ARC IV FINALE: From The Ashes of The Phoenix Sept. 10, 1999 CAST OF CHARACTERS: Chancellor Acran Brigadier General Cubana Detective LeBeau Private Slaan 2nd Lieutenant Deering 2nd Lieutenant Denick Citizen Newt Citizen Snowmist Citizen Snowshadow CEO Poe Counsel Yama Reporter Jones Citizen Teel Mystic Melchior Doctor Namura Civilian Allen Civilian Messer Medic Quinn Lt. Colonel Rathmon Minder Jonas Dimitri Volstov A diverse expeditionary force composed of Vanguard personnel and Consortium and Fringe civilians prepares to sneak past Earth forces to infiltrate the irradiated wastes of Washington, D.C. to search out the secret that archaeologist Fulton Hight died trying to expose… Cockpit - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The stuffy odor of air that has been recycled time and time again pervades this cramped cockpit, with its amber tinted window that curves in an arc like an enigmatic smile at the front of the vessel. A slugthrower holster dangles from a lever mounted in the port bulkhead that is marked EJECT - although the word has been appended by a taped piece of paper that reads "OUT OF ORDER." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 20:47:41 2651 Acran cocks his head, ~I don't know how accomadating your radiation suits would be....~ Cubana shake sher head slighlty to Slaan glancing back to the viewscreen before hearing the tap of Jones cane and turning back, "Yes?" she asks. The ship shudders as it drops out of OtherSpace. Jones smiles, "Just wondering how things were going, and the ETA." She says mildly. Acran continues, ~But I will try...~ Acran heads into Cabin . Cubana looks towards Lebeau, "ETA?" LeBeau says, "A couple mo minudes, we ar now en da Sol system and aproaching Earth now" LeBeau says, "Jus o'er 1500hms till we can begin our drop" Cubana nods, "thankyou." she looks towards Jones, "Head to the aft, makesure the others collect themselves there and are ready in their rad suits. I will be speaking with them there." Jones nods, "Of course, General." She turns to leave. You head into Cabin . Cabin - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This narrow cabin appears as if, at one time, it served the purpose of a commercial transport, hauling passengers from destination to destination. Beneath a thin coat of dusty off-white paint you can make out the logo of Pulsar Express Travel. All but a few of the sparingly stuffed seats have been pulled out to make room for a folding card table and some chairs. Where the seats were removed, fastening bolt fixtures remain. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 20:51:46 2651 Contents: Exits: Acran clicks amusedly, ~I'm not sure I understand. But good luck to you anyway.~ Jones walks in, "Head aft, gentleman, the General said to head there and start getting into the Radiation suits." Namura hehs, "My only pirpose is to make sure no one dies on this trip." Namura smiles, " Of course madam." You feel the ship begin to slow. Acran looks to Jones, ~Understood.~ Acran heads into Engineering . You head into Engineering . Engineering - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Buckets are placed in strategic, but seemingly random, locations throughout this room, catching drips of coolant water and grease that seem to be working their way between the gaps in dark frayed tape wrapping pipes and conduits. Gleaming amber overhead lights buzz and flicker intermittently. Something groans and rattles deep within the machinery. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 20:53:08 2651 Contents: Exits: Namura arrives from Cabin . Newt asks Mel, "I can do that?" Acran is scrambling painfully into a radiation suit as he comes in. You feel a slight force as the ship glides to a halt ... Teel turns away from Yama. "Better check yer weapons an suit, Yama." Melchior nods, "I am sure you can....you just don't know it yet....but I will teach you, ok? Jones walks in and raises her voice to be heard, "Everyone, we are going to be on planet in a few minutes. Anyone who isn't in their radiation suits should suit up now. The General will be in to talk to us in a moment." Melchior doublechecks to make sure his suit is on Melchior doublechecks to make sure his suit is on securely Snowshadow snorts. "Yeah, well, it doesn't do me any good to owe you meals if you're not around to collect, now does it? So I'm standing in front." Namura begins fumbling with the suit and mutters a few words in an obscure language. Newt grins heaps now, "Neat as." Messer looks over at Jones, nodding slowly. Snowmist sniffs and retorts intelligently, "Not." Poe stands and puts his suit on. Jones takes a long hard look at her cane, and sets it aside. A bit unsteady on her feet, she moves to get into her suit. Acran finally squeezes his exoskeleton into the suit, ~I hope there is enough radiation out there to warrant this....~ Snowshadow grins. "I'd offer to race you, normally, but even if we didn't fall flat on our faces, we'd look like bloody fools running in these things." Yama hmphs. "More budget Vannie stuff." He squirms into the radsuit's top half as he pats his harnesses and straps down for his possessions. Namura secures his suit and sighs. Melchior picks up the rifle with a disgusted look on his face, but takes it, just in case. Snowmist snickers, and elbows Shadow as she stands. "You left your zipper down." Poe walks towards Jones. "Need any help?" Allen says, "The nukes of my time could incinerate you in less than a microsecond if you were at ground zero. If you guys improved them...I figure there's probably plenty of radiation floating around in there." Newt's suit seals up, covering him fully. Namura hehs. Jones looks at Poe and smiles, "A little? Haven't done this before." Snowshadow rolls his eyes. "Y'know, I might even fall for that, if these things had zippers." Messer looks over at Allen, apparently seeing him for the first time. "Who the heck are you?" Melchior says, "Well someone has a geiger counter right?" Acran nods, ~I understand Mr.....?~ Melchior says, "So we can make sure we do in fact need these suits>?" Snowmist shrugs and cocks an eyebrow. "But you actually had to pause and think about it, neh?" Poe nods. "It's not taht different than a space suit. Just step into the suit and zip it up. Yama taps the suit. "I'm pretty sure these have them. And yes. They're quite, quite necessary." Allen finishes getting his suit on. "Name's Allen. Jeff Allen. A citizen of the good ol' US of A. The US of A of 1999 that is.." Namura says, "geiger counter? I think there isn;t any doubt about the radiation." The ship shudders as the drop rockets engage and the ship begins its descent. Messer blinks. "Great," is all he says. Melchior says, "Never hurts to double check does it?" Newt sighs, "I'll tell ya how hot it is. Sheesh... Poe holds Jones' suit for her so she can step in with ease. Namura looks at Allen and blinks.."DId you say....America? 1999?" Acran nods, ~It figured prominently in Earth's history,~ the insectoid replies, ~However, my people have a bit more radiation tolerance then a standard humanoid.~ Jones steps into the suit, managing to not fall with the drop rockets engaging. She nods her thanks to Poe. The landing struts thump against the surface. Melchior looks to Newt Yama bounces slightly. Melchior says, "Stay close now.." Messer looks down at the deck. "Honey, we're home," he says, mock cheerfully. Allen says, "Yep. Kansas, 1999. Tho I learned my way around DC when I was trying to lobby some cash from NASA to build my ship. That's why I'm here."" Namura says, "Now the fun starts..." Newt nods. Snowmist says drily, "Oh joy." Melchior pats him on the shoulder and smiles, then waits Snowshadow gets to his feet, taking a last check of the clasps on the suit. "Well, at least it should be interesting." Teel simply stands and watches, her icy blue eyes more feral than ever. Acran stands silently, albeit uncomfortably near the airlock, waiting for it to open. Snowmist gives a small "oops" and opens up her suit just enough to retrieve her boot knife, going through some interesting contortions in doing so, before resealing it and attaching the knife's sheath to the outside of the suit, patting it familiarly. Jones zips up her suit and moves to walk a few steps, haltingly. She frowns. Melchior doublechecks the rifle to make sure it is in working order ***** START OF JONESY'S TAPE****** The camera begins to whir as Jones turns it on. Newt looks for somewhere on him to put his gun Snowshadow catches Mist's action, but rather than give her a hard time about it, does much the same thing for his baton. Jones smiles, pleased. She continues to check over the camera. Denick checks his suit, including the firmly duct taped grenades and pistol, and mutters, "In rimam eo..." Yama sees Denick. "You the boss for now? Are we splitting up into squads,or are we just going to walk in one big, amusingly shootable group?" Poe checks to make sure his suit is sealed tightly. His knife tucked into it someplace safe. Denick looks at newt, "Hold onto it, and if your in a situation where you can run, or use that, you run as fast as you can. Melchior says, "Will the mutants be using guns?" Namura sighs at the word shootable.. Melchior says, "Or something more like claws?" Denick shakes hsi head, "I just make things as easy for the general as I can, I'm not completely sure myself. Poe says, "Claws, teeth, numbers..." Melchior says, "It's my job to make sure he isn't in that situation....we're working together right Newt?" Newt says, "I ain't no chicken." Acran turns to Denick, ~Lt., do you have a scanning device? This suit is rather restricting and I don't want to wear it if I don't have to.~ Namura secures his suit and makes sure his possesions are secure for easy handling. Denick looks, "You'll get fried like one if your not careful, listen to the mystic, and you'll probably be fine." Cubana arrives from Cabin . Cubana has arrived. Denick salutes, "I think we're all ready, ma'am." Cubana steps into the roomand through your headsets you here boom, "Attention on deck!" Snowmist jumps and glowers at the volume. Poe turns to Cubana and listens. Newt growsses his arms definantly and emits a 'hrmph' sound. Messer furrows his brow. "Jeez," he mumbles. Teel winces at the noise, but nods. "Jeez..." LeBeau arrives from Cabin . Namura looks at Cubana in a mix of cynicism and fright. Melchior tries to turn the volume down Slaan arrives from Cabin . Yama streches as he stands. Slaan steps in behind Lebeau. Allen turns to look at Cubana. Cubana scans the room and nods, "Excellent." the conversation entirely through the communicatios system built into the helmets, "Alright..ladies..gentlmen we're going to run a weapons check, all this means is simply you pick a partner and your partner checks your equipment ot ensure everythign is in proper order. Understood?" Snowshadow winces, tucking his ears against his head, and makes appropriate adjustments to the volume to compensate for more sensative Demarian hearing. Snowmist sighs and looks sidelong at Shadow, making a doleful face. "Guess I'm stuck with you, hn?" Cubana turns towards lebeau, "First." she instructs, "Are the fittings on your radsuit. Make sure everything is locked and in place." Acran turns to Cubana, ~General, do we have a reading on the radiation out there?~ Snowshadow starts checking his sister's suit as soon as the word is said. Like he would trust anyone else to do it if he hadn't. Namura nods..or at least attempts to. He waves to messer. As she speaks Cubana demonstrates by checking the various pieces of Lebeu's radsuit to ensure everything is secured. Jones looks at Poe. "Do you mind?" She smiles. Denick checks the sealings on his suit. Melchior looks to Newt and checks his suit, making sure he is fully protected Messer rolls his eyes, but walks over to Namura. "Yeah, yeah." Cubana shakes her head slighlty in response to something, "Negative." is all she says. Slaan turns and steps toward to buddy-check with Denick. Yama bends down, squinting at Teel's straps. Denick nods, and hands his pistol and rifle to slaan. Newt tells Mel, "come down 'ere so I can check you over and stuff." Stupid tall people. Poe turns to Jones and smiles. "I'll go first." He starts examining her suit following cubana's example Slaan returns in kind, checking over the officer's weapons thouroughly. Allen checks his suit carefully, and seems confident that everything is in place. Teel automatically turns to check Yama, though she snorts, "Just makin sure you can make more money, thas'all." Snowshadow snorts at his sister. "Yup. Until I die or you find someone that even I agree is better qualified to put up with you." Namura looks at Messer and checks his suit.." Seems okay to me." Messer pokes and prods at a few of Namura's fittings. "Well, ya ain't fallin' apart," he grumbles. Slaan hands his weapons over to Denick, after Denick's have proved satisfactory. Denick looks at the secureings on slaans, poking at some of them. Acran nods, ~I see General. My point is I'd like to make sure I really need this suit. Its very difficult to use.~ Namura hehs. Denick looks it over, checking the energy pack. Jones waits until Poe is done, and in turn double checks his suit. Yama stares at Teel for a moment. "Death by rad poisoning isn't conducive to that, no. You look alright. Me?" Deering makes sure her suit is done up right, looking about for someone free to give her a once over. Cubana smirks a bit, "You need it Mr. Acran." is all she says before continuing, "Alright, next you cehck weapons. Make sure pulse weapons are charged and projectile weapns are loaded and that both are in working order. As soon as Snowshadow is done, Snowmist returns the favor. For all fickleness, she takes an inordinate amount of time to make sure everything is fastened correctly. "Ha, that'll be the day. You think it's easy making sure nobody else can stand me? I'm working hard at this, so you're stuck with me for a while." Slaan hands back the weapons and begins quietly going over Denick's suit. Teel nods. "Yer kosher, Yama." Melchior starts trying to check his weapon, then accidently discharges it at the ceiling Allen checks over his weapon like he knows them inside out. After a few twirls, snaps, clicks, and once-overs he seems satisified that it is operational. Slaan whips around as a weapon goes off, dropping to one knee. Messer throws the safety on his weapon, and it comes alive with a low hum. "Alright, this is working. What about yours?" he questions Namura. Melchior immediately drops it and steps back Cubana jumps as a weapon is discharged, hand moving to her own pistol and as she turns towards Melchior the pistol is pulled, "What in blazes!" Newt startles and ducks, "OI!" Poe points to his knife and says to Jones. "Only got the knife. You?" Yama's face turns upward slightly as he turns around to reach for his helmet. "Does this mean i'm first up if we run out field rations?" Snowmist immediately falls into a crouch, teeth bared, her own pistol drawn at the sudden discharge. Messer spins around, nearly falling in the bulkiness, to look at Melchior. "Holy crap, man!" Deering is checking her weapon over, wincing and backing away from Melcior with a frown. Melchior is muttering "I hate weapons" softly to himself Acran's right hand snaps towards melchior, his eyes reflecting the seem infinitely. Jones turns to Poe, eyes widened from staring at Melchior a moment before. She shakes her head and displays the pistol. "Just this. Think it is just fine." Snowmist shudders and looks up pleadingly at her brother. "Can I stand in front? Pleeeeaaaase?" Cubana takes a deep, slow breath, the very model of control, "Mr. Melchior, leave the weapon." she states. Denick backs up, and glances at it, theres a slight click, and the safety switches to on. Allen merely shakes his head at the gun going off. Slaan snarls and hisses quietly, turning back to finish inspeting Denick's suit. Snowshadow grins at her. "Acting? I seem to remember you being like this even when you were a kit. But I guess I'm used to you by now, 'cause I don't think I'd want you to change." Shadow pivots, expression turning serious, pistol leveled at the source of the discharge before he even has time to realize it was just an accident. Teel rolls her eyes, though at Yama or Melchior, it's hard to tell. Melchior nods to Hernandez, but picks it up anyway, determine to get over his rather distrust of weapons Cubana slowly begins to put the pistol back in her holster, "Alright, everyone checked out?" she asks through the headset. Acran lowers his arm, ~I understand General. However, you must know that I am a good deal more tolerant of radiation than humanoids are.~ Namura checks his pistol and turns it on, nodding.."Okay..I'm all set." Snowshadow turns back to his sister, and answers dryly, "Sure, you can stand in front. From the looks of things, you'll be safer there." Denick nods, "Yes ma'am." Slaan finishes Denick and gives a thumbs up. Deering flicks off the safety on her rifle, hearing it hum to life before flicking it back off, and gives it a little kiss on the side, murmuring something quietly to it. Denick looks at acran, "Don't risk it." Snowmist mutters something about getting what you wish for as she brushes past her brother. Newt cocks hsi head to one side, watching Mel. sounding amused he states, "Don't press the trigger next time." Acran nods, ~Which is why I was hoping there was a reading on it.~ Melchior says, "I....ummm...yes.....that might be a good idea...." Poe nods to Jones then waves to the general. "We're all set," he shouts. Denick looks at melchior, "And keep the safety on until you need it." Slaan thinks of a funny story about how a trainee back at the academy accidently killed a man because he didn't know how to handle his weapon properly. Oh wait...that's not funny. Melchior says, "I agree with him, Hernandez....if we could have a readout we would be much better off in the long run..." Deering reaches down to strap her black hilted, black bladed knife and sheath to the outside of her raditaion suit, doing finals on herself. Cubana speaks intot he suit, "Alright, guys. Some combat advice. Keep your eyes peeled, thos eo fyou with assignments move to those positions as we disembark, the rst of you stay near the middle and watch out for yourselves. Don't throw grenades unless A) Youv'egot a clear shot and B) None of the others are int he area." Cubana glances at melchior and ignore him continuing. The object on Acran's wrist gives out a hum, much like a weapon powering up. Melchior looks at Denick, "What's the safe4ty? Snowshadow makes sure that, even if she is in front of him, it's not by much. He'll settle for a good position to cover her from. Denick points at the little swith near the handle, it appears to be on, "That." Cubana speaks intot he headset, "Silence ont he comm. Melchior looks at it and flicks it Cubana says, "When i'm speaking into the headset or orders are being issued unless information vital to the mission is being passed theres to be no talking, its distracting to the others." Denick shakes his head, "Its off now, if you don't want that to happen again, turn it on." Deering holds the rifle off to her side, tapping on the side of the commlink, tilting the microphone a bit to a more appropriate position. Cubana continues, "For those of you who have forgotten..assignment are...Lt. Deering and myself at point." Melchior frowns Melchior says, "I just don't understand it..." Through your headset comes Cubana's voice. "Behind us Mr. Messer and Ms. teel." Newt looks up at Mel, "Wassat?" Messer nods in acknowledgement. Cubana continues, "Holding the rear will be Mr. Lebeau and Mr. Yama, in front of them Private Slaan and Lt. Denick." Melchior says, "How this weapon works" Teel nods and peers over at Messer. "Heya, Big Bang." Slaan nods, standing by Denick as he will for the majority of the mission. Cubana says, "As a last note, if anything occurs to me, Mr. Lebeau and then Lt. Deering will be in charge." Denick sighs, and walks over to Melchior, he begins explaining the basics of the safety, pulling the trigger, and firearm safety. Deering glances around at everyone for a moment before returning to watch Cubana. Cubana smiles slighlty through her headset, her eyes invisible behind her dark sunglasses, "I'd wish you all luck guys, but i know your skill'll be more then enough. Lets get out there..we have a dateback at the Citadel with a bottle of Ungstiri Sunrise, my treat.." she looks towards Newt, "And well...milk for the others among us." Newt points at the muzzle, "you point this bit at what's tryin to hurt ya or ya friends." and then hepoints at the trigger, "and you squeeze that bit when you're done pointing." Teel blinks, looking at Messer a bit more pointedly. "So, you an me, huh?" Melchior nods Namura sighs in relief. Messer shrugs. "That's what she said." Cubana motions for the door, "Form up!" is heard through the headsets as she turns and heads out. Cubana heads into Cabin . Yama slings his rifle as he falls in with LeBeau You head into Cabin . Cabin - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This narrow cabin appears as if, at one time, it served the purpose of a commercial transport, hauling passengers from destination to destination. Beneath a thin coat of dusty off-white paint you can make out the logo of Pulsar Express Travel. All but a few of the sparingly stuffed seats have been pulled out to make room for a folding card table and some chairs. Where the seats were removed, fastening bolt fixtures remain. