Hey! Teacher! Leave Those Kids Alone!

[Brian]

<Brian> Alrighty.  Caber sits down on the floor and leans against the wall, crossing her arms over her chest and closing her eyes with a look of intense concentration, while you weed out which tubes and pipes can be ignored.
<Dracos> Need I roll electric skill?
<Brian> Yes.
<Brian> This will be 3d6
<Dracos> Roll 3d6 for Death of Yi
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 3d6 for Death of Yi --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Dracos> ...
<Dracos> ;_;
<Brian> It takes you about thirty minutes of searching to be confident that you've narrowed down which pipes run water, and which house electrical cabling.
<Brian> Caber just sits there the entire time.
<Brian> Of course, you're not a plumber, so some of those water pipes could be gas, too.
Dracos sweatdrops.
<Dracos> Where are the pipes going?
<Dracos> hmmm wait
<Dracos> Can I check the temperature of the pipes to touch?
<Dracos> the water ones?
<Brian> Down from the ceiling, across the wall through this 'control room', and then down through the floor.  And you can.
<Brian> One of them is warm.
<Dracos> The others are all cold?
<Dracos> Any of them have any condensation on them?
<Brian> No condensation, and the others are all cold.
<Brian> One is really huge, and is therefore probably a sewer main.
<Dracos> Not the hot one right?
<Brian> Correct.  And there's still about fifteen to choose from.
Dracos puts an ear to the hot one, listening for the telltale sloshing.
<Brian> Nope.  No sound.
<Brian> Apparently, it was sealed correctly, and thusly has no air inside it.
Dracos checks each of them in turn for any water-like sounds.
<Dracos> True.
<Brian> The massive drainage pipe gurgles a bit.
<Dracos> "Hmm."
<Dracos> "15 remaining, one hot, the others all cool."
<Dracos> "Hmmm...  Might as well check out the odd one.  Could be hot water, but could be the gas such that it spreads out quickly when released filling the room by being heated."
Dracos ponders glancing back at Caber.
<Dracos> "What did you say you were again, by the way?"
<Brian> She's still not moving.  "I'm busy," she says after a moment.  "Right now I'm about eighty different mice scouting ventilation ducts."
<Dracos> "Ah..."  Dracos smacked his head and shrugged, heading along the warm pipe and seeing if he could follow it.
<Brian> It leads to a cut-off valve before it goes down through the floor.
Dracos blinks.
<Dracos> They all have cut off valves?!
<Brian> This is a control room, after all.
<Dracos> ...
Dracos smacks forehead.
Dracos begins to systematically disable the complexes water and potentially gas pipes by locking all the pipes in the sealed condition.
<Brian> Before you do that, when you are examining the valve closely, you also notice (a little late, though) that there's a tin plate bound by wire to one of the valves, though it was thickly coated with dust, and hanging out of your line of sight until you touched it.
Dracos examines the tin plate carefully, writing, color scheme. He dusts it off if it looks safe to.
<Brian> "Secondary gas-flow cut-off."
<Brian> It's in red pressed text in what looks like the impact font.
<Dracos> "Sweet."
Dracos cuts off the gas.
Dracos trails back along the pipe the other way, looking for the primary gas-flow cut-off
<Brian> Well, you can see the kind of pipe, but none of the others are quite the same.
<Brian> Still, the gas (and most of the other pipes) are cut off.
<Brian> Another is labeled "Secondary hydraulic power".  But no primary gas.
<Dracos> "Hmmm, either that's an emergency cut off valve for only a single gas flow or there is another gas flow."  Dracos checks if caber is awake.
<Brian> Her eyes are closed, but she's breathing.
Dracos frowns and checks out the rest of the room for anything else of interest.
<Brian> That seems to be it.  Some pipes and electrical control, and a sniper vantage.  All things considered, its probably a good thing you ran into the guards at the intersection you did, instead of them using the vantage to take out your friends.
Dracos checks out the vantage point for what he can see from it.
<Brian> You have a good overview of the area.  You see Shade (you think) if your dream memory is accurate.  He's lying down next to the fountain, his shoulder bloodstained.
<Brian> There are six guards tied up near a table, and numerous inmates.  Ginrai's still wandering down around there, inspecting the mid-level area across a walkway that surrounds the room.  Rez is out of sight at the moment, and Bjorn appears to be deep in thought.
<Dracos> The edge of Dracos' mouth twitches and he curls up his fist and turns away, waiting for Caber.
<Brian> She stands up after a moment.  "I can't find another way in," she finally says.  "The next level down doesn't open out into that area."
<Dracos> "Caber, do you know if they have two gas lines?"
<Dracos> "I've disabled one and can open the doors if it's the only one.  but unless there is another control room or maintainance shaft, I can't see any more."
<Brian> "I don't," she says, shaking her head.  "I do know that their main force is...."  She pauses.  "They're saying something."
<Brian> "Something took down a huge section of their security system, so they can't see in anymore.  This means they're going to send more backup here, soon.  Also, their main force of specials is blocking the main entrance."
<Brian> She frowns.  "From what they're saying, there are two cutoffs for the gas, and this is one of them.  The other is somewhere inside section four, and if both of them aren't turned off, the system won't be disabled."
<Dracos> "Dammit.  Let's see if we can get them to find the other."
Dracos heads back out to where he was speaking before.
<Dracos> "Hey guys, you there?"
Dracos shouts out through the hole.
<Brian> Ginrai.  You're currently patrolling the upper walkway, prowling around and looking for ... something.
<Brian> Which is convenient, because while there, you hear Dracos yelling down to you again.
<Ginrai> "Yeah, Drac?"
<Dracos> "Gin, I got the secondary gas lines shut off."
<Dracos> "There is one more gas line."
<Dracos> "It's in the sector though so I can't get to it."
<Dracos> "Find a pipe that's hot and get it sealed off."
<Dracos> "Go, hunt now."
<Dracos> "Come back here when you are done and I'll get the doors open."
<Dracos> "Go ask rez."
<Dracos> "Go get everyone you can and HUNT"
<Dracos> "I can't open the doors until you guys get that thing shut off or it'll gas everyone."
<Dracos> "NOW MOVE"
Ginrai nods and heads off to where Rez is
<Brian> Rez:  Ayame's little utility program is working away.  You occasionally see updates and notifications that things are proceeding swimmingly, and no one has thought to unplug your access from the rest of the network.  Not that it matters by now; it's moved itself off of your laptop, and on into the server cluster.
<Brian> And Ginrai enters the room.
<Ginrai> "Rez, Drac was able to shut off the secondary gas lines.  I need to know where the remaining one is.  That and is there anyone else who can help me out with it?"
Rez eyes Ginrai.
<Rez> "You have about forty people out there who've been living in this joint for a while."
<Rez> "I'll see what I can find.  But go and ask them."
<Ginrai> "Guess I can ask one of the guards."
Rez checks the security terminal to see if he can find anything useful . . . again . . . and starts looking around the control room.
Ginrai heads off to where the guards are being held
<Brian> Other than the camera banks (which all seem to look in on empty rooms at the moment) and the bulkhead controls, there's really not that much to look at.
<Brian> The guards are on the ground next to a picnic table, hands cuffed.  One of the inmates is serving them trays of cafeteria food -- except for two that are unconscious.  One of the K.O.ed guards has a red welt on his throat, and the other looks bruised all over.
Rez unplugs his laptop and shuts it down.
<Brian> The paperclip looks very sad, and waves goodbye.
<Brian> Bjorn: Ginrai is approaching the restrained guards.
Rez then stashes it back in his bag, and offhands said bag.
Ginrai approaches them. "Look, we'd like the get the hell out of here as much as you guys want to be freed. So, to make things easier, mind telling us where the gas lines are?"
<Brian> "In the maintainence room overhead -- you can't get there from here," one of them says.
Bjorn rolls his eyes, and moves closer to Ginrai. 'I don't think he's as disturbed as, uh, Shade..."
<Ginrai> "Eh?"
<Bjorn> "What's going on, Ginrai?"
<Ginrai> "We need to shut down the remaining gas line.  Once that's done, we can get out of here."
Rez walks out into the playroom.
<Brian> "There's a maintainence room upstairs," he reiterates, gesturing with his spork upwards.  "The control is up there.  You can't get there from here, though."
<Bjorn> "Well, that's a problem," Bjorn grunts.
<Brian> The guard shrugs, and goes back to eating his lumpy potato salad.
<Bjorn> 'Sweet vengeance.'
Rez walks up.  "What's going on?"
<Bjorn> "Can't shut off the gas lines from here. It's in a maintenance room upstairs.  No access from this section."
<Rez> "I thought Ginrai said Drac already got the upstairs lines?"
<Ginrai> "ACtually, that's where Drac called me from."
<Ginrai> "Yeah, he did."
Bjorn looks at Ginrai.
<Bjorn> "Okay, so what's the problem?"
<Ginrai> "There's still one remaining pipe that needs to be shut down."
<Rez> "And that's in here somewhere?"
<Ginrai> "I'm assuming it is."
<Brian> It's worth mentioning, at this point, that while Dracos was trying to identify the correct pipe, he also shut off about half of the water pipes.  The fountain chooses this moment to gurgle, sputter, and die.  The drain's still going, though.
Rez blinks.
Bjorn turns and looks at the fountain consideringly.
<Brian> It sits there, even less animate than usual.
<Bjorn> "Well, there's guess number one."
<Rez> "Well, split up and look for the damn pipe, I guess . . . oh?"
Bjorn heads over to the fountain, and examines the drain cover.
<Ginrai> "I recall he said it was a pipe that was hot and in the sector."
Rez follows Bjorn curiously.
<Dracos> "Yo Rez.  Got the last pipe yet?  I can open the door for you guys if you did."
<Rez> "Not yet, we're looking!"
<Brian> The one further downstream, in the pool, just drains away normally.
<Bjorn> What about the one in the fountain?
<Brian> It's still emitting the occasional air bubble.
<Bjorn> "See this, Rez?  Looks kinda overkill for the situation, eh?"
Bjorn raises his voice slightly. "Mikey? Could I have your help for a minute, please?"
<Rez> "Interesting.  That -would- explain the bubbles."
<Brian> He lumbers over curiously.
<Brian> "Yeah, Mister B?"
<Bjorn> "Do you think you could pull this grate free, Mikey?"
<Brian> He looks at it consideringly, then climbs into the draining fountain, and sticks his fingers through the grate.  After a few experimental tugs, he says, "You might want to not stand so close, Mister B."
Bjorn backs away.
Rez also backs away.
Ginrai backs away if he's close to it
<Brian> Mikey strains, groans, and through the water you can hear the steel protest, but it does slowly give, revealing some thirty centimeter long (now stripped) bolts were holding the mass of iron in place.  One he wrenches it free, causing some of the fountain's cement base to crack, he tosses it aside with a clatter.
<Brian> The guards are visibly shaken.
<Bjorn> "Thanks, Mikey.  You can go back to watching the guards now."
Rez snickers.
Ginrai turns back to them. "I take it you guys haven't been treating him so well? Pray that he doesn't treat you the same way."
<Brian> "Okay Mister B!" he says, watching over the guards.
<Rez> "Ginrai, they're tied up.  Stop trying to scare them."
<Brian> They guickly turn their attention to their meals.
Rez looks into the now open drain.
Bjorn examines the drain (or absence thereof). Can he climb down in it? Is there air?
<Brian> It's a shaft, and it's draining, slowly.  Well, more quickly, now.  There's a ladder leading down now that you can see past the area where the drain was.
<Bjorn> "Well, let's wait until it's clear.  Then, time for dungeon-crawling," Bjorn says with a half-smile.
<Rez> "Hm.  You look around down there, then, I'll get some people to look for a pipe up here?"
<Brian> It doesn't look like it goes very deep, actually.  Maybe three meters down, and it opens up into a wider area, though it's pretty dark down there.
<Bjorn> "Well, we got some time before that shaft is clear.  I'll get people to start looking, and then we can explore together."
<Rez> "Fair enough.  Oh, I have some batons and tazers, and probably a couple of swords, if anyone wants them."
<Bjorn> -Lazarus?  Can you get people to look around for a pipe?  It's supposed to be warm, and it feeds gas to the corridor.-
<Brian> -Searching for pipes, hmm?- Lazarus asks, eyeing the fountain.  -It's probably down there, since we're all familiar with our rooms ... but we'll look about.  Something may turn up.-
<Bjorn> -Thanks, Lazarus.  I think the same, but better safe than sorry.-
<Rez> "I'd, er, prefer to not hand the guns out.  Unless you really think it's a good idea.  I doubt anyone here can shoot that well."
<Bjorn> Out loud, to Rez: "I don't suppose you have a towel, or jacket, or something?"
<Bjorn> "Let's save the weapons for now.  Wait until we open the bulkhead."
<Rez> "I have a thick weather jacket, yeah."
<Brian> Shade: You wake up right about now, lying near the fountain.  An older man with shock white hair is watching you curiously.
<Bjorn> "Okay." Bjorn glances down at his sword.  "I don't need it now, but I might soon."
<Brian> Hard to actually look at the sword, easy enough to see where it should be.
Rez follows Bjorn's gaze, sees nothing, and shrugs.
<Bjorn> Brian: is the fountain still draining?
<Brian> Yeah.  Looks like another five minutes or so.
<Brian> The majority of the playroom occupants begin to swarm over the area, inspecting for something they've never seen before -- most of them take to the walkways or the cafeteria, as those are the unfamiliar areas.
