Ordinary Days

[Huitzil]

<No, I think that SOME of them are. And I think that if that kid gets sent to a maximum security prison, he's never going to arrive there.>

[Dracos]

Dracos raises an eyebrow, ~Why?  What in the fucking world would be the point?  If I wanted to lock someone away for good, I could think of few easier methods than to simply put a little pressure on the system and make sure that he's taken to a nice max security prison where he'd never see the light of day again.  Why the heck put the additional effort behind what can be easily arranged with little effort from the shadows?~

Dracos

[Huitzil]

<If they just wanted people put away, they wouldn't have had a secret holding cell under San Franciso.>

[Dracos]

~Look, let's worry about faking out the folks that aren't cabal, but are just police officers doing their job first.  Yes, we could have to worry about super secret plans to see him dead, but really, I just can't see it worth extra planning.  We have obvious folks that are going to stop us.  Those are the ones to consider.~

Dracos

[Ginrai]

Ginrai coughs, hoping this would actually get Drac's attention.  "So, what're you guys planning to do tonight?"

[Dracos]

"Eh, not much.  You've been watching the news at all?"

Dracos

[Ginrai]

"Didn't pay much attention to it, other than for anything on what happened a few days ago."

Ginrai right now is wishing he had his lucky pipe with him so he could smack Dracos with it since he wanted a telepathic reply on what he and Paul are planning.

[Dracos]

"Well, we'd hit the town, but we're sort of pinned down by the media.  So we are likely just going to hang around the embassy till you can leave and hope we can ditch the press and get back to vacationing and all.  Maybe sneak on a bus around France or something if we don't fly."

Dracos

[Ginrai]

"Sounds like a plan.  You guys have any place in particular that you want to go to first?"

[Dracos]

Dracos idly poked Huitzil as he continued, "Oh, I was thinking we could either continue to Gibraltar swiftly, or take a tour around southern france.  I know a few folks around there that swear the food and wine is delightful in that area."

Dracos

[Ginrai]

"Really?  If so, that'll be a nice way to start this trip."

[Huitzil]

"I know I'm not leaving until I hock a loogie off the Arc de Triomphe."

[Dracos]

"Yeah, real nice area.  Should be sunny as well."  Dracos smiled, idly switching tracks to Ginrai.  ~This is tiresome.  Anyhow, as I see it, if we get the okay back from the oracle, we can rescue the arse by having Huitzil set off the fire alarm using his psionic powers or any other method near the front of the hospital while we break the guy out of the place when we come to get you tomorrow.  He can get out of his cuffs, but there's still the guard.  Either way, when we get him out of there, we change his clothes fast and then have him head down the fire escape and get out of there.  Either we follow him or move out the front making like nothing is wrong.~

Dracos

[Brian]

