Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/15(Mon)18:40 No. 148118 ID: 8c0e33
File 126870362351.jpg - (260.19KB , 777x777 , 06-02.jpg )

I woke up around midday. Whatever had taken a hold of me is gone. That wasn't a dream. Not exactly, anyway.

We exited the caves at some point, and are outside an outpost town called Faded Caves.

>"Is that all he said?"

"...Yeah."

I didn't tell Kitty everything. As far as she knows, that man - what she calls a digen - just warned me about Piaculum coming for us, and that was it.

>"I've never heard anything like that, Burns. I have a hard time believing this paradise business."

"You've never heard about this?"

>"Burns, you don't understand how rare even knowing Piaculum exists is. Even Reklaw, the digen who made me Amortal, was looking for it. He apparently didn't know what its name was, or what was responsible for all of the lost worlds he was following.
>"The only people that know about Piaculum are the ones it kills, or... "saves," or whatever the hell it thinks it's doing."

"And you?"

>"One of the few to escape a dead world. And most of what I know was second hand information. Reklaw mentioned a few rumors, and I knew another Amortal that told me a little more after that. Burns, you probably know more about Piaculum now than almost anyone in all of Nahala."

How ...exciting. I pray none of this is really happening.

"Forget about all of that."

She seems hesitant to do so.

"Right now, let's just concentrate on getting to where we're going. Okay?"

>"All right."

Our next stop is Gray Bay.

Wow, so Kitty really did see Piaculum in its more complete form completely devouring I mean saving a world.

Say who's holding us right now? Hello! We're still here, even if we're more blood colored than tear colored! May I speak with Kitty?

Gray Bay? Is that a port town?

Yeah we were going to skip town on this continent by jumping a ship. That was the plan I had thought.

>>148123

What kind of ship are we taking? If its a freighter, can we stop by Funkytown?

What's Tannon doing behind your back?

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/15(Mon)19:06 No. 148128 ID: 8c0e33
File 126870518750.jpg - (236.21KB , 777x777 , 06-03.jpg )

Hey, voices. You've been away for a little bit.

>Kitty
>the plan

Kitty's here with me. We're looking over the map, trying to consider what to do before we get to Gray Bay, and how to go about getting a transport to one of the Bay cities once we're there.

We've come quite a long ways from High Peak.

>"I don't know how low-key we're going to be, driving this giant thing around town."

I'm not sure if it matters. Maybe...

>Tannon
"Hey, Tannon. Isn't this a SPT?"

He doesn't look away from the rough plains we're driving across. We're avoiding the main roads for now, which isn't a big deal in a vehicle like this.

>"Yes," he answers, "it shouldn't attract much attention with all of the military SPCs also in the area."

Kitty doesn't seem to understand.

"Standard Personnel Transport. Spitfires, some people call them. They're manufactured by one of the neutral industrial countries and sent around the world to serve in various militaries. Sometimes, they get picked up for other jobs, like this one - refitted for mine exploration. We don't have any markings to set us off as military, so we should be okay. For a while, anyway."

>what kind of ship are we taking
>"Should we try to take it with us on board a freighter?"

Kitty's on top of her game today. "That's one of the things we need to decide, now. It would obviously cost a lot. And we don't have any Poilenese currency."

Let's see, what else should we be considering about our situation...

>>148128

Hug Tannon.

Do you think they might be up for bartering?

If so, you might trade the vehicle if you're not gonna use it beyond storing it on the freighter itself.

Is there anything in the vehicle worth trading?

>>148128
Sell the spitfire as well as any surplus weapons you have, the weapons are of course best sold on the black market where they won't ask pesky questions about where you got them or what those blood marks are. Book a tip with human smugglers. There are always people wanting to leave politically unstable regions and they're often willing to pay for it. Normally that can turn out bad for the ones paying, but then they usually can't rip a mans heart out with their bare hands. So you guys should be fine.

get pregnant, sell fetus on black market

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/16(Tue)04:09 No. 148333 ID: 12084d
File 126873774051.jpg - (373.49KB , 1000x933 , 06-04.jpg )

Don't strain yourselves. I forgot how "useful" you guys are most of the time.

>selling the SPT

Possible. The Poilen military may be taking vehicles for retrofit, if they're anticipating any kind of military action with the Coalition.

There may be some sort of impound lot or... something at Gray Bay. In the Confederacy, we always kept our transactions closed with local or foreign industries. We may have to go through a local manufacturer to find out anything.

>Is there anything in the vehicle worth trading?
I'd say so. We looted a fortune worth of weapons and armor off of those Coalition SpecOps. We won't need them all, unless we started our own small army.

Of course, the obvious downside to that is, people would immediately want to know where we got them. Even if we went underground (and I have no connections in Poilen), we'd still have people know where they got a huge lot of Coalition weapons, and would be able to give information to traffickers or anyone else with a nose for it. It'd be easier to track where we were going.

Maybe some information about Gray Bay will help. Kitty may want to hear this too.

"Gray Bay is named after the water that deposits into the bay from tributaries. There's a lot of sediment, which gives the water a murky, dull color. It's not quite gray, but the rest of the countryside is so vividly colored, I guess it looks that way compared to everything else.
"East and West Port take all the major goods trading from other continents, but Gray Bay is an important city for transporting goods quickly from there up through the rest of the continent.
"We'll likely find a few foreigners there, as well as a few potential emmigrants like ourselves. The security is a little tighter as a result, but thankfully not as paranoid as Cerean detail.
"But we didn't have official clearance for crossing into national borders. No paperwork, or anything, since we went underground, literally. In other words, we shouldn't push our luck talking with anyone in uniform."

>"Sounds like we might rule out selling anything to their government."

I sigh.

"Probably. The way I see it, we've got four options:
"1) We force our way onto a ship, or outright hijack it.
"2) We don't bother with the SPT, and sneak on board a ship.
"3) We sell off the SPT and everything in it, since we won't have a way of transporting it, anymore.
"4) We sell enough to get the SPT onto a transport."

>"How much would selling the SPT get us?"

"A lot. We wouldn't have to worry about money for a long time, if we convert it to some universal standard, like gold or silver. But obviously, we lose a military grade vehicle. Those don't fall into your lap.
"Even if we only sell all the weapons, that'd be enough to transport the SPT from Gray Bay to Port, then to wherever our destination is after that. But we'd be low on cash again after that."

I'd ask you guys for your take on it, but you don't ever seem too eager to think ahead or guess about how things might work out.

We've got a lot of potential options here. What we do now will affect how things play out for quite a while.

Hey, I think I know why we're red now. The digen transferred all your sin to us. We're blood-stained.

Speaking of blood...
>We won't need them all, unless we started our own small army.
Can you think of a reason to try this? Maybe you could start fighting the Coalition. That ship is a problem though.

>>148333
If I'm getting this right, the only way to be untrackable would be to sneak onto a ship.

Stealth is what Piaculum wants, too.

I'd say sell enough of the weapons to transport the SPC and yourselves. It is a barterable, neutral item, and it's valuable on its own. If you become low on cash again later, it can be sold then, but there is no reason to throw it away if you don't need to. Plus, if gold and silver are what you would be liquidating goods into, that's going to be a huge pain in the ass to transport if the sale would produce any significant quantity of it. I don't know how valuable those metals are where you are.

The piaculum wants stealth, but I'm extremely suspicious of it. It seems for now we need to be the most practical instead of listening to possibly genocidal supernatural entities.

Did you tell Kitty about how the Piaculum appeared to you (i.e. the form it took)?

>>148343
The most practical thing to do would be to leave no trace behind. If we leave a trail, the Coalition can follow us to where we hide the Tear.

Piaculum liking us for doing it the sneaky way is incidental.

>>148333
Go for option 4. It's a good vehicle and it sounds like you could sell it later if the need arises.

If you're worried about covering your tracks with human smugglers then there is an easy way. Dead men can't talk. If that feels a bit extreme to you then pay extra to make sure you get a crew that doesn't talk about their buisness.

But there likely isn't any way to completly cover your tracks this side of mind control. And even then it's not certain that you will be able to cover them.

Do you have any list of potential places where you will arrive? Getting information about where you plan on going would be useful for making more long term plans.

Oh and don't trust the Piaculum. Never trust easy answears or promises of perfect happines. Whenever something sounds to good to be true then it most often is. The only source of information you have is hardly unbiased and makes alot of promises without really backing them up. So I would advice you to distrust anything Caiphas says as well as not trust what he calls a god.

>>148344
Actually, the longer this goes on the more and more it looks like they weren't keeping the tear hidden, but they were keeping it where they knew they could come back for it.
If they wanted to hide it, they could have encased it in concrete and dropped it in some random part of the ocean never to be found again, but instead they decided to store is someplace less safe where they could find it again...

Burns, I don't think your mission was to hide us, I think it was it was to retrieve us.
I just wish we could remember before you picked us up, since we don't have a damn clue what they expected us to do.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/16(Tue)09:08 No. 148363 ID: c67320
File 126875571047.jpg - (110.01KB , 777x777 , 06-05.jpg )

>Maybe you could start fighting the Coalition.

I wasn't really being serious about starting our own army. Not that I wouldn't like to see this stupid war between them and the Empire put to an end for good.

>That ship is a problem though.

Yeah. That reminds me, actually.

"Hey, Tannon?"

>"Yeah?"

"Have you heard anything useful on those Coalition radios we picked up?"

>"Nothing overly pertinent. Squadron movements, idle chatter, references to materials and commands I have no means to verify.
>"The only transmission of merit was a statement by an operator five minutes ago. She seemed to slip, and mentioned Broken Towers alongside the ship."

"What about it?"

>"Little else. She mentioned the city was cleared at ground level.
>"It should be obvious enough, but while you were asleep there was a great deal of chatter once they discovered the team we fought. They neutralized the standard frequencies soon after, although I found a way around that."

Guess I won't ask about the details.

>stealth
>Piaculum

Frankly, Piaculum can suck it. I'm doing what's right for the mission. I'm treating this as though I've never heard of Piaculum.

>The most practical thing to do would be to leave no trace behind.
>Dead men can't talk.

I'm inclined to agree. However, I'm not going to start killing civilians. Not unless it's absolutely necessary.

"Right now, there's little to trace us. The Coalition will be looking for us, since they still don't know who we are, other than we're Confederate refugees. And that seems to be who they're after.
"They'll know we're in this vehicle, once they discover there used to be two of them at the dig site. They'll follow the tracks. If they preserve well enough, which they certainly will, the Coalition will find their way here, to Gray Bay."

>"So we should ditch the SPT?"

Kitty seems to have her own ideas, but for whatever reason, is reluctant to offer them up. Or, that's the impression I'm getting.

"Well... not necessarily. Not if we hurry. If we wanted it taken with us, we'd need to pay someone off to get it on board a ship anyway. There won't be a record of it leaving this port. Just eyewitnesses."

>"Minimize eyewitnesses then?"

"Right. If we want to keep the SPT, we can go in on foot, pay someone to bring it in, low-profile. The same type of person will be able to get us on board a ship without it being noticed, too."

>"So we hide the SPT, head into town, find some delightful fellows to ship us in and out of the city to keep the Coalition off of our tails, pay them off with the weapons, and off we go?"

"Right. It's a little riskier than just selling it off, but we're already limited by what we can do. Might as well go the extra mile."

Tannon is throwing a lot of levers up front. I think we're getting close to a point that we have to get back onto the main highway, if we want to ride straight into town.

>"Have you two animals decided what you're doing?"

That's getting tiring. Hey...

"Kitty, how well can he hear us?" I nearly whisper.

