Personification Life: EPIC (IC Thread XI) [CLOSED]

[Saldinado]

"Yeah, ummm....Wait, what was I about to say?" Henry said out loud while scratching his head. He took a few seconds to think about what he was about to say before finally remember it. "Oh yeah! Now I know." He said cheerfully in such a way that it was like he discovered something new. But he then noticed that she went back to talking to Sully and Venla. "But if you're busy right now, I can wait." He spoken in a light and polite tone.

And with those last words, Henry smiled at her before walking from behind the desk and towards where the red couches were. He sat down in one of them and relaxed like he did when he was in his apartment. He looked up at the ceiling and continued to wait for as long as possible. But he didn't know how long that will take not knowing how much those other two could talk, so he closed his eyes and hummed to a song in his head. However. the boy was curious as to find out what they were talking about. Maybe they could help answer his questions. Agh. I'm too lazy and just got comfortable to get up. He thought with a soft sigh.

[Torsiedelle]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

"The Legion is brutal. Known for raiding, slavery...they conquer tribes, destroy their culture and use them as soldiers. They've been pushing west for decades."

The Ranger nodded. "And to answer your other question, we have water. It ain't always reliable, but it's there. NCR's known for bringing water back to the wastes. Electricity, too, and industry."

"Good question.", He told Kale. "And...well, it's about time I got to the point anyways.", He said. "Raiders. Bandits, slavers, drug runners, been causing a panic here for about two months now. That's why I'm here, to stop the sons of bitches."

While he spoke, Audette took up a spot by the table, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Katya squeezed Kale's hand and pressed her legs together, a nervous habit (wearing a skirt didn’t help either), while her sword clacked against her seat. She was really out of place, and a certain thought that struck her upon entering the saloon.

What if she had gotten in over her head?

[Holy Lykos]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

"They remind me of the Pitt, though with more conquest. Nasty slavers who live in the ruins of Pittsburgh. Had a base down in the Capital wastes until some wanderer came through and exterminated them, and then went up to the Pitt and freed them from the slavery. Some sort of industrial hellhole that place, the old industry being worked by the slaves of surrounding regions for the natives."

He sighed, shrugging and frowning. "The world never changes, does it? Though the nastier types seem to be having a harder time about it as time goes on, so that's encouraging.

"Same problems as always too, it sounds like. You the only law enforcement in town, or do you have any sheriffs or something? I'm not quite sure how you do it out west." The synth said, shuffling in his chair to lean against the table after he pulled his shirt back down to cover up his arm.

He glanced over at Katya and audette. He'd have to talk to them. They must have underestimated him when he said his world was dystopian, and in many ways a hell on earth. Kale seemed to be taking this the best, which was good. Hopefully she could help relax Katya too.

[Torsiedelle]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

"We got officers, though they can't do much outside the city. Even if they could, the raiders are pretty well armed, and organized, too. I lnow the guy who's leading them; goes by the name "Guillermo", an old acquaintance of mine.", Said the Ranger. "I need to figure out where he's hiding, the rat."

Audette huffed. "Put a bullet in his head?"
"Yep."

She grinned. "I like you."

The Ranger chuckled. "Name's Bobby. Bobby Beauregard. Look, here's the deal: I could use a little help on this case. You know anyone who can do that? Maybe one of yourselves?"

Katya opened her mouth to speak, but quickly closed it again. "Yes" was more or less what she would have said, though she doubted it was a good idea. She didn't know, but perhaps Sakarias or Audette would take the initiative.

[Northwest Slobovia]

The Building, Lobby

"And Ms. Amanda? It's Sully, not Prince, Allah rest his soul though..." Sully remarked "Arabia has no power here, and neither do I. I'll gladly do whatever work it takes to make it to the top...so long as it's not amoral. I'll ask you to kindly look away when I'm doing illegal stuff though."

Amanda nodded at the young man, her politely professional mask becoming friendly. The princeling was witty and bold: a pleasing combination in a young man. "Sully it is, then. And it's either 'Amanda' or 'Mrs. Bela', in my case. Or, should you need me as a result of your illegal activities, 'Counsellor'." She gave him a mischievious wink.

Amanda walked out from behind the desk, then rested her back again the front of it, leaning back and crossing her arms. She was in her element, and a gentle lecture might save her a lot of work later. It might even keep a bold young man alive.

"I'm the least of your worries when it comes to breaking the law. There's really only two places here it might matter: the Burrows and Ascalon. I expect the Burrows-dwellers would try to work out their disputes with you personally. Failing that, I'd expect Mayor Mercer to come to the Building's leadership and ask us to take care of the problem. If we couldn't satisfy them, they'd go to the police."

"Most of the Burrows-dwellers subscribe to an esoteric legal system the Fae developed for their own use, and their police force is a tribe of ogres. Very large and strong, yes, but not the stupid ogres of fairy tales. They're politically astute and have their own magic. What they'd do to you I can't say."

Amanda gave Sully a bit to digest that, before switching to a lighter tone, almost teasing. "Ascalon's easier to understand: the city's controlled by a bunch of rival mafias. There's an official government, but it's controlled by the capos. If you crossed them in some small way, like trying to steal from them, they'd probably hand you over to the city government. Do something more serious to them: assault or trying to muscle in on their action, and they'd probably say you're fair game for their own rules. If they break your legs as a warning, don't come running to me."

"But if you're busy right now, I can wait." He spoken in a light and polite tone. [...]And with those last words, Henry smiled at her before walking from behind the desk and towards where the red couches were.

What an oddly shy young man. Well, hopefully he's listening to the conversation.