<Brian> The scene is thusly.  It's mid-to-late afternoon.  You're in a hospital room apparently reserved for just Parthipan.  The TV is showing you Jerry Lewis's greatest hits (in English).
Huitzil keeps a-flippin' channels.
<Brian> That's the best thing on, unless you want CNN in French.
<Ginrai> -Think you'll be able to get around the security?-
<Dracos> -Ideally we only have to silence the one in the room.  If we time it right we can get it while he's in the bathroom.  If not, we're going to have to come up with something.-
<Ginrai> -And you're sure that the thug won't be around when the fire alarm goes off?-
<Ginrai> -Or is that a risk we'll have to take?-
<Dracos> -If you have more clever ideas, I'd love to hear them.  We'd be already moving him out by the time the alarm would go off.  Alternatively, we can use that as the distraction and knock out the thug while he's stunned.  There's another method, but it's ugly, and I'm not going to really consider it.-
<Huitzil> "Dammit! How the hell do these savages live without Tony Shaloub?"
<Ginrai> -And the other method would be... ?-
<Dracos> Dracos rolls his eyes, "Easily."  - You turn into a wolf, leap into the room and tear out his throat.  Alternatively you do the same outside causing him to leave the room.-
<Ginrai> -Yeah... we'll leave that option as a last choice.-
<Ginrai> -By the way, do you have our luggage?-
<Dracos> "Yep."
<Dracos> "They brought it to the embassy."
<Huitzil> "The what now?"
Huitzil continues flipping through the scant number of channels they have in the slim hope an extra channel might appear after enough cycle-throughs.
<Dracos> "Luggage.  You know?  The bags."
<Huitzil> "What about our luggage?"
<Brian> Tragically, no new channels appear.
<Ginrai> "Ah, that's good to hear."
<Dracos> Dracos turns and idly gives Huitz an 'are you an idiot or just being a fucknut'.  
<Dracos> "Steven asked where our luggage was.  Weren't you paying attention?"
<Huitzil> "What, oh, right right right." He mashes the remote some more. "Say, does that look like David Schwimmer to you?"
<Dracos> "Um, given I don't watch TV and haven't in nearly a decade now, I really couldn't say."
<Ginrai> Ginrai shrugs.  "Don't ask me."
<Dracos> -So, any ideas Gin?  We'll hang out here a while before heading back.-
<Ginrai> -Currently, no.  The idea you have seems to make the most sense.  You guys already have a car so we can get out of here fast once this is done or are you hoping that no one will recognize the kid?-
<Dracos> -The kid is on his own once we get him out of here.  For many many reasons whatever we choose we can't keep him along with us or else we increase the chances of us getting caught quite a lot.  Hopefully he can blend in and disappear well enough.  And he has to have some connections to have gotten out this far anyway.  We'll either walk out to the embassy car afterwards or walk a ways and catch a cab.-
<Ginrai> -Okay... wait, in the case of the latter, will we be able to go back to the embassy to pick up our stuff?-
<Dracos> -I'm currently betting on the former.  We wouldn't be able to get our stuff from the embassy if we leave that method.-
<Ginrai> -Ah, damn... in that case, is it possible for you to bring my knife along?  I'll definitely need that.-
<Dracos> -I'll see about wearing one of my pants with the obtusely huge pockets...-
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=16 ]{16}
<Brian> 16 is less than Philip's ego, so he is successful when attempting to stop someone from reading his mind.
<Brian> roll 2#6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2#6d6 --> [ 6d6=15 ]{15}, [ 6d6=29 ]{29}
<Dracos> -And in other news, Dragon warrior 1 is the best game for those who are being mind-sweeped.-
<Dracos> "Hum, I think it's time to go now actually..."
Dracos glances around, trying to see if he can spot anyone suspicious looking at them or within hearing distance.
<Brian> You're in a closed room.
<Brian> You see no one except the others in this room with you.
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=18 ]{18}
<Dracos> "Yeah, I think you need your rest Steven."
<Brian> Everyone, please make a perception check.
<Dracos> Roll 3d6 for perception work.
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 3d6 for perception work. --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Huitzil> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Huitzil ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Ginrai> roll 3d6 to make up for Drac's foolishness
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 to make up for Drac's foolishness --> [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
<Brian> You all hear (Ginrai better than everyone else) footsteps rushing down the hall, past the door.
<Ginrai> "Who here saw this one coming?"
<Huitzil> "Que?"
<Dracos> -Guys, don't worry about that.  Let's calmly leave the building.  Gin, stay here.  You should be safe, but we should get out of here.-
Dracos switches to Huitz.
<Dracos> -Let's go, and sing a song for the audience won't you?-
<Dracos> "Huh?  Don't know what you're talking about Steve.  Anyhow, get some rest.  We'll be back when you are better."
Dracos leads the way out of the room, glancing about as he steps out.
<Ginrai> "Really now, guys.  You don't have to leave me here, you know...."
<Brian> You see four heavily armed (and armored) guys rushing down the corridor towards the terrorist's rooms.
Huitzil does not sing a song. He does, however, mentally envision page 61 of "Alice Second" in fully animated, colored dickgirl splendor.
Huitzil follows behind Drac.
<Brian> They're carrying security armor, not the S.W.A.T. armor you're familiar with, and carrying shotguns instead of tranq guns and tazers.
Dracos does what all good civilians are trained to do! Stay out of the way, and look for someone who knows what's going on to get the scoop from.
<Ginrai> Bri: Am I also able to see this?
<Brian> They're also being chased by a number of angry doctors yelling in French.
<Brian> Ginrai: Only if you sit up in bed.
Huitzil steps back and presses up against the wall next to the door.
<Brian> Dracos: The doctors seem to be yelling that the thugs are apparently breaking several rules, AND ignoring several rights of the patients.
<Dracos> -Feel like trying to calm the situation down or just watching?-
Ginrai sighs and goes to check what's on tv
