The Return (IC/OPEN)

[Mincaldenteans]

London
Sunday Night

London was indeed a lively city of light, night life and an unfortunate cold now, after the civil war. The streets they'd run down on scouting, prison breaks and other various violent tasks were not teeming with automobiles, double-decker buses and everything one could imagine. The amount of people braving the cold was surprising to her too, as she didn't understand how these people would willingly walk out in the cold. She only did so because she and Hunter had, as he pointed out, never been on an actual date. Of course parking had been horrible, so they were unfortunately forced to walk, but it wasn't snowing at least. She walked close to Hunter, pulling tighter around herself the long grey coat she'd thrown over a well fitting red dress.

"It really is beautiful now isn't it?" she asked shivering, looking around at all the lights and things to see, though the light hurt her eyes a bit.

Hunter grinned, he couldn't agree more. While the lights did bother him, it wasn't as much as perhaps Cymitia and he wondered if she was alright. So far she had taken it in stride and Hunter figured that must mean it was okay. The cold was a brisk, heady chill, and Hunter reached an arm over her shoulder instinctively, pulling Cymitia close him. They had trekked two blocks already for the play and while he liked the weather, Hunter really wanted to see the play. He'd never seen it before and after being regaled by Cymitia of it, he admitted he was intrigued and very curious. Tugging the left portion of his black wool jacket, he tucked it tighter while Cymitia was close to him. He was dressed in black pants and a checked sweater underneath the jacket.

"I've never seen London like this since surfacing and before London walled itself up," Hunter commented lightly, taking in the sight.

---

If they were to be watching any of the news networks, they would be aware that the French had launched an attack on the southern shores. Aerial and amphibious landings, offshore bombardments, everything of the likes. Launching such an invasion under the cover of night was a difficult move, though they'd managed to pull it off well enough, seeing as how a day invasion was far more likely to end badly for them. The major fighting would occur on the beaches fortified with high bunkers and trenchlines, barbed wire and steel hedgehogs, leaving little of the beach easily to maneuver around. The GEE's preparations were extensive, so the battle was more a toss up than either side would have liked, there would be no decisive underdog in the conflict obviously.

Mike had been watching the television as the news arrived. Walking to the bedroom, he opened the dresser and obtained his handgun and holster. Invasion? From the French? he thought, walking back to the living room and grabbing the phone, dialing the Bars number onto the small pad. Thelin was probably working at this hour, so he assumed she knew of the news aswell.

He waited for someone to pick up the phone.

"Duckie's Barrels," Thelin answered the phone, though her voice held an edge of worry, one she hoped didn't chase off whoever it was over the phone. News had sprung of an invasion, and most of the casters covering the event pointed toward the all familiar equipment, vehicles and the flag of France. She wondered why now, why ever, would they want to wage a war against the GEE. Were they not at peace? In the four month she had taken the time to learn more about the world, specifically England's history. While they were traditional enemies in the past, in today's era they were cordial.

"What can I do for ya?" She drawled, masking her worried state as her eyes peered to the tube, catching snippets of details while the few in the bar bellowed in fury of the French's incursion.

[Cadia]

Mike had been watching the television as the news arrived. Walking to the bedroom, he opened the dresser and obtained his handgun and holster. Invasion? From the French? he thought, walking back to the living room and grabbing the phone, dialing the Bars number onto the small pad. Thelin was probably working at this hour, so he assumed she knew of the news aswell.

He waited for someone to pick up the phone.

"Duckie's Barrels," Thelin answered the phone, though her voice held an edge of worry, one she hoped didn't chase off whoever it was over the phone. News had sprung of an invasion, and most of the casters covering the event pointed toward the all familiar equipment, vehicles and the flag of France. She wondered why now, why ever, would they want to wage a war against the GEE. Were they not at peace? In the four month she had taken the time to learn more about the world, specifically England's history. While they were traditional enemies in the past, in today's era they were cordial.

"What can I do for ya?" She drawled, masking her worried state as her eyes peered to the tube, catching snippets of details while the few in the bar bellowed in fury of the French's incursion.

"Hey Thel. I assume you've heard of the invasion, right?" Mike began to wander around the room, keeping a sharp eye to the window. "Well, just wanted to know if you're okay. I have a feeling that even Prince won't be safe from the French.". His mind was scattered as he listened outside of the door, hearing the various vehicles try to escape the town. One of the neighbors appeared to be boarding up his windows, possibly hoping to make his house look abandoned if they are attacked. Walking through the house, he began to close the blinds in an attempt to prevent as much light as possible from escaping the house. It worked during the Second World War, let's hope it works now.

[Mincaldenteans]

"Hey Thel. I assume you've heard of the invasion, right?" Mike began to wander around the room, keeping a sharp eye to the window. "Well, just wanted to know if you're okay. I have a feeling that even Prince won't be safe from the French.". His mind was scattered as he listened outside of the door, hearing the various vehicles try to escape the town. One of the neighbors appeared to be boarding up his windows, possibly hoping to make his house look abandoned if they are attacked. Walking through the house, he began to close the blinds in an attempt to prevent as much light as possible from escaping the house. It worked during the Second World War, let's hope it works now.

“Yeah,” Thelin clutched the phone while the few patrons in Duckie’s Barrels were hollering their outrage at the news coverage. “Do you think we’d have to leave soon?” She asked, pushing herself away from the bar. Though she had come to like the townsfolk, if Prince became a battlefield, she’d much rather avoid a fight and the chaos with it than be stuck and fighting for their lives. She had come to know peace here, and Thelin didn’t want to be a part of anymore violence.