[Mincaldenteans]

RAIDERS of the LOST BOOK

OPERATION: BIBLIOPHILE
DIMENSION: Gallimaufry then 257P
LOCATION: Plotline All-Stops to Alexandria, Egypt
TEAMS: MU
RotLB

Lumba tilted her head for just a moment, reaching under the large scarf to produce a Ferengi PADD while her turquoise colored short nails danced across the tiny buttons to access her inventory. She shook her head, the dull sultry voice became more business like, "It is not a common item I trade in," she told the Baron without looking at him. The PADD sounded of a soft shrill as it scrolled through the entire contents and Lumba's expression became pensive, "No, although those are broad fields, but perhaps I might have something in store for you, hmm?"

The Ferengi turned her head, gesturing Oecammi over. The Tzenkethi quickly placed Dora's item's on the console in preparation for purchasing before excusing herself momentarily. The alien glided toward Primordial and Sandy, the Ferengi continued, "Please take this gentlemen to the corner there. There are some text, but I cannot guarantee you'll find what you need. Oecammi will assist you."

"Now where were we?" Lumba turned her attention back to Sandy, "Ah yes... a modified ocular device... Well, follow me," she gestured toward the opposite wall where a few displays were encased and illuminated. One was a type of contacts Sandy was looking for, but its lenses were oblong and enough visible lines that it might give the wearer away; it didn't stop Lumba from continuing, "A type-four ocular impant by a company called Neuro-Saav Corporation, this comes with a standard camouflage to adjust to one's eye color..."

"This one is happy to serve," The Tzenkethi said lightly, bowing its head toward the Baron gesturing for him to follow. The alien's movements were precise and fluid, giving no indication to its moods. But it was its outfit that changed into a lighter hue, indicating a positive attitude. It stopped at the corner where a small box no bigger than a DVD case stand was tucked in a nook, locked with a Ferengi security device that Oecammi instinctively entered the access codes. The lock bleeped a few times and Oecammi withdrew it from the opening as the casing's lid slowly opened upward, revealing the small repository of hardcover books, a few PADDs, and a few of scrolls.

Before the Baron could take a look, Oecammi was obligated to let the Baron, "These items are specifically on lease unless payment conditions are negotiated beforehand. This one hopes it is not a hindrance." With that note, the Tzenkethi stepped to one side for the Baron to inspect.

Lumba had moved past the Arkanian lenses to a necklace that looked too feminine for Sandy, although the Ferengi divulged the basic capabilities and pointing out its obvious features. She stopped at the last encasement, a bronze design that looked too plain and perfectly unassuming "... And this one, I think, would be more to your needs. It is Cardassian in design: can be attached on any clothing by its magnetic clip. I must caution you, however, that it is quite delicate," Lumba stressed with a wider, toothier smile, "And therefore comes at a higher price. If concealment is the primary factor, then might I suggest this to hide in plain sight. Additionally, it comes with a data transfer unit."

She left out that the isolinear chip for the data unit and other software compatibility were sold separately.

[Northwest Slobovia]

RAIDERS of the LOST BOOK

OPERATION: BIBLIOPHILE
DIMENSION: Gallimaufry then 257P
LOCATION: Plotline All-Stops to Alexandria, Egypt
TEAMS: MU
RotLB

One was a type of contacts Sandy was looking for, but its lenses were oblong and enough visible lines that it might give the wearer away; it didn't stop Lumba from continuing, "A type-four ocular impant by a company called Neuro-Saav Corporation, this comes with a standard camouflage to adjust to one's eye color..."
[...]
" It is Cardassian in design: can be attached on any clothing by its magnetic clip. I must caution you, however, that it is quite delicate," Lumba stressed with a wider, toothier smile, "And therefore comes at a higher price. If concealment is the primary factor, then might I suggest this to hide in plain sight. Additionally, it comes with a data transfer unit."

"Hmm...." Sandy considered the devices on offer, stroking his jaw with a finger as he did so. The technology was beyond him, and they apparently weren't magic. At last, he reached a decision. "I'd like to see both choices in action, if I may. See how they look on me, see how they work. I'd to examine the images they produce, and learn a little of their operation. Otherwise, it's difficult to decide which might serve."

Sandy also shared an idea with Nick. And if they don't work for me, they might work for a cat. Few people would look that closely at pets, and if anybody were to notice odd marks in your eyes, we could explain them away as scars from a fight with another can. If you're interested, of course.

[Swith Witherward]

The emotional roller coaster of the week, topped by Turtleboss pushing him to the limits, left Marcus with little in the way of emotional defenses. Torii's tight embrace and soft murmurs tore away the last of his stoicism. Organic fingers cradled the back of her head and pressed her face deeper into his chest as his augmented arm wrapped around her thin frame.

"It's alright," he soothed, unaware of his own tears falling onto her blonde hair, "It's gonna be alright, Tora."

The chef and rabbit momentarily forgotten, he rocked her gently and continued his reassurances. It wasn't alright. Not really, and not deep down. Maybe it would be alright. Someday. Not now. But they had to believe things would be better, that time would heal wounds, and that they could go on. They had to otherwise grief would consume them. He realized that now, and suddenly his adoptive father's insistence on working instead of pounding holes in walls made sense. We gotta work, because life goes on, so we have to work on making things alright again. Can't bring back the dead. Can fix that, but-

"Giovenith wouldn't want us to just stop living," the words broke from his lips before he could stem them. "She wouldn't. She'd be sad if we did. We should... we need to keep going. If we love her, we'll do that. We'll find a way, you and me, okay? You and me."

Both arms released her in order for him to lean back and cradle her cheeks. His lips brushed a soft kiss onto her forehead. "I lost Rachelle. I lost Eva. But I won't let someone steal you away, Tora. You're the only sister I have left."

He hiccuped and rubbed his organic eye with the back of his hand before offering her a small smile. "Well, there's Wren, but she's a bitch on wheels."

[Torsiedelle]

Fighting through hiccups of her own, Torii shook her head. "I don't want to lose you. You're my big brother.", She whimpered. "I can't just act like everything will be alright. I isn't.", she cried. "Marcus, I, I couldn't do anything. I left her there, and, and-", She shook. "I never said how I felt about her. Marcus, I..."

