The Return (IC/OPEN)

[Dalria]

His excerpt on his own biography did little to impress Edeson. There were dozens more like him outside of London, why should the boy be any different to be worth his time. Still, there was sincerity in the young man's words that Edeson actually took a glance by Clancy's way, though the man didn't give any hints whether Malone's plea was indeed on the level.

"You have ten minutes, Malone," Lord Edeson said purposely without title or formality, "Ten minutes to convince me why it was a good idea to come and see if our interests are aligned. If you fail, rest assure that Parliament will not even consider you for a seat. Am I clear? Howard, belay the car, we shall be here momentarily.

Tipper brought Lord Edeson into the common room just as the meeting before the parlor had several different, unique foods from around the world that Tipper had Clancy bring out for the meeting. He sat down and got right to business. "Look, as we speak the city is falling to shambles, the economy is still down, crime is running rampant, and a war is raging at our front door. I have large plans to change this, as I spoke before I will be running for the under rated Capitalist Freedom party which most of the time is kicked out by those socialist bastards in that damn Labor party. Being one of the richer males in London I shall put my full efforts towards funding the current gov't no matter what party. Yet my main goals are what i'm after, creating competing currencies which would make our money worth more since our current gov't is poor our money is useless but if banks had their own money the infrastructure of London would rise. This would also help to keep the line between the Nevedian and human populations something I know you like by letting the Nevedian owned bank; Nevedian Union Funds, create their own currencies for Nevedian use and the Bank of London for human use this would also ease tensions helping the Nevedian's without human interference.

Clancy smiled seeing a sign of adulthood in Tipper, "I will also impose tariffs on the smaller countries bringing us a sizable profit, destroying import taxes yet raising export taxes which would help the business's by letting them raise their prices to other countries on top of the tariff. Instead of waging war on the GEE we take them to court over land disputes, well they will look like barbarians in the international community well we take back the rightful land we own kicking them back to the outskirts of the United Kingdom. And well other policies include fully freeing my homeland of Ireland as a free market zone, allowing companies to set wages how they want, the use of privatized police force on private land, and finally the annexation of Australia for the use of resource privileges. These issues will strengthen the British gov't by making our economy boom creating a stronger unified country helping us combat the GEE threat and by letting big business run its course the heavily taxed and poorly treated monopolies from the GEE will base here weakening their economy. The privatization of police force will allow people such as me who own many Nevedian housing districts, the right to police them instead of always having to bring in the military letting us focus on protecting us from other threats" Tipper explained his idea thoroughly well maintaining a straight face and eye contract the whole time.

"Lastly I have something to offer besides financial support. You see I was contacted by a man in the GEE who said if I had any power I could help them resolve this conflict peacefully I could be your inside man" he grinned, "now eat think about what I have said" Tipper exclaimed digging into a piece of fried chicken!

[Mincaldenteans]

As she and Hunter made their way through the war-torn streets of London, ever farther towards the HGV controlled areas of the city, the sight of citizens on the sidewalks became far less common. Those people that could be spotted going about their daily business either ran at the sight of the rebels or glared at them with hatred. Most of these glares were directed more towards Cymitia, she realized in a short amount of time. This did nothing to deter her from pressing forward through the streets and towards their rendezvous with whoever it was they would be meeting near their planned entry point, however. It would certainly not be the first time that she was glared at by people, even before the civil war began.

When the sidewalks became absolutely devoid of people, she knew that something was very wrong.

Soon after this dawned on her she could hear many footsteps, all in perfect unison, echoing through the streets and towards them. She started glancing around frantically. There were no possible avenues of escape fast enough that they could get away without being heard or seen, and there was no way they could think about starting an open fight so close to enemy territory. She spotted an option--their only possible option--and headed towards it, tugging Hunter along with her without explanation.

There was a nearby pile of bodies--all had been executed, apparently. There were both Nevidians and Humans in the pile, and the blood was not yet dry, meaning this was done recently. It helped then, that Cymitia was able to spread some of these peoples' blood across her face, glancing to Hunter to indicate doing the same. She was mortified, and the thought of what exactly they were doing was nauseating, but it was perhaps their best chance. After she was done, blood smeared her face and arms rather thickly, and she dropped amongst the dead bodies, 'playing dead' and lying completely still as the marching grew closer.

Hunter had to stifle the overwhelming urge to vomit at the stench of the corpses strewn across the street as he smeared blood over his skin and some on his clothes before lying with the dead just as Cymitia had done. The walk through the streets earlier had about as much tension as an ensuing bar fight, all it needed was a match. But as the citizens' bigotry toward Cymitia seemed unending, it fell short at the sound of HGV and residents scattered like rats back into the holes from whence they came. Now lying next to Cymitia, staring back at completely blue eyes, Hunter had a sickening and morbid thought: what if this what their fate? To be captured like the many and summarily executed without trial, without mercy, without a shred of humanity as the HGV had so nobly claimed?

The footsteps got louder and Hunter kept his stare as blank as possible, only closing them if the men marching down had any ideas on stopping to check the rotting carcasses that they laid with.