<Rez> "Let's check upstairs, around the walkways, in the meantime?"
<Bjorn> "Now, I hate to jump to conclusions, because I wasn't really in the best of condition during that fight, but Rez, are you a pyrokinetic?"
<Rez> "No.  Just good with a bow. Long story."
<Bjorn> "Nah." Bjorn waves at the other inmates.  "They can do just as good a job, if not better.  Know the place well."
Bjorn eyes Rez, and shrugs. "Apparently."
Rez grins, and waves his hand at the room in general.   "I don't know if you'd believe me if I told you."
<Bjorn> "I'd probably believe a lot of shit right now.  But maybe we can save the stories for after, eh?"
<Rez> "Probably a good idea.  We've kinda got other things to worry about."  Rez grins lopsidedly.
<Bjorn> "No shit," Bjorn grunts.
<Brian> The maintenance shaft finishes clearing before the inmates report back with any findings.
<Bjorn> "Alright.  Do you have a light?"
<Rez> "Nope."
<Bjorn> "Well, pissbuggerfuck."
<Rez> "Maybe there's a light switch?" Rez suggests dourly.
<Bjorn> "Let's see if this works, then."
Bjorn starts to imagine Ashnod setting him on fire.
<Brian> Instant glow.
<Rez> "Hey, Ginrai, you got a light?"
<Brian> Bjorn is now sporting a glowing bracelet.
Rez blinks at Bjorn.
<Bjorn> "Never mind, got it."
<Rez> "Or, alternately, that could work."
Ginrai checks one of his pockets and is surprised that he does....
<Bjorn> "Follow me down."
<Ginrai> "Seems I do.  Umm... still need it?
<Rez> "Yeah.  Toss it over."
Bjorn heads down the ventilation shaft, climbing one-handed with some difficulty.
Ginrai gives it to Rez
<Brian> It might actually be more effective than the glow of the bracelet.
Rez shoulders his bow, turns on the flashlight, and follows Bjorn down.  Also one-handed.
<Brian> What you can see of the area once you reach the bottom is that it's got pipes running through it.  It's about two meters square, and there's a massive pipe, as well as numerous smaller (but still large) ones.
<Brian> Cut-off valves are labeled with tin plates, held on by rusted wires.
<Bjorn> "This looks right, I think."
Bjorn waves at Rez. "Hey, bring over the flashlight, and let's see what we've got."
<Rez> "Nifty."  Rez shines the flashlight down.  "So which one are we after?"
Rez moves over to Bjorn.
<Bjorn> "Tranquilizer gas."
<Rez> "Oooh, fun fun fun."
<Brian> The larger one is "Main drainage," and some of the other ones are labeled, "Primary gas control," "Primary hydraulic power," "hot water," "cold water," "fountain," and "A/C coolant."
<Brian> There's another grate beneath your feet.
<Rez> "That's our one, I guess.  Hm."
Rez taps the hydraulic power pipe in thought.
Rez yells up.  "Hey, Ginrai!"
<Bjorn> "Gimme the flashlight, Rez."
<Ginrai> "Yeah?"
Rez gives Bjorn the flashlight.
<Rez> "We found the pipe, but tell Drac not to open the door until we call him, OK?"
Bjorn shines the flashlight down into the grate under their feet.
<Brian> It loops back up into the main drainage pipe from what you can see.  There's a thin layer of water, and it burbles occasionally.
Rez looks at Bjorn quizzically.
<Rez> "This has possibilities."
<Bjorn> "Maybe."
Bjorn examines the main drainage pipe. How big is it?
<Brian> Probably about thirty centimeters across.
<Rez> "I stand corrected."
<Ginrai> "Sure thing."
Ginrai heads back to where he talked with Drac
Rez turns off the gas control pipe.
<Bjorn> "Okay.  Three problems with this.  One, we don't know where this goes.  Two, we've got friends outside this section that we can't help if we go out this way.  And three, I don't want to know what traps they mighta put in here."
<Brian> As you look at the grate below, the thin layer of water vanishes, and you hear a deep, piercing shriek as the system, used to hauling who knows how much water pressure up those pipes considering your depth underground, now starts drawing air.
Rez turns off the main drainage pipe.
<Brian> It quiets down after you do so.
<Bjorn> "Well, what do you think?"
<Rez> "Actually, I was sorta hoping it might get me to section 1, because I think we need to go up to get out.  So it's not an exit.  But I don't really feel like chancing it, somehow."
<Bjorn> "You got in here, somehow.  Don't you have a floor plan or something?"
<Rez> "We got teleported.  Rather suddenly.  No floor plan."
<Rez> "We do have someone that would know, but they're up in the ventilation ducts."
<Rez> "And there's a bulkhead between them and us."
Rez hums.
<Rez> "That might not be a bad idea . . ."
<Bjorn> "Shit.  What about Drac?"
<Rez> "I don't know where he is except up.  You'd have to ask him."
<Rez> "Hm."
<Bjorn> "Alright.  Let's shut off the gas, and go talk to him."
Rez starts climbing back up the ladder.
<Rez> "Already done."  Rez points.
Bjorn follows Rez up.
<Brian> You're now standing in the cracked fountain.  -We found nothing,- Lazarus reports.  -Not even any exposed pipes in the kitchens, or the guard's showers.-
<Rez> "DRAC!  WE GOT THE GAS!  WHAT HAVE THEY GOT OUTSIDE THE DOOR?"
<Bjorn> -We found it.-
<Bjorn> -As you might have guessed.-
<Brian> -Indeed?  Well, that's good news.-
Bjorn looks at Rez.
<Dracos> "Rez, I'll check." Dracos shouts down.
<Rez> "They know we're in here."
<Dracos> Dracos turns to Caber.
<Bjorn> "I know what they've got outside the door," Bjorn points out.
Ginrai goes to check how Shade's doing
<Rez> "Oh."
<Rez> "What?"
<Dracos> "Hey Caber, what is outside the doors?  The gas lines are off, but I need to know that I'm not sending folks into more traps."
<Bjorn> "Every other guard in the building, plus the section three metahumans."
<Rez> "Sorry, I sorta just assumed . . . oh.  Shit."
<Bjorn> "What I want to know is what's on the other side of that grate down there."
<Ginrai> "What, Rez?"
<Brian> Caber frowns.  "About eight guards and all their metas," she replies.  "They're all at the main elevator, right now, so you could theoretically take another exit and sweep at them from the side ... maybe throw Victor or Ashnod at them, if they're not too heavily guarded."
<Rez> "A drainage pipe that's thirty centimeters wide.  I could fit.  Maybe a couple of other people."
<Rez> "I'd rather try and break into the ventilation ducts, if we can."
<Bjorn> "Yeah, but what's on the other side of it?"
<Brian> Caber shakes her head at that.  "If you're willing to risk those people being loose."
<Dracos> Dracos turns back and shouts down to Rez, "Rez, A horde of guards.  If you want we can try and unleash some guys named Victor or Ashnod at them."
<Rez> "The other side of the pipe?"  Rez hums.  "I have no idea."
<Dracos> "Wait..."
Dracos turns back to Caber.
<Brian> "What?"
<Dracos> "Are the guards standing where the gas lines would go?"
<Dracos> "Or is that another room before then?
Bjorn shakes his head and shouts up at Dracos, "Hey, uh.. Dracos!"
<Rez> "Er.  Who?  Isn't Ashnod that E-17 Ayame mentioned, or something?"
<Dracos> "Yeah, Someone?  Who are ya?"
<Dracos> "Rez, I think so.  Don't know who the other guy is."
<Brian> "There's eight different corridors that could be flooded.  And yeah, he's a mark 17 elementalist."
<Bjorn> "Bjorn.  Listen, we found a grate into the main drainage pipe! Do you know where it goes?"
<Dracos> "No, but I'll ask.  Caber?"
<Bjorn> To Rez, "Ashnod's a pyrokinetic.  Really strong one, a little out of control.  I don't know who Victor is, but he wants to escape, apparently, and everyone is scared shitless of them.  They're two of the people I want to take with us."
<Brian> "As far as I know, that just leads back to drainage."
<Rez> "Out of control psychics who scare the crap out of people. Sounds like a plan."
<Dracos> "Bjorn, the Pipe heads back towards drainage apparently."
<Brian> "We are below sea level, right now," Caber notes.
<Bjorn> To Dracos, "And what the hell does that mean?  Is it an escape, or what?"
<Dracos> "If by escape you mean route deep into the sea, yes."
<Dracos> "Otherwise, No."
<Rez> To Drac: "What about the ventilation shafts?  Can we get back in there?"
<Dracos> "Caber?  Any chances of leading them out through the air pipes?"
<Rez> "If we can get a couple of people into the pipes we can circle around!"
<Brian> "If we could clear the bulkhead, maybe.  But it's a climb up the ladder, and higher than the point we teleported into, the security sensors would catch us, and they'd just meet us at the air-flow control over section one."
Dracos blinks.
<Bjorn> "Okay.  Let's approach this differently.  Do you know of any way out other than through the bulkhead?"
<Dracos> "Caber, could we get one of your clones perhaps to be heading up there?"
<Dracos> "If they are all up there, we could likely get out before they realize.  At the very least their forces would be split."
<Brian> "We could get many more than that, if you wanted," she says, nodding.
<Dracos> "One second, allow me to tell the others."
<Rez> "HEY, did that disc do anything to their security grid?!"
<Brian> "I couldn't tell, they don't put mouse-sized security terminals in air-ducts," Caber remarks.
<Dracos> "Okay, guys, there is another route, but it has security detection and they'd just be waiting for us.  So here's the plan, we're going to send up some decoys to draw off the guards over to the air ducts.  As many as possible.  Meanwhile, we'll get Victor and Ashnod to sidesweep the remaining guards.  I'll get the bulwarks open and you guys charge at the same time.  Hopefully with them split and the chaos level large, they'll be unable to respond effectively, and go down with minimal fighting."
Bjorn covers his eyes with one hand (the one not holding the sword), and sighs.
<Rez> "No way a couple of us can get up to you?"
<Dracos> "I dunno.  One sec."
<Dracos> "Caber?"
<Brian> "If they could get up here, we could get to the elevators ahead of them, and climb out the emergency exits."
Rez mutters.  "I don't like any plan that involves pitched combat with metas."
<Dracos> "Roight, but is there a way for them to get up here?  I don't know the floor plans.  You do."
<Dracos> "Rez, neither do I fuck it.  But do you have a better one or extra ideas?"
Bjorn grunts. "Don't worry too much about the metas."
<Rez> "Hell, we can yell to each other!"
<Brian> "Not without going through a bulkhead."
<Bjorn> "Then we go through the bulkhead."
<Bjorn> "Drac, give us some time to get ready down here.  We'll shout up when we're ready for you to open the door.  Sound good?"
<Dracos> "Bjorn, sounds like a plan."
<Dracos> "Caber, Victor, Ashnod, what needs to be done to get them headed towards the metas?"
<Brian> "They'd need to be freed.  They're kept in special containment around the periphery of the sector."
<Dracos> "Where and can we reach them or do I have to tell the others to?"
<Brian> "Ashnod would be south-east, and Victor would be north-west," he says.  "I don't know which bulkhead is closest to them, though."
<Brian> bulkheads are
Dracos nods and turns to call down.
<Dracos> "BJORN!  Do you know what bulkheads are closest to Ashnod and Victor?"
Bjorn thinks. "Ashnod? No. Victor would be closest to... 04-NW-A and 04-NW-B?"
<Brian> -Ashnod is behind SW,- Lazarus supplies.
<Bjorn> "Ashnod is 04-SW-A and B!"
<Bjorn> "Rez, you said you had some weapons, right?  Could you give them to Lazarus?"
<Bjorn> -Lazarus, can you share them out to whoever can and will fight?-
<Dracos> "Got it."  Dracos turns to Caber, "I don't know where that is on the floorplan relative to where the guards are.  Should I let them out now or just wait until everyone is ready?  I don't want them to get stuck with the rest of the guys stewing but don't want to have them running to get to the fight and too far away."
<Brian> -I will.-
<Brian> Lazarus and Rez distribute weapons to those willing to carry arms.
Bjorn heads over to the body armour that has been stripped from the guards, and looks for a suit that will fit him.
<Bjorn> While he's at it, he also looks for a pair of boots. >.<
<Brian> "Opening the bulkheads won't release Ashnod and Victor.  You can open the way to them, but they're behind deeper security still.  No one's around, by my surveliance," Caber reports.
<Dracos> "What would need to be done next to get them out?"  Dracos heads over to the box, snaps his fingers, and gets to work opening the listed bulkheads.
<Brian> Boots, you find.  The armor, it's difficult to find any that's not been burnt, had the ablative plating cracked, or worse, but one of them fits you.  It looks at least serviceable, if it's very warm.
Bjorn dresses in them, carefully putting down his sword where no one will step on it -- and where he can find it again.
<Brian> "Just break them out of the rooms they're sealed in."  Caber looks thoughtful.  "That big guy could do it."
<Bjorn> "Dracos!  Once you open a bulkhead, can you close it again right after?"
<Brian> Dracos: You can do this.
<Dracos> Dracos shouts back, "Yes I can.  Why?"
<Bjorn> "Dracos, in a minute, I'm going to need you to open the main bulkhead, and shut it again after ten seconds.  Okay?"
<Bjorn> "I'll let you know when!"
<Dracos> "Bjorn, You got it man!"
Shade watches.
Bjorn goes over to one of the cafeteria guards, and smiles at him, very gently.
<Bjorn> "We're going to let you go now.  We'll escort you to the bulkhead, and then you can leave."
Bjorn leans in closer, still smiling, and stares the guard in your eye.
Rez winces.  Out of their field of vision, of course.
<Bjorn> "And in return, you're going to carry a message for us.  Tell them we're leaving.  And tell them that if they want to stop us... then we're coming for them, too."
<Brian> The guards look at one another uncertainly.
<Bjorn> -Lazarus.  Can you mind-link to this guy?-
<Brian> They nod at you, though.
<Brian> -Yes.-
<Bjorn> -Good.  I want to know what's waiting for us.-
<Shade> "Nice to see that honor among thieves is still as worthless as ever."
Bjorn hauls the guard he was talking to to his feet, and marches him towards the main bulkhead.
<Rez> "I beg your pardon?"
<Brian> The rest of the guards follow uncertainly.
<Shade> "Yes?"
<Rez> "Never mind."