Humans, always killing. She never understood their propensity for waging war or. Wasn’t there enough land and resources for everyone? Nevidians never fought one another; everything was shared or compromised.

“If we do, we need to tell Daniel and Cym and the boys,” she said quietly.

[Lancearc]

"It really is beautiful, I'm glad we came." Cymitia agreed with a genuinely sweet grin, looking down as the bright lights had begun to hurt her eyes just a bit. The city had always been described as beautiful to her by people who lived here prior, and now she could certainly see the description as having been true. She could even see the theater they were seeing the play in up ahead, proudly announcing the fact with the sign out front of the venue.

Many GEE men could be seen rushing down a street up ahead, followed by them closing down the streets and ushering people into buildings. Cars in the road honked at their being held up, confused, and the people shared in their confusion. A squad of soldiers was pushing people on the sidewalks into the theater by then, Cymitia and Hunter included. Cym made sure to keep a tight grip on Hunter's hand so as to not be separated in the stampede of bodies entering the theater either by will or force. She wanted to ask Hunter what was happening, but she knew he was likely just as clueless as her. She knew that it couldn't be anything good though.

The first explosion made her heart skip a beat, and many of the bystanders shrieked in surprise and fear. They were all pushed further into the building, many fleeing downstairs. "What was that?" Cymitia asked Hunter worriedly, glancing over her shoulder.

---

"Um...Anna?"

Connor had been gazing out of the window, having noticed flashing lights and noises from below even on the high floor of The Shard. He'd wanted to take her somewhere nice to eat, it wasn't as if she was off too often and he liked to take advantage of the time that she was. However, he'd also noticed the explosions outside. Another came, this one landing dangerously close to The Shard's lobby entrance. He turned back towards the apartment, jogging away from the window. "I don't think we should stay up here." he said, glancing back towards the window. A skyscraper was probably not the best place to be during whatever was going on outside, involving explosions. One could just barely make out the shapes of aircraft above, if they were on a high rooftop.

---

In Prince, the gunfire had already begun. The scouting French forces weren't able to stay stealthy for long as a contingent of GEE men was sent to investigate sounds of rotor aircraft landing in the countryside, with the small town as the clashing point between the two. Only a Bedford truck and a platoon of GEE soldiers were present, near equal in numbers to the French forward patrol. The residents of the town weren't exactly safe though, the combatants were using whatever means available to stay out of the open, even entering homes and killing the residents to keep their location unknown.

[Phoenix2012]

"Hey Thel. I assume you've heard of the invasion, right?" Mike began to wander around the room, keeping a sharp eye to the window. "Well, just wanted to know if you're okay. I have a feeling that even Prince won't be safe from the French.". His mind was scattered as he listened outside of the door, hearing the various vehicles try to escape the town. One of the neighbors appeared to be boarding up his windows, possibly hoping to make his house look abandoned if they are attacked. Walking through the house, he began to close the blinds in an attempt to prevent as much light as possible from escaping the house. It worked during the Second World War, let's hope it works now.

“Yeah,” Thelin clutched the phone while the few patrons in Duckie’s Barrels were hollering their outrage at the news coverage. “Do you think we’d have to leave soon?” She asked, pushing herself away from the bar. Though she had come to like the townsfolk, if Prince became a battlefield, she’d much rather avoid a fight and the chaos with it than be stuck and fighting for their lives. She had come to know peace here, and Thelin didn’t want to be a part of anymore violence.

Humans, always killing. She never understood their propensity for waging war or. Wasn’t there enough land and resources for everyone? Nevidians never fought one another; everything was shared or compromised.

“If we do, we need to tell Daniel and Cym and the boys,” she said quietly.

Jon watched as footage of the invasion filled the screens in the bar. The drunks were hollering up a storm and screaming curses at the tvs. He silently cursed the world. He had moved to the UK to get away from all the fighting, and now, it seemed that he was going to be caught in the middle of it all. Of course he should be able to take care of himself better than most, but even he couldn't hold back a division of the french, or however many would attack. He supposed that he would take everything he could and clear out by the next day or so, and find a safe place for everything else. With the inevitable fighting, his "side" business was sure to prosper, and he was glad that he was armed should he come across scattered invaders. Strictly speaking, he wasn't even a UK citizen, and wanted nothing to do with any of this...
His train of thought was broken by explosions and small arms fire. He discerned the sound of the FAMAS and SIGs, and answering fire from L85s. The distant pops soon erupted into the loud cracks of 5.56 automatic fire.
Thinking he could handle it, Jon rushed out into the street just as helicopters landed nearby. The sounds of gunfire came closer and he knew that they were in trouble. He couldn't get out alone, but if anyone in the bar had been ex-SAS or something like that...

Jon analyzed the situation in his mind, and could almost hear his SEAL instructor speaking...
Urban fighting was a nasty business. There was often abundant cover, which made attacking difficult if the defenders were using the cover to their advantage, which the brits weren't... yet... And once the invaders have defeated the defenders, fighting could go on for days, or weeks, as isolated resistance units attacked the invaders. The French, however, was using their advantage of surprise well, and pushing forward as fast as they could before the defenders could regroup and set up better defenses. The hastily erected british defenses were easily broken through by the french, and many of the British found themselves flanked...However, if the french weren't careful, they could push too far and isolated units would find themselves deep behind enemy lines with little or no friendly support, inviting certain destruction...