Tipper brought Lord Edeson into the common room just as the meeting before the parlor had several different, unique foods from around the world that Tipper had Clancy bring out for the meeting. He sat down and got right to business. "Look, as we speak the city is falling to shambles, the economy is still down, crime is running rampant, and a war is raging at our front door. I have large plans to change this, as I spoke before I will be running for the under rated Capitalist Freedom party which most of the time is kicked out by those socialist bastards in that damn Labor party. Being one of the richer males in London I shall put my full efforts towards funding the current gov't no matter what party. Yet my main goals are what i'm after, creating competing currencies which would make our money worth more since our current gov't is poor our money is useless but if banks had their own money the infrastructure of London would rise. This would also help to keep the line between the Nevedian and human populations something I know you like by letting the Nevedian owned bank; Nevedian Union Funds, create their own currencies for Nevedian use and the Bank of London for human use this would also ease tensions helping the Nevedian's without human interference.

Clancy smiled seeing a sign of adulthood in Tipper, "I will also impose tariffs on the smaller countries bringing us a sizable profit, destroying import taxes yet raising export taxes which would help the business's by letting them raise their prices to other countries on top of the tariff. Instead of waging war on the GEE we take them to court over land disputes, well they will look like barbarians in the international community well we take back the rightful land we own kicking them back to the outskirts of the United Kingdom. And well other policies include fully freeing my homeland of Ireland as a free market zone, allowing companies to set wages how they want, the use of privatized police force on private land, and finally the annexation of Australia for the use of resource privileges. These issues will strengthen the British gov't by making our economy boom creating a stronger unified country helping us combat the GEE threat and by letting big business run its course the heavily taxed and poorly treated monopolies from the GEE will base here weakening their economy. The privatization of police force will allow people such as me who own many Nevedian housing districts, the right to police them instead of always having to bring in the military letting us focus on protecting us from other threats" Tipper explained his idea thoroughly well maintaining a straight face and eye contract the whole time.

"Lastly I have something to offer besides financial support. You see I was contacted by a man in the GEE who said if I had any power I could help them resolve this conflict peacefully I could be your inside man" he grinned, "now eat think about what I have said" Tipper exclaimed digging into a piece of fried chicken!

Lord Edeson had taken a cup of tea, forgoing any of the select dishes that Malone had prepared for this occasion. It wasn't that he wasn't a worldly man, politics simply meant more than dining on some fine delicacy he could easily afford himself. Setting the tea down after taking a hefty gulp of Irish Breakfast - the tea as light as he remembered - Edeson collected his thoughts for a moment and then began.

"Your views, dare I say, are almost unilaterally unaligned to Parliament's agenda or the Greater England Empire as a whole from what I've gathered from them. A Nevidian Bank you say? We're trying to create unity not further segregation and that would undoubtedly happen if such a currency existed. Nevidians themselves have had to learn the concept of economy such as ours; theirs being far simpler and a lot more honest - its a pity we humans look down or exploit for our own goals. What's worse is that the Bank of London would undoubtedly be filled by bigots who would seek to devalue the hypothetical Nevidian pound to a point on insolvency that would domino into a further widening of societal gap among us - and we already have plenty a room to drop each person into the depths as it is!" Edeson said with mild annoyance and humor at jabbing Malone on his company policies. "No, a bank of Nevidus would hardly be a solution, so is a company-set ruling on 'fair wages' and privatized law enforcement. Parliament has little interest in telling companies what to do - legally - as long as they aren't running a Cambodian sweatshop for the sake of their own coffers or having the underlings be nothing short of roving warlords dictating terms. I suppose you have a socialists sitting next to you Malone, because this idea for the sake of profit is about as shortsighted as it is crass."

[Dalria]

Tipper was slightly confused and angry with the reply of Lord Edeson, " I did not say create if you are so in love with the Nevedian's you would know that the Nevedian district has its own bank. It is NOT for just Nevedian's but is owned by them and used by them. This might create segregation but look at it this way both groups would fare as in the Nevedian Union Funds would be able to put more funding into the infrastructure of the Nevedian part of the city. People would try to manipulate the bank but it being Nevedian run they would make it work, and with the Nev population back on its feet our gov't would have more support from the local population instead of them worshiping the overzealous GEE. I will gladly drop some of my ideas yet most I have ran by former economic ministers, political analyst, and important figures from around the world who have decided this would bring our economy up a staggering 240%. Look your gov't without a rightful economy or any ways to help its own people will fall to the GEE. Just give me a chance and I will turn this nation back to its former state, endorse me and have the other members of parliament vote me in. Please Lord Edison I beg you for the sake of myself and the country" Tipper pleaded with all his might for Lord Edison to give him a chance at the big shots.

[Jessjohnesik]

Taking the information in and acknowledging the situation, Anna decided that perhaps this 'alliance' will be mutually beneficial. What Anna wanted was the autonomy of London and perhaps to attempt to seize control of a much larger area, like Australia, or even Oceania as a whole before it gets annexed by Japan. Finally, Anna voiced her opinion on this 'offer'.

"How may I help?"