<Brian> Ginrai: Same stuff as always.  Sadly, Jerry Lewis is the only thing you can understand.
<Huitzil> <Watch. We don't know what they're after yet.>
Dracos stays out of the way, watching.
<Brian> The crowd stampedes past your doorway.
<Brian> Since you have elected to watch quietly (along with every other non-cuffed-to-their-beds resident of this wing) you see them thunder through the door to BCK's room, despite the thug's protests that these new armored arrivals lack the proper papers.
<Dracos> -Mkay...  This is...the Cabal group.  And we're likely still being listened in on making this channel useless.-
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=23 ]{23}
<Brian> Dracos: Someone has just established mental contact with YOU.  You cannot (exactly) establish a line-of-site with your mental attacker, but you may make a contested telepathy roll to try and get a single question answered from your target (as they are already trying to do to you).
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for ripping who he is from him.
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for ripping who he is from him. --> [ 6d6=18 ]{18}
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=16 ]{16}
<Brian> Well, that was in impressive display of mental futility.  Your foe seems to be just as bad at getting a grip on your mind as you are on him.  This doesn't really stop either of you, but it does take time.
<Brian> The security thug is pushed back by a pair of the armored thugs, who barge into BCK's room.  Yelling is heard from within, French and Japanese mixed into incomprehensibility.
<Brian> Round 2 of mental combat.
Dracos looks around furatively trying to locate his foe while continuing to strain against him mentally.
<Brian> roll 6d6 for fact-stealing.
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 for fact-stealing. --> [ 6d6=16 ]{16}
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for round 2 victory
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for round 2 victory --> [ 6d6=18 ]{18}
<Dracos> ...
<Brian> There's no LOS to your foe.  You can sense that they're messing with you, and don't have your limitation of requiring line of sight.
<Brian> The other thug is pushed outside of the room by the thugs.  Both of the thugs (and the other two thugs, from their respective doorways) look very concerned about this.
<Brian> roll 6d6 for fact-stealing
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 for fact-stealing --> [ 6d6=22 ]{22}
<Huitzil> <Quick decision time Phil. Feeling stupid?>
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for beating him to the fact!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for beating him to the fact! --> [ 6d6=23 ]{23}
<Brian> This time, your opponent gets a better dig in at you ... mental combat is entirely different from what you would have thought.  You aren't able to get any facts from your target ... but you are able to protect yourself.
<Brian> The thugs enter the room ... and close the door behind them.
<Brian> Staring in bewilderment for a moment, one of the thugs goes to try the door.
Dracos doesn't even hear huitz as he struggles, frowning and trying to get a grasp on the methodology and focus of how this sort of fight moves, trying to follow the nature of it and drive his 'opponents' thought prongs back.
<Brian> Round 3.
<Brian> roll 6d6 for fact-stealing
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 for fact-stealing --> [ 6d6=23 ]{23}
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for I have to get lucky sometime, please now!
<Huitzil> <Time to be stupid.>
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for I have to get lucky sometime, please now! --> [ 6d6=21 ]{21}
<Huitzil> Paul quickly walks out the balcony door and to BCK's balcony door.
<Brian> Anyone joining him?
<Dracos> Uh...  I'm staying still and trying to keep my mind from being ripped out.
<Brian> You've tied round.  No headway, but you're holding him in a deadlock, at least.
<Ginrai> Am I in a good enough condition to fight?
<Brian> It would not be fun, but you could do it.
<Ginrai> "I take it the original plan is up in smoke, Paul?"
<Dracos> As I assume concentration does have something to do with it, I'm resisting my natural urge to try both and keeping focused on him rather then risking giving up the deadlock.
<Brian> Understood.
<Huitzil> "Fucked eight days to sunday."
<Huitzil> What do I see through the balcony door?
<Brian> The thugs are now yelling, and yanking on the doornob, beating on it ineffectively with their fists.
Ginrai slowly starts to get up and follow Paul, though he won't be close to him
<Brian> Huitzil: Mostly that you'll get there next round.
<Brian> Round 4.
<Brian> roll 6d6 for fact-stealing
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 for fact-stealing --> [ 6d6=24 ]{24}
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for isn't it round five and come on 30+!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for isn't it round five and come on 30+! --> [ 6d6=22 ]{22}
<Brian> Okay.  Through BCK's door, you see two thugs stationed at the door, one braced against it, the other assembling some explosives.  You think they're explosives.  If they're not, it's the most wire-and-LED-covered doorstop you've EVER seen.
Huitzil whispers "Follow my lead" to Gin as he dashes to the door.
<Brian> The third thug is looking at BCK sternly, shotgun pointed at his head, and the fourth is engraving some funky circle on the floor with a huge piece of chalk.
Ginrai does as Paul tells him
<Huitzil> Do they have guns drawn, the ones at the door?
<Brian> One of them does.  The other has his hands full of explosives.  Or just REALLY likes to play with wires and play-doh.
<Brian> Round five.
<Brian> roll 6d6 for further deadlock
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 for further deadlock --> [ 6d6=23 ]{23}
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for "You see me now a vetern of a thousand psychic wars"
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for "You see me now a vetern of a thousand psychic wars" --> [ 6d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> Your attack was effortlessly thrown aside.
<Brian> Huitzil: Two of the thugs (idle one facing the door, and the one eying BCK) look up, raise hands to earpieces, nod, and look up to see ... you.
<Brian> Now we enter combat time.