The fighting got closer, and Jon could discern individual weapons. The French were pushing rapidly into the city, relying on the element of surprise. Jon quickly unlocked his jeep and got out his IBR and a pair of 12 gauges and AR15s in addition to the .308 and a few other weapons he had been upgrading and fixing. Rushing back into the bar as gunfire erupted a few blocks away as the French caught another group by surprise.

"Does anyone know how to handle a firearm?" he demanded, hoping that there were able men who weren't overly drunk and could handle the pieces. He didn't have very much ammo, and it was quite unlikely that many of the people at the bar would be sufficiently armed, but he hoped that he could 'recruit' an able group and escape before the French broke through completely. He also had to worry about being targeted by the british troops, who were probably very trigger itchy...but god willing, he might just make it out...

[Mincaldenteans]

“Yeah,” Thelin clutched the phone while the few patrons in Duckie’s Barrels were hollering their outrage at the news coverage. “Do you think we’d have to leave soon?” She asked, pushing herself away from the bar. Though she had come to like the townsfolk, if Prince became a battlefield, she’d much rather avoid a fight and the chaos with it than be stuck and fighting for their lives. She had come to know peace here, and Thelin didn’t want to be a part of anymore violence.

Humans, always killing. She never understood their propensity for waging war or. Wasn’t there enough land and resources for everyone? Nevidians never fought one another; everything was shared or compromised.

“If we do, we need to tell Daniel and Cym and the boys,” she said quietly.

Jon watched as footage of the invasion filled the screens in the bar. The drunks were hollering up a storm and screaming curses at the tvs. He silently cursed the world. He had moved to the UK to get away from all the fighting, and now, it seemed that he was going to be caught in the middle of it all. Of course he should be able to take care of himself better than most, but even he couldn't hold back a division of the french, or however many would attack. He supposed that he would take everything he could and clear out by the next day or so, and find a safe place for everything else. With the inevitable fighting, his "side" business was sure to prosper, and he was glad that he was armed should he come across scattered invaders. Strictly speaking, he wasn't even a UK citizen, and wanted nothing to do with any of this...
His train of thought was broken by explosions and small arms fire. He discerned the sound of the FAMAS and SIGs, and answering fire from L85s. The distant pops soon erupted into the loud cracks of 5.56 automatic fire.
Thinking he could handle it, Jon rushed out into the street just as helicopters landed nearby. The sounds of gunfire came closer and he knew that they were in trouble. He couldn't get out alone, but if anyone in the bar had been ex-SAS or something like that...

The fighting got closer, and Jon could discern individual weapons. The French were pushing rapidly into the city, relying on the element of surprise. Jon quickly unlocked his jeep and got out his IBR and a pair of 12 gauges and AR15s in addition to the .308 and a few other weapons he had been upgrading and fixing. Rushing back into the bar as gunfire erupted a few blocks away as the French caught another group by surprise.

"Does anyone know how to handle a firearm?" he demanded...

"They're already here!?" Thelin said with surprise. The news had made it sound as though Prince was still out of range and there'd be time to prepare. Now, however, all that shattered. "Mike, make your way to the bar, yeah? Tell Cym and the rest if you see them. They're here on the streets, I have to go, I'll stay in the bar as long as I can." With that she hung up the phone.

When the guy asked if anyone knew how to handle a firearm, she raised her hand about half way, some part of her hoping he wouldn't see it. Mike had taught her how to shoot in the last few months and she'd gone a long way from the night they met. She didn't say anything, the crowd's hollering had abruptly stopped, a couple of them scratching the back of their heads embarrassed while some took a step forward, Thelin recognized a few of them being the volunteer town patrol; Cymitia and Hunter had introduced all of them having been here before.

[Jessjohnesik]

Hunt slammed her fist against her table, while throwing a vase against a wall in complete anger and rage, meanwhile several men and women looked on, awaiting orders. Her eyes wide and her once organised hair slightly messed up.

"Where is Sydomas?" She asked, immediately being led to his office.

---

The explosions seemed worrying and dangerously close to The Shard, which as a skyscraper was a relatively easy target. But she didn't want to leave her apartment as it might get bombed. "Well...where could we go? I think it's better if we stay here." Anna stated in a slightly unsure tone.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

George liked his new, quiet life. He’d joined the city council of Prince. Not that is was much of a job, the small town basically ran itself, but it was a way to get the money he needed to survive. He helped the major with certain decisions, once a month or so, and the rest of the time he spend writing a book. He had always felt the need to speak his mind on the things he’d seen, the things he’d done. It was a way to ask the people for forgiveness. Right now, he had just begun writing chapter four, which was about his time as a Humanity First member during the Return. The writing took a great deal of heart, but it also gave solace to the hurt soul which was writing it. George typed away the letters on his keyboard, and with every minute, the book gained more shape. It was a quiet night, a warm night, the best nights for writing books as these. As the writing filled the screen of his monitor, he sometimes looked outside, gazing at the endless night, with the lights of London in the distance. It was beautiful. In the other room, the TV was on, with the sound muted. For some reason George would rather mute his TV than put it out altogether.