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 21:24:29 2651 Acran walks in, having a great deal of trouble moving freely. Deering moves over towards the side of the door on the right, rifle up pointed towards the ceiling. She flicks the saftey off and her rifle humms to life. "General...question.", crackles through her headset. Poe walks in and stands next to Jones, waiting to find their place in line. Cubana moves to the front, in a matter of moments unslinging her rifle and holding it at the ready position, she pairs up with Deering nad looks across towards Deering, "Go ahead." Deering asks, "Assuming the casualties mount, at what point do we abort the mission?" Cubana responds into the headset after a slight pause, "We don't abort the mission, Lt. If there is one individual left the mission continues. Is that understood?" her eyes move back towards the others, "Does everyone understand that?" Snowshadow grabs an unclaimed rifle as he passes it, and slings it over his shoulder, just in case he needs a bit more firepower than the pistol provides. Acran nods silently. Snowmist rolls her eyes. "You gonna take a rifle when you refused my pistol?" Deering nods a bit, taking a deep breath. "Aye General. Second question..do we have a mirror or anything for checking corners?" Allen says, "A fight to the end. I'll say one thing, you 27th century homeboys know how to party." Namura ehhs..."Sure..Hope it doesn;t come to that..." Melchior gets the other rifle Cubana shakes her head, "negative..a mirror glints..gives your position off as well as your enemies." Acran glances at Allen, cocking his head in confusion. Denick nods, "Yes m'am, et in rimam imus..." Snowshadow says, "Hey, might come in handy. The pistol would've been redundant." Deering nods and looks back to the door. "Aye, ma'am.", steeling herself for next hour of nightmare. Namura looks around. Cubana speaks through the headset, "On the count of three we move..I've got left, Lt's got right." Denick looks at melchior, "You and the kid stick close to me and slaan, try to warn us of anything thats coming at us." Cubana says, "1..." Deering looks back at the others and holds her hand up for attention. Yama arrives from Engineering . Yama has arrived. Cubana says, "2..." Namura says, "What about me?" Allen cocks his weapon. "Let's rock and roll." And finally, with an energy unmatched before, "THREE!" Slaan is locked, cocked, and ready to rock. Melchior turns off his safey Acran scuttles out on the roof, above everyones heads. You disembark to the surface. The Mall - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skeletal ruins flank this broad, flat thoroughfare that might once have been a greensward or park of some kind, beneath a bruise-colored sky. To the east stand the shattered remnants of a building with a crushed dome and steps blackened by heat. To the west, one can see the stump of a marble obelisk about 150 feet tall, surrounded by toppled metal poles. Collapsed marble blocks that might have composed the rest of the monument are scattered southwest of the stump. A broken escalator leads down into a subterranean facility of some kind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 21:29:26 Slaan files out at the appropriate 2nd to rear position, paired off with Denick Cubana steps out of the vessel and immediately to the left, Rifle pointed out and scanning the area as she does with her eyes. Deering watches the front and swings quickly to the right, gun out and pointed as she sweeps the 45 degrees assigned to her. Yama hisses. "I left a grenade up there. Allen says, "Whoa. Ya know, this is an improvement. Remind me to complement those Zangali on an sure fire way to get rid of stuffed shirt politicians." Acran drops down from the ceiling of the airlock, his right arm held at 90 degrees from his body. Yama boards the Kensington. Melchior gulps to himself and takes a breath Melchior looks around Denick swings his rifle to the left, covering the entire area, then he glances up. Melchior says, "Where is Newt?" Melchior says, "I'll be right back" Melchior boards the Kensington. Slaan checks to the right, as well as up and down, his back to Denick. A hot wind swirls trash through this old park, beneath a grim sky. The ancient skyline - twisted by catastrophe - is blackened in ruin. In the shadowy outskirts of the park, shuffling, vaguely humanoid shapes can be seen. Some shuffle this way...alerted suddenly to the arrival of the freighter. As they close, you see them - pitiful humanoid creatures with extra, but clearly lifeless, heads - dangling arms, pustulent boils. Hairless and toothless, some of them drag their bony knuckles across the tainted earth. Cubana curses into the headset, "Alright, lets establish this now. *EVERYONE* moves together. There will be no going back for ANYONE." Jones swallows hard, but dutifully touches a few buttons on her camera, recording. Deering says over the Intercom, "Targets." Acran nods curyly in response, his mult-faceted eyes focusing on one of the shadowy form. Cubana calls into the headsets, "Contacts at 12 o'clock. Fan out, stay with your partner and find cover. Form a semi cricle." Slaan watches the mutants with a cold glare, watching and taking careful aim, should any of them get too close. Denick swings his rifle back forward, his safety switches off on its own, and his trains his rifle on the approachign figures. Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist. Cubana steps forwards with Deering, rifle pointed forward. Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Deering steps sideways over towards Cubana, gun held up as she advances with her. HEADSET: Melchior - We have a situation on board the ship.... Acran takes a position to the edge of this said semicircle. Denick motions slaan to the right, taking cover behind a large piece of a steel girder. Cubana keeps the weapons forward towards the mutants. At the forward point of the semicircle. Allen says, "And here come the party crashers..." Cubana crackles into the headset, "Report, what is the situation on board the vessel?" Slaan nods and joins behind the girder, scanning his weapon systematically across his view. The creatures - there seem to be about a dozen of them, closing in a rough circle - stop at about thirty feet away when they seem to notice the weapons. Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. HEADSET: Teel - Teel growls, "Messer's one of /them/!" Deering goes to a knee for now, aiming at one of the particularly nasty looking mutants, holding her fire. LeBeau stops part way down the ramp readying his ssult rifle Denick motions with his rifle trying to indicate to them to leave. Slaan picks a target and draws a bead... Cubana remains in a crouched position, weapn at the ready, "Keep your eyes peeled...if they get within weapons range, fire." Jones very slowly moves to cover, steps careful for the rubble, but keeping her attention focused on the mutants. Acran turns rapidly towards the airlock, glancing questioningly at Cubana as he hears the words on the headset. Snowshadow leaves the pistol holstered for a backup weapon should the rifle fail. He moves beside Mist as if this is the most natural thing in the world he could be doing. No soldiers, they, but clearly not so unused to high-risk situations, either. He levels the rifle, waiting for the right moment to fire. LeBeau says, "General can yu hold dem, 'll see wha es going on enside" Poe stays close to Jones, eying the mutants. Snowmist flicks off the safety as she holds her pistol at the ready, not taking aim yet. Cubana nods, "Move Lebeau, keep down....they shouldnt' have weapons but we don't know." LeBeau boards the Kensington. LeBeau has left. One of the mutants, who stands about four feet tall and is roughly child shaped, with three arms and a gimpy leg, shuffles toward group. Clad in stained rags, the childish creature does not appear to be armed. Denick says in a faint, slow voice, "I'll try to ask them to leave..." Cubana speaks into the headset, "Then talk quick Lt, any closer and i shoot." Slaan nods once in reply, keeping his weapon trained on the most available targets. Allen keeps his weapon at the ready. Deering breaths a quick breath through her nose and utters a low curse through the headset. Denick stares at the child, slightly vacantly. Yama exits from the Kensington. Yama has arrived. Jones shakes her head slowly, the camera whirring, focused in now on the child. Acran replies in reference to Deering's statement, ~Perhaps subliminal suggestion might help....~ The mutant child stops about twenty five feet from the group and shouts against the wind: "Why are you here?" Cubana doesn't move eyes peeled on the figure moving towards her, the slack pulled out of her trigger, "Respond Lt. The rest of us can not speak through our suits." Denick responds to the child, --We're in search of something, please don't interfior.-- Snowmist's lips thin, eyes narrowing, as she unconsciously moves to Shadow's side, ready to cover his back if need be. A mutant child stands about 25 feet from the group, standing between the group and a downward sloping tunnel of some kind. Messer exits from the Kensington. Namura exits from the Kensington. The group is collected into a semi-circle eyes and weapons trained on the child like figure standing 25 feet from them. Teel exits from the Kensington. The mutant child turns its attention toward Denick. "What do you seek?" Denick is staring vacantly at the child. Slaan glances about and listens for any sign of an ambush...any sign at all. Deering takes a quick look to the sides, and off towards the rear. Denick responds, --A great evil.-- Messer ducks out of the Kensington, his rifle at the ready. Newt exits from the Kensington. LeBeau exits from the Kensington. Melchior comes out with Newt Yama mutters into his com. "Mayhaps we don't inform them we're here to destroy their probable buddy?" Teel pairs up with Messer, blaster ready, eyes scanning. The group is collected into a semi-circle eyes and weapons trained on the child like figure standing 25 feet from them. Denick is staring vacantly at the child. The mutant child steps closer, to about twenty feet, focused on Denick, tilting its head curiously. "A great evil? Where were you, so long ago, when our ancestors suffered because of a great evil? Where are you now, when we are imprisoned here, lepers?" Slaan is giving some attention to things other than the obvious, scanning for any sign of ambush. Deering is kneeled at the front of an armed semi-circle, Cubana beside her. Denick says, "I don't think they would be friends with it." Cubana speaks into the headset, "Silence Mr. Yama, the Lt's handlign it." all the meanwhile she keeps her weapon trained ont he child. LeBeau again comes down the ramp unshouldering his assult rifle and takes a high aim at the on comming mutants as he moves to the rest of the group Snowshadow starts to move into the gesture, providing a better scope of vision and firing arc for the two Demarians, but pauses when he catches his action, because he's part of a group much larger than two, and he can't allow himself some of his usual reactions for the good of the group. Denick says, "Maybe you should tell me what to say, ma'am, I'm not the best diplomat..." Newt cocks his head tot he side and just watches the kid, weapon not pointed at it. Messer brings his weapon to bear on the mutant, although his eyes wander, taking in the carnage surrounding him. Melchior then lowers his weapon, walking slowly out towards the child, moving slowly Namura follows suit with Slaan and looks around. Cubana calls angrily, "Hold your position, Mystic!" Deering rumbles through the scratchy comm, "Ask her if she knows where the great evil is." Denick replies --We seek an evil thats a threat to all of us, even greater then what happened to you or your ancestors." Melchior stops when he reaches the front of the group, putting the rifle down on the ground The mutant child smiles - the rough approximation of it, a toothless smile - "Greater than what happened to us? Arrogance...such arrogance." Snowmist shakes her head in frustration, not used to having to hold back when all her instincts screamed for action. Melchior whispers into the com, "Hernandez....I have been raised and trained to be a diplomat...please, allow me. Cubana curses, "Mystic, follow orders or you'll find yourself not completing this trip. Lt. Denick is covering it." Yama mouths lah-de-dah to LeBeau as the conversation ensues. Denick looks at cubana, "Let him ma'am, he's probably a lot more trained in this then I am.." Cubana speaks into the comm, "You've already started a conversation, get behind us and prompt him if you wish, but stay down." The mutant child looks toward Cubana. "You seek the Hiver." Slaan glances over as the mystic makes a play to wrest control of the mission out of the hands of others. Melchior says, "Thank you for the vote of confidence Denick." LeBeau glances past the child and towards the surrounding rubble and debri as if looking for any hidden resistance Yama taps his com, making eye contact with LeBeau. Cubana's attenstion sems to move from Melchior to the child, the weapon reaminign where it is, not moving a muscle, "Tell him we are." Namura ignores the petty arguing, looking at any signs of immenent danger. Deering murmurs into the Intercom, "Stay sharp folks." Denick sends, seeming tired already, --Yes.-- Slaan continues scanning for hostilities. The mutant child regards each member of the group in turn, finally bringing its filmy gray eyes back to Denick. "As the old man and the soldiers sought the Hiver." Acran sends to the group, ~If he cannot convince them, perhaps I may help.~ LeBeau looks back to Yama Newt mutters, "Weird kid." Teel glances about, watching Messer's back. Allen says, "Sounds like we were beat to it..." Cubana speaks into the headset, "Gentlmen, if they do not wish to help us, there are far too many here for u to 'convince' them. They are not a collective. Better we find wehre we stand now." Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Melchior sends out his own message, "Greetings, my child...." Poe shudders a bit at the mention of the "old man". ******** Melchior stops, noding to the child Melchior says, "As you wish..." Melchior stiffens Cubana's weapon now seems to be trained on Melchior for anyone looking. Deering keeps her gun on the child as Cubana turns hers to Melchior. Messer's grip on his weapon tightens a bit, and he scans the horizon, three hundred sixty degrees around. Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Namura readies his rifle, looking. The mutant child turns its attention back to Cubana. "The old man and the soldiers came here, seeking the Hiver. I think the old man made it. The soldiers...did not. But we did not kill them." Snowshadow isn't about to lower his weapon, and his ears are perked up and forward, or they would be if it weren't for the confining helmet. Slaan just keeps scanning. He never evened twitched at the mystic's command, but just kept a constant sweep running. Cubana asks intot he headset, taking for granted it will be relayed, "Who did?" Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist. Acran sends to the child, ~Then who did?~ The mutant child speaks three simple words: "The Legion." Erm. that's two. Or, ya know, two simple words Denick sends, --Who are they?-- Three consonants. Good try though. Acran cocks his head at this, but allows Denick to take back the floor. Messer raises his eyebrows, and looks questioningly at Teel. The mutant child turns toward Denick. "Warriors. Deadly. Quite acclimated to this atmosphere. They guard the Hiver." Allen says, "Figures. We travel all this way and we get to fight the mutated Secret Service." Denick replies, --Do you know how many they number, and how well they are armed?-- Cubana can be heard smirkign a bit into the headset. Cubana addds, "And if they have any weaknesses." Slaan's back spines try to flare, pressing uncomfortably against his rad suit. Teel murmurs, "Have to watch your back and keep you safe, Messer. You're my wingman, yeah?" Denick sends, --And if they have weaknesses.-- Melchior says, "Even if we destroyed this Legion we would not be able to destroy the hiver" Yama shifts in his suit. "Any information they have is likely suspect. These guys might well be kept in food by said legion. And someone take kookboy aside and explain to him what's going on. The mutant child shakes its head. "I cannot tell you how many there are - but they are armed by outsiders." Denick frowns... Messer chuckles quietly. "Yeah," he replies to Teel. "Just don't go pullin' nothin' on me while I'm not lookin'." Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist. Yama taps his com again. Yama whispers to Teel. Cubana speaks intot he headset, "Kookboy is dead in about two seconds..and for their information we'll trust it for now. The Nalls are probably arming this..Legion." LeBeau says, "Can yu tell us jus where day ar locaded, an jus where da Ri'kammi es kept?"" Acran turns to Cubana, ~How do you know?~ Newt gives the weirdo-kid a wave kinda. Teel whispers to Yama. Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Denick sends, --Where is it?-- Deering grumbles. "Great." Poe just stays near Jones, eyes on the child, everyonce and a while his gaze shifts to the reporter. Cubana speaks into the headset, "We have reason to believe The Nalls where workign with Breunhalt and that Breunhalt was working with the Hiver. So it only goes to figure the Nalls would be working with them as well." Jones shifts her weight, leaning against a larger piece of debries as she waits and records. The mutant child points across the Potomac River, toward a large structure that seems to be angled with five sides. "The Hiver you seek is there." The child then points at the tunnel behind it. "The only way to get to the Hiver is through there. And that is where the Legion dwell." The child looks back to Cubana. "What are Nalls?" Acran clacks in annoyance, the first sound he makes, coming over the comms. LeBeau adds on to Cubana's statment "An if no da Nalls den Fagin" Cubana speaks into the headset, "Explain what nalls are to him." Messer draws a breath, following the child's gesture with his eyes. Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist. Yama says, "And if they have guns, it's moot where they came from. Can we get a move-on here?" Newt looks up at Mel and says, "How come?" over the comms. Denick tells the child, --Large intelligent lizards, almost man sized.-- Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Actually they are short, about 4 feet tall Cubana ignores Melchior, "Mr. Melchior, that leaves no question. Do that again and your dead." The child shakes its head. "These outsiders are like you." Melchior speaks into his com, "I have an idea on how we could possibly take this legion and not have any of us hurt Cubana says a bit exasperated, "Go." Melchior says, "Thank you" Acran turns silently to Melchior. Snowshadow speaks over the headset, "How about we send a recon team into the tunnel while everyone is out here chatting. I'm volunteering." Yama whispers to LeBeau. Melchior starts walking back to the group Yama waves a hand. "Seconded." Snowmist says, "And if he goes, naturally I'm there."" The child stands in place and says, "We leave you now, if you wish to proceed. You have been warned." The child turns and walks toward its companions. Denick nods, "I agree, if the mutes obgect, then thats their problem." Cubana shakes her head, "Negative. No point in reconning right now." Allen says, "At least these Washingtonians have gotten a lot more cordial.." Jones murmurs, "Well, we can't stand out here forever." Yama says, "I doubt all of these genetic deviants are as friendly as this docile one." Cubana speaks into the headset, "Point will walk in, when we're assured there's no traps set to go off the rest come in, fact is there's going to be mutants in there...and there's no going aroudn them." Deering lifts her gun a little from the retreating child now, getting up from her knee. Poe says, "The thing is living under the Pentagon. Allan, wasn't there like a fortress under the Pentagon building? Designed to protect against radiation and such..." LeBeau speaks into his comm "General I sugges we ged moving, if da mutands know dat we ar here den a goo bed says dis legion does to. An staning aroun here jus gives dem mo time to ged ready fo us Cubana stands slowly and moves her head to apparently look at Deering and nods once before beginning to step towards the hole, weapon moving off the child as she walks past Melchior, "Stay close behidn and keep your weapons pointed on that kid until we're sure they'r enot a threat." Snowshadow rolls his eyes, though Mist is probably the only one that would catch the gesture through the visor. "I hunt things. It's what I do. I'll _look_ for traps, if you like." Messer lowers his weapon only slightly. Melchior "accidently" brushes against Cubana as she passes Cubana steps on either side of the hole and motions 1...2....3 with her fingers. Cubana heads into Metro Terminal . You head into Metro Terminal . Metro Terminal - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pale purple light from the unearthly sky above grants meager illumination in this cavernous underground chamber, which is littered with bones and skulls of victims of the holocaust that destroyed the city. A rut carved in the granite holds the tracks that once carried subway cars throughout the metropolitan area. A broken escalator leads up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 22:05:11 2651 > Cubana stops when she is abotu 25 feet fromt he mutant. Yama snorts at the mutant. "Trash." Melchior raises his weapon at Slaan, "I wouldn't, my friend.." Acran arrives from The Mall . Acran has arrived. Deering stops and watches her side, eyes wide and glancing around. Messer moves to one 'wing' of the semicircle, training his weapon on the mutant. Snowmist snorts. "First he's a pacifist, now he's a violent pacifist..." Slaan turns and levels his weapon on the mystic... Denick sends, --Stay back, we don't mean you any harm, do not interfior.