<Bjorn> "Remember, gentlemen.  I promised not to hurt you -- but that's only as long we don't have to fight you."
<Brian> They nod.
<Shade> "I just find it...ironic."
<Brian> Lazarus is watching intently.
<Rez> "What?"
<Bjorn> From beside the bulkhead, Bjorn nods at Rez.  "Tell Dracos to open the main bulkhead now.  Now, gentlemen, once it opens, you'll have ten seconds.  Move sharply."
<Shade> "I'm pretty sure using them as Polish mine detectors qualifies as violating 'We won't hurt them'"
<Brian> The guards look slightly panicked at this.
Rez facepalms.
<Rez> "Shade, it's knockout gas."
<Shade> "Rez, are you so sure?"
<Rez> "Yes, actually.  Why the fuck do you think they've been using tranquilizers the whole time?"
Bjorn looks at the guards. "Do you think you're at risk going through this door? I won't make you go, if you don't want to."
<Bjorn> -Lazarus, is there any way you can shut him up?-
<Brian> The look uncertain, but also would like to get away.
<Shade> "Rez, they also had guns."
<Brian> -Not without violence.-
<Rez> "Yeah, locked away and not carried."
<Bjorn> -That doesn't sound like such a bad alternative.  Nevermind.-
<Bjorn> "Rez, get Drac to open the bulkhead."
<Rez> "Drac, open the bulkhead!"
<Shade> "Well, its their funeral then."
<Rez> "Oh, blow it out your ass."
<Rez> "Remind me why the fuck we have to get you out here here again?"
<Brian> The bulkhead opens with a slow rumble after Dracos hits the correct circuit.
<Dracos> "Rez, Got it."
Bjorn waves the guards through.
<Brian> The guards waste no time in running full-bore towards the far bulkhead.
<Bjorn> "SHUT IT!"
Dracos shuts it.
Shade shrugs
<Brian> It starts to rise into the ceiling with a low rumble, as the near one starts to shut.
<Brian> -You may need to give them more time,- Lazarus warns.  -The tunnel is long.-
Rez throws his hands up in disgust.
<Bjorn> "HOLD IT, DRAC!"
Dracos stops the bulkhead where it is.
<Brian> -They're clear,- Lazarus tells you, a few seconds later.
<Bjorn> "CLOSE IT NOW!"
Dracos closes it.
<Brian> This can't be good for the hydraulics....
Shade listens for the sound of any problems with the mechanisms.
Rez sits on the edge of the fountain, bow on his lap.
<Brian> -The guards are turning to the right, towards the elevator -- ah, they've encountered the defensive force at the elevator,- Lazarus reports.
<Bjorn> -What have they got?-
<Brian> He frowns.  -There are only about ten guards, and three specials.  The defensive forces believe that our former prisoners are unwell, given their refusal to fight.  They're being sent to the medical area to be checked up on.-
<Bjorn> -Do you know the specials?-
<Rez> "So . . . now what?"
<Brian> Dracos: Caber says, "Okay, I've got about half their forces crawling around the air ducts, looking for all of me."
<Bjorn> "One second, Rez."
<Brian> -I know only one.  He is an elementalist with control over air.-
<Dracos> "Way to go Caber."
<Dracos> "Guys, we don't have much time.  Can you guys break out the other two and get ready to go?"
Bjorn turns to Rez. "Here's the story. We have ten guards, and three metahumans waiting out by the elevator. The gas didn't trigger, obviously."
<Rez> "Mmhmm.  Armaments?"
<Shade> "Was one of them a woman with short blonde hair?"
<Bjorn> -Lazarus?  Were the guards equipped the same as these ones?-
<Brian> -All in heavy armor,- he says.  -Ah!  I lost my contact -- I tried to switch to one of the guards at the elevator, but they have a telepath with them.  She found me.-
<Brian> Lazarus rubs at his head and sits down at a picnic table bench.
<Bjorn> -You're all right?-
Rez looks at Lazarus quizzically.
<Bjorn> "They have heavy armor, but the same weapons, apparently.  They have one metahuman with control over wind, and another who's a telepath."
<Rez> "Oh."
<Shade> "Ah, that must be her then."
Rez looks at his bow.
<Brian> -No lasting harm can be done with such an attack, but I need time to recover.  A few minutes, and I should be fine.-
Shade looks at Rez.
<Rez> "This is someone's sick idea of a joke, isn't it?" he says to nobody in particular.
<Bjorn> -All right.  You'll have that time.-
Bjorn ignores Rez's comment for the moment: no time for witticisms.
<Shade> "Yep"
<Bjorn> "Okay.  We're going out a side door, the one closest to Victor, and we'll break him out.  Then we'll loop around, free Ashnod, and hopefully, by that point, we'll have enough firepower to take out the forces at the elevator."
<Shade> "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Ginrai picks up his pipe. "I take it you'll need some help with them?"
<Rez> "Alright.  Ahm, where's the elevator take us?"
<Bjorn> "Upstairs.  Into a regular building, apparently.  From there it's easy."
Rez yells up to Dracos.  "How's one get to section 1 from here, and where do we meet up?"
<Bjorn> "I don't want to split up.  Partly because we have too many people to protect, and partly because we'll probably need Mikey to break those two out, and me to talk to them."
Ginrai gets up and walks towards Rez in the meantime.
Shade sighs, shrugs and sits down to wait
<Brian> "If they can get to the elevator and make it up, then that would be that," Caber says with a shrug.  "We're on level m-04, right now."
<Shade> 'This shouldn't take too long'
<Bjorn> "Sound okay to you?"
<Rez> "Yeah, but, I can't leave immediately.  I have to find Manos."
<Bjorn> "Yeah, and I need to find Megan, so we're even.  If we have to split up after we reach the elevator, that's fine."
<Rez> "Alright then.  Deal."
Bjorn nods at Rez, and then turns to face all the other inmates.
<Bjorn> "Okay, folks, we're just about ready to go!  Do whatever you can to help, but don't do anything stupid -- the goal is to escape, not die!  If you can't or won't fight, stay in the middle of the group.  Any questions?"
<Brian> -We are ready,- Lazarus says, climbing to his feet.  The other inmates appear to agree.
<Ginrai> "Lead the way, Bjorn."
Shade rolls his eyes
<Brian> The TK you never learned the name of nods, and levitates all the rubble of the table Mikey shattered in front of him.  "Let me be part of the front line," he says.
Rez stands up and stretches, then nocks an arrow and gives Shade a black look.
Shade looks at Rez "Remember this, I tried to warn you.:
<Ginrai> "Shade, you want to stay here then?"
<Bjorn> "All right.  DRAC, OPEN ALL THE BULKHEADS!"
<Rez> "You did nothing of the sort."
<Rez> "All you did was bitch about sending the guards out before we started fighting."
<Shade> Gin: "I'm not sure I care anymore."
<Rez> "If you've got something useful to say, say it."
<Brian> Dracos yells down, "You got it!"  Shortly thereafter, the bulkheads begin to rise.
Bjorn leads the way to 04-NW-A, and Victor.
<Brian> -We haven't time to bicker,- Lazarus warns.
<Shade> "Remember the dream? The one where we met?"
<Rez> "Yes."
<Brian> The TK is at your side, the barrier of rubble floating before both of you.
<Bjorn> Sword in hand, armour on body -- let's rock, as best we can.
<Shade> "The telepath that tried to catch me in it, is out there."
<Rez> "OK."
<Ginrai> "Ah... ok, Shade.  Why in such a mood?  By the way, if you don't have a weapon, go pick up the rifle I left back there."
Shade jerks a finger towards the bulkheads
<Rez> "Ahm.  Is she significant somehow?"
<Shade> "And she's not just a telepath, she packs some kind of mental 'punch'"
<Ginrai> "Ah, know who she is?"
<Rez> "Nothing we can do but try and take her down."
Rez follows Bjorn.
<Bjorn> "Shut the hell up and run, or stay!"
<Shade> "I know what she looks like."
<Shade> "Short blonde hair, she can read your mind on sight"
<Rez> "My, and I was wondering how they knew about the Oracle from you."
<Brian> Bjorn: You clear the first bulkhead, the second rising as you approach.  Victor's room will be just to your right, if your memory serves.
Rez shuts up before he says anything more, and follows Bjorn, arrow nocked.
<Shade> "She's good enough to ignore any mental defense you have."
Bjorn turns to the right, still pounding.
<Ginrai> "Speaking of which, you got a few things that need explanation, Shade.  We'll ask you after this is through."
Shade shrugs and follows at the end
Ginrai follows Rez
Rez runs after Bjorn.
<Brian> You reach the end of the corridor, the TK sending his rubble formation down the hall as though to sweep it for invisible people before just making a crude levitating wall with it, leaving you access to Victor's door.  The other inmates halt, and look on with trepidation.
Bjorn takes a deep mental breath, and then looks at everyone.
<Bjorn> "You probably want to stay back.  Mikey, I need you to open this door for me, please.
<Bjorn> 'And bracelet ... showtime.  I hope I was right about you.' Again, Bjorn visualizes Ashnod's flame.
Rez stays back.  With the inmates.  'Cause, you know, survival instincts.
<Brian> He nods.  The door is steel, two meters and then some high, a meter wide, and the windows are pitch black.  Mikey rears back, and throws a punch at the door.  It explodes inward a short distance, hangs awkwardly in midair, and then drops.
Bjorn steps into the room. "Victor?"
<Brian> Mikey steps back -- everyone else steps back.
<Brian> The TK's barrier drops, and he presses himself against the far wall of the corridor, eyes wide.
<Brian> Ginrai, your danger sense is apologizing for not warning you of your already sealed death earlier.
<Ginrai> EH?!
<Brian> Rez, you think that something very bad is in that room.
Ginrai backs away
<Brian> Bjorn, you feel that this room is kinda dark.
<Ginrai> "Guys, move back as far as possible.""
<Brian> Shade, you're really not trusting this room either.
<Bjorn> "Victor?  It's time to leave."
Shade sighs
<Brian> But.  From the darkness, a pale figure lumbers forward.
Ginrai heads closer to the back of the group.
<Shade> "Wrong room."
<Shade> "Very Wrong Room, Oh Fearless Leader."
<Ginrai> "Shade, know anything that you forgot to tell us?"
<Shade> "You mean besides the great evil lurking in here?"
<Ginrai> "Please explain more."
<Shade> "Or did you guys ever find Mr. 'Blow holes in everything?'"
<Brian> Bjorn: He's got long, long straight hair, a little greasy, and is wearing the normal jumpsuit.  He looks gaunt, and his eyes are blood red.
<Brian> He draws back his lips in a snarl, and lunges at you.
Bjorn tries to lead Victor into a throw.
<Ginrai> "And does this have anything to do with the guy that was sent after me?"
<Shade> "Ginrai, evil enough that I couldn't look at it without going insane, that enough?"
<Brian> Bjorn: Your bracelet shines brightly, and before he gets within range of you, a visible wall of light appears, bouncing him back.
<Brian> He growls, landing on four limbs.  "Why ... have you come here?"
<Bjorn> In the dark, Bjorn's lips curl convulsively into a near-feral snarl.  "Because I want to leave, Victor.  And I will leave no-one to them."
<Brian> He eyes you calculatingly.  "To taste the air of the night and be free again....  But why me?  What am I to one such as you?"
<Bjorn> "You are a prisoner, Victor.  Imprisoned by people that had no right.  Or would you rather stay?"
<Shade> "They may have had a good reason to imprison him."
Ginrai smacks Shade's head
<Rez> "Shade, if you don't shut up, right now, I swear to god I'm putting a blunt arrow in your face."
<Brian> We'll enter combat time here.
<Brian> Phase zero, those with held actions may go (Bjorn, Rez, and Victor).
Ginrai moves far away from Shade after his smack.
<Brian> Victor's about to lunge at Shade.
<Brian> Bjorn, your action.
Bjorn reaches out to grab Victor's arm, to try to restrain him.
<Bjorn> Nothing fancy or damaging.
<Bjorn> And, uh, with the hand not holding my invisible sword.
<Brian> Opposed strength rolls.  Roll 3d6, and subtract 1 for each five points of strength you have.
<Bjorn> roll 3d6-3
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Bjorn ... : 3d6-3 --> [ 3d6=6 ]{3}
<Brian> roll 3d6-6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6-6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{3}
<Brian> You restrain him -- barely.  This guy's strong.
Rez drops his bow and jumps forward to help Bjorn.
<Brian> Okay, you can make a full-move towards him, however, you are out of his range at the moment.
<Bjorn> "Victor!" Bjorn says sharply.  "He's a fucking insane idiot!  He's not important!"
Shade just looks at Victor without expression.
<Brian> Rez: And, when you enter a six meter range (as you do at the end of your movement), you are also required to make an Ego roll.
<Rez> Brian: How do I do that?
<Brian> Just roll 3d6 -- you want to get less than 8 +EGO/5
<Rez> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=16 ]{16}
<Rez> Fuck.
<Brian> This guy's way too creepy -- you're not getting any closer.
<Brian> "He needs to learn the meaning of fear," Victor yells, straining.
<Shade> "Take a number and get in line."
<Brian> ....
<Brian> Next, phase 4, speed 3s.
<Brian> Dex order.
<Brian> Dex 18s.
<Brian> Bjorn: Opposed strength checks again.
<Brian> roll 3d6-6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6-6 --> [ 3d6=8 ]{2}
<Bjorn> roll 3d6-3
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Bjorn ... : 3d6-3 --> [ 3d6=8 ]{5}
<Brian> Okay.  Victor's free, and moves -- faster than you've seen anyone move before -- within striking distance of Shade.
<Brian> Everyone but Bjorn must make an Ego roll or dive for cover.
<Rez> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
Rez promptly dives for cover.
<Ginrai> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
Ginrai gets the fuck away.
<Brian> The inmates have already backed away.
<Brian> Shade, please roll 3d6 against Ego (you will need less than 6) to avoid being paralyzed with fear.
<Shade> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Shade ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> You are, in fact, NOT paralyzed with fear, though you get the idea it would be smart to move out of the way.
Shade holds his action.
<Brian> Phase 6, speed 2s.  Bjorn, you can not reach Victor with a full move, but you can get within 2 meters of him.
Bjorn moves towards Victor.
