Toxoglossa 2014/01/02(Thu)19:49 No. 554816 ID: 5acad3
File 138872099452.jpg - (49.36KB , 600x514 , 384.jpg )

Jeff's dad steps forward and his voice booms out over the assembled crowd.

>"Okay people! Sarah's fine, she just startled us for a second. She's having a nap right now, however, she woke up briefly to tell us that she had experienced a vision: one where the Thunderbird appeared in her dream and spoke to her. According to her, there is a shit-storm headed our way, and if we're to survive it, we need to get everyone on top of the mesa while we still have time."

>"We've been lucky; we've been living in a time where conflict is far away, and even if life hasn't been easy, its been pretty peaceful here. However, things haven't always been so calm, and they say that on the eve of war, the Thunderbird would appear to us as an omen. To have a sign like that show up now is something we can't afford to ignore."

>"If you want to argue with me, fine. But if you're going to argue, I don't intend to do so down here; once we're on top the the mesa, I'll be willing to hear any complaints you might have."

>"In the mean time, I want everyone to gather anything you might need in case of an extended stay, and to prepare to defend yourselves. Everyone is to meet at the start of the trail up the mesa with food, water and clothing for several days as well as any kind of weapon you can lay your hands on. I'd also like anyone who can spare the effort to help those who can't make the climb on their own."

The crowd mutters to amongst themselves and starts to disperse. It sounds like they were impressed, if not by the vision, then at least by Joshua's appeal to them.

>>554816
You should give the details Joshua left out to your friends. Also, Joshua talking about preparations goes for all of you too.

Maybe you can find some coffee.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/03(Fri)20:47 No. 554985 ID: 5acad3
File 138881086927.jpg - (44.74KB , 600x493 , 385.jpg )

With most of the crowd headed about their tasks, your friends come forward to get more details.

Joshua
>"Where's Beth?"

Jeff
>"Todd is really starting to hurt, so she decided to say and keep an eye on him. We told her that if things went south, to take the Book and the ambulance and run. Dad, do you really think the Thunderbird spoke to great-aunt Sara?"

Joshua
>"Jeffery, I want you to take your crowbar and go pry open the shed where the fireworks are stored-"

Jeff
>"Whoa, but Dad-!"

Joshua
>"Get it open and pack anything you can get your hands on into the ambulance."

Jeff hurries off with a wide eyed expression on his face.

Lynwood watches him go and mentions with a casual air-
>"You know, selling fireworks is illegal in this state."

Joshua
>"Illegal to sell in your state, maybe. Not here."

The sheriff doesn't push the issue; deciding that its currently not his problem.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/03(Fri)20:48 No. 554986 ID: 5acad3
File 138881091509.jpg - (33.52KB , 600x461 , 386.jpg )

Joshua starts filling Mary and Lynwood in on the other parts of the dream message and your conversation with him. Thankful for a brief moment of respite you take a minute to take in your surroundings.

Its dark and chilly out, but the night is busy with the sounds of residents gathering gear for the coming storm.

Actually, that's weird, you could swear that the stars were out just a few minutes ago. Where'd they go?

INCOMING CAR! GET OT THE GUNS AND WATCH IT!

>>554986
We've got company. Try not to get run over.

>>554987
Don't have the guns out in the open in case this is those solders we have been expecting, though have them somewhere close at hand in case it is the soldiers after meeting Radula.

>>554986
Get to some kind of cover. Ideally at this distance and darkness you still have some hope of watching the car before it can see you.

>>554986
Out of the street, dale.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/04(Sat)20:12 No. 555199 ID: 5acad3
File 138889513356.jpg - (64.00KB , 600x492 , 387.jpg )

As you look out into the desert a sheet of lightning coruscates across the sky, revealing a seething herd of thunderheads stretching from horizon to horizon. Unmistakable in the stark black and white contrast, one... no, two squat Humvee are exposed by the sudden flash of light.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/04(Sat)20:12 No. 555200 ID: 5acad3
File 138889515951.jpg - (51.98KB , 600x455 , 388.jpg )

You blink away the afterimage etched by the lightning and a low rumble peels through the desert air. You point towards the brick-like vehicles as they trundle towards the reservation.

Dale
"Guys! Look! The military; they sent someone!"

Joshua
"Wait, what? I thought they were supposed to be containing the town, what are they doing here? Did I miss something?"