She shrugs.

>"I think they're entirely human, aside from those brains of theirs. So I guess they're no stronger or better off than anyone else? And Tannon is in the body of a forty or fifty year old."

Hm.

"Tannon, we'll need a place to hide the SPT. We're going to go into town on foot to see if we can find a safe way to transport everything."

He pauses, probably calculating or whatever the hell he does.

>"Hurry, then."

All right.

>Do you have any list of potential places where you will arrive?

This is our next problem. Like I said, I have no contacts. Unlike what happened in Qer, Poilen is more organized. Finding someone to get a job done should be no more difficult than wandering into the bad part of town and holding up a couple of thugs for information on the local toughs. In Qer, everyone was a local tough, and there was no real organization.

After that, we might have to broker a deal, maybe more.

Voices, I appreciate your input, but I think I've decided you aren't cut out for command. I was never the commanding officer everyone seemed to think I was, but it's time I started believing it, myself.

A good CO knows it's best to have as many ideas as possible before making his own decision. That's why I open up these plans to you. So, if you have any objections, concerns or ideas, you should make them known before we get started. Once we decide on a plan, we're sticking to it. That's how we run things.

>>148363
Burns, I hate to say this but before we go into town you may have to shave off those sideburns and possibly cut your hair. Coalition will likley have a description of how you look from Qer. If you're going to have to shake down some toughs for information then they will see how you look as well. By changing you apperance you should gain some extra time before they can pursue you.

Safest one to approach if you can find someone like that would probably be a moderatly sized crew. They need to be big enough to accept weapons as payment, yet not big enough to be too well known or ship too many people. It would also be for the best if they had as few other customers on the ship as possible. That would only add more witnesses.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/16(Tue)20:31 No. 148562 ID: a7c3fb
File 126879668321.jpg - (137.22KB , 777x777 , 06-06.jpg )

>Burns, I hate to say this but before we go into town you may have to shave off those sideburns

Hey. Hey. Nobody touches the sideburns.

Besides, I'm traveling with an alien catgirl with arguably the most perfect body in the entire world. I don't think my hair will be the problem.

Speaking of which.

"So, uh... Kitty. You really going to wear that into town?"

We leave Tannon with the SPT. I know you'll moan about that, voices, but we need someone to keep an eye on it, and I've decided that while he may be a dick, Tannon can be trusted to look out for his own interests. He's predictable like that.

>"Oh, hush. I only have a few outfits left. And you don't know how hard it is to hide Nyaerian features all the time."

"You know, you kind of talk like a little old woman sometimes."

>"S-shut up!"

It'll be a long, boring walk. Guess Kitty and I will have some quality time. Which I guess will amount to her recounting all the times she's dismembered people.

...Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut?

Once we get to Gray Bay, we'll ask some of the local hooligans where to get some work. That should lead us to someone who can tell us how to go about trafficking weapons and the SPT into the city.

So just ask about fun stuff. Does she play sports? Favorite food? Favorite colors?

Steer conversation away from combat for once.

Also, hopefully Kitty will buy some decent clothing too.

>>148562
Ask her how many languages she knows.

>alien catgirl with arguably the most perfect body in the entire world

Maybe you should tell HER that by way of apology for the old lady crack.

>>148570
He does have a wife and child you know.

>>148600
Doesn't stop you from complimenting a work of goddamned art.

>>148601
Art doesn't take you home for the night, or get it's feelings hurt. Let's play it safe for now.

>>148602

Agreed. Until we know more about Kitty's past, let's tread with caution.

>>148562
Well they have never managed to get a clear look at kitty without her disguise on. But that disguise does make her stand out a bit. But I can understand your attachment to facial hair.

You know to be fair we have only seen her dismember someone twice. And they had planned on raping her.

You can tell her a bit about your old life. She knows about your kid and wife. But tell her about your intrests and what you did for fun and shit like that. Maybe she will tell you something similar about herself then.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/18(Thu)00:57 No. 149075 ID: 17e2b5
File 126889903081.jpg - (178.09KB , 777x777 , 06-07.jpg )

>Ask her how many languages she knows.

Languages? Like... other species? We speak human, of course. I'd be impressed if anyone knew another language.

>tell her a bit about your old life

Can't say I really want to right now...

>Kitty's body

Ehhhhh I think I'll sort of sidestep that right now.

>Does she play sports? Favorite food? Favorite colors?

Yeah, I'm sure she plays lots of sports, in between escaping dying worlds and avoiding rape gangs.

Breaking the ice is so difficult sometimes. It gets more awkward as we continue on, in silence.

"So, uh..."

She watches me, as I bumble into a question.

"Want to get something to eat in town?"

>"You didn't eat before we left?"

"Well, yeah, but... you know."

She seems to ignore me.

"What's your favorite food, I mean?"

>"Haven't eaten or anything in a few decades."

"Oh. Wait. We can do that?"

>"If you starve to death, sure. The desire dies with it."

"Okay..." Jeez, she's a lot of fun. Why am I even doing this? Is it really necessary?

"Favorite color?"

She laughs a little. She seems to find my insistence on talking funny.

>"I don't know... blue? Why?"

I shrug. "Just asking, you know."

>"Oh."

It's like talking to an ice wall.

she hasn't really 'talked' to anyone for a very long time. in fact 'cold' may be the warmest she has ever been with anyone.

"Can we just talk about stuff, or do you want to walk to the town in an awkward silence?"

"Just socialising. Small talk." When you're off the track you need to have a system and a system needs labels and well, how would you describe it "affirmations", tone resonance.

Perhaps it would be easier to slip into conversation if you try to make plans about what to do when Tannon inevitably betrays you and just how he'll do so? If that turns into small talk, great. If it doesn't, at least you did something useful

If everything was measured only by it's utility, this would be a very bland and uninteresting world. Considering you are going to live forever, I'd say it's time to start appreciating the little things.

On an off-topic note, you might want to ask if Amortalism is genetic or not.

>>149075
The point of it is to make you two trust each other a bit better and get to know what the other can do. That way it gets easier down the road to cooperate and plan on what to do.

That and it's generally nice to know something about the people you're with.

But since this doesn't seem like the time and place for small talk I would suggest you two just walk onwards in companiable silence. You don't absolutely have to fill up every second you spend with someone with conversation.

>>149123
I would guess it's not or the world would be overrun with them by now. Digens have been around for a fucking long time and Amortals have been created for atleast as far back as 48000 years ago. So if it was hereditary then there should be alot more of them around.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/18(Thu)05:01 No. 149156 ID: a42c37
File 126891368447.jpg - (177.63KB , 777x777 , 06-08.jpg )

Sigh.

>ask if Amortalism is genetic or not

Eh... hell, why not.

"Can we pass this down? What we have? To our kids?"

"Amortals can't have children."

She says this with a little bit of a bite. Guess I struck a sour chord. I wonder what would happen if a pregnant woman was turned Amortal... I'll avoid asking. Ever, I think.

>The point of it is to make you two trust each other a bit better and get to know what the other can do. That way it gets easier down the road to cooperate and plan on what to do.

I guess.

I guess... Kitty just isn't a great conversationalist. She probably never actually had to be one, outside of getting what she wanted, considering where she grew up. To be fair, it's surprising she's as nice as she is. There's no telling what she was like, when she was younger.

"Sorry," I apologize after a while, for nothing in particular.

She doesn't seem to understand, but she doesn't say anything in reply.

Well, I should probably think of something.

"Do... you like it here? Our world?"

It's obvious she had never asked herself the same question.

>"It's... not as bad as some places."

"A glowing recommendation.
"What do you like about it?"

>"I don't -
>"It... doesn't smell? It isn't riddled with crime. Only a few people have tried to rape me since I got here."

I'm starting to feel a little depressed.

>>149156
Well she has had a pretty sucky life. So her life story is mostly going to be about tragic stuff happening to her or the few people she ever cared about.

I guess you could ask her about which places she has been too here thus far and what she liked best. Offer up a list of your own of sights and places you have liked in the past.

>>149156

Yeah, tell her some of your favorite sights of this place.

>>149156

"Can't have children"?
We'll see about that.
... Er, don't say that to her.

Ask her what she's enjoyed in life, if she has any hobbies, and if she really believes that every world is a crapsack.

>>149156
You know how old people get cranky sometimes when they've seen the world and done it all. People are creatures of habit and she's made a habit of 'not' getting connected with people, becasue she's wanted to be safe. Now she does have a desire to change that we know, but there is still the habit, drawing her back within herself.

>>149183

Yep, there's never too few good sights.

Just curious. Are we still red?

I know this isn't something you want to think about, but just hear me out and keep it in mind, okay?

Now, we turned red right after that dream with the Digen in it. That might be important later on. If we change color again, make sure to take note of the events going on when it happens. It might be some kind of danger alert system or something, and that might come in handy if cosmic horrors start raining out of the sky on top of us.

>>149156

"How many Amortals does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"

"One. They hold it in place and wait for the world to revolve around them."

>>149336
This

Yeah, because so far we've had a fantastic run of jokes going over well. Don't even say that to Burns, much less encourage him to say it.

Sorry, Burns--lot of us in here.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/18(Thu)19:44 No. 149416 ID: a7c3fb
File 126896669754.jpg - (178.85KB , 777x777 , 06-09.jpg )

>Are we still red?

Yup. Who knows why.

>Now she does have a desire to change that we know

Oh? I guess you voices know her better than I do, by now. Do you know something I don't?

>joke

Okay, fine. I'll try it.

"Hey, Kitty."

>"Yeah?"

"How many Amortals does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"

>"...What?"

"One. They hold it in place and wait for the world to revolve around them."

She stares at me for about ten seconds. She seems incredulous.

I grin like an idiot.

She rolls her eyes.

>"The voices are trying to make us bond, aren't they?"

Straight face again.

"I'm afraid so, yes."

She considers this for probably a full minute before she speaks again.

>"This is an okay world, I guess. The plains here are pretty. Where you're from, I guess... there're a lot of forests, lakes... I'm not very used to seeing nature so well-preserved.
>"Even the old ruined skyscrapers are... fun to look at, in a way."

She's trying.

>sites around the world

"You know, we'll probably pass by a few interesting places. I could show you around. It'd be a nice break, from, you know, living a shitty ass life."

She seems mildly amused, although it could be my imagination.

"I know you have a busy schedule and all."

She shakes her head, and I could swear I almost heard a faint laugh.

>"You aren't funny. At all."

Oh god. I suddenly realize. It's true.

"Ugh. I've gotten so damned old. What the hell happened to me? I used to be the funny guy. I was the joker of the group."

>"Maybe everyone else was just humoring you."

"Oh, come on. I was a fun guy. Seriously."

>"I just don't see it."

"And a real ladies man, too."

>"Now you're just making shit up."

What is best in life, the both of you. You then ask her.

>>149416SO

hmm she's used to more desolate worlds it seems. Even with a war on it seems you guys haven't wrecked the biosphere so I suppose you come out a little ahead.

Anyhow, what do most immortals she has known do with their life? I mean, sure fighting you guys almost seem made to fight. But I'll bet there's probably some crazy bastard out there trying to find "The Edge' by constantly traveling the same direction or something.

Or someone who plays a dickery with long term politics just for fun, or makes themselves the 'god' of some primitives, or just learns to play music really well I dunno.

I mean we've already heard about that poor bastard who jumped into a volcano and had to 'think' for a few thousand years (why the hell would he do 'that' I wonder?)

