The Return (IC/OPEN)

[The Keystone Federation]

"It should heal fully within a few weeks, I don't imagine that you will have to go to an actual hospital."

Kylia hesitated as he examined and wrapped the wound, but she was more surprised at the Nevidian's attitude towards her. She had always been told horrible rumors about them, she's seen them around, but being in the slums meant everybody was in the same condition, so she assumed what the others said was true. That they were rats, worthless, et cetera. She kept looking at the man as he wrapped the wound, trying to figure out what he was thinking, about the situation as a whole. "Thank you," she said, her voice still hushed under the pain as he got up from wrapping her. She closed her eyes and rested her head back against the wall, her breathing began to calm.

After a few moments of silence, she looked back over at Leo, "A bed and some food would be great right now," All she wanted to do was get out of here and away from whatever the GEE men were here to do. She'd had her serving of fun for the day.

[Lancearc]

The two GEE men didn't glance towards the girl as she spoke, instead keeping their gazes either on their weapons or towards their boots as they reclined on the couch in horrible disrepair. That was, until radio equipment sparked to life on a table tucked away in a far corner of the room, making the Scot get to his feet and step over to the equipment, the Nevidian's pure blue eyes drifting over to their two visitors but not speaking. "This is McGregor, reportin' minimal activity." the Scottish man spoke. "Good to hear McGregor, seems you won't have to move off your lazy Scottish ass today." came the second voice from on the radio, this one noticeably English.

McGregor chuckled. "Get stuffed ya prick." he jested, before becoming serious once more. "Tha target area is still defined, feel free ta rain hell on tha order." McGregor reported, before slowly turning to gaze out of one of the only windows of the apartment. It had a view directly down the street, to an area the HGV had been using as a training camp of sorts. Not long after, the sound of distant artillery fire could be heard, the shells arching and landing smack atop their intended target. An alarm had been sounded below.

McGregor returned to his seat as the artillery barrage wore on, as if the explosions outside weren't even real.

[Mincaldenteans]

"How's it going? Sorry about the alcohol. Wasn't thinking, just acted. You doing alright?" He spoke, careful not to be too loud. He had been reading a small novel that he'd picked up. It was mostly about what happened outside the wall, how horrible it was to stay out at night. Mike disagreed with all of this, being from outside the wall. Canada was a nice place, but he wasn't so sure nowadays, what with the economy dying. He leaned back into his chair, and thought about his circumstances.

"As well as could be accepted I suppose," Thelin said with a nod, she moved gingerly to a sitting position, a good portion of her upper body was wrapped in cloth and a side of her face was an ugly red against her near-white complexion. Looking over she noticed a book and gestured lightly with her chin, "Any good?"

---

There was a silence so thick withing Parliament that for the first time in his career, Edeson was wondering what he'd actually be saying to break it. Eyes stared at the Nevidian at his side and he wondered what Malone was feeling also. Eyes were upon them, some shocked, some neutral, but all waited with abated breath for the next few minutes.

"Ladies & Gentlemen," Lord Edeson began, "Esteemed members of Parliament; today marks and unprecedented day in our history. For too long we have been separated from our country, for too long we have isolated ourselves from the rest of the world. No longer. Today, we can take a stand and unite and the man next to me holds the keys to that future!" He turned to look at the emperor, signaling for his own announcement.

[Cadia]

"How's it going? Sorry about the alcohol. Wasn't thinking, just acted. You doing alright?" He spoke, careful not to be too loud. He had been reading a small novel that he'd picked up. It was mostly about what happened outside the wall, how horrible it was to stay out at night. Mike disagreed with all of this, being from outside the wall. Canada was a nice place, but he wasn't so sure nowadays, what with the economy dying. He leaned back into his chair, and thought about his circumstances.

"As well as could be accepted I suppose," Thelin said with a nod, she moved gingerly to a sitting position, a good portion of her upper body was wrapped in cloth and a side of her face was an ugly red against her near-white complexion. Looking over she noticed a book and gestured lightly with her chin, "Any good?"

