangers.
06[23:01] * [Rut]Ilsa tries to stay focused.
06[23:01] * [NPC]Soldier explodes into motion as Katherine steps on him while she walks by, and he begins to speak quickly, irritated, and not too coherently, but enough to be understood.
[23:01] <[Rut]Ilsa> !
[23:01] <[NPC]Soldier> Dammit, you stepped on my stomach! I was having a nap! What the hell!
06[23:02] * `Katherine is WTF?!
[23:02] <`Katherine> "I'm... I'm sorry, sir!  I thought..."
06[23:02] * [Rut]Ilsa suddenly drives her boot heel into the soldier's neck!
[23:02] <[k]Dia> Sorry!
[23:03] <[NPC]Soldier> Ggh!
06[23:03] * [k]Dia reflexively says sorry. She said it a lot back in her times, being lowly servant and all.
06[23:03] * [Rut]Ilsa gasps and steps back, bewildered.
06[23:04] * [NPC]Soldier gets up, sluggishly, bids a nearly incomprehensible good morning with his hand on his throat and staggers off. He walks into the side of the trench once before righting himself and continuing.
06[23:04] * `Katherine is sweating now, and bites her lip.
01[23:04] <Raymond> ...What is it with everyone here?
[23:05] <[k]Dia> You did bad thing.
06[23:05] * [k]Dia frownd at kat.
[23:05] <`Mia> Seems everyones so.. antsy..
[23:06] <`Katherine> "Everyone else walked right over him... I thought..."
[23:06] <[k]Dia> No we not.
[23:06] <[k]Dia> Just go all ready.
[23:06] <[Rut]Ilsa> I-I apologize. I thought...
06[23:07] * `Mia shrugs.
[23:07] <`Mia> 14 He'll be fine
06[23:07] * [k]Dia brows ties into a knot. Battle stress is getting to her.
06[23:09] * [NPC]Soldier walks by the group, stopping in front of them and looking at the recently awakened one go by. He looks at the team, looking a little absent-minded, before pointing in the general direction of the city.
[23:09] <[NPC]Soldier> I found an arm and some fingers in that building over there. Do they belong to you?
06[23:09] * `Katherine is flustered but tries to hide it.  Should have stayed by the car...
[23:10] <`Mia> 14 Nope~ Mine is right here~
06[23:10] * `Mia shows him all of her appendages~
[23:12] <[NPC]Soldier> Ah...
06[23:13] * [NPC]Soldier walks off. Nearby are two soldiers, one firing a machine gun to the outside of their position and yelling while the other plays idly on a saxophone.
06[23:13] * [k]Dia tries not to speak. The more she talks, the more she's being irritated with all this.
[23:14] <[k]Dia> ...messy places.
[23:14] <[NPC]Soldier> There you go, how's that feel?! Come on, help me practice with my new glasses!
[23:15] <[Rut]Ilsa> We should keep moving.
06[23:15] * [Rut]Ilsa insists.
06[23:15] * `Katherine has no idea what's going on here.
06[23:16] * [NPC]Soldier , the one on the sax, looks up at the group and points to the other side of the trench like it's routine. Looking there, you find water, fuel, food, cigarettes, beer, everything that you would expect to come into a base like this.
[23:17] <`Mia> 14 Whoa~
01[23:17] <Raymond> ...Let's just go.
06[23:18] * Raymond pics up a jerry can and holds it in his left hand, his briefcase in the other, and waits for the rest to get something before walking back.
06[23:19] * [NPC]Soldier plays on as everyone goes about their business, bringing his feet in and sitting cross-legged so as to be out of their way.
06[23:19] * [Rut]Ilsa refills her case with fresh cigs, and tucks a few more cartons away in her suit.
06[23:19] * `Mia picks up some MORE medkits, can never have enough stuffs~ also some beer too.
06[23:20] * `Katherine rummages around, trying to find some more bullets for her gun.
06[23:22] * [Rut]Ilsa picks out a small, automatic pistol, and clips of ammo. The bullets would be far easier to find than those of her rifle, which chambers western calibers...
06[23:22] * [NPC]Soldier , this one with rank insignia higher than that of the ones you've seen up till now, passes by them. He, too, appears to have something to say.
[23:23] <[NPC]Soldier> You know, two guys just got attacked in the university building.
06[23:23] * `Katherine scraps the idea of finding small caliber bullets and just trades what she's got for a much much common Colt 1911.
[23:23] <[NPC]Soldier> No worries, though, you're going to be okay. Aren't you?
