Veronica Sawyer and Heather Chandler

[Chris Chandler]

The hotel room has been cleaned most recently, with any immediate evidence being cleaned up or removed. Of course, we're not looking for that kind of evidence. Here are the pertinent posts, for convenience:

Seriously, you fan out, Ala popping out from the rucksack, and Veruca looking very... lost. She wanders over to the bathroom, and starts to glance around aimlessly.

Ala replies (spoilers don't transfer over)

The specifics of the room are pretty standard - is there some place specific you want to look?

Heather -

Are you just doing the ol' snatch and grab, or are you looking for specifics, as well?

If there aren't specifics, let's see a few perception checks between you two. I'll do the same with your peons.

and -

I but then spend some time touching the floor right where the fight happened. (14) Since it's in the middle of the room, I figure I'll get some decent vibes off of there of maybe much more than just that incident.

(((If I have time after I'm done, I'll scrounge quickly for anything of significance they might have missed. [13] But if the first psychometry leads to something else, then I'll divert my attention to that -- if I need to check out the bathroom, or the mirror, or whatnot. I'm trying to stay loose and go with my gut, basically.)))

First the floor -


Yesterday, a loud roaring and feeling of motion all around. Wheels and a spinning spinning brush indicate the underside of a vaccuum cleaner, the end of whatever cleaning was done here.

Four days ago. You feel the burden of death around you. You hear a door slam, and the muted sound of an engine roaring then waning in proximity. The life of a man is still here, but as you listen - Soft ragged breaths, at first very rapid, then with one gasp, his... spirit leaves. Something isn't right here. You sense the spirit, but something is different. The image fades before you see any more.

Grappling and wrestling on the floor. You hear the grunting of a much weaker man being manhandled to the floor. You feel the blows to the body and hear the shot ring out. A muffled scream of a woman. You hear the now familiar voice of Doe 7 - You are all going to die, you damn abominations. Every *crack* last *crack* one of you *BLAM*

Voices talking above you, Doe 7 and Doe 4


I don't know what to say...

Tell me who did this?

I can't, because I don't know

What did they do with Samuel?! What did they do!?

He - as far as I know he's still out there. Look, you didn't come here to interrogate me. Get this done!

Fine - you can't help, won't help, then I have to. Don't look so smug! You have no idea what we've been -

I know, it's always worst around you. We've all got problems, asshole.

You aren't even supposed to be alive, and you still won't help! Then fine -

and you hear the familiar Latin phrase.

[LadyGlutter]

:cat: To answer the questions of last night, all of that would have been flash communicated to Heather.:cat:

I may as well check each of the beds while they are looking for stuff at it (or is it just one? Whichever it is. 7 & 5 for my rolls.) "Just another couple of things, then we can head."

[Chris Chandler]

Even though you get a good lock on things, and the psychometric images you see are very clear, you don't really glean a whole lot - you really see the same scenes from simply a different point of view. One thing that is clear, though, is that these beds haven't been used, for sleep or otherwise.

[LightBringer]

bwhaahaahaaahaa, I'm here, but I'm going to bed. :tired: Just thought I'd let you know I managed to get on. See you guys later. Hope yopu get feeling better T. :KO:

[Chris Chandler]

Hooray!!!

[LadyGlutter]

(Thanks, LB. I feel much better now. No idea what was up. In the meantime, I must post an ULTRA FAST POST OF DOOM -- I'll fill in details if the net holds up later, but here goes --)

I will wrap it up, flashing all the details I can to Heather as I get them. I also intend to pull Veruca to the side and ask her quietly (in the bathroom, whatever, so she feels a bit of privacy from Heather even though *I* know that's a joke) about what it was she wanted to talk to me about earlier. I'll be nice, but also firm, that she NEEDS to talk now if she wants to not talk in front of the others because we're probably going to be together for a bit.

[LightBringer]

I'll just take in the info. I really was taking the phone, unless Ronnie got a read on it already. I'll also move around a lot to make it look like we are working while they are in the bathroom.

[Chris Chandler]

PM to Ladyglutter, then we'll move forward.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, the phone's been grabbed, as well as the other items that were previously mentioned, and Veruca is decidedly closed-lipped right here.

Ala doesn't find anything in her little search.

Veronica, you scrounge really well, and are sure that you've cleaned this place out of anything else that might be any sort of clue.

David taps his watchs waves his hand in the direction of the door.

We've got to get going, ladies. I've got to hit the bridge before 4:30 or Jen and Brock'll have to head out without me.

Tumbling into the van, the group heads out - it looks like you left without being noticed.

Heather - you're shotgun, which is why you notice it.

You've heard Veronica's descriptions, along with the anecdotes from Brock, Jen, and David, have a good picture of Doe 7, and you already know what Ginger Morris looks like.

You're at a stop, and you see a woman in the passenger seat of a dark red Tahoe that, at first, looks familiar, then you can see is Ginger. David pulls off just as you make the connection, but no worries - they follow behind you, at least until I-80.

[LightBringer]

"Ronnie are you messing with my head right now?? Cause I swear I just saw Ginger in that Tahoe!!"

[LadyGlutter]

"WHAT?"

Ahem. No it's not me. What Tahoe?!!! Where? Rock on, I might can get in her head if I can see her, then.

[LightBringer]

The one right behind us. Try not to set off her defenses.

[LadyGlutter]

Well big fat DUH. As if!

I turn around and glance, oh so casually. Can I see her? Huh, huh, can I?

[Chris Chandler]

It's a full sized-van. Heather could only see her because she has a rearview mirror.

Duh...

[LadyGlutter]

clairvoyance then: 11 as per my dice.

to make the GM shaddup: [roll0]

I still like real dice better.

[Chris Chandler]

Well, either one of those take care of what you want to do, Veronica. You concentrate for a moment, and your sight pushes through the rear of the van and outside. You see the dark red Tahoe, Doe 7 (John Richter), and Ms. Morris. They are talking - it looks like he just told her a joke, and she rolls her eyes.

[LadyGlutter]

(clairaudience 8)

Well, Heather, definitely it's both of them behind us. I don't know if they're following us, but the coincidence is too much. I'm trying to listen in, but I'm not poking in any brains because that for sure might tip them off. They're much better trained in that kind of thing than these guys would be.

[Chris Chandler]

And... now you pick up the auditory component - John is telling Ginger a joke:

... Vatican to meet the pope. Grumpy, for once,
seems to have a lot to say; he keeps asking the pontiff questions about
the church, and in particular, nuns.
"Your Holiness, do you have any really short nuns?"

Wait, what?

Really short nuns.

Okay
"No, my son, all our nuns are at least five feet tall."
"Are you sure? I mean, you wouldn't have any nuns that are, say,
about my height? Maybe a little shorter?"
"I'm afraid not. Why do you ask?"
"No reason." Pause. "Positive? Nobody in a habit that's about
three feet tall, two and a half feet tall?"

Two and a half feet tall?

Just go with it, Gin... anywaysNobody in a habit that's about
three feet tall, two and a half feet tall?"

"I'm sure."
"Okay."
Grumpy looks dejected at this news, and the pope wonders why.

So am I...

So he listens to the dwarfs as they leave the building.
"What'd he say? What'd he say?" chant the other six dwarfs.
Grumpy says, "He said they don't have any."
And the other six start chanting, "Grumpy screwed a penguin! Grumpy
screwed a penguin! Grumpy screwed a penguin!"....

Oh. my. Gawd. John, I really would have relished those two minutes I just lost. I could have used them.

Nah - I'd have just wasted your time otherwise...

Continue?

[LadyGlutter]

Yes. This is good, it's giving me an idea of where they stand anyway, even if they're not saying anything relevant yet.

He's telling stupid penguin and nun jokes to her. And she's enjoying it. She's hardly a prisoner. I'm still listening. Do you think that David realizes? Talk to him about something, see if he's tense or even noticing, and I'm going to get Ala on him when you distract him.

Ala, whenever Heather gets DAvid talking, can you see if he realizes that Doe 7 is behind us? BE SNEAKY, and don't say anything outloud. I can't do both at once.

[Chris Chandler]

Ala gives you a sense of assent before setting her sights on David.

Heather, I'll wait for your action before I give David's reaction.

Their conversation tapers off for a bit as Ginger looks out the window with a, Oh, did you see the goldfinch?

Yeah, I'm freaking Audobon while I'm in traffic, silly.

John turns on the radio and Fall Out Boy clamors for attention:

I'm just a notch in your bedpost
But you're just a line in a song
(A notch in your bedpost, but you're just a line in a song)

Drop a heart, break a name
We're always sleeping in, and sleeping for the wrong team

We're going down, down in an earlier round
And Sugar, we're going down swinging

...and he changes the channel in preference to an oldie - They sing "Lollipop" in harmony. They are comfortable and relaxed. She enjoys his company, clearly.

[LadyGlutter]

(I really enjoy that song! So I guess I do officially like Fallout Boy, thanks for the research, Mr. GM :))

[LightBringer]

I'll look over at David, "So where are you guys going again tonight?"

[Chris Chandler]

Well, the man Brock spoke to... Mr. Cortez? He has a very good network, and his guys have been... trying to follow Doe 7 since Brock contacted him about it. I don't know - Mr. Cortez is an odd man. He - have you ever hear of Santaria?

Now, to answer the question, David's completely calm and relaxed. He's not acting like something is going on around him.

[LadyGlutter]

While I don't speak to Heather, she'll get a strong sense of me trying NOT to react to what David just said, and a strong flash of Kenny's image in my head.

(I made my will save. :P And that's the sum total of rp that went on Friday for the Wondertwins.)

[LightBringer]

I think for a minute then to keep from sounding to stupid I reply, "I don't think so."

[Chris Chandler]

David nods in assent -

Yeah, I don't either, really. I know that it's sort of like a combination of African religion and Catholicism, kinda. I've also been told that it's not Voodoo, complete with yelling and finger-pointing. Anyways, one thing about Santaria is that there are a number of divinatory rituals associated with it -

He shakes his head.

The, um, practitioners can supposedly tell the future. Brock's seen enough to be convinced, somehow, so he speaks with Mr. Cortez. Mr. Cortez apparently knows a Santera, a priestess, who divines for him. We've been able to get to places where Doe 7 will be. He just has a knack for getting out of tight spots. He doesn't seem to know we're coming, but he can... Well, you saw the video. He can get out of the way just enough...

[LightBringer]

"Sounds kind of wierd. How did you guys find this Cortez?"

[LadyGlutter]

I'm not going with "David seems oblivious." I'm sure we do, too. I want to know if he realizes or not.

Any luck, Ala?

[Chris Chandler]

David chuckles -

I believe that Brock lost a bet to Mr. Cortez. Knowing Brock it was probably a cockfight or a dogfight or a boxing match - something where folks are betting on blood.

He shakes his head -

Anyways, Brock worked for Cortez in Bolivia for a season, not quite six months, and came back a little... wary. It's why he's so cagey about psi and ghosts and all. He saw some... things down there and I think he'd just as soon not remember, and would rather we not be dealing with... things right now. He's an odd one, Brock.

Ala mentally "shrugs"

Psh, he doesn't know. He's distracted by the Ice Queen right now, wondering why she's flirting with him, because he didn't think she swung that way. He's... not interested either, just confused. Oop - I need to back out, he's finished replying to her - he's got a keen nose for sniffing psi.

[LightBringer]

"Well that explains why he's a little jumpy. What about you? How'd you get all wrapped up in this?"

[LadyGlutter]

He doesn't know, Heather. You want to do the honors, or shall I get to do the freakout? I can't tell yet if they're following us on purpose or not.

I'm STILL watching the truck, so if anything happens let me know. Like how carefully he's watching traffic -- in particular our van. Surely he'd recognize it.

[LightBringer]

You'd think he would.

"I'll let him know. You focus. Then we can shoot rock, paper, siccors to see who gets to jump on the hood of their car."

[Chris Chandler]

That's the thing. You can't tell whether or not John's actually trailing the van or not. He's a moderately careful driver - paying attention, but not overtly so. David changes a lane to get ready to merge onto the intersate, but John stays put.

Me? Oh, y'know how it is. Joined the army, did my time there, got out after Desert Storm, and... well. They tell you that the skills you learn in the military transfer to the real world, but, well, it's a whole lot easier, for me, to just keep