You guys need to learn more about Piaculum. If I had to make a judgement now I'd say Piaculum is more of a scavenger than a god, that worlds tear themselves apart and it just eats whatever's left over. But I don't want to make a judgement now. We need to find information on what we are, on the nature of Piaculum, on who Keoradine is (or was), and why people keep referring to us as a tear. Your lives, your sanity, all your worlds could depend on having this knowledge (and the tear) at the right time.

You'll find out one of two things when you do. Either you'll find out how Piaculum is causing worlds and friendships to crumble until nothing is left but kill or be killed, or you'll find out what is causing that to happen, and what role Piaculum plays in stopping it. I know you just want your old life back, back to see your family Burns, and I know you don't want to make the kind of committment to helping us out Kitty, but I fear as long as you hold us in your hands questions will keep coming up whether we like it or not, questions that mean life or death, and questions that we need answers to.

Who made you amortal? Don't say it was the religous man, because he himself said "If you wake up one day, it won't be because of me, or you. Remember that." Did we make you amortal somehow? We sure were trying, so if that's true then my dearest apologies. Also what is the Expanse? The space is contorted there, so what is contorting the space? I'm almost positive if you don't learn about the Expanse, you'll be wishing you had in the near future, when by some means or happenstance you get driven into there. That's just how our luck seems to run.

Reiterating:

* What is Piaculum?
* Who is Keoradine?
* Who made you amortal?
* Why are we now red as blood?
* What is the Expanse?

Don't seek answers to these questions for my sake. Seek answers to them for your sake.

Actually, there's one further worry about Piaculum. Mister Religious seems to be convinced that it's an ending, of a sort, even for an amortal. Either it's a force that can fundamentally change an amortal (say, by absorbing him or her, but I could come up with other possibilities), it's impossible to escape for some other reason, or... he's right about how wonderful a state it is. I think we can leave option 3 alone for now, but the true extent of Piaculum's power and reach is... quite a worrisome unknown. Nothing to be found here, but if you get a lead, go for it.

Asking about the Expanse is probably a good idea, though, for tangentially related reasons. I think we can all agree Piaculum isn't local? If that's the case, it'd have to come from somewhere else, most likely somewhere in the Expanse.


Also, since we can talk to each other when you're holding the stone, even without talking, do you think that having you and someone else hold it together would allow mind-to-mind telepathy? I dunno if we could extend it like that, or if you'd have to rely on us to talk to both sides. It might be worth trying if you need to communicate silently. Say, if we end up in another place where we need to be stealthy or something. Don't try it now; it'd be awkward. Do you think it'd work, though?

>>149416
Eh you're pretty funny guy. Well not that funny, more like "He thinks he's funny and it's so pitible that I will humor him" kind of funny. Something like that.

Asking about the expanse is probably a good thing. She has been traveling alot so she should know a decent amount about it.

You've lost your edge.

You need to foster that rapier wit back from the deep, and learn how to be an asshole without seeming too much like it.

Remember: All a professional comedian is, is a professional asshole.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/19(Fri)07:38 No. 149638 ID: ebea88
File 12690095172.jpg - (178.33KB , 777x777 , 06-10.jpg )

You guys are full of questions. A shame they're all something asked at a better time. She doesn't seem to want to talk about anything overly dramatic right now. And I can't say I blame her. Neither do I.

She lives this stuff all the time. I should be helping her experience simpler things in our free time. She's better than just a walking encyclopedia, after all. Or, that's what I'd like to think.

She's done some horrendous things, but, then, so have I, in my own way. Doesn't she deserve the chance to live a little better? It's why I enlisted. Everyone deserves a simpler life. It's what I'm fighting for. Little moments like these are why I'm carrying out this final mission.

>What is best in life?

Just that. Sitting at home with your family, knowing you've done good, and knowing you're safe and provided for.

>You then ask her.

Sure, I guess.

"What's best in life, Kitty?"

She nearly laughs, again. Seems like idle conversation is unusual to her.

>"What?"

"What? A back rub and a dry martini? Watching the light dim after a long day of doing nothing productive?
"How about... a man under each arm, and a beer on the table?"

I can make out a smile as she shakes her head.

"No? Then... how about... a woman under each arm?"

>"No," she laughs.

"Because that sounds pretty good to me."

>"No. I guess... just being safe. Staying out of the world's affairs. Being left alone."

"That's an easy dream to live out, here."

>"Hasn't seemed that way so far."

"I guess you just hang out with the wrong crowd."

>"Well, you are sort of a troublemaker."

"Give it some time."

She laughs. Seems like something she doesn't do often. It sounds strange. I'd say "catlike" if I wanted to get smacked around.

"We'll all be safe, soon enough. Then maybe we'll see about finding you a loftier goal."

>"Oh? Like what?"

"Whatever you'd like."

She considers this, although with a little more light in her step. Hope she finds what she's looking for. I know it'd give me a little more hope for the future.

The silence isn't quite so awkward, as we walk on, to Gray Bay.

>>149638
Good work. Now lets find a lowlife and ask him who is the boss.

Something to consider if you ever get the chance. Getting in touch with Reklaw might be a good idea. He seems to have been following that Piaculum thing for a very long time, if he could get a heads up on where it's going to be then maybe he could do something about it. Getting in touch with him could be alot harder though. Might be some way for Kitty to do it, but it's not a good time to bring that up right now.

>>149638

Damn sorry I suck at schmoozing. I didn't mean you should ask Kitty that right now. Just like, go to the library sometime, or something. Dig through ancient ruins and stuff.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/20(Sat)21:47 No. 150213 ID: 6118d2
File 126914684569.jpg - (146.74KB , 777x777 , 06-11.jpg )

Gray Bay. It may have been named for the water, but it's earned it everywhere else. It's cold here, which is strange, because you can almost see the desert on the other side of the bay, in Kergas.

The buildings are dilapidated. They aren't uninhabitable, like Qer, but at first glance, you might wonder.

Several people walk the streets, or hide in alleyways. There are no vehicles here. Litter is everywhere. Rubble covers most of the ground, and even into the streets.

All right. We have to find a local, and decide how we want to do this. Do we ask for work? Do we just say we're looking for the big names? Do we say we've got a job we need done? Or, we could just start trouble and see what it attracts (which probably wouldn't be a great idea, just throwing it out there.) There are plenty of routes we can take.

I'm leaning toward seeing if you can get any work, depending on what might be available. You'll likely be able to find a couple contacts that way, it's not as suspicious as straight-up asking about the local heavies, and hey, getting paid's never a bad thing.

>>150213
Ask about work, and if you're pressed with questions by some inquisitive local you can just go with the whole "refugees running with nothing but the clothes on our backs" angle. Even if you get turned down for work you can still test the waters and see what kind of reactions the residents give.

If that doesn't work, then go ask about big names around.

>>150213
I say find a local drug dealer and mention that you're looking for some protection work.

The guy standing in the doorway to a building on your left looks like he might be a good target. Just have Kitty watch your back, the two leaning on a building a bit closer to you and further to your left are probably his guards. Tell her not to kill them if they try to attack, just knock them out.

Reminds me of Cleveland.

Anyways, I'd look for a bar and inquire within about ships and dock times.

>>150363
Having visited Cleveland, I'd have to agree. It's a gray, ruined city. It looks like it should be growing out of a dead animal in a forest somewhere.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/23(Tue)03:01 No. 151057 ID: ebe67f
File 126933850046.jpg - (119.15KB , 777x777 , 06-12.jpg )

>"refugees running with nothing but the clothes on our backs" angle.

Actually, that would work better than trying to play the part of a local. Remember, the Poilenese are generally friendly to outsiders, but have a lot of factions and in-fighting amongst themselves. It's generally only surface level amiability, but it's enough.

>getting work
That seems to be the consensus, and I agree. Best to lay low, get in and out as quickly as possible.

>man leaning in the doorway

We approach him. He spots us coming and turns to meet us, but doesn't seem to take up any hostile or fearful stance.

>"Hey?" he asks, warily.

"Hey. You might've gotten a lot of our type lately, but we're refugees from the war?"

He nods, unsurprised.

"Sorry for just dropping in on you, but we're looking for work, and we really don't know the city very well."

>"Yeah, no problem. Yeah, we've got a lot of your type around, lately. Don't get involved in nothin' of the sort, myself. But yeah, I hear there's a lot of demand for out-of-town muscle right now."

"All right. So -

>"Look, sorry. Not gonna get involved in that kind of shit, myself. But a couple of the major guys've been goin' at it for a while, now. Both of 'em have been pickin' up people like you, shippin' 'em 'round to places 'n' the like, you know? Somethin' like that, anyway."

"How do we find them? Should we avoid one of them, or...?"

>"Like I said... (me?) don't get involved in all that, yeah? I just run shop a little uptown.
>"Haywood and Oneacre. Those're the guys. But don't tell nobody I told you nothin'.
>"Think they've been fightin' over territory. I dunno. I just pay my protection money, let them do the business, you know, yeah?"

"Yyyyeah..."

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/23(Tue)03:52 No. 151065 ID: ebe67f
File 126934155896.jpg - (171.65KB , 777x777 , 06-13.jpg )

>[[ Introducing, for possibly a limited time, tablet-drawn images, instead of crazy mouse-drawn ones. ]]

>"So, how do we get a hold of them?" Kitty insists. I think she's losing her patience.

>"Eh, I dunno, yeah? Oneacre's boys are due to my shop tomorrow mornin' to pick up their protection money. Yeah, you could keep them there.
>"Haywood, he's at some kinda rally tonight. It'd be easy enough to spot 'im, yeah? Yeah. Big fellow, always surrounded by muscle."

>"Thank you," Kitty sighs.

She drags me away for a moment.

>"Sorry, I just could not tolerate that anymore."

I laugh.

"Yeah."

She thumps my arm, which hurts a lot more than you'd think.

"Ow?"

>"Shut up. Which one do you want to hit up?"

>>151065
That's not really enough information about either to make an informed decision. You still have some time before you need to make it. Find a local seedy dive and check it for information brokers. You don't really need personal information, just a little about who they are, what they deal in and how they operate.

Depending on how well armed they are, this could be a good opportunity to unload some of those weapons for some quick cash.

Actually working for these thugs seems like a bad idea. You don't want to become a thug for hire just because you need some quick cash.

>>151071
Agreed. A turf war isn't the type of situation you'll want to linger around in the midst of. Although it does mean there's a need for weapons possibly. Try around for a bit more information about the factions. Of course if the residents are all like the guy you just spoke to, you may have to go on with what little you have.

Actually, since the rally is this evening and Onecare's people aren't coming by to pick up that guy's protection fee until tomorrow, why not check out the rally after digging around a bit more? You can get a feel for Haywood tonight, then check out what Onecare's people are like the next day.

Follow that last guy's example. Stay low until something comes up that makes you need to pick a side, preferably the one that will give you the least overall drama at that point. At the moment? All we know are the names, and "Oneacre sounds smaller, get it?" isn't much of a reason. Loiter around Haywood's rally, but don't join in. If you can listen from outside and without drawing attention, that would be ideal.

[[Holy crap, you've been drawing with a mouse?]]

I say we need a second opinion. Let's look for a dive bar or some other watering hole for more information.

(Please keep the tablet.)

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/24(Wed)03:55 No. 151359 ID: 3ad966
File 126942813722.jpg - (147.64KB , 777x777 , 06-14.jpg )

>[[ Yes, I've drawn with nothing but a mouse up till now. I'll try the tablet for a while, but I won't be shading anywhere near as much as a result. ]]

I agree about attending this political rally, just in case.

As far as "working," I really have no intention of getting hired to do anything. We're asking for work just to get a lead on how to contact the right people.

"Strange they're hiring so many refugees."