But this time, again, looking out of the window would change his life. In the distance, he could see something strange. Flashing lights. Traces of light speeding over the fields. The light humming of plane noises. And then, explosions. Distant, like the roaring thunder, but they were unmistakable. Quickly, George rushed into the next room, where the TV was on, and he looked at the screen. The IBBC was on, as always, and it depicted the news of that night. George was astounded. Although the sound was off, there was no mistake to be made. It was obvious. The woman reading the news was up in arms, in terror. Sweat was dripping from her messy hair, and she clearly had trouble pronouncing the words. The bar with breaking news below her only had one message: “War Declared. French Expeditionary Forces Land. Main Force Enters London.

Three seconds later, George bashed through the door of his cottage, running to the other side of the street. He pounded on the door of the house there, but, as he feared, no one was home. They were out to the theatre, they’d told him. In London. Another two seconds later, George jumped in his car. The engine started with a roar, it clearly disagreed with starting in third gear. George drove through the streets like a madman, trying to get to his friends. They were either in danger, or having the adventure of their lives. Either way, George was not going to sit by and let them do it all by themselves.

The traffic was an absolute nightmare coming out of the city. The roads were jammed, as scared citizens tried to get away before another war erupted in their city. This made it easier for George, because no one besides him was stupid enough to try and enter the city. The army hadn’t even tried to block off the roads into the city, and the few posts that were up were understaffed enough for George to just race past. It was probably the first time he raced through the city in fifth gear, something his engine didn’t agree with as well. After some moves that would make James Bond piss his pants, George arrived at the theatre he had been looking for.


Meanwhile, Daniél was driving her car as well. Nice and according to the rules, of course. She had her radio off, to ensure total peace and quiet in her car. She had no idea where to find her brother in London, but she figured it would be easier to find him in London itself than it was to find him from Cardiff. Yesterday, she’d made sure a friend of hers took over the farm while she was away. She’d taken her car, and now, she was driving towards London at an average pace. It was a painful drive. She constantly tried to figure out what she was going to say. She was preparing for the worst, the most rude comments, and even physical violence. From George, or those HGV guys she’d met before. With part of her fortune, she’d bought a stun gun, a taser, to protect her. And to tease her brother with, she thought. The city lights of London appeared over a hill, and Daniél was ready to try and find her long-lost brother. Whatever came in her way…

[Altito Asmoro]

In Prince, the gunfire had already begun. The scouting French forces weren't able to stay stealthy for long as a contingent of GEE men was sent to investigate sounds of rotor aircraft landing in the countryside, with the small town as the clashing point between the two. Only a Bedford truck and a platoon of GEE soldiers were present, near equal in numbers to the French forward patrol. The residents of the town weren't exactly safe though, the combatants were using whatever means available to stay out of the open, even entering homes and killing the residents to keep their location unknown.

The WSC (World Security Company) soldiers went out from their APC as they started to swarmed the French forces. As many of 15 soldiers are in place with their assault rifles. Half of them moved forward and took cover while firing to the French forces, while the other half are in the place between London and Prince, forming barricades for cover.

[Cadia]

Mike placed the phone down, listening closely to the outside. Walking to the backdoor, he checked the window and looked for any French scouts approaching the house. Not seeing any, he opened the door and began the mad dash to the bar. I haven't seen any troops, so I think I'm safe for the time being. he thought to himself as he sprinted across the street. Only a block or two left till the bar.

Mike watched as the blinds were closed and lights shut off all around him. Reaching the bar, he ran inside and quickly closed the door behind him.

[Phoenix2012]

Jon watched as footage of the invasion filled the screens in the bar. The drunks were hollering up a storm and screaming curses at the tvs. He silently cursed the world. He had moved to the UK to get away from all the fighting, and now, it seemed that he was going to be caught in the middle of it all. Of course he should be able to take care of himself better than most, but even he couldn't hold back a division of the french, or however many would attack. He supposed that he would take everything he could and clear out by the next day or so, and find a safe place for everything else. With the inevitable fighting, his "side" business was sure to prosper, and he was glad that he was armed should he come across scattered invaders. Strictly speaking, he wasn't even a UK citizen, and wanted nothing to do with any of this...
His train of thought was broken by explosions and small arms fire. He discerned the sound of the FAMAS and SIGs, and answering fire from L85s. The distant pops soon erupted into the loud cracks of 5.56 automatic fire.
Thinking he could handle it, Jon rushed out into the street just as helicopters landed nearby. The sounds of gunfire came closer and he knew that they were in trouble. He couldn't get out alone, but if anyone in the bar had been ex-SAS or something like that...

The fighting got closer, and Jon could discern individual weapons. The French were pushing rapidly into the city, relying on the element of surprise. Jon quickly unlocked his jeep and got out his IBR and a pair of 12 gauges and AR15s in addition to the .308 and a few other weapons he had been upgrading and fixing. Rushing back into the bar as gunfire erupted a few blocks away as the French caught another group by surprise.

"Does anyone know how to handle a firearm?" he demanded...

"They're already here!?" Thelin said with surprise. The news had made it sound as though Prince was still out of range and there'd be time to prepare. Now, however, all that shattered. "Mike, make your way to the bar, yeah? Tell Cym and the rest if you see them. They're here on the streets, I have to go, I'll stay in the bar as long as I can." With that she hung up the phone.

