The World Assembly Strangers' Bar

[Tinfect]

Fuck you.

(She brings the lighter to their faces, illuminating her bleeding, obviously broken nose, and waits. And waits. And... Oh no. She takes a sniff -- she should get a whiff of methanol even through her mangled nose -- and smells nothing. Oh shit. The weapons nullifier. It must have turned it to water. She relaxes and drops the lighter.)

Ugh. Fine. But you realize I have enough money to have you eliminated, even without this.

"Not for long." He grabs Kay by the collar, totally ignoring Ilya's threats. "Price just went up. We're clearing out the rest of your account."

Markhov, having now recovered from a mild stunning over recent events, adds his own voice to the conversation.
"Of course, the Imperium would be willing to provide the services of Intelligence, without charge. In any case, it is unlikely you will be successful in leaving the Bar, much less the World Assembly grounds."

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

"As well as enough friends to ensure you don't leave this bar Commander Donnaugh. Now would you kindly let her go." said Ilya sternly as she glared at Donnaugh standing directly between him and the exit.

"Of course, the Imperium would be willing to provide the services of Intelligence, without charge. In any case, it is unlikely you will be successful in leaving the Bar, much less the World Assembly grounds."

"Price just went up. We're clearing out the rest of your account."

(Kay starts nodding, then starts laughing quietly as she continues to struggle to hold on to one of the duffle bag's straps.)

See that, Donnaugh? I've been lying my ass off for months, yet they're still in my corner. How fucked up is that? You know what else is fucked up? I'm broke.

(She stomps on his foot and tugs at the duffle bag again.)

[Wallenburg]

Gerald enters the bar, following the tablet to the tracker, which sits several feet away from Kay and Donnaugh. "I am happy to inform you that--"

He looks up and notices Kay's broken nose. He looks at the Separatist, surprised that even he would resort to such basic aggression. "Madame Representative, by the powers vested in me by the National Assembly, I am happy to inform you that our mission has been successful. You may punch the criminal."

Almost immediately, the force of a well-built punch, seemingly originating from nowhere, slams into Donnaugh's face.

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

Almost immediately, the force of a well-built punch, seemingly originating from nowhere, slams into Donnaugh's face.

(Kay thinks: What the fuck just happened?)

[Separatist Peoples]

"Price just went up. We're clearing out the rest of your account."

(Kay starts nodding, then starts laughing quietly as she continues to struggle to hold on to one of the duffle bag's straps.)

See that, Donnaugh? I've been lying my ass off for months, yet they're still in my corner. How fucked up is that? You know what else is fucked up? I'm broke.

(She stomps on his foot and tugs at the duffle bag again.)

Donnaugh aims a savage kick for Kay's belly and yanks hard on the duffle. Freeing it, his kick flies wide, but his point is nonetheless made.

"I'll fucking kill you for that, you fu-"

At roughly that moment, Agent Kate Dressler kicked open the front door...flanked by a half dozen C.D.I.B. federal agents.

There was a cacophony of shouting, and time seemed to slow down, the better for the eye to catch all the details. Guns pointed in both directions as Donnaugh struggled to hold onto both Kay and his money. Shoving as the agents moved in to take Donnaugh down. Confetti dusting the dark suits of the C.D.I.B. agents as Donnaugh's gun falls prey to the Weapons Nullifier. An agent the size of a linebacker tackling him to the floor. All at once, the world resumed regular speed.

Kate stands before Donnaugh's prostrate form as Donnaugh's hands were cuffed. "Ainsley Donnaugh, you're under arrest for the crime of fraud and theft. And, as soon as we can squeeze it out of you, corruption, theft of government property, gunrunning, and crimes against humanity."

"Holy shit, Kay, what happened to you? Johnson, grab a medic!"

[Wallenburg]

"Aah!" cries Trevanyika's voice from under Kay. "Wait...Arya?" The invisible form shuffles awkwardly. "Um, could you get up so I can--"

"I'll fucking kill you for that, you fu-"

At roughly that moment, Agent Kate Dressler kicked open the front door...flanked by a half dozen C.D.I.B. federal agents.