Dale
"Shit, we'll explain in a minute Josh. For now, we should get off the street before we go announcing ourselves."

Toxoglossa 2014/01/04(Sat)20:13 No. 555201 ID: 5acad3
File 138889519576.jpg - (42.84KB , 600x327 , 389.jpg )

Together you hustle Joshua into a narrow alley between two houses and while he protests, its clear that he understands the possible danger.

You peek out from the shadows as the military vehicles pull to a stop in the middle of the road. Two national guard members disembark from the lead vehicle while four pile out of the tailing one. They stand near their cars while they assess the situation and look for potential threats. The soldiers keep their carbines at ready, but don't actually point them at anything.

Unfortunately, its too gloomy and dark to clearly make out their eyes, but they seem apprehensive about being ambushed, which is encouraging.

Call out, ask them to show their eyes. They should have flashlights or something. They're probably legit though. I mean seriously.

Be calm and reasonable about it.

get behind cover. hold up the book where they can see it. and yell "is this what you are looking for?" if they freak out then they know what it is and are infected.

>>555201
Show yourself, slowly. We don't need them gunning you down because you startled the soldiers with guns.
Stay near the edge of a building. If there's a chance they're corrupted, you can dive to safety before they start spraying bullets.

Ask Josh if anyone near here has binoculars or something like that so we can have a look at their eyes. We need something analogue because we don't know for sure if the polarized light shows through digital means, so any modern camera's a local photographer hobbyist has in their tribe is going to be useless for confirmation until we test that.

I don't think they're legit, I can't even see under their hats and I don't want to risk it or have anyone come up to look.

Damn I wish we had some of those polorized contacts Mary talked about, we could have any old person walk up and do this and not have them get shot... probably. Wait no any risk is unacceptable.

Radula's agents!

National Guard units always have to call out for attention as part of their job, but these guys are breaking SOP!

Get Dale binoculars, and preferably Mary as well, and get them into separate positions to try and get a look at the troops' eyes. Then have someone lob a lit flare from cover out in front of the troops' position to light them up. Hopefully Dale or Mary will get a clear look at at least a few of their eyes.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/06(Mon)20:27 No. 555652 ID: 0b90a3
File 138906884499.jpg - (62.02KB , 600x566 , 390.jpg )

The soldiers fan out and start to mutter to one another

>"The hell is this? "
>"...Where is everyone?"
>"Thought we were meeting someone..."

The driver of the lead vehicle raises her voice.
>"That's enough, lets see if anyone is home..."

>"Attention! Residents of Starry Mesa Reservation! This is the National Guard! We're here looking for Sheriff Marcus Lynwood!"

Lynwood
>"So they want to talk to me?"
He passes you his shotgun and hisses at you.
>"Stay hidden, I'll try to draw them over here so you can get a better look. If things go south, take off and I'll try to stall them."

The sheriff raises his hands and slowly steps out of the shadows.
>"I'm Marcus Lynwood, I'm coming out I'm not armed. I believe I spoke to your base commander over the phone."

Toxoglossa 2014/01/06(Mon)20:27 No. 555653 ID: 0b90a3
File 138906885588.jpg - (35.29KB , 600x305 , 391.jpg )

The leader steps into the light while her troops keep Lynwood covered. You watch silently from the shadows as she addresses the cop.

?
>"Sheriff? Corporal Tanner. Now, perhaps you'd care to explain why we're out here and just what the hell is going on?"

>>555653
Looks like she's clean at least. Keep the shotgun pointed down. Let Lynwood do his thing until you spot any weird eyes. If you never do he can handle things on his own. If they spot you immediately tell Lynwood whose eyes you've seen and if they're clean or not.

sigh and call out without coming out so they don't get too spooked "she's clean, lynwood" they will probably turn to your sound, but keep going "can explain, but please, have your friend remove his helmet so i can see his eyes, i can't do anything until then. "

if he's clean too then you can come out and explain. "it's like an infection, imagine ultra rabies. the eyes display the only visible sign of it. and even then only a few people can see it."

if the other guy isn't clean say "he's infected, get away!"

(I can't quite tell from looking there whether her eyes are black or not. Either way we should not refer to the book just yet.)

Don't refer to a disease (that wouldn't explain the ones who sitll talk and stuff), say a lot of the townspeople have recently started acting crazy, maybe because of some kind of cult.