01[23:24] <Raymond> ...Are you the commanding officer here?
06[23:24] * [NPC]Soldier shrugs.
[23:24] <[NPC]Soldier> Honestly, I don't know.
01[23:24] <Raymond> ...What's with everything here? I mean...
[23:25] <[NPC]Soldier> Why do you ask? Are you sure it isn't you?
06[23:25] * [NPC]Soldier walks off, whistling a slow tune and humming as he goes.
06[23:26] * Raymond walks back to the car with the fuel in hand, clearly in a hurry.
06[23:27] * `Mia sighs..
06[23:28] * `Katherine hustles similarly.  This place... what's with everyone here?  She almost feels safer out in the wild where she knows what's what.
06[23:29] * Raymond gets into the car and starts it as soon as he can, though he waits for everyone else.
[23:29] <`Katherine> "Doctor... Is this what an army base is supposed to feel like...?"
06[23:30] * [Rut]Ilsa gets in. One hand rests on the strap of her rifle, and the other, in her pocket, over the pistol she just picked up...
01[23:30] <Raymond> I... don't think so. All the same, right now I just want to get out of here.
[23:31] <[Rut]Ilsa> Yes. I get the feeling this area is less than safe.
06[23:31] * Raymond pulls out of the base and continues along, going in the same general direction for several blocks.
[23:33] <`Mia> hmm... such a stretch..
[23:35] <`Katherine> "They say war changes people..."
06[23:35] * `Katherine begins out of the blue.
[23:36] <`Mia> It's been tried and true.
[23:36] <`Katherine> "And yet... this isn't even a war.  It's a cleanup crew.  Man against... something less than a man."
[23:36] <`Katherine> "Why is it that these soldiers feel so... wrong, to me?  And I just that naive?"
[23:37] <`Mia> 14 No.. you're not wrong... there is something that is.. "off" about this place.
01[23:37] <Raymond> I'm not sure it's just you. We've seen plenty of other soldiers, and not all were... like that.
[23:38] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The group is surprised by a group of men standing in the middle of the road, apparently all but one of them in a group. The man in front of them faces their apparent leader, the first wearing a dirty white coat and beneath that a worn shirt and tie while the one in front of the group is dressed casually. They seem to be having an argument.]
[23:39] <`Mia> 14 Internal clashes?
06[23:40] * Raymond brings the car to a stop, leaning out to listen but not getting any closer.
06[23:40] * `Katherine doesn't like the look of this.
[23:40] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Man 1: Well, there you have it. I just told you what I wanted to communicate, no need for killing.
[23:41] <[Rut]Ilsa> A white coat...?
[23:42] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> Man 2: You come all the way out here, by yourself, into MY neighborhood, and have the gall to tell me to surrender? I think you forget where you are, you fucking immigrant! I run this town, you got it? Me! Do me a favor or give me a reason, because not much is going to stop me and the boys from fucking shooting you!
[23:44] <[GM]Wardenclyffe> [The first man sighs, and points at the man with whom he's arguing. Bullets come flying in from several buildings in almost all directions, and men in worn military uniform (some of which have painted themselves up) follow them. Soon enough the second man and most of his troop are dead, the rest lined against a wall.]
[23:45] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Well, I told them. Can't blame me, can you, Corporal?
06[23:45] * `Katherine says nothing, but inhales sharply.  This... makes no sense.
[23:45] <[NPC]Soldier> Sir, what do we do about the survivors?
[23:46] <`Mia> 14 Wonderful...
[23:46] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Survivors? I don't see anyone there.
[23:46] <[NPC]Soldier> Sir, these men are-
[23:47] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> I don't think you understand me, Corporal. I don't see... anyone... there. Do you?
06[23:47] * [Rut]Ilsa tenses up.
06[23:47] * [NPC]Soldier sighs.
[23:48] <[NPC]Soldier> No, sir... I don't see anyone. Must've been the wind I heard.
[23:48] <[Rut]Ilsa> Doctor... should we do something?
06[23:49] * [Rut]Ilsa wants to, but asks nonetheless.
06[23:49] * [NPC]Soldier makes a gesture to the men, and they promptly execute the remaining men with the weapons they have at hand. Rifles, carbines, pistols, shotguns, submachine guns... they're a mess compared to the soldiers you've seen before, even those at the base.
[23:49] <[Rut]Ilsa> Ugh...
[23:49] <`Mia> 14 ....too late I see..
