The World Assembly Strangers' Bar

[Herby]

(He puts the tablet in front of Herby's headlights and whispers.)

Slowly. Don't arouse suspicion.

Got it. Steph. Seat belt. Ready?

His tires squeal.

WOOOOOO HOOOOOO come on babes I'll show you a real good time you ain't never forget! YEEEEAAAAAAH HOOOOOO!

He exits, screaming the whole way.

[Wrapper]

Slowly. Don't arouse suspicion.

Gerald nods, "We leave one-by-one, then. We don't look like we have a common destination. I'm going to order a whiskey and wait a minute. You do what you do. Good luck."

He walks to the counter and orders a drink, glancing over at Kay and Donnaugh.

(Wad Ahume nods, and after Gerald turns around, shakes his head. Hell no, I'm not going anywhere.)

[Sierra Lyricalia]

Hearing much of the conversation through Herby's internal stereo, Steph remains slouched down in the front passenger seat, hoping to evade notice. She speaks quietly to the VW.

"Aiight, I assume they're giving directions? I'd try to ride up front in the trunk for maximum surprise value if there was enough space for a person, but we'll do OK, I think."

Something flickers out of the corner of her eye, but when she looks out Herby's window, all she sees is the bar window with nothing but empty sky. 'Musta been a bird,' she thinks. As Herby squeals out of the bar, she speaks again.

"OK, we going. When we get there, keep the door open and the front seat forward, if you don't mind - we may need to just pile in all at once. I ain't too good at unarmed combat, but if we're lucky Sergeant Wolfman don't know about the nullfiers, if there are any where we're going."

She adds a moment later, "And friend, ain't none 'o this mess I'm likely to forget!"

[Wallenburg]

Gerald downs his drink and shakes off a shiver. "All right, then. Thank you, Neville."

He heads for the exit, noting that Ahume is still in the bar. Something isn't right. The Wads aren't telling us something...

He leaves the bar and makes for the Wallenburgian offices. A few moments later, he passes by the bar again, now carrying a revolver.

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

Donnaugh terminates the phone, but not before tinny, echoed bleat escapes. "See? He's alive. I can't guarantee his lack of harm. The former ambassador knows how to fight, and needed subdued, but we were careful not to leave more than bruises. That, I'm afraid, you'll have to take on my word."

His eyes narrow greedily at the duffle.

(Kay outwardly ignores the speeding Volkswagen and the other activity going on behind Donnaugh's back. Okay. Something's happening. Looks like they need a little time; I should probably stall just a little.)

Okay, Commander. Unfortunately I need just a little more time here. My accountants, who I'll no doubt fire in the morning, made a small clerical error. Turns out I do not have four million greenbacks in my duffle bag.

[Separatist Peoples]

(Kay outwardly ignores the speeding Volkswagen and the other activity going on behind Donnaugh's back. Okay. Something's happening. Looks like they need a little time; I should probably stall just a little.)

Okay, Commander. Unfortunately I need just a little more time here. My accountants, who I'll no doubt fire in the morning, made a small clerical error. Turns out I do not have four million greenbacks in my duffle bag.

"That is going to be a serious problem. For you. I'm running on a strict schedule, and that window is closing. If you can't come up with that bid, I know several armed factions that would pay handsomely for a Confederate Dominion ambassador, even a former one."

[Wrapper]

(Ahume pulls out an earpiece and plugs it into his tablet, hits a command, flinches, adjusts the volume, and types in a command.)

STEPH. HERBY. GERALD. HELEN. I HAVE PRIVATE AUDIO. STATUS?

[Herby]

(Ahume pulls out an earpiece and plugs it into his tablet, hits a command, flinches, adjusts the volume, and types in a command.)

STEPH. HERBY. GERALD. HELEN. I HAVE PRIVATE AUDIO. STATUS?

Still lookin'. I can hear the goat but wait wait wait Steph what's that down there?