When the guy asked if anyone knew how to handle a firearm, she raised her hand about half way, some part of her hoping he wouldn't see it. Mike had taught her how to shoot in the last few months and she'd gone a long way from the night they met. She didn't say anything, the crowd's hollering had abruptly stopped, a couple of them scratching the back of their heads embarrassed while some took a step forward, Thelin recognized a few of them being the volunteer town patrol; Cymitia and Hunter had introduced all of them having been here before.

Jon was a bit disappointed at the selection before him. Most of them were either too drunk or had never used a firearm in their lives. A few guys came forward and took a few rifles, and although inexperienced, they at least held their rifles correctly. A Nevidian woman half raised her hand and Jon gave her an AR-15. He passed out the remainder of his weapons to a few other volunteers and split up the few boxes of ammo he had...

He looked out the window an saw that the French were slowly advancing, and the small group of british troops were being pushed back slowly in order to avoid being flanked.

"Ok, guys" Jon said quietly, "We'll try to get out of here before the French push through, avoid all engagements if possible, and hold your fire unless fired upon by enemy forces, and then only if absolutely necessary. This will help conserve the little ammo we have, and avoid giving our position away. We will attempt to seek british troops after we have made it safely from the front lines." he instructed

He went around and made sure that all the weapons were loaded correctly and quickly taught the less experienced the basics. Jon then retrieved some of his tools and waited for a break in the fighting.

He was surprised as a bearded man burst through the doors into the bar... Confirming that he knew how to handle a firearm, Jon handed him his .45 and asked him the position and situation of the French troops...

[Mincaldenteans]

Mike placed the phone down, listening closely to the outside. Walking to the backdoor, he checked the window and looked for any French scouts approaching the house. Not seeing any, he opened the door and began the mad dash to the bar. I haven't seen any troops, so I think I'm safe for the time being. he thought to himself as he sprinted across the street. Only a block or two left till the bar.

Mike watched as the blinds were closed and lights shut off all around him. Reaching the bar, he ran inside and quickly closed the door behind him.

Thelin rushed over, ecstatic to see him well and hugged the man. The rifle was a tad heavy, having only used it once; she had preferred if the guy had given her a pistol and not this beast of a weapon. "Trade ya," she said with a grin filled with relief, holding up the rifle.

[Cadia]

Mike placed the phone down, listening closely to the outside. Walking to the backdoor, he checked the window and looked for any French scouts approaching the house. Not seeing any, he opened the door and began the mad dash to the bar. I haven't seen any troops, so I think I'm safe for the time being. he thought to himself as he sprinted across the street. Only a block or two left till the bar.

Mike watched as the blinds were closed and lights shut off all around him. Reaching the bar, he ran inside and quickly closed the door behind him.

Thelin rushed over, ecstatic to see him well and hugged the man. The rifle was a tad heavy, having only used it once; she had preferred if the guy had given her a pistol and not this beast of a weapon. "Trade ya," she said with a grin filled with relief, holding up the rifle.

"Sure."

Mike handed the handgun to Thelin in exchange for the rifle. Looking down the sights, he gave the rifle a decent rundown. "Much better. Anyways, how's the situation around here? Looks like we have a motley crew here to help defend the place." he said as he looked over the various people given firearms, each one looking more blasted than the other. "This'll be fun..."

[Mincaldenteans]

"It really is beautiful, I'm glad we came." Cymitia agreed with a genuinely sweet grin, looking down as the bright lights had begun to hurt her eyes just a bit. The city had always been described as beautiful to her by people who lived here prior, and now she could certainly see the description as having been true. She could even see the theater they were seeing the play in up ahead, proudly announcing the fact with the sign out front of the venue.

Many GEE men could be seen rushing down a street up ahead, followed by them closing down the streets and ushering people into buildings. Cars in the road honked at their being held up, confused, and the people shared in their confusion. A squad of soldiers was pushing people on the sidewalks into the theater by then, Cymitia and Hunter included. Cym made sure to keep a tight grip on Hunter's hand so as to not be separated in the stampede of bodies entering the theater either by will or force. She wanted to ask Hunter what was happening, but she knew he was likely just as clueless as her. She knew that it couldn't be anything good though.

The first explosion made her heart skip a beat, and many of the bystanders shrieked in surprise and fear. They were all pushed further into the building, many fleeing downstairs. "What was that?" Cymitia asked Hunter worriedly, glancing over her shoulder.

"Oy!" Someone had said and Hunter turned his head to the source.

It was a police officer waving them off. "Get off the bloody streets, mate! The fucking French are coming for us! Out now, get going!"

Hunter looked at Cymi with perked eyebrows. The French? He tugged at her and the duo began moving with an increasingly large crowd. "So much for date night," he mumbled with a huff. "If that's really the French, they owe us a vacation in Paris. Since we both don't have anywhere to hide in London... best bet is to head off to Sanctuary, if it's still there."

"Sure."

Mike handed the handgun to Thelin in exchange for the rifle. Looking down the sights, he gave the rifle a decent rundown. "Much better. Anyways, how's the situation around here? Looks like we have a motley crew here to help defend the place." he said as he looked over the various people given firearms, each one looking more blasted than the other. "This'll be fun..."

"Rambo back there seems to have enough weapons to field an army," she thumbed to the guy picking at presumably tools or more weapons. She'd have to ask for a pistol and hoped he had one. Thelin wanted to avoid any confrontation and somehow handling a rifle seemed to ask for trouble, not deter it. It looked nice on Mike though, she mused. "He says they're making their way down the street, our best bet is to keep our heads down while we get out of Prince."