06[23:49] * Raymond drops his head onto the steering wheel.
06[23:50] * [Rut]Ilsa takes out another cigarette. She bites down on it. Hard.
06[23:52] * `Katherine rubs her temple.  Pretend it's not happening... you're just some woman random men don't care about...
[23:53] <`Mia> 14 I suppose we should move on then~?
06[23:53] * [NPC]Man_in_coat walks over to the car, though none of the soldiers follow. He takes a long look at the people, but then points at the man behind the wheel.
[23:53] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Him. Is he Raymond Duvall?
[23:53] <`Katherine> "...Yes, sir."
06[23:53] * `Katherine responds, thought she doesn't want to.
06[23:53] * Raymond looks at the man, obviously surprised.
[23:54] <`Mia> 14 That he is~
[23:54] <[Rut]Ilsa> --What would your business with Dr. Duvall be?
06[23:54] * [Rut]Ilsa cuts in.
[23:54] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> I'm a virologist. I used to work in his department, before... all of this happened. He was, in a way, my boss. Hi, boss.
06[23:55] * Raymond waves, cautiously.
[23:55] <`Mia> 14 Oh wow.
[23:56] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Would... any of you happen to have a cigarette?
06[23:56] * `Mia points to Ilsa~
06[23:57] * [Rut]Ilsa reaches into her jacket pocket and produces one cigarette. She does not break eye contact as she does so.
[23:58] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Ah, now that's what I've been dreaming of. Thank you, my lady.
06[23:58] * [NPC]Man_in_coat pulls a lighter from his coat and lights up, though it takes several attempts for it to catch.
[00:01] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Well, if you'll just accompany me. We're not with the MET; well, most of us aren't anymore, but I think it should be interesting to converse with you. You don't mind, do you?
06[00:01] * Raymond turns to the group, whispering.
01[00:01] <Raymond> 14Should we just get out of here?
06[00:02] * `Katherine nods slightly.  She's not a people person.
[00:02] <`Mia> 14 First.. who are you?
[00:03] <`Mia> Your name particularly... you seem.. familiar.
01[00:04] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> I was a researcher at the offices here. I wasn't so high up... Can't say I know you, though... did you live in this city?
[00:04] <`Mia> 14 I did. I'm... the one he saved.
[00:05] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Ah, he wrote a short paper on that. Didn't get the chance to read it all, though...
06[00:05] * Raymond engages the engine and hits reverse, moving backwards and progressively picking up steam.
[00:06] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Tsk, tsk. Can't have that.
06[00:07] * [BNS]Zerena leaps from her perch above the street, directly atop the hood of the car.
06[00:08] * [BNS]Zerena swiftly draws her sword and drives it through the hood and into the engine block, causing the car to slowly putter out and die
06[00:08] * `Katherine is jostled awake from her lethargic state.  What?
06[00:09] * `Katherine draws her own sword and stands up.
[00:09] <`Mia> ...great. So.. what do you want with us?
[00:09] <`Katherine> "I am Katherine Owen, a nobody.  Explain yourself."
[00:09] <[BNS]Zerena> That's up to the Doctor. For now, please get out of the car.
06[00:09] * [BNS]Zerena smiles sweetly
06[00:09] * `Katherine doesn't move.
[00:10] <`Katherine> "I asked that you explain yourself, kindly."
[00:10] <[BNS]Zerena> The Doctor would like to converse with you. Best that you allow him to do so.
[00:10] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> [Steam hisses and rushes out from the hood, though it stops after a moment.]
06[00:11] * `Katherine lowers her rapier, but does not sheathe it.
06[00:11] * Raymond shuts the engine off, then takes a look around while holding on tightly to his briefcase.
01[00:12] <Raymond> 14Damn, the car...
06[00:12] * [Rut]Ilsa steps out of the car slowly.
06[00:12] * `Katherine grumbles to herself, "...converse with Dr. Ray, more like..."
[00:13] <`Mia> Do what they say, they have us surrounded already.
06[00:13] * [NPC]Man_in_coat walks up to the car, leaning lightly on one of the tireguards.
06[00:13] * [BNS]Zerena withdraws her sword from the car and sheathes it, turning back and nodding to the man in the coat.
06[00:14] * Raymond slowly steps out of the car, facing the man.
06[00:14] * [Rut]Ilsa opens the door for him and stands to his side, like a bodyguard.
06[00:14] * `Katherine keeps an eye on this lady... she just broke their car.  Unkind.