>>555659
Black eyes are cured folks. Cuttlefish eyes are envenomed folks.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/08(Wed)19:42 No. 555980 ID: 0b90a3
File 138923896523.jpg - (28.42KB , 600x211 , 392.jpg )

Lynwood
>"When I spoke to your captain on the phone, he told me that you had lost contact with a group that was sent to recon the situation in the town right?"

Tanner
>"That's right, they reported being approached by members of the local police department before going dropping out of contact. We haven't heard anything from them since. So naturally, being contacted by a member of the same department is extremely suspicious. So I'll ask you plainly, what happened to our men?"

Lynwood
"From what I've discovered, there's an individual in town who is using a drug of some kind to assemble a cult following. Once injected, it makes people follow his orders unquestioningly: they become violent, insane and immune to pain. We've been able to treat some of them, but its dangerous and we are running out of the supplies to do so."

Tanner narrows her eyes
>"We? Wait, who's we? Is someone else there with you?"

Toxoglossa 2014/01/08(Wed)19:43 No. 555981 ID: 0b90a3
File 138923898511.jpg - (32.28KB , 600x338 , 393.jpg )

You put your hands up and come out slowly, reluctantly putting the shotgun down inside the alley.

Dale
"Its alright Lynwood, it looks like she's clean. We're coming out, don't shoot! "

Tanner
>"Sheriff? Who the hell is this? And what is this about being 'clean'?"

Lynwood
>"Corporal Tanner, this is Dale Marks, he has had first hand experience with the cultist and the drug. We aren't sure why, but after being treated for exposure, he and Dr. Slate here can identify others who have been affected. Something about the eyes I'm told."

Tanner
>"So wait, you say that you guys not only have some way to 'cure' these people, but also the only way to detect them? You realize how convenient that sounds right? There's something else going on here, and you two can tell us here, or you can come with us and your friend in the car."

>>555981
Friend in the car? What friend in the car? Either they brought someone envenomed with them or they somehow picked up the Professor. The former is bad and will result in combat which means we should stay out of the car, but the latter is really good. Find out if if it's anyone we know. If it's not, stay out of the car.

Tell them that you were examined by a doctor and the poison changes your eyes so that you can see polarized light, and uncured people's eyes look different from cured or normal people in that respect. It's a simple scientific explanation. If they have any polarized sunglasses they can probably see for themselves. Your sclera appear black when observed properly, and uncured people have... much stranger-looking eyes.

"yes it does sound convenient, but it's only useful to find infiltrators. when they are in a group they move with an obvious purpose, you wont be able to deny something is wrong with them. if you would just have your associates let me see their eyes i can go in to more detail once i know they are safe too."

be ready to dodge if one of them freaks out and attacks when told to show their eyes.

Yeah it sounds like bullshit. We KNOW it sounds like bullshit. And obviously if we were trying to bullshit you, we'd have a better story that doesn't sound like bullshit!

Yeah, the treatment isn't very convenient at all. it's kind of a reason you've got a hole in your forehead. We've, er, refined the professors' original methods, though.

Do you guys have artillery support? 'cause that would simplify this issue considerably.

>>555981
"You could see for yourselves, but you'd need to use glasses. Polorized light is the answer, too tell who's infected, cured, so on. Wait, what did you mean by 'friend in the car'?"

>>555981
Ms. Tanner, I understand your skepticism, but you have people missing under extraordinary weird circumstances. A town completely out of contact, save for this sheriff, who is the only one that remains.

We were attacked by these townspeople and I believe one of Lynwood's own people as we fled in an ambulance from the hospital where this all started. If you'd like to see the damage you can. We also have other cured infected with extreme wounds and leeches inside their bodies. That's the cure. A hole was drilled in my forehead and a leech was put it. Another leech lies somewhere in the eyesocket of an injured EMT. A doctor has a wound on the nape of her neck consistent with a piercing where the drug was injected into her, and we put a leech right in there as well.

People have been hurt badly, we are in no mood to bullshit you. Now I don't know what we could possibly do to convince you that this is the truth, but really, our wounds and damages are the only thing we have as concrete proof. All of our people will tell you this story if you question them yourselves here. And please do it here, I do not want to abandon anyone at this crucial time. I do think having six people cooberate on the same story gives it some grounds. If you ask anyone here in the settlement, you will find that the only contact they have had from the town today is one poor old woman who got out before the mess all started.