Torii supressed a scream. "I loved her. I really did.", She admitted. She buried her head back into Marcus's chest. "I need you. I can't do this. I can't let it go."

She continued to cough and hiccup, and shake. She was sorry she had left Gio behind. She was sorry she'd hurt Marcus, and that she'd blown Katya off, and that she'd frightened MB and been a nuisance to Cuisine with her sobbing, and that she had been so weak to begin with.

"Gio should be alive right now. I should've been the one to go. She had a future; I wasn't even supposed to be born. This is what I get, it's what I always get."

[Fvaarniimar]

RAIDERS of the LOST BOOK

OPERATION: BIBLIOPHILE
DIMENSION: Gallimaufry then 257P
LOCATION: Plotline All-Stops to Alexandria, Egypt
TEAMS: MU
RotLB
<I guess I could do the implants if you really need me to.>  Remembered uneasiness and a large, descending needle hinted at why Nick was reluctant.  <But Egyptian people might look - OH.>  Apparently it was possible for a thought to sound relieved, although perhaps the accompanying feelings helped.  <Explaining away marks - you're suggesting the CONTACTS.  I can do that.>  He nodded.  Hopefully Lumba wouldn't interpret it as agreement to something else...

And speaking of Lumba.

A gray cat sits.  A friend passes.  A shutter closes.  Nick's apartment. The shutter shuts again.  A movie.  <"Can't, copyright."  Sandy's.>  Guilt? Sudden cheerfulness.  Maybe we should ask anyway  "How long will these last?  Will the contacts break?  Will the implant need to be...removed?"  Nick's image of an operation, pulled from TV, might prove disquieting. <Delicatecouldbeproblem ->  The Cardassian device flashed in both minds.  <See if something protective - er, like a case (wall of cell phone cases).  Egyptians wore necklaces (silver collar, silver cat collar.)  You could hide the necklace as part of one?  If it's better.  Less fragile.  (The Colisseum, ruin.  Pyramids, crossed out.) Wrong era again?  Oh, Dora could wear it.>

Speaking of Dora, and in general the others, Nick couldn't wait to read something new - literally.  <Yell/meow/call if you need me!> He meandered towards Primordial.

A mask caught his eye, as did some other novelties - unusual string, cushy cushions, a gleaming puzzle toy which paws could manipulate.  I can't.  I like them, but I can't pay - I have my apartment.  Rent is fine -  Once he'd been terrified of eviction.  Not anymore!  Gently and with a minimum of drooling, he lifted and/or nudged the items back -

Is that a drum?  Cool.  I can pester Primordial later. Indeed that would make more sense, as he hadn't gone far at all; even factoring in soft percussion, Nick was within earshot of Sandy and Lumba.

[Ganonsyoni]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

Kale rubbed her squeezed fingers against Katya's, continuing to keep the woman to calm. She could feel the nervousness in her. It surprised her really. Kale didn't really look like an adult normally, and she always saw Katya as being the mature type. But here now, Kale was the calm adult.

The conversation didn't calm her one bit. Drug runners, slavers, and bandits. A cacophony of shit. And the Ranger was here to deal with them Kale figured that the Ranger couldn't possibly take on the gang alone. Regardless of what skills he had or tech, the bandits numbers would make it a non-factor. Which when Bobby proposed the group help him, she wasn't at all surprised. Just concerned. Very concerned.

Counting Bobby, they had five people. Three that had guns, one with a sword, and one with magic. Katya was a nervous wreck, so a combat situation in her state was a no-go. She had to be calmed down before they get into anything serious. And then there was herself. Using magic in a universe that was foreign to it felt dangerous, to her and the group. What would the ranger think if she saw her use magic With all the radiation around, it wouldn't surprise her if he saw her as some dangerous mutant that needed to be put down or driven off. And what that would mean for the rest of the group... probably similar. I mean, they were going by "merchants". Would they still believe them if they found out about her magic? The ranger and the town would probably think that they were hiding a dangerous mutant into the town, and that would mean bad things for them. Not to mention... the wildness of her magic. Things could go horribly wrong with it. She got lucky last time, but now when they were in a different universe, in the middle of nowhere, with no allies but themselves and surrounded by bandits?

Kale gave a squeeze to Katya's hand, her over analyzing causing her to grow concerned and worried. The girl had a visual frown and stayed silent. She was obviously deep in thought. She didn't want to speak really, feeling she was not in the position to make such a decision on the matter of bandits.

They were here to trade first and foremost, not to combat bandits. While it did help this town, it didn't directly help the Building nor their quest. Sure they could get a reward, but only after risking themselves on a mission in a different universe. And they could barter and trade, leave and be done with it. This universe didn't matter beyond that, it for all purposes stopped existing as soon as they left it. It was just a means to an end.

"Didn't matter.... means to and end..." Kale thought. It was true, to an extent. It felt wrong, but at the same time true. This was a dire quest they were one. All of existence was at the stakes. They couldn't hang themselves up on one universe.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down from the almost foreign thoughts. Thoughts she would keep to herself, especially Sakarias. She felt guilty, given that this was his home universe. Saying 'it didn't matter' sounded like pure venom to the synth. For that matter, did her own universe matter?

No, no more thoughts, no more thinking. It was too much for now. She needed to calm down, clear her mind, and focus on one thing only. The team. They were the most important thing right now and she needed to support them. So her final thought on the matter was, if they wanted to go on the Ranger's mission, she would go with them.

"If you all want to go, I'll follow right behind. I'm here for yah," Kale said, popping a small grin. Her squeeze on Katya's hand lessened, the tension from within her easing.

[Torsiedelle]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

Katya closed her eyes and counted to ten. Sure, she didn't fit it. Sure, she stood out like a soar thumb, and she had just joined a job that would entail dangerous bandits in a filthy desert in America, but...