>"Why?" Kitty asks. "If they're so distrusting of one another..."

"Well, yeah. Poilens tends to contract help from foreigners for certain things, but not in mass, like this. Whatever they're being used for, it must be surface level work with no real chance of exposing what's being done to the law enforcement."

>more information

I signal back to the man in the doorway. Kitty seems less enthused than I am.

>"Yeah?" he moans out. Kitty grunts.

"Know anything about why they're hiring all this refugees?"

He shrugs.

>"I keep my nose out of things, yeah?"

"Can you tell us anything more about these two guys? What's the difference between them?"

He laughs, almost boisterously.

>"Yeah, good question. Ask myself the same thing all the time.
>"Uh, well... Oneacre and Haywood been goin' back and forth a long time now. Mostly, it's about who did what to who, yeah?
>"So, I dunno... yeah, when I used to pay Haywood, his boys treated me a lil' better, but he's gotten rougher lately, pushin' back for control and such.
>"He's more political, you know? He's one of the "local business owners" the police like that pal around with. Think he does most of the black market shit, yeah?
>"Oneacre isn't as lovable, yeah, but he's got more ties with some of the other countries. He's small time, like anybody else, but when someone important gets smuggled in or out, he's the one in on it. Yeah, Coalition is his main supplier."

He coughs on his cigarette and spits.

>"Yeah. That what you wanted to know?"

>>151359
Dump the guns on Heywood, and don't bother dickering over price unless they try to royally screw you over.
In retrospect we should have brought their uniforms with us, since then we could offer those as a pack-in.

>>151359
Well both of those are good to know. Haywood is probably the one to go to for selling the weapons. Oneacre will have the smuggler connections, but he also has coalition connections, which isn't good.

I would say sell the weapons to Haywood for cash. Then cut out the middle man and find out who does Oneacres smuggling for him and approach that captain directly.

Also it sounds like Haywood might be planning a grab for more power. Backing him and taking out Oneacre might upset the Coalitions plans of Poilen.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/24(Wed)14:03 No. 151473 ID: f11584
File 126946463527.jpg - (290.68KB , 777x777 , 06-15.jpg )

Just because Oneacre has dealings with the Coalition doesn't mean he would turn us over to them, although I'm inclined to agree. We shouldn't take chances.

We arrive at the political rally later that evening. There's a fairly good showing. Most of the audience consists of people like the "Yeah Guy." Unemployed, messy looking, uneducated.

Early on, the host announces the speakers for the night. There's five: the head of police, three local business owners, and finally, someone campaigning for Mayor, named "Canter."

Most importantly, the next to last speaker, the one before Canter, will be "Alexander Haywood."

There's a lot of security. Most aren't the police, but guys decked out in expensive looking suits.

>"...fair and equitable. The promises to your neighborhood, to your families, have not --

The speaker before Haywood, some local investment firm owner, is nearing the end of his speech. Whether he actually runs a business, who knows.

The crowd seems restless, but continues cheering. Their heart doesn't seem entirely in it. Guess they know the right song and dance.

>>151473
Wait for Heywood and ask Kitty to survey the crowd. Make a quick assessment of Heywoods bodyguards and then check the crowd yourself. Be on the lookout for anything that stands out or seems odd. Listen to his speach while keeping an eye on the crowd.

Chances are there won't be any assassination attempts right now. But if there is one and you or Kitty is the one to stop it then you could get quite a bit of pull with Heywood. If there isn't one then no harm done.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/24(Wed)16:44 No. 151532 ID: c67320
File 126947428930.jpg - (245.59KB , 777x777 , 06-16.jpg )

The crowd applauds as the speaker closes.

There's a small intermission before Haywood comes to the stage, from out of the back.

"Kitty, take a look around. See if you can spot anything out of the ordinary."

>"Like another Nyaerian? Or a couple other Amortals running around?"

"Sure. Or maybe an ice cream stand. I'm starving."

She scoffs a laugh and pushes her way out, into the crowd.

I pick up some idle chatter. People are talking about personal experiences. Why bother? He'll just embezzle the money. Busted up my shop last week. Typical stuff.

So far, nothing overly obvious.

I can hear some applause coming from out of sight. Sounds like Haywood is making his way to the front.

>>151532
Do a quick survey of the stage and then keep scanning the crowd. The way they react could be more important in judging his character than just observing him.

And keep you eyes peeled for anything strange in the crowd. Like placed men there to rile the crowd up at the right moments or similar things. Basically anything that you think stands out a bit.

>>151532
Watching the guy on stage spouting out lines probably won't be the best gauge of his character but you work with what you've got. If the crowd starts the idle chatter up and Haywood's name comes around, see what you can gather from them. The people under the effect of oppression are better sources of perspective than those oppressing.

>>151534
Basically this. Your most important task will be keeping your wits about you.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/24(Wed)17:32 No. 151547 ID: c67320
File 126947715060.jpg - (234.30KB , 777x777 , 06-17.jpg )

Haywood runs out onto the stage, arms aloft.

The crowd roars in response, whistling, clapping and cheering. The faces on the people don't match what's coming out of their mouths, though.

It doesn't take long for the niceties to break up, as his bodyguards take the stage. Standing closest is... someone.

Haywood doesn't introduce him, and the figure seems to lurch far enough away to make it obvious he's not meant to be the topic of interest.

>"When J.R. Canter came to me two months ago, his first words to me -

Looks like he's just giving a standard bullshit speech.

The crowd listens only closely enough to gauge when they should clap.

Who's that? I heard he's brought in a lot of foreigners - more than usual. Heard that guy is some sort of hitman. He's just another bodyguard, from what I hear.

It's obvious where their attention really is.

>>151547
Oddly enough, I feel like I've seen this guy before. It's not really coming to me though. Must be nerves.

Anyway, it's obvious that he's this guy's top guard. You would think with ruined buildings all around, a sniper would make for a better guard rather than somebody who stands out that much, but I guess on the other hand if he can get away with attracting that much attention, he's pretty good to still be alive.

...Huh, that's something to consider. Plenty of sniper cover for Kitty to use if she needs it. Keep it in mind.

I'm confused on what we should be doing here. Why are we at a political rally in a craphole town?

>>151574
Because... I don't know, really. I guess we need work for money?

Or something to that effect. Man, for the ultimate sentient knowledge cluster, we sure have a spotty memory. If I forget one more thing today, I swear I'll be... seeing red!

.....Yeah, that was pretty lame.

>>151547
Looks like a needlessly complicated disguise for hiding your features.

Ask around in the crowd about Heywood hiring foreigners and the new bodyguard.

>>151574
>>151577
[[ I notice you guys are really bad at keeping track of what we're doing.

We're trying to store away the Tear without anyone knowing, right? Tannon knows where the Unopened Vault we want is. He wants us to get off the continent first to get to it. We agreed to get off the continent by first heading to Gray Bay, then getting a ship to take us to the East-West Port cities (there are major docks there that ship around the world.)

We are now at Gray Bay. It was decided we wanted to keep our vehicle, but that it would be nearly impossible to transport it without being noticed, and also that it would be pretty expensive. So, we're going to sell off all those Coalition weapons we looted from the soliders we killed earlier.

To do that, we need to find someone with access to the black market: either Haywood or Oneacre, we've discovered. We are now at a rally with Haywood speaking. We're looking right at him. He has a mustache.

The object here is to find a way to get in touch with this guy (or the other guy, Onceacre), so that we can arrange a deal to ship our vehicle in and out of the city without anybody else finding out. We aren't really looking for work from him. That was just the easiest lie to get someone to tell us where to find someone with connections.

If you don't manage to leave the continent without being detected, the Coalition will be down your throat, because they're chasing refugees, and you implicated yourself as being very suspicious when they found you guarding a spaceship, essentially. Why the Coalition is after refugees, you do not know yet.

If the plot is really proving that difficult to follow, I'll tone it down (again) and just do a Rubyquest sort of fetch thing where you're always presented with a locked door and you have to find a key, and monsters chase you for no explicit reason. ]]

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)06:53 No. 151868 ID: f2b2b3
File 126952522745.jpg - (228.67KB , 777x777 , 06-18.jpg )

If you guys have that much of a problem remembering what we're even doing, I don't think I'm going to depend on you for much.

Right now we need to figure out a way of speaking with Haywood. We need him to procure some travel arrangements.

We could try once he leaves the stage, but I'm afraid that it would look like we're trying to kill the guy, or something. We could just track him back to his home, but that may look even worse.

I'm afraid of even asking, but how would YOU go about talking to the guy, one-on-one?

>"...live in a city in which you don't have to be afraid of taking your children out onto the streets at night. Where there's no corruption bringing down the -

He's wrapping it up.

Judging from his speech, either he's pretty good at lying, or he earnestly believes he's making this city a better place. Through "business transactions" and "political backers," of course.

>"So without further ado, may I present, your next mayor of Gray Bay, Justin R. Canter!"

The crowd lights up again, on cue.

We don't care about Canter. He's just some puppet that's being used by Haywood and the police.

We need to speak to Haywood, to make a deal so we can get out of this city, off of this continent, and to wherever Tannon is taking us.

>>151868

Right so, now you should...

wait, fuck, what are we doing?

Screw it, just start masturbating or something.

>>151869
*sigh*

>>151868
Standard protocol would be to approach his bodyguards and inform them that you have a business proposition that Mister Heywood should be interested in.

>>151868
Approach bodyguards or anyone looking like a secretary and tell them you have a buisness proposition for him.

It's probably not necessary to meet with him face to face to get what you need. He probably has henchmen dealing with that side of his buisness while he deals with big stuff and keeps up the good front for the outside.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)17:47 No. 152078 ID: 8e9eb6
File 126956446952.jpg - (215.22KB , 777x777 , 06-19.jpg )

It's not like I'm risking a lot here. They can't exactly kill me. Or, you know... I assume.

I approach the side of the stage Haywood exits off of. The strangely dressed bodyguard blocks my path, as Haywood waves off the crowds.

The stranger doesn't say a word, but makes it clear I'm not welcome.

I remove my hood, to make it more obvious I'm not trying to be shady.

"I have a business proposition for Mister Haywood."

The figure ignores me.

"How can I get a hold of him? I'd like to arrange a meeting."

Still nothing.

Haywood gets closer, and the stranger pulls closer, along with several other security personnel. Looks like Haywood is going to be funneled into a limousine.

"Please, can you at least give him a message?"

The stranger continues to ignore me.

>>152078
Uhm... hmm maybe we should give this fellow a bit of wider berth... wait till after the festivities huh?

>>152078
They *can* keep you in a perpetually maimed state without letting you 'die'. Can you imagine being nothing but a head and torso, kept alive for some crime lord's amusement?

Being an Amortal is not always a good thing.

Back away from Haywood, maybe try to catch his eye and wave at him or something. Don't make any sudden movements though.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)18:14 No. 152094 ID: 8e9eb6
File 126956605159.jpg - (206.19KB , 777x777 , 06-20.jpg )

>wait
>give the bodyguard more room

Guess I shouldn't be too aggressive. Still, I think I need this done, now.

I've got an idea.

I wait until Haywood is within earshot.

"Hey, Haywood! I'm a refugee looking for work!"

He balks, and seems to have heard what I said. I don't know if that really means anything to him, but it's the best lead I've got. He's supposedly been eating up work, although I don't know what for.

>"Bring him," he mentions to the lead bodyguard.

Nothing else is said.

He vanishes into the sea of security, funneled to his vehicle.

The bodyguard grasps my arm, rather painfully. He's strong. Very strong.

He urges me.