Tell me miss, has the US government ever dealt with a situation where radio silence befell a group of national guardsmen? I mean, do you suspect terrorism of some sort that the entire police department is a part of? What could possibly be happening in that town that sounds rational?

Toxoglossa 2014/01/09(Thu)20:42 No. 556287 ID: 0b90a3
File 138932892934.jpg - (49.42KB , 600x595 , 394.jpg )

Dale
"With all due respect, we know that this all sounds like bullshit. But we have no reason to deceive you. Right now we have injured people and we are working to evacuate the people of this reservation to a safer area."

"It may seem odd, but its tactical knowledge we acquired from actively fighting this threat, and truthfully it is anything but convenient. We have to make direct eye contact to spot infiltrators, and the treatment is dangerous to administer and we don't fully understand it yet."

"We... wait, what 'friend'?"

Toxoglossa 2014/01/09(Thu)20:43 No. 556290 ID: 0b90a3
File 138932901972.jpg - (53.98KB , 600x474 , 395.jpg )

Tanner
>"We picked him up walking down the highway a few miles back, wearing a police uniform and looking beat to hell. We passed a wrecked van too, but there was no one inside when we stopped to look."

Dale
"You did WHAT? Are you insane?!?!"

Tanner
>"Well, he put up a bit of a fight but we got him restrained. He didn't look like he was in any condition to go anywhere, and he may have valuable information. Also, I'm not about to leave a man to die in the desert Mr. Marks. Hasn't said anything since we grabbed him, though."

Dale
"Um... corporal?"

Toxoglossa 2014/01/09(Thu)20:44 No. 556292 ID: 0b90a3
File 138932906231.jpg - (28.92KB , 600x354 , 396.jpg )

Inside the dark, uncomfortable interior of the Humvee, the only signs of the prisoner are a pair of broken, heavy duty zip-ties and a seat smeared with blood.

Tanner
>"SONOFA-!"

Toxoglossa 2014/01/09(Thu)20:44 No. 556293 ID: 0b90a3
File 138932908234.jpg - (45.61KB , 600x335 , 397.jpg )

You spin around as one of the guardsmen grunts with surprise. A familiar face peeks from over his shoulder, the soldier's pilfered sidearm gleams in a mangled hand.

There You Are

>>556293
Get to cover! Let the soldiers handle this guy.

If there's no cover, stall him. Say if he kills you he'll never find the book.

duck behind the car. dag someone if they don't move fast enough. "corporal, do you think you can get a shot? no, we cannot negotiate, and with a gun we wouldn't be able to get close enough with the cure, which i also do not have on me"

Tanner, shoot him now. He doesn't care about living under the drug, he just wants to give his infector what he wants under any cost.

>>556293
We have no choice! Once you're infected, unless you're cured, you'll stop at NOTHING to kill or capture your target.

Put him down!

oh uh Tanner in case you haven't figured it out already, he's under the drug's influence and like we said, pain doesn't really slow them down as much as it would a normal person, so if you're going to try and take this guy out, either take out his weapon or go straight for a kill, anything else will just wast ammo and probably put more people at risk.

Dive to some kind of cover and let the military do military things.

>>556293
Oh shit human/anthro shield I hope you have a god damn good marksman/woman tanner

Oh hey, I have an idea. Shoot the hostage. The shotgun is still loaded with nonlethal rounds. If you shoot the hostage, the cat will get hit by the impact too, giving the hostage a chance to get away and the others an opening.

>>556415
Even if Dale -hadn't- left the gun behind in the alley, and he did, that's a terrible idea.

Just call the minion's bluff. Stalking you is his primary method of finding the book. If he shoots you, he screws himself. Get behind cover immediately and let the trained professionals take care of the combat.

Maybe you can signal to Lynwood where you left the shotgun and serve as a distraction until he can acquire it.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/11(Sat)20:30 No. 556748 ID: 0b90a3
File 138950104321.jpg - (51.80KB , 600x371 , 398.jpg )

You seize the corporal by the collar and drag her behind the leading Humvee. Redirecting his attention, the possessed cop fires off a few rounds at the remaining soldiers before they can manage to draw a bead on him. He maintains a fierce grip on his hostage, who desperately claws at his neck, gasping and struggling for air.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/11(Sat)20:32 No. 556749 ID: 0b90a3
File 138950113568.jpg - (54.68KB , 600x349 , 399.jpg )

Fortunately, between his broken hand and controlling his captive, the cop has difficulty aiming. Under suppressing fire, and unwilling to risk shooting their comrade, The guardsmen retreat to the alleyway; one of them taking a .44 slug in his helmet, knocking him off of his feet.