"Propaganda at least, blatant lies at best. Laughable overall. I come from beyond the wall, so I've seen what it looks like. This book ain't it, but it's entertaining as i'll get.". He was happy that she was in relatively good health, something positive in grim times. He looked about the room, the wounded and sick all around. He felt sorry for them. "I'm liking the red on you, nice contrast." he joked, wondering what her response would be.

[Mincaldenteans]

"Propaganda at least, blatant lies at best. Laughable overall. I come from beyond the wall, so I've seen what it looks like. This book ain't it, but it's entertaining as i'll get.". He was happy that she was in relatively good health, something positive in grim times. He looked about the room, the wounded and sick all around. He felt sorry for them. "I'm liking the red on you, nice contrast." he joked, wondering what her response would be.

Thelin smirked with a small smile, "It brings out the blue in my eyes, don't you know." She joked backed and blinked dramatically.

"Tell me about the world outside the wall," she said curiously after a moment, her head tilted slightly in curiosity. "What's it like?"

[Cadia]

"Propaganda at least, blatant lies at best. Laughable overall. I come from beyond the wall, so I've seen what it looks like. This book ain't it, but it's entertaining as i'll get.". He was happy that she was in relatively good health, something positive in grim times. He looked about the room, the wounded and sick all around. He felt sorry for them. "I'm liking the red on you, nice contrast." he joked, wondering what her response would be.

Thelin smirked with a small smile, "It brings out the blue in my eyes, don't you know." She joked backed and blinked dramatically.

"Tell me about the world outside the wall," she said curiously after a moment, her head tilted slightly in curiosity. "What's it like?"

"Well, i'm from a country across the ocean. Canada. Lots of wilderness, a few big cities but mostly small towns. Lots of french people too. Nice lakes, plenty of fishing spots everywhere. But cold, kinda. Depends on the season, cause we got dry heat during the summer. I moved here when I hit twenty, and haven't heard alot about home since then. We didn't have many Nazt's there, very liberal and progressive. The government probably hasn't changed much because of that." He looked back at Thelin, "You'd probably like it there. If the situation around here ever brightens and the borders ever open up, I could bring you if you wanted."

[Mincaldenteans]

"Well, i'm from a country across the ocean. Canada. Lots of wilderness, a few big cities but mostly small towns. Lots of french people too. Nice lakes, plenty of fishing spots everywhere. But cold, kinda. Depends on the season, cause we got dry heat during the summer. I moved here when I hit twenty, and haven't heard alot about home since then. We didn't have many Nazt's there, very liberal and progressive. The government probably hasn't changed much because of that." He looked back at Thelin, "You'd probably like it there. If the situation around here ever brightens and the borders ever open up, I could bring you if you wanted."

"That would be nice," Thelin said with a nod, she pushed some of her behind her right ear. "I haven't been outside the walls since... well ever, actually. How do you think we'll out of the city? We're kinda stuck here until the HGV are stopped, and I don't believe that's any time soon."

[Cadia]

"Well, i'm from a country across the ocean. Canada. Lots of wilderness, a few big cities but mostly small towns. Lots of french people too. Nice lakes, plenty of fishing spots everywhere. But cold, kinda. Depends on the season, cause we got dry heat during the summer. I moved here when I hit twenty, and haven't heard alot about home since then. We didn't have many Nazt's there, very liberal and progressive. The government probably hasn't changed much because of that." He looked back at Thelin, "You'd probably like it there. If the situation around here ever brightens and the borders ever open up, I could bring you if you wanted."

"That would be nice," Thelin said with a nod, she pushed some of her behind her right ear. "I haven't been outside the walls since... well ever, actually. How do you think we'll out of the city? We're kinda stuck here until the HGV are stopped, and I don't believe that's any time soon."

"Something'll happen. The fighting is getting worse every day, and closer to the capital too. Eventually they'll make it, if the government doesn't give up first, that is.". He stared at his watch, but laughed when he remembered that he'd broken it. Such things amused him now, as he realized that life's too short to worry about little things.

[Lancearc]

There was a silence so thick withing Parliament that for the first time in his career, Edeson was wondering what he'd actually be saying to break it. Eyes stared at the Nevidian at his side and he wondered what Malone was feeling also. Eyes were upon them, some shocked, some neutral, but all waited with abated breath for the next few minutes.