Alexander grinned slightly, motioning for his men to release Connor, he stepping away from the two somewhat sourly as they did so. Alexander continued after Connor was released. "I won't pressure you into offering too much to us, however it would be much appreciated if you could help as much as possible. Weapons, the knowledge to make them, perhaps even some of your lab personnel." Alexander said, motioning behind him. "We make our home in the sewers of London. You do not have to join us now, but if the HGV catch wind of the fact that you are working against them, I highly suggest you flee from your current home." he cautioned with a nod.

"I need to get my things first. I'll try to get some of my co-workers in on this as well." Anna explained, quite saddened by the fact that she had to leave her apartment. "We will go now." She stated and prepared to leave, only stopping to ask, "Where will we be met?"

[Mincaldenteans]

Tipper was slightly confused and angry with the reply of Lord Edeson, " I did not say create if you are so in love with the Nevedian's you would know that the Nevedian district has its own bank. It is NOT for just Nevedian's but is owned by them and used by them. This might create segregation but look at it this way both groups would fare as in the Nevedian Union Funds would be able to put more funding into the infrastructure of the Nevedian part of the city. People would try to manipulate the bank but it being Nevedian run they would make it work, and with the Nev population back on its feet our gov't would have more support from the local population instead of them worshiping the overzealous GEE. I will gladly drop some of my ideas yet most I have ran by former economic ministers, political analyst, and important figures from around the world who have decided this would bring our economy up a staggering 240%. Look your gov't without a rightful economy or any ways to help its own people will fall to the GEE. Just give me a chance and I will turn this nation back to its former state, endorse me and have the other members of parliament vote me in. Please Lord Edison I beg you for the sake of myself and the country" Tipper pleaded with all his might for Lord Edison to give him a chance at the big shots.

"The segregation with the Nevidian owned bank in their little lot began as quickly as it was created, having a new bank in place with their exclusive monetary exchange will just exacerbate the issue. All one has to do is devalue their monies, bonds, stock, credit - need I go on? And when a Nevidian family decides to purchase a house one day from a human-run mortgage company - what then? Will their Nevidian money be only pence to the pound? Or am I to trust that human banks would treat Nevidian monetary on terms of the current market value? In all, this is exactly what we are trying to avoid: segregation by even the most common denominator. Aside from the economy, there are other agendas we have to look at: civil equality, military infrastructure, political stability, social reforms that must be aligned to stop this rampant racism." Edeson fell quiet than and placed his teacup on the table, moving off his seat and toward the window. The vista was quiet, if a bit dreary due to the weather. Off to the side, the familiar dark grey smoke that permeated London told him of battles waging across the street of the once proud capitol of England. The old man sighed, "You speak like that of a young politician with fire that is both invigorating... and dangerous. Easily swayed, easily susceptible to the trappings of the illusion we like to call power. Your convictions - despite your own companies varied policies; and lets make no pretense on it - has weight. Sincerity? I do not know if I could credit as such. The risk of endorsing you is considerable given your stance, however..."

Edeson didn't finish his words, his glance remained out to the open landscape as he contemplated heavily on what to say next.

[Lancearc]

The HGV men marching grew closer, and Cymitia glanced across to Hunter with a worried gaze. Worried, one could tell, but not afraid. After only a little over a week, approaching two, of war, she had learned that worrying about death only made her less likely to want to continue fighting against the HGV. It was very discomforting for her to think of herself as someone who didn't care if she was killed, but it was a necessity. Still, a cold sweat had formed, and her heart beat was skyrocketing. She knew this could be the last thing she did; lie in a pile of bodies with Hunter. Hardly the most story book ending to her life.

This was not to be the end for her or Hunter, though.

The men didn't cast a second glance at the two 'bodies' or the rest of the pile, and continued their marching.

Once they were out of earshot and sight Cym couldn't resist the rising in her stomach any longer, vomiting as she stood unsteadily, bracing herself against a nearby lamp post. She tried to wipe some of the blood from her face but only transferred it to her hands. "We should...we should start using the rooftops." Cymitia suggested. The roads certainly weren't safe.

[Dalria]

Clancy glared and Tipper and nodded giving him a reassurance that he had this, "the Nevedian Union Funds has many private investors and Nevedian loving empires like the GEE. If we were to privatize banks Nevedian currency would not be much behind the current pound. I am proposing the Nevedian population becomes, not segregated, but independent. They would not have to be taken advantage of by large human monopolies but rather create their own. A Nevedian run bank followed by their own currency will let their culture flourish again and let them be more self dependent and then humans will realize they can be not considered lesser but equal.Look if we can pass some of these bills, I promise I will divert 30% of my companies income to a fund that will help the Nevedian population which will look good if i'm in a gov't position" he followed Lord Edeson's eyes towards the scenery he was staring off into. "Now finish your sentence, however what?" Tipper finished his plate as the Nevedian servants cleaned up.

[Lancearc]

"It's about damned time."

