>>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
File 138992808475.jpg - (56.62KB , 353x600 , 409.jpg )

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
File 138992824418.jpg - (61.25KB , 600x418 , 410.jpg )

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
File 138992829445.jpg - (48.63KB , 600x411 , 411.jpg )

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
File 139001855089.jpg - (43.29KB , 600x341 , 412.jpg )

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
File 139001860487.jpg - (35.89KB , 474x600 , 413.jpg )

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
File 139001864045.jpg - (50.88KB , 600x530 , 414.jpg )

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.