<Brian> Brief recap: We had just entered combat time.  It is Phase 0.  Initiative is granted to: Paul.
<Brian> Currently, Huitzil is outside the sliding glass door to BCK's room, Parthipan is behind the wall (right next to Paul) and two of the thugs are turning their guns on the window.
<Ginrai> Do they spot me and am I able to see that they noticed Paul?
<Ginrai> ah, damn
<Huitzil> I use my TK at 25 strength to shatter the glass of the door, and if possible, send one or both goons flying from the force.
<Brian> Not enough fine control for both.  But you can shatter the glass easily.  Please roll 5#3d6, and 5#1d6.
<Huitzil> roll 5#3d6 no whammy
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Huitzil ... : 5#3d6 no whammy --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}, [ 3d6=16 ]{16}, [ 3d6=5 ]{5}, [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Huitzil> roll 5#1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Huitzil ... : 5#1d6 --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=5 ]{5}, [ 1d6=4 ]{4}, [ 1d6=3 ]{3}, [ 1d6=3 ]{3}
<Brian> Your TK propels giant wads of glass forward, missing two of the thugs, the BCK, and hitting both of the thugs near the far door.  Their armor seems to have deflected any permanent injury, but you knocked those two to the ground.
<Brian> Next in dex order is ... BCK.  His right hand glows briefly.
<Brian> Next in dex order is Parthipan.
<Ginrai> "Shit," Ginrai mutters.
<Ginrai> Will transform into the strongest form.
<Brian> Without your stone dagger, please make your activation roll.
<Ginrai> roll 3d6 for POWER!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 for POWER! --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Ginrai> FUCK
<Brian> You feel dizzy.  You feel tired.  You also feel like a guy with two healing gunshot wounds, and not like a wolf.
<Brian> Remaining held actions are the gunner near BCK, who is ignoring the kid, and aiming at Paul.
<Brian> roll 3d6 for shotgun blast
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for shotgun blast --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> Paul, you have been hit.
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Huitzil> Ow.
<Brian> To the stomach.
<Huitzil> Ow.
<Brian> This is a slug, not buckshot.  You're not certain that this is a good thing.
<Brian> roll 3#1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3#1d6 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}, [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
<Brian> Take 8 body (normal) before defenses, and 28 stun.
<Brian> Your PD of 4 reduces the body damage to 4, and the stun to 24.
<Brian> You are at -8 stun, and therefore Stunned.
Huitzil screams.
<Brian> You also fall backwards and kind of collapse against the balcony railing, and have a big lead slug in your gut.
<Ginrai> "Ah, shit!"
<Brian> Phase 4, speed 3s.
<Brian> Dracos: Your action.
Huitzil, if he were planning and rational right now, would be pretending to have been killed by that so he won't get shot again. Instead, he is screaming in agony.
<Dracos> I'm continuing to try to push the maniac out of my mind, hoping that the screams are not my friends, but really not sparing the time to ponder it until I manage to get rid of my own mental assailant.
<Brian> Well, since we're in advanced combat, you're a speed 3, and your opponent is a speed 2.  This means you can attack him (mentally) one extra time.  It just costs you more endurance.
<Dracos> I'm going to rest one turn in three because otherwise I think I'd probably collapse soon.
<Brian> Make your telepathy roll.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for the desperate strike, away!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for the desperate strike, away! --> [ 6d6=24 ]{24}
<Brian> Your opponent attempts to defend.
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=8 ]{21}
<Brian> He blocks you, but you feel you're gaining the upper edge here.
<Brian> Ginrai, your phase.
<Ginrai> hmm...
Ginrai will attempt to change again
<Ginrai> Strongest form, as usual.
<Brian> Please make your roll.
<Ginrai> roll 3d6 for Paul!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 for Paul! --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Ginrai> YES
<Brian> You're now a wolf, and feel ... pretty good, actually.  But the transformation is a full-phase action.
<Brian> Remaining speed three is the BCK, and he lunges (to sit up right) and slash at the cuff on his ankle.
<Brian> roll 7d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 7d6 --> [ 7d6=25 ]{25}
<Brian> There's a crack, a pop, and the chain severs.  He aborts his next action to dive through the open door.
<Brian> roll 3d6 for acrobatics
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for acrobatics --> [ 3d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> He lands on one foot, overbalances on the balcony, and flips behind the wall, managing to actually drag Paul with him.
<Brian> Phase 6: Speed twos act.
<Brian> You have no one to see into the room to know what the thugs are doing.
<Brian> Huitzil takes a gratis recovery and is now up to -6 Stun.
<Brian> Phase 8, speed threes.
<Brian> Dracos, your action.
Dracos focuses his mind, concentrating on not losing any advantage and slowly pushing the other mind back, crushing it.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for luck!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for luck! --> [ 6d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=27 ]{27}
<Brian> You're expertly blocked.  But then, your opponent has only blocked for a while, now.  You seem to be holding the edge.
<Brian> Ginrai, your action.
<Ginrai> Hmm...
<Ginrai> Am I able to check with the BCK on what to do and still act within the turn?
<Brian> He's staring at Paul with wide-eyes, like he can't believe where he is and what he's doing.  You certainly don't have time to converse.
<Ginrai> damn..
<Ginrai> hmm... can howling create a presence attack?
<Brian> It can.
Ginrai howls loudly
<Brian> With a presence of 7, you get 1d6 for your attack.  There's an automatic -1d6 penalty for being in a combat situation.
<Brian> Please roll your bonus 2d6 dice to make your presence attack.
<Ginrai> hmm?  2d6 for the attack or penalty?