-- Newt comes down and steps into something that went crack. He lookes down and YEEEWS, "I stepped in someone." he quickly removes his foot. The mutant against the wall drops to the ground, hugging its three knees with one clawed arm and weeps, "Don't hurt me..." Snowshadow takes a position in the circle that gives him the best chance to cover Mist when things hit the fan, as he expects them to. Namura stays back and looks at Jones to make sure she;s allright. Yama blanches at Melchior, and swings his rifle around. Melchior says, "I have made a decision....I intend to protect the innocent lives here from you bloodthirsty idiots" Cubana has her weapon aimed at the mutant already, "Mystic, make yourself helpful and scan him to see his intent." Deering growls in the coms, "Situation, ma'am." Melchior says, "So long as you don't hurt an innocent on purpose, you'll be ok" Yama nods. "Splendid. Permission to fire?" Slaan speaks into the headset, "General, the mystic is currently deciding to be a bit too aggressive for my liking, consssidering hiss earlier misshap." Cubana says, "Before you become the first casualty of these bloodthirsty idiots." Messer looks back at Melchior, then to the mutant. "Dag nammit." Melchior nods, scanning the mutant, seeking his true intent Acran clatters along the wall, his right arm held out in front of him. Jones nods to Namura. She is fine. Just not always moving very fast. Cubana speaks into the headset, "maintain comm silence, if the order to shoot the mystic is issued it will be i issueing it." Teel stays at the other side of the wing from Messer, keeping an eye on any attacks on him. Allen mutters, "Ironic. Killed by infighting in the very place that touted united we stand, separate we fall, or some crap like that.." Slaan nods and ignores the mystic, scanning the area again. Yama taps his com. Melchior kneels beside the mutant, slowly holding out a hand to him to signify he means no harm Deering flares her nose, keeping her side of the tunnel under cover, deciding not to look back. Melchior says, "It is alright.....I will not hurt you..." LeBeau pulls up the rear and looking back towards the tunnel then came in to make sure nothing is trying to trap them in The mutant reaches out to grab Melchior's arm. Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist. Cubana speaks into the headset again, "Let him learn his lessont he hardway..." is all she says softly. Cubana keeps her weapon trained ont he mutant and Melchior. Messer's grip tightens on the rifle, but he doesn't fire - yet. Slaan keeps up his duty of scanning the perimeter. Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Melchior telepathically sends to the group, ~Back me up...if he attacks kill him but if he does not he could prove to be a valuable asset~ Melchior doesn't move away when the mutant tries to grab for his arm Slaan shakes his head slightly... Teel gives Cubana an odd little look. Newt's too busy looking about to keep his mind on his job. Deering keeps quiet, eyes roaming about the place as the tension mounts. Allen looks to Cubana. "You sure have some strange idea of a combat unit these days, lady." Cubana speaks into the headset, "Belay that, follow my orders only." Acran moves to the ceiling of the tunnel, gripping easily to the grooved surface. The mutant takes the arm and brings the hand toward his nasal openings, sniffing. Denick still keeps rifle pointed at the ground, but seems ready to snap it up and fire. Melchior smiles softly, "It is alright....we're friends....we aren't here to hurt you...." Poe keeps his position next to Jones, watching the situation. Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist. The mutant glances up at Melchior with watery gray eyes, blank without irises. "F...friends?" Jones pans the camera around the tunnel, before zooming in on Melchior and the mutant again. Melchior nods Melchior says, "Yes...we are friends....you have nothing to fear from us..." Yama hrumphs, tapping once more. The mutant smiles, exposing razor sharp fangs, opens its mouth and then clamps down on the Mystic's gloved hand. Cubana speaks into the headset, "Teel, you've got the shot if he tries anything. The rest of you stand ready to back her." Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow. Cubana calls the order to fire to Teel. Melchior cries out in pain, trying to get his hand away Slaan has never lowered his weapon, he ignores the coming firefight, devoting all his attention to scanning for hostiles. Well...other hostiles. Denick raises his rifle and fires at the shoulder away from the mystic in one motion. Namura stays near Jones, looking around as well. The mutant's teeth tear through the glove, digging into flesh and exposing Melchior to radiation...and whatever else the mutant has in its mouth. Teel sighs, and is about to fire, when Denick shoots. She lowers her weapon. Yama leans to the side of the wall before squeezing a shot off at the pair, jockeying for a clear LOS. Cubana calls again, "Hold your fire! Everyone but Teel, hold your fire!" Snowshadow mutters, "Don't suppose anyone brought a patch for the suits? If he's got a puncture, it's not gonna be pretty." Denick lets go of the trigger. Slaan follows orders and keeps scanning. Cubana curses, "Damn idiot..almost deserves this." she says as she keeps her weapon pointed, "Teel keep your target, one shot may not take them out." Melchior winces in pain Messer growls lowly, his finger quivering over the trigger. Snowmist twitches at the sudden movements, just barely restraining herself from aiming, settling herself firmly against her brother's back. Melchior says, "A small price to pay for trying to help a fellow sentient being..." The mutant continues digging in. Teel raises her weapon again, training it on the mutant, and firing. Cubana says, "Fire again, Teel." Cubana says, "Shoot to kill." Melchior cries out again, still trying to get his hand away The teeth - coupled with Melchior's yanking motion - sever his thumb and index finger as the mutant is struck in the chest by the blast from Teel's gun. Cubana glances to her left to see who's there, "Mr. lebeau, you've got next shot if this doens't bring it down." Snowshadow doesn't stop himself from moving into the gesture this time. He stands back to back with Mist, weapon at ready. If it alters the formation somewhat, so be it. Deering continues to just watch her side of the tunnel. Poe mutters an obscenity "Somebody needs to get him back to the ship before he's completly flooded with radiation." The mutant sags to the floor of the subway tunnel, dead it seems, the fingers in his mouth. Melchior winces at the pain, trying to use his psionics to lessen the pain Cubana calls as she spots Snowshadow, "Shadow, Mist, hold your positions and get down!" Denick says, "Seal your arm opening now mystic." Slaan just continues following orders, not breaking his concentration as he scans. Yama nods to Teel. "She can amputate. Let's keep going." Cubana calls into the headset, "Negative, we continue, no evacs." Quinn steps down, moving to the closest of the wounded. LeBeau spins his rifle to point it at the mutant and fireing off another shot aimed at its head Snowmist doesn't argue with the first sensible order she's heard in a long time and crouches, still keeping contact with her brother. Melchior blinks back the pain, trying to stand and get back up to the surface Cubana speaks intot the headset, "Mystic, check if the creature is truly dead." LeBeau looks up after firing "Jus to be sur, di no wan id knawing on anyone else as we when by" Cubana adds, "No one approach until we're sure the mutant is dead." Teel soberly lowers her weapon. "Rather be huntin Fagin." The blast from LeBeau's weapon disintegrates the head - and the fingers. Denick gestures for the mystic to come towards him. Deering cant help but say thrpugh the Com, "Looks like you made a freind, Mystic." Melchior uses his right hand, aiming his weapon at the mutant's head and pulling the trigger The head is gone, Melchior Newt looks back at all the commotion and mutters, 'oh shit'. and points his gun at the mutie jsut as Teel fires. He lowers it and then watches what's going on. oh boy. Melchior says, "It's dead...now get me some help..." Messer exclaims, "JeeEEEEZ!" Melchior blinks back the pain, stumbling into Quinn Cubana stands, "Alright...we're moving..Mr. namura fall out and care for Melchior, make sure he keeps the pace." Namura says, "got it" Denick hurries towards the mystic, pulling off the roll of duct tape he slapped onto his suit. Cubana calls without inflection, "Private Quinn pass him on to Mr. namura, we're moving." Acran calmly continues clicking his way along the ceiling. Cubana says, "Everyone hold your positions, we can't manage to break formation for every casualty, "We're continuing, next firefight he can be taken care of by the doc."" Denick hands it to namura, "As soon as your finished, seal the opening as best you can." Cubana stands and begins stepping forward slowly weapon at the ready. Namura nods Melchior looks at Namura Yama taps his foot. "Note we haven't actually been in a firefight. Ready to proceed." Messer looks over at Teel. "Nice shot. Better him than me, eh?" he teases. Slaan moves forward, retaining formation in pace with Cubana. Deering kicks off a bone from her foot, moving along with Cubana. Messer creeps forward with the formation. Melchior says, "Seal it off now.....I can try and help it when I get back to the ship..." Cubana repeats as she edges forward in the tunnel, "I will not repeat this, maintain comm silence." Denick strides forwards again, getting back in formation. Jones shifts the weight of the camera, moving forward again. Namura nods and seals the opening with the duct tape. Melchior looks around for Newt Cubana holds up one finger...then two..finally three as she steps forward intot he larger opening. Poe walks forward, not leaving Jones' side. Snowmist catches Shadow's eye before moving with them. Slaan stays to the right of Denick in the semi-circle, maintaing the buddy system Metro Tunnel - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cockroaches skitter along the walls flanking the powerless tracks that lead from the terminal into the deeper shadows of the underground rail system. The faint purple glow that had granted meager light to the terminal now seems generous compared to the darkness that consumes this gash in the pitch. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 22:20:03 2651 Contents: Exits: Acran continues scuttling along the ceiling above the group. Cubana steps in and towards the left after scanning the area with her weapon she orders, "Fan out again and we're continue to make progress..ignore the rodents." she adds as she glances back and sees peoples concentrtaions skittering. Jones looks at the skittering cockroaches and involentarily takes a step back. Her gaze flickers to Acran and she smiles ruefully. Denick fans out again. Cubana begins stepping forward reassuing through her headset, "Keep it close and keep it steady as we walk guys...best way to provide a wide firing range." Yama shrugs, and moves along the left wall. Snowmist nudges her brother and nods toward the left wall with an inquiring eyebrow. Sprawled on the tracks here is the body of someone clad in a radiation suit Acran seems a bit amused with the cockroaches as well. Deering continues walking slightly behind and to the right of Cubana, watching the front and right side of the tunnel. Messer groans lowly, adjusting his rifle a bit on his shoulder. Cubana says, "Lebeau, the medics and the injured behind the fan." Allen says, "Last time I saw this tunnel, it was from the subway..." Snowshadow gives a sharp nod, and the two Demarians move toward the wall as one, each protecting the other's back. Allen snorts. "Hasn't changed much. Different time, same old graffiti. Cubana repeats, "Keep comm silence." she says as she walks through the tunnel, "And keep alert." Deering pats Cubanas's shoulder and points u p the tunnel at the body. Namura arrives from Metro Terminal . Slaan just maintains formation and does his job, keeping it zipped and checking the group's six. Teel glances around in her now normal stance, pistol ready, concentration split between any threats, and Messer. Cubana stops, "Hold your positions.." she calls. Denick stops, covering the area to his left in a 90 degree arc. Deering stops where shes at, getting rather good at this watching the right side thing. Snowshadow halts, as ordered, and drops into a ready crouch. Messer freezes in his tracks and looks over at Teel, checking that she does the same. Cubana looks forward, not spotting the body at first. LeBeau commes in speaking into his helmet "General our eigh fingered frien jus took off fo da ship saying dis was to dangerous" Teel halts. Acran comes to a stop, his claws clamping onto the roof despite the suit. Sprawled on the tracks here is the body of someone clad in a radiation suit. Yama nods to the corpse. "Dead body, I fancy. Dead. Let's go." Cubana spots teh radiation suit and speaks intot he headset, "lt, go check out the body...i'll keep you covered." Cubana speaks into the headset, "I'm issueing the orders here, not you Mr. yama." The suit is similar to the ones you are wearing Messer frowns slightly. He checks over his shoulder nervously. Deering turns from the right side and moves forward with her rifle up, walking slowly, making sure her footing is fine, until she omves up to the body. Yama takes a sonorous tone. "I would be the last to imply anything less than the sanctity of your command. But we're giving these legion types ample time to prepare for us." Namura looks back and scans. Teel says, "Musta been the Perfesser's group." Cubana keeps her weapon aimed, "Or a mutant disguising as one..and those Legion troops, if they're being paid by Fanigan, have already had ample time." Denick mutters, "Nuntius mortis..." Deering looks over the body, glancing quickly around the sides, before lowering her gun to the body and lifting its shoulder with the barrel of her rifle. LeBeau speaks up still no in view of the body "Den roll id o'er an fin oud jus wha es en side Jones takes a few steps to the side, moving just a little to get a better angle as Deering does this. Cubana speaks into the headset, "We're working ont hat Mr. Lebeau.." she says eyes and weapon trained on the radiation suit. Deering curses quietly as she winces, lifting a little more for some kind of id. You see a rat gnawing at the face through the blasted helmet. Denick motions to newt, "Stick behind me kid, and stay alert." Deering lowers the body down, and looks behind her once or twice as she slowly Jones stiffens, pulling back from the camera for a moment, paling. She stares. Newt looks behind him as he walks forward... Poe takes steps to the side matching Jones' movement step for step. Allen says, "At least he died doing what he did best.." Denick looks at jones, "Get used to it, you'll probably see a few more." Yama says, "Three more, in fact." Cubana nods, "Alright, lets move. Fall back into formation Lt." she says as she begins stepping forward and to the southwest. Denick says, "Or fresher ones.." LeBeau continues to look behind them to make sure there is nothing behind them trying to trap them in the tunnel Deering moves back over to beside the General, going back to watching her side, glancing forward now and then. You say, "Mr. Kraken, I have no intention of getting used to it. Ever." Yama remains on the opposite end of the tunnel from LeBeau, refocusing his attention on the flanks. Cubana meets up with Deering and steps over the body as she heads southwest. Acran clatters forward once again. Teel gulps at the sight of the body, but presses on, flanking Messer. Slaan maintains position and moves forward in formation, not seeming to spare anymore attention than is neccessary to the corpse You head into Metro Tunnel . Metro Tunnel - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The temperature seems to cool noticeably in this chamber, and water trickles in rivulets down the walls from cracks in the ceiling to submerge the track rut about hip deep on an average human - roughly three feet deep. Mutated rats can be heard chittering, and can be seen paddling through the liquid to get from one side of the tunnel to the other. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 22:31:18 2651 Contents: Exits: Acran, being on the ceiling is unaffected by the water below. Messer sloshes through the water, checking to make sure his weapons don't get submerged. At least, not too much. Allen says, "Now for a leisurely swim. Too bad I forgot my water wings." Namura lifts his medkit over the water, checking his equipment as well. Newt completely fails to slosh as the water comes upto his mid-body. Acran glances at Newt, ~Need a hand?~ Denick raises his gun, and tapes his pistol and grenades higher on his person. Jones walks slowly. She glances at Poe, gaze inquiring as to his state. Denick mutters, "I hate rats..." Two more bodies in radiation suits can be seen floating face down in the water. Allen says, "Get used to em. There's thousands of them down here." Slaan moves through the water, taking care to keep it roughly dry. He maintains radio silence and scans carefully, straining to hear over radio chatter for less pleasant sounds... Denick says, "You should seen the ones we had on base...." Poe gives Jones a thumbs up, not wanting to break radio silence. Newt looks up at Acran and shakes his head, "I'm cool." Messer peers over at Teel, making sure she's okay. Slaan taps Denick and gestures toward the two floaters ahead... Jones gives Denick a look and tries hard not to laugh. Just for the record though, she turns the camera to record his expression over the rats. Before getting record of the rats of course.. Teel carefully wades, dodging rats as much as possible, and gulping again when the new bodies come into view. Denick looks him in the eye, and nods. Acran slaps a rat away as it attempts to bite through both his radiation suit and his exoskeleton. Slaan skims the bodies with his eyes and returns to scanning, not breaking formation unless ordered. Snowshadow trudges through the water next to his sister, keeping his rifle high enough to avoid getting wet. Oddly, the rats seem to be giving the two Demarians wide berth. Cubana continues walking through the hip deep water, rifle at her side and at the ready, "Get those rats out of the way...can't let them bite therough the suits." Allen says, "We must be under the Potomac...or what was the Potomac. If that bomb was this powerful, it probably threw that river all over creation." Deering sloshes about in the waterm keeping her rifle above the waterlione, her 5 foot nothing frame pushing through the water with some effort. Newt watches as the rats swim about him.... freaky. Namura looks at The Mystic with an angry look. Cubana reaches the other end of the water source and looks in Deerings directoin, "Lets see what this turns into shall we...one..two....three." she says heading southwest. Cubana heads into Metro Tunnel . Cubana has left. Teel keeps her pistol out of the water as she wades. Slaan easily moves through the water that does not even reach past his thighs. Denick batts at any rats that come near him, and tries to give them the impression to bugger off. Namura looks at Melchior, "Follow me sir.." Melchior makes his way back finally You head into Metro Tunnel . Metro Tunnel - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The water is at chest level on an average human - or about five feet deep - in this tunnel segment. Huge slabs in the ceiling appear to have buckled and seem balanced precariously on a web of pipes and conduits, with water from the river above spilling in like some kind of bizarre waterfall sculpture. The mass transit tunnel continues to the southwest, but becomes totally submerged underwater. A pile of concrete rubble leads up to the west. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 22:39:48 2651 Contents: Exits: Cubana raises her rifle so that it is above her head, "Make sure you keep your weapons dry...we dont' want any problems." Slaan begins to be slowed a bit as the water finally reaches above his waist. Allen says, "Nowhere to go but up." A fourth body clad in a radiation suit floats here. Cubana says, "Someone grab the kid and take him above water."" Slaan scans a glance to any puny humans that might not be wading so well. Yama holds his gun at head level as he makes for the ladder.. Jones swears quietly. Being only 5'3 to start with, this isn't fun.. Melchior nods, getting ahold of Newt and trying to hold him up above the water Deering stands back, stopped with the water at her neck line, gun above her head. "General.." Metro Tunnel Slaan is quite easily able to keep his gun level as the water is just past his waist. Namura places his rifle and medkit on his head. Cubana says, "Keep in formation...swim if you have to." Messer mutters under his breath, and looks over at Teel. "You okay?" he asks quietly. Allen says, "4 for 4 so far. This legion seems to not like to clean up after itself." Poe reaches over to Jones, offering sillently to carry her camera. Acran scuttles sideways down the wall, taking hold of newt from Melchior and pulling him back up to the ceiling with him. LeBeau hoist his shoulder holster from his body holding his rifle and pistol above his head Snowshadow is about half swimming, despite the water only being up to his chest. Just makes it easier to move. Denick says to slaan, "Give the lt. a hand." Teel holds her head up as high as possible and raises both her arms to stay up. She's on the short side as well. Melchior nods to Acran, trying his best to get through the water Deering slings the rifle over her shoulder and onto her back, leaning forward to start to swim. Acran pulls Newt up the wall with him, since the water will be above his head. Denick holds his gun above his head, and begins wading through. Cubana asks, "Anone can't swim?" Yama begins to push off on his feet towards the far end. Slaan looks at Denick, but maintains formation. Melchior looks at Teel and tries to get beside her, then he puts his arm around her offering silently to help her get through Jones looks momentarily torn. She reluctantly hands over the camera and tightens her jaw. Newt gives Acran a thumbs up. Poe says, "I can't swim. But I've got over a foot left above water, so I'm good." Teel looks up at Melchior and nods to the offer. Poe takes Jones' camera gently, holding it above his head. Cubana reaches the rubble and begins climbing aboard, "Second point team stay on the rubble nad help others up. Melchior holds her as close as he can as he wades through the water, his strength wavering slightly however, almost falling a couple of times LeBeau slides off to one side of the tunnel hopeing to get another few inches of rooms from the water The water is flowing from behind you toward the southwest, and rippling against the wall Yama says, "Who let Captain Chuckles back down?" Slaan stays toward the bottom of the rubble and assists any that request it. Namura wades over to Melchior offering assistance. Deering swims over towards Cubana and carefully climbs up on the concrete, unslinging her rifle. "Watch your suits.." Messer nods in the afsirmative, pushing his way through the water to the debris. He props up against a slab of concrete, slinging his rifle to free his hands. Denick says over the comm, "Mr. Melchior, see if you can sense anything around us..." Yama grits his teeth as he sets the rifle down on the concrete, hoisting himself up on the perilous rocks. Melchior nods Cubana speaks intot he headset, "Good point, make sure you don't tear the suits ont he ruffle. Belay my earlier order, rear team remain ont he rocks to help the others up." Melchior says, "Nothing yet" Denick slings his rifle onto the 'shore' and struggles, pulling himself up. Yama he quickly pries his pistol out of it's thick webbing, inspecting it briefly before returning it to his position to assist others. Slaan nods and easily ascends, turning to Poe climbs up, holds the camera in one arm and reaches to help Jones out. Melchior then stops at the rubble, looking to Teel Slaan nods and easily ascends, turning to "hand up" others behind him. Cubana looks twoards denick slinging th rifle to the ready position before nodding upwards. Teel finally, with Melchior's help, makes it to the ladder, and hoists herself up. Snowshadow mutters something about 'too easy' to himself. Namura helps Melchior up Jones takes the help offered and gets out of the water. Melchior nods to Namura, climbing up carefully then offering Namura a hand Cubana motions between them "1...2....3." silently then speaks into the comm, "Team follow as you can." Cubana heads into Metro Terminal . Cubana has left. Messer sighs and shrugs, grabbing an edge of concrete, kicking, pulling, and scrambling to pull himself out. Slaan hauls Jones up bodily, nodding. Poe hands Jones her camera and smiles reassuringly at her. Namura jumps up to the surface rocks, climbing up carefully. LeBeau wokrs his way to the front of the group by way of the side of the tunnel and hoisting himself up on the concrete after putting his weapons on dry land Melchior helps Namura up then heads up Slaan sets Jones down carefully. Snowshadow climbs, rather less than elegantly, but it gets the job done. Namura says, "ARe you okay Mystic?" Messer shakes his head slightly at Denick, bringing his rifle around again. "Thanks," he mutters, following the rest out. Melchior says, "I think I got it bandaged enough to stop the bleeding....plus I switched suits" Yama says, "That it?Good." Jones blinks, takes the camera and nods thanks to Slaan and Poe both. Melchior says, "But I should be alright." Yama grabs his pistol and returns. LeBeau straps his shoulder holster back on and turns to help anyone else still waiding in the wate Slaan takes rear-guard. Namura nods.."at least youre sensible, sort of..." Melchior says, "Thanks, I think" Melchior grins Poe waits for Jones to gather herself before he starts heading up. Melchior says, "Let's go on up" Metro Terminal - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A long platform strewn with debris and skeletal remains. A rockfall composed of concrete chunks leads down into the Metro tunnel. A broken escalator leads up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 22:48:05 2651 Allen takes Badge. Cubana asks,"Whats that badge you found?" LeBeau arrives from Metro Tunnel . LeBeau has arrived. Allen says, "It says Fulton Hight on it..I recall the name. I saw him in the med bay when they had me hooked up to all those tests.." Cubana crackles, "Alright, eep in your teams of two to cross that bridge up there.." Cubana acknowledges, "Yeah thats him..didn't know he had a badge." A heat-scarred metal sign that reads: DC METRO - PENTAGON Yama nods. "We'll go first. Right LeBeau?" Melchior scans for life up above Allen says, "Well guess what." Slaan heads up, herding behind the stragglers. Cubana holds her position tothe lft of the door scanning for hostiles. Acran puts Newt down when he reaches the top. Melchior says, "Wait let me scan first.." Cubana shakes her head, "neagtive Mr. yama. You have the rear for a reasn." Yama pats LeBeau heartily on the pack as he proceeds. Namura wonders if he even has a partner.. Yama shrugs. "Kookboy can 'scan' the rear for us. Slaan moves back into position proximal to Denick. Melchior says, "Wait" Melchior says, "Something is below us" Deering watches the right side, the comm chatter in her ear starting to annoy her. Melchior steps from the ladder quickly Messer looks over to his partner. "Come..." he starts, but then looks down. "What?" Poe frowns at the mention of Hight's name. "Stupid old man..." he almost whispers Teel follows Messer's gaze. Melchior whispers into his comm, "Below us and beneath the building we are near.." Cubana glances back then nods, "Alright, people at the rear, hold this position..the first half of the team will proceed to the bridge and then give you cover as you head to join us." Slaan nods and continues his job as rear-guard. Allen says, "Well, I'll say one thing, the government stiffs didn't have to worry about that nuke reactor they had down here going off." Cubana says, "On three.." Allen readies his weapon. Messer looks back up, shaking his weapon dry-ish and readying it. Cubana calls, "one...two...three." and with that begins running toards the bridge, making sure deering stays to her right and her weapon remains at the ready, "First half, Double time it lets go." Denick checks his rifle, then swings around into rearguard posistion. Deering picks up off into a run and hurries up in behind Cubana. Acran stays to the rear, his right arm swinging in a wide arc. Messer trots after the first group, where ever they may be going. Slaan stays in rear-guard, actually heeding orders. Poe waits behind with the second half. Namura looks around readying himself. Teel rushes on next to Messer, in her listed order. Jones leans against a nearby wall, taking the weight off for a moment.. Cubana stops, crouching to the ground as she reaches the stairs and gets into a position to provide cover fire. Melchior says, "Am I needed here or shall I head up?" Namura says, "stay with us." Namura says, "I think." Cubana says, ""Alright..second half on my command. 1...2....3."" Melchior nods Deering takes the otherside and watches the top of the escalator. Not the bridge. Slaan breaks and runs on 3 toward Cubana's position, staying in synch with Denick. Messer crouches, peering up the escalator. Yama mutters to himself. "The only place that could use you is a morgue." Acran clambers up escalator. Melchior rushes as well with newt beside him towards the group Cubana callson the headset "As you reach your position duck and prepare to provide cover. Denick starts running as well, and takes up his new position. Jones moves on three... Acran comes to a stop at the top, glancing back down the stairs, providing cover for the others coming up. Melchior says, "Come on Newt" LeBeau works his way into postion while he waits for the lead group to secure the stairs Namura stays near Melchior and Newt Denick shakes his head, "I have got a bad feeling about this..." Teel crunches her way up the stairs next to Messer, glancing about, pistol ready. Melchior says, "As do I..." Namura hehs at the remark. Cubana spots everyone and stands, "Alright..People at the rear watch your position first half head up the stairs then provide cover forthe others." Cubana says, "On the count of three.." Cubana says, "1...2..." Cubana says, "3 Namura says, "Ready or not...here we come.." You head into Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Corridor Alpha - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 22:58:25 2651 Deering takes up position to the right of Cubana and watches her side. Slaan moves up, watching the rear. Denick comes in, swinging his rifle to cover the entire cooridor. Cubana asks, "We all here." Acran comes into the corridor, facing backwards. He quickly resumes his position on the ceiling, less crowded up there. Yama taps his com, looking about in frustration. LeBeau looks back towards the escolator "Yeah, we all made id Cubana crackles, "Form back up into your positions and fan out." Slaan checks his pace with Denick and keeps moving. Melchior looks to his partners, Newt and Namura, then waits to see how they move and follows Cubana reaches the doorway to the next room and motions, "1...2....3." before dissapearing into the doorway. Cubana heads into Corridor Beta - Level 1. Cubana has left. A fluid-moving reptilian shape leaps down from overhead. LeBeau hangs towards the rear and continueing to look down the stairs and looking for any followers Deering heads into Corridor Beta - Level 1. Deering has left. Denick does his best to keep up with the Zangali. Yama jams hiself back into the the wall, trying to stablize himself as he fires at the form. Messer starts to head forward, but his attention snaps up. "What the...?!" he exclaims, flattening against the wall. The hissing creature blocks the doorway. It stands about eight feet high, and seems to resemble a cross between a Zangali and a Nall... Newt turns around fast to face it, pointing his gun at it, "OI!" Slaan doesn't hesitate, but opens fire on the creature. Denick snaps his rifle up, and holds the trigger down, shooting for the heart area. Messer snaps his rifle towards the figure, squeezing the trigger. Melchior blinks, closing his eyes and then trying to hit with a psionic strike Cubana arrives from Corridor Beta - Level 1. Cubana has arrived. Poe drops down and pulls Jones with him. LeBeau powers up his weapon as the large creature drops down in the front of the group but can't get a clear shot from her Acran's head snaps towards the reptilian, his arm following. He hisses as the creature seems very reminicent of a Nall. Cubana steps back into the room, heading once again to the left of the door. Deering arrives from Corridor Beta - Level 1. Deering has arrived. Jones yelps as she is pulled down. Cubana crouches, keeping her wapon trained on the lizard waiting for a clear shot, "Fan out and find cover! Whoever has a clear shot can take it." The blast from Slaan's weapon strikes the giant reptiloid in the left arm. The blast richochets and just misses Denick's shoulder. Deering kneels on a knee, getting ready for a shot as her eyes go wide. Teel's gun snaps down, but she keeps from firing so as to not hit Messer by mistake. Allen says, "Now that's armor.." Snowmist pulls back with her brother, their weapons aimed, waiting for a clear shot. Namura scans in case of further attack or injury. Denick curses, ducking down, praying that his radsuit wasn't torn. The blast from Denick's gun strikes the creature in the chest. The beam richochets back at Denick and zooms over his head. Cubana speaks intot he headset, "Medics keep your eyes opened for casualties." LeBeau drops to one knee and takes cover behind the looping hand railning of the escaltor for what ever coverage it might provide Denick curses even louder. Snowmist growls. "Stop aiming at the armor! You'll fry us before you fry it!" Namura nods Deering takes some time to follow the creatures head, keeping her aim at the creatures eyes, a little exra care on this one. Melchior says into the comm, "It may be that only the Psi's can attack it mentally...if so then let me and newt handle it while you provide cover...sound like a plan Hernandez?" Allen says, "Let's try something a little less energy based..." Poe moves so that he's between Jones and the lizard, though still making sure she has a shot with her camera The blast from Messer's gun strikes the creature in the chest. Once more, rather than being fazed at all, the reptiloid's steely, pebbly flesh reflects the weapon. The blast richochets and hits the floor near Newt. Allen says, "Let's see what it does with a little hot lead." Cubana finds little coverage in this hallway and remains where she is, "You can attempt a psi attack but firing will continue." Namura says, "You okay kid?" Jones winces as all shots are fired and all the voices are going in such quick succession. Newt jumps away from that, "HEY! Will you stop shooting that thing?" The creature steps closer to Melchior as the Mystic begins his psionic attack. Denick curses, "We can't risk killing each other!" Cubana hears Allen, "hold you fire and let the man take a shot, psionics feel fre to give it a shot." Melchior doesn't stand down, still following through with the strike Messer aiees, cringing. "Good God." The giant reptiloid seems to tilt his head, peering curiously at the humanoid and narrowing his silvery eyes which look like they have the consistency of large metal ball bearings. Slaan drops to a knee and levels his weapon at the creature's mouth, squeezing off another volley with careful precision. Allen pokes out from behind his hiding place, and fires a good long burst into the creature, before ducking back. Denick sees the monster aproaching the mystic, and his eyes glaze over, as he tries to lash out mentally as well. LeBeau calls into his comm as he ducks behing the railing "Dis energy ting esno working, if dare es anyone wit a slug trower o can trow a knife day should try Cubana keep your positions and hold your fire with the exception of Mr. Allen. Cubana adds, "Aim at his eyes.." Poe mutters, "I bet it doesn't have a mind to attack." Yama weighs the odds, and pulls out a concussion grenade. Melchior shrieks in pain and collapses "NEWT!" Teel holds her position, but looks over at Newt to make sure that he is okay. Slaan is aiming for the mouth... Namura turns to Melchior."The hell?" Denick shouts to Yama, "Don't! You'll fry us all." Allen says, "Put that thing away you bell-brained idiot!!!" Melchior tries to crawl away, his body twitching spasmodically beyond his control Poe pulls his knife. "If guns don't hurt perhaps a knife will." He shifts his legs to prepare to jump at it. Cubana turns at Denick's shout and spots Yama, "Hold your fire, Mr. Yama!" The bullets from Allen's gun strike the reptiloid's chest and dent the flesh. He takes a step back, then loses his concentration on Melchior - releasing the Mystic from the pain hold - and then moves toward Allen. The bullets dent the flesh. And stay there. Yama continues to hold the grenade. "I'm holding it. Not using it. Yet." Allen says, "Oh shit..I've got it's attention folks...." Snowmist nods to Poe, pulling out her own knife. "Mind if I join you?" Jones remains where she was pulled down, camera focused. Cubana calls, "Keep firing Mr. Allen, don't stpo until its down." Denick says, "Alternate attacks, keep distracting it!" Allen says, "You don't have to tell me twice!" Namura keeps Melchior somewhat still and says,when Melchior stops shaking "What the.."the damn thing's psionic?!" Melchior gasps and rises, hitting the first bullet with a telekinetic strike to drive it deeper Deering still holds her shot. Allen pokes back out and lays into it with another burst of lead. Cubana keeps calling commands into the headsets, "Hold all pulse fire, medics care for the casualties. Slaan maintains his aim, holding his fire as ordered. Yama seeing the situation, Yama hoists his pulse rifle in the other hand, and peers into the next room. Poe nods to snowmist, "Wait until Allan stops firing." Cubana adds, "Those with pulse weapons monitor the doorways and give the others cover." Melchior fails to affect the bullets going in - he does, however, manage to pull one out. It plunks on the floor as the creature gets within a few feeet of Allen. Allen thinks fast.. Newt looks down and around the monster. Messer tries to flatten up against the wall as much as possible, training his weapon beyond the creature. Allen says, "While I have it's attention, see if you can get away. I'll hold it off..." LeBeau pokes around the portective railing he is using and draws a bead on the creatures' eyes but doesn't fire. Only uses the time to get the best aim for a shot her can Melchior says, "I'll stay with Allen" Melchior says, "The rest of you go on ahead!" Snowmist crouches, readying for the leap, holding her knife low and to the side. Yama motions hurriedly to Teel and Messer. Slaan ignores non-Cubana orders and sweeps for more hostiles. Cubana without hesitating calls, "Everyone armed only with pulse weapons ahead intot he other room." Namura says, "Are you ok mystic?" Yama heads into Corridor Beta - Level 1. Yama has left. Poe waves to snowmist. "Go for it's back while it's heading towards allan." He holds up his fingers 1-2-3 Allen says, "Come on you overgrown gecko, come on. I have a lead sandwhich for you, heavy on the sauce!" Cubana says, "Medics get the wounded to the other room, those of you with knives stay here." Melchior tries yet another telekinetic strike on its foot, aiming to knock it over Slaan nods once and heads toward the next room, as ordered. Deering gets up off her knee and runs for the next room. Melchior says, "Yes I am fine....just a little shaken" Snowmist pads around into position. Messer glances over at Teel, and charges for the next room, hollering, "Come on!" Cubana adds seeing the glazed look starting, "No more psionics with this thing, thats an order!" Poe tries to run around the back and jumps, attempting to slam the knife into its head. Slaan says into comm as he goes, "Ssir, permisssion to engage the hossstile hand to hand?" Teel hesistates, but then runs after Messer. Denick pulls the knife from its duct tape holding, and begins sneaking behind it. The reptiloid takes the shots from Allen in stride, then extends the claws from its 20 fingered hands and prepares to bring those hands toward Allen's skull, as if clapping cymbals Snowmist immediately rushes forward from the opposite side as soon as she sees Poe make his attack. Melchior ignores it, already into the attack and then he launches it Cubana yells, "Duck and roll Allen, duck and roll!" Melchior's psionic attack failed. Deering gets near the entrance to the next room, looking back for Cubana and doing what she can to cover her advance, which seems to be nothing. Slaan crackles into the comm, "I'm the sstrongesst here ssir, perhapss I can divert it." Allen prepares to duck the hands, and holding the rifle in one hand, pulls his .357 Allen doesn't move fast enough. Jones struggles to her feet, apparently being pulled down didn't do her an incredible lot of good, even if it might have saved her life. She backs away towards the door as ordered, but her focus is on the combat. Namura walks towards Melchior, "come on!.." Allen says, "That's it lardo, show me your eyes.." Cubana keeps the weapon trained on the group, her back to the door. LeBeau crawls out from behind the railing and slides along the wall towards the oppisate door keeping an aim on the creature as its distracted Denick leaps, aiming to land on its tail ready to swing the knife into its eyes when it turns. Deering yells through the comm, "Dont be heroes! Come on!" Melchior nods to Namura and heads into the room Allen screams in pain as the monster grabs his head. The creature clamps its claws tight on Allen's head and leans in toward him, staring into the human's eyes with his own dead silver eyes and hisses, "Here are my eyes...let me have yours." The reptiloid squeezes, tearing the fabric of the radiation suit. LeBeau graps Jones as he passes by her "No us en yu staying here, leds go" Cubana yells into the headset, "Negative, you have no claws, goddamit someone with a knife take out its eyes!" Slaan nods and moves into the next room. Poe is next in line Jones protests, "But....!" She is however, grabbed.. Deering watches the people run past her, standing near the exit. Melchior says, "Newt! Come on damn it!" Snowmist grits her teeth and swings at its face as soon as she's in range. Cubana pulls a completly black blade from her pocket. Cubana pauses for just a oment, "Retreta! Retreat!" Allen begins kicking as the monster lifts him off the ground... Denick leaps, aiming to land on its tail, ready to swing the knife into its eyes when it turns. LeBeau half drags Jones to the other door way and pushes her thru as he takes up a defensive postion in the door way "Gedn en dare an keep yer head down" Melchior runs over towards Newt, then grabs for his arm and tries to pull him on to the next room You head into Corridor Beta - Level 1. Corridor Beta - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:18:29 2651 Jones is pushed through the door, and ends up falling hard on her backside. Teel says, "Newt?" Messer sighs. "We can keep moving while the rest are occupied." Slaan is scanning the area, his dewlap flaring under his rad suit uncomfortably. Yama stares at Slaan. "We need to make sure we don't all get cacked. Which will happen next if they do." Teel says, "What about Newt?" Slaan says, "Ordersss where to move to the next room and hold possition." Jones stands up, "No. They are coming. Allen is.." She breaks off. "Gods..." She turns, pulling the camera down. "We stay here." Namura says, "Damn...watch out." Messer turns, looking back in the direction of the conflict. "We can get on with the mission." Poe arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Poe has arrived. Yama says, "Expendable?" Slaan signals for a quiet to the chatter as he scans. Snowmist arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. LeBeau arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Melchior arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Slaan looks to Lebeau, "Sstatuss?" Newt arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Denick arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Poe runs in pulling snowmist. He holds a hilt of a knife, the blade broken off. Namura sighs.."You okay Mystic? Kid?" Jones turns and gives Yama a cold look, before looking back to the others as they come in. Denick gasps, as he stumbles in, "Damn.. Cubana arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Melchior hurries in pulling