<Brian> Phase 7, Shade, if you don't use your held action now, you'll lose it.
<Shade> how far away is he?
<Brian> He's RIGHT IN YOUR FACE.
Shade steps out of his way at the last possible moment
<Brian> Considering he stopped, and just glared at you, it's a bit late for that.
Shade looks Victor in the eyes calmly.
<Brian> "Apologize for your words," he growls.
<Shade> "Why?"
<Brian> "To show that you know your place."
<Shade> "And what is my place?"
<Brian> "Beneath me.'
<Shade> "Why?"
<Brian> Phase 8, speed threes.
<Brian> In dex order.
<Brian> 18s.
<Brian> Victor elects to move beyond verbal conversation.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> Shade, you're now Grabbed.  You may forfeit your action to make an opposed strength check to try and escape.
Shade will hold his action.
<Brian> Alright.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=5 ]{5}
<Brian> You are bitten on the neck.
<Brian> roll 1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d6 --> [ 1d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> You take 12 body (and lose your jugular), and lose....
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> 13 END.
<Brian> Your world has become very dark.
<Brian> Victor just tore Shade's neck out with his teeth, and appears to be draining his blood.
Rez stops his attempt at getting up and starts puking.
<Brian> roll 3#3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3#3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}, [ 3d6=12 ]{12}, [ 3d6=15 ]{15}
Bjorn stops short, closes his eyes briefly, and then regards Victor evenly.
<Brian> Dropping Shade's corpse, Victor wipes his mouth with the back of his hands, turns to Bjorn, and says, "I find the terms of your proposal agreeable."
Bjorn nods gravely.
<Brian> He seems relaxed, and the aura of fear is lessened ... except for the fact that this creepy guy just drained Shade dry and dropped him on the floor.
<Bjorn> "We're going to free Ashnod, next.  If you wait, and take them from this side, we'll have the best chance of success."
Rez gradually picks himself up off the ground and stares blankly at Shade's corpse.
<Brian> Victor looks at it thoughtfully, and closes Shade's eyes.
<Bjorn> "Good luck, Victor."
<Brian> He nods.  The other inmates seem really eager to back away, the TK only belatedly remembering to take his rubble with him.
Ginrai is still too stunned to do much.
<Ginrai> "Are we going to come back here?  If so, then I'll leave it here for now."
<Brian> Victor eyes you coolly.  "His body will still be here for some time."
Ginrai sighs and picks it up. "Guy did warn me about Albany, even if he was wrong about the wolf."
<Rez> "You . . . Ginrai, we have children.  Leave him behind or stay for a while."
<Ginrai> "Okay."
Ginrai leaves the body and goes to follow Rez.
Bjorn leads everyone away from the elevator, around the outer corridor towards Ashnod's cell.
<Bjorn> As I run, I'm checking the labs and so on along the way, for anyone and for Megan in particular.
Rez gathers himself and follows Bjorn
<Bjorn> -Lazarus, is Bridgett okay?-
<Brian> The labs are deserted, and have little flashing red lights on the walls.
<Ginrai> "Do we just leave Shade's corpse there?"
<Bjorn> "Unless you want to carry it."
<Brian> -Mikey stood before her.  She did not see.-
<Rez> "Feel free to carry it."
<Brian> Once that corridor is behind you, you find yourselves loping down another, long curving corridor.
<Bjorn> -... Thank you, Lazarus.  And thank Mikey for me.-
<Brian> You pass, at one point, a room identical to Victor's with a placard saying, "Bjorn Christianson".
Rez turns and runs after Bjorn.
<Bjorn> 'Well.  Somebody appreciates me.'
<Brian> Eventually, you reach a third room, this one labeled 'Ashnod'.
<Brian> The door is already opened.
Bjorn motions everyone to stay back, and steps into the room.
<Brian> Inside the room, you see Ashnod, eyeing you warily, though he's restrained to a chair, wearing a funky sci-fi helmet with many blinky lights.
<Brian> To your left, on the floor, eyes wide in disappointment, is Dr. Richmond, one hand over the apparently fatal gunshot wound.
Rez sags against the wall outside and looks over the rest of the crowd.
<Bjorn> "Hello, Ashnod.  Sorry about hitting you with my car."  Bjorn then sets about freeing Ashnod.
<Bjorn> -Lazarus?  Can you link from me to Ashnod?-
<Brian> -Yes.-
<Bjorn> -Please do.  I'd like to talk to him.-
<Brian> -He's not answering.-
Bjorn takes the helmet off Ashnod. "Ashnod? Can you let Lazarus connect us, so that we can talk?"
<Brian> Ashnod ignores you, looking past you towards Bridgett.  He looks puzzled.  Once his hands are free, he makes a gesture at Bridgett.
<Brian> She shakes her head and makes a gesture back.
<Brian> -Here he is,- Lazarus says.
<Brian> -Where is Megan?- Ashnod asks, his 'thoughts' looking like charcoal scrawled over white chalk.
<Bjorn> -I don't know.  She was taken by the doctors before we began our escape attempt.  We still have to find and free her.-
<Brian> -...good.-
<Bjorn> -I'm sorry about what happened in Canada.-
<Brian> -If we can escape and be free, all is well.-  He stands up, once free, and hugs Bridgett tightly.  She hugs him back.  You've never noticed the familial resemblance before, but that may have been due to the circumstances.
<Bjorn> Yeah, just maybe.
<Bjorn> -Are you ready?-
<Brian> He puts Bridgett down, and nods.
<Bjorn> -Bridgett... is your daughter?-
<Brian> -And Megan is my wife.-
<Brian> -Lead the way.-
<Bjorn> -I will.  Ashnod, Lazarus... I'm about to invert my mindboard.  That means you won't be able to communicate with me.-
<Brian> They both nod.
<Brian> Ashnod moves to the fore, with the TK, and they wait for you to lead them on.
Bjorn inverts the mindshield, and "activates" the bracelet.
<Brian> Think defensy-thoughts.
Bjorn does. Happy defensey thoughts, of no burning, and ignoring winds.
<Rez> "Anything I should know before we charge?"
<Bjorn> "Yeah.  If the breezes picks up, arrows might not work well."
<Bjorn> "Oh.  And stay behind Ashnod."
<Rez> "We'll see how fire goes, then."
<Brian> Ashnod nods in agreement.
<Rez> "Right, gotcha."
<Bjorn> Without further words, Bjorn starts to trot towards the elevator.
<Brian> You come around the corner, to where you see ten heavily armored guards, and three people in normal, everyday clothing awaiting you -- Victor rushes the opposite hallway like humanoid lightning.
Ginrai clutches onto his pipe... looks like it's time to fight
Bjorn picks up the pace, and charges the foes.
Rez starts loosing arrows.
<Brian> The guards stand their ground, though they don't look like they want to be there.
<Brian> We'll enter combat time here.
<Brian> Phase zero actions are held by the defenders, so they open fire.
<Brian> roll 10#3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 10#3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}, [ 3d6=15 ]{15}, [ 3d6=15 ]{15}, [ 3d6=14 ]{14}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=14 ]{14}, [ 3d6=10 ]{10}, [ 3d6=10 ]{10}, [ 3d6=5 ]{5}, [ 3d6=7 ]{7}
<Brian> Victor looks like he could care less about tranq darts, and those headed down your hallway are smashed out of the air by your TK friend's rubble.
<Brian> The guards aren't pleased.
<Brian> The metas act.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> roll 4d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 4d6 --> [ 4d6=12 ]{12}
<Brian> Something none of you can SEE makes Victor stagger, but he keeps on coming.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> Huh.
<Brian> roll 18d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 18d6 --> [ 18d6=81 ]{81}
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> The wind starts rushing away from you....
<Brian> The remaining meta appears to be holding his action.
<Brian> Additionally: One of those meta-humans (the one looking at Victor) is Jessica.
<Brian> We're going to use simplified combat rules, since I don't want to roll 52 NPCs attacks on specific phases.
<Bjorn> Aw.
<Brian> Tactically, the air is being drained out from the area where the inmates are fighting, and you don't know who the air-elementalist is.
<Brian> Otherwise, everyone is going to get one action per phase, dex order.
<Brian> 18 makes Victor go first.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> roll 6#1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6#1d6 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=3 ]{3}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> Victor punches right through the ballistic plate of one armored guard.
<Brian> Next in dex order....
<Brian> Dex 12s.
<Brian> Jessica attempts an Ego attack on Victor.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> roll 4d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 4d6 --> [ 4d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> He shakes it off without effort.
<Brian> Dex 10s.
Rez is Dex 10.
<Rez> Do I have a clear shot at any of the metas?
<Brian> Yes, any three of them.
<Rez> I shoot a fire arrow at the one who doesn't seem to be doing anything.
<Brian> Make your attack roll.
<Rez> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> You missed, and hit a wall.
<Rez> Curses.
<Rez> Did I set the wall on fire?
<Brian> It's cement.
<Brian> No.
<Rez> Awwww.
<Brian> Some of the inmates.
<Brian> roll 9#3d6 for inmatey-bludgeoning!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 9#3d6 for inmatey-bludgeoning! --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=10 ]{10}, [ 3d6=15 ]{15}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=12 ]{12}, [ 3d6=15 ]{15}, [ 3d6=10 ]{10}, [ 3d6=7 ]{7}, [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Brian> Guards.
<Brian> roll 9#3d6 for guard tranq gunning
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 9#3d6 for guard tranq gunning --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}, [ 3d6=8 ]{8}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=8 ]{8}, [ 3d6=12 ]{12}, [ 3d6=15 ]{15}, [ 3d6=9 ]{9}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> A couple inmates take tranq darts.  Three guards are downed.
<Brian> Dex 9s.
<Bjorn> Can I reach either of the two metas who are not Jessica?
<Ginrai> Are any of the guards near me?
<Brian> Yes.
<Ginrai> ok, how many guards near me?
Bjorn is going to attack the nearest meta who is not Jessica. +3 to OCV, and Martial Strike -- with this much artillery in the air, no point in trying to be defensive.
<Brian> A few.  You can only get to one, though.
<Brian> Bjorn, Ginrai, any other dex 9s, roll for your attacks and declare a target.
Ginrai swings his pipe at one of the guards.
<Bjorn> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Bjorn ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> Bjorn: You hit.
<Brian> Go ahead and roll your 2d6+1 killing damage.
<Bjorn> roll 2d6+1
<Brian> The metahuman Bjorn slashed was cut in half completely.
<Ginrai> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Bjorn ... : 2d6+1 --> [ 2d6=11 ]{12}
<Brian> Ginrai: You hit.
<Brian> Go ahead and Roll your 5#1d6 normal pipe damage
<Ginrai> roll 5#1d6 for the precious!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 5#1d6 for the precious! --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}
<Brian> You cracked his helmet clean off his head.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> One of the metahumans (the one Rez was shooting at) is run-through with a two-meter long lance of fire.
<Brian> At this point, all the guards are subdued (or slain) and Taylor is fleeing towards the elevator.
Bjorn sprints after, with the goal of subduing her. "Stop and surrender!" he roars.
<Brian> Victor is pacing you -- and you know he's pacing you, since he could surpass you easily.  "There will be no escape."
Rez rapid fires two blunt arrows at Taylor.
<Rez> Putting a +1 on OCV.
<Brian> Go ahead and make your roll.
<Rez> roll 2#3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 2#3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Bjorn> "Don't kill her," Bjorn grinds out to Victor.  "We need answers."
<Brian> Rez, you hit.
<Rez> roll 2#1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 2#1d6 --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> She staggers, but keeps running.
<Brian> Victor says, "Very well," and blurs ahead of you, getting in front of her, and causing her to skid to a halt, backed into a wall.  Behind you, the inmates are cuffing the remaining guards and taking away their weapons and armor.
Rez goes and sees if he can grab some undamaged combat armor before it's all gone.
<Brian> Easy enough.
Bjorn concentrates, and tries to telepathically isolate Taylor, using his double-mindshield trick.
<Brian> You can actually feel her battering against it, trying to get out.  Her eyes are wide, and she's obviously panicked.
Ginrai follows Rez to do the same
Rez sees if he can pick up a second set.  Disguise is probably not gonna work, but hey.
<Bjorn> "Hello, Jessica.  How've you been doing?"
<Brian> Rez, Gin: You spend a few minutes getting body armor put on.
<Brian> "Why are you doing this?" she asks.
<Ginrai> Are there anymore conscious guards?
<Brian> They're being cuffed.
<Bjorn> "Escaping?  Because I don't like being a prisoner, Jessica, and I don't like being a lab animal.  Now, let me ask you the same question.  Why are you doing this?"
<Brian> "Because I want it back," she whimpers.  "He took it away, he came and stole Ezmereth, and he TOOK IT AWAY!"
<Brian> She's practically frothing.  Victor grabs her wrists and restrains her.
Bjorn snarls. "Megan, Jessica. Where is Megan?"
<Bjorn> 'Don't have time.  Sort it out later.'
<Brian> "Took it away, took it away, took it away," she mumbles into a litany, shaking her head.  Her eyes are unfocused.
Ginrai returns with the armor on him. "Who's she, Bjorn?"
Rez walks over behind Ginrai, picking up his hopefully undamaged blunts off the floor as he does so.
Bjorn shakes his head. "Someone who has answers I want, I think. Hold her just a minute more, please, Victor."
Bjorn goes back to grab a tranq round, and then co