<Brian> For your attack.
<Ginrai> roll 2d6 to scare them
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 2d6 to scare them --> [ 2d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> You don't hear them running away....
<Brian> Phase 12, everyone acts.
<Brian> First up: Dracos.
<Dracos> How tired do I feel?
<Brian> Not very.
Dracos calmly focuses, pulling back for a moment and then concentrating on smashing right through the metal block of his opponent, trying to keep him on the defense.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for telepathic warfare!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for telepathic warfare! --> [ 6d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> You make no headway.  Your opponent's mind is like an iron wall.
<Brian> ...but he doesn't counter-attack right-away.
<Brian> Next in dex order is BCK.  He regains his footing, and is holding a small knife in one hand.
<Brian> Next are the thugs.  Two of them burst out onto the balcony, and both turn towards BCK immediately.
<Brian> roll 2#3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2#3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}, [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Brian> Both miss (barely) with their slug-rounds.
<Brian> Ginrai: Your action.
<Ginrai> They don't notice me...
Ginrai lunges to the closest thug, mouth open and ready to bite *hard*
<Brian> Roll 3d6 for your ego roll to push your strength.
<Ginrai> Roll 3d6 for more power
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 for more power --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> Your strength for this attack is 28.  Please roll your 2d6 killing damage.
<Ginrai> roll 2d6 to KILL
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 2d6 to KILL --> [ 2d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> Vitals.  Double body -- you just tore out his femoral artery, and, well, the rest of his left leg.  He goes down gurgling and frothing, splashing blood all over the place.
<Brian> Please roll 5d6.
<Ginrai> roll 5d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 5d6 --> [ 5d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> Post-segment 12, everyone regains their REC in END.
<Brian> Paul, you are now at -3 Stun.
<Brian> Segment 4, speed threes.
<Brian> Dracos, you're first.
<Dracos> Can I do passive scanning while I rest?  Or no?
<Brian> No.
<Brian> But you just took a recovery.  You can elect to take another.
<Dracos> Hmm... ah heck.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6 for perceiving with cold intelligence and not bad rolls
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 for perceiving with cold intelligence and not bad rolls --> [ 6d6=24 ]{24}
Dracos attempts to shake his opponents wall until is falls down.
<Brian> Well, you've got a location.  Whoever it is (and whichever gender they are) they are directly above you, next floor up.
<Brian> They're also quite scared, and now trying to push you off of the connection.
<Dracos> Oooh...  Can I still move this round or no? ^^
<Brian> Half-move.
<Brian> It will take you (combat time) about 24 full turns to get there.
<Dracos> I make a half move towards the stairs or elevator, whichever I remember as being closer.
<Brian> Stairs it is.
<Brian> Next in dex order: BCK goes, and lunges at the thug Ginrai didn't already take down.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
<Brian> Arms, unarmored.
<Brian> roll 1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d6 --> [ 1d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> roll 1d5 stun multiplier
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d5 stun multiplier --> [ 1d5=4 ]{4}
<Brian> BCK has just disabled his attacker's left arm.  A shotgun falls and lands on Huitzil, while the thug screams in pain.
<Brian> Phase 6, speed 2s.
<Brian> Roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=17 ]{17}
<Brian> Dracos: The other psi is unable to sever the connection.
<Brian> Ginrai: You can see the thug who was messing with the explosives rise, and ready his shotgun.  The other appears to have finished with his chalk sidewalk art, and rises with his own shotgun.
<Brian> Phase 8, speed threes.
<Brian> Dracos, you're first.
<Dracos> I continue moving towards the other psi, focusing on keeping the connection open, widening it and holding him/her at lock.  If I can get more info, cool, but if not, that's my goal.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=16 ]{16}
<Brian> You're able to hold the connection, anyway.
<Brian> Next in dex order: BCK.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> Chest, armored.
<Brian> roll 1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d6 --> [ 1d6=1 ]{1}
<Brian> BCK manages to chip his knife on the screaming thug's chestplate.
<Brian> Next up: Ginrai.
<Ginrai> Okay, the thug I bit is down for the count?
<Brian> He's going to bleed out in about thirty seconds.
<Brian> Even with medical attention, the odds of him surviving are really slim.
<Brian> This tends to happen when you tear off limbs.
<Ginrai> And the one BCK is fighting is right next to me?
Ginrai will open wide and bite down on that one since it looks as if BCK might have some trouble with him otherwise
<Brian> Okay.  Go ahead and make your attack roll.
<Ginrai> roll 2d6 to end the thug's misery
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 2d6 to end the thug's misery --> [ 2d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> You hit.
<Brian> Please roll your 1d6+1d3 damage.
<Ginrai> roll 1d6+1d3 to inflict pain
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 1d6+1d3 to inflict pain --> [ 1d6=6 1d3=2 ]{8}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> Your teeth shatter the ablative anti-balistic plate on his chest, and tear through it into the actual flesh of his stomach.  Your jaws are wide enough to actually accomodate him (in armor) and you'll shortly crush him to death with your vise-like grip.
<Brian> roll 1d6 stun multiplier
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d6 stun multiplier --> [ 1d6=6 ]{6}
<Brian> In the meantime, you've dealt 4 body, destroyed his armor, and done 24 Stun to him.
<Brian> Even if you drop him, he's not getting up any time soon.