Newt by the arm, clutching both of allen's weapons in his hand Newt runs on in from the other room. Slaan is holding position, as ordered. Snowmist pants, nodding to Poe, and showing her own shattered weapon. "Damn, wouldn't you like to have armor made of that thing's hide..." Teel looks anxiously around, then rushes to Newt. "Are you okay?" Deering arrives from Corridor Alpha - Level 1. Melchior says, "I got the solid weapons that Allen had...just in case" Melchior says, "He's ok Teel." LeBeau looks to Slann "Dat Allen guy es dead, las I say he was taking oud a grenade to deal wit da creature Yama says, "Assuming that deals with it." Denick gimme one more go at that thing with a lead pipe... Poe looks at Denick. "Where's the damn duct tape?" Slaan nods once to LeBeau and keeps his position, looking for more. Messer curses. "We better keep moving." Cubana comes through the doorway and ducks to the left instinctively, her back to the wall, "Away form the doorway, NOW!" she says into the headset Denick says, "The docs go it." Newt looks up at Teel and nods before looking back at the other room. Deering comes running along, "Allen's dead. Lets go!" Denick dives for cover. Slaan is out of the way, but finds some cover quickly. Yama skippers towards the far doorway. Poe dives away from the door. Messer crouches down against the wall. Melchior grabs Newt and ducks for cover asap Snowmist doesn't hesitate but throws herself down. Cubana screams into the headset, "Dammit, hold your positions, if we go running they'll pull us off one by one, get away fromt he door and cover yourselves." An explosion thunders down the corridor. LeBeau throws himself against the wall Melchior gets Teel with the other arm as well, pulling her down too "Oh, crap." Teel dives for cover. Namura dives back Cubana seems to have expected it prepared when it comes. Deering moves over by Cubana as she tries to get out of the way, breathing heavily with the energy expenditure and adrenalin. Slaan looks to have braced for impact and gotten cover, what with LeBeau's report and all. Yama clutches his weapons, his rifle digging into his pack. "Splendid. When did plurals enter the equation?" Cubana reholsters the knife and grabs the rifle, unslinging it from her back and to the ready position, "Form up again..." she says heading towards the front of the group, her breath a bit broken. Poe says, "Namura, Denick is hurt I beleive." Denick sighs, and says quitely, "In pax dorme.." Melchior scans to see if the thing is dead Namura stands, shaken and nods. Cubana says, "Medics estimate casualties and report you've gotless then a minute, move it."" Melchior rises and helps Teel up, then Newt Namura looks at Denick.."You okay?" Denick says, "I'm fine.." Namura says, "You sure?" Melchior says, "Uh-oh" Denick says, "Bastard slammed me against the wall with its tail.." Slaan takes position, watching as if their lives depended on it. Oh wait... Melchior says, "Wait" Cubana speaks intot he headset, "If everyones alright, lets form up and kepe moving, ca't stand still for too long." Jones turns to watch the doorway they just came through, then slowly pulls the camera back up into ready positioning. Messer looks over at Teel and, seeing that she's alive, pulls himself up, readying his weapon again. Melchior says, "It is not dead" Namura gulps at the uh-oh Melchior says, "It is just unconcious it would seem" Messer looks back. "Whadda ya mean it's NOT DEAD?!" Melchior says, "It may be dead.." Cubana turns as Melchior speaks, "Lebeau throw another grenade in there." she orders. Yama says, "Splendid. As I pointed out several minutes ago, let's move." Snowmist shakes her head, ears ringing, and nervously joins the others, clutching her remaining weapon. Melchior says, "But after what I saw it should be dead" Cubana says, "Lets remove all doubt." Denick say "I say we go in there, and emply a cupla slugthrower rounds in through its eyes..." Melchior says, "Exactly" Cubana says, "Negative. Pipe down and maintain Comm silence." Cubana says, "Mr. Lebeau expend a grenadeplease..the rest of you form up, we'removing forward." Yama looks past the doorframe into the next room, scanning for signs of activity. Melchior nods Denick says, "Ma'am, we can't have it coming up behind us and grabbing someone.."" Melchior says, "Teel you ok?" Melchior says, "And you Newt?" Namura looks around quickly for any visible casualties. Cubana speaks into the headset, "I said. Maintain comm silence, no discussion. Lebeau, take care of it and lets move." Looking back, you would see the reptiloid laying flat on its back - and Allen lying their, looking quite still. Slaan maintains his semi-rearguard position, focusing to block out the chatter. Deering stays close to Cubana. Cubana stands at the front next to Dereng, thegroup formed back up into their original formaiton. Melchior looks between the two Yama is looking forward. Teel nods. "I'm cool." She sighs, trotting over to Messer. Newt just nods, keeping comm silence. LeBeau nods and walks to the door way pulling out one of his grenades. He pulls off the safety and looks thru the doorway to judge the distance to the body and then rolls the greande towards it then throws himself back against the wall Cubana if anythign seems more focused then before, "One..two..lets move." WHAP! Another thunderclap and a flash as the blast goes off. Yama waits until Slaan has passed, and lifts himself from the door. Melchior gulps, pressing himself and newt to the wall Denick asks melchior after the blast, "Is it dead?" Melchior scans again Cubana calls, "We'll scan form a distance, move." Poe looks over Jones silently to see if she is alright. Messer starts to walk, but throws himself against the wall. "Jeez, some warning, please," he grumbles. Snowmist sighs and takes her brother's hand, needing the contact as they head after the others. You head into Corridor Gamma - Level 1. Corridor Gamma - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:28:25 2651 Denick looks at melchior, "Is it?" Slaan keeps rear and to the right with Denick, watching very carefully now. Cubana steps in and to the left, eyes scanning the corridor. Deering moves in and to the right, watching the coridor. Melchior says, "It doesn't seem to be dead" Yama squirms as he stands by the previous door, thinking of what's still there. Melchior gulps Teel keeps pace with Messer, a low anger simmering in her scanning eyes. Messer keeps to the right, peering down the hallway. Melchior says, "But it doesn't seem alive either.." Melchior says, "Strange.." Snowmist slinks along the wall, eyes everywhere, not trusting any open spaces. Cubana makes her way to the next doorway, "On the count of three we move, forget the reptiloe." Namura looks at Melchior in confusion. Cubana says, "1...2....3" Denick says, "We shouldn't leave it if we're not sure." Messer shrugs, following along. Yama says, "I say we try to find the hive mind before we all end up like Ally boy." Namura says, "Come on..this only gets worse" You head into Corridor Epsilon - Level 1. Corridor Epsilon - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:30:42 2651 Snowmist says, "Do we have a goal besides merely surviving at the moment?"" Cubana says, "Reacing our target." Melchior says, "And then what?" Namura looks around checking everyone and the surroundings. Deering keeps her eyes to the right and center as they walk down the corridor. Denick checks the roof. Messer mumbles, "Then Kamir-dude does his thing." Newt moves along, scanning around at the walls, floor and ceiling. Cubana walks carefully, next to Deering eyes pelled, "Keep comm silence." she repeats once again, weapon scannign the corridor. Melchior gulps to himself, looking down, then shaking his head Cubana makes it to the doorway,"We go through at three." Cubana says, "one..two...three." In one swift movement she's through the dorway. Denick makes sure there is nothing lurking on the cieling above. Jones again, leans against the wall in the minor breathing time offered. Minor being the key word. Snowmist growls at the continued running but follows Poe glances at Jones and offers an arm to help her. Namura blinks and moves, Mel and NEwt behind Denick follows as well. Slaan continues bringing up the rear Jones shakes her head, "Go. Right behind you." - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:33:50 2651 Cubana steps through the door and to the left monitoring the corrridor "This is too easy.." she mutters into her headset, almost to herself. Melchior says, "The Hive Minder is almost right below us" Denick says, "You call what just happend easy?" Deering continues the drill with FBI precision, saying to Cubana, "Might I remind you of the sleeping lizard that we cant hurt, and the casualty?" Cubana reponds, "Compared to what it could be...yes." Yama says, "I call what just happened fortunate. Can we keep moving?" Cubana looks back towards Yama,"Hold your position and we'll make progress in due time." Melchior says, "I'd rather not think of what it could be Hernandez." Cubana looks forward and carefully edgesforward scanning the corridor. Denick says, "Do you think it was easy for him to realise that he wasn't going to have a much of a chance to see this new time he had arrived in, as that monster tore him apart?" Messer sighs. "I just hope the Kamir's ready to do his thing. I don't know what it'll take for him to do it." Slaan maintains radio silence, ignoring the chatter. Cubana calls, "Maintain comm silence, perosnal opinions remain personal for now." Namura keeps scanning sighing slightly at the chatter. Cubana reaches the hatch leading down and sticks her rifle into the hole appraisingly. Deering keeps walking along with Cubana. Denick sets his jaw, and sends to anything that can hear, "I'm finishing that thing on the way back..." Cubana looks towards Deering nad nds,"Me first, then you." Deering nods back to her, keeping her rifle at the hole. "Careful, General." Cubana begins heading down the stairs, weapon in hand. Newt looks at them, "What are they doing?" Messer peers down the stairs. "Oh, I don't like this." He cautiously starts down after them. Namura says, "They gonna kill some hive scum.." Namura sighs Melchior says, "Me neither.." Denick looks down, "I have an extremely bad feeling about this..." Namura says, "come on..." Yama says, "Dunno. But i'm tired of taking rear." Snowmist growls something and looks to her brother. He frowns slightly, shaking his head and moves ahead to follow the others. Teel sighs, readying her blaster and following Messer. You head into Corridor Delta - Level 2. Corridor Delta - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:38:49 2651 Yama shoulders through the door. Messer creeps down the stairs, looking about. Cubana is stopped at the lower left of the staircase. Denick checks all the ceilings and dark corners he sees as he steps down. Deering is at the right side of the staircase, watching her side. Yama follows Denick and Cubana down the stairs, his legs moving with urgency. Cubana moves from her crouched position, "Lets keep moving.." Messer mumbles an "amen," and follows along, looking back at Teel momentarily. Cubana heads with Deering towards the door counting off ocne again, "1...2...keep it tight guys...3." Teel slowly comes down the stairs, nodding at Messer. Corridor Epsilon - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:41:27 2651 Namura keeps his guard and scans the room. Cubana cautiously steps through the corridor without stopping, keeping a steady pace, "Keep your eyes peeled, this is too quiet guys..." Slaan does just that. Cubana reaches the next doorway eyes moving to denick and nodding once..twice...and on the third time she moves to the door. Namura sighs again..."She is too damn right.." Snowmist and Snowshadow, a team as always, pace through the door together. Denick says, "I know..." Melchior says, "Probably because the Hive Minder can take care of itself" Corridor Gamma - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:42:51 2651 Cubana repeats as she walks down the corridor int he same manner, "Everything's too sterile...too similar.." she says as she reaches the next doorway. Deering keeps watching that right side, though the tediousness of the same corridors grates on her nerves." Yama mutters. "She's obviously never taken her history classes." Melchior says, "Maybe it's the hive minder trying to spook everyone" Slaan walks through the land of monotony, taking care not to let it dull his senses. Namura says, "Or he may just be lazy..." Melchior says, "I doubt that" Yama says, "Maybe you should try telling it a ghost story. One floor up." Cubana reaches the doorway, "1...2..." and on three she moves into the door. Namura hehs, "It's a joke, Mystic." Poe glances to Jones again. "You alright?" Jones nods a little. - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:44:22 2651 Melchior scans the area ahead Denick checks the cieling. Snowmist says, "Hn. Talk about a lack of imagination..."" Messer peers at the far door. "Are we there yet?" Slaan keeps checking up on things. Jones murmurs a very quiet, "Fine." Melchior says, "Oh no" Teel shakes her head, trying to keep the sameness from dulling her senses. Newt has arrived. Cubana seems rigid as she moves forward, "Not good.." she mutters again as they once again reach a doorway, "one..two...three." Melchior says, "Hernandez I have a suggestion to make" Melchior says, "WAIT" Messer looks back at Melchior. "Oh no?" Yama has no problems remaining wired. Poe frowns at Jones and keeps a close eye on her Messer swears and trots after them. - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:45:46 2651 Namura stays back scanning the area. Melchior sends to the group: ~The Hive Minder is going to be on the next level....good luck everyone~ Slaan ignore's non-Cubana orders, including mystics. Namura says, "heh-heh.."" Denick says, "God save us..." Snowmist says, "Joyous." Messer mutters to himself, "Hear that Kamiry? Wakey-wakey." Poe glances at Jones. "Are you sure you're alright?" Teel gives Messer a look that speaks more than words. Deering flexes her fingers on her to-date useless assault rifle, still hoping she wont have to use it, eyes going to Cubana. Yama jams his pistol back in the webbing, holding the hand out expectantly to Melchior. Yama says, "Give me Allen's popgun." Namura says, "You gonna be okay Messer?" Melchior says, "Which one?" Melchior holds them both out Denick says, "I'll take the slugthrower." Messer looks from Teel to Namura. "Yeah. Fine. Just fine." Namura nods Yama angrily drops the grenade back into it's sling. "The small one." Yama takes Magnum .357. Cubana keeps her weapon trained on the door, she lifts one finger, "Comm silence." she reminds, 2 fingers...3 fingers. "And what, Mr. Haldon, would you do if I was not?" Jones asks, still quiet. She falls into silence again. Poe attempts to pick Jones up and carry her down. You head into Corridor Alpha - Level 3. Corridor Alpha - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:49:03 2651 Contents: Exits: Melchior scans trying to get a definite range Denick fortifies himself as best he can mentally." Messer sighs. "Deja vu all over again." Deering keeps her gun off to the right, watching the right side still. Jones stares at Poe. "Let me down." Yama closes it back up with a satisfactory click. "You got any more bullets for this thing?" Namura whispers to himself, "focus.." Denick says, "They're 652 years old." Melchior grins and hands about 10 bullets to yama Poe says "fine" and puts her down. Slaan maintains his constant vigilence. He just keeps on scanning. Cubana calls,"silence." Cubana heads with Deering towards teh door, her steps even and perfectly measured, rifle not moving from its position. Yama grasps them in his hand, not knowing exactly what to do with them, so he sticks them in the webbing pouch with all of his other desirables. Jones chuckles, and opens her mouth to say something, but doesn't break orders. She looks apologetically to Poe though. Cubana lifts her left hand, right remainign on her weapon, "1...2....3" "You can carry me on the way up." Jones says dryly.. Poe chuckles and stays close to her - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:51:16 2651 Cubana stops just briefly as she rmoes through the door, "gotta stayfocused.." Deering keeps that right side nice and watched. Denick checks the ceiling. Melchior sends to the group:~Only a couple more rooms ahead~ Cubana begins heading forward with Deering, left side under her attentive eye, as they reach the next door she motions, "1...2....3" Cubana heads into Corridor Gamma - Level 3. Cubana has left. Yama opens the chamber again, and gingerly slips in two of the shells, amazed at the obtuseness of his forefather's technology. Messer shakes his head quickly, then creeps along some more. Snowmist sighs and shakes herself, forcibly relaxing tense muscles. Teel clenches her jaw and nods. You head into Corridor Gamma - Level 3. Corridor Gamma - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:52:45 2651 Cubana moves to the left of the door and pauses for a mment after scannng the room. Cubana stands slowly from her crouch head turning towards Deering, her eyes a mystery behidnteh dark glasses, she nods once waitin ofr acknowledgement." Deering keeps to the right side, looking down the hall. Messer mumbles, "Silence?" Deering looks over at Cuaban and raises her eyebrows with a shrug and a shake of her head, before looking back. Teel nods to Messer, in the midst of her vigilance. Cubana begins stepping forward, ensuring deering is following before stoping on this side of the far door. Cubana motions slowly, '1....2.....3." Messer shakes his head again, getting in position. Namura readies his pistol. Melchior takes a deep breath and goes You head into Corridor Epsilon - Level 3. Corridor Epsilon - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:55:12 2651 Deering watches the right, saying over the silence, "Allright, this is retarded. Who builds a building like this? Its getting on my nerves." Cubana steps in and to the left of the doorway watcing the corridor, before standing slowly from her crouch and motiongin Deering towardsthe door with a nod of her head. Denick says, "People that don't want to die when a nuke hits it." Cubana brins a finger to her lips motioing for silence. Deering nods a little bit and moves up to the side of the door, nestling up against it. Cubana slowly begins stepping towards the door with Deering beside her. Slaan keeps quiet, almost seeming at home in the monotonous tunnels, save for his constant watch for things that might kill them at any moment. Details like that. Cubana motions, 1....2....3 Teel looks over at Messer, blinks, then smiles faintly. Corridor Delta - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:57:18 2651 Contents: Exits: Messer begins to glow a bright blue. Messer ducks in, eyes focused straight ahead. Melchior sends to the group: ~This next room is where it is....get ready~ Messer begins to glow a bright blue. Snowmist blinks and edges away. Cubana steps in and crouches to the left of the door, rising fromt he crousch as Melchior warns, her eyes moving towards Messer, "what the..." Yama clutches his pistol, his posture more confident with the weight in his hands. "Right then. Something's certainly up. Namura says, "here we go." Melchior puts a hand on Newt's shoulder Teel smiles ever wider as Messer glows more. Cubana mutters, "No onefire without my orders...we needto know what it knows.." Deering is on the right of the door as she looks at Messer. LeBeau looks to Messer "Ids da Kamir dat he es carrying, id gedding ready to come oud" Newt looks up at Mel and gets a better grip on his gun. Denick replies quitely, "Like shootin it will do any good..." Namura looks to Messer, concerned. Messer smirks. "About damn tmie, too," he mumbles. "No offense." Cubana ndos slighlty, Namura watch him.." Yama slumps as much as possible. "Firing ain't going to do anything." Cubana motions, one...two....three. Corridor Delta - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:58:53 2651 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Not much more than an overgrown broom closet, this storage chamber is about ten feet by ten feet wide, with a ceiling twenty feet high. Dominating the room is a containment tank of some kind. A sign on the wall reads: WARNING: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Sep 10 23:59:11 2651 Melchior says, "There it is...." Storage Facility Cubana asks into the headset, "Ideas fro bringing it out?" ~You were expected.~ A shimmering field of blue light, like the reflection rippling off the wall near an underlit swimming pool, this entity is perceived more than seen - like a ghost in the corner of the eye. Denick says, "There you go.." Namura sighs as if saying "duh!" Jones moves to focus the camera, angling around. Denick says, "Didn't think being quite would help." Teel keeps an eye on Messer/Kamir, watching for any attacks on the entity. Snowmist mutters something about maintaining radio silence around something that's telepathic. Melchior sends, ~We were expected? What do you mean?~ Cubana clenches her jaw a bit and looks towards acran, "can ou communicate with it?" Deering takes the inside right of the broom closet, kneeling as she levels the rifle on the containment. ~You speak. I hear.~ Messer gazes at the shimmering entity, not saying a word. Melchior sends, ~I see...then you know why we have come~ ~But did you not come to hear?~ Denick sends, --The actuall speaking, or the telepathy?-- Slaan takes up the rear, just outside the room, scanning carefully. LeBeau says, "Day can hear us General, remember day once where pard o da council" Cubana states, "We understand you met..briefly, our friend Professor Hight." she attempts. Denick does his best to fortify himself mentally. ~Yes.~ Cubana nods slighlty as lebeau speaks intot he headsets. "It is he who pointed us here...why have you been kept here?" seh asks. ~Secrets.~ Cubana asks, "What secrets...?" Melchior sends, ~What secrets?~ Jones visably perks up. Messer raises his eyebrows a little. ~I will tell you. Then the Kamir will end my torment. What happens after that...is arguable.