Lynwood picks up the shotgun and positions himself to fire at the mouth of the alley. The beanbag rounds have less spread, and would be less dangerous, but he still has no clear shot on the attacker. He may be able to use it to knock the hostage free from the minion, but would probably have to injure him in order to do so.

Joshua hisses to him,
>"We have to stop this before it gets out of control."

Lynwood
>"You don't need to tell me twice."

Joshua
>"No, listen. If they open up with the assault rifles, there's no telling who they might hit. The walls around here won't do much to stop the rounds those things are packing. If this goes on too long they may be forced to hose him down, we can't let that happen."

Toxoglossa 2014/01/11(Sat)20:32 No. 556750 ID: 0b90a3
File 138950116657.jpg - (25.63KB , 600x600 , 400.jpg )

Having driven the soldiers back, Radula's minion stops firing and you take a look around.

You and Tanner are pinned behind the Humvee, but she has her AR-15 and a sidearm with her. Despite the circumstances, she is unlikely to give you one.

The minion stands in the dusty street, assessing his next move, but his captive looks like he is being strangled and may not have much time before he falls unconscious.

Soldier #2 is just outside the alley, Therese blood on his face, but he looks like he is alive and is completely dazed. He's struggling to turn over and crawl to the alley but his equipment is getting in his way, and
he would present an easy target should the shooter decide to finish him.

The remaining soldiers are positioned in the alley with Lynwood, Joshua and Mary. Lynwood has his shotgun, and Mary still has the last of the leeches in case there is a chance of saving the minion.

Jeff went towards the highway, presumably to get fireworks, but likely heard the sounds of the firefight, so who knows what he could be doing.

Seems simple. The corporal can just flank him right now for a clear shot at close range. If the cat turns, the other soldiers get a clear shot. He never had a chance. Instruct the corporal to try to cripple the cat. A shot to the shoulder or knee should make him release the hostage.

Or just shoot the gun, I guess. At this range it's a pretty decent chance of hitting it.

no, go for a headshot on the cat. "cripple" is not word these things understand.

get tanner to the rear of the Humvee you're hiding behind right now and see if she can't take him down with her side arm. Even if that fails Tanner can still distract him and might even make him turn his back from the downed solder and the big nasty shotgun and line a shoot up for him.

>>556750
Stay out of the way and let the military react to being shot at. That's kind of their job.

While the corporal flanks, let's try and talk, keep the bastard busy...

Toxoglossa 2014/01/12(Sun)20:13 No. 557022 ID: 0b90a3
File 138958640168.jpg - (53.36KB , 600x473 , 401.jpg )

You signal to Tanner to sneak behind the Humvee and flank the cop. She nods, having the same idea. You, on the other hand, remain behind cover and try to distract him.

Dale
"Let him go Radula! I'm the one you're after!"

We could care less about you, or this creature. All we desire is the Book. Give us the Book and he need not die. Rather, he, and all of you would see the unjust laws of this universe be unbound, and exist forevermore in an eternal, infinite nightmare/paradise. Soon, the Cacophony will come; it is the orgy of teeth that will rend those that imprison you in causality and free you of your petty mortality.

Dale
"That sounds great Raddie. Real solid pitch you have there. I'll take a pamphlet if you've got one,"

While Radula is ranting, Tanner peeks from between the parked vehicles and draws her Beretta. She takes aim and fires, putting two rounds into his center mass.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/12(Sun)20:13 No. 557024 ID: 0b90a3
File 138958642829.jpg - (73.83KB , 585x600 , 402.jpg )

Reacting with an eerie, insect-like speed, the minion half-turns and shoots three times, one round catching Tanner in the chest-plate of her tactical vest. She ducks back behind the wheel of the Humvee and gasps as if she's had the wind knocked out of her.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/12(Sun)20:14 No. 557025 ID: 0b90a3
File 138958646471.jpg - (60.37KB , 600x398 , 403.jpg )

By refusing to present himself as a target, the cop's arm ends up crossed over the body of his hostage. The soldier seizes his chance and sinks his teeth into the shooters wrist, still bloody from the zip-ties. Neither the gaping bullet wounds nor the bite seem to phase him, but the minion reacts with frustration as he tries to free his gun arm from his victim's mouth.