"Ladies & Gentlemen," Lord Edeson began, "Esteemed members of Parliament; today marks and unprecedented day in our history. For too long we have been separated from our country, for too long we have isolated ourselves from the rest of the world. No longer. Today, we can take a stand and unite and the man next to me holds the keys to that future!" He turned to look at the emperor, signaling for his own announcement.

The emperor glanced about the parliament, at each of the members--all humans, it appeared. It was a bit before he began, still throwing his gaze around the room. "As many of you know, I am Emperor Sydomas, of the Grand English Empire. I know that many of you are surprised to find a Nevidian at the head of such a nation." the tall man said, motioning about the room. "Despite the military force outside of the city, we come here not as aggressive conquerors or mindless barbarians seeking to sack the city. We come, first and foremost, as a nation looking to improve this place. To restore both order, and the former grandeur of this city, as many within our government have pointed out the greatness behind having the city of London as our capital, the heart of our empire, just like world spanning British Empire of days long past. We are not fools, though. We are not setting our sights on the world when we haven't even control of the isles fully." Emperor Sydomas stopped here. "This is not what I am here to discuss, however. I have come today to ask the parliament of London - will you allow us to send our troops into your city, to help you end this civil war ravaging your citizens and the mass killings of the Nevidus? We ask only this, becaue we know you have many issues already with the war. Once this war has ended, we may explore further matters, but for now, my only requests is that you allow my men to enter the city and to put an end to this HGV tyranny."

The emperor was silent then, gauging the reactions of the parliament members.

[Dalria]

"It should heal fully within a few weeks, I don't imagine that you will have to go to an actual hospital."

Kylia hesitated as he examined and wrapped the wound, but she was more surprised at the Nevidian's attitude towards her. She had always been told horrible rumors about them, she's seen them around, but being in the slums meant everybody was in the same condition, so she assumed what the others said was true. That they were rats, worthless, et cetera. She kept looking at the man as he wrapped the wound, trying to figure out what he was thinking, about the situation as a whole. "thank you," she said, her voice still hushed under the pain as he got up from wrapping her. She closed her eyes and rested her head back against the wall, her breathing began to calm.

After a few moments of silence, she looked back over at Leo, "A bed and some food would be great right now," All she wanted to do was get out of here and away from whatever the GEE men were here to do. She'd had her serving of fun for the day.

Leo stared at the Nevedian with disgust and turned to Kylia, "lets go, it should be clear and you can have some food and a bed for as long as you want" Leo then looked up at the commander that they first had met, "thanks" he muttered before gesturing Kylia to follow him out of the front door. That could have been him, a GEE agent if he would have stayed in the infected city of his past, a soldier

The emperor glanced about the parliament, at each of the members--all humans, it appeared. It was a bit before he began, still throwing his gaze around the room. "As many of you know, I am Emperor Sydomas, of the Grand English Empire. I know that many of you are surprised to find a Nevidian at the head of such a nation." the tall man said, motioning about the room. "Despite the military force outside of the city, we come here not as aggressive conquerors or mindless barbarians seeking to sack the city. We come, first and foremost, as a nation looking to improve this place. To restore both order, and the former grandeur of this city, as many within our government have pointed out the greatness behind having the city of London as our capital, the heart of our empire, just like world spanning British Empire of days long past. We are not fools, though. We are not setting our sights on the world when we haven't even control of the isles fully." Emperor Sydomas stopped here. "This is not what I am here to discuss, however. I have come today to ask the parliament of London - will you allow us to send our troops into your city, to help you end this civil war ravaging your citizens and the mass killings of the Nevidus? We ask only this, becaue we know you have many issues already with the war. Once this war has ended, we may explore further matters, but for now, my only requests is that you allow my men to enter the city and to put an end to this HGV tyranny."

The emperor was silent then, gauging the reactions of the parliament members.