General Matthews stood with his hands clasped behind his back just outside of the entrance to his tent, set up on a slight elevation of the landscape so that he could oversee the entirety of the camp he was stationed at. The camp had grown quite quickly. Men were able to be spared to come here nearly every day, as to the north Scotland was secure and Ireland had been taken quite some time ago, leaving them with nothing to fear except London and whatever anarchy lie south of it. The empire had an unrivaled presence on the isles, the emperor had told him long ago, and this total dominance was displayed at the sheer size of the camp now.

The apparently long awaited support he had commented on had finally arrived, however. A group of five M109 Howitzers--the Paladins--had arrived. The vehicles were imported from the United States, still an ally of the GEE, even after the time in which England had fallen so as to barely have any contact with the outside world.

These machines were of vital importance to his 'war,' if the sitting and waiting could be called by the word. It allowed him to take a more active stance now, to fire upon certain positions inside of the city and do it accurately with minimal collateral damage to nearby buildings. They could hit a target the size of a watermelon if they had to, and the range of the vehicles was sufficient enough to mean they now had every part of London within range.

"I'll have to send the Yanks my personal regards..." he trailed off with a smirk as a soldier ran up to him.

"Sir, the ar--"

"Yes, I can see that." Matthews cut him off with a nod. "Now we'll just have to put them to good use, once His Highness approves." he muttered, turning to pace back into his tent and evaluate their new position.

[Vaxon]

The HGV men marching grew closer, and Cymitia glanced across to Hunter with a worried gaze. Worried, one could tell, but not afraid. After only a little over a week, approaching two, of war, she had learned that worrying about death only made her less likely to want to continue fighting against the HGV. It was very discomforting for her to think of herself as someone who didn't care if she was killed, but it was a necessity. Still, a cold sweat had formed, and her heart beat was skyrocketing. She knew this could be the last thing she did; lie in a pile of bodies with Hunter. Hardly the most story book ending to her life.

This was not to be the end for her or Hunter, though.

The men didn't cast a second glance at the two 'bodies' or the rest of the pile, and continued their marching.

Once they were out of earshot and sight Cym couldn't resist the rising in her stomach any longer, vomiting as she stood unsteadily, bracing herself against a nearby lamp post. She tried to wipe some of the blood from her face but only transferred it to her hands. "We should...we should start using the rooftops." Cymitia suggested. The roads certainly weren't safe.

Jakov wasn't spotted either by the passing soldiers.
However, he didn't like them at all. He stayed perfectly still until he saw they were gone.
Jakov was used to blood by now, so he stood up, trying to catch his balance.
He watched Cymitia, and looked at the rooftops, which she was gesturing toward slightly.
Jakov continued following from a distance, staying unseen.

[Mincaldenteans]

The HGV men marching grew closer, and Cymitia glanced across to Hunter with a worried gaze. Worried, one could tell, but not afraid. After only a little over a week, approaching two, of war, she had learned that worrying about death only made her less likely to want to continue fighting against the HGV. It was very discomforting for her to think of herself as someone who didn't care if she was killed, but it was a necessity. Still, a cold sweat had formed, and her heart beat was skyrocketing. She knew this could be the last thing she did; lie in a pile of bodies with Hunter. Hardly the most story book ending to her life.

This was not to be the end for her or Hunter, though.

The men didn't cast a second glance at the two 'bodies' or the rest of the pile, and continued their marching.

Once they were out of earshot and sight Cym couldn't resist the rising in her stomach any longer, vomiting as she stood unsteadily, bracing herself against a nearby lamp post. She tried to wipe some of the blood from her face but only transferred it to her hands. "We should...we should start using the rooftops." Cymitia suggested. The roads certainly weren't safe.

Hunter could only lightly smirk as he fought to keep his own bile from rising up. The stench was unbelievable and when Cym had emptied her stomach, it was all he could do to turn away and follow suit. He nodded, purposely holding his breath and not making time wasting speech as he pulled her gently to the nearest building. Using some momentum he rushed the door, smashing it with his right shoulder, the flimsy door flew open and Hunter walked in first followed by Cym.

"It's going to be a bit of a jump through with so many roofs to cover. Best we get started," Hunter said softly as they headed up the stairs. The entire building was quiet, and it put him on edge, keeping his weapon close and at the ready.

Clancy glared and Tipper and nodded giving him a reassurance that he had this, "the Nevedian Union Funds has many private investors and Nevedian loving empires like the GEE. If we were to privatize banks Nevedian currency would not be much behind the current pound. I am proposing the Nevedian population becomes, not segregated, but independent. They would not have to be taken advantage of by large human monopolies but rather create their own. A Nevedian run bank followed by their own currency will let their culture flourish again and let them be more self dependent and then humans will realize they can be not considered lesser but equal.Look if we can pass some of these bills, I promise I will divert 30% of my companies income to a fund that will help the Nevedian population which will look good if i'm in a gov't position" he followed Lord Edeson's eyes towards the scenery he was staring off into. "Now finish your sentence, however what?" Tipper finished his plate as the Nevedian servants cleaned up.

Edeson ignored the demand for him to finish his sentence and instead chose to hear Malone's words carefully. "30 percent, hmm? With such a large sum of liquid assets going in some sort of Nevidian Relief Fun... interesting..." Edeson moved off the window, having his fill of dreary weather and dark grey smoke of war in the distance, he took a breath and looked at Malone.