>>152094
Mayhaps another immortal? I suppose the mask would make sense for someone who has lived long enough to be in some history books.

>>152094
Go along with it.

The bodyguard is probably an Amortal from the sounds of it. I imagine having those abilities would be very, very useful in that line of work.

>>152094

Go along with the guard. We had our fingers broken already, we don't need an arm broken either.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)18:36 No. 152120 ID: 8e9eb6
File 126956741488.jpg - (184.76KB , 777x777 , 06-21.jpg )

>another Amortal?

No idea. Hell of a grip. It would have been fairly painful if I was still normal.

>go along with it

Yeah. Still acting under the premise I'm after work is better than nothing.

>"Hey."

It's Kitty. I nearly forgot that she's been looking around all this time.

It's obvious what she wants. She doesn't know what's just happened.

I could introduce her, as well, although I doubt chatterbox here would like the prospect. She could follow us, if she's even able to keep up. Or, she could try the same thing that got me work, or...

Need to make this quick. We're heading to another limo, and the crowd is thinning into nothing but security.

For all intents and purposes, Kitty is looking for work too. Bring her along.

>>152120
She could probably do the same thing you did, I suppose... If that doesn't work though you're going to have to leave her behind and just mention it to Haywood yourself.

>>152120
Quickly say
"Said I was a refugee looking for work, getting taken along. Try to join or meet later or what?"

I think that Body Guard's a woman. Fitting that all the amortals you might meet be would be women. Besides, every mysterious, ominous, strong figure is a woman. It's in the rule book that you don't know about.

>>152120

No. Have her follow outside and keep an eye on things. She's probably had lifetimes of experience trailing and watching people from the shadows; just like she did with you.

Let her do that and you'll stay inside. Just in case things go really south.

>>152129
This could work, but still seems suspicious. No more suspicious than an odd refugee foreigner tailing one of the most powerful men in the city, though. Go with this. If you can get some others to come along it'll look legit.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)21:44 No. 152239 ID: a7c3fb
File 126957865092.jpg - (196.30KB , 777x777 , 06-22.jpg )

It would probably be best to have someone on the outside, in case something goes wrong. There's nothing involved I can't handle, I suppose.

I don't know about this Amortal business, and I don't have time to think too much on it.

Tell Kitty what's going on. I'm going to hand things over to you.

"We'll meet up later."

>>152239
Stay safe man.

Hey Kitty. Burns is going with Haywood to scrounge up some work type stuff. He'll be back later, assuming all goes to plan.

>>152245
If things don't go as planned then it'll just be even later. It's not like they can kill him, after all...

They could dump your body in a volcano or acid and you remain in a state of death for 10,000 years or so while you are conscious sometime in that. At least that's the worst they could do.

>>152261
No, the worst they could do is keep him barely alive, helpless and in agony. We went over this!

>>152263
That's not practical at all. He could escape with enough determination and ability. Melting his body would take him out for many millenniums and keep them out of their business. Keeping him alive means they have to keep an eye on him every day every second. Besides, he technically would be barely alive in the acid/volcano anyway.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)22:13 No. 152273 ID: a7c3fb
File 126958038346.jpg - (177.01KB , 777x777 , 06-23.jpg )

What the hell are you guys going on about?

What's going on?

Where's he going?

Work? We don't need work. We need to sell off those weapons and buy our way out of the country.

Who's the weirdo with him?

Damn it. I leave for five minutes...

They have no reason to screw him over like that though, even if they know he's amortal.
They might shoot him in the head and dump his body in a river, but spending more energy than that isn't worth it to them.

>>152273
Well, he's not exactly going to stay with them. It's going to be more of a trade. A service for a service, right?

Looks to me like another Amortal, Kitty. Not confirmed but it grabbed Burn's wrist hard enough to hurt, maybe break his arm or something if he was normal. May be a woman. Must investigate further.

Well, what I meant by work was working out a deal to trade the weapons for a way out of here.

...are you going to follow him?

>>152273
He was trying to get his attention, and couldn't until he said he was a refugee and looking for work. Then he got pulled along right quick.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)22:33 No. 152295 ID: a7c3fb
File 126958160928.jpg - (201.57KB , 777x777 , 06-24.jpg )

Oh son of a bitch I don't have time for this shit.

I'll have to get up on the rooftops just to track his damned car.

Another Amortal? Are you sure? Or are you just making wild speculation again?

I can't believe he just did that without even mentioning it first. Damned spur of the moment bull...

Okay, whatever. He's doing something.

I'll just... I'll just track him. He can't get into that much trouble.

Did you voices goad him into doing this? Why didn't you stop him?

I don't know if I can keep up with them, if they get out on the open road.

Well, large disguise for physical appearance... I reckon that the person is from another world and race just like you, Kitty. It's trying to hide its features at least, making it suspect. You cover most of your body.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)22:57 No. 152330 ID: 12084d
File 126958302992.jpg - (219.55KB , 777x777 , 06-25.jpg )

I move across the rooftops. Thankfully, most of them are level enough for me to jump up and down to. I don't think running at the speed of a moving vehicle would be prudent, in the middle of the streets.

This city is larger than I thought. But we're in the business sector.

While I was skulking around, looking for "anything interesting," I found a couple guys in an alleyway talking up the end of the rally. They were arguing about something, but I only caught the tail end of it.

I was planning on following them, until Burns decided to go on a joyride in a limo.

And you're sure they didn't say anything else important? That Burns didn't want me to know anything other than he was being hauled around to who knows where by a fashion victim?

>>152330
Sniper to your left!

>>152330

Burns claimed he could handle it. But I say one could stand to have an extra pair of eyes on his business 'partner' and that Imperial Guard reject.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)23:15 No. 152352 ID: 8c0e33
File 126958411975.jpg - (186.85KB , 777x777 , 06-26.jpg )

>sniper

!

It doesn't take long to leap down and disarm him.

But he wasn't aiming for me. He was aiming at one of the limousines. I can't tell which one.

What do I do...

If I stop to interrogate him I run the risk of the losing the limo.

>>152352
Can you just pick him up and interrogate him along the way? Getting handled like a bag of laundry across rooftops will probably loosen his tongue.

Or if you really can't just toss the gun aside and continue after the limo.

>>152352
Grab the gun and carry him with you.
He'll be intimidated enough to answer.

"Confiscate" the rifle, knock him out with the butt of the rife, and continue to give chase.

His very presence speaks volumes about the popularity of the politician.

>>152352
Knock him out and carry him with you. Hand him over to Heywood later with Burns compliments. Hopefully it will make Heywood feel indebted to the both of you which will make it easier to convince him to help you out.

No, don't take the gun! If anyone sees you with it they will be far more likely to start shooting at you without asking questions first!

>>152366
... unless that was his assassin.

>>152368

We can hide it in our oversized cloak.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)23:40 No. 152384 ID: aa5284
File 126958562399.jpg - (187.09KB , 777x777 , 06-27.jpg )

It'll be awkward, but the biggest risk is dropping him.

That is, very little risk to me.

I knock him out, easily.

Perhaps I can use him as a present, later, to get me in good graces.

But keep in mind... if he wakes up, or notices what I am, in any way, I'll have to kill him, to protect our secrets.

[paused] Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/25(Thu)23:42 No. 152386 ID: aa5284
File 126958574564.jpg - (179.84KB , 777x777 , 06-27-p.jpg )

[[ Only one chapter, possibly two, remain until Game One in the discussion thread ( http://www3.tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/321772.html ) expires.

If you want to contribute, you should do so within the next month. ]]

>>152386

Don't we have any tranquilizers on our person? I thought we did.

Blindfold him.

>>152384
Can't say I particulary care about his life. He will probably both be dead and wish he was dead once we have handed him over. I guess he could be useful d.ead as well so long as you can present the sniper rifle alongside with the body. Just make sure he is very much knocked out, still breathing though.

Then follow that car! And keep an eye out for other snipers. They might have some contingencies in effect.

>>152411
We'd like to avoid killing people. If you lose Burns then interrogate him and drop him off in an alley somewhere.

>>152415
But why? Leaving him alive after he has seen Kitty would be a liability. And if we can present him to Haywood we might score some influence with him.

Hey Kitty if you have to kill him then just drop him off a tall building. That way there won't be any odd wounds that stand out or anything like that. And depending on how diligent the cops around here are there might not be any thorough investigation.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/26(Fri)09:33 No. 152574 ID: aa5284
File 126962119070.jpg - (237.33KB , 777x777 , 06-28.jpg )

I barely manage to catch back up with both the caravan, as it turns a corner. A couple more seconds and I might have lost them completely.

They eventually end up at a couple of buildings. The one carrying Haywood exits into an odd dome-shaped building. The one carrying Burns exits into an unmarked building. I guess this is where they operate out of.

The guy I've been carting around hasn't stirred yet, thankfully. I've heard him groan a couple times, so he's not dead. I carried his weapon along for the ride, just in case I need some proof.

There are a good number of things I can do here.

I can interrogate this guy, although I'd have to wait a bit for him to wake up.

I can head into the building where Burns is at.

I can follow Haywood.

I can drop off this guy and try to earn some favor with these people.

Or, some other option I haven't considered?

>>152574
Hmm, I say tie him up and drop him off. If it's a misunderstanding and this guy is somehow connected to them it might be best to sort it out quickly.

And if he is not, then once you make a connection between you and Burns clear. That should Burns should have alot more credibility and an easier time to deal with them.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/26(Fri)12:12 No. 152617 ID: aa5284
File 126963075188.jpg - (212.14KB , 777x777 , 06-29.jpg )

Don't have time to wait around on you guys.

Burns can take care of himself, and I can act as an anchor, so I'll avoid getting involved, for now.

I decide to check up on him. It's simple enough to spy from one of the windows - people don't look up that often.

Looks like he and a bunch of other people are getting a run down of something. The weirdo is there with them, but isn't doing anything. The sound is muffled, but...

>"...your only concern. This is a business matter, and we expect you to act professionally.
>"First team is already on location.
>"Second team, you already know what to do. Once you've been arrested, you'll receive new instructions. You're dimissed."

The speaker jerks his head, signaling a group to exit the building, into waiting vehicles. All that remain is about six people, including Burns.

>"New people - third team, just be glad you're getting paid. Fifty Poilen-standard pins, each; no more, no less. You'll receive them once you arrive back here, tomorrow morning. Afterwards, you're expected to leave the city, and the country.
>"You have a simple job. You can't screw this up. If you do, I'll be a very unhappy man.
>"We'll take you where you need to go. Mr. Haywood will be arriving at the docks around eight. Once he arrives, a news team should already be on location. Your job is to attack Mr. Haywood.
>"I know that sounds strange, but we need to put on a show for the public. Our people will be using rubber bullets on you. If you're afraid of a little pain, I suggest you get out, now, and keep on your way, out of the country.
>"When you get hit, go down and don't get back up. When they haul you away, you'll be extracted and given new orders.
>"That's your job: shut your mouths, fire blanks from the weapons we give you, and go down for the cameras. That's it."

He jerks his head again, to another door.

The group, including Burns, seems a little hesitant, but they leave.

Things are starting to make a little bit more sense.

I guess I should follow Burns' vehicle, or Haywood's, since they're going to the same place. I may even be able to have a little chat with Haywood, if I wanted. I still have time to drop off this unconscious wretch.

>>152617
So Haywood is staging an attack on himself? I bet there won't be any rubber bullets.

Lets try to get into contact with Burns and see what he thinks of the whole deal. Also tie up retard sniper, gag him and blindfold him then put him in a dumpster or something until you decide what to do with him.

>>152617
The attack of course is to give him an excuse to consolidate power and tighten security....