Malone could see how stressed Lord Edeson was and knew he himself would be speaking for the London. He knew he had to bring his first that Edeson brought him for and had to say something, as he blurted out the crowd stared at Tipper, "uh first I'd like to thank you for coming here Emperor Sydomas, yet I'd like to point some things out. You act like our people and our gov't are not fit to save ourselves, to me your acting like the GEE is the life raft on a sinking vessel. The parliament and Mr. Edeson are fully capable of running our own city, and when you decide to take this city, I know for a fact you will abolish the parliament and establish a full blown monarchy. The people of the United Kingdom have fought hard for democracy, do you think we are just going to sit here and see the years of progress go down the bloody shitter" Tipper paced closer to the Emperor. "This is no disrespect to you. If I am pull the subject out, London wishes to remain an independent state against the wishes of the GEE yet your men attack our walls because you want to establish an empire. Well, Emperor Sydomas, empires fall and I wish London to be self efficient in the time when the GEE falls. Once again I do not mean this in disrespect, but I do have ideas. We can work out trade routes, borders, our military's could help each other out to keep the Isles safe. Things like that to make each of our great nations strive" Tipper looked the Emperor dead in the eye.

[Mincaldenteans]

The emperor glanced about the parliament, at each of the members--all humans, it appeared. It was a bit before he began, still throwing his gaze around the room. "As many of you know, I am Emperor Sydomas, of the Grand English Empire. I know that many of you are surprised to find a Nevidian at the head of such a nation." the tall man said, motioning about the room. "Despite the military force outside of the city, we come here not as aggressive conquerors or mindless barbarians seeking to sack the city. We come, first and foremost, as a nation looking to improve this place. To restore both order, and the former grandeur of this city, as many within our government have pointed out the greatness behind having the city of London as our capital, the heart of our empire, just like world spanning British Empire of days long past. We are not fools, though. We are not setting our sights on the world when we haven't even control of the isles fully." Emperor Sydomas stopped here. "This is not what I am here to discuss, however. I have come today to ask the parliament of London - will you allow us to send our troops into your city, to help you end this civil war ravaging your citizens and the mass killings of the Nevidus? We ask only this, becaue we know you have many issues already with the war. Once this war has ended, we may explore further matters, but for now, my only requests is that you allow my men to enter the city and to put an end to this HGV tyranny."

The emperor was silent then, gauging the reactions of the parliament members.

Malone could see how stressed Lord Edeson was and knew he himself would be speaking for the London. He knew he had to bring his first that Edeson brought him for and had to say something, as he blurted out the crowd stared at Tipper, "uh first I'd like to thank you for coming here Emperor Sydomas, yet I'd like to point some things out. You act like our people and our gov't are not fit to save ourselves, to me your acting like the GEE is the life raft on a sinking vessel. The parliament and Mr. Edeson are fully capable of running our own city, and when you decide to take this city, I know for a fact you will abolish the parliament and establish a full blown monarchy. The people of the United Kingdom have fought hard for democracy, do you think we are just going to sit here and see the years of progress go down the bloody shitter" Tipper paced closer to the Emperor. "This is no disrespect to you. If I am pull the subject out, London wishes to remain an independent state against the wishes of the GEE yet your men attack our walls because you want to establish an empire. Well, Emperor Sydomas, empires fall and I wish London to be self efficient in the time when the GEE falls. Once again I do not mean this in disrespect, but I do have ideas. We can work out trade routes, borders, our military's could help each other out to keep the Isles safe. Things like that to make each of our great nations strive" Tipper looked the Emperor dead in the eye.

"Political imagery," one woman spoke up. A middle age politician with a severe hairstyle tied back, her poise iron straight. "I see this as nothing more than political gain. The GEE comes in to save what we couldn't. To put the HGV at an end where Parliament couldn't."

"And just how did you plan to put an end to the HGV? With terse wording and a wag of your finger? You're mad woman, we need the GEE's help!" Someone said in the row.

"What about after? What is the GEE expecting after they've put down the strife?"

"Surely there's a compromise, our military should coordinate-"

"What military!?"

"Well this is going well," Edeson muttered with a sigh.

---

"Something'll happen. The fighting is getting worse every day, and closer to the capital too. Eventually they'll make it, if the government doesn't give up first, that is.". He stared at his watch, but laughed when he remembered that he'd broken it. Such things amused him now, as he realized that life's too short to worry about little things.