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

(Kay outwardly ignores the speeding Volkswagen and the other activity going on behind Donnaugh's back. Okay. Something's happening. Looks like they need a little time; I should probably stall just a little.)

Okay, Commander. Unfortunately I need just a little more time here. My accountants, who I'll no doubt fire in the morning, made a small clerical error. Turns out I do not have four million greenbacks in my duffle bag.

"That is going to be a serious problem. For you. I'm running on a strict schedule, and that window is closing. If you can't come up with that bid, I know several armed factions that would pay handsomely for a Confederate Dominion ambassador, even a former one."

Oh, you misunderstand me, Commander. I would never short-change you. In fact, there's five million in here, not four million. So, if you don't mind, give me a moment to count out a million for myself. Shouldn't take long.

[Separatist Peoples]

Oh, you misunderstand me, Commander. I would never short-change you. In fact, there's five million in here, not four million. So, if you don't mind, give me a moment to count out a million for myself. Shouldn't take long.

Donnaugh's hand drifts to the pistol concealed at his waistband, but remembers the infernal Weapon nullifies. Damn. And if I grab her, it'll take the rest of the bar half a second to drag me down. May just have to eat the loss for now.

"Of course, but my patience isn't infinite."

[Sierra Lyricalia]

(Ahume pulls out an earpiece and plugs it into his tablet, hits a command, flinches, adjusts the volume, and types in a command.)

STEPH. HERBY. GERALD. HELEN. I HAVE PRIVATE AUDIO. STATUS?

Still lookin'. I can hear the goat but wait wait wait Steph what's that down there?

"Adjusting input to IR. BRAKES, BRAKES! That's an awful big nozzle runnin' to what looks like a propane tank or worse. Can't see a triggering mechanism. Uh... I can try to neutralize it, but if I fuck up, you'll have to have the door open so's I jump back in 'fore we both get scorched. Fucking pyromaniac. Gonna try it. Going EVA now, now, now."

[Herby]

Still lookin'. I can hear the goat but wait wait wait Steph what's that down there?

"Adjusting input to IR. BRAKES, BRAKES! That's an awful big nozzle runnin' to what looks like a propane tank or worse. Can't see a triggering mechanism. Uh... I can try to neutralize it, but if I fuck up, you'll have to have the door open so's I jump back in 'fore we both get scorched. Fucking pyromaniac. Gonna try it. Going EVA now, now, now."

Goddammit Steph, not that, that's the boiler! Over that way, hear it? It's Chuckie! C'mon!

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

Oh, you misunderstand me, Commander. I would never short-change you. In fact, there's five million in here, not four million. So, if you don't mind, give me a moment to count out a million for myself. Shouldn't take long.

Donnaugh's hand drifts to the pistol concealed at his waistband, but remembers the infernal Weapon nullifies. Damn. And if I grab her, it'll take the rest of the bar half a second to drag me down. May just have to eat the loss for now.

"Of course, but my patience isn't infinite."

Won't be long. So, Commander. (She begins to count out twenty piles of fifty thousand each.) Mind if I ask, what's next for you? Because, if you ever go back into business, I may be able to find a buyer or two.

[The Imperial Frost Federation]

(Ahume pulls out an earpiece and plugs it into his tablet, hits a command, flinches, adjusts the volume, and types in a command.)

STEPH. HERBY. GERALD. HELEN. I HAVE PRIVATE AUDIO. STATUS?

Ilya sits alone in a nearby booth from Donnaugh and Kay continuing to stealthily listen in on their conversation while Albert is noticeably absent. After Making sure that Donnaugh doesn't harm Kay she then sends Wad Ahume the following message from her tablet:

Does Steph and Herby have a tablet or something to get data?
If they do input command NOEL: IFF TRACKER-Goat to give them an update on Chuckie's location.

[Wrapper]

(Ahume pulls out an earpiece and plugs it into his tablet, hits a command, flinches, adjusts the volume, and types in a command.)

STEPH. HERBY. GERALD. HELEN. I HAVE PRIVATE AUDIO. STATUS?