"I reluctantly will endorse your campaign for a seat on Parliament - under a few stipulations. 1) 30% of said liquid assets must go a fund that I approve of, not some Parliament charter that lines their pockets. 2) Because I'm risking my own political career and consequently a substantial amount of clout to get you a seat, I expect you to comport yourself appropriately, that fiery spunk you have will endear you to many - anger quite a few, but don't act like baffoon. 3) Our agendas differ, but there needs to be change - that much we agree on. Something on a more positive influence - despite my considerable influence within Parliament - the population has little interest in vetting for an old men in set in their ways: myself included among them. You will be the new image, thus fulfilling Parliament's need for a government backed by the citizenry and your own ambitions.

"Fail me or disappoint Parliament, Sir Malone, and I will see to it that an end of your career in politics will be the least of your worries," Edeson concluded quietly and civilly. It was a threat, there was no doubt in his words, but Edeson was above tactics of intimadation: this was fact, plain, simple and without any condescension or negative feeling. "Have we an accord?"

[Dalria]

Tipper smiled and extended his hand shaking Lord Edeson's hand. "Our agreement is set can you arrange the house to hold a unexpected general election. I am sure that the general population will vote for me then to be fully integrated into parliament you must have the house also vote me in. Please go tonight call me tomorrow the end is near we must prevent it at all cost. Remember I belong to the Capitalist Freedom Party and I want my seat next to the UKIP party as we share similar ideas. I will not disappoint you" he called for a party to be held in his house later that night and pulled Clancy aside to get as many people here tonight as they can.

[Altito Asmoro]

Hunter could only lightly smirk as he fought to keep his own bile from rising up. The stench was unbelievable and when Cym had emptied her stomach, it was all he could do to turn away and follow suit. He nodded, purposely holding his breath and not making time wasting speech as he pulled her gently to the nearest building. Using some momentum he rushed the door, smashing it with his right shoulder, the flimsy door flew open and Hunter walked in first followed by Cym.

"It's going to be a bit of a jump through with so many roofs to cover. Best we get started," Hunter said softly as they headed up the stairs. The entire building was quiet, and it put him on edge, keeping his weapon close and at the ready.

Changer pulled his sniper rifle, and aimed it while the others went up to stairs. He must kept conscious and also stood guard to watch the HGV officers. Once the others headed up the stairs, he will headed up too. But he will still try to hid himself on the roofs, and watch for the enemies from the rooftops.

[Lancearc]

Their group eventually reached the top of the long staircase, Cymitia the second to emerge onto the roof following Hunter closely. A light drizzle had begun to fall from the overcast skies above. Rain, something that Cymitia loved. The cool water falling from the sky was completely unknown to her her first months on the surface, but she'd come to take some sort of comfort to the sensation of it falling on her hair. Many Humans spoke of a fondness for the sun, but being Nevidian, she found she was happier when the skies were overcast.

She glanced to her left, the direction they'd been going on the roads below, and to her two companions. "We should get going then..." she said, taking a deep breath and preparing herself before taking off towards the edge of the roof, hopping the gap to the next, clearing it without trouble as it was the first of their many jumps. It was something they'd be doing for a while, but it was necessary, not matter how tiring.

[Altito Asmoro]

Gilang Sanjaya and the rest of the officers are on the way back to the sewers, three of them carrying a backpack filled with satellite phones, explosives, and medical equipments for the resistance. Although it is small in quantity, but all of it are the finest in GEE in terms of qualities. However, they are traveling on the roofs to avoid attentions.

They spotted a group of people afar as one of them used binocular for surroundings. They now waiting for their next move while they hiding behind a cover, assault rifles on their hands and ready for actions.

[Mincaldenteans]

Tipper smiled and extended his hand shaking Lord Edeson's hand. "Our agreement is set can you arrange the house to hold a unexpected general election. I am sure that the general population will vote for me then to be fully integrated into parliament you must have the house also vote me in. Please go tonight call me tomorrow the end is near we must prevent it at all cost. Remember I belong to the Capitalist Freedom Party and I want my seat next to the UKIP party as we share similar ideas. I will not disappoint you" he called for a party to be held in his house later that night and pulled Clancy aside to get as many people here tonight as they can.

"My boy, try to remember England wasn't built in one day. I'll see what I can do for a hasty election to have you in Parliament. Howard, lets us go, I have people to call." Edeson said nothing more to Malone and merely nodded at Clancy, though the gesture was hardly perceptible. When Edeson's personal transport arrived he got in, with Howard and the rest of Edeson's retinue following suit.

"Margret, get in touch with the others in Parliament, I shall be on my shortly."

Their group eventually reached the top of the long staircase, Cymitia the second to emerge onto the roof following Hunter closely. A light drizzle had begun to fall from the overcast skies above. Rain, something that Cymitia loved. The cool water falling from the sky was completely unknown to her her first months on the surface, but she'd come to take some sort of comfort to the sensation of it falling on her hair. Many Humans spoke of a fondness for the sun, but being Nevidian, she found she was happier when the skies were overcast.