"Then we ought to get out as soon as possible. I don't want to be die at the hands of the HGV," Thelin said softly. Fear wasn't an emotion that she indulged, but the thought of the HGV targeting Nevidians specifically - and what happened the night before - sent a chill down her spine. Anger replaced the fear next. She never understood human's propensity for violence, though as of late, she was beginning to think it a necessity. "We'll likely have to fight our way out."

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

With a pace he was accustomed to, back when he led the HGV, George walked through the doors of the factory. The first thing you could see upon entering was a main hall. It was once filled with machinery, but that had all been sold when the economy collapsed. Instead, the machines had made room for many, more jingoistic devices. He walked past armoured trucks, large racks of firearms, grenades, and even a half-assembled helicopter, which seemed incapable of flying ever again. The whole hall was filled with HGV in uniform, marching to and fro, and checking if everything was still there like the last time they checked, three minutes ago. Controllers constantly walked past racks and racks of assault rifles, SMG’s, shotguns, and checking them for damage or theft. George pulled his cap further over his eyes. Many of the controllers and officers had been part of the early HGV, and they would be very blind indeed if they didn’t recognise him on the spot. George walked on, almost marching, like he had seen Nazi’s do in old war movies. Chest up front, head lifted up, and with his arms flailing a little. It was quite a long walk through the hall towards the door that led to the prisons, where their goal was. Every step he took, George was reminded of how fucked he would be if he was discovered. There was essentially an army around them, who hated him to the bone. “Hunter” He whispered, without looking up. He tried to make his lips as little as possible. “When we get to that door, you must ask for prisoner class A, Cymitia. They will recognise my voice if I do it. Just…” He glanced at his Nevidian friend, knowing how hard it must be for him “Just act fascist, okay? No emotions. These people are wolves.” The door came ever closer, and the exit receded ever faster.

[Jessjohnesik]

[OOC: not sure if I can do this]

Alexandra Arslanian, Parliament member

The thirty seven year old, brown haired woman sat along with the rest of the parliament members. Having inherited the genetics of both her parents, Armenian and Scandinavian, this leading to controversial appearance features like light brown hair, green eyes, large nose and a Southern European Caucasus region facial features.

She took the information in, her mind and thoughts both supporting and rejecting the so called 'Grand English Empire'. While they would definitely make London a better place and their economy was great as well as military control, civil rights and quality of living, the citizens wouldn't have any political freedoms or the right to speak out against the government.
Being irritated by the silence and the coward ness of the other parliament members, she decided to speak up.

"May I have your attention? Mr Sydomas, if I say correctly?" Alexandra stated, before beginning

"As much as I can applaud to the GEE's military power and powerful economy. Not to mention the improved quality of living, the restoration of law and order and the redistribution of civil rights." She paused "I am very concerned of the type of 'government' that will be in control. I am referring to you. Will we end up like the totalitarian Soviet Union? Or will we restore political freedoms and have presidential elections at your own will like in post-dictatorship Chile?" Alexandra finished, awaiting a response.

[Mincaldenteans]

With a pace he was accustomed to, back when he led the HGV, George walked through the doors of the factory. The first thing you could see upon entering was a main hall. It was once filled with machinery, but that had all been sold when the economy collapsed. Instead, the machines had made room for many, more jingoistic devices. He walked past armoured trucks, large racks of firearms, grenades, and even a half-assembled helicopter, which seemed incapable of flying ever again. The whole hall was filled with HGV in uniform, marching to and fro, and checking if everything was still there like the last time they checked, three minutes ago. Controllers constantly walked past racks and racks of assault rifles, SMG’s, shotguns, and checking them for damage or theft. George pulled his cap further over his eyes. Many of the controllers and officers had been part of the early HGV, and they would be very blind indeed if they didn’t recognise him on the spot. George walked on, almost marching, like he had seen Nazi’s do in old war movies. Chest up front, head lifted up, and with his arms flailing a little. It was quite a long walk through the hall towards the door that led to the prisons, where their goal was. Every step he took, George was reminded of how fucked he would be if he was discovered. There was essentially an army around them, who hated him to the bone. “Hunter” He whispered, without looking up. He tried to make his lips as little as possible. “When we get to that door, you must ask for prisoner class A, Cymitia. They will recognise my voice if I do it. Just…” He glanced at his Nevidian friend, knowing how hard it must be for him “Just act fascist, okay? No emotions. These people are wolves.” The door came ever closer, and the exit receded ever faster.