Look at me; I'm the best dressed here; I'm the most graceful, the most intelligent, I can do this.", She told herself. It barely helped. She knew that thinking and doing were two different things, and she still felt incredibly nervous.

She noticed several eyes - including Audette's- glancing her way , judging her. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her break. Just as Audette's lips curled to accept the Ranger's request, Katya launched herself up and leaned onto the table. "I'll volunteer.", She said, "That is, if everyone else does. I'm no expert on fighting, but I can do my best to help."

Oh god, she'd really done it. She swallowed hard. She felt like her heart was about to jump out through her throat. She sat back down, brushed over her skirt, and cleared her throat.

Audette grunted. "Don't give a fuck what we do. If I get to shoot someone, all the better, but I ain't gonna tell anyone what to do here."

She was impressed; the Dimitrov girl had actually spoken up. She gave her points for that. Audette still was in the lead, though, considering she wasn't the one who froze up as soon as she found herself in an uncomfortable spot.

[Danceria]

The Building, Lobby

"And Ms. Amanda? It's Sully, not Prince, Allah rest his soul though..." Sully remarked "Arabia has no power here, and neither do I. I'll gladly do whatever work it takes to make it to the top...so long as it's not amoral. I'll ask you to kindly look away when I'm doing illegal stuff though."

Amanda nodded at the young man, her politely professional mask becoming friendly. The princeling was witty and bold: a pleasing combination in a young man. "Sully it is, then. And it's either 'Amanda' or 'Mrs. Bela', in my case. Or, should you need me as a result of your illegal activities, 'Counsellor'." She gave him a mischievious wink.

Amanda walked out from behind the desk, then rested her back again the front of it, leaning back and crossing her arms. She was in her element, and a gentle lecture might save her a lot of work later. It might even keep a bold young man alive.

"I'm the least of your worries when it comes to breaking the law. There's really only two places here it might matter: the Burrows and Ascalon. I expect the Burrows-dwellers would try to work out their disputes with you personally. Failing that, I'd expect Mayor Mercer to come to the Building's leadership and ask us to take care of the problem. If we couldn't satisfy them, they'd go to the police."

"Most of the Burrows-dwellers subscribe to an esoteric legal system the Fae developed for their own use, and their police force is a tribe of ogres. Very large and strong, yes, but not the stupid ogres of fairy tales. They're politically astute and have their own magic. What they'd do to you I can't say."

Amanda gave Sully a bit to digest that, before switching to a lighter tone, almost teasing. "Ascalon's easier to understand: the city's controlled by a bunch of rival mafias. There's an official government, but it's controlled by the capos. If you crossed them in some small way, like trying to steal from them, they'd probably hand you over to the city government. Do something more serious to them: assault or trying to muscle in on their action, and they'd probably say you're fair game for their own rules. If they break your legs as a warning, don't come running to me."

"But if you're busy right now, I can wait." He spoken in a light and polite tone. [...]And with those last words, Henry smiled at her before walking from behind the desk and towards where the red couches were.

What an oddly shy young man. Well, hopefully he's listening to the conversation.

"If I did come running to you after my legs were broken," Sully countered with a grin. "that'd be impressive."

He did take a moment to digest the two towns legal leadership. On one hand, success Ascalon would be easier to start, but harder to finish. Sully loathed the very real possibility of being a pawn in the game of rival capos, especially if he didn't come in with his own muscle. That "muscle" sounded like the ogres and residents of the Burrows.

But the rules of the Burrows were hard to understand, even to their own residents, and provided their own risks as well. These Ogres were hopefully the honor based type, fulfilling the whims of the Fae due to some favor the ogre's great great something grandparent did owed some Fae. Perhaps there were one or two ogres not a part of the force who'd work with him when he'd decide to make it big in Ascalon, considering they both like to handle things personally. But chances are, it'd be a trial by combat, and brute force beats quickness when the chips are even.

You could praise the man's boldness and sense of justice and compassion all you'd like...that doesn't mean he's going to fight fair if he has the chance.

The Burrows was what he decided on, best to start small before going all in. A Gambler's rule. But even the best Gamblers need to know the house's rules before he can make his own...or chose to break the House's.

"I take it most issues are settled by combat then..." he asked rhetorically, almost certain that Amanda would say "yes". Sully was already beginning to formulate a long term plan.

Step 1) Find a low key establishment where a non-magical person like me could work unnoticed, and so I can observe how things work around there he thought with a sigh before his next questions "So, these ogres, how do they operate usually? How's a non-magical person like me going to make it in the Burrows?"

Step 2) In the immortal words of every Dark Souls player ever: "Get Gud". Get bulked, get skilled, and learn how to turn their weaknesses into my strengths. he then pondered whether steps one and two should be switched, spending maybe a month or two doing odd jobs around the Building and getting stronger, both physically and mentally, versus seeing the world for himself and potentially getting his backside beat as soon as he stepped out the door..

Step 3) Get an Ogre and a few other magic wielders on my side...or maybe there might be a few people around the Building who might want to go to Ascalon... he made a mental note to ask later if there are any social get-togethers for Building residents, it'd be an excellent way of seeing what sort of people are here, and what their skills are.

Step 4) Decide if possible to either live in the Building, or live outside of it.

[Holy Lykos]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

"So you want us to help you put a bullet in this bastard's head." Sakarias said calmly, pulling his violin case up and over his shoulders by the strap, laying it onto the table in front of him. He flipped up the latches and spun it around so the ranger could see the slightly worn, but well tended for Violin. Not a gun, but an instrument.

"I'm a musician. I used to be used for war and death but I prefer to play music. I know he's a bad person, but we don't live here. There's always going to be bad people, and as soon as he dies some other raider or clan chief will take his place. Especially if he has a gang behind him. This world's cruel, and we can do our best to stomp out the evil but it'll always return." The synth finished his little speech with a sigh. He did then pull out the gun he'd brought, the surprisingly pristine pistol being of unfamiliar make for the region given its origin. "I do have weapons, of course, but they're a self defense measure."