She glanced to her left, the direction they'd been going on the roads below, and to her two companions. "We should get going then..." she said, taking a deep breath and preparing herself before taking off towards the edge of the roof, hopping the gap to the next, clearing it without trouble as it was the first of their many jumps. It was something they'd be doing for a while, but it was necessary, not matter how tiring.

They took off in a light sprint, only using more speed to get those jumps between buildings complete. The roofs were getting slippery but they had managed to keep it together without little incident. Hunter had lost count how many buildings they'd hopped but the next one was clearly a stop to their progress, the building before them was taller than the ones they were on. Hunter cursed under his breath, short on breath. He tugged his rifle and one of their teammates motioned for the door that led back down to the streets.

[Jessjohnesik]

The Shard

Anna continued to pack her things into her bags. She took some clothes and everything dear to her. She managed to stuff everything in three large bags, leaving out a lot of clothes and things she couldn't fit in that weren't too important. Anna would leave the animals with Sun, who lives on a much lower floor. She had already given the Asian receptionist her second pair of keys and all of Anna's pets were now at her apartment. Anna sighed as she sat down, greatly frustrated at the leave, but understanding this was necessary if she wanted to do something important, something that would change the world. Changing the world was Anna's greatest dream as a child. And now, in adulthood, nothing would stop her from achieving her goals. It's either those who try to stop her die or she dies.

[Lancearc]

The Shard

Anna continued to pack her things into her bags. She took some clothes and everything dear to her. She managed to stuff everything in three large bags, leaving out a lot of clothes and things she couldn't fit in that weren't too important. Anna would leave the animals with Sun, who lives on a much lower floor. She had already given the Asian receptionist her second pair of keys and all of Anna's pets were now at her apartment. Anna sighed as she sat down, greatly frustrated at the leave, but understanding this was necessary if she wanted to do something important, something that would change the world. Changing the world was Anna's greatest dream as a child. And now, in adulthood, nothing would stop her from achieving her goals. It's either those who try to stop her die or she dies.

Connor had done similarly, though he had far less clothing to bring along than Anna. He'd never been an over the top person in regards to clothing, though that was probably because of his situation in regards to finances throughout his life. What clothing he did bring was quite modest in comparison to some of the more expensive clothing Anna had. Still, he did bring very important things he imagined they would both need. He removed a firearm from one of his bags, a P226 Sig Sauer. "You know how to use one of these?" he asked, tossing it over to her as he wrapped up his own preparations.

[Jessjohnesik]

"I've never fired a gun." Anna replied, barely catching the weapon as it was tossed to her. She wondered from where Connor had learned to use it, but didn't ask anything, seeing as it wasn't necessary.

[Lancearc]

"I've never fired a gun." Anna replied, barely catching the weapon as it was tossed to her. She wondered from where Connor had learned to use it, but didn't ask anything, seeing as it wasn't necessary.

"Well I'm sure I'll be able to teach you." Connor said, flashing his own handgun before tossing it into his bag. His packing had been rather quick, though that was because after the riots he had little other than what he'd salvaged to bring here to Anna's apartment. He zipped the suitcase after he finished stuffing things into it, glancing over to her as he lifted it over his shoulder. "Something wrong?" he asked, noticing her apparent sadness. He imagined it was because she was leaving her home--he wouldn't know the feeling, he had never had much of a real home ever since his childhood.

[Jessjohnesik]

"I don't want to leave my home. I mean, my parents worked hard to buy it and then I inherited it after their death and I spent my childhood here." Anna explained, trying to not show emotion, something she had seen as a distraction before she met Connor. She didn't want to seem weak to Connor or to anyone else so crying was out of question.

[Lancearc]

"I don't want to leave my home. I mean, my parents worked hard to buy it and then I inherited it after their death and I spent my childhood here." Anna explained, trying to not show emotion, something she had seen as a distraction before she met Connor. She didn't want to seem weak to Connor or to anyone else so crying was out of question.

"I wouldn't know the feeling." Connor admitted, glancing around the now seemingly dead apartment in which he'd spent the last few weeks or so. "I'm sorry, if it helps any." he offered, not being the best at comforting people. "We can come back, after this is all blown over." he figured with a nod, bringing out the brighter side of their situation.

Their group eventually reached the top of the long staircase, Cymitia the second to emerge onto the roof following Hunter closely. A light drizzle had begun to fall from the overcast skies above. Rain, something that Cymitia loved. The cool water falling from the sky was completely unknown to her her first months on the surface, but she'd come to take some sort of comfort to the sensation of it falling on her hair. Many Humans spoke of a fondness for the sun, but being Nevidian, she found she was happier when the skies were overcast.

She glanced to her left, the direction they'd been going on the roads below, and to her two companions. "We should get going then..." she said, taking a deep breath and preparing herself before taking off towards the edge of the roof, hopping the gap to the next, clearing it without trouble as it was the first of their many jumps. It was something they'd be doing for a while, but it was necessary, not matter how tiring.