"Right," Hunter muttered, "Be grade A asshole, got it." He had looked around with discreetly at the walls of weaponry, machines and vehicles. It was down right bone chilling that the HGV was this well funded and equipped. How on earth did these people get their hands on such things? He knew they were funded, but this.. this was way more than Hunter thought them capable of. Though of course they'd be this well of, how else was half the city under their control?

"What is it?" One of the HGV officer said without looking at them.

"Here to see Cymitia, class A prisoner," Hunter replied back shortly. The man looked at him in regard, eyes surveying the two of them.

"She's already being... seen to, if you get my meaning." He smirked.

It took everything not to lunge at the man, but Hunter gave his own sneer, "Two more for a party, we were told they were.. expecting more."

"Aye, go on, down that way, second hall to the right, can't miss the cell. Bitch is something of a fighter, I hear."

Hunter made a 'hmph' sound and nodded as the two of them walked past the guard. His pace had sped up and Hunter didn't realize he was almost in a job to reach to Cymitia's cell.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

“Well…” George sighed, letting all the build-up air escape his system. “That was almost too easy.” From his pocket, he took a little something he had been given by the GEE, a Glock. He checked it, and made sure it was loaded, before putting it back. “Now, we know where Cym is.” He pointed at a door at the end of the hallway. “Now, what do we do?” He sounded worried. With all the HGV around, it might become a difficult task.

[Lancearc]

"If I may, Mister Malone, you are wrong." the emperor started again. "The fact that you believe that the empire is a total monarchy shows you've much to learn, as of yet. Have you not studied our culture, or have you chose to ignore it? We operate from the system of a Constitutional Monarchy, just as the United Kingdom before us." Sydomas explained, before turning back to the more...important parliament members. "I direct you to our Prime Minister, Peter Marsh. He is a loyal citizen of York. He was raised in York, and even today makes his home there. When the empire came, rather than installing its own governors and government officials, we left the city's government untouched. Now, he is not only Prime Minister, but still remains the man in charge of his home city. A life raft? Most certainly. Have you not seen the once proud cities of Detroit, or Mexico City? Gone. All wastelands now, and they had no civil wars to make them that way, only collapsing militaries and governments. If London is left alone without an outside force intervening to improve its standing among nations, it is only going to either rot away or become crushed beneath the weight of another, hostile empire. Already we have made contact with the French, just across the channel. They expand even now into Germany, and naval invasions are strong possibilities for them. We do not state that London's government is weak. We state that London cannot survive as an independent city-state if it wishes to maintain its freedoms. It not only needs protection, as we see now, but purpose, and direction. Right now, even with your freedoms, the Nevidus are treated as livestock. The only difference between the current government and the HGV is that the HGV executes the Nevidus at every given chance, and is a dictatorship. Otherwise? They are much similar. Under the flag of the empire, London can recognize actual potential, and become the cultural, economic and scientific heart of a stable nation."

"London would be treated as the capital city of the empire. The citizens would not be treated as conquered barbarians, but as actual citizens. Full citizenship would be granted to each person regardless of race, the walls would be rebuilt but the borders opened to all international trade and tourism. Tourism is something that London would draw in greatly, and the fact that the tourism industry is nonexistent here is a major reason the economy has gone down, this will create many jobs for many people, with all of London's attractions. The airports would be restored to working condition, creating even more jobs to boost the economy, all paid for by the empire itself rather than the city of London. All of these benefits extended to every citizen of London, and London's continued autonomy under our rule would only help it to prosper under native government." the emperor said, nodding.

"Yes, each and every one of you would keep your seats on this parliament, and some would even be due for a move to the Imperial Parliament, given time."

[Mincaldenteans]

“Well…” George sighed, letting all the build-up air escape his system. “That was almost too easy.” From his pocket, he took a little something he had been given by the GEE, a Glock. He checked it, and made sure it was loaded, before putting it back. “Now, we know where Cym is.” He pointed at a door at the end of the hallway. “Now, what do we do?” He sounded worried. With all the HGV around, it might become a difficult task.