Rush em!

>>557025
Welp he's been shot in the chest, no way to save him now. Yet, he's still going. The venom must make them immortal. That is troublesome to say the least.

Well Dale you're the closest person to him, get in there and get that gun.

>>557028
or he has yet to bleed out

anyways is he open now from a shot from Lynwood and his shotgun? It may have bean bag rounds in it but they have knockdown and right now that could be very useful.

...I really hope that the venom in the cop is diluted enough not to spread to the soldier who is biting him.

>Welp he's been shot in the chest, no way to save him now. Yet, he's still going.
From what I hear, the immediate stopping power of most bullet wounds is mostly psychological, as organ damage and blood loss take a bit longer to do their thing.

>>557028
>Welp he's been shot in the chest, no way to save him now. Yet, he's still going. The venom must make them immortal. That is troublesome to say the least.
The body normally goes into systemic shock after a gut wound like that; that brings down the target faster than the physical damage.
The venom is suppressing the body's reaction entirely, forcing it to continue functioning.
The venom must be a neurotransmitter chemical and physical stimulant!

Argh, not only is Radula an unspeakable horror from beyond reality, he can't use idioms correctly.

Wait it out. His choices are to advance into fire or bleed out.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/13(Mon)19:20 No. 557215 ID: 0b90a3
File 138966963776.jpg - (49.41KB , 600x367 , 404.jpg )

With the shooter distracted trying to control his hostage, Lynwood peeks from cover. He takes aim with the shotgun and there is a blast of thunder.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/13(Mon)19:20 No. 557216 ID: 0b90a3
File 138966965211.jpg - (62.96KB , 600x577 , 405.jpg )

The beanbag round slams into the cops leg right below the kneecap, scything it out from underneath him. Radula's minion looses his balance and topples over with his hostage still locked in a death grip on top of him.

>>557216
...at this point I suspect the soldiers will be able to advance and do whatever the hell they want. The one being grappled can even use some of his training to break free and disarm his opponent.

if someone thinks they could get a head shot go for it, if not this may be the best chance we get at getting close to the cop. still have at least one person covering whoever is advancing at all times incase the cop tries something.

dale, tell them they have to go for the head, unless it's instantly lethal they don't go down until they bleed out.

I'm pretty sure we're out of leeches. (I don't remember).

That means we have 2 options. The sure bet is to use lethal force. Just shoot him in the head. There is no saving him and I'm sure he'd rather be dead than mentally enslaved to destroy all of existence.

The almost sure-fire way to get more people killed is to try to trap him. They seem to be as strong as 10 men, so subduing him isn't an option. Therefore, the only way to do this is if there is something akin to a cellar or cop-car that cannot be opened from the inside.

Even then, there's no guarantee that he can't just break out with his super-strength.

I vote killing him.

>>557312
We have one unused leech left, and the potential to surgically remove one from Mary.

Well, then that's a horse of a different color!

>>557216
Put him down! Don't let the bastard get another shot off!

>>557346
As much as I would want to save Officer Fuzzles, he's too damaged. He'd probably die after we remove the toxin, anyways.
I say we kill him.

>>557584

I would have said the same thing about Todd after he had his eye taken out and his kneecap smashed. Now that that's all over, I'm glad we didn't.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/15(Wed)19:49 No. 557727 ID: 0b90a3
File 138984415270.jpg - (51.45KB , 600x374 , 406.jpg )

Dale
"He's down!"

The waiting troops advance out of the alleyway; two of them moving to secure the hostage while the third helps their dazed ally to his feet.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/15(Wed)19:49 No. 557728 ID: 0b90a3
File 138984416516.jpg - (36.75KB , 600x347 , 407.jpg )

But before they can close the distance, the cop wrenches his arm free with a violent crack. His arm flings out and unleashes two final shots before the slide locks back.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/15(Wed)19:49 No. 557729 ID: 0b90a3
File 138984419821.jpg - (52.09KB , 600x503 , 408.jpg )

One of the rounds finds its mark, and a guardsman bellows in agony. He kneels in the street, trying to staunch the blood flow as a dark stain quickly spreads down his pants leg.