There was a cacophony of shouting, and time seemed to slow down, the better for the eye to catch all the details. Guns pointed in both directions as Donnaugh struggled to hold onto both Kay and his money. Shoving as the agents moved in to take Donnaugh down. Confetti dusting the dark suits of the C.D.I.B. agents as Donnaugh's gun falls prey to the Weapons Nullifier. An agent the size of a linebacker tackling him to the floor. All at once, the world resumed regular speed.

Kate stands before Donnaugh's prostrate form as Donnaugh's hands were cuffed. "Ainsley Donnaugh, you're under arrest for the crime of fraud and theft. And, as soon as we can squeeze it out of you, corruption, theft of government property, gunrunning, and crimes against humanity."

"Holy shit, Kay, what happened to you? Johnson, grab a medic!"

"Dear Notch, Kay are you all right?" She then remembers that nobody can see her and pauses. "Um...I can explain."

[Herby]

YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAA Yippie-ki-ay mother wait wait wait what who uhhhh WHOA confetti you guys? Really? Wow! What an awesome welcome you wait oh ehhhhh never mind.

[The Imperial Frost Federation]

(Kay starts nodding, then starts laughing quietly as she continues to struggle to hold on to one of the duffle bag's straps.)

See that, Donnaugh? I've been lying my ass off for months, yet they're still in my corner. How fucked up is that? You know what else is fucked up? I'm broke.

(She stomps on his foot and tugs at the duffle bag again.)

Donnaugh aims a savage kick for Kay's belly and yanks hard on the duffle. Freeing it, his kick flies wide, but his point is nonetheless made.

"I'll fucking kill you for that, you fu-"

At roughly that moment, Agent Kate Dressler kicked open the front door...flanked by a half dozen C.D.I.B. federal agents.

There was a cacophony of shouting, and time seemed to slow down, the better for the eye to catch all the details. Guns pointed in both directions as Donnaugh struggled to hold onto both Kay and his money. Shoving as the agents moved in to take Donnaugh down. Confetti dusting the dark suits of the C.D.I.B. agents as Donnaugh's gun falls prey to the Weapons Nullifier. An agent the size of a linebacker tackling him to the floor. All at once, the world resumed regular speed.

Kate stands before Donnaugh's prostrate form as Donnaugh's hands were cuffed. "Ainsley Donnaugh, you're under arrest for the crime of fraud and theft. And, as soon as we can squeeze it out of you, corruption, theft of government property, gunrunning, and crimes against humanity."

"Holy shit, Kay, what happened to you? Johnson, grab a medic!"

Ilya moves to side to allow the CDIB move into the bar as she crosses her arms and mutters, "Took 'em long enough..." she then watched the ensuing struggle as she remained close to the exit blocking Donnaughs escape.

[Separatist Peoples]

YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAA Yippie-ki-ay mother wait wait wait what who uhhhh WHOA confetti you guys? Really? Wow! What an awesome welcome you wait oh ehhhhh never mind.

Bell stumbles out of the back of Herby and slumps against the car's side. His face is a mess of bruises, and he moves like somebody who has been beaten and restrained for some time.

"Thanks, Herby. Just gotta do something..."

He limps over to Donnaugh and kicks him in the ribs, hard. The CDIB agents politely look away.

"That's for breaking me out of the Ritz in New Gettysburg. Nicest fucking hotel I get put up in, and you fucking kidnap me out of it!? Oh, and fuck you for framing me."

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

Donnaugh aims a savage kick for Kay's belly and yanks hard on the duffle. Freeing it, his kick flies wide, but his point is nonetheless made.

(Kay loses her balance but knocks into an invisible form and falls over. She opens her eyes and realizes she's a foot or two above the floor... and... wait. She feels around with her hand... and... wait. Did I just stick my finger into someone's invisible nose?)

"Aah!" cries Trevanyika's voice from under Kay. "Wait...Arya?" The invisible form shuffles awkwardly. "Um, could you get up so I can--"...."Dear Notch, Kay are you all right?" She then remembers that nobody can see her and pauses. "Um...I can explain."