<Ginrai> Ah, when's the earliest I can drop him?
<Brian> Any time between now and your next phase.
<Brian> Otherwise, your attack is Continous, and you do NOT have to re-roll your attack to continue to apply damage.
<Ginrai> Hmm..
<Brian> However.
<Brian> It's now phase 12.
<Brian> First up: Dracos.
<Dracos> ^_^
<Dracos> I can do presence attacks through the telepathic link, correct?  Any chance I can combine my presence, telepathy, and flaming skills to attempt to make a direct blow at weakening my opponents ego at the core? ^^
<Brian> No.
<Dracos> Pity.  Overgreedy. ^_^
<Brian> Mind-to-mind combat directly against someone else's ego is assumed to encompass such factors.
<Dracos> *nods*
<Brian> Your action?
<Dracos> I keep up the assault, feeding on the fellows fear as I continue heading towards him, trying to maintain a calm outside demeanor.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=20 ]{20}
<Brian> No further headway, but you're maintaining the position of your foe in your mind.
<Brian> Next up: BCK.  His right hand glows, and he jumps into the doorway (between Ginrai and the other two thugs) and yells.  A stream of metal projectiles fly out of his palm.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Brian> Two hits.
<Brian> roll 2#1d3
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2#1d3 --> [ 1d3=3 ]{3}, [ 1d3=3 ]{3}
<Brian> Roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> Two metal throwing-stars smash into the ablative chest-plate of the thug who was working on the explosives (Thug #2) and stick there harmlessly.  BCK looks the slightest bit daunted.
<Brian> Thugs go.
<Brian> roll 2#3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2#3d6 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}, [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> The first misses BCK, the second (barely) misses Ginrai.
<Brian> Post segment 12.  Everyone recovers their REC in END and Stun.
<Brian> Huitzil, you're now at 0 Stun.
<Brian> Phase 4, speed threes.  Dracos first.
<Dracos> I continue my actions, calmly focusing on continuing to rip into the fellow.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=25 ]{25}
<Brian> Success!  Ask a question (which fact are you currently attempting to discern?).
<Dracos> Who are you?
Dracos is attempting to grasp basically as much of 'whom' he is fighting as he can. To discern the nature of his opponent.
<Brian> "You" is apparently Nathaniel Rivers.
<Brian> That's what you get.
<Brian> roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=13 ]{26}
<Brian> And then the connection is cut off.
<Brian> Next up, BCK.
<Brian> He tries throwing stars again.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> One hit.
<Brian> roll 1d3
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d3 --> [ 1d3=2 ]{2}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location.
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location. --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> A third star joins the two useless ones already in Thug 2's chestplate.
<Brian> He ignores it, pretty much.
<Brian> Ginrai: Your action.
<Ginrai> Okay, is BCK between me and the thugs or do I have a clear view of them?
<Brian> He's really a bit to your left.
<Brian> So you can see them clearly.  One is kind of behind the bed.
<Brian> The other one is near the chalk circle.
<Ginrai> The one behind the bed, is he crouching?
<Brian> Nope.
Ginrai flings the thug in his mouth towards the thug standing behind the bed.
<Ginrai> Hoping to knock that one out.
<Ginrai> Or down at least.
<Brian> Make a roll.
<Brian> (3d6)
<Ginrai> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> You're not really good at throwing people accurately with your head.  He kinda flies into a wall, bounces off, and leaves a huge spatter of blood behind him.
<Brian> This does seem to really alarm the thug, though.
<Brian> Phase 6: Speed 2s.
<Brian> Paul takes a recovery and is now at 3 END and 3 Stun.
<Brian> (You are no conscious, but can not yet act.)
<Brian> *now
<Brian> The thugs both spend their phases reloading their guns.
<Brian> Phase 8, speed 3s.
<Brian> Dracos, again, you're first.
<Dracos> I move fast towards where I had located the other telepath.
<Brian> The doctors are looking at you strangely, but you continue to run.
<Brian> BCK's turn next.
<Brian> He tries (though he's looking tired, now) another bevy of stars.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=9 ]{9}
<Brian> Four hits.
<Brian> roll 4#1d3
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 4#1d3 --> [ 1d3=3 ]{3}, [ 1d3=1 ]{1}, [ 1d3=3 ]{3}, [ 1d3=1 ]{1}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=12 ]{12}
<Brian> Stomach, again, armored.  Two stars fly off into the walls.  The other four join the collection, and the thug sneers, until there's a crack, and his ablative plating crumples off.
<Brian> Ginrai's turn next.
<Ginrai> Okay, which thug's armor just fell off?
<Brian> Thug #2.  The one BCK had been focusing on.
Ginrai will lunge and bite into the one that still has it.
<Ginrai> I mean the one behind the bed or the other one?
<Brian> The one behind the bed, yes.
<Ginrai> ok
Ginrai will lunge and bit into the thug by the chalk circle
<Brian> Go ahead and make your attack roll.
<Ginrai> roll 2d6 for one step closer to victory!
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 2d6 for one step closer to victory! --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
<Brian> He tries to dodge, but too little, too late.
<Brian> Go ahead and roll your 1d6+1d3 damage.
<Ginrai> roll 1d6+1d3 to add to my killcount
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 1d6+1d3 to add to my killcount --> [ 1d6=1 1d3=1 ]{2}
<Ginrai> ...
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> Your teeth fail to find a grip on his armor.
<Brian> Phase 12, everyone goes.
<Brian> Dracos, I imagine your course is unchanged?
<Dracos> I'm going to slow to a fast walk, trying to get up there without drawing too much attention.  There's no point in running back at the moment.  All I can hope is that I find him by luck.
<Brian> You don't know what he looks like.
<Brian> But, you continue on anyway.  Maybe things will work out.
<Brian> Next up: BCK again.