[Phoenix2012]

"Sure."

Mike handed the handgun to Thelin in exchange for the rifle. Looking down the sights, he gave the rifle a decent rundown. "Much better. Anyways, how's the situation around here? Looks like we have a motley crew here to help defend the place." he said as he looked over the various people given firearms, each one looking more blasted than the other. "This'll be fun..."

"Rambo back there seems to have enough weapons to field an army," she thumbed to the guy picking at presumably tools or more weapons. She'd have to ask for a pistol and hoped he had one. Thelin wanted to avoid any confrontation and somehow handling a rifle seemed to ask for trouble, not deter it. It looked nice on Mike though, she mused. "He says they're making their way down the street, our best bet is to keep our heads down while we get out of Prince."

The Navidian asked for a pistol, and Jon gave her his PPK.
"the PPK has a heavy trigger, so be sure to aim down a bit when you use it." Jon instructed.
"here's an extra mag, so you'll have the 8 and the chambered and the 8 more.
"By the way, the name's Jon, and I'm thinking we should get going soon..." Jon said as he checked the batteries in the tactical flashlight and laser on his IBR.

[Mincaldenteans]

The Nevidian asked for a pistol, and Jon gave her his PPK.
"the PPK has a heavy trigger, so be sure to aim down a bit when you use it." Jon instructed.
"here's an extra mag, so you'll have the 8 and the chambered and the 8 more.
"By the way, the name's Jon, and I'm thinking we should get going soon..." Jon said as he checked the batteries in the tactical flashlight and laser on his IBR.

Thelin blushed slightly, clearly being heard calling the guy Rambo. Taking the pistol, she nodded, accepting the extra clip that came with it. With a round already chambered, she instinctively knew that aside from the disengaging the safety, she had little to worry about. Part of her hoped she wouldn’t have to shoot anyone but as the sounds of shouting and a few more gunshots rang in the street, Thelin knew that avoiding a fight may just be impossible.

She gave the flashlight to Mike instead, trusting him with it than herself. Not that she needed it in the event they were in the dark: far from it.

“Ready when you guys are,” she said with a nod. The others, the town patrol volunteers, still looked a bit too drunk and she bet they were worse than they claimed. The only ones that were sober were the three of them. “I’m Thelin,” she said, and gesturing to Mike, “This is Mike.”

[Cadia]

The Nevidian asked for a pistol, and Jon gave her his PPK.
"the PPK has a heavy trigger, so be sure to aim down a bit when you use it." Jon instructed.
"here's an extra mag, so you'll have the 8 and the chambered and the 8 more.
"By the way, the name's Jon, and I'm thinking we should get going soon..." Jon said as he checked the batteries in the tactical flashlight and laser on his IBR.

Thelin blushed slightly, clearly being heard calling the guy Rambo. Taking the pistol, she nodded, accepting the extra clip that came with it. With a round already chambered, she instinctively knew that aside from the disengaging the safety, she had little to worry about. Part of her hoped she wouldn’t have to shoot anyone but as the sounds of shouting and a few more gunshots rang in the street, Thelin knew that avoiding a fight may just be impossible.

She gave the flashlight to Mike instead, trusting him with it than herself. Not that she needed it in the event they were in the dark: far from it.

“Ready when you guys are,” she said with a nod. The others, the town patrol volunteers, still looked a bit too drunk and she bet they were worse than they claimed. The only ones that were sober were the three of them. “I’m Thelin,” she said, and gesturing to Mike, “This is Mike.”

"Heyo."

Hearing the sound of running get closer and closer to the building, Mike looked about at everyone. "Alright, kill the lights and get behind cover," he said as he began to walk behind the bar, "If it's a fight they want, it's a fight they'll get." With those words, the light was immediately extinguished and silence crept upon the room. Pointing his rifle at the door, Mike prepared himself to fire the rifle at the first combatant that goes through the door.

[Lancearc]

"If we can even make it there..." Cymitia said as they were continually pushed into the theater, it was rather impossible to move against the flow of people being forced in. She wanted to say more but was cut off by another explosion that rocked the building and sent the glass from the doors flying, many of the people either being killed by the concussion, shrapnel or simply being wounded horribly if they were near the entrance. Cymitia and Hunter were forced to the ground, glass creating many cuts on their skin. She struggled back to her feet, still making sure she had Hunter with her. Her ears were ringing, and the cuts stung. "Are you okay?!" she asked, perhaps a bit louder than she'd intended, but the screams and groans of pain from those caught in the blast was loud.

They were forced into a stairwell which lead downstairs into some sort of power room, it being very dark for any Humans entering she imagined.

---

The French in Prince had received a boost in manpower in the form of another scout platoon, not to mention the presence of a pair of VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicles, blasting away at the WSC forces and barricades.

The infantry were flanking around the streets, avoiding the armor and attempting to avoid enemy infantry completely. A squad of the well equipped scouts kicked down the door into the bar, and realized the danger of darkness, many of them equipping the night vision goggles they'd been equipped with to carry out the late night raid.

[Mincaldenteans]

The traffic was an absolute nightmare coming out of the city. The roads were jammed, as scared citizens tried to get away before another war erupted in their city. This made it easier for George, because no one besides him was stupid enough to try and enter the city. The army hadn’t even tried to block off the roads into the city, and the few posts that were up were understaffed enough for George to just race past. It was probably the first time he raced through the city in fifth gear, something his engine didn’t agree with as well. After some moves that would make James Bond piss his pants, George arrived at the theatre he had been looking for.