"So, Myself.... I would vote no for doing this. We're here to trade, its not our business." He finished, putting his gun away along with latching up the case. "I'll go along since everyone else will, but that will only to be to protect my friends. I don't have a stake in this conflict."

[Torsiedelle]

OPERATION: ★Sonoran Justice★
DIMENSION: 544C
LOCATION: Sonoyta Saloon
TEAM: Sakarias, Audette, Katya, and Kale

---

"So you're saying that it's useless to try and stop these guys?"

Audette spat. "I don't think muggings will ever stop, but does that make cops useless? Fuck that! These pussies want to try their luck preyin' on a town instead of strikin' out and taking on adventure like real men? Any fucker who gets by exploiting civilians is no better than a fuckin' coyote goin' for a baby."

Audette grinned. "And the best way to save a baby from a coyote? Blow its fuckin' head off. I'm in. Give me a target, and I'll drop'em real quick. Sons'a'bitches wantin' to play Cartel, they got another thing comin'."

The synth must have been mad. Audette knew what it was like, when something never went away, but she kept fighting. Fighting was how she moved ahead, and defending others was her entire reason for taking up arms like she did. Despite what she may have said on the offhand, or how she conducted herself, that one reason was always in the back of her mind, telling her why she did was she did. She'd be crazy not to fight some raiders...that, and she got a thrill out of gunfights.

Katya interjected. "It's honourable to fight in despite of the foe, and to continue on in what would seem a futile effort. I've thrown my hand in, and my companion has expressed her support quite clearly; with Kale behind us, I'd say we have a deal. We'll help here."

Of course, she was still nervous. If her complexion and still-wobbly legs said anything, it was that she was absolutely terrified, but despite that she found herself pledging herself to the cause. She still had to beat Audette...and save peoples live, as well! Beating Audette was number one on her list though, in front of adventure, and then saving others.

Bobby sat for a moment, silent, as he thought over what they were all saying. He didn't blame Sakarias for his reasoning, though he was hurting for help as it was; he could handle the raiders, he thought, until he remember who there leader was.

That son of a bitch would pay for what he did to the Ranger...

"I'm glad to here you.", He nodded, finally. "In that case, we should probably start on the case. Later, that is; it's late, and it's best we set up our base of operations. Luckily, I happen to know a place."

He pushed out his seat and stood up. "Unless you'd rather get down to business straight away?"

[Northwest Slobovia]

"I take it most issues are settled by combat then..." he asked rhetorically, almost certain that Amanda would say "yes"

Sully's question stopped Amanda in her tracks, and she had to retrace her logical steps to try to figure out what he was talking about. He surely wasn't proposing to take on either of the two groups she mentioned, was he? Nor could he possibily be referring to the other Residents. That made even less sense. Amanda had been caught flat-footed before, but usually by cunningly lawyers, not teens. The prince's next question seemed to provide some sort of answer, but Amanda found herself on unsure ground.

"So, these ogres, how do they operate usually? How's a non-magical person like me going to make it in the Burrows?"

At least those questions had simple, factual answers, which Amanda was grateful to provide. "We have no idea how the ogres usually operate. All I can say is that a small army showed up one evening and made demands of us. Whether that's a large force for them, or just their version of the buddy system, is anybody's guess."

"But if you want to succeed in the Burrows, I'd try hard work and a smile. They seem like pleasant people, if a bit like the Menonnites, rejecting much of modern technology. The village's main industry is woolen goods; they have magic sheep. There seems to be plenty of other work for people do to, if shearing and knitting aren't your forte."

After a few seconds she cautiously asked, "What do you intend by 'settling issues by combat'? Who are you thinking of fighting?"

[Mincaldenteans]

RAIDERS of the LOST BOOK

OPERATION: BIBLIOPHILE
DIMENSION: Gallimaufry then 257P
LOCATION: Plotline All-Stops to Alexandria, Egypt
TEAMS: MU
RotLB

Lumba's smile faded just a touch at his statement. The hew-mon actually dared to question her products! In her reality, showing him out by way of two Nausicaans would have done the job, but here in Ascalon, things were different. It wasn't as though she was selling the man weapons; testing those were logical. Typical hew-mon and their predispositions. Fortunately for him and customers of his ilk, Lumba was prepared for such skepticism. Unfortunately, however, only the Cardassian device could be tested, the lenses were entirely a different matter. The necklace was a decorative piece that she was unsure who exactly would wear it unless Sandy meant for Dora to join in the test? Lumba didn't ask, that was for Sandy to reveal before she let them judge her wares.

"The Cardassian device can be tested, under my supervision, of course," Lumba gestured with her hand to the back, although it was just a wall she pointed at, it was indicative enough to mean a private room away from other eyes. "It is a small conference and holosuite for such things. Because of its delicate nature, I'll be handling it specifically to ensure it remains undamaged. The lenses, however, are trickier. It requires you to wear it so," she pondered for a moment, quelling the yearn for a glass of snail wine. Lumba made a 'hmm' sound and decided on a proposal, "Tell you what: you purchase the lenses as is and we will have a test run - on the house - to see if it fits your needs. If not, there is a fee for the test and any malfunction incurred during or after testing is assumed by you or any of your party's handling and will be billed accordingly. I don't get lenses often and you can sympathize with customers being weary of... used merchandise."

She let that trail for Sandy to mull over quickly and peered over to her aide and Primordial. Her small box of texts were open for examination and she wondered if this group had adequate funds to purchase any of these items, after all.

Hew-mons, Lumba was beginning to regret bargaining with them.