They took off in a light sprint, only using more speed to get those jumps between buildings complete. The roofs were getting slippery but they had managed to keep it together without little incident. Hunter had lost count how many buildings they'd hopped but the next one was clearly a stop to their progress, the building before them was taller than the ones they were on. Hunter cursed under his breath, short on breath. He tugged his rifle and one of their teammates motioned for the door that led back down to the streets.

Cymitia shook her head, glancing towards the door. It looked as though it would be their only option, being faced with their current situation. She eventually was the first to step towards it, opening it and leading the way down the flights of stairs. Not but five flights down, near the middle floors of the building, they could hear people inside of the building, just down the stairs. Two HGV men were standing on the staircase, smoking and joking with each other with occasional rounds of laughter that echoed through the now rather empty building.

Cym glanced back at the others, having stopped and crouched, keeping herself just out of sight. She indicated the knife at her side, nodding to the others. She'd never had to kill anyone with the blade before, but it seemed now it was their only choice.

[Mincaldenteans]

Cymitia shook her head, glancing towards the door. It looked as though it would be their only option, being faced with their current situation. She eventually was the first to step towards it, opening it and leading the way down the flights of stairs. Not but five flights down, near the middle floors of the building, they could hear people inside of the building, just down the stairs. Two HGV men were standing on the staircase, smoking and joking with each other with occasional rounds of laughter that echoed through the now rather empty building.

Cym glanced back at the others, having stopped and crouched, keeping herself just out of sight. She indicated the knife at her side, nodding to the others. She'd never had to kill anyone with the blade before, but it seemed now it was their only choice.

Following the rest as silently as possible, Hunter had noticed Cym motioning for her combat knife. They were all given one in case close encounters were inevitable, but Hunter had never taken the need for it seriously. The last time he had to get up close was with a baseball bat during the night of the riots that swept through London. The building was dingy, old and Hunter prayed the floorboards wouldn't creak as they closed in on the two HGV that stood about unaware. One of their team silently went to the right, the other to the left. It was as though they were trained for this at the economy of movement, taking advantage of their shadows and blind spots. It seemed as though Cymitia had learned the same thing leaving Hunter to learn and adapt on his feet. It was nothing short of nerve wrecking.

Gripping his knife, they moved over to the two. Both of the guards had re-entered the building, still laughing and unaware. He was on one end of the hall, he knew Cymitia was at the other but out of sight. The hid by a corner and the moment the two men appeared within sight and moved deeper in the building, Hunter struck, a knife that penetrated the neck of the guard on his left.

[Lancearc]

If it hadn't been for the fact that she was all too real, the soldier that she'd targeted could have mistaken her for some ghostly apparition, some sort of spirit that haunted this place ever since death. Her pale skin and hair certainly gave the impression, and the Nevidian sight in the dark certainly made them as masters of the darker places in this world, just as phantoms or spirits would be. With the lack of sunlight outside the building was darker than usual, a fatal fact for the man Cymitia found herself creeping up on.

When she spotted Hunter making his kill she sprang at near the same time. She shot up swiftly behind the man, placing a hand over his mouth as she slid the cold blade of the knife across his throat with enough force to break through and to the veins and arteries that passed through. She'd been instructed to target this area before, and she found that it was indeed lethal.

The near continuous fountain of blood brought forth by targeting the man's neck startled her, causing her to nearly jump backwards. The red mist hadn't lasted for more than a few seconds, but it was more than sickening.

Cymitia looked away, tucking the knife back into position in the sheath at her hip. She was visibly shaken--she was used to killing, but doing so in that manner was enough to make her vomit if she hadn't already. "Let's go, hurry." she insisted as she lead the way to the door, peeking out into the streets to ensure their safe passage.

[Mincaldenteans]

If it hadn't been for the fact that she was all too real, the soldier that she'd targeted could have mistaken her for some ghostly apparition, some sort of spirit that haunted this place ever since death. Her pale skin and hair certainly gave the impression, and the Nevidian sight in the dark certainly made them as masters of the darker places in this world, just as phantoms or spirits would be. With the lack of sunlight outside the building was darker than usual, a fatal fact for the man Cymitia found herself creeping up on.

When she spotted Hunter making his kill she sprang at near the same time. She shot up swiftly behind the man, placing a hand over his mouth as she slid the cold blade of the knife across his throat with enough force to break through and to the veins and arteries that passed through. She'd been instructed to target this area before, and she found that it was indeed lethal.

The near continuous fountain of blood brought forth by targeting the man's neck startled her, causing her to nearly jump backwards. The red mist hadn't lasted for more than a few seconds, but it was more than sickening.

Cymitia looked away, tucking the knife back into position in the sheath at her hip. She was visibly shaken--she was used to killing, but doing so in that manner was enough to make her vomit if she hadn't already. "Let's go, hurry." she insisted as she lead the way to the door, peeking out into the streets to ensure their safe passage.

Yanking the knife out of the man's throat, Hunter wiped the blade hastily. It wasn't his first one up close. The riots put him face first in such with a baseball bat. It wasn't pretty, it was sickening beyond belief, and there was a ring of white noise thrumming through his head that Hunter fought the urge not to ask out loud if anyone else heard it. Sheathing the knife and taking his rifle at the ready, the two other rebel fighters that had disappeared for a moment had come back, their own blades soaked in blood. One man's chin and jaw had marks like fingers on his skin.