"We'll need a way to get out of here with Cymitia with as little questions as possible and as fast as we can do this," Hunter replied back. They stopped at the corridor at made a right. They passed a few HGV men, all paired together and looks that ranged from familiarity to suspicion. "This way," he muttered and made another right. Stopping at the cell, Hunter saw many more just like the one he and George stood in front of. So many, of 'em.

"Looking for something?"

"Prisoner, Nevidian woman."

"Ah, yeah, Zach over there is handling her interrogation. What you need that bitch for?"

"We're executing her," Hunter lied plainly. "Firing squad is getting ready."

"Wouldn't want to miss that!" The guy said enthusiastically. Point down the hall. "Cell 5256, mate. See you both outside."

"Right," Hunter feigned and walked past the guy.

[Cadia]

"Something'll happen. The fighting is getting worse every day, and closer to the capital too. Eventually they'll make it, if the government doesn't give up first, that is.". He stared at his watch, but laughed when he remembered that he'd broken it. Such things amused him now, as he realized that life's too short to worry about little things.

"Then we ought to get out as soon as possible. I don't want to be die at the hands of the HGV," Thelin said softly. Fear wasn't an emotion that she indulged, but the thought of the HGV targeting Nevidians specifically - and what happened the night before - sent a chill down her spine. Anger replaced the fear next. She never understood human's propensity for violence, though as of late, she was beginning to think it a necessity. "We'll likely have to fight our way out."

"We might have to. I dislike violence, but there are times where it is necessary. If this is such times, I will help those who need it. I'm not gonna let you die from the HGV. If anyone dies, it'll be me. But how would we escape? The wall surrounds us, and the only exits are either through the gates or from a private airstrip." He thought about it,

The airstrip is usually heavily guarded, and so is the gate. But at least on the airstrip we have a way of quickly getting out.

[The Keystone Federation]

Leo stared at the Nevedian with disgust and turned to Kylia, "lets go, it should be clear and you can have some food and a bed for as long as you want" Leo then looked up at the commander that they first had met, "thanks" he muttered before gesturing Kylia to follow him out of the front door. That could have been him, a GEE agent if he would have stayed in the infected city of his past, a soldier.

Hesitating for a second, glancing at both Leo and the two other men, she slowly got up on her feet, and walked over to the door with her hand held at her side. The two walked back down the stairs, but Kylia kept silent, her hood up and her head looking at her feet.

[Lancearc]

“Well…” George sighed, letting all the build-up air escape his system. “That was almost too easy.” From his pocket, he took a little something he had been given by the GEE, a Glock. He checked it, and made sure it was loaded, before putting it back. “Now, we know where Cym is.” He pointed at a door at the end of the hallway. “Now, what do we do?” He sounded worried. With all the HGV around, it might become a difficult task.

"We'll need a way to get out of here with Cymitia with as little questions as possible and as fast as we can do this," Hunter replied back. They stopped at the corridor at made a right. They passed a few HGV men, all paired together and looks that ranged from familiarity to suspicion. "This way," he muttered and made another right. Stopping at the cell, Hunter saw many more just like the one he and George stood in front of. So many, of 'em.

"Looking for something?"

"Prisoner, Nevidian woman."

"Ah, yeah, Zach over there is handling her interrogation. What you need that bitch for?"

"We're executing her," Hunter lied plainly. "Firing squad is getting ready."

"Wouldn't want to miss that!" The guy said enthusiastically. Point down the hall. "Cell 5256, mate. See you both outside."

"Right," Hunter feigned and walked past the guy.

An HGV man stepped out of the cell, frustrated. "No matter how many times you beat that damned Ghost whore she never gives up a thing, good luck with her..." the man said, glancing at the two that had just arrived. "I'll be back tomorrow to see to it she either gives something up finally, or is killed." the man continued, shaking his head and patting Hunter on the shoulder.