[Brian]

<Brian> She takes a few steps forward, then freezes.  "Wait," she says slowly.  "They can't destroy the building.  Manos is still here, and can't be moved."
<Dracos> "Let's get the hell over there then. Then I want you to lead us to Manos."
<Brian> "Simple enough," she agrees, leading you back the way you came, past the guard's bodies, and to the elevator.
<Brian> It opens, and another Caber (this one the original male model) steps out.  "Good to send down," he reports.  As soon as he steps out, it closes, and goes down on its own, though.
Dracos blinks, pondering.
<Brian> It comes back up, and opens, revealing Rez, Ginrai, some guy with Shade's body on his shoulders, a somewhat emaciated looking guy, and ... someone you don't recognize in S.W.A.T. gear.
<Dracos> "Well...it looks like we survived...somewhat...shit man, what the fuck happened on your end?"
<Brian> The emaciated guy sees Caber, and reacts instantly.
<Brian> roll 3#3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3#3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}, [ 3d6=12 ]{12}, [ 3d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> Bjorn: The male figure you see (you recognize him as the sniper with Jessica back in Canada) takes a fiery lance to the chest, and falls down, bleeding profusely.
<Brian> The nurse looks down at the body and says, "Had it coming."
Dracos sweatdrops.
<Bjorn> "Yes.  He did."
<Dracos> "Um...right...  um, introductions for the guy quite lost?"
<Rez> "Well."
<Rez> "Who was that?"
<Dracos> "Caber...or, as I think, Legion...the wolf, right?" Dracos turns to the woman.  "From that summoning?"
<Brian> "Er, no, I'm not Caber.  I'm ... Sabrina," the nurse says, not quite meeting Ashnod's eyes.  "Though, I don't know what you're talking about with wolves."
<Brian> Dracos, please roll 3d6 for a perception check.
<Bjorn> "Alright.  You're Sabrina.  I'm guessing from that fact that Rez is being quite calm that you're Dracos."
<Dracos> Roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> Hey, you didn't see it before, but that guy's holding a sword.  It's kinda glowy.
<Dracos> "Okay, Sabrina.  Anyhow, who are you guys?  Aside from Rez and Gin I don't recognize you.  I'm Philip.  And... That's a really spiffy sword."
<Brian> Rez, Ginrai: Please roll 3d6 for perception checks.
<Ginrai> "Okay... I'm completely lost here.  Where's Caber and Patricia?"
<Ginrai> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Rez> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Brian> Rez, Gin: Dracos didn't used to have green eyes....
Rez eyes Drac.
<Rez> "You have a little explaining to do."
Ginrai decides to not say anything until later.
<Bjorn> "I'm Bjorn.  Thanks.  It's new.  The guy with the body over his shoulder is Victor, and this is Ashnod."
<Bjorn> "Now.  Ashnod and I need to find Megan.  Don't suppose you've run into her?"
<Ginrai> "And the guy without any blood is Shade."
<Brian> The nurse flinches.
<Dracos> "Yeah, sure, short of it, you were right, this was a really bad plan.  And if Shade wasn't already on that guy's shoulder, I'd be ripping his head off.  And...well...eeeh..."
<Brian> "Delighted to see you much firmer in the waking world," Victor says dryly.
<Brian> Ashnod just shrugs, and looks mildly confused.
<Dracos> "How to put this..."
<Rez> "I told you it was a stupid plan."
Bjorn stares at the nurse.
Ginrai looks at Victor. "You've met Drac before?"
<Brian> "Oh, yes," he says pleasantly.  "I've met all of you.  You simply don't remember it."
<Ginrai> "Ah, in our dreams?"
Rez blinks.
<Rez> "You're kinda hard to forget, if you'll pardon me saying so."
<Bjorn> "This is all very interesting," Bjorn says sharply, "but Miss Sabrina here knows something about Megan, and I'd like to know what."
<Brian> "I wasn't myself, then," he says chuckling as if it were something silly.
<Dracos> "I've met Megan.  And well...you won't like this.  She's dead.  Peterson murdered her before experimenting on me.  He's also dead now.  She passed on words for her husband though...."
<Brian> The nurse steps behind Dracos.
<Brian> Ashnod's jaw drops, and he collapses to his knees, eyes wide.
<Brian> He makes a strangled sound it takes you a moment to realize is a sob.
<Bjorn> Bjorn's cheek twitches, convulsively, once.  And then he rests a comforting hand on Ashnod's shoulder.
<Brian> Ashnod rubs at his eyes, and shakes his head.
<Dracos> Dracos, in the best he can do as he really isn't good at this and never has been, tries in a soft tone, "I... take it that, you are her husband, Ashnod?"
<Brian> He nods, sniffling noisily.
Rez sighs, and watches.
<Dracos> "Her last words, at least that I heard before getting knocked out, were: "Tell my husband I'm sorry.  Trust.  Vengeance.""
<Brian> Ashnod stands up, looking firmer, though his eyes are still watering, and nods.
Dracos is silent for a moment, not really knowing what else to say, glancing at the others.
<Brian> "Eh, they're up to something," the nurse says, looking around uneasily, as the body on the ground collapses into dust, which is then carried away on an invisible breeze.  "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it."
Bjorn starts to say something, chokes for a second, and then tries again. "Alright. What do we do now?"
<Rez> "Where's Manos?"
<Dracos> "Sabrina knows.  And will take us to him.  Now."  Dracos turns to her.
<Bjorn> "Who's Manos?"
<Rez> "An AI, I think."
<Rez> "In a very loose sense."
<Brian> Ashnod frowns, and gestures upwards.  The nurse nods, stepping into the elevator.  "AI core of the DataPod," she corrects.
<Dracos> "Lead away.  We got...some questioning to do."  Dracos heads after her into the elevator.
Bjorn looks at Ashnod.
<Rez> "You seem to know a lot.  What does that mean . . . and why doesn't the oracle remember much?"
<Bjorn> 'Wish Lazarus was still around.'
<Brian> "Patricia knows more about that than me," Sabrina admits.  
<Rez> "You know more than I do, I'm sure."
<Ginrai> "And where is she?"
<Brian> "Safe.  From what I do know, there are supposed to be three oracles.  One for each faction.  But ... the third faction was destroyed, and the two split access, covering her memories of what cause she was supposed to forward."
<Bjorn> "Okay, wait.  I'm extremely confused."
<Brian> She slides a security card through a reader, and presses a button marked, "D-1".
<Dracos> "Bjorn, we all are.  Let's get Manos and get out of here.  THEN we can figure it out."
<Bjorn> "What I want to do is end the Workshop, once and for all.  Does any of this have to do with that?"
<Ginrai> "I meant where's Patricia."
<Rez> "So why did Manos want to destroy her?"
<Ginrai> "Thought she was going to help us out before."
<Dracos> "This place is creepy as hell and I'm sure we don't want to stay around any longer.  Bjorn, yes."
Bjorn looks at Ashnod, for support, or confirmation, or something.
<Brian> Bjorn: Ashnod claps a hand on your shoulder and nods.
Bjorn nods at Ashnod.
<Bjorn> "All right, then."
<Bjorn> "Let's get to it."
<Rez> "Probably."
<Dracos> "And on that note...Sabrina, does this place have a self-destruct system?"
<Bjorn> should be quotes
Rez chokes.
<Brian> "Not that I'm aware of," she says.  "It withstood the Wanderer and Ezmereth's escape."
<Bjorn> "One thing at a time, Philip.  Let's get to work."
<Ginrai> "Drac, not until we're far away from here!"
<Dracos> "Right, Right, Bjorn.  And Gin, shaddup."
<Brian> The elevator reaches a stop, and opens, both front and back.  "North, DataPod, Manos, and the incinerator," she announces.  "South is the main security station, delivery access, and depository."
<Brian> It looks like someone's been south already....
<Rez> How do you mean?
<Brian> Well, the doors have that, "Torn off their hinges by Mikey," look to 'em.
<Brian> You can see half a desk standing upright, and the other half smashed across a floor.
<Dracos> "...  I do not want to encounter whatever did that."
<Bjorn> "He's a nice guy."
<Rez> "Well, hey.  North it is."
<Bjorn> "We want north.  Let's go."
<Dracos> "Let's get Manos, find that incinerator, dump his core into it, and get out."
<Rez> "Now what the hell is the DataPod?"
<Rez> "And why are you so eager to have us find Manos?  Because it leaves Ceran unopposed?"
Dracos heads north.
<Brian> "If you don't mind, I need to collect some of my things," Victor says, setting Shade's body down, and moseying south.
<Bjorn> "See you, Victor."
<Rez> "Well, we'll probably have left a pretty obvious trail."
<Brian> "I'm not eager, you are," the nurse says.  "I don't really care either way."
<Rez> "Helpful is rather surprising."
Bjorn follows after Dracos, assuming Ashnod is also following him.
Rez follows Dracos.
<Brian> Ashnod follows.
Ginrai does the same
<Brian> You come to a security door with a placard reading, "No speaking permitted beyond this point."
<Rez> "Oh, you mentioned that."
<Rez> Any other doors in the corridor?
<Brian> Nope.
Bjorn cocks an eyebrow. "Dare I ask?"
<Rez> "Apparently Manos is something of a psycho about speaking."
<Brian> The nurse shrugs.  "Not Manos -- Flint.  The man connected to the machine."
<Rez> "Oh.  What?"
<Rez> "Who's Flint?"
<Dracos> "Good thing I like speaking.  How dangerous is Flint?  And why didn't you mention him before?"
Bjorn grunts, and turns to Ashnod, and tries to use hand-sigils to ask, "Is this what the sign language is about?"
<Brian> Ashnod nods.
<Brian> "You'll see," she says, swiping the card through a security reader.
<Rez> "I don't like 'You'll see's."
<Rez> "That's caused half the trouble with this damn plan already."
<Dracos> "You'll see doesn't work, tell now."
<Dracos> "Before we cross this point."
<Brian> There's a ten meter long corridor, lined with thick cloth, and a thick carpet, too.  Another security door stands inside.
<Brian> "Well," Sabrina says, "he's a mind-reader, but not a great one, from what I can figure.  He can't stand hearing someone say something while thinking something different.  Drives him nuts."
<Brian> She shrugs.  "Can't STOP listening to the minds around him, so...."
<Rez> "Ahh."
<Bjorn> "Well, then," Bjorn grunts, "he should find me a refreshing change."
Bjorn turns his mindboard in, and says, "Shall we move, then?"
<Rez> "I get the feeling one or two people should stay out here."
<Ginrai> "Any reason?"
<Dracos> "Definitely.  Gin, Ashnod, mind guarding the rear?"
<Dracos> "Because it's intelligent.  That's reason enough."
<Brian> Ashnod rolls his eyes at you, and makes handsigns at Bjorn.
<Ginrai> "Sure."
Bjorn tries to decipher the handsigns.
<Brian> You gather ... "this operation is being run by me," out of the entire thing.
<Brian> You don't think he's referring to the entire plan, though.