>>557729
Good thing we have Beth and Mary to provide advanced medical care. Dale, go and help by putting pressure on the wound. First responders are very important.

Also mention that we can still cure the cat, if they can hold him still until the others arrive with the cure.

Before you do anything, tell Tanner 'I told you so'. After the cop is securely dead or incapacitated, call out the doctors to help the wounded soldier.

>>557730
no we can't, he will die instantly. the poison is the only thing keeping them on their feet.

attack harder. hopefully tanner is covered and pincer formation.

put your belt above the wound and tighten it to stop the bleeding. then get your trained medical professionals in here.

>>557736
Let's let the medical professionals decide if he'll die or not.

oh fucking hell he hit an artery, alright someone get the damn cop under control and someone else go help the wounded. Once the crazy cop has been dealt with send someone to grab on of the medics, preferably Mary since she's actually a doctor.

>>557729
Shitfuck, if we don't help him he's going to bleed out.

And put that fucker down already!

Toxoglossa 2014/01/16(Thu)19:08 No. 557982 ID: 0b90a3
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The standing guardsman rushes the prone figures and pulls the hostage out of danger.

Soldier
>"Target secure! Don't you fucking blink you asshole!

>"What now? What do I do with him, sir?"

Toxoglossa 2014/01/16(Thu)19:10 No. 557985 ID: 0b90a3
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With the situation secure, you rush to the aid of the stricken trooper, taking off your borrowed belt and tying a tourniquet above his wound. Dr Slate hurries over, tells you where to put pressure and makes sure that your amateur first-aid doesn't do more damage.

Mary
>"Okay, keep pressure on that, no matter what."

Dale
"Got it, you check on the others!"

Mary
>"See if you can get it elevated. And check if he has any of that quick clot stuff!"

Toxoglossa 2014/01/16(Thu)19:11 No. 557986 ID: 0b90a3
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Still at gunpoint, Radula's minion lays in the dust with a smug look on his face. Mary kneels down and looks him over, looking concerned.

Lynwood
>"How is he?"

Mary
>"Sheriff?"

Lynwood
>"Is is going to be okay?"

Mary
>"I don't know, Lynwood. He's lost a lot of blood, and has two bullets stewing around in his guts, but it doesn't smell like he's gone septic. The only reason he's still conscious is because of the poison. He's going to need surgery and a blood transfusion if he's going to survive the night."

Lynwood
>"So, what I'm asking is: do we treat him for the poison?"

Mary
>"No, what you're asking is, do we cure him, or do we kill him? I'll tell you: If we do treat him, he will probably go into shock within minutes, and there is no guarantee we will be able save him. But as a doctor I can't agree with killing when its within my ability to treat him, even if its convenient for us."

Lynwood
>"I know. I'll abide by whatever you think is the best option. But, if it comes to it, let me handle it."

Mary
"Lynn?"

>>557986
The poison is keeping him from going into shock? Use that to your advantage and cure him AFTER surgery. Just make sure to keep him really really secure. Like, tie him up/down in a way that there is absolutely no way he can get out of. Real handcuffs for instance.

Actually I wonder if you can put him under anesthesia?

>>557982
Please remind the soldier that the infected do not care about their lives and will not respond to threats, because the poison works like a radio to its master, and as weird as that sounds, it's true, and his master does not care about this one's life. There's nobody in there but its Master, the man in there doesn't know what's going on at all, he's not in control. In fact, it is entirely probable that we do not have the time to even attempt surgery, because we probably have a mob the size of a city coming to this location right now. Just as strong but not injured at all. We will not survive a full scale conflict in these lands, we have to get to the Mesa now. We have to evacuate everyone, NOW.

Mary would have to make use of improvised equipment to help keep this man alive, the poison, the risk that would bring to her own life and these other people nearby, in a not sterilized location while under the stress of having to deal with an approaching mob and a patient that no drug will probably subdue? He will move around, jerk around, his INSIDES will pulse and beat and twitch like he was being cut into fully awake. You will be doing this in a damaged ambulance at full fucking speed. You will be playing Surgeon Simulator 2013's later levels, only you can't just take out all the organs and just plop the new ones in there and be done with it. You'll be getting own bullets, opening veins to connect yellow to yellow, etc.