01[00:15] <Raymond> I'm sorry, but... I still don't understand what's going on. Now, if you don't mind telling me just who you are, aside from formerly one of my researchers of course!
[00:16] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Take it easy, boss. These days I'm working with the Major, Major Perri. Carlton Perri, heard anything about the man?
06[00:20] * `Mia shakes her head.
06[00:20] * `Katherine shrugs.  These days she's really been caring less about the chain of command that doesn't care about her anyways.
06[00:22] * [Rut]Ilsa does nothing other than keep a firm grip on her rifle, eying Zerena in particular.
[00:23] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> He's set himself up in the middle of the city, with a few people behind him. The base isn't far from here, and I'll get some of these men to push your car for you; would you mind accompanying me?
06[00:24] * `Katherine motions to the woman on the hood.
[00:24] <`Mia> I don't.. think we have a choice in the matter.
[00:24] <`Katherine> "Is she with you, sir?"
06[00:25] * [BNS]Zerena smiles at Katherine
06[00:26] * `Mia sighs.
[00:26] <`Mia> If it werent for the fact that I have someone aiming behind my head right now I'd shoot you.
06[00:27] * [BNS]Zerena turns to Mia and grins
[00:27] <[BNS]Zerena> I never get tired of hearing people say that...
[00:27] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Oh, no worries, I do believe you'll get your chance... probably, someday. Ah, as for that... yes and no. She's doing what I say now, but if the Major told her she'd have every right to kill me. He threatened me with that, once but... he meant it. Said he could kill just about anyone he pleased for any reason he liked... and he meant it because he could and knew. What a man, the Major...
06[00:28] * `Katherine no longer has any illusions about why she prefers to be alone.
[00:28] <`Katherine> "I...see."
[00:28] <[Rut]Ilsa> ...
01[00:28] <Raymond> So, you want us to talk with him?
[00:30] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> No, that isn't exactly it. You... don't... talk to him, you listen. Just come with us for now; once our little business is over we'll let you go. Don't you worry about that; I promise, stand on me.
[00:30] <`Mia> Oh...
[00:30] <`Mia> Mind if I ask favor right quick~?
[00:31] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Um, not at all. What do you need?
[00:31] <`Mia> Once this is over.. I want to "play" with this girl over here.
06[00:31] * `Mia motions over to Zerena.
06[00:31] * `Katherine :|'s at Mia.
06[00:31] * [BNS]Zerena eyes brighten as she casts a bemused look at this impetuous little girl
06[00:32] * [NPC]Man_in_coat nods, grinning.
[00:32] <[Rut]Ilsa> Mia...
06[00:32] * `Mia turns to Ilsa and smiles.
[00:32] <`Mia> 14 I want to make this girl eat her words.
[00:33] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> Yes, you'll get your chance; I'll make sure of it myself. Now, boss, ladies, if you will.
06[00:33] * [NPC]Man_in_coat begins to walk off, motioning several men over to the car.
[00:33] <[BNS]Zerena> 68Ohohohoho... this is going to be fun~
[00:33] <[Rut]Ilsa> If you break your word...
[00:34] <[BNS]Zerena> If he breaks his word, I'll kill him myself.
06[00:34] * [BNS]Zerena smiles at the man in the coat, a certain gleam in her eyes
[00:34] <[NPC]Man_in_coat> No wonder the Major kept you around.
06[00:35] * `Mia smiles at the man in coat.
[00:35] <`Mia> 14 Then a pleasure to meet you~
06[00:35] * `Katherine just returns to going through the motions.  Why is it that in war, allies find ways to make enemies amongst themselves...?
06[00:36] * Raymond is deep in thought, obviously nervous; he's probably thinking about what to do about this turn of events.
06[00:37] * [Rut]Ilsa narrows her eyes. The stock of her gun aligns with her shoulder slightly, as if entering a shooting position, but goes no further.
06[00:40] * [BNS]Zerena stands off to the side, arms folded and grinning as she keeps an eye on the group
06[00:40] * Raymond sighs, looking around the part of the city that he can see from where he's standing.
06[00:40] * [Rut]Ilsa suddenly shudders. She shakes her head and returns to her prior stance.
[00:42] <`Mia> 14 well then~ Lets go!~
06[00:42] * `Mia sounds cheerful... almost too cheerful.
06[00:43] * `Katherine nods silently.  It appears that it's all too easy to go insane in this city... Keeping a level head might be all that's required to get out of here alive.
[00:45] <[NPC]Soldier> [Game save!]