Looks like this is ground zero for the creation of a new fascist state? Of course with your long history you've probably become familiar with this kind of politics, I was just spitting that out there.

Make of that what you will. The difficulty is that if they arn't using rubber bullets they may take 'extra measures' (like a cement mixer or a steel furnace) when they find out Burns doesn't go down to a few slugs. Worse, that suspected ammortal there may know a few torments of his own.

>>152634

I say we secretly swap out live rounds for blanks and report to his political opponent once Haywood is worm food.

>>152645
For all we know they arn't even blanks and this is a double double cross.

>>152689
Yeah, let's make this even more needlessly complex.

>>152617
Following Burns doesn't seem quite so necessary. You said it yourself, he can take care of himself. And until we know exactly what kind of bodyguard the weirdo in the get up is, I wouldn't suggest making an aggressive stand against Haywood. Burns told us that the guard had a strong grip, one that would have hurt if he were human. Could mean Amortal, could mean something else.

That aside, what to do about your "cargo". He couldn't have been a spotter for the cars if he was only keeping a bead on them. I doubt he's working for Haywood, but he's too unconscious to figure out. I'd say dump his ass off. Man, who knew going to the rally would stir all this shit up?

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/26(Fri)17:12 No. 152821 ID: 17fc61
File 126964876170.jpg - (203.53KB , 777x777 , 06-30.jpg )

Guys, this is all very fascinating, but you never really added anything to what I was concerned about.

Do I approach Haywood? Do I hand over this guy that was potentially going to assassinate him? It could be important. Or maybe it really was one of his guys. Maybe it'll only freak him out, or get me shot at. Who knows. It's not like I'm risking a lot, personally.

What do you think?

He's leaving. I either need to catch him right now, or not at all. I'd have to wait until after whatever Burns is doing goes down.

>>152821
Approach him with the guy slung over your shoulder and tell Haywood that he really needs to up his security. There are snipers on his chosen road and if there hadn't been some civic minded citizen along the road then things might have ended in tradgedy.

I wouldn't hand over the sniper to Haywood in case he spills the beans on us.

I'd say just continue to keep tabs on Burns and Haywood from afar. Preferably through the sniper rifle scope.

>>152825
Spills the beans about WHAT? The sniper knows nothing. Just hand him over.

"Yo, wassup."

>>152827

Oh, I thought he saw us BEFORE he clobbered him.

I'm still not keen on turning him over to Haywood. We should interrogate him as to why he wanted to assassinate Haywood. Perhaps this goes deeper than mere politics?

>>152830
The snipers motivation isn't really our problem though. We need one favor out of Haywood and then we're out of here and they can burn down the city for all I care.

>>152832
That's rather short sighted of an ammortal to think ehh?

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/26(Fri)18:26 No. 152841 ID: 17fc61
File 126965317837.jpg - (234.19KB , 777x777 , 06-31.jpg )

All right.

As I jump from the top of the building to the streets below, I recall a guilty pleasure of mine. I love amortal-level jumping. I can't leap any tall buildings, but it's so much fun, just flying through the air...

I land near Haywood and his men, startling them. They didn't see where I came from, or what I did to get here. Some draw weapons, and some try to figure out how I got this close. Ha! So much fun. For me. Not so much for you guys.

"Hey."

Everyone freaks out but Haywood, who's already spotted the little prize I've left him.

"All right, shut up," he booms. His men look like they all crap themselves, at once. I imagine they'll be in for hell later, for letting me get to him so easily.
"What is it?" he asks, impatiently.

"You like my present?" I kick at the limp body at my feet, and it groans.

"You aren't from around here, are you?"
"You don't know the half of it."
"What are you doing with one of Lojik's boys?
"He was on top of a building, about two blocks from here." I slide the sniper rifle out of my sleeve and onto the ground. "He was aiming this at your caravan."

He seems a little surprised. Although, not too much.

"Interesting. ...Care to take a ride?"

His security objects, although with one glare he puts them down.

I guess he could be trying something funny, but I don't figure he would. What would he stand to gain? This is low-risk for me, anyway.

>>152841
Sure.

Go with him, I guess. We've come this far.

>>152841
Sure go with him. Just remember that you need to get a passage for everyone out of town as well as sell all the weapons you don't need.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/26(Fri)19:29 No. 152871 ID: 17fc61
File 126965698251.jpg - (243.70KB , 777x777 , 06-32.jpg )

We get into his vehicle, and head to the same location as Burns, in theory.

"Ah, good to have some free exchange."

I hum in answer. I'm not sure what he means.

"Forgive me. Bit of Poilenese humor.
"Can't trust a single damned countryman. Foreigners. Now there's a group of people untainted by greed, lusts, depravity... at least the kind that matter to men like me.
"That man you brought works for one of my closest associates. And he was trying to kill me."

"Are you certain?"

"I have to be, in this business.
"You can't trust anyone in this country. Not when it comes to dealing with one another. That's why I like you foreigners. It's easy to use you. With no offense intended."

"None taken." A million things rush to my head. Memories, mostly. Having been a "foreigner" for so long, all the experience I have is with strangers. I've often wondered what it's like to belong to a group. This is usually the kind of answer I've found.

"I take it you're aware of our little operation?"

"Enough. I take it you plan on implicating foreign powers by using the refugees as scapegoats? The police, acting on your behalf, round up the "rioters" and you have them shipped away, never to be seen again, but free to blame and to log as names in a nonexistent prison cell."

He laughs.

"Have I become so transparent?
"Oneacre is probably right.

>>152871
Who's Oneacre? The masked bodyguard?

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/26(Fri)20:29 No. 152881 ID: 17fc61
File 126966058521.jpg - (244.95KB , 777x777 , 06-33.jpg )

>Who's Oneacre?

You guys are so retarded, sometimes. It's like you can't pay attention to anything for more than a few minutes. No wonder you can't remember anything before Burns woke you up.

"To be honest, I'm not really concerned with what's going on in your country."
"Few are. It's these times we live in. The Coalition and the Empire at each other's throats, with everyone else stuck in the middle."
"Actually, I'm not concerned about that, either."
"Interesting. What is it you're after?"
"Personal affairs. We actually came to Gray Bay, looking for a way to transport a large vehicle without any questions being involved, or any sort of paper trail."
"A common goal here.
"I take it you'd want some manner of exchange, for alerting me to this threat?"
"Something of that nature, yes."

He laughs, dismissively.

"That will only earn you my time, in this city. I was almost certain of Lojik's betrayal. This confirms it, but that's of little consequence to me.
"Let me tell you about Gray Bay:
"For the past twenty years, Oneacre and I have run this back and forth business, balancing all of the weaker players into an orderly government. That's why the police support us. It's not because we're paying them. We're part of the system.
"Commoners think Oneacre and I are enemies. We aren't. Few would believe that, even if you told them I had said it. We do a good job of keeping up the act. It's essential, to keep money flowing, and to weed out undesirables.
"Unfortunately, with the Coalition pressing into the Confederacy, the underground trading in the entire region has been shattered.
"As a result, the local politics has broken down. People like Lojik, Kerry, Gentry, Kentakophsky... these are men whose friendship is a commodity. They have eaten with my family, attended my daughter's wedding... Means nothing. All that matters, is the safety of their own families. I can respect this, but I cannot allow it.
"Now, those who know are taking sides: those who wish to oppose the Coalition, and those in favor of attempting to hasten Poilen's fall, so that we can find new ways to reestablish ourselves.
"Oneacre and myself chose to oppose the Coalition. That is what our mission tonight is about.
"We'll use the refugees, yes, as scapegoats, to implicate the Coalition's involvement here, in Poilen.
"We have control of Gray Bay, but little influence with the rest of the country. Poilen needs to be united for once, to stand up to these bullies.
"The details are already laid out; unimportant. I won't be the only one to be targeted, tonight. As soon as my assassination is broadcast, next will be Oneacre's, and Canter, the head of police, the mayor, and one of the visiting dignitaries from Kergas.
"So, you see, the man you brought me is a messenger of a man who is completely out of the loop. They do not understand - cannot.
"It would be irrelevant, if I died. Tonight, our act must succeed, if the world is to be free of the tyranny of the Coalition, and the frivolity of their war with the Empire - another great evil.
"We will be free."

Jeez. All right, already.

Should we let him know that our friend Burns is posed as the newest refugee of the third party? Would that be risky?

Anyhow, bring up the weapons for a trade out of here or some little quid-quo-pro favor ("something for something" in latin, a language of our world). If you feel like it, ask about his lack of surprise of a building-hopping woman.

>You guys are so retarded, sometimes. It's like you can't pay attention to anything for more than a few minutes. No wonder you can't remember anything before Burns woke you up.

D:<

SOME of us are pretty retarded. it really depends on which of us are active, it changes constantly.

Well, I think we get excused from forgetting information sense the information given to us is through lag before we get what happened in a split second in your world. We see everything in pictures and text, by the way. Today has already lasted two weeks for us Kitty, we're bound to forget information from our last week that was your last hour or so.

>>152881
Sounds like he has a nice little plan for saving his country. I wonder if he cares who ends up the leader? I'm pretty sure he has his aims set on that one himself.

Tell him you have weapons to sell to pay for the trip. And if that isn't enough offer that you and one of your partners (if he accepts then tell him the partner in question is Burns) deal with Lojik, which would actually benefit his plan. One of his "close" assiciates gets assassinated by foreign powers using coalition spec ops weapons, he could use that to gain even more power.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/27(Sat)11:20 No. 153111 ID: ebea88
File 126971402730.jpg - (209.42KB , 777x777 , 06-34.jpg )

>Should we let him know that our friend Burns is posed as the newest refugee of the third party? Would that be risky?

Not sure. I guess it's best to bring it up now, rather than spring it on him, later.

"I have a traveling companion. He was trying to bring the same offer to your attention, earlier tonight. He took a job in hopes of being able to speak to you, later."

"That boy? Ha. He really put his foot in the door. But it seems you had more luck fall into your lap."

"That's how it usually goes, isn't it?"

He grunts in agreement. He's obviously tired. I imagine setting this up has worn on him.

"About my proposal... Of course, I wouldn't expect you to hear me out on such loose terms.
"It sounds like we may be able to help one another.
"We have, in our possession, a small cache of Coalition-made weapons. Whether in actual combat, or by some other use, I imagine you could make judicious use of them."

He gives this some thought.

"How large of a cache?"

"Five vests. Twelve sidearms. Twenty automatics. Full and redundant clips for all of them. And eleven combat knives, for fun."

He thinks a moment more, sighing.

"I could use them, true. I can see why you wanted to find a man like myself. However, I already have access to such weapons - likely enough.
"The trouble I would need to go through to procure transport for your vehicle and yourselves, without the trail it would normally leave, outweighs what you can offer me."

Damn. I thought I had a good pitch, too. How can I spin this...

What about my own weapons? They don't have that technology here. What else could I barter with?

>>153111
I wouldn't suggest giving away your weapons, seeing as you'd more likely than not need them later.

You're a good sniper yourself, right? Maybe you could offer to do some long-distance body guard work for him during this operation. Knowing your skills, I don't think an offer of "I guard you, and nobody gets within a mile of you while you pull this off" is exaggerating.

Aside from your weapons, there's us but that's not an option to Burns and undermines all reason to leave. Like I said, offer a quid-quo-pro favor that refugees can't handle. Which means you may have to explain amortal characteristics if the person all covered up isn't one. And if it isn't, well damn he can sure get one valuable favor outta someone who's as strong and fast as you.