<Brian> He just kind of glares at Thug #2, and catches his breath.
<Brian> Next up: Huitzil.
Huitzil is singing the song, the only mental bridge he knows of to activate his powers. It is not just in his head now, the words fall from his mouth loud and toneless as he drags himself to the roomwith the thugs in it.
<Huitzil> "IT'S THE HOOOOOOO-OOOOONKY-TONK WOMEN! GIMME, GIMME, GIMME THE HONKY-TONK BLUES!"
Huitzil then pulls the thug closest to the chalk circle toward him, as fast as he can, intending to send him over the rail and to the concrete several stories below.
<Brian> Go ahead and make your roll.
<Huitzil> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Huitzil ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=8 ]{8}
<Brian> You've thrown him quite well.  Please roll 8#1d6.
<Huitzil> roll 8#1d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Huitzil ... : 8#1d6 --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}
<Brian> You smash him right through that decorative grill, and out over about three stories of the hospital.
<Brian> Bye bye, thugs.  And, also, bye bye consciousness.
<Huitzil> "HOOOOONKY-TONK, HOOOOONKY-TONK WO --" *thud*
<Brian> roll 11d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 11d6 --> [ 11d6=41 ]{41}
<Brian> You now take 41 Stun.
<Brian> Your next recovery will be in: 1 hour.
<Huitzil> Bam.
<Brian> Next action: the remaining thug.
<Brian> He presses a button on the explosives-bundle next to him, and dives for the circle.
<Brian> roll 3d6 for acrobatics
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for acrobatics --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> He sprawls on the floor, and lands in the circle.  There's a flash, he's gone, and the markings look much dimmer.
<Brian> The explosives bundle is also now going: 'pingpingpingpingpingpingping!' somewhat noisily.
<Ginrai> Is it my turn?
<Brian> Yes.
<Ginrai> Hmm...
<Ginrai> Is it possible to grab the bundle and fling it outdoors in one quick move?
<Ginrai> actually..
<Brian> Well, it would be really hard to do as a wolf.
<Ginrai> Is it possible to get the BCK to jump on my back and for us to grab Uns and get the hell out?
<Brian> ...probably would be really hard to pull off.
<Brian> Also, the thing is a basketball-sized lump of raw explosives.  You're not an expert, but you think that's a lot.
Ginrai turns to BCK and points his face towards the window
<Ginrai> Actually.
<Ginrai> Can I change back immediately or will that take a turn?
<Brian> You can change back, and it does take a turn.
<Brian> But it doesn't require a roll.
<Ginrai> Is there any way for me to pick up Uns without hurting him?
<Brian> Not really.
<Brian> Wolves weren't made to be beasts of burden.
<Brian> Anyway.  BCK ignores you, and grabs the explosives, unceremoniously dropping them in the center of the circle.
<Ginrai> ...
<Brian> There's a 'whoosh', the circle becomes a little more faded.
<Ginrai> Are the explosives gone?
<Brian> Probably.
<Brian> And a second later, there's a distant rumble and the earth shakes.
<Brian> They're gone for sure, now.
<Ginrai> Thank you, BCK!
<Brian> Dracos: Two men in immaculate black suits (they could be twins), dark glasses, black ties, white shirts, and black fedoras appear out of the crowds of panicked people and stand directly in front of you.
<Brian> (We'll drop out of combat time for the moment here.)
Dracos tries to scan them while nonchalantly trying to pull back into the crowd of panicked people.
<Dracos> Roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=22 ]{22}
<Brian> -The less you know, the less danger you are in.-
<Brian> "Please come with us."
<Brian> You're not sure which has spoken.
<Dracos> "And you are?"
<Brian> "Interpol."
Dracos blinks.
<Brian> Both reach into pockets, fish out badges, and offer them up for inspection.
<Brian> "This will be easiest with your cooperation."
<Brian> Again, you're unable to tell which has spoken.
Dracos examines the badges, paying close attention to their motions, demeanor, any nervousness or sense of cruelty, continuing to try and listen in.
<Brian> Their names are 'Tompson' and 'Thomson' respectively.
<Brian> Make another roll, if you're attempting to scan their minds.
<Dracos> Lost my earlier connection?
<Dracos> Roll 6d6
<Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Dracos ... : 6d6 --> [ 6d6=26 ]{26}
<Brian> This is not mental combat.
<Dracos> *nods*
<Brian> -That's rather rude, you know.-
<Brian> "Sir, please come with us."
<Brian> The people around you are beginning to melt away and vanish.  Pretty soon it's just going to be you and the MiBs.
<Dracos> "Okay."  -Sorry, but I'm a bit paranoid at the moment and not the most polite fellow.-
<Brian> -Your reasons are just.-
<Brian> "Thank you for your cooperation."
<Brian> The two seem to expect you to follow them, and begin marching towards the room Ginrai was staying in.
Dracos follows behind them.
<Brian> Shortly, they come to the BCKs room.
<Brian> The grill off the balcony is shredded apart and dripping with blood (like someone was forcibly strained through it).  Paul is lying on the ground bleeding from a gut wound.  BCK is looking dizzy and short of breath, huddled on the floor with one eye twitching.  Ginrai is a huge wolf who doesn't really look happy to see these new arrivals.
<Brian> The two MiBs scan the area, examine the circle on the floor, and exchange a glance.
<Brian> "Which of you is the leader?" one of them (it's hard to say which) asks.
<Brian> One of them crouches by Paul, and tends to his wound, binding it with some gauze.
<Ginrai> Can I see Drac?
Dracos glances back, idly closing the door behind him somewhat for some privacy.
Ginrai points his nose towards Dracos
<Dracos> "No real 'leader'.  But I can answer whatever ye'd need."
<Brian> You entered via the balcony, so you have privacy, pretty much.
<Brian> The MiBs nod.  "Please come with us.  Our supervisor wishes to speak with you."
Dracos asks trustingly, "I trust that my friends here will be looked after and given proper attention?"
<Brian> "They will be joining us."
Dracos nods.
<Brian> The door opens, and two (different looking, but identically dressed) MiBs poke their heads in, looking around curiously.
<Brian> "This way," one of the Toms says.
<Dracos> "I'll speak with your supervisor."