Cymitia sat in her cell, knees pulled up to her chest in the corner. She was visibly shaken, the results of the tortures she'd endured over the last days. After the first time the guards had 'used' her, she'd ensured it never happened again--each guard that tried afterwards would find their new inability to have children very troubling. This, however, only meant that she received beatings instead. The interrogations never went any better, and she could argue the pain was even worse during these. In all she felt horrible--she hadn't been fed properly for the duration of her imprisonment either.

When she spotted two guards arriving at her cell, she got to her feet and approached the window slowly, before sending her fist flying against the glass as she so often did. Her pale hands were visibly blooded and bruised by this activity, and it pained her every time she did it, but at least she had to try, to not feel completely helpless. She didn't even bother to look at the faces on the outside before returning to her corner--it was obvious she'd been sobbing, though that was quickly replaced by a stern frown whenever guards were around, she wouldn't be seen as weak around these people.

[Dalria]

"That was...intestesting" Leo muttered as they arrived at the pub. It was dark now, the party was over, people laid spread across the floor drunk as could be. As Leo led Kylia in they stepped over the numerous bodies and sat on the bar stools, "want a drink" Leo offered?

[The Keystone Federation]

Kylia stepped over the drunken men, and followed Leo to the bar stools where she sat down and slumped her head over her arms, as she rested them on the bar. When he mentioned a drink she kept her head down for a moment, then turned it in his direction. "That'd be great, actually."

[Dalria]

Leo poured a glass of whiskey and handed it to her. He had a man bring over some turkey heated up in the microwave, "Just in case you're hungry also, so tell me where you grew up" Leo grabbed some turkey and savored it into his mouth.

[The Keystone Federation]

Kylia wrapped her hands around the glass as flashbacks began to fill her mind. "I was born in London, my parents moved here from America." she paused and took a drink, and letting the man slide the turkey in front of her. "They were junkies, my parents." Kylia stared at her hands as she talked, "They were always high..."

"Baby, I told you! Robert has our shit!"
"And what are you going to do about that Jack? You know he's not going to just give it to us!"
"He will if he knows what's good for'im."[i]

"They were drunk, both of them, no doubt they'd had a fix within that hour. Some guy stole their heroin, so they decided to go after him. My dad, he told me-"

[i]"Go cry your fucking eyes out, you bitch, don't you ever look at me like that again, now go inside, me and your mom have something to take care of.."

"That night I prayed that they would die, and someone answered." Kylia looked over at Leo and then took another drink, "That's where I grew up."

[Dalria]

Kylia wrapped her hands around the glass as flashbacks began to fill her mind. "I was born in London, my parents moved here from America." she paused and took a drink, and letting the man slide the turkey in front of her. "They were junkies, my parents." Kylia stared at her hands as she talked, "They were always high..."

"Baby, I told you! Robert has our shit!"
"And what are you going to do about that Jack? You know he's not going to just give it to us!"
"He will if he knows what's good for'im."[i]

"They were drunk, both of them, no doubt they'd had a fix within that hour. Some guy stole their heroin, so they decided to go after him. My dad, he told me-"

[i]"Go cry your fucking eyes out, you bitch, don't you ever look at me like that again, now go inside, me and your mom have something to take care of.."


"That night I prayed that they would die, and someone answered." Kylia looked over at Leo and then took another drink, "That's where I grew up."

"Damn..I'm sorry" he poured more for himself, "don't worry we all have to grow up sometime, some faster then others" he paused. Leo knew she told him her past he'd tell her his, "grew up in Scotland, nice place, with nice parents, nice school perfect for a kid. I grew up without a problem until the plague came and killed my parents. I ditched Scotland...sadly leaving my younger siblings and I came to London. I married the girl of my dream, a women I had known since we children in school. We had both got off the boat and needed a place to stay so we opened up a storefront together and moved in before getting married. We then had a kid, animals, and our own house the perfect family. After the Nevidians came the neighborhood went to shit, came home one day and they were both dead, my son and wife" he paused once more taking a deep breath. "After that I went my own way, saw the McCarthy boys needed leadership and took over bringing the rest of the street gangs with me. Yet we weren't much of a gang, we protected the human community like a community watch. This is my life sitting at a bar, getting shot, high, drunk, and then falling asleep" he finished his 9th shot. She was the first person he opened up to in forever and it felt good.