<Bjorn> "Ashnod won't be staying behind.  Neither will I."
<Rez> "Alright."
Rez steps into the room and starts walking towards the other door.
<Dracos> "Mkay...  Fair enough, Gin, that door stays open or I will be very angry when we get out."
<Brian> Ashnod makes another series of gestures, before you get there.
Bjorn again tries to make them out.
<Bjorn> "Wait, Rez."
<Rez> "What?"
Dracos follows but stops blinking and turning with a raised eyebrow at Ashnod.
<Brian> You read it as, "This file needs to be run outside of your default directory."
<Bjorn> "'This file needs to be run outside your default directory?'  I... don't understand, Ashnod."
Dracos wishes he could bloody figure out what the hell Ashnod wanted.
<Brian> He looks frustrated, and looks around at everyone, as though looking for something.
<Brian> He makes another sign.
<Brian> Bjorn: It looks like "Can ... I ... be ... directly read."
Bjorn closes his eyes, and thinks. "Are you asking if there's a telepath here?"
<Bjorn> He says this aloud, so that others can follow him.
<Brian> He nods.
Dracos ponders. Checks pocket, pulls out pen.
Dracos asks quietly, "Anyone have something that can be written on?"
Bjorn looks at everyone else. "Well, is there?"
<Rez> "Yeah, notebook in my laptop bag.  One second."
<Bjorn> "And no.  No paper."
Dracos shakes his head.
<Dracos> "Not that I know of.  I just see magic as far as I can tell."
Rez looks confused.
<Brian> Dracos: Ashnod takes your hand, and presses it to his forehead.
<Brian> -...think....-
Dracos thinks -hello?-
<Brian> Well, this is funky.  It's just like when you were hearing the voice in your head in the operating room, but subtly different ... like you're looking at it from the other side.
<Dracos> -Well...this is strange....can you hear me Ashnod?-
<Brian> He nods.
<Brian> -When I go in, stand away from me,- he sends, along with an image of a ring of fire rising from around him, and exploding outward.
<Dracos> -Understood, We'll stay back away.-
<Brian> -Flint had my tongue cut out for speaking,- he adds.  -He's mine.-
<Dracos> "Guys, Ashnod is going to take the lead.  We want to stay back and away.  He's going to cut loose with a ring of fire."
<Dracos> -Quite Understood.  Enjoy your vengeance.-
<Bjorn> "I'm assuming that doesn't apply quite as much to me?" Bjorn asks, looking at Ashnod.
<Brian> Ashnod shrugs, as though uncertain.
<Brian> The nurse taps on the door.  "Time to open up?" she asks, holding the security card over the reader.
<Rez> "Oooh, fire . . ."
<Rez> "One ring, then we move?"
<Brian> Ashnod nods.
<Bjorn> "All right, then."
Bjorn motions Ashnod to take the lead.
<Rez> "One ring to . . . no, I won't go there."
<Brian> The nurse swipes the card.  The outer doors slam shut, leaving Ginrai outside, and the inner doors slide open noiselessly.
<Ginrai> "FUCK!"
Rez leans against the wall, next to the door.
<Brian> You're looking at a room, dome-shaped, about thirty meters across, circular, and filled with people wearing VR gear.
<Ginrai> "Umm... if you can hear me, sorry about that, guys."
<Brian> No sound gets through this door.
<Brian> It's completely silent, except for the rustling of people moving around.
Rez waves Drac away from the doorway.
Dracos gets to the opposite wall as Rez.
Rez gets his bow and, unsurprisingly, nocks an arrow.  Tactics.
Bjorn stays back a little from Ashnod, about midway between Dracos and Rez, and Ashnod.
<Brian> The people with VR gear seem to be totally oblivious to you -- the hookups are suspended from some overhead rig, and above that, you see a balcony, with what you guess are superior techs at various workstations, silently working away.
<Brian> Ashnod strides forward like he owns the place.
<Brian> One of the maintainers on the second tier leans down to look at him, as though surprised, and then makes a gesture at Ashnod.  Bjorn: You recognize it as 'delete'.
<Brian> Ashnod just smiles.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> roll 5#1d6 explosive fire damage
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 5#1d6 explosive fire damage --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=3 ]{3}, [ 1d6=3 ]{3}
<Brian> Just like the image in Dracos's mind, or that day back in Canada, fire appears in a rolling wave around Ashnod, and explodes outward, sweeping half of the techs away and flinging them into the padded walls.  Their cries of pain make the maintainer (this must be Flint) grab his head and curl up over his console.
<Brian> So ... we can enter combat time here if you're planning on slaughtering the techs, who are all fleeing, or you can watch Ashnod slaughter them himself.
Bjorn makes sure his mindboard is turned inwards, and moves forward to the mouth of the corridor, keeping half an eye on Ashnod, and the rest on the rest of the room.
<Bjorn> But I'll watch Ashnod.
<Rez> Um.  No.
<Rez> I'm going to watch, and look vaguely sick.
<Dracos> I have my hilt ready to kill anyone who seems like they are going to try and attack me, but if they don't and are fleeing, I'm staying way out of their way.  I have no blood grudge there."
Rez turns to the nurse.  "Where's Manos?"
<Brian> They're just running around.
<Brian> The nurse points at Flint, as Ashnod hurls a lance of fire upwards.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=16 ]{16}
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=7 ]{7}
<Brian> He's a frail guy, and folds under the blast quickly.
<Rez> Are there any stairs?
<Brian> He slides over his console, off the balcony, and slams into the padded floor, trailing various wires (some of which are connected directly to his skull) with him.
<Brian> Yes, to the sides.
Rez moves towards the stairs and walks up.
<Brian> The other maintainers are quickly disengaging their own wetware.
<Brian> Ashnod's done, leaving only a single man killed, and spits (somewhat awkwardly) on the corpse.
<Brian> He then makes a speech in handsigns at the remaining techs.
<Brian> Unless you stop them, they move to run away afterwards.
Bjorn moves forward, moving up the stairs after Rez, ignoring the techs.
Rez gets out of their way, bow ready.
<Brian> Bjorn: Intuitively, you guess he's saying, "Never be part of something like this again."
<Brian> Dracos: Scanning, you know that's exactly what he's saying, with added death threats.
<Rez> "Sabrina, coming?"
<Bjorn> "There never will be."
Bjorn says that under his breath, as to himself.
<Brian> "I guess," she says, following.
<Brian> Upstairs, on the balcony, is a number of desk/consoles, the maintainers disengaging themselves and moving to join the crowd of fleeing techs.
<Dracos> "Guys, query, maintainer is gone...is Manos?"
<Rez> "Lead the way."
<Brian> Ashnod shakes his head, and points to the main console.
Dracos follows up to the main console and takes a look over it.
<Brian> The one Flint just got torn out of.
Rez walks over to it and looks.
<Brian> Well, there's a screen, but no keyboard or mouse.
<Brian> The gloves connected to it were torn out when Flint fell.
<Bjorn> "Now what?"
<Brian> The screen is displaying a traceroute, and the window at the top says, "Tracking Cassandra."  The timer suggests another two hours remain before the count completes.
Rez looks at the screen.
<Dracos> "That's a damned coul...."
<Rez> "Well."
<Dracos> "I say we frag this thing."
<Dracos> "Now."
<Dracos> "Brutally."
<Brian> Ashnod looks pensive.
<Rez> "I doubt we'd get anything done anyway."
<Bjorn> "Why destroy it?  What is it?"
Rez puts his right hand through the screen.
<Brian> Luckily for you, your metal hand seems impervious to shattered glass.  You reach through the screen, and mildly shock yourself when you accidentally cause the monitor's power-coil to contact the processor behind it.
<Dracos> "Not enough damage.  Anyone got a magnet?"
<Rez> "So, Cassandra's her name?"
<Rez> "OW!"
<Brian> There's a loud electrical *SNAP!* and all the lights in the room go off.
<Rez> "Oops."
<Brian> roll 3#1d6 electrical damage
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3#1d6 electrical damage --> [ 1d6=3 ]{3}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}
<Brian> Rez: That kinda stung, but no lasting damage.
Rez reaches into his pocket and pulls out the flashlight.
<Brian> Emergency lighting comes back up, and all of the other consoles do, too.
<Brian> Their BIOSs display CMOS checksum errors.
<Bjorn> "Well.  I hope that didn't have any useful information."
<Rez> "Probably did, but you try convincing it to let go.  I can't get past one of those, and I've tried.  Although not that hard."
<Rez> "So, Sabrina, where's the actual core of this thing, anyway?  And the storage?"
<Brian> "Inside the console you just broke," she says dubiously.  "The networking room is down in sector four."
<Rez> "Nice.  Stand back, everyone."
<Bjorn> "I don't even know what 'those' are."
Bjorn puts out a hand to stop Rez.
<Rez> "AIs.  Sort of."
Rez stops.
<Rez> "Hm?"
<Bjorn> "Okay.  Explain first.  Why do we need to destroy this?  How do you know they don't have backups?  Is there any way we can make use of this?"
Dracos stands back
<Bjorn> "I want to end the Workshop.  I don't care about their goddamn hardware."
<Rez> "OK.  First, that thing is trying to kill a friend.  It's going to stop.  Right now.  Second, I don't think they can back up something like this, although I could be wrong."
<Brian> Ginrai: The doors open up, and dozens of guys in white shirts with burn marks start streaming out.
Dracos heads over to another console, and starts trying to hack his way in and see what the heck data they have on here.
<Brian> Well, it's giving you a CMOS checksum error, so you're going to need to adjust the BIOS first.
Dracos gets into the bios and sees what needs to be done.
<Rez> "Third, if we can appropriate some HDs and take them out of here, sure.  But getting past an AI isn't going to happen, trust me."
<Brian> It's forgotten everything, and can't find the HDs.
<Ginrai> "Okay... I take it that everything's going well so far?"
Bjorn shrugs, and looks at Ashnod. "Well, like I said, I don't care about the hardware. Do whatever you want."
<Rez> "If it helps, I think this thing was pretty key to their operations."
Dracos looks for ways to get damn hard drives out of these machines.
<Brian> Ashnod's still standing at the bottom, over Flint's corpse.  He just motions everyone away from the consoles.
Rez steps away, waiting until Bjorn and Ashnod are out of the way, and looses a few fire arrows into the remains of Flint's console.
Bjorn shrugs again, and steps back from the consoles.
<Brian> Rez, Ashnod, roll for damage.