"If we can even make it there..." Cymitia said as they were continually pushed into the theater, it was rather impossible to move against the flow of people being forced in. She wanted to say more but was cut off by another explosion that rocked the building and sent the glass from the doors flying, many of the people either being killed by the concussion, shrapnel or simply being wounded horribly if they were near the entrance. Cymitia and Hunter were forced to the ground, glass creating many cuts on their skin. She struggled back to her feet, still making sure she had Hunter with her. Her ears were ringing, and the cuts stung. "Are you okay?!" she asked, perhaps a bit louder than she'd intended, but the screams and groans of pain from those caught in the blast was loud.

They were forced into a stairwell which lead downstairs into some sort of power room, it being very dark for any Humans entering she imagined.

"Yeah I'm fine!" Hunter managed to say, but he couldn't hear himself at the moment. Most the crowd had stood up again, some all too curious for their own good, having moved out of the theater, and some decided to take their chances outside. The familiar echo of popopop resonated in the distance and he knew what it was immediately. Another attack, but why? It made no sense.

He saw a familiar figure in the midst of the crowd, either jostling the others or being jostled. Hunter stood on his toes to get a better peek. Sure enough, George was here. "Hey!" Hunter pushed past a few people, pulling Cymitia with him. There were a few complaints and a second loud boom, this time it shook the foundation of the theater.

"George, what the hell, I thought you were back in town!" Hunter shouted above the crowd noise once he was close enough. "Do you know what's going on?"

---

The French in Prince had received a boost in manpower in the form of another scout platoon, not to mention the presence of a pair of VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicles, blasting away at the WSC forces and barricades.

The infantry were flanking around the streets, avoiding the armor and attempting to avoid enemy infantry completely. A squad of the well equipped scouts kicked down the door into the bar, and realized the danger of darkness, many of them equipping the night vision goggles they'd been equipped with to carry out the late night raid.

Thelin saw them in the dark, the flashlights hadn't yet penetrated into the bar just yet, nor did its brilliance sting her eyes. They had their rifles out but they hadn't located them yet. It was an advantage, one they wouldn't have the second time or any other time for that matter. The Nevidian wasted no time, raising her weapon and opened fire, aiming for kneecaps. She got one on the left, a second guy on the right as they were side by side.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

George, happy to see his friend in one piece, ran up to him. “I dunno, man. The French have invaded, for all I know. Prince has been overrun, I think.” The violence of another explosion rocked him on his feet. “Come, I’m with my car. We need to get out of here.” George tried to turn around, but it wasn’t easy in the giant mass of people. He tried to spot his car, but he had great difficulty in the stampede of human beings.

[Cadia]

The French in Prince had received a boost in manpower in the form of another scout platoon, not to mention the presence of a pair of VBCI Infantry Fighting Vehicles, blasting away at the WSC forces and barricades.

The infantry were flanking around the streets, avoiding the armor and attempting to avoid enemy infantry completely. A squad of the well equipped scouts kicked down the door into the bar, and realized the danger of darkness, many of them equipping the night vision goggles they'd been equipped with to carry out the late night raid.

Thelin saw them in the dark, the flashlights hadn't yet penetrated into the bar just yet, nor did its brilliance sting her eyes. They had their rifles out but they hadn't located them yet. It was an advantage, one they wouldn't have the second time or any other time for that matter. The Nevidian wasted no time, raising her weapon and opened fire, aiming for kneecaps. She got one on the left, a second guy on the right as they were side by side.

Not far behind, Mike was firing the rifle at the various soldiers and simply made sure they couldn't go through the door. The various patrons of the bar were doing their part well, making sure all the other entrances were covered. One particular member kicked a flash grenade out of the establishment and out into the street. Looking over the patrons, two were bleeding rather profusely while another was shot in the arm. Not seeing any other wounded, he thought they were either fine, or dead.

Let's hope the French don't stick around for much longer.

[Phoenix2012]

Thelin saw them in the dark, the flashlights hadn't yet penetrated into the bar just yet, nor did its brilliance sting her eyes. They had their rifles out but they hadn't located them yet. It was an advantage, one they wouldn't have the second time or any other time for that matter. The Nevidian wasted no time, raising her weapon and opened fire, aiming for kneecaps. She got one on the left, a second guy on the right as they were side by side.

Not far behind, Mike was firing the rifle at the various soldiers and simply made sure they couldn't go through the door. The various patrons of the bar were doing their part well, making sure all the other entrances were covered. One particular member kicked a flash grenade out of the establishment and out into the street. Looking over the patrons, two were bleeding rather profusely while another was shot in the arm. Not seeing any other wounded, he thought they were either fine, or dead.

Let's hope the French don't stick around for much longer.