~sends, ~Please do~ Denick sends, --What was the creature on the first level?-- ~Part of the Legion.~ Cubana speaks, "One at a time..." Newt tries to push himself through the adults to see what's going on. Denick asks, --How many more are there.-- ~It is called a Legion for a reason.~ Poe notices Newt and picks him up an sits him on his shoulders. "How's that?" Namura hehs Melchior sends, ~Will they attack us when we leave here for the surface?~ Denick mutters, "Great..." Still on edge, Snowmist and Snowshadow remain on the fringes, only jockeying for a clear view, not liking the press of bodies at all. Newt mutters a 'better' and watches. Jones turns to look behind them a bit nervously, then returns her focus. ~These are secrets for you to discern. I can offer no assistance with that. I can only offer the secrets I have held for more roughly six of your centuries.~ Melchior sends, ~We would be honored if you would tell us~ Yama frowns as he punches more buttons. Namura closes his eyes in order to take in the messages. ~It is the accepted belief that your people first encountered the Il'Ri'Kamm Hive Mind in 2576, at Sagittarius, with the arrival of Eduard Ocartus. This is a lie. The truth, put simply, is this: The Ri'Kammi Hive Minders for centuries have manipulated the course of your destinies. Our influence over your worlds began on this planet...Earth...in 1960...~ Cubana remains unmoving as she listens, not interrupting. ~The Ri'Kammi and one of their ancient foes in this universe, the M'mraluans, became locked in a battle to control the destiny of this world - and the destinies of neighboring worlds. Our sides determined which civilizations on Earth seemed most promising. We insinuated ourselves into these societies, and began exerting our influence...~ ~The Ri'Kammi selected a realm known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The M'mraluans chose the United States of America. And so, in 1960, it began...the downing of a U.S. spy plane flown by Francis Gary Powers was due to our intervention, alerting the Soviets. Upon his election as president, John F. Kennedy was contacted by the corporeal homonids called M'mraluans, explaining to the president the dark purpose of the Hive Mind. The M'mraluans identified a hidden Ri'Kammi stronghold on the island of Cuba, in a place called Baya de los Cochinos. In 1961, Kennedy authorized a joint effort of rebel and M'mraluan forces to attack and seize the stronghold, but the Ri'Kammi prevailed - resulting in an embarrassing defeat for Kennedy and his allies...~ ~Later that same year, Kennedy attempted once more to seize the Ri'Kammi hideout in Cuba, but a Ri'Kammi-influenced saboteur destroyed the plane carrying a group of M'mraluans and American soldiers posing as military recruits....In 1962, the Ri'Kammi and the M'mraluans - through their allied pawns - engaged in a nuclear arms crisis that nearly culminated in the obliteration of both civilizations. Ultimately, the Ri'Kammi relented to preserve their grip on the destiny of this world...~ Jones murmurs, "...incredible.." ~The true cause of the missile crisis - despite common assumptions that it had to do with the positioning of intercontinental ballistic missiles within 90 miles of the United States mainland - had its roots in something far more alien. *I* was the cause. In June 1962, with help from the M'mraluans, American engineers devised a containment device that could hold and trap a Ri'Kammi. I was the Ri'Kammi they captured. In July 1962, Kennedy ordered me destroyed during a test of a thermonuclear explosion at Johnson Atoll. The explosion went off as scheduled. I was not destroyed...but I was detached from the Hive Mind...a rupture that infuriated my brethren of the Hive.~ ~When it became apparent that the M'mraluans were winning the war for public opinion against the Ri'Kammi, the Hive Mind began increased efforts to destroy the most valuable instruments of the M'mraluans. On June 12, a Ri'Kammi-influenced sniper killed civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Two months later, during the Freedom March in this very city, near the Lincoln Memorial, the M'mraluans helped thwart an assassination attempt on Martin Luther King Jr. as he gave his "I Have A Dream" speech. On Nov. 22, 1963, the Ri'Kammi used a loner named Lee Harvey Oswald to murder Kennedy.~ ~The struggle continued between Ri'Kammi and M'mraluan until, eventually, the Ri'Kammi prevailed by eradicating the M'mraluans and their associates. The Hive Mind even went so far as to use its pawns to travel across the stars to M'mralu, to spark a civil war with nuclear weapons that left that world decimated, covered by ice....but, despite all their successes, the Ri'Kammi failed to recover me from this prison - although they tried. The keepers of secrets defended me well, and sought my guidance in ways of advanced knowledge...I continued to serve the Mind...continued to exert our influence...they came to me for the cure to the GDV virus. With that, they unlocked the secrets of genetic manipulation, and the Specialists could be created...~ Cubana shakse her head ever so slowly. Snowmist grumbles. "Well, if everyone's manipulating everyone else, what's to say it's not trying to manipulate us now?" Namura says, "Its subjective.." ~I became trapped here permanently in 2143, when the Zangali set off a nuclear weapon that devastated Washington, D.C. And since the obliteration of the Hive Mind on Sagittarius, I have been truly alone...I wish to end this solitude...I grow weary of the long silences...I am ready...and you have come. These truths are spoken. My work is done. Fulfill your purpose.~ Yama says, "Can't believe a word it says. Sure does tell a good yarn, though." Cubana takes a slight breath, "Quiet..." Cubana looks towards Messer weapon pointed at the ground, "What now?" she asks. Denick says, "Then why did your servant try to kill us?" Teel says, "Th'Zangali? An all the time, Allen thought it was us." ~That one did not serve me.~ LeBeau questions the Ri'kammi "Do yu know who day serve?" A ghostly blue apparition, about seven feet tall, separates itself from Messer to hover in the chamber. Deering looks over at Cubana, "These secrets are gonna die with us, if we dont figure out a way to hurt one of those Legion things." Messer takes a small step back. "Well... Um... THAT happens now," he stammers. Cubana looks twoards Deering and nods slowly, "Through teh eyes.." she says simply. Denick says, "Wait...I need to ask it something..." Cubana's eyes move up to take in the 7 foot Kamir. Melchior watches in awe The apparition, which seems vaguely humanoid in appearance, sends to you all: ~My thanks for bringing us to this place.~ It looks to Messer. You think. ~Your sacrifice has been appreciated.~ Slaan watches carefully. ~Ask,~ the Hiver says. ~Be done with it.~ Namura sighs.. LeBeau looks to the Kamir form "Waid we nee to know who da legion es controled by an who pud dem here Denick sends, --Do you know anything of the ghosts of children I have been seeing?-- Deering watches the apparition now with a small frown on her face. Messer smirks. "My pleasure," he jokes. ~I cannot answer either of your questions. These are secrets for you to discern.~ Snowmist tries to keep an eye on their surroundings, but her gaze keeps draggin back toward the Kamir. Melchior sends, ~Do you have a name?~ Cubana looks towards teh Kamir then int he direction of the Hiver,"Be done with it Kamir." ~I am of the Mind~ Denick sends, --Are they just hallucinations though, or real?-- Teel looks up at the Kamir, smirking. "You got any more messes you need cleaned up?" Melchior nods Poe just stands there with Newt on his shoulder. Cubana says, "Eonough questions..let the Kamir do his job.." The Kamir seems to lose what substance it has, becoming as diffuse as the glow of the Hiver. Slaan glances over and waits for destiny to be fulfilled already. Hoi... Suddenly, a rising hum begins to fill the room, along with a steadily increasing blue light. Cubana turns toards the door, her tone rather serious. Denick says, "Easier said then done..." Snowmist sighs. "Here we go again." Slaan moves out of the way of the door for others to get out again. Teel snorts as she prepares her weapon. "That's th'way it always is." Messer blinks rapidly. "Too bad I never learned his name," he mumbles, and raises his rifle again. Melchior says, "There are no Legion around for now...let's hurry out and keep it that way" Cubana speaks into the headset "Keep the cahtter down and get into position...Lt, keep your eyes open out there. If we see targets fan out to provide cover if they're in front of us. ***** Cubana counts "one..twoo..three." Snowmist says, "Anybody for an instant replay button?" Newt decides now is a good time to get off of Poe and begins to climb down. Storage Facility You head into Corridor Delta - Level 3. Corridor Delta - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:21:56 Cubana walks steadily through the corridors, "1...2....3" she says as she steps towards the door. Poe looks to Jones. "You doing alright?" Deering keeps to the normal drill, in second, watching the right side for beasties. Jones murmus her answer to Poe. "Hurts, but I am fine." Poe nods and keeps an eye on her Deering wa;ls up the corridor, watching the right side. You head into Corridor Beta - Level 3. Corridor Beta - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:26:14 2651 Cubana barely pauses, instead scanning as she comes out of the hallway, "1...2...3.' she signals as she reaches the far door. 3. Corridor Alpha - Level 3 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:26:46 2651 Cubana looks towards Deering and nods up the stairs, "You head up first, lookout, and provide cover for the rest of us." Snowmist tenses at the change in routine. Deering smirks, "Ladies before Generalwomen....Gotcha.", and heads up slowly, rifle over her shoulder. Cubana's voice comes over the comm sounding a bit bothered, "Thats not why...." she drops the subject. Teel puts Newt on her back. "You must be tired, bro." Newt says, "Thanks." Cubana starts to climbt he stairs, wepans at the ready, "Careful..." Corridor Alpha - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:29:50 2651 Deering rolls her head on her neck before setting off with Cubana. Cubana is at the other end, '1...2.....3" Corridor Beta - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:30:19 2651 Cubana crouches stiffly, her weapon scanning the permitter before standing and looking towards Deering to confirm. Deering moves a little ahead of Cubana, watching the right side, and motions to Cubana with her head. Cubana nods heading forward again with Deering, "1...2...3." - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:31:35 2651 Cubana mutters, "After the next room one more level." as she scans the room from the standing postion and lmost imediately begins heading for the far door. Namura says, "and the lizard.." Deering stays along at an equal pace with Cubana. Denick pats the slugthrower, "He'll get what he deserves..." Corridor Epsilon - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:32:32 2651 Cubana keeps Deerings distance as she reaches the next door, "1...2....3." Corridor Delta - Level 2 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:32:58 2651 Cubana holds her weapon against her chest and climbs the stairs quickly, knees high in the air as she does. Deering goes up second after her. Cubana stands at the top and looks through to the other room and nods, "it's clear.." she says, holding her weapon in that direction as a precaution. Jones stumbles on the stairs briefly as she ascends, catching herself quickly with her left hand, and pulling herself up after. Cubana spakes into the headset, "Alright..be careful this is the last level." Cubana reaces the far door and counts, "1...2.....3."" Melchior says, "Not counting the sewer" Denick checks the slugthrowers ammo. Corridor Epsilon - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:35:21 2651 Cubana steps into the room and to the left of the doorway. Yama walks into the room, magnum leveled firmly in front. Cubana is crouched to the left of the doorway, rifle scanning the room. Denick checks the ceiling. Snowmist keeps to the back and off to the side, remembering how effective the energy weapons had been last time, but willing to provide a distraction if Slaan checks the right side, up, down, and forward. Messer peers about, flattening against the wall. Corridor Gamma - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:39:38 2651 Cubana heads to the corridor with a deep breath, "2 more rooms. 1......2.....3." You head into Corridor Beta - Level 1. Corridor Beta - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:40:51 2651 Slaan nods quietly, continuing the mental labor of keeping alert. Snowmist mutters, "Famous last words." Denick says quitely, "Ma'am, when we get to that thing, and its down, let me take care of it." He hefts the slugthrower. Cubana rises from her crouch, eyes moving to deering for confirmation. Cubana says, "If we do Lt..if.." Cubana steps towards the door, "1....2....3.." Yama says, "If it hasn't planned to sneak up on us again." Deering takes a deep breath and lets it out, watching the doorway ahead for a little bit before turning to look at Cubana, and heads off with her. Corridor Alpha - Level 1 - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A wide corridor with wood-paneled concrete walls that appear to have survived the apocalyptic destruction of Washington, D.C., intact. Pale green auxiliary lamps offer sickly illumination of the hallway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:41:45 2651 Cubana steps in and to the left, ducking by the doorway, "Alright...people on the rear cover us as we cross...that lizards dead." Melchior says, "Let's make sure it is dead then take it home for study" Messer frowns. "Great," he mumbles. Yama says, "Heh. No. Avocet would have our heads." Cubana turns to Melchior, "no!" Snowmist snorts. "You wanna lug that thing around?" Melchior says, "Kidding!" Melchior grins Slaan snarls at Melchior. Denick creeps up to the lizard, and points the slugthrower about half an inch from one of its eyes. Yama circles around the lizard, hugging the wall as he moves around it. Yama says, "Moron." Cubana seems to be loosing her cool a bit, "No..look. Lets get out of these corridors alright.." she says heading to the door, "Ready?" she asks. Melchior says, "Let's hurry up" Namura holds his pistol and says.."Don't kid about something that injured you." Deering keeps watch of the lizzard, keeping up with Cubana. Denick squeezes the trigger. The bullet ricochets and nearly hits Teel Denick curses... You head into Metro Terminal . Metro Terminal - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A long platform strewn with debris and skeletal remains. A rockfall composed of concrete chunks leads down into the Metro tunnel. A broken escalator leads up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:43:36 2651 Namura says, "The hell?" Snowmist says, "Wonderful."" Cubana heads down the escalator and takes a position jsut to the forward left, she calls over the comm, "Cover your heads!" Snowmist ducks and covers. Messer raises an arm to shield himself, crying out, "AARGH!" Namura takes cover Slaan looks around carefully at the sound of the blasts, lifting a hand to protect himself from falling bits. Melchior says, "That was the ship...." Teel rushes out, ducking for cover. Cubana turns, to look at Melchior as he speaks. Deering ducks as the explosions go off and the concrete falls about them. Cubana keeps her weapon pointed forward, "Alright..focus guys, focus. Legions still out there." Namura says in a frightened deadpan..."...what?.." Slaan hardly twitches a muscle that he doesn't need twitched. Denick comes slowly down the escalator, trying to carry Allens body... Cubana is at he position to th forward left scanning the area for signs of targets, "Keep calm, we don't konw what that explosion was and we've got more immediate problems." Yama sticks the magnum deep in his pouches, sealing it tight before entering the water. Cubana looks back at Denick, "Private Slaan, switch duties with Lt. Denick." Denick gasps, "Slaan, give me a hand here." Slaan follows Cubana's orders, moving over and easily shouldering the corpse, as if it were a sack of potatoes. Denick says, "That thing had eyes made out of steel I swear..." Cubana stands from the crouch, "We have to keep moving guys...let's go, Lt Deering let's go..." she says as she begins stepping forward. Deering slings her rifle over her shoulder and looks at the water, saying, "It did." Namura places his equipment on his head and slides in the water slowly, being careful not to puncture his suit. Slaan adjusts the carcass once on his massive shoulder, making sure he can still fire if need be. Denick says, "The slugs just bounced right off.." Yama says, "As long as it's in the past tense, I don't really care. Are we going?" Cubana says, "Lt, get yourself under control, we gotta move, lets go." Denick holds his rifle above his head, and starts wading. Deering dives into the water to swim, the water still over her head. Cubana prepares to bring the rifle over her head, "1..2...3." Slaan has to sling his rifle over his back to get down. Melchior gets in as well Jones lowers herself carefully into the water, jaw tight. Snowmist shudders. "Least my fur's not getting wet..." Poe looks to Jones. "Would you like some help?" Jones says, "In a moment..." - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The water is at chest level on an average human - or about five feet deep - in this tunnel segment. Huge slabs in the ceiling appear to have buckled and seem balanced precariously on a web of pipes and conduits, with water from the river above spilling in like some kind of bizarre waterfall sculpture. The mass transit tunnel continues to the southwest, but becomes totally submerged underwater. A pile of concrete rubble leads up to the west. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:48:18 2651 Cubana comes down into the area and warns, "Currents against us, if your not great swmmers stick by someoen who is." Deering touches ground and unslings her rifle once more, and wades hard against the water. Cubana begins moving through the water s lowly rifle above her head. Slaan adjusts the corpse again and begins wading... Jones splutters, water in the mouth and face. "Poe? The camera?" Yama retrieves the magnum from it's pouch, and wades out of the tunnel. Poe grabs ahold of Jones's carmera, and then her. Messer wades along, pulling himself along the wall. LeBeau unstraps his shoulder holster and wraps his around his rifle holding them above his head and he slides into the water and begins the walk back to the ship Teel struggles with the current, her gunhand above her head. Denick manages to get to the wall, and follows messers example... The Ratkiller beats awat a few floating rats with the butt of her cun as she wades. Cubana reaches the other end, the water now by her waist as she brings the gun down to her waist, "Someone get Ms. Jones." Poe has Ms. Jones. Cubana repains standing where she is, eyes ont he others making sure they all get across safely. Denick finally pulls himself across. Slaan crosses relatively easily, despite the couple hundred pound burden. Deering keeps watch of the front as she stops for Cubana and the others. Jones takes the help Poe is able to give. A bit difficult since he is now burdened with the camera too. But they make progress. Cubana nods a bit, "we go on three, 1...2....3." Slaan looks to Poe, adjusts the corpse...again, and maintains position. LeBeau walks up behind and wraps an arm around Jone's waist partly lifting her Jones stiffen and then sighs - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The temperature seems to cool noticeably in this chamber, and water trickles in rivulets down the walls from cracks in the ceiling to submerge the track rut about hip deep on an average human - roughly three feet deep. Mutated rats can be heard chittering, and can be seen paddling through the liquid to get from one side of the tunnel to the other. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:51:55 2651 Cubana continues wading in the water, her weapon now at her waste and just above water, "keep moving." she orders her tone serious. Slaan looks to Jones and offers his shoulder, should she wish to ride with the carcass. Melchior looks at Teel Melchior says, "Are you alright?" Jones says, "Thank you, Mr. Haldon, Mr. Lebeau. And, no thank you Mr.Slaan." Slaan nods once and keeps moving. Namura looks at teel and mel, concerned. Cubana pauses for a momnt hearing allt he conversations, "Is anyone injured or unable to continue?" Deering keeps moving right alongside of Cubana, watching the right half of the tunnel. LeBeau looks to Jones as he half carries her thru the water "Yu gonna be alrigh no o shall I stay here by yer side? Teel nods solemnly. "I'm fine, thanks, this is the easy part." Melchior nods Messer pants heavily as he fights the current, but manages to do better as the water becomes more shallow. Melchior looks at Messer Melchior says, "Would you like some help?" Namura says, "You okay Messer?" Slaan is moving fine now, the water down nearly to his knees. Denick is moving ok, taking long strides into the current. Messer shakes his head slightly, waving them off. "I... I'm... fine." He chuckles weakly. LeBeau reaches up and goes to work putting his should holster back on now that the water is lower and he can hold his weapons at a reasonable hight Jones hesitates, "I am ... fine." She doesn't sound thouroughly convince, although she does sound in a degree of pain. Melchior falls back to him and braces him on his shoulders, helping him along Snowmist and Shadow help each other across and finally gains the shallows, shaking off excess water and checking over their equipment. Cubana notes, "Pair up and stay near each other..we're all worn out." Cubana says, "1....2....3" Cubana has left. Slaan notes to make sure Denick is still near. Slaan has left. Yama falls back with Teel, proceeding forward. Teel says, "4" Jones looks for Poe and her camera. LeBeau continues to hold on to Jones "Yu say yer alrigh bu yu don soun o lok id Poe moves close to Jones, camera in hand. >. Metro Tunnel - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The temperature seems to cool noticeably in this chamber, and water trickles in rivulets down the walls from cracks in the ceiling to submerge the track rut about hip deep on an average human - roughly three feet deep. Mutated rats can be heard chittering, and can be seen paddling through the liquid to get from one side of the tunnel to the other. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:55:26 2651 Namura nods.. Melchior chuckles and nods, letting him go LeBeau has arrived. Slaan brings his weapon back into position, slightly awkward with the rotting sack of bones that's hitching a ride. Cubana steps out of the water her rad suit soaked, "Alright...lets keep moving." She says as she keeps her weapon trained on the corridor looking for any possible opposition, "No, they're for keeping you alive Mr. Messer." Melchior says, "Let's get out of here" Denick says, "Amen to that..." Cubana approahcs the north end of the tunnel, "1...2....3" - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pale purple light from the unearthly sky above grants meager illumination in this cavernous underground chamber, which is littered with bones and skulls of victims of the holocaust that destroyed the city. A rut carved in the granite holds the tracks that once carried subway cars throughout the metropolitan area. A broken escalator leads up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:56:14 2651 Melchior says, "Oh my god" Teel unconsciously keeps pace with Yama. Cubana's voice continues to hold a serious note as she approaches the elevator, "Alright..Deering and myself first..followed by the first half ot he group." Namura says, "What?" Melchior says, "Wait" Melchior says, "Don't go" Cubana says, "We cover while the second team makes its way up." Melchior says, "If you do you are in grave danger" Denick says, "What is it?" Poe puts an arm around Jones to support her. "I have her from here Mr. Lebeau" Melchior says, "Remember all those mutants?" Cubana stops and looks twoards Melchior, "Our ship is in tha direction Mystic..we have no choice." Messer stops, looking back at Melchior, panting. Melchior says, "There are alot missing now" Slaan looks toward Melchior and snarls vaguely. Melchior says, "And our ship is not in that direction" Yama says, "We're doomed if we frolic around here until we die of starvation." Melchior says, "All that's left in that direction is pieces of scrap" Cubana frowns a bit and nods, "Alright..those that don't think they can continue stay here with the medics..the rest of us will ontinue. Snowmist frowns. "You got any *useful* information?" Namura says, "Messer...rest a bit." Yama says, "Why don't you stay down here until you die, then?No great loss." Melchior says, "At least they should be...I know of nothing else that could make such an explosion" LeBeau looks to Poe and nods "I hope so" Cubana says, "Thats the only drop pad..our only hope is that direction." Deering blows a little sigh against the mircophone of her commset. Cubana says, "Comm silence Mr. yama." Yama says, "Yes. You know of nothing." Slaan sets down the corpse and nods to Cubana that he's ready. Messer looks from Namura tot he escalator, mumbling something and gesturing angrily at it. Yama nods, and waits by the stairs leading up. Cubana says, "Keep it together...form up." Jones looks from Poe to Lebeau and rolls her eyes. She mutters something. Then says clearly, "Can I have my camera back, Mr. Haldon?" Denick continues upwards. Cubana says, "on the count of three we head up." Cubana says, "1..." Cubana says, "2..." Namura looks at Melchior.."What is up there?" Cubana says, "3..." Melchior shrugs Deering swallows hard and heads up. Poe hands Jones the camera, but keeps his arm there. Jones moves to follow the others, not about to stay behind. Slaan takes the body as an afterthought, hauling it up. The Mall - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skeletal ruins flank this broad, flat thoroughfare that might once have been a greensward or park of some kind, beneath a bruise-colored sky. To the east stand the shattered remnants of a building with a crushed dome and steps blackened by heat. To the west, one can see the stump of a marble obelisk about 150 feet tall, surrounded by toppled metal poles. Collapsed marble blocks that might have composed the rest of the monument are scattered southwest of the stump. A broken escalator leads down into a subterranean facility of some kind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 00:58:58 2651 Denick says, "Damn...He was right..." Melchior says, "It is times like these I wish I ws not right" As you emerge from the subway, the hot wind blowing trash through the region, you see dead mutants littering the park - including the child-shaped one that spoke with you. Beyond them, between you and where the Kensington landed, you see about a dozen identical reptiloid warriors with dead silver eyes. The flames of the wrecked freighter lap at the bruised sky above, roiling black smoke rising toward the poisoned heavens. Beside the destroyed freighter is a sleek silver vessel. Standing on the boarding ramp of that vessel is a humanoid clad in a radiation suit. He carries a cane. As the wind dies down, he speaks: "Well, Jesus H. Christ cooking marshmallows on a samurai sword. Ain't y'all a sight?" Then he ducks into the silver vessel, slams the hatch shut. The reptiloids begin closing in on the group near the subway entrance. Snowmist groans. "Will you stop saying that..." Slaan has taken the body afterall, as an afterthought. Cubana comes up, immediately crouching in the area just ahead of wehre they came in, "Fan out, now!" Melchior 's eyes go wide when he sees the Legion The wind suddenly picks up as the Phoenix Rising fires its lift rockets and begins its climb upward. Denick says, "God help us..." Namura says, "Too late." Yama sighs. "Jesus H. Christ cooking marshmallows on a samurai sword...him? Back?" Teel mutters, "Well,well, robe guy was on it. Hernandez, you are a true hoophead." Slaan drops the dead man and raises his weapon.sends, --Melchoir, now, the big one.-- Cubana says, "Cut the unnecesary communication, aim for the eye's." Melchior sends, ~On which one?~ Jones pans upwards, following the ship, before moving to the side. "Or down the throats.." Messer stops dead in his tracks. "Oh... crap." He stumbles off to the side, crouching down and raising his rifle. Denick points at one. Namura raises his pistol, scanning. Deering fans out as ordered, looking down at her rifle once as she steels her grip on it. Cubana pulls a knife from one of the pockets and placing it next to her, "Find cover if you can. but stay close." Yama sighs as he retrieves a grenade, flipping the switch. He throws, if any of the Legionnaires are close enough. Denick lashes out at the one he pointed at, his eyes smoldering. Cubana brings up her rifle aiming for the lizard int he center, taking her time to attempt and find the perfect shot. Poe stays close to Jones. "Who has an extra gun?" he says through gritted teeth.. Melchior attacks psionically at the exact same time at the same one Denick attacks Slaan looks at Yama and then to Cubana, "Ssir, permission to use explossives while they are sstill at range?" Cubana cals, "granted. Cubana says, "Find cover, those pack a punch." That's all Slaan needed. Reaching into a pouch, he grabs a grenade, arms it, and throws as he back behind something solid. Cubana pulls a grenade from her poket, preparing to put it to use. Snowmist has disconnected. Melchior shrieks in pain again, crumpling to a heap, body twitching in spasms as he lies there paralyzed with pain Cubana calls, "Cover!" Messer stumbles backwards, hitting the dirt and covering his head. Slaan says, "Fire in the hole!" Denick crouches, and raises slugthrower. Namura grabs Melchior and dives for cover. Deering looks around quickly, spotting a hunk of concrete off to the right, diving behind it. Denick curses.. Yama reaches in his pouch, going for cover as he tosses the pulse pistol in Poe's direction. LeBeau wraps an arm around Jones pulling her behind him as he raises his rifle and takes aim at the head of one of the lizards in the middle of the pack and firing off a seris of rounds be for jumping for cover Snowmist has disconnected. Denick opens fire at the head of the one he tried to attack. Cubana remains where she is but covers herself with her arms, her rifle staying in her hands. Poe grabs the pistol as he ducks down Melchior continues twitching in agonizing pain on the ground Cubana cals, "retreat to the escalator, we can find cover tehre, medics take the casualties." LeBeau's shot strikes the reptiloid, bounces off and hits Cubana in the leg, puncturing her suit, sending her sprawling. Namura hold Melchior down loosely, face up, treating him as he would a seizure victim. Denick hurls a grenade with the other hand as he backs off. Melchior can only hope it will stop Cubana OOFS into her headset, tumbling forward as the pulse strikes her. Denick's fired shot bounces back at him - piercing his suit and gutting him. Denick cries out, stumbling backwards Messer crawls towards the escalator, attempting to find cover. Jones blinks, "Blow the ground out from under them? Make them fall into the tunnels?" She calls out uncertainly. The only option she can think of. Deering calls out through the Comm-Link, "Captain! The water!" Cubana keeps calling into her headset, her voice tinged with pain, "Retreat to the escalator! Retreat to the escalator! Namura sighs.. grabs Melchior and dives down Namura climbs up slowly. Cubana tries to rise to her feet and finds herself tumbling once again. The grenades go off like dual thunderclaps, deafening you all for a moment - and suddenly the twelve monstrous warriors go into twitching spasms and collapse onto the ground. Then they are still. Denick falls over, unconcious. Namura looks around for Denick Poe pulls Jones towards the escalator. "Let's go!" Yama cackles. "Hot damn!" Slaan holds up a hand, "Ssir, the hostilesss have been incapacitated. Can you continue?" Namura runs and tries to get Denick to safety Radiation is seeping rapidly into those suits. Cubana's voice comes fromt he headsets, "Hold your positions..make sure they're controlled." Jones is pulled off balance by Poe's efforts, most likely since she was stubbornly trying to stay. Teel grins. "Nice job, Yama." She then scowls. LeBeau looks up after the brief silence in his ears "Ok seems we bough our selve a reprive, now jus who d a hell do we ged oud o here befo day wake up Namura grabs her and runs back down "Someone get the other one!" Deering gets up from behind her concrete slab and looks at the Lizards a few dozen yards off. Slaan says, "Permisssion to give them a ssecond helping, Ssir, for ssafety?"" Cubana looks aound her towards Denick, "The Lt.. needs medical care she says as she tries to get to her feet, "Granted..no pulse fire." Messer gives up on getting to the escalator, and just flattens out, aiming his rifle at the fallen lizards, just in case. Poe catches Jones before she falls and tries to drag her. Slaan pulls out another grenade, takes very careful aim, and tosses it at the bodies to make sure they stay down. Yama yanks on Teel's arm. "C'mon, I'm going to go for the Pentagon." Deering moves over towards Cubana at a jog, hurrying over towards her as she glances at the lizards. Cubana calls, "Hoold your positions!" Slaan says, "Fire in the hole!" Deering speeds as she sees the Grenade thrown and dives to hit the deck. LeBeau stays behind the cover he has found as he awaits the thrid grenade Slaan, wearing a bulky suit, misthrows. Namura has arrived. "Mr. Haldon, will you please.." Jones begins, trying to regain her feet to avoid being dragged. The grenade lands just in front of him and goes off. Slaan is hurtled back down the stairs into the terminal, blown unconscious, his suit ruptured. Yama stares in disbelief. "Vannies for you." Yama keeps a firm grip on Teel's arm as he descends back down. Snowmist stares. "With allies like these..." Cubana watches the grenade land and screams into her headset, "Misthrow!" Melchior pokes his head up then sees slan and grabs him, dragging him down Slaan lands in a crumpled heap, his bulky gloves having caused his grip to slip in defence of his comrades. Poe sighs and helps Jones to her feet, but not moving away from her.nods to Yama, not pulling away, running with him. Don't want to get that suit ripped up. Namura looks up and tries to look for casualties. Slaan gets yanked down a hole, I guess :) Cubana is in the middle of what, at some point was the area they wehre fithign. Messer lets out a loud cry, covering his head and balling up. Deering gets up again and heads towards Cubana, saying into the COmm, "Come on Ma'am..." Cubana slowly rses to he feet, slowly making her way towards the others. LeBeau runs out from where he was takeing cover and grabs Cubana "Come on General, leds ged yu back to a medic" Melchior says, "Do you want me to see if I can get some help somehow?" Cubana accepts Deerings help, "Head down..gotta bunk down and treat our casualties." Messer uncurls slowly, picking up his rifle and scrambling on all fours for the subway. Snowmist shakes her head and follows the others. LeBeau nods "Do wha yu can Mystic, e'eryone else back to da tunnel entrence Deering helps Cubana along, allowing LeBeau to take over for her and heads for the entrance. Jones wordlessly takes Poe's arm for support and heads down into the tunnels. Melchior closes his eyes, hiding behind some debris, and tries desperately to send a message to any members of the Vanguard he can reach with his long range telepathy LeBeau says, "Led go, e'eryone back to da tunnel, we hav some co'er dare ad lease" Poe walks down with Jones. Metro Terminal - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pale purple light from the unearthly sky above grants meager illumination in this cavernous underground chamber, which is littered with bones and skulls of victims of the holocaust that destroyed the city. A rut carved in the granite holds the tracks that once carried subway cars throughout the metropolitan area. A broken escalator leads up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 01:13:46 2651 Jones finds a place to sit. Namura says, "We have several casualties...the Mystic is dragging patients in..I'm tapingthem up as we speak." Namura looks around to see who else in injured Yama points to LeBeau. "You have command." Cubana shakes her head, "tape doens't work..just reat them,kepe them alive. We'll deal with radiation later." Slaan has a slight case of comatose. Snowmist nods and heads toward Denick, riffling his body professionally. You say, "Can I help, Doctor?" Namura sighs.."Of course." LeBeau looks to Yama "Es da General en dat bad o shape to no be able to giv orders? Teel quietly paces back and forth. "Where's th'closest city?" Cubana reaches the wall and uses it to slide herself down to a sitting position. Messer trots down intot he terminal and ducks off to the side, sprawling out. He takes aim at the top of the escalator, as a precaution. Jones smiles faintly, "Then tell me how, exactly." Namura goes to Denick and opens his medkit Yama says, "Moot-this is walled off on all sides. Our best bet is to make for a wall and see if we can make our presence known. Then we might help for a proper military court martial and execution." Namura says, "get me some gauze. I need to stop the bleeding and fast." Melchior says, "I sent out a telepathic message to anyone I could possibly reach to send Vanguard help" ******** THIS WILL BE EDITED OUT OF JONE'S SENT IN TAPE (But she sent a copy to an old friend Jonothon, and another to her P.O. Box ;) and she has an encrypted lil' copy stashed away in her things too) Cubana's voice is pained a bit, "Alright..listen." Cubana says, "Command knows were here..even if we're pretending they don't." Cubana says, "If they're monitoring...they'll send a ship in uner the pretense of removing us form a secured area.." Deering stands beside Cubana, looking down at her, giving her her attention. LeBeau nods "An day should o picked up dat oder ship leaving if day di no hav a cloak as well Teel continues to pace. "Aight, aight...what about radios and th'like? Can we send a message that way?" Namura runs to slaan and tries to figure out what to do... Cubana hskae sher head, "Not enough reach.." Cubana says, "If..when they send a ship out here, this isimportant.."" Cubana says, "I forced you all into doing this..you where under the imprssion i was acting under General Avocet's orders." Melchior says, "You never forced me into anything, but ok..." Namura grabs some more matierials and treats Slaans wounds, which the best he can at this point. Yama says, "Either we can wait out there, or we have to leave a signal-something to perk up their curiosity." Namura runs back to Denick Melchior says, "Give me a signaler and I will go up and place it" Cubana smirks a bit, "A blowing ship will do that..." Jones looks at Cubana skeptically, but decides her view on that inane order is probably already guessable without her voicing it. She says nothing, merely bends and starts rubbing her leg. Melchior says, "Good point" ****** TRANSMISSION CONTINUES Denick looks like he's going to be unconcious for a while. Namura Keeps attempting to stop Denick's bleeding. Cubana looks down at her leg grimacing as she holds down the suit where it is not torn. Teel nods, beyond angry into a calm before the storm. "Ah, so this ain't Vannie legal? Hernandez, not only are you a major hoophead, but an ice queen as well." LeBeau moves towards Jones "Yer leg no holding up to da strain es id. A bid to much work den ids used to" Cubana suddely blinks, giving up holding the radsuit sealed. Rathmon has arrived. Namura throws the duct tape in Cubana's direction. Rathmon ducks and rolls. Poe is silent, if you look into his eyes you see fear. Probably the first time you've seen it this whole mission. Melchior decided to stay Melchior looks up at the escaltor entrance Snowmist and her brother keeps off to the side, keeping out of the way of those who knew what they were doing. Cubana gets hit int he chest with the duct tape not paying attentionbut her eyes are focused on a pint as if listening to something< "Graywolf 5 coming for evacs.." Yama waves his pistol at Rathmon. "Who the bloody hell are you?" Messer quickly sits up, raising his rifle. "Who the heck are you?!" he challenges. Jones looks up at Lebeau. She nods a little in agreemeent, but...She tenses up at the newcomer, bringing the camera to bear. Deering stands by Cubana, rifle still in hand. She turns quickly towards the noise as someone comes down.. Rathmon quirks an eyebrow and brushes himself off, "Would anyone care for a lift?" A tall man with dark skin, a small scar sits over his right eye, nearly but not quite entirely hidden by his brown hair. His green eyes sparkle with a glint of mischief. Otherwise he seems like a run of the mill non-descript individual, beyond his 6'6 height that is. Dressed in a pilot's outfit with very little adornment, his frame is neither lanky or blocky, merely muscular in understated way. On his shoulders are the insignia of a Lt. Colonel. Namura says, "please. We have seriously injured people!" Melchior says, "We have two severely injured" Deering sounds ecstatic. "Its Rathmon!" LeBeau raises his rifle in the direction the new arrival, lowering it just a bit when he recognise the rad suit Teel says, "Ya boneheads, he's wearin a uniform." Rathmon looks at Messer, "I appear to be Lt Colonel devon Rathmon." Cubana is sitting back against the wall, her radsuit torn at the leg. Rathmon says, "General Avocet informed me of a evac notice. Of course if you want I could leave you here." Slaan is a half-naked Zangali in a shredded radsuit, quite unconscious. Melchior says, "You know..." You say, "Ahh..no." Slaan still has his boots on though :) Deering turns back to Cubana and kneels down to her, "Come on General...we're goin home.." Namura says, "Melchior, someone get the the other two..I'm gettung the zangali." Cubana calls, "Stop being an ass Rath and get these guys out." Melchior says, "We should stop talking and start heading on out" Yama says, "Before the next generation of the Vannies has three eyes and eight fingers, lets' roll." Yama wastes no time in beating it up the stairs. Rathmon says, "One word, I can only bring one or two at a time, I'm using a bomber." Messer sighs with relief, slumping back down. "Great," he mumbles. Melchior says, "Injured first" Namura goes to slaan and lifts him withall his strength Yama stops suddenly, the escalator's ruins creaking. LeBeau says, "Ok ged on da enjured on da ship firs den we can worry aboud da res o us" Teel follows Yama. "Ya mean they don't already?" Cubana nods slighlty adn puts a hand out, "Zangali and Deinick first." Rathmon nods, "My thoughts, I'd dig in here if I were you. Melchior helps Namura Namura says, "Thanks." Cubana looks towards Jones pointing towards her, "Your next.." Namura says, "lead the way." Melchior nods Cubana says, "Actually..." Melchior says, "And you Hernandez" Jones shakes her head, "My suit is intact, General. Yours isn't. You next." Cubana says, "Namura nad the Zangali, i don't want them goingwithout medical aid.." Melchior helps Namura carry Slaan out Cubana says, "Then he can come back and take Denick but he should stay witht them." Namura nods Deering moves to sit down beside Cubana, "General....there are no stubborn heroes. Just dead martyrs.." LeBeau says, "Take da Zangali an da Lt. Day ar da mos badly hurd" Slaan weighs a lot for some reason. Could be he's an 8 foot lizard thing. Namura says, "I agree...come one" Poe stands up. He heads towards Jones and offers an arm. Melchior says, "Stop arguing" Rathmon nods, "Lets hurry up folks. Follow the Generals orders. Teel murmurs, "And Allen. Don't forget him." She points to fresh corpse. Melchior