<Rez> roll 2d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Rez ... : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=16 ]{16}
<Brian> *boom*
<Brian> That computer will never boot again.
<Rez> Damn straight.
<Brian> It's largely molten ruin, now.
<Bjorn> "Now, then.  Time to leave?"
<Brian> Ashnod nods in approval.  You hear Ginrai calling from the corridor: "Okay... I take it that everything's going well so far?"
Rez examines the rest of the room.
<Rez> "Soon.  Did you want to do anything else?"
<Brian> Dangling VR gear, every wall surface (except for a single metal panel) lined with padding.
<Dracos> "Bjorn, sorry, gimme a sec."
<Dracos> Brian, do I find anything on my hunt?
<Rez> Where's that panel?
Dracos was looking for ways to remove the damn hard drives and such.
<Rez> What's that panel look like?
<Brian> Well, there are no HDs in these systems, unless they were in the one destroyed unit.  The nurse mentioned a networking control room back down in sector four....
<Brian> It's about the size of a pull-down bed that you'd unfold from the wall of a ship, and has a handle across the top.
<Rez> If it's accessible, I go and pull it down.
<Brian> It is openable.  It's like an oven door, big enough for a person to fit inside, and leads downwards.
<Dracos> "Rez, Incinerator."
<Rez> "I wasn't even thinking it."
<Rez> "Really."
Bjorn walks over to where Rez is, and examines the door and passage a little more closely.
<Dracos> "Right.  Anyhow, this room is wrecked.  Let's go check out the networking control room and check what we can retrieve datawise and if there's anyway to obliterate this whole place.
Rez drops his bag on the floor and refills his quiver.
<Rez> "Anyone else want something out of here?"
<Dracos> "And that reminds me...Yes..."
<Brian> The bottom slides up, such that lower reaches are inaccessible unless the door is closed.
Dracos exchanges his broken sword for a katana.
<Ginrai> "Hey, guys, do you still need me back here?"
Bjorn looks back over his shoulder. "Ashnod? Do you know anything about this?"
<Brian> He nods, and makes a series of gestures that you have no idea how to interpret.
Bjorn closes his eyes briefly. "Philip? Can you translate for Ashnod for me?"
<Dracos> "Sure, Bjorn."
Dracos raises his hand towards Ashnod trying to read his words.
<Brian> From the images, some techs got their tongues cut out, and some were just thrown away ... if they survived the fire and the fall, they got experimented on.
<Brian> Ashnod got both.
<Brian> He kicks Flint's corpse for good measure.
Dracos sweatdrops.
<Dracos> "Incinerator.  Used for disposing ...personel."
<Bjorn> Bjorn's lip curls.  "I see."
<Bjorn> "All right.  Let's go."
<Rez> "You know, suddenly I feel a lot less guilty."
Rez looks faintly sick at the thought, and turns to head back to the elevator.
Dracos swiftly walks out of the room.
<Dracos> "Sabrina.  Networking control room.  And what else is here of importance to them.  Speak swiftly please."
<Brian> "Nothing I'm aware of.  It's the people, mostly."
<Bjorn> "I want to go back down to Section 4 to grab Jessica.  You can check out the networking room if you want, but I think it's a waste of time.  The longer we're here, the more likely we are to get caught again."
Bjorn heads towards the elevator, to suit actions to words.
<Rez> "I think we should hit that quickly.  If they have backups, they'll be there.
Rez ducks into the elevator as well.
<Dracos> "You know, I think I just want to get the hell out of here.  Bjorn, sure.  Let's grab her and get the fuck out."  Dracos follows.
<Brian> Victor meets you in the elevator.
<Bjorn> "Hello again."
<Rez> "Yo."
<Brian> He's apparently dropped off a load of weapons (Dracos, you recognize most of them, Bjorn, you recognize one of them) from the depository, and is dressed in a stylish suit.
Ginrai follows everyone when he sees them leaving.
Dracos blinks.
<Bjorn> What's the weapon I recognize?
<Brian> Your old sword.
<Bjorn> Ah.
<Dracos> What Do I recognize?
<Brian> The weapons that Rez lent to the inmates.
<Dracos> "Rez, why are those not in the bag?"
<Ginrai> "Nice."
Bjorn grabs his old sword, and tucks it through whatever strap he can find on his armor -- preferably one near the hip.
<Ginrai> Any rifles?
<Rez> "Because I decided to share the love, Drac."
Dracos picks them up carefully.
Rez produces the bag dutifully.,
<Bjorn> "Thanks, Victor.  What's your plan now?"
<Brian> "And now?" Victor asks pleasantly, his eyes a pale blue.  He looks like he just stepped off of the cover of GQ magazine, not like he's just thirty minutes ago drunk the blood of a former colleague.
<Dracos> "Right... At least they are still intact."
Dracos puts them back in the bag.
<Brian> "I show you to Ezmereth, because I do not believe that you know the way."
Rez offhands the bag.
<Dracos> "We wreck their remaining networking backups, and get the hell out of here.  Ezmereth?  Fine."
<Rez> "We have no idea at all, actually.  But we need to hit something downstairs."
<Rez> "Then we're gone."
<Bjorn> "I... see.  Why do I need to see Ezmereth?  And I would like to retrieve Miss Taylor."
<Ginrai> "By the way, Victor... were you the wolf who helped me out back in Albany?"
<Brian> "Down again?" Victor looks mildly perturbed, but nods at the assurance you'll leave afterwards.  "Ezmereth knows why you were brought into this," he says, as though that explains everything."
<Rez> "I'd like to know why we need to see Ezmereth as well, but hey.  With all this other crap, why question?"
<Brian> "Wolf?"  He looks puzzled.
<Bjorn> "That's good, then.   All right."
<Rez> "Well, answers would be nice."
Bjorn steps into the elevator, and looks inquisitively at Rez and crew. "Coming?"
<Dracos> "That's good enough reason for me."
<Ginrai> "Ah, I guess not.  Said you met us all before and thought that would be it."
Dracos follows.
Rez steps into the elevator, and points an arrow at the door.
<Rez> (Once everyone's out of the way)
<Brian> Sighing, the nurse swiped the card.  "This magnetic strip is going to wear out," she grumbles.  The elevator plummets once more....
<Brian> You reach the bottom of the elevator.  As suspected, Taylor is gone.  Victor elects to remain behind with Shade's body.
<Rez> "Lead the way, Sabrina."
<Bjorn> "Dammit," Bjorn curses.
Dracos follows for great computer destroying power!
<Bjorn> "I'm waiting here, with Victor.  Move quickly."
<Dracos> "We will."
<Dracos> "RUSH!"
<Rez> "Will do."
<Brian> She walks down the hall and leads you to a sealed doorway.  Luckily, she's still got the card-key, and Peterson seems to be allowed everywhere....  It opens up, and you're in a room full of networking equipment, all of the connection lights flashing rapidly.
<Ginrai> "I guess I'll go as well."
Rez runs after her.
Rez checks around for anything that's not a router or cable.  Like, say, a server.  Or computers.  Or something.
Dracos looks for backup tape drives, backup drives, and anything of the nature.
Dracos whatever he can get, he pulls out.
<Brian> Two RAIDs in the far corner.
Rez goes for them.  Do they have a console?
<Brian> Nope.
Dracos unplugs the damn things and hauls them out.
Rez yanks the power and network cables.
Rez produces the bag.  "In."
<Brian> You've now got a collection of formerly RAID HDs.
Dracos puts it in the bag.
<Dracos> Sweet.
<Brian> In the bag of subspace.
<Rez> I love that bag.
Dracos continues hunting for stuff that is takable and sensible to take by his keen eyes.
<Rez> Anything else of note?
Rez grabs a couple of routers.  >_>
<Brian> Your bag is getting kinda full....
Rez will empty it later . . . as long as I can move it.  ^^
<Dracos> Anything more of import?
<Dracos> Or do I show the destructive tendencies?
<Rez> If there isn't, I use another volley of my FIRE ARROWS OF DOOM to blow away most of the gear in the room.
<Brian> Alright.
<Ginrai> "Bah, I want to use the pipe."
<Brian> Fire is dispensed liberally.  You're running somewhat low on arrows, but the place is a smoldering ruin.
<Rez> "This was quicker."
Rez offhands his bag again - how many arrows do I have left?
<Dracos> "...You fuckin' wastes.  Bare hands are quicker.  Anyhow, let's move."
<Brian> And, you know, CAT-5 cable smoke is harsh on the lungs.  There is, in fact, NO fire-suppression system in this room.
Dracos heads back to Bjorn. Fast.
<Brian> Rez: 8.
Rez is running!
Ginrai gets the hell out of there
<Rez> We only bought forty?  ;_;
<Bjorn> "Are you finished?"
<Rez> "Yep."
<Brian> The corridor's fire-surpression system is activated by the smoke as you make it down the hall.  You only just make it to the elevator before the bulkheads slam down behind you.
<Brian> "This place is a tomb," Victor remarks.  "And I should know."
<Dracos> "I thought I wired them off."
Bjorn looks at Rez and crew.
<Dracos> "Let's get upstairs."
<Brian> Ashnod grunts, and steps outside of the elevator.
<Dracos> "Now."
Rez grins.
Dracos heads into the elevator.
<Rez> "We're moving!"
Ginrai points towards Rez. "All his idea."
<Dracos> "GOING UP!"
<Bjorn> To Victor, "Then it seems we're being reborn."
<Rez> "Hey, was it or was it not effective?"
Bjorn snorts, and says nothing.
<Dracos> "And Rez, you're a bloody psychopath.  And that's from me!"
<Brian> "Not coming, Ashnod?" Victor asks mildly.
<Rez> "Hey.  The last thing we need is Manos to still have a working network connection, if he survived upstairs."
<Brian> He shakes his head, and motions to the group at large, though only Bjorn can follow the handsigns.  "Continue process."
<Rez> "It was thorough."
<Rez> "Besides, stress relief."
<Brian> The nurse shrugs, and swipes the card.  "Good luck," she calls down.
Bjorn blinks. "I will. You're going back to Bridgett?"
<Brian> Ashnod shakes his head as the doors close.
Dracos sighs.
<Dracos> "Martyrs..."
Bjorn suddenly realizes what Ashnod meant, and lunges at the doors. "Wait!"
<Ginrai> "..."
<Ginrai> "Why?"
<Brian> The doors are already shut.
<Ginrai> "I don't understand why they do something like that."
Bjorn restrains the urge to hit the doors, and swears to himself, quietly.
<Brian> "Sometimes a person becomes so tainted by their past they can only find absolution in fire," the nurse says absently.
<Bjorn> "I know why he's doing it," Bjorn says quietly.  
<Brian> Victor raises an eyebrow at that, but says nothing.
<Ginrai> "And so he wants to leave his daughter alone?"
<Bjorn> "Leave it."
Bjorn turns to Victor. "Let's go."
<Brian> In due course, the elevator reaches the top of the shaft, and opens up into a relatively normal looking office building.
<Brian> It's dark out, from what you can see through the windows.
<Bjorn> "What's the date, anyways?"
Rez realizes, belatedly, that he and Ginrai are still wearing tactical armor.