Umm. Hi Helen.

(She rolls off of the invisible form and sits on the floor. She sees Bell... and looks away, pulling her hood over her head.)

[Wallenburg]

Helen stands and leans over Kay. "Oh, dear, that's bad. Where is that medic? Where is that bastard Donnaugh? I'll show him a--"

She looks back just in time to see Bell kick him in the chest. Her chest lightens and, even though nobody can see her, she smiles warmly. Feelings she has not felt in a long time return to her. She walks over to Bell, a wondrous mix of joy, relief, concern, and love dancing across her mind. She drops her sword, which quickly reappears as it leaves her hand. Standing several meters in front of Bell, she can only manage to whisper, "You're alive."

[Araraukar]

YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAA Yippie-ki-ay mother wait wait wait what who uhhhh WHOA confetti you guys? Really? Wow! What an awesome welcome you wait oh ehhhhh never mind.

Bell stumbles out of the back of Herby and slumps against the car's side. His face is a mess of bruises, and he moves like somebody who has been beaten and restrained for some time.

"Thanks, Herby. Just gotta do something..."

He limps over to Donnaugh and kicks him in the ribs, hard. The CDIB agents politely look away.

"That's for breaking me out of the Ritz in New Gettysburg. Nicest fucking hotel I get put up in, and you fucking kidnap me out of it!? Oh, and fuck you for framing me."

Only mildly disappointed that Donnaugh was unlikely to be available for more abuse, Janis set the remains of her now-cold cocoa aside and started clapping her hands.

"Well done everyone, and welcome back, Ben!"

OOC: The applauding is for real, for the lot of you, for the incredible story that put "roleplay" into this roleplaying thread big time!

[Herby]

Umm. Hi Helen.

(She rolls off of the invisible form and sits on the floor. She sees Bell... and looks away, pulling her hood over her head.)

Herby rolls very cautiously toward Arya, knowing full well, thanks to Gerald's explanation on the way up, that Helen is invisible.

Psst. Hey. Helen. MARCO! Heh heh. What, they don't play that game in your nation?

"You're alive."

Oh. Eh. Good thing I didn't go over there, eh? And Kay. You ehhhh you got something on your face there.

[Imperium Anglorum]

Parsons comes over and shakes his hand. He then asks, 'back to being Ambassador, or do the formalities need to be addressed?'

[Wrapper]

He limps over to Donnaugh and kicks him in the ribs, hard. The CDIB agents politely look away.

"That's for breaking me out of the Ritz in New Gettysburg. Nicest fucking hotel I get put up in, and you fucking kidnap me out of it!? Oh, and fuck you for framing me."

(Ari exits Herby and approaches Bell.)

ARI: Benjamin! Such violence! A pacifist like me cannot stand by and watch you kick a handcuffed man! (He turns around.) Okay, go ahead. Let me know when you're done.

Oh. Eh. Good thing I didn't go over there, eh? And Kay. You ehhhh you got something on your face there.

(Ahume rushes to Arya.)

Are you okay? Other than, umm, that-- (he points to his own nose) --that's definitely not okay. (He offers a water bottle.) Here. Sips. Take it easy. And still not talking to you, Herby.

(He looks up at the Volkswagen and, after a moment, smiles wryly and winks.)

[Wallenburg]

Helen realizes that she has been staring at Bell for a while, enjoying his domination over Donnaugh. She feels down her dress for the draught to restore her visibility. This would be so much easier if I could see myself. Her fingers catch on a piece of glass and she pulls the bottle from her pocket. "Ah, here we go!" She downs the liquid and looks back at Arya and Ahume. Returning to her friends, she waves her translucent hand at them. "I see you are back Ahume. Thank you. For everything."

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

(Kay scowls and waves away anyone who tries to offer her medical assistance.)

I'm fine, leave me alone.

Are you okay? Other than, umm, that-- (he points to his own nose) --that's definitely not okay. (He offers a water bottle.) Here. Sips. Take it easy. And still not talking to you, Herby.