Paying no more attention and finding no reason to question what had happened (past the obvious), the four headed out of the building slowly after getting an all clear. "How much further to the location?" Hunter asked to no one in particular. He barely had time to read the map and his memory of the exact location was sketchy at best; he pegged them for at least another three blocks away, though he couldn't be sure.

[Dalria]

Hours later the house was quiet, mess was cleaned up, and the party was over. Tipper sat in a chair at the bottom of his staircase. The servants had returned to their quarters several hundred yards away from the main house. It seemed like a normal, drunken night for Tipper, yet some eerie was in the air. Tipper awoke hearing a loud moving of trashcans outside the house at first not thinking anything of it until he heard the window creep open. "Hello, if that is a servant in their I told you don't come in after twelve" Tipper yelled. He got up and started to move slowly towards the kitchen where the sound came from until he saw the shadow of a man holding a gun. He held his breath as his eyes widened, his skin turned pale, and his feet went numb. Before he knew it, he was in a dead sprint up the stairs as the assailant opened fire. A bullet hit a picture frame then a door hinge right behind Tipper.

He twisted and swerved through the hallways into his bedroom slamming the double door shut and locking it behind him. He ran over and shoved the cabinet in front of the door then quickly shoved his hands in his pockets looking for his cell phone. It was gone, Tipper ran to the house phone to find it had been disconnected. A bang at the door and another led Tipper to run towards the window as he stared down, it was to far to jump three stories up would render him immobile. "Who the fuck are you" he yelled out as three bullets rang through the door. He looked at the window and left it open and intentionally dropping his wallet on the window seal to make it look like he escaped then quickly and quietly slipped into his walk-in closet where he had a hidden wall panel. As he shut it behind him he heard the cabinet fall over the man had entered the room. A minute passed, the longest minute of Tippers life, he knelt down and put his ear to the lower part of the panel. Immediately as he did this five shots went through the top of the panel in his head he thought, "how the hell could this be no one knows where my safe room is". Tipper knew if he didn't get out he was dead so with all his might he slammed out the door knocking the assailant over as he sprinted out of the closet the assailant got a shot off hitting Tipper in the side passing through his body hitting the wall.

Tipper fell in the bed next to him face first holding his side fading in an out of consciousness. The man grabbed him turning him over revealing it was a Nevedian. Tipper mumbled, "why" the Nevedian didn't respond only raising his gun to Tippers face. Five shots rang off and the Nevedian fell, Clancy ran in grabbing Tipper helping him up and slowly walked him down the stairs. He threw Tipper in the passenger seat of a Mercedes Benz a, jumping in the driver seat and sped off.

Tipper woke up holding his side it was bandaged up and fixed he looked to see the young Clancy focusing on the road intensely. His eyes under the glasses were bright red as an empty bottle of pills lay on the ground and a half drunk bottle of whiskey in the cup holder. The glare of the street lights on the road irritated his eyes as he spoke, "Clancy what...what is going on" he gained the strength to get out of the slouch and sit up straight. Clancy spoke excessively fast, "someone tried to kill you, were going to the companies main building for protection. I have PI's already on the case we will find out who did this" he threw a note at Tipper, "this is from whoever read it tell me who its from what you've been up to. The note read, "Tipper if you somehow survive I will contact you soon. You will be working for me and that's if you are reading this note your wife and child will be next" Tippers body heated up. "You didn't fucking tell me you had a wife or kid. Now to make this easier tell me where they are and i'll go get them" Clancy bellowed. "Nevedian district...apartment 214" Tipper spoke ashamed he never wanted anyone to know but if their life was in danger. Clancy's red eyes dilated he was surprised through all the shit he put Nevedians through he had a kid with one.

As Clancy parked at the company building, a large skyscraper, a guard came and carried Tipper in as Clancy went off to find Tippers family. Clancy had informed to keep the building under lock down and to bring Tipper to the penthouse with an armed guard. After that everything was blurred and once again Tipper awoke laying in the penthouse bed hearing voices, "Clancy said I should stay here at all times" one voice called out as the other spoke up "I am part of the board just step outside you know me" the second voice replied. The sound of a door closing filled the room as the man walked over to Tipper who had regained consciousness. Tipper looked at the familiar face, "ah Jamison how are you" Tipper smiled and let out a loud cough. "Good, how did it feel to be the hopeless one, to hear the intruder, to feel the pain and the sense of death, to know you put a innocent Nevedian women and child at risk, and the embarrassment of informing Clancy" Jamison vilely grinned. At first it didn't make sense until Jamison applied pressure to Tippers wound and covered his mouth a cry of agony tried to come out. "You mother fuck you did this didn't you" Tipper tempestuously coughed. "All I have to say is the board is watching you. You are working for us Tipper, you are and will always be our puppet. If you tell anyone about this I will kill you" he then jabbed a syringe into Tippers arm. "Don't worry it is just an extreme sedative that promotes memory loss sleep well" the evil laughed rung out as Tipper fell once again unconscious.