[Brian]

By a wall-clock in the office, it is 8:30 PM, on a Wednesday.  It is January 10th, 2007.

[Rezantis]

Rez, again, drops the warbag on the ground and starts rummaging - and shedding his tactical armour.

"Gin, get that armour off and get it stowed.  And if anyone's got weapons - like that pistol, Gin - conceal them or hand them over.  One or the other."

Rez promptly pulls out his jacket, the laptop, and the uplink, slinging the laptop over his shoulder and passing the uplink over to Drac to carry, and uses the room those freed up in the bag to try and jam in two (hopefully somewhat collapsible?) suits of body armour.  He also sticks the bow inside the bowcase, then dug out something else - a mobile phone, a passport, and a driver's license, all three of which he offered to Bjorn.

"And Drac, you never explained the eyes."

[Dracos]

"Well, after you guys left they teleported me to the entrance, intending to walk me in as a prisoner.  Only to encounter a Dr. Peterson, I believe it was.  Someone, Shade specifically, had decided to leak to him a procedure to 'unlock my hidden potential'.  So he, with the convincing for of more armed guards than I can handle, decided to take me along to do this.  I get talking, trying to stall him in hopes that there's some alternate plan.  There wasn't and I prolly should've tried to break out at the damn start.  Anyhow, with him damn impatient and no weapons, armor, guns trained on me, and no real support that I could see save two relatively broken figures in the corner, I decided to go along with the craziness.  Figured at least given their motives they wouldn't be killing me and I'd hopefully be able to escape at another venture when they didn't have a bunch of guards with guns pointed at me.  Anyhow, they strapped me down, stuck me with anastasia, and ripped my bloody eyes out.  Blacked up from it and woke up well...seeing weird shit and not having my damn glasses on.  Apparently they'd ripped out Megan's eyes and transplanted them into my skull.  I get untied by Legion as he's prancing about in glee.  Apparently he, now she, had snuck in as a nurse during the whole mess.  She handed me my sword and started shooting.  I did the first thing that came to my mind though...  swung right for the guys neck.  But wouldn't you know it, he had some weird fugly luck power.  It was crazy.  You look at the two of us and you'd think I was the worst swordfighter ever lifted a sword and he's the unluckiest gunman ever to shoot a gun.  We went back and forth, I somehow missing every damn time and he kept dinging my sword with his gun before he got a lucky shot off and took me out."

Dracos brushes the bloodstained portion of his shirt.  "Woke up about a few minutes later, small asian dude going 'bad doctor' next to me and collapsing.  The wound gone and me feeling like a million bucks.  And Peterson standing there strangling legion.  I leapt up and tried to kill him, but it must've been too much for the old sword.  It practically exploded as I hit him, shredding the bastard and leaving me with a broken hilt and green eyes."

"That enough for ya?"  Dracos ponders, pulling out the silver case and checking what the heck is in it.  "Oh yeah...here," Dracos tosses Rez the pistol that he'd gotten off of Peterson.  "Not my style."

Dracos

[Brian]

Rez:  You're not going to fit a single suit of full S.W.A.T. tactical armor on top of everything else you put in that bag, unless you empty everything else out, or at least the uplink.  Then you might be able to cram it in with the somewhat more dangerous weapons, and the somewhat more delicate stolen electronics (and your own laptop).

Dracos:  You find chewing gum.  Somehow, not really a great exchange.

Victor says, "Charming fellow, this one," and hoists Shade back up over his shoulders.

The nurse shrugs, and looks down at the floor.  It's the thin, durable industrial carpeting used in corporate structures the world over, though there's a stain of fresh-looking blood on it, leading around a corner from the elevator's hallway.  Frowning, The nurse pads along it, moving towards the corner.

From what you can see beyond the hallway, this section of the building is a maze of cubes, leading to a front door.  The windows are tinted, but it's dark outside anyway.

[Dracos]

Dracos passes the uplink to Gin.  "keep it safe."

He sheaths his sword but keeps it nearby so that he's free to move if anything else occurs before they get well out of here.

Dracos

[Bjorn]

Jonah, too?  Shit. Bjorn feels a tremble pass through his body, and quickly suppresses it.  No!  Still not done.  Fall apart later.

Tucking the various bits that Rez gave him into the pockets of the tactical armour (taking a second to examine the falsified ID), Bjorn pads along behind Sabrina, Shinmyouken held low in both hands and ready to use.

[Brian]

"Oh, that can't be good," Sabrina says quietly when she rounds the corner.

For those of you who know Patricia, she's slumped over in an office chair, one hand pressed to the gunshot wound in her thigh, another bleeding wound on her arm.

For those of you who do not know Patricia, there's a redheaded woman, a little on the chubby side, her breathing a little strained, bleeding from two gunshot wounds.

"I'll be okay," she says, nodding at the nurse, as Sabrina produces guaze from a pocket and starts field dressing the wounds.  "You all pulled though?" she doesn't meet Dracos's eyes.

[Bjorn]

The nurse, Rez and crew, and the new lady seem to acquainted, and Bjorn's first aid knowledge is best termed "minimal," so he disregards her for the moment, and studies the rest of the room.   Presumably she walked here after being wounded, judging by the blood trail, but best to be safe.

[Brian]

No one (and nothing) else prominent seems to be in sight.  All of the computers are currently showing screen savers or displaying messages indicating some form of network failure.  It's like someone blew up the computer system.

Victor steps out of the elevator as it starts to get warm -- very warm.  He stops to gather a stone knife from the stash of weapons no one wanted to grab and says, "We may not wish to stay here for too much longer."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods at Victor.  "All right.  The second they're done, I imagine.  What next?"

[Dracos]

Dracos tosses the silver container aside and goes over towards Patricia, "We'll live.  Guards or someone else?  And yeah, I agree Victor.  Let's get moving guys.  Sooner we are WAY away from this place the better.  Let's get to my car if it's still there.  Unless we got another form of transporation?"

Dracos

[Brian]

Ginrai hands over the .22, and his pipe will fit in the warbag comfortably.  When he's carrying the uplink, you can probably manage to cram one suit of armor into it, but it'll be close, and the car itself is going to be cramped, even if just the four of you get in it.

"Workshop," Patricia agrees.  "I'm fine, just waiting for Caber, and wanted to make sure you were okay.  And Mr. Bloom ... a lowjack has been installed in your car.  I would suggest taking another out of the city.  Mine's no better, but you can have it if you just want to clear out of the area."  She indicates a purse sitting atop the desk next to her.  "It's the black sedan," she adds.

[Bjorn]

"Rez, I think you said you had a winter jacket, right?  Can I borrow it?  If I put it over this," he gestures at his fashionable prison jumpsuit and armour combination, "I might be a little less noticeable.  Oh.  And do you have room for my katana?"