Herby. Excuse us please. (She smiles at Ahume and takes the water bottle and sips from it.) Wad Ahume. I'm... ummm.... (He embraces her.) Thank you. We did it, didn't we?

Returning to her friends, she waves her translucent hand at them. "I see you are back Ahume. Thank you. For everything."

(Kay pulls away from Ahume, and sees a shimmering form. She laughs, a tear rolling down her bloody cheek.)

And that, my friend, is called acting. Were you watching? Did you see me? (She sniffles.) Holy shit, I had him believing it, the whole thing, almost to the end!

(She hugs a nearly visible Helen and rocks, crying softly.)

We did it. We did it.

[Wallenburg]

And that, my friend, is called acting. Were you watching? Did you see me? (She sniffles.) Holy shit, I had him believing it, the whole thing, almost to the end!

(She hugs a nearly visible Helen and rocks, crying softly.)

We did it. We did it.

Helen hugs her back, sharing in Kay's emotions. "You did it. You and Ahume and Herby and Gerald and everyone. You are great friends and admirable comrades. I'm--I'm one lucky bitch that I have you guys, and I can only do my best to show you the same care. Now come on, let's get that nose fixed."

[Wrapper]

Helen hugs her back, sharing in Kay's emotions. "You did it. You and Ahume and Herby and Gerald and everyone. You are great friends and admirable comrades. I'm--I'm one lucky bitch that I have you guys, and I can only do my best to show you the same care. Now come on, let's get that nose fixed."

(Ari ambles over.)

ARI: Oh, don't worry about that, Helen, The Nox are the best healers in the universe, she will be good as new before she gets back to Tollana. Er. Sorry, Arya, to... erm. Whatever your new nation will be called. Sorry.

AHUME: (to Arya) Hey. I don't understand something. What's with the bag of money behind the bar? Where'd that come from?

ARI: Oh, that was Dressler. I was trying to tell you, Ahume, she's been working on this stuff behind the scenes, ever since she got pulled off the case. You'll have to ask her about all the details about the money, it's, erm, all quite a bit confusing to me, but once Donnaugh took possession of it, she had him by the curly fries.

AHUME: By the curly...? Whatever. Missed you too, Ari.

[Sierra Lyricalia]

Having long since exited via Herby's passenger door, Steph pats the car's roof.

"Nice work. Tire should last long enough to party for a while, probly wanna change it in the morning. I dunno why I'm giving car advice to a car, you know what you're on about. But yeah, nice work. A pleasure to ride with you."

She takes a few steps toward where Dressler is standing, and nods.

"Congratulations, Agent Dressler. I hope you didn't have to go too far outside the bounds of... let's say professional conduct? I'm pretty sure the entire house wants to buy you a drink-" Steph gestures expansively, indicating the bar's patronage variously smiling and gawking at the proceedings, "-so once your prisoner is en route, name your poison!"

She keeps her distance from Bell for the moment, not wishing to crowd him. A quiet drink later on will suit best, she thinks. Nodding in acknowledgement and thanks to whoever catches her eye - Ahume, Gerald, Ilya, Pink, a few others all at once - Steph wanders over to the bar. Getting her beer, she then grabs a handful of peanuts and a napkin, goes to sit down at the table under which Chuckie the goat has ensconced himself, and leaves the bundle on the other chair for him to find and enjoy. A message beeps on her phone; she checks it and laughs sardonically. "Just about where I came in, then. And here you are too, little guy." Reaching under the table, she scratches the top of Chuckie's head.

"I really do love this place," she says out loud.

Now that was a fun way to bring a massive thread to a climactic end! Thank you all for an immensely entertaining month. We must do this again sometime!

[Elke and Elba]

Ambassador Norrland sees Bell and Arya back. "Oh, you two, where have you all been? Would you mind giving me a hug? I missed you two!"

[The Doomed Planet of Tollana]

(Kay watches as The Nox woman quietly slips into the bar. Good, I can make it out of here without the potential embarrassment of coming face-to-face with Bell. But... I'll be damned if I'm leaving without saying goodbye to her this time.)