>>153111
Offer to deal with Lojik. You will use the coalition arms to make it look like they were behind it. Heywood then removes a rival, has a reasonable chance to avoid any revenge from surviving family because it will have been done by foreigners and he can use that to gather more support for himself and his own faction.

You and Burns together should be able to take out Lojik and make it look like a military operation instead of a mob hit. If Haywood has good intel and you move quickly you should be able to get it done in a day or two and then be off before any pursuit arrives.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/27(Sat)19:44 No. 153296 ID: ebea88
File 126974429849.jpg - (208.35KB , 777x777 , 06-35.jpg )

All right, all right.

"What if I were to add myself to the deal? You've only seen a small percentage of what I'm capable of."

He coughs, almost sheepishly. I can tell already, he's going to say no.

"I'm afraid I have what I need, already. It's too late in the game."

"But surely -

"I'm sorry."

Ugh.

"I, and my partner, are more capable than all of your men put together. Of that, I have no doubt.
"That head bodyguard of yours? I've heard what he's capable of. We're as capable, if not more so."

He laughs, again.

"She. Ruby is one of those Confederate refugees, from what I gather. I heard she was on the run from the Coalition. Why, I'm not certain. She's actually doing nearly the same deal you are. She just got to it earlier.
"She's impressive. Broke my head of security's hands the first time I met her. I liked her so much that I gave her his job.
"Doesn't say much. She was apparently underground when the Coalition invaded. When the underground markets collapsed, so did her protection. Naturally, she knew of my operation here. After this deal is over, she's leaving for parts unknown.
"If you can manage a deal with her, more power to you. But I'd doubt your success. A strange girl, that one.
"But if you and your partner are as capable, and if you can prove it, I could have a place for you, after tonight. You could work your way towards your goal, then, although it may take several months of work."

"I'm sorry. We don't have the time. I'm sure you can understand why."

"Certainly, I do. There's little time, for all of us. I'm sorry I could not help you."

Well, since you did the courtesy of keeping him alive long enough to see his plan out, we could ask him about someone who we could work out a deal with. He owes us a tiny bit and info would work.

Also, I fucking told you our mass speculation works out. That that was an amortal chick.

>>153296

"Well, could you point me towards someone who WOULD need an unusual amount of arms?"

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/27(Sat)21:23 No. 153348 ID: a42c37
File 126975023185.jpg - (182.02KB , 777x777 , 06-36.jpg )

He signals the driver to stop. Apparently, we're nearing the harbor he was talking about, or he's putting me far enough away that I couldn't interfere, if I wanted to, for any reason.

Either way, I can follow him, without him realizing it. This isn't ending here.

"Can you put me in contact with someone who can help me?"

"...Possibly. I can manage that much, without attracting the wrong kind of attention. If I introduce you to anyone, just promise not to break their hands."

"I'll keep it in mind."

"Thank you for the free exchange, foreigner. It's a commodity here. Sometimes, even with family, you leave with less than you had before."

"My home is similar," I confess. "It's strange, how we make ourselves this way. Children, in places like these... How can you raise them to be anything else?"

He pauses, solemnly, before laughing it away.

"I have a son. ...And it's past time for my family to leave this country."

"To where?"

He pauses. He shakes his head, slowly.

"Where there aren't men, like me?"

Lastly, he smiles.

The window rolls up. The limo pulls away.

I need to get to Burns.

>>153348
Well he should be around there somewhere. If you can't see where they took him just ask one of Haywoods guys, if any of those are around that is.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/28(Sun)19:49 No. 154219 ID: 17fc61
File 126983099135.jpg - (167.03KB , 777x777 , 06-37.jpg )

Haywood's limo wraps a couple loops around town before arriving at the edge of town, on the outskirts of the bay. It's cold here. Somewhere, there's a riot. Screaming. Gun fire. The act is already going on. Here, it's nearly devoid of sound.

A news crew is preparing for the little act they're about to put on. I hide between several small warehouses.

Haywood's people move in to speak to the news crew.

Since Burns is going to "assassinate" him with rubber bullets, he's probably somewhere nearby.

If I had to guess, I'd say he'd be in one of these small warehouses, or over by the piers.

I'm not sure whether to bother looking for him, or to just wait here, since I know Haywood is about to come by.

I think they're about to set up an interview.

I hope both Burns and Haywood know that a rubber bullet to the head is still lethal.

>>154219

I thought Burns was gonna use blanks and the riot police were gonna use rubber bullets.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/28(Sun)20:58 No. 154291 ID: 72b9af
File 126983509945.jpg - (219.25KB , 777x777 , 06-38.jpg )

Guess you guys don't give a shit.

In that case, I'll stick around here and watch how this all plays out.

>I thought Burns was gonna use blanks

Eh, whatever. Like it matters. Guess that'd make more sense. Can't remember.

Haywood and the reporter line up and begin the interview.

With me tonight is local entrepreneur, Alexander Haywood. Long a heavy investor in the city's attempts to reintegrate the "box town" of Gray Bay back into the industrial sector, Alexander put his best foot forward tonight, and lent his support to Mayoral candidate, J.R. Canter. He has since made his way here, to upper town's Eight Waves Pier, to meet with some of Gray Bay's most influential traders.

Mister Haywood, in the wake of the recent influx of refugees of the Coalition War into Gray Bay, many docks have shut down, citing their desire to prevent further harm to workers, who have, allegedly, lately been the targets of Coalition sympathizers.

I'm sure you're no stranger to the burden this has placed on the local economy, which relies heavily on its exports and imports from the mouth of Center's Ocean.

Is that part of what do you hope to acknowledge, and accomplish here, tonight?

>Guess you guys don't give a shit.

What are we SUPPOSED to do? Burns is gonna do his thing, and maybe THEN we can get passage offa this place.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/28(Sun)21:11 No. 154308 ID: dc0bc1
File 126983590696.jpg - (214.29KB , 777x777 , 06-39.jpg )

Yes, very much so.

Poilen's stance, as a country, has always been to treat foreigners with deserved respect. That hasn't changed. It's unfortunate that some foreigners, unlike most, are so fixated on causing problems for the rest of us. But that's the world we live in today.

I know we've all shared a scare, with this talk of a Coalition underground in the city, planning a coup, or trying to subvert local economies, or the like. But now isn't the time to panic. If anything, now is the time to unite, as a people, as we so rarely do.

I'm certain that if a problem presents itself, our elected officials in the capitol will take the proper course of action. But until then, it's important to maintain the decency of everyday life, and ensure the well being of our friends, family, and most importantly, our children.

Uh huh. I can see where this is going.

This has obviously been set in motion for a while. Maybe even before the TGC collapsed.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/28(Sun)21:14 No. 154314 ID: dc0bc1
File 126983609885.jpg - (210.46KB , 777x777 , 06-40.jpg )

Well, Mister Haywood, I'm certain that -

The first shot rings out.

Holy shit.

That wasn't a rubber. Sure as hell wasn't a blank!

I don't think that was Burns' shot.

Oh shi-

Kitty! Haul ass and save Haywood!

Opportunity knocks.

>>154314
Intervention time! Something isn't going to plan. Who fired that?

Can you check out the surroundings?

Well, now is a good time as ever to get into good standing with haywood. Rush in, and get him out of there to somewhere safe, probably one of the warehouses. once you make sure that hes secure, then search for the gunman, or try and have him get transport out. If he thought that your offer wasn't worthwhile before, I'm sure hell have a different perspective once you've saved him from certain death.

This does NOT look like it's going according to script. ...and if it is, then he's a bastard to play with people's live like this. But I agree, get him out of that situation.

...looks like someone ELSE is out of the loop besides Lojik, or he had more plans that originally thought.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/28(Sun)22:34 No. 154406 ID: 272f6e
File 126984086880.jpg - (123.59KB , 777x777 , 06-41.jpg )

>the script

Obviously this wasn't part of it. Or maybe it was? I don't know!

Should I even interfere? Maybe this is all part of the act. Is Haywood capable of this? It all hinges on that question.

If I intervene, and this is all part of the plan, I could ruin our chances of getting out of here. If I don't, and this really is shit going bad...

>layout

Their limos are still here, by the warehouses. There're three vehicles blocking the north exit, and a gunfight going on to the east.

I don't see Burns anywhere. I don't see that Ruby girl, either - the head of security. But she was with Burns' group, the last I saw her.

What's the verdict? Do I bloody my hands on this?

If you intervene and you're right, Heywood is liable to get you out of Greybay.

If you intervene and you're wrong, you're gonna have to find somewhere else to get off from.

However, with the reporter dead there is no cameraman to film Heywood's 'death'. It seems highly unlikely Heywood would have the reporter killed as an assassin would opt to shoot Heywood and run to allow maximum time to get away. Problem is, killing the reporter serves no purpose for a real assassin either.

You could simply opt to make your presence known to Heywood. If he's in real danger, he'll definitely signal for your help. If he IS in real danger, it doesn't look like his killer is in a hurry to take him out.

Yeah, this is way too personally dangerous for it to be planned.

No sane person would trust a distant sniper to accurately kill someone next to him. Too much risk of getting caught yourself.

Go save him. Something has come up, at any rate, and he'll be glad to be out of the line of fire.

>>154406
Save him. Lay down some suppressive fire on the new arrivals in front of him and then fire and advance. You know how to do that without me describing the action right?

If they don't have any heavy stuff then take the newsvan to get out of their line of fire and then ask Heywood what you're going to do next. If they do have heavy stuff then lay down some suppressive fire while he gets in among the warehouses and then follow him. Use the alleyways between warehouses to get away from the enemy.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/29(Mon)21:14 No. 155100 ID: 65a023
File 126992247395.jpg - (214.83KB , 777x777 , 06-42.jpg )

It only takes me a few seconds to clear the two hundred or so feet between Haywood and myself.

I can't fire at that speed, so I keep my guns concealed.

A few of the men from the cars are making their way toward the news van. I don't think they meant to hit the reporter. The shot was meant for Haywood.

Haywood is alive, and doesn't seem too pleased. The camera man keeps filming. He's probably as confused as everyone else. I take them both by surprise, although I make it clear I'm not with the enemy.

"Did someone not get the memo, Haywood?"

"You! Do you know something about this?"

He may think I'm involved, due to coincidence. He's not really in much danger with me here. But I'm going to play this up.

"I was hoping you would! Where's your infamous bodyguard, now?"

"That supposed to be an offer?"

"More of a jeer, really," I yell, just over the sound of gunfire. It's coming from everywhere. There's a small war brewing here.

"Ruby was supposed to be watching the backs of the assassination team - making sure things went according to plan."

"You think she's in on this?"

"Hell if I know! I thought using foreigners would keep things simple! One of my upper subordinates must have sold me out!

"Listen, you able to lend a hand? I need to get out of here!"

"I don't know, Haywood," I jest, obviously. "This seems pretty dangerous."

He doesn't seem as entertained as I am.

"I know, I know! Your transport! You can have it! I'll handle everything!"

Let's try that again.

"How about you stay here, under cover, and I handle these goons on my own?"

"Are you insane! Just get me to my vehicle!"

"I want full transport off the continent, Haywood! To wherever I want to go, vehicle and all. It's that or no deal at all."

"This is not time to play games! You'll get yourself -

"You have my offer, Alexander!"

He clenches his teeth and slams a fist into the side of the news van, scaring the camera man. It doesn't take him too long to make up his mind.

"Fine! But it's your funeral, you crazy bitch!"

I smile, but he can't see it behind my cloak.

"Hold that thought."

Now, down to business. This will be close up and personal. I need to kill fast. And bullets are too slow.