Ilya sits alone in a nearby booth from Donnaugh and Kay continuing to stealthily listen in on their conversation while Albert is noticeably absent. After Making sure that Donnaugh doesn't harm Kay she then sends Wad Ahume the following message from her tablet:

Does Steph and Herby have a tablet or something to get data?
If they do input command NOEL: IFF TRACKER-Goat to give them an update on Chuckie's location.

(Ahume sends Ilya a message.)

CHUCKIE'S TRACKER HAS CRAPPED OUT.

[The Imperial Frost Federation]

Ilya sits alone in a nearby booth from Donnaugh and Kay continuing to stealthily listen in on their conversation while Albert is noticeably absent. After Making sure that Donnaugh doesn't harm Kay she then sends Wad Ahume the following message from her tablet:

Does Steph and Herby have a tablet or something to get data?
If they do input command NOEL: IFF TRACKER-Goat to give them an update on Chuckie's location.

(Ahume sends Ilya a message.)

CHUCKIE'S TRACKER HAS CRAPPED OUT.

Ilya sighs as she remotely disables the tracker and messages back

Disabled Chuckie's tracker. What's the sitrep and will Wad Ari be alright? I know Herby, Steph and Helen are heading to the package, but considering that Ari is a pacifist will he be able to defend himself from Pierrot's crew?

[Separatist Peoples]

Donnaugh's hand drifts to the pistol concealed at his waistband, but remembers the infernal Weapon nullifies. Damn. And if I grab her, it'll take the rest of the bar half a second to drag me down. May just have to eat the loss for now.

"Of course, but my patience isn't infinite."

Won't be long. So, Commander. (She begins to count out twenty piles of fifty thousand each.) Mind if I ask, what's next for you? Because, if you ever go back into business, I may be able to find a buyer or two.

"Business as usual. I prefer the position of supplier to salesman. The first and most important rule of gunrunning is, never get shot with your own merchandise, and I'm not willing to risk that in the first place. You can't buy a promotion in the Navy the way you can buy your way around the civilian world, but once you make admiral in logistics...well, nobody's looking over your shoulder as you work at that level, lets just say.

He takes a sip of a glass of water. "Don't get me wrong. I don't want people dead, Kay. I don't put a gun to anybody's head and make them shoot. But shooting is better for business. But, I prefer people to fire my guns and miss. Just as long as they are firing."

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

"While this whole debacle has been expensive, risky, and a general pain in my ass, it does neatly end with meeting the second rule of gun-running: always ensure you have a foolproof way of getting paid, preferably in advance, preferably to an offshore account. And it ties up a number of loose ends."

Indeed, Commander! I feel the same way!

(As Kay laughs, she sneaks a peek at Wad Ahume, who shakes his head. Damn.)

Well. One million for me, four million for you -- Hmmm. Wait a moment, Commander. Perhaps... perhaps there is something you can do for me, to earn this last million? What do you say? Are you game?

[Separatist Peoples]

"While this whole debacle has been expensive, risky, and a general pain in my ass, it does neatly end with meeting the second rule of gun-running: always ensure you have a foolproof way of getting paid, preferably in advance, preferably to an offshore account. And it ties up a number of loose ends."

Indeed, Commander! I feel the same way!

(As Kay laughs, she sneaks a peek at Wad Ahume, who shakes his head. Damn.)

Well. One million for me, four million for you -- Hmmm. Wait a moment, Commander. Perhaps... perhaps there is something you can do for me, to earn this last million? What do you say? Are you game?

"Such as?" Donnaugh looked hard at her.

[Herby]

Herby: "Oh shit what the hell is that?"

Steph: "No fuckin' way. Think we just gotta burn rubber past it, go in hi-beams on. He'll see us coming but I can't see a way around it."

Herby: "Yeee haaaooh ooh Ari get the fuck out of the way!"

Chuckie: (Bleats)

Herby: "No no no no I'm not gonna fit, go, do it now, do it now!"