[Danceria]

"I take it most issues are settled by combat then..." he asked rhetorically, almost certain that Amanda would say "yes"

Sully's question stopped Amanda in her tracks, and she had to retrace her logical steps to try to figure out what he was talking about. He surely wasn't proposing to take on either of the two groups she mentioned, was he? Nor could he possibily be referring to the other Residents. That made even less sense. Amanda had been caught flat-footed before, but usually by cunningly lawyers, not teens. The prince's next question seemed to provide some sort of answer, but Amanda found herself on unsure ground.

"So, these ogres, how do they operate usually? How's a non-magical person like me going to make it in the Burrows?"

At least those questions had simple, factual answers, which Amanda was grateful to provide. "We have no idea how the ogres usually operate. All I can say is that a small army showed up one evening and made demands of us. Whether that's a large force for them, or just their version of the buddy system, is anybody's guess."

"But if you want to succeed in the Burrows, I'd try hard work and a smile. They seem like pleasant people, if a bit like the Menonnites, rejecting much of modern technology. The village's main industry is woolen goods; they have magic sheep. There seems to be plenty of other work for people do to, if shearing and knitting aren't your forte."

After a few seconds she cautiously asked, "What do you intend by 'settling issues by combat'? Who are you thinking of fighting?"

Sully shrugged "Knowing me, I'll probably do something offensive to those "esoteric laws" you mentioned earlier, that and the fact they'd settle things earlier means they'll be more comfortable giving me a black eye rather than going to court." Sully pointed out, noticing that Amanda didn't quite get his logic, and he was still in the middle of thought. "I'm planning on eventually working at Ascalon, so I'd figure a couple of those Ogres and other magical creatures at my back should keep me from being the mafia's pawn. From what I've heard of ogres, they've got an honor system. You prove your reason to lead them, and they'll follow." he sighed "But sounds like I'll have to go in and see it for m'self." he then paused for a moment to rethink his strategy "Sorry," he said, realizing that Amanda was a consultant, not a telepath "I've been thinking a bit on how to work, but the best way to succeed in life is to live it, no?" he chuckled "From what you've said about how to succeed in the Burrows, sounds like something right up my alley. Forgive me for not immediately trusting the Fae, I just don't like rules that aren't clearly stated. Makes 'em a lot easier to break without meaning to..."

While he wasn't one to judge someone before he meets, he was very leery of the powers that be in this world. Ironically, even more so than in his home world. Perhaps once he's lived among the people of the Burrows, he'll change his mind. He hoped so, he'd much rather deal with a sleepy flock of sheep than a police state governed by ogres and "Fae".

"Hopefully that won't happen...though it probably would. Yeah, definitely will. So, when can we go there and I can start my new life?" he asked excitedly, almost ignoring the fact that he was certain that he would have physical confrontation with beings several feet taller, bulkier, and more magically inclined than he is.

[Primordial Luxa]

RAIDERS of the LOST BOOK

OPERATION: BIBLIOPHILE
DIMENSION: Gallimaufry then 257P
LOCATION: Plotline All-Stops to Alexandria, Egypt
TEAMS: MU
RotLB

---

Primordial didn’t smile but he was very pleased with Lumba’s collection. Not because it had exactly what he was looking for but because it showed that Lumba was an individual who had the capability to collect, store and sell the books he was looking for. This story would definitely be one he would return to.

“No that’s not problem at all,” he said regarding the rental policy. It was a little strange but it showed the owner valued the products like he did. Pointing to the oldest of the scrolls, the most legible of the hardcover books and the most intelligent looking tome he asked “How much to rent these three? And how much would it be to buy them if I went through the proper manner?”

He spotted nick and motioned him closer to the shelf hoping the cat could offer some additional insight on any books that looked reputable.

[Giovenith]

Somewhere

The toddler in orange took the candy sweetly and backed up with a silent smile.

"Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom!" Giovenith finally snapped at the sweet but droning tension and introductions, pulling slightly at Ms. Jerid's coat and flying into a short-breathed explanation of what had happened to them. "We are all sitting in that Building in the world that was made by Demens with the sheep and the dragon and the bad plumbing and we were doing all fine but then everything was like BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!! And we were like AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! And Klaus here was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! And I was like WE GOTTA GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! And here we are! But now we're gone from all of our friends and stuff and there was fire and pain and death and now they all probably think we're dead or worse and time is weird so who knows how long its been and I just can't take the idea of them all thinking we're gone and-"

"Shhhhhhh," hushed the toddler, who had climbed up on the couch arm during the rambling and pressed her tiny soft fingers to her older sister's lips. "Shhhhhhh."

Ms. Jerid looked between her children and the Nazi on the couch, seemed to process something, and then perked. "Well why didn't you say something sooner?"

And out the open front door she walked, her Nikes sinking unappealingly into the thick mud of the outside forest with seemingly no regard.

"Bring him along and we'll find a way!" the goddess called back.

The girls looked at each other for a moment before Giovenith took the liberty of picking Klaus up with a bird swarm and following Ms. Jerid into the dark, wet forest.


Groundtown

"For whatever the Chancellor wants to use them for," Puddinghead answered Aegis, adjusting her house. "Underground makes good use for extra space when you're not prone to building larger houses." She took off her hat and fanned herself with the long edge a little. "As for where they go, that's classified."

The answer was probably 'damn near anywhere' - there wasn't even an end in clear sight in the tunnel they were currently in, and it already had several more halls branching out from its sides all the way into the shadows beyond the lamp light. Somepony would be in big trouble if they tried to find their way down here without knowing where they were going. The unicorns weren't the only ones with a grasp on mazes and the underground.

The Chancellor couldn't have ignored what Rache said in defense of himself, but she chose not to build upon it, instead raising an eye as she slowly replaced her hat while he recounted the story of the ghouling.