Hey guys, give me a few minutes to talk to Helen alone? (She gestures to The Nox woman.) Looks like I don't have too much time.

(The Wads nod, but before leaving, Ari whispers something in Kay's ear, causing her to frown. Oh. No fucking way. Well. That... that changes everything. She looks across the room to Bell, then to another area where Dressler is conferring with another agent, then to Helen. Oh... after all that.... This is going to kill her.)

Ummm.

[Wrapper]

(Ari walks away from Arya and toward Bell. He slaps him on the shoulder.)

Hey man. Remember when you told me to stop trying to help you? You should know by now, I don't take orders well.

[Wallenburg]

Hey guys, give me a few minutes to talk to Helen alone? (She gestures to The Nox woman.) Looks like I don't have too much time.

(The Wads nod, but before leaving, Ari whispers something in Kay's ear, causing her to frown. Oh. No fucking way. Well. That... that changes everything. She looks across the room to Bell, then to another area where Dressler is conferring with another agent, then to Helen. Oh... after all that.... This is going to kill her.)

Ummm.

"Yes, Kay?" Helen recognizes the Nox and gets the impression that time runs short.

[Separatist Peoples]

Only mildly disappointed that Donnaugh was unlikely to be available for more abuse, Janis set the remains of her now-cold cocoa aside and started clapping her hands.

"Well done everyone, and welcome back, Ben!"

OOC: The applauding is for real, for the lot of you, for the incredible story that put "roleplay" into this roleplaying thread big time!

Parsons comes over and shakes his hand. He then asks, 'back to being Ambassador, or do the formalities need to be addressed?'

(Ari exits Herby and approaches Bell.)

ARI: Benjamin! Such violence! A pacifist like me cannot stand by and watch you kick a handcuffed man! (He turns around.) Okay, go ahead. Let me know when you're done.

Ambassador Norrland sees Bell and Arya back. "Oh, you two, where have you all been? Would you mind giving me a hug? I missed you two!"

"Thank you, I, uh...no, I don't think I'll be returning to my post immediately. There's a lot to do yet...I should probably go to a hospital, for example."

Bell sits down weakly. "Why is Helen only semi-opaque?"

(Ari ambles over.)

ARI: Oh, don't worry about that, Helen, The Nox are the best healers in the universe, she will be good as new before she gets back to Tollana. Er. Sorry, Arya, to... erm. Whatever your new nation will be called. Sorry.

AHUME: (to Arya) Hey. I don't understand something. What's with the bag of money behind the bar? Where'd that come from?

ARI: Oh, that was Dressler. I was trying to tell you, Ahume, she's been working on this stuff behind the scenes, ever since she got pulled off the case. You'll have to ask her about all the details about the money, it's, erm, all quite a bit confusing to me, but once Donnaugh took possession of it, she had him by the curly fries.

AHUME: By the curly...? Whatever. Missed you too, Ari.

"

Kate Dressler walks over, glancing over at the other agents busy hauling a struggling Donnaugh out to the helicopter. Making sure they were well out of earshot, she said, "That would be my doing. I stole the money from Kay's account from underneath the C.D.S.P. freeze. Well, I didn't really steal it, but legally speaking...when we knew Donnaugh had the cash in had, it was a fait accompli. I couldn't let everybody know, or the whole sting would have been blown, so I snuck out the bar when that plant grabbed Donnaugh. After my chat with Steph, I figured it was time to break a few rules to take out that bastard. As far as anybody knows, somebody located in the World Assembly building with knowledge of C.D.S.P. computer systems and a connection to the kidnapping of Ben stole the money electronically. Now, who does that sound like to you?" Dressler smirked.

"Kate? Is that you?"

Bell stands up unsteadily and walks quickly...well, relatively quickly, over. Relatively because he managed to trip on the dropped Wallenburgian saber.

"I should have known you'd come riding to save me again."

Kate grins at Bell. "Ben, you look like hammered shit."

"What else is new? I need a shower, a shave, and a beer. And probably not in that order."

"No, you need a doctor, a shower, and really long nap. Oh, also, you're under arrest."