Jon fired several well placed shots, his IBR loud shots resonating in the brick building. His 7.62 rounds easily pierced the French's armor at the close range, dropping the men who were trying to enter, and the fighting was over within a matter of minutes. The smell of the propellant hung heavily in the enclosed building, and Jon quickly checked their flanks before he was satisfied that they were safe... for the time being. He looked around and saw that several men were wounded. Two in particular were wounded badly, and while there were several other injuries, they would survive without any lasting effects. Of the two serious injuries, one took a 556 through his leg, which was bleeding badly. Jon grabbed one of the table clothes and instructed one of the men who happened to be a doctor to treat the wound. The other took the round to the chest, and had a pierced lung and was going into shock. He wouldn't survive long without proper treatment. Knowing that the French likely thought that they had encountered british troops and would regroup for another attack, he thought it best that they all cleared out.
"Guys, we should get out of here asap." He said.
"We could use the counter tops as makeshift stretchers" He suggested as he cautiously scanned the streets for more french.

[Mincaldenteans]

Not far behind, Mike was firing the rifle at the various soldiers and simply made sure they couldn't go through the door. The various patrons of the bar were doing their part well, making sure all the other entrances were covered. One particular member kicked a flash grenade out of the establishment and out into the street. Looking over the patrons, two were bleeding rather profusely while another was shot in the arm. Not seeing any other wounded, he thought they were either fine, or dead.

Let's hope the French don't stick around for much longer.

Jon fired several well placed shots, his IBR loud shots resonating in the brick building. His 7.62 rounds easily pierced the French's armor at the close range, dropping the men who were trying to enter, and the fighting was over within a matter of minutes. The smell of the propellant hung heavily in the enclosed building, and Jon quickly checked their flanks before he was satisfied that they were safe... for the time being. He looked around and saw that several men were wounded. Two in particular were wounded badly, and while there were several other injuries, they would survive without any lasting effects. Of the two serious injuries, one took a 556 through his leg, which was bleeding badly. Jon grabbed one of the table clothes and instructed one of the men who happened to be a doctor to treat the wound. The other took the round to the chest, and had a pierced lung and was going into shock. He wouldn't survive long without proper treatment. Knowing that the French likely thought that they had encountered british troops and would regroup for another attack, he thought it best that they all cleared out.
"Guys, we should get out of here asap." He said.
"We could use the counter tops as makeshift stretchers" He suggested as he cautiously scanned the streets for more french.

Two of the uninjured among them began helping the more seriously wounded onto the makeshift stretchers once they were put on tables to get a better grip. One of the wounded began to spasm, as if his body was fighting something aside the gunshot. Cursing, swearing and all manner of panic ensued and Thelin had instinctively moved back against the wall, too fearful and too disembodied to do anything. She checked her pistol, having almost emptied the clip during the shootout and took it out for the fresh one. Moving through the motions, she only had Mike's lessons repeating in her head and nodding to herself. Nevidians never had this much emotional stress, normally they adapted better. Thelin wondered if this was her picking human habits of sorts. Looking up she just nodded.

"Back exit," she pointed past the kitchen doors, "We can slip out from there."

[Phoenix2012]

Jon fired several well placed shots, his IBR loud shots resonating in the brick building. His 7.62 rounds easily pierced the French's armor at the close range, dropping the men who were trying to enter, and the fighting was over within a matter of minutes. The smell of the propellant hung heavily in the enclosed building, and Jon quickly checked their flanks before he was satisfied that they were safe... for the time being. He looked around and saw that several men were wounded. Two in particular were wounded badly, and while there were several other injuries, they would survive without any lasting effects. Of the two serious injuries, one took a 556 through his leg, which was bleeding badly. Jon grabbed one of the table clothes and instructed one of the men who happened to be a doctor to treat the wound. The other took the round to the chest, and had a pierced lung and was going into shock. He wouldn't survive long without proper treatment. Knowing that the French likely thought that they had encountered british troops and would regroup for another attack, he thought it best that they all cleared out.
"Guys, we should get out of here asap." He said.
"We could use the counter tops as makeshift stretchers" He suggested as he cautiously scanned the streets for more french.

Two of the uninjured among them began helping the more seriously wounded onto the makeshift stretchers once they were put on tables to get a better grip. One of the wounded began to spasm, as if his body was fighting something aside the gunshot. Cursing, swearing and all manner of panic ensued and Thelin had instinctively moved back against the wall, too fearful and too disembodied to do anything. She checked her pistol, having almost emptied the clip during the shootout and took it out for the fresh one. Moving through the motions, she only had Mike's lessons repeating in her head and nodding to herself. Nevidians never had this much emotional stress, normally they adapted better. Thelin wondered if this was her picking human habits of sorts. Looking up she just nodded.

"Back exit," she pointed past the kitchen doors, "We can slip out from there."

Seeing the man spasm in pain and begging people to end it, Jon quickly prayed for the man's soul. Knowing that he wouldn't last long in this condition and would likely bleed out painfully, he comforted the man and put a 357 hollowpoint through his skull. Having laid the man to rest, Jon quickly joined the others, leaving through the back door.

[Mincaldenteans]

Seeing the man spasm in pain and begging people to end it, Jon quickly prayed for the man's soul. Knowing that he wouldn't last long in this condition and would likely bleed out painfully, he comforted the man and put a 357 hollowpoint through his skull. Having laid the man to rest, Jon quickly joined the others, leaving through the back door.

Thelin heard the gunshot, but didn't think too much on it, though knew full well what it was. She didn't know the guy personally, only that he was one of the volunteers who routinely patrolled Prince. Moving through the street, the town was rife with gunfire, shouting and screaming. Thelin wondered if the French would be as bad as the HGV or worse and hoped they didn't just target unarmed civilians at a whim.

"Any idea where we ought to go?" She asked to no one in particular.