Dracos follows.
<Brian> The pair begin walking out the door, the other MiBs picking up Paul and the BCK respectively.
Ginrai does so as well and checks to see if the BCK is following
<Brian> BCK seems to be going into some form of shock, or he's been poisoned.  He looks pretty badly off.
<Brian> In short order, you're all taken down to a parking garage, and stuck in a stretch-limo with the Toms and a nurse.
<Brian> She administers an injection to BCK, who calms down quickly, and also re-dresses Paul's wound.
<Brian> "Do you have any questions you'd like answered before we arrive?" the MiBs ask, as the limo is wheeling out of the garage.
<Ginrai> And I'm with them in Wolf form?
<Brian> They don't seem to mind.
Dracos glances at Ginrai.
<Ginrai> "Yes?"
Ginrai decides to change back.
<Brian> Ginrai barks once before returning to his own form.
<Ginrai> "What group do you work for?"
<Dracos> "Could you please tell us the gist of what's going on?  They are Interpol, Steve."
<Ginrai> "Or is that going to be explained later?  Ah, okay."
<Brian> "Our supervisor wishes to speak to you," the Toms repeat.  "We don't know more than that with regards to that question.  We meant with regards to the Forge terrorist attacks that you have deflected recently."
<Dracos> "Hmm, I understand.  Thank you, but I'll wait to hear what your supervisor has to say."
<Brian> They nod.
<Brian> You're dropped off at an official-looking building.  Paul and the BCK are led away for treatment (one hopes) and you're led by the Toms through a bevy of security checkpoints, eventually reaching the office of a 'Richard Ashley'.
<Brian> The Toms nod to you, and gesture you in.
Dracos calmly enters the office.
Ginrai does so as well
<Brian> It's pretty utilitarian.  There's chairs, which look comfortable, but not too flashy or kooshy.  Pictures which are tasteful, but look (and are framed) economically.
<Brian> A desk which is large, but functional, not frilly.  A somewhat dated looking iMac G5 is sitting on one corner of the desk, and reams of old-fashioned paperwork sit next to it.
<Brian> Behind this paperwork, the iMac, and (of course) the desk, sits Richard Ashley.  A relatively calm-looking man, who would probably inspire respect if his MiB outfit were black, instead of pink.
<Brian> His hair is light brown, long, and tied back in a pony-tail, unlike the Toms' short, functional haircut.
<Brian> He looks up when you enter, and frowns slightly.  Looking at him, his face is really similar to the Toms', actually.  Maybe that's why he wears pink.
<Brian> You see a pink fedora and overcoat on a nearby hatrack.
Ginrai's eyes widen
<Ginrai> "Umm... Allegiance or Death.  Bigfire?"
Dracos raises an eyebrow and then raises one higher at Ginrai.
<Brian> He rubs the bridge of his nose and looks frustrated.  "Stupid cartoon," he growls with a thick French accent.
<Brian> He shakes his head and dismisses the comment.  "Good to meet you," he says, gesturing to the empty seats.
<Dracos> "Greetings, Mr. Ashley.  I am told you wanted to speak with us."  Dracos gets into one of the seats calmly.
Ginrai gets into the other seat, waiting to hear what Ashley says
<Brian> "Bigfire eludes us yet, and then, my supervisor, he says, 'It would be funny, no, to have you wear pink, yes'?"  He snorts.
<Brian> "And, he is my supervisor, so he makes this thing happen.  It is ... not enjoyable.  My wife, she thinks it is funny.  But me, I do not."
Dracos smiles slightly.
<Brian> He shakes his head again.
<Brian> "But this is not what we are to speak of."
<Brian> He steeples his hands together, and drums his fingertips together, staring up towards the ceiling.  "I am a man with ... orders.  I have supervisors.  Many supervisors."
<Brian> "France is an old country.  Very old.  Not the oldest, of course.  I imagine you know our government was not, how shall we say, without turmoil?" he looks at you questioningly over his folded hands, as if to verify that you understand what he's talking about.
Dracos listens silently for the moment, nodding in understanding and attentiveness.
<Brian> He nods at you, and continues.
<Brian> "There are people who stand in the shadows ... they pull the strings.  The ... the ... what do you call them?" he looks at Ginrai questioningly.
<Ginrai> "Puppetmasters?"
<Brian> He claps his hands together.  "Yes!  The masters of the puppets.  They pull the strings, and we dance."  He nods, and frowns.
<Brian> "I am only a puppet, and when my strings are pulled, I dance.  Our roots run deep, and those who are in charge ... they say to me, 'Ashley, you will do this thing.'  And me, I say, 'Very well, this thing will be done.'"
<Brian> He looks troubled, and frowns.  "There are things I must not say.  Instead ... I will tell you a story.  Or, maybe two stories."
Dracos idly folds his hands, nodding in understanding.
<Brian> "There is a man, a puppet.  His masters pull his strings, and he dances.  But this man, he has ... a sister.  A sister who is visiting England."
<Brian> "When his sister comes home from England, she takes an aeroplane, because it is fashionable, and she is impatient for the train, and not romantic enough at heart to enjoy the sea."
<Brian> "This aeroplane has on it ... terrorists.  And this man's sister is saved, by brave people."
<Brian> "Now, this man, this ... puppet ... is put in an awkward situation.  his puppet master says, 'Ashley, this thing you must do is capture these people, because they are bad, and because I tell you that this is what you must do.'"
<Brian> "So, this puppet, he thinks, 'This is my job, and what I must do,' but he is unhappy.  These people he has been told to catch ... they do a good thing.  They save his sister, after all, yes?"

[Brian]

Paul: You find yourself waking up standing between two cold, unspeaking, nearly featureless and identical men in black outfits.  You're in an elevator, moving up, you're already standing, your gut doesn't hurt (but your entire body feels a tiny bit achy, for some reason) and you have no idea what's going on.

Philip, Parthipan: The man frowns at his desk for a moment, then sighs, and opens a drawer, removing a cigarette case, and snapping it open.  After putting a cigarette into his own mouth, he offers the case to the pair of you.