Start killing combin- I mean the attackers apart with your BEAR HANDS, but still make sure that Haywood remains in safety. Without him, the whole transport plan goes down the shitter.

>>155100

>I need to kill fast. And bullets are too slow.

What do we have in terms of "wepon?"

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/29(Mon)22:38 No. 155138 ID: 65a023
File 126992753331.jpg - (165.43KB , 777x777 , 06-43.jpg )

>weapons

Only what I need.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/29(Mon)22:39 No. 155139 ID: 65a023
File 12699275682.jpg - (256.98KB , 777x777 , 06-44.jpg )

Which isn't much.

Holy crap. :O

>>155139
Kitty I do believe I have mentioned in the past that you're badass and I like you. I'm going to do so again. You're badass, ruthless and I think I may be in love.

Now get the rest, save one or two that looks important for Haywood and friends to interogate.

>>155159
>save one or two
You'll be sure to disarm them of course. As literally as you wish.

DAMN that's a messy way to die...I approve. Kitty, I just want to say you are magnificent. Don't ever let anyone tell you you're not.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/31(Wed)11:58 No. 156103 ID: aa5284
File 12700619024.jpg - (242.69KB , 777x777 , 06-45.jpg )

Oh, fuck! Their heads busted wide open, man!

The shock of seeing their buddies' skulls explode buys me enough time to get rid of this ridiculous cloak.

Who the hell's that!?

It's some chick!

Holy shit!
...She's a kitty!

I'm suddenly glad the deal was to kill them all.

>>156103
Oh now they're really going to feel the wrath of a war godess. Kill them with extreme predjudice. Save one or two for Haywood to interogate.

He could threaten to hand them over to you if they refuse to talk and they should crack instantly.

>>156103
Going for the legendary distraction bonus to armor as well milady?

Was the cameraman filming, live?

If so, I think the Coalition is going to know we were here. And that Haywood helped us escape. Let's hope they won't be able to get any useful information out of him.

If not then we're good.

Well, if you're gonna move around in THAT, be sure to avoid jumping.

Hotchee MAMA that's hot. :o

[animated] Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/31(Wed)14:16 No. 156161 ID: aa5284
File 127007018381.gif - (292.26KB , 777x777 , 06-46.gif )

It's just some crazy slut in a costume. She's pretty damned hot, though.

Here, kitty, kitty!

I don't think that's such a good idea, man. I -

Yeah! Got some catnip for ya right here, baby! Yeow! Ha ha!

... nice....

>>156161

Again, holy crap.

>>156161
Throw his body at the next one!

Why are you wearing that again?

>>156172
Obviously, she's got a sense of humor on the inside. She's wearing it so when she gets to show the outfit off, it'll be one crazy silly fight.

I applaud your comedic style Kitty in a blood thirsty situation. What's your next act?

>>156172

She's wearing it so guys can be like "hey baby!" and she can be like "you're a jerk!" and hit them.

Also, hit those other guys Kitty.

Suggestion 2010/03/31(Wed)15:09 No. 156202 ID: aa5284
File 127007336785.jpg - (253.73KB , 777x777 , 06-47.jpg )

>Throw the body at the next guy.

Okay.

AAHHH AHHH AHHHHHHH

The next guy doesn't seem to appreciate it.

I go about my business.

>camera man

I'm glad someone pointed that out. He's probably still filming. I'll destroy the tape afterwards, just in case. And no, this wasn't being aired live.

>why are you wearing that

IT WAS THE ONLY THING I HAD LEFT TO WEAR OKAY?

And I didn't want to get blood all over my only disguise.

>>156202

It's quite alright. This outfit shows off those wonderful tits of yours quite well.

No. It makes you look like some Sailor Moon cosplay porno actor.

Suggestion 2010/03/31(Wed)15:43 No. 156244 ID: aa5284
File 127007542377.jpg - (219.85KB , 777x777 , 06-48.jpg )

Okayyyy... uh...

After another minute, all that's left is a pile of broken bodies and what's left of three cars.

I... may have killed them all. Yeah... yeah, I did. Whoops.

Well, there was a smaller group fighting Haywood's security, wasn't there? There's still the sound of gunfire, but it's somewhere on the other side of the peer, not by Haywood's limousine caravan.

Maybe I should go speak with Haywood. Or see where that gunfire is coming from. Or, something else.

>>156244
Burns is probably with that other group, so they're fine. Better go talk to haywood.

I believe I've figured out why you're a common rape target, judging by your manner of dress.

You could probably reduce the amount you kill by wearing more...
Just saying...

>>156244

We're getting you some more pants.

Form-fitting pants, but pants nonetheless.

>>156302
Honestly, I think she enjoys killing people.

>>156244
Very nice work. I think you should go to Haywood and remind him of your deal. If there is still fighting going on by then I guess you should go check it out.

I would also expect that you would like a nice warm bath to get bone splinters and blood from your skin.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/31(Wed)17:26 No. 156410 ID: aa5284
File 12700816161.jpg - (179.19KB , 777x777 , 06-49.jpg )

Guess I'll wait around for Haywood, then.

I put back on this ugly bedspread I call a disguise. I've got a bit of blood on me, but nothing too noticeable.

"All clear, Mister Haywood."

He darts out from behind the news van and runs up to the fight, apparently having wondered about all the horrible screaming and twisting metal, and you know... things of that nature.

"Son of SHIT, woman!
"The hell did you do to them!?"

"So, about that passage off the continent?"

"I take back what I said, earlier. Ruby's got nothing on you.
"You sure you can't do a few more jobs?"

"Afraid not, Mister Haywood."

He wipes some beads of sweat from his forehead and sighs. Then he sighs again.

"Damn.

Okay...

Looks like we've struck gold here. We have passage off of the continent. Not just passage to the Port Cities, but outright passage to anywhere in the world we want to go.

So, what do we need to get done here?

Tannon knows where to go from here.

Burns is probably still in a firefight, across the pier. I can still hear gunfire.

I'll probably need to talk to Haywood about that news tape, and disposing the evidence of what happened here. I'm not sure if he'll want that, since that was the whole point of setting this up. Although, these weren't the people he hired, so...

Anything else I'm forgetting?

>>156410
Tell him to make sure nothing about what you did comes out. Go over to the camera man and get the tape, ask if there are any copies. Once that's done go find Burns. He's not as good at this as you so he might need a little bit of help. Atleast if what's going on over there is a real firefight and not the planned mock thing.

Let him now that you appreciate this exchange and may be willing to perform more favors in the future if around and having the luxury of security. Strengthen future contacts with a powerful man.

We don't need to destroy the tapes. We can just record over them. I figure now may be a good time to figure out whats up with Burns.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/03/31(Wed)17:55 No. 156439 ID: aa5284
File 127008330969.jpg - (153.87KB , 777x777 , 06-50.jpg )

"I know the whole point of this was to garner evidence to use against the Coalition. But I'm sure you can understand, we want to maintain a low profile. Having any video evidence, or material evidence like... you know, torn up bodies and destroyed vehicles could raise a lot of questions.

"I understand," he sighs. "I ensured people in the know were isolated, so the other "assassinations" probably came off without a hitch. This was the only one most of my subordinates knew about."

"I can't stress the importance of destroying that evidence."

"I'll handle it. It would be foolish to upset a lady like yourself.

I wonder if he saw me "exposed" while I was fighting. I suppose it doesn't matter. I get the sense that I can trust him, in business sense of the word.

"Can I find you at where we first met?"

"I'll be there. If I'm not, I'll make it easy enough to get a hold of me. It's hard to lose track of a man like myself in this city.

All right. We're set. I need to get Burns, and head back to Tannon with Haywood's people to get it moved in secret, then get an idea of where we're meant to go. Then we'll be on our way to... wherever.

"Thank you. I need to find my partner, who's likely involved in that shootout we're hearing across the pier."

"My men will be joining you, shortly.

"I doubt they'll make it in time," I say, turning. "I'm pleased with how this turned out. Perhaps we can have future dealings, when the opportunity arises."

"I agree," he says, pleasantly. There's a trace of humor in his voice, likely from the knowledge of how much the deal I just made with him is going to cost. It must seem to him like it was worth it.

We exchange goodbyes, and I'm on my way to where I hope Burns is.

>>156419

Apparently, you've never taken a Digital Forensics class before.

Rendezvous with Burns. And see if you can't snag yourself a decent T-shirt along the way. I'm surprised you didn't fall out of your outfit during combat.

>>156439
Good work all around. Observe what situation Burns is in before getting involved though.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/04/01(Thu)14:52 No. 157244 ID: f11584
File 127015873126.jpg - (190.91KB , 777x777 , 06-51.jpg )

I get to the docks and find a mess. All of the people Haywood hired are dead, except for Burns and Ruby.

Ruby looks to be hurt, and is prostrate behind a truck. Burns seems to be favoring one of his shoulders.

There are a lot more assassins here than there were attacking Haywood. There were only about fifteen or so taking on me and Haywood's men. Looks like there were nearly thirty of them here. Most of the are dead, along with the hired foreigners.

I guess Ruby and Burns did most of the damage. They're both pinned down. The assassins who've been left alive - about six or seven, are advancing pretty quickly. They seem better trained than the ones that fought me.

I'd better be more careful this time.

Can you flank them from where Burns is? If you can get at them from an angle where they can't take cover from you and him at the same time, that might be the best approach.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/04/01(Thu)15:44 No. 157303 ID: 12084d
File 127016185834.jpg - (148.08KB , 777x777 , 06-52.jpg )

>flanking

Not... so much.

Looks like they drove out onto a newly extended portion of the docks. I guess they're going to build some new facility or warehouses here, because it's isolated and sealed off from the rest of the port - a great place to plan a fake assassination, or get ambushed yourself.

It seems like the only cover over there are the vehicles. And I didn't bring my sniper gear with me. The only weapon I have on hand is one of my pistols, and another I lifted off one of Haywood's assassins. Neither has the range to hit from here.

>>157303

This is a sneaking mission.

Dive into the water and swim around to one of the cars. Use that for cover.

>>157303
I'm guessing you're also a fairly good swimmer. Get into the water, circle around the pier so you come up on the opposite end of where you are now. Then flank those assassins.

While a prisoner to interogate might be useful I don't think there should be any witnesses left here. They might have seen things that they shoulnd't have.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/04/01(Thu)19:49 No. 157648 ID: a7c3fb
File 127017655045.jpg - (158.50KB , 777x777 , 06-53.jpg )

This plan is dumb. I'm swimming over to THEIR vehicles, which they are standing behind.

I'm probably going to get shot first thing.

This water smells. And it's full of THINGS.

Ew.

Okay how about a better plan. There are cars out there... can you throw them? Or maybe take control of that truck somehow.

I wonder what's in the truck?

>>157648

See, that's the thing. They won't expect someone to swim over behind them. We have the element of surprise.

Besides, you'd rather run up to them and risk getting shot several times before you can even get close to them?

>>157659
Well the thing is since they're hiding behind the cars, they will be facing out. Towards the water. Where Kitty will be climbing out of.

>>157662

Wait, are you serious?

If that's true then... dammit.

Fine. Abort sneaking mission. Head back to your previous location and like... push a dumpster for cover or something.

Plague!!NkAwOzZ2H0 2010/04/01(Thu)20:09 No. 157681 ID: a7c3fb
File 127017776582.jpg - (191.60KB , 777x777 , 06-54.jpg )

This is a conversation best held two minutes ago.

I am already on the opposite side of the docks, on their right flank.

I am going to get out of this water.

I am going to smell like dead fish.

And I am going to kill something.

I am enormously pleased to not be a possible option for that.