"We've already tried everything with Golden Cornucopia," the mare said, turning back to the bound citizen. "Nothing. He is clearly not in his right mind, I doubt he could give us information even if he knew anything. He does not even speak in our tongue anymore, only growls and garbles. Our main concern when it comes to him now is to keep his mother's hysterics under control while we decide whether or not he can even be cured or if we must give him peace."

SkyWishes gasped. "But Chancellor, he is still a pony, surely it would not be moral to-"

"If he could speak to us now, do you think he would fancy the idea of living the rest of his days like this?"

Another glance at the bound boy was all Sky needed to get her answer, and she lowered in ears in sad acceptance.

"Communication with the unicorns is almost entirely limited to food trading and the occasional gardening favor," the Chancellor told Rache. "So we haven't any clue if they've seen things like this, though with their witchy experiments, it wouldn't surprise me if they had. My secretary would know more about that if she were not conspicuously missing..." She gave an annoyed eye to the other three Earth ponies there. "But as for us, neigh, this is new as the eternal winter. As I said before, scouting will be in order to ensure the safety of Groundtown."

The leader broke for a moment to unscrew some clay jars that were kept nearby and shake a small amount of dried green plant material into a large metal spoon. Cautiously, she approached Golden Cornucopia and undid the binds around his head, setting his mouth free. She held the spoon out from a distance and he instinctively bit on it, swallowing the plants. In seconds, they apparently acted as a sedative as he ceased screaming and wiggling, lulling into a serene unconsciousness before the Chancellor redid the restraints.

"Is that all?" Puddinghead asked, wiping some sweat from her brow and re-screwing the jars.


Caer Gloriana

Wielding an eye for details, it didn't take Platinum long to spot Brit's predicament. Her magic dug around in her satchel once more and pulled out another weapon.

"This is Ariel," the princess said, reverently levitating it to over the to the traveler. "It is a light weapon, like mine. Wield it well."

It was a slingshot. Platinum got a bow, Chrys got a sword, and Brit got a slingshot. It was shiny, at least, like most things the unicorns seemed to own. The look on the royal's face was dead serious though, a deep frown and pinched brow as she nodded prominently to Brit, as if the two had a mutual understanding of the tiny weapon's power.

"As Chrysanthemum said, together!"

[Fvaarniimar]

Building, Stairs
"Ihoos.  Llahdrr.  Iheeoo.  Strweh.  Ah-ee uuz stehrweh..." She waited with bated breath for Duncan to translate.  "Yes!  Ih-ee-ehs!"

With a partially-munched PBJ in hand and a satisfied smile on her face,  Rmwtyliin skipped downstairs.  Her short stature belied the fact that she was nearing fourteen.  New voices, I think.  Maybe -

Grabbing the railing, she managed to careen to a stop before crashing into Venla or the door.  However, she did end up uncomfortably close to a tendril.

Glowing.  Those are glowing?!  Purple.  Though that to her was the color of duty and her family, the next association wasn't as positive. Evil grease wall plant!!!

Rmwtyliin froze. It moves?! Back away. Cannot move! Red poop. Spirits of - actually, BOB, Morbus, why is a threat in - Even her breathing stilled. Only Residents can get this far. It - she/they - signed a lease. With that she came to her senses enough for instinct to take over, and was half a flight of stairs away from the threat before her next conscious thought.

Oops.

I showed a potential enemy - or ally? - weakness. This might be bad.

Sterling herself, the girl looked across the inner railing. Must assert position NOW. I could greet. English. Language of here, and smart to practice.  Her earlier little victory, and others, lent the girl some sorely-needed courage.  Taking a deep breath as she composed the sentence, Rmwtyliin squared her shoulders and shouted to Venla in heavily accented English/Standard Human Dialect:

"Hehlllo. Mmah-ee nehm izz Rmwtyliin. Ah-ee...kehm heerrr twnteh mohnths...pahstt. Hhooo ahrrrrrrrree-oo?" Raising her eyebrows, she did a decent impression of a ruler wondering why exactly a subject was daring to bother her. The effect was somewhat ruined by the squeaking voice and almost-chewed-out words, but at least that disguised the extent to which the tone was affected. In Fvaarniimar, her performance had more often than not garnered amusement or gentle suggestions for improving her acting, though the confidence needed to pull it off wasn't really something one could teach.

[Holy Lykos]

It took the alien a bit to realize it had blocked up the doorway, as she'd been listening intently to Amanda and Sully discuss this. A shame he didn't seem to remember what their goal was here, something Amanda had explained a bit ago and loud enough for the other two newcomers to hear her. But that was his business, if he'd rather stick around here and play... well whatever the term was for a crime lord, she'd forgotten. Human Idiom was strange to her still, she was still studying the wealth they had of them.

But anyway, when her tendril felt a gust of wind and the sound of footsteps made an ear twitch, she glanced backwards, turning around laboriously to sit and face that direction now. And out of the way of the lobby, letting however wanted through past.

...Oh, it was some little human girl, though Venla had never seen that shade of color of one. Was she some kind of rare sub breed of human? Or something else, the Huvidu-Zaan had heard of hypothesized near human races rising on some distant lost colonies, though most were just rumors.

And then the human spoke, showing Human Standard as not being her native tongue. Another oddity, she swore every human spoke it!

As a result though, it took her a few more seconds to parse it than expected. She turned over the fragments of speech and sound until they clicked, forming a consistent enough sentence Venla figured she could assume what she said. ' Hello, my name is Reem Tie Lin.' Strange name! She couldn't quite figure out how it was said next, but caught twenty months, past, and how are you.

"Oh, I am Venla, known as the Bold among my peers. I just arrived today, though I may head back for a good time. I have business to resolve. But besides that I'm good." Her voice was grumbly, deep, and a bit growly, and the alien seemed to have to force out some sounds that were unnatural. Below that was overall lack of facial expression. A long rudderlike tail, ears, snout, and various bodylanguage showed emotion instead. Right now it was fairly obvious she was relaxed, and a bit curious. She pulled the some of the smaller tendrils into herself to reduce size too,as she glanced over the girl again.