says, "Just let's go asap.....else we will be carrying a corpse instead of a zangali" Yama leans over the railing. "You're all quite brave, and we can admire eachother and your shiny dangly metals of valor later. Lets' get them pronto. Jones looks up at Poe. She takes his arm and stands. Namura says, "okay..danick is next" Cubana has reconnected. LeBeau says, "Takes Lt. Denick" Melchior nods, getting him under the armpits Deering moves to sit down beside Cubana, "General....there are no stubborn heroes. Just dead martyrs.." Namura helps Melchior Snowmist and her brother remain silent on the sidelines, eyes watchful. Poe smiles at Jones. "Get a good story then?" Cubana looks towards Deering, "Those two need a doctor with them..this isnt' about being heroes or martyrs..its about giving those two the care tehy need." Namura says, "Okay...you next General." Melchior says, "Ok who is next?" Teel yells at Deering, "Speakin of dead martyrs...get Allen." Cubana says, "They cna only take 2 at a time." Yama studies a grenade thoughtfully. "Smart shopping." Deering nods, "You have to get back, ma'am." Melchior says, "No" Cubana turns an eye to Teel as she speaks. Melchior says, "The corpse goes last" Jones laughs quietly, shaking her head. "It would seem." Melchior says, "We must take priority witht he living over the dead" Snowmist hehs. "I imagine Allen has very little use for his body right now." Namura says, "I agree...Now follow me general." LeBeau says, "Once da ship geds back da General goes wit eider Mr. Haldon o Ms. Jones" Teel nods. "So long as it goes. Namura says, "You are injured." Cubana leans back against the walland braces against it as she slowly triesto rise to her feet. Deering sits beside Cubana, looking over at Teel for a moment before looking back to the concrete scattered around. Melchior says, "It's safe up top...why not have us all go up there" Namura walks to Cubana and helps help up to the top Yama says, "Because I prefer to remain inconspicous." Melchior says, "Then we can save a bit more time when it comes to getting out of this place" Melchior says, "Ok that will work I suppose" Namura says, "No...lets stay hidden for now.." Yama whispers to Teel. Melchior says, "Next is Hernandez and who?" Cubana takes Namura's assistance, "Lebeau.." she says simply. Cubana says, "Jones." Poe says, "Jones" Namura says, "Yes." LeBeau looks to Cubana "Wha es id?" Melchior nods, walking over to Jones, offering her a hand up to brace her on her way out Melchior says, "You're next Jones." Teel whispers to Yama. Messer gazes up at the ceiling, still holding his rifle. "All this, and I didn't even find out his name," he mutters. Poe has one side of Jones. "You can get the other mystic. Melchior nods, getting her other side LeBeau says, "Da General an Ms. Jones es next, den Mr. Haldon an den we decide who goes"says, "Shall we?" Newt just sits there and watches the adults organise themselves in a calm, rational and mature manner. Jones looks at Poe, slightly bemused. "You take this partnership thing very serious..." She breaks off as Melchior takes her from the other side, "I am not an invalid..." The Mall - Earth - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skeletal ruins flank this broad, flat thoroughfare that might once have been a greensward or park of some kind, beneath a bruise-colored sky. To the east stand the shattered remnants of a building with a crushed dome and steps blackened by heat. To the west, one can see the stump of a marble obelisk about 150 feet tall, surrounded by toppled metal poles. Collapsed marble blocks that might have composed the rest of the monument are scattered southwest of the stump. A broken escalator leads down into a subterranean facility of some kind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 01:31:06 2651 Cubana eyes move to the Kensington as they reach the top. Melchior then lets Jones go Melchior says, "I know you aren't" Melchior says, "But getting up the stairs in your state would be difficult I would imagine" Jones can't exactly argue that. So she doesnt. Cubana leans back against the escalator and takes a few deep breaths. The shattered, burning hulk of a tramp freighter that has been blown apart by incendiary devices. Poe says, "Where are they taking them? The Citadel?" Namura says, "Wherever there is a nearby medical center." Poe says, "They should take 'em to New York, they'd could have been back by now." Jones calmly sits down again, stretching her leg forth and bending her head as she tries to deal with it somewhat. Cubana leans almost tiredly against the escalator. Namura mutters..."Hurry up..." Cubana speaks into the headset, "You guys performed well today.." Cubana says, "I didn'tt hink you could do it and you did.." Namura hehs... Cubana's voice is laced with pain as she looks towards the pad, "Where is that ship?" she questions. You say, "Namura, have you still got those painkillers on you?" Poe says, "It'll be here soon. I think they are taking the injured all the way to the citadel instead of New York which would be the smart thing to do." Namura says, "Yes, I do." Namura says, "Did you use the two I gave you?" Cubana nods slowly, "Its alright..they hwere in bad shape they need good treatment. Jones nods to Cubana. "You might want to give her some, and yes. I did." Cubana taps the glass of the helmet, "Save 'em..can't use 'em with this on anyways." Jones pauses, opens her mouth to say something, but then merely falls silent. "I suppose it is a matter of degrees? Your suit is breeched, but removing the helmet would make it worse?" Cubana simply shrugs slowly, "I don't know." she answers honestl. Jones nods. In the sky above, a dropship comes into view as it descends toward the surface. Namura phewws. You take a step back as a dropship fires its drop rockets and lands before you. Rathmon exits from the Graywolf Five-A. Rathmon has arrived. Deering carries Melchior over her shoulder as she waks out from the tunel below with Newt and Teel. Poe reaches out to help Jones get up. Namura says, "Okay Ms. Jones, General." Rathmon says, "Okay General, your tur, and the other most wounded." Jones takes Poe's hand and stands. Namura heps Cubana inside. Cubana turns, looking at Deering as she approaches, "Whats going on.." Cubana asks as she sees Melchior being carried. Rathmon looks at the General, "I gave you until this pass, ma'am but you are getting on this vessel with that damaged suit." Deering shrugs with the one unburdoned shoulder. "LeBeau told me to grab the Mystic. WHen I looked at him, he was out cold. Ask Lebeau." Another explosion goes off in the wreckage of the Kensington, but it does little more than send an impressive fireball into the air - illuminating the silvery bodies of the...melting...reptiloids... Namura turns.."ooo..kay...is his suit Okay? LeBeau walks up out of the tunnel in time for the fireworkdisplay Rathmon looks at the Kensington. "Lets get a move on if we can, we are to exposed here." Deering walks up to them, "He got bit in the hand...I cant think so.." Jones turns instinctively to the explosion. She pauses, hefts the camera up, and makes sure she gets the reptiles melting. Cubana turns towards Rathmon, "At ease, Colonel. No one said i wasn't.." she glances at Jones frowning a bit knowing her condition and looks toward the Mystic, "Bring the mystic..he's exposed." Namura says, "he changed suits]" Deering ohs a bit, "Well, I guess his suits fine.." Namura helps Cubana into the ship Cubana steps towards Rathmon with a grimace, "Jones...come on." Poe helps Jones onto the ship after she gets her shot "One second," She says absently, finishing the shot. Then she moves to the ship. You board the Graywolf Five-A. Cockpit - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Slightly cramped and highly sophisticated, a dull hum and the occasional beep of electronics permeates this cockpit. Side-by-side ejection seats provide both crewmembers with an impressive view outside of the craft, via the dark-tinted canopy which surrounds them. Although both stations are extremely complex and sophisticated, the right-hand seat has an even more complex console in front of it. With multiple MFDs, scanner readouts, dials, and joysticks, the station looks to be able to handle extremely complex targeting and flight tasks. Only a few dim red lights illuminate the cockpit, casting somewhat of an eerie glow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 01:46:59 2651 Contents: Exits: Rathmon enters through the hatch of the ship. Rathmon mans the Flight Console - Graywolf Five-A. The ship rumbles as it lifts off the ground and arches skyward. Cubana leans back against the wall of the console, "Anyone ever tell you...your a life saver Rath?" Jones sits, puts the camera down, and although her jaw is tightened, watches the consoles curiously. **** EDITTING CAUSES THIS TO BE THE END OF TRANSMISSION Rathmon chuckles, "Just be glad of my paranoia about fighter maintance and the General. Cubana's voice is tinged with pain, "Ahh..the General...how's he?" Rathmon taps a few keys. "Hes the General, worried, gave the evac order when he got your message." Rathmon says, "We'll get you both back to the medics in no time." Jones turns her attention from the console to the conversation. "What message was that?" Cubana reaches up grabbing her helmet and removngit to display her dark sunglasses with the wide wrap around band. Rathmon shakes his head, "I don't know beyond that he ordered me to get there at best speed I wans't on the bridge of the Citadel." Jones looks at Cubana, patiently. Cubana nods slowly sliding down to a sitting positing and leaning back against the bulkhead, "Good..i new he'd come thorugh." Rathmon says, "He always does." Cubana smirks just a bit, "I'll end up courtmartialed for this...hell...might get back to being a Colonel." Rathmon says, "I doubt that for some reason." Cubana frowns just a bit and shakes her head, "Don't.." Cubana grimace, "Think you can shake this ship up a little more." she complains. Rathmon says, "YOu dodge incoming traffic." The enormous bay doors slowly begin to slide open in front of the ship. The Graywolf Five-A pushes forward as it glides in and docks. Rathmon says, "At 40,000" Rathmon gets up and lifts Cubana. Rathmon says, "Now lets get a move on thier General." Cubana braces up against the bulkhead using it to slowly slide up to a standing position, "We'llget to sickbay...Rath!" Cubana shakes her head, "We got it...we'll get to sickbay..you just worr about getting the others. Rathmon nods, "Move it then General." Cubana leans back and motions towards the airlock, slowly and carefully limping towards the airlock, "Come on.." Jones gets to her feet, ackwardly, but she does it. "My thanks, Lt Colonel." You disembark from the Graywolf Five-A. Jones disembarks from the ship. Docking Arm - Citadel(#588RDLn) - SCB Citadel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The docking arm swarms with activity, as numerous beings attempt to move through the crowded area. The far wall of the arm consists of a bank of evenly-spaced airlocks, each occasionally parting to allow someone to pass. A cargo tram travels slowly through the room, stopping to retrieve cargo from waiting vessels before inching its way through the crowd. Most of the wall space is adorned with advertisements, posters and monitors, each attempting to capture your attention. A well-illuminated archway leads into the launch bay, through which military officers and civilians alike travel in an almost constant stream. Opposite the airlocks, the arm opens into a corridor admitting arrivals onto the station, under the watchful gaze of several security officers stationed nearby. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 01:55:17 2651 The bay doors begin to slide open as the Graywolf Five-A prerares for departure ... Cubana comes out limping fromt he ship, teh team quickly helps her nad jones to get them to sickbay as speedily aspossible. The Graywolf Five-A fires its engines as it departs through the docking bay doors. Cubana sees the two stretches and shakes her head, "Save those..we can make itto sickbay." Jones looks at Cubana. "Speak for yourself. I see no merit in causing myself unneeded pain." She says lightly, "Feel free to do it to yourself if you want...if it makes you feel better." She smiles at a medic and lays down with a wince. The head of the medical team shakes his head, "Negative, General..you all go on stretchers. We have plenty. Now lay down before we force you." Cubana looks back toards Jones then at the medics a frown forming on her face as she sits slowly ont he edge of the stretcher, the medic gently prods her to lay back, "see...wasn't that hard General." he looks towards Jones and grins winking conspiratorilly. The medical teams move on into sickbay as a new batch comes out waiting for more casualties. - SCB Citadel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The first thing that you notice of this room is the strong smell of the cleaning solutions used here. Beds line both walls of this room, with a walkway inbetween them. Doctors, Nurses, and orderlies patrol this room, checking on the patients. Several offices are at the far end. Through the glass doors, you see doctors sitting at desks reading over charts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Sep 11 02:00:25 2651 As you enter the room you see Slaan lying on a medical bed apparently sleeping. Across from him is Denick on what appears to be life support. Jones struggles to get out of the Rad suit, apparently having had quite enough of it. Then she blinks. "Oh, shit.." She curses quietly. Cubana spots the Life support machines as her and Jones are brough in and set up on medical beds to be examined and sits up, "Stat.." she turns a greenish color and swallows. Cubana takes a few deep breaths, "Status.." The doctors move to Jones side, "Easy now, Ms. Jones. We'll worry about the uniform and remove it..just lay back and relax. The head doctor on this shift steps out of his office, "You wehre all damn lucky for a fool stunt like that. Lt. denick and Private Slaan will both be fine..the Lt's in worse shape but it looks like he's going to pull throuhg. Jones shakes her head a little, hair sweat dampened. But she lays back, seeming rather dismayed. She swallows. Cubana seems to relax a bit leaning back, only a tinge of green maintaining, "What about radiation?" she asks, "Both their suits where ripped." One of the doctors on duty begins to help Jones out of the radsuit, "They really need to construct better ones of these." she says.. The head doctor shrugs a bit, "Considering...they both got away with mild radiation poisoning. Gonna feel lke crap for a few weeks..but they'll survive. Jones smiles faintly, "Design one, you could make a bundle." She forcibly pulls her leg from the suit, it being rather like dead weight at this point. Dead weight which, thanks to the painkillers, she doesn't feel. The doctor asks, "What happened to your leg?" rather casually, obviuselyl he does not think it is a rescent injury. The camera flashes off, and powers down. Jones sets the camera aside. "Hover vehicle accident. The muscles were...badly put back together. They seize up under any stress." She smiles just a little. "Exactly what they are doing now, I believe." She bends to rub her leg. The doctor chuckles, "A little massage therapy will handle that, our department here on base is great." Jones drawls, "Just promise me, please, have this happen before the drugs wear off? I really don't want to be writhing in pain any time soon." The doctor chuckles, "if not we'll make sure to get you some mor pain medication before then." Jones nods breifly. "Thank you, Doctor..?" The man smiles slighlty Doctor Monroe. Jones nods, holds out a hand. "Jones. Dae'sa Jones. But you seemed to already know that." The doctor chuckles a little, "Your becoming quite a name around base..." Jones grins, "I do my best." He laughs again, "Well...your best seems liek its enough. Everyone either wants to welcome you on board or toss you out an airlock." Jones says, "Now the question is, which group out numbers the other." Volestad wanders into the medical bay. His aura swirls with different shades of blue. The doctor grins a little and shrugs, "I'm just a simple doctor." Volestad flickers with red as he sees so many people lying on beds. Jones shakes her head, "No one is just a simple anything. Everyone has a story." He grins, "Is that how journalists view it?" Jones nods amiably, glancing over to Cubana in concern for a moment, then back. "I dont know about all Journalists, but that is the way I view it, for certain. And you never did say which group you were in. Am I going to be escorted to the airlock? Since you already welcomed me, after a fashion." The doctor dodges the question beautifully, "I took an oath remember." she says simply as if it should be self explanatory. The doctor in charge of the group tending to Cubana says, "Ok, one, two, three!" And they lift Cubana slightly to get the remaining rad suit off. Namura takes his rad suit off.."I supposed I;m not needed anymore, then? Cubana grimaces as they lift her to tak ethe rad suit, "wanna..wanna try some pain killers first next time." she complains. The doctor immediately looks Cubana over. She says, "She's suffering from radiation poisoning. General, can you hear me?" At the far end of the room is Melchior apparently sleeping. Jones shakes her head, still absently rubbing at her leg. "And if you hadn't?" She merely sounds curious. The doctor smiles, "But i did.." You say, "You evade like a lawyer." The doctor says, "Give her 10 cc's of Antimelonin. Prepare a dose of hydronalin while you're at it." To Cubana she says, "Sorry, but we needed the suit off to get at you." Jones is grinning by now. Namura approaches the doctor and asks if he can be of any assistance. The doctor walks around the bed picking up a pad, "hmm...due for another pain killer it seems." he looks up and smilesa little, "That was my second choice." Newt just stands in the doorway, frowning and watches what's going on. The other doctor by Cubana says. "Well, the radiation damage is relatively mild. You'll live... but you'll probably regret it for the next few weeks." Cubana takesa deep breaht, "fine...next time start with the pain killer though huh...doctors...ou guys all..." The other doctor by Cubana says. "Well, the radiation damage is relatively mild. You'll live... but you'll probably regret it for the next few weeks." Jones lays back. "Muscle relaxant too? Tharis...tharia...damn, you would think I knew the name of it by now. Works just about as well as a massage, and I haven't build up too much of an immunity to it." She frowns, "Of course, I am spewing this off second hand...Could be wrong." Volestad stands in the middle of the room, somewhat in shock at the trauma, and relatively useless from a medical standpoint. The doctor near Cubana's side points her assistants to Melchior. "Better take a look at him... and check the pad." She hands it to the nearest one. "Make sure our medicine is compatible with his biology." Monroe nods, "Let me go check what we've got..i'll be right back ok." he says before dissapearing into the back storage room. The doctor near Cubana's side points her assistants to Melchior. "Better take a look at him... and check the pad." She hands it to the nearest one. "Make sure our medicine is compatible with his biology." The doctor then leans over Cubana. "Can you feel all you fingers and toes, General?" Cubana opens her eyes and looks up at the doctor, "Yeah..." she nods slighlty Jones frowns faintly and closes her eyes. The doctor says, "Good." She walks around the bed, picks up a hypo and give Cubana another shot. "This should stop the poisoning from getting worse... but I'm going to have to put you on antirad pills for at least two weeks." Monroe walks toards the bed a couple of pills in his hand, "These are foryou my dear...for your aches, pains, sore muscles and complaints." Cubana nods a bit, "It'll get rid of thenautiusness?" Jones opens her eyes and sits up, seeming in a hurry to down those pills. She takes them and murmurs thanks. The doctor shakes her head slightly. "Yes, although now and then it will get worse again until you've got it all out of your system. Also... your hair is going to fall out a bit until your follicles have time to regenerate." Cubana mumbles for a moment then opens her eyes sitting up slowly, very slowly, "Ok...when can you put a bandage on my leg and let me out of here..." The doctor chuckles, "Not so fast. Let's catch our breath a bit first. What were you doing down there exactly, anyway?" Jones lays back, and her eyes start to flutter closed. Newt's at the corridor, standing there and watching wassup... Cubana shakes her head slowly, "Doesn't matter. What i want to know is whne i can leave this damn bed and get to my quarters..." Newt looks upa t Snowmist and then back at the scene. Snowmist waves, eyes curious. "Oops, sorry, wrong turn...somewhere..." As the doctor responds, she moves around to examine Cubana's leg injury. "Well, as long as you promise to stay there for more than a couple hours, perhaps I can be persuaded to give you outpatient treatment." Jones falls asleep, holding the camera close like it was an infant. Cubana nods, "Its around sleep time...i'm sure i can mannage a couple f hours." Volestad stands in the middle of the room. He seems to be barely conscious of what is happening although he is stirring a bit more now. His aura is swirling blue. Snowmist taps Newt on the shoulder. Rathmon arrives from Corridor. Rathmon has arrived. Newt speaks finally, standing up straight, "Hey! He's glowin..." Snowmist throws a thumb toward Volestad. "What's with him?" The doctor says, "A couple hours, huh? Perhaps I should keep you here then and make sure you get your prescribed rest." She looks to the others standing in the room, "You people need help?" Rathmon walks in, "Well now that is all about, could someone explain what in the hell you were doing down there?" Cubana takes a breath as if composing herself as she leans back, now in a sitting position, "irrelavent." Rathmon looks at Cubana. "Hardly."