Is that really within your capability Mary? Are you a surgeon? I thought you were a different type of doctor? Even if you the practice of a surgeon how shaky are your hands right this moment, Mary? I do not want to insult your abilities, because they are amazing and useful, but can you do it right now under these conditions?

Don't say anything about our plans within earshot of the cat.

>>557986
Do we actually have the means to save him? Is the ambulence sufficiently equipped?

If so, try. Hopefully the leech will be re-usable.

I just thought of a possible problem. What if Radula poisoned this guy in a way that leaves no wound to stick the leech into? Like he did with Dale?

We don't have the tools to drill a hole into his head to leech the poison out that way. If there's no wound, then we have to kill him.

This man is, sadly, nothing short of a rabid dog; very little chance of survival (0.008%), and a danger to everyone around him.
We need to put him down. I think this is the most humane and safe thing we can do at this point.

Put him down, we need to move everyone to the Mesa, now!

Any who can carry a rifle, grab one and watch toward the city. I don't doubt they kmow where we are.

If Mary really thinks it's within her power to save him, we should at least let her try.

Like I said before, we risked a lot to save Todd, who was also rather jacked up -- and we didn't even know the leeches would work then. This guy isn't really any less worthy of saving.

If we have the means to do so we should perform the surgery to remove the bullets, but without putting a leech in first. The poison is the only thing keeping him going right now, so we need to do that first anyway.
If the surgery goes well then we can think about curing him. If not... then the problem will have resolved itself.

I just realized another important point of consideration. The military know this guy was acting crazy, but they might still be skeptical of this 'cultist poison' thing. If we can cure him it will provide strong evidence that what we're saying is true (or close enough to it).

Toxoglossa 2014/01/17(Fri)20:15 No. 558146 ID: 0b90a3
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Dale
"Guys...."

They turn their attention to you and, keeping pressure on the tourniquet, you motion with your head towards the hostage.
Still prone.

Silent.

Motionless.

Soldier
>"Mother-FUCKER!"

He slams a boot into the cop's side.

Mary
"HEY! That's enough!"

It is unfortunate that he chose to stand in our way. Understand that we do not come here to kill, Our only desire...

Lynwood
>"Shut up."

Toxoglossa 2014/01/17(Fri)20:16 No. 558147 ID: 0b90a3
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Lynwood
>"Mary, you think you can save him?"

Mary
>"With Beth's help, yeah, I think we can get him stabilized. I could have been killed when I went berserk but you guys managed to save me, I won't let someone else die without at least trying to help them."

Lynwood looks at the weapon in his hands.
>"Make it quick then. He knows where we are, won't be long before he gets here."

The doctor does another examination of her patient, this time noticing a suspicious black liquid in his ear canal.

Mary
>"Hah! Knew it! You like to target sites with direct connections to the brain, don't you?"

The minion sneers
A noble waste of effort, soon we will be here in numbers you cannot hope to stop.

Toxoglossa 2014/01/17(Fri)20:17 No. 558148 ID: 0b90a3
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She uncaps the last leech from its vial and drops it into the open wound. The cop writhes weakly as the annelid goes to work. He groans and opens his eyes.

He speaks slowly, his breathing pained and his expression confused.
>" Arggh... where..... ffffffuuuuuccckkkk...... Lyn? Wha-?"

Lynwood kneels beside him and takes his hand.
>"Don't try to talk. Its going to be okay, Ray."

Ray
>"Lyn...what happened? ..I feel like shit."

Lynwood
>"Well, you look like shit too, nothing new there."

Ray
>"Fuck... you.. too...buddy."

END OF CHAPTER 5

>>557728
>But before they can close the distance, the cop wrenches his arm free with a violent crack.

Dislocated or broken jaw. Out of everything that could make an audible crack it's by far the weakest link. Passing out from shock is a likely result.

>>558146
What is this, a movie? Don't be lazy. Check his vitals. His muscles are not pudding, and his neck is not made of balsa wood. Snapping necks is incredibly difficult, and not something you accidentally do with one arm while trying to get unstuck.

>>558152
He's dead, Jim.

Let's just be glad we saved someone and haven't had to stoop to putting anyone down yet.

Hey, tell Mary to collect a sample of that black brain venom goo.
We might be able to create an antivenom if she's able to analyze it and not have to rely on the leeches.