She seemed put off by something though, Venla started to notice. The nervous posture, expression, and vocal cues indicating fright. Or maybe excitement. Humans were strange, "Pleasant to meet you, Reemtilein." She grimaced, tail flapping against the floor a few times."I apologize for my inability to pronounce your name right. I'm not sure if I can do it. If its not an issue, would you be able to show me some things this building has? I'm on floor seven I believe, and our guide was wrapped up in asking questions!"

[Swith Witherward]

---

OPERATION: NATHAN BAKER
DIMENSION: 001D
LOCATION: Gallimaufry
TEAM: unknown

---

Pockets, purses and other compartments squealed and warbled as Myra activated the paging system. It was a simple retrieval, and might even go as easily as the last one, but with everyone still sorting themselves it meant there weren't full teams read to go.

The girl settled into her wooden chair (to her or anyone sitting in it, it was a comfy armchair) and danced her fingers in this air (although the display registered in her eyes, as did the entire ops panel). There were missions on the docket, and people had scheduled portal time for their own needs, and new arrivals and supplied needed to be handled. All-in-all, the Gatehouse would be extremely busy over the next few weeks. Such was life on Galli and in the Building. Hell, she hadn't had a day off in weeks. Her only reprieve was that the new lizard - Meps was it? - took over the night shift.

She wiggled until finding a comfy spot in the chair, then called up the small square on the monitor that connected her to Volker and the front desk. A checkered board filled with pieces dominated it currently. Myra considered the pieces marked on the square, and her mouth hitched into a smile. "Knight... h5," the smile broadened as tiny dots painted an L pattern on the board. The figure came to rest several spaced from a larger, more imposing one. "Checkmate, Volker. HA!"

---

Weep not for youth for it's all done in good fun...

Marcus' face paled as Tora wept out her confession. His absence meant that he was out of touch with cultists... the usual route he took when he wanted to hear Building gossip. He was thus unaware of where Tora had been during the excitement. He assumed she fled with all the others, thought he didn't know the importance she had played. Had he known, he would have comforted her by explaining that Minerva's trust in her not only saved her but saved the cultist leader's offspring. No, it saved the dead god's offspring and adopted son as well. He would have but for his own guilt over abandoning Giovenith, which had returned to gnaw on his heart once more.

"She knew, I'm sure. But you're only mortal, Tora," he soothed, but the words held a bitterness. Wasn't he only mortal, too? They were underpowered piss ants in the grand scheme of things. Sure, his augmentations gave him an edge over her, but it wasn't like he could do miraculous shit with them. He was just a cyborg, and not even as fully enhanced as his step father, or his natural father before his mother revived him. Still... "You're only mortal. Giovenith used the paper to save everyone." This was the one tidbit of information he did have, having hounded Thaddeus until being told the entire story.

His eye pinched shut but his optic wouldn't allow him to block out the room. "If anyone had a chance to get them out alive, it was Klaus. That was our only chance, her only chance."

He pulled her tightly against him once more and let her cry out both their sorrows. It wasn't Sandy's balm, that was for sure, but didn't you have to cut away the dead stuff and clean out the wound before it could heal? Emotional pain was an infection in the heart, and now they were cleansing it.

[Torsiedelle]

Torii kept on weeping until she had dried all up, and even then continued to shudder for some time before she finally inhaled, slowly, and seemed to have calmed down. She pulled away from Marcus to wipe her tears away, and to swallow down the phlegm in her throat. Her voice was still croaky, and her eyes red.

"I'm only mortal. That's what I've been telling myself for four years, but I still could have done more.", She said. "I failed her. I promised to protect her. I can't forgive myself for it. I feel good that I helped Minerva, but I'll never forgive myself."

She'd keep that promise. She wouldn't be able to move on from that fact, for sure. She couldn't move on from it. She'd killed her best friend.

The girl continued to quiver, though it would have seemed that her grieving, for the time, was done. "I'm sorry.", She said, both to Marcus and to Cuisine & MB. "I know I feel more than I think. I, um, I'm sorry."

[Holy Lykos]

---

OPERATION: NATHAN BAKER
DIMENSION: 001D
LOCATION: Gallimaufry
TEAM: unknown

---

The Squib, deep in thought and fiddling with his machinery and robots in his room, blinked when he heard his comlink vibrating across the room, on the bedside table. Mission? Mission. Who else would have access to the comlink except for maybe the Sith living here, but they hadn't really spoken for a while! Though last time he'd been talking about visiting their home universe(s). Nothing had come of it yet, so Maghrl was just sitting around doing just about nothing.

So the Jedi bounced up, pushing off from the floor to sail through the air towards his bed. He bounced off of a pile of motherboards lightly, careful to not scratch them with his claws or smash them with his slight weight(as if, with the force he would exert almost no force against them). He managed to land squarely on his bed, and pulled the comlink over towards him and clicked twice. A simple enough signal that he was able to come and help with whatever mission they were asking of him.

So, the Squib ran his fuzzy self out of his room, ditching the outer robes and grabbing his sabers on the way out. He never turned out to need the robes as he went on these missions anyway.

------

A bit later, the Squib hopped out of his bathtub into the gatehouse. He glanced back, down into the void, thinking. Such a strange planetary feature, it only reinforced how alien this world truly was. It didn't have to make sense, because Demens didn't need it to. A world anything he wished to happen would happen, most likely. Even the godly people here were at least partially at his mercy while present here.

Anyway, he had a job to do. He jogged away from the bathtub, and over towards the gate. "Hilo, Myra-Gatewatcher! How been job latewise?" He asked, large ears twitching inquisitively on his head as he glanced around rapidly. The purple furred jedi was being excitable as always when he was relaxed. "Mission? Recoverywise, or?"