STEPH: "FREEZE MOTHERFUCKER!"

Herby: "Gerald, water guns, NOW! Ooh look out!"

Chuckie: **munch munch munch** (Bleats with his mouth full)

Herby: "No no no no don't you dare you stupid piece of--"

A crash is heard, then the audio cuts out just as someone screams.

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

Well. One million for me, four million for you -- Hmmm. Wait a moment, Commander. Perhaps... perhaps there is something you can do for me, to earn this last million? What do you say? Are you game?

"Such as?" Donnaugh looked hard at her.

You know? There's one question that's just been eating at me ever since you first got here. I guess you could call it the million greenback question. Bell's a nobody in the military. Why frame him? Why not one of a hundred others? It couldn't have been easy for you, distancing yourself from your nation, from your inner circle of trusted confidantes, and take up residence with this motley crew of drunks, idiots and wannabes. I mean, I know exactly what hurdles there are, trying to set up operations and run things from here at the WA. So, why Bell?

[Whovian Tardisia]

Herby: "Oh shit what the hell is that?"

Steph: "No fuckin' way. Think we just gotta burn rubber past it, go in hi-beams on. He'll see us coming but I can't see a way around it."

Herby: "Yeee haaaooh ooh Ari get the fuck out of the way!"

Chuckie: (Bleats)

Herby: "No no no no I'm not gonna fit, go, do it now, do it now!"

STEPH: "FREEZE MOTHERFUCKER!"

Herby: "Gerald, water guns, NOW! Ooh look out!"

Chuckie: **munch munch munch** (Bleats with his mouth full)

Herby: "No no no no don't you dare you stupid piece of--"

A crash is heard, then the audio cuts out just as someone screams.

OOC: I hope you got permission for that.

[Sierra Lyricalia]

Herby: "Oh shit what the hell is that?"

Steph: "No fuckin' way. Think we just gotta burn rubber past it, go in hi-beams on. He'll see us coming but I can't see a way around it."

Herby: "Yeee haaaooh ooh Ari get the fuck out of the way!"

Chuckie: (Bleats)

Herby: "No no no no I'm not gonna fit, go, do it now, do it now!"

STEPH: "FREEZE MOTHERFUCKER!"

Herby: "Gerald, water guns, NOW! Ooh look out!"

Chuckie: **munch munch munch** (Bleats with his mouth full)

Herby: "No no no no don't you dare you stupid piece of--"

A crash is heard, then the audio cuts out just as someone screams.

OOC: I hope you got permission for that.

OOC: And a quotation, too, leastways from me. All right & proper.

[Wallenburg]

Gerald skulks through the subbasement and finds Herby and Steph.

Herby: "Gerald, water guns, NOW! Ooh look out!"

"What? Water guns? What about--dear Notch!"

Gunshots sound out.

A crash is heard, then the audio cuts out just as someone screams.

[Whovian Tardisia]

The subbasement is filled with light and sound as a familiar blue box appears in the corner. Unusually, K-9 is first to pop out. In excellent condition now, he reports: <All is safe. You can come out now, you wuss.> Pink slowly steps out into the subbasement. Pink notices the smoke coming out of Gerald's pistol. He examines the area. "Explain to the dog. He's connected to the TARDIS, I can save the recording and broadcast it later. Which is to say, right now. Don't ask how, wibbly wobbly, timey wimey etc. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to faint." At the very moment he hit the floor, the TARDIS also materialized in it's usual place in the bar, and a near future version of Pink stepped out, walking over to Wad Ahume. "Herby's audio crapped out, and, well, let Gerald explain." He whispered, pushing a button on his sonic, letting the recording that was still being made, yet already made, play.

(OOC: Always wanted to do a paradox. What Gerald says to K-9 will be the recording, so Ahume will hear it as it comes out, as it's being made at the same moment Gerald says it, yet playing a the same relative moment in time. Don't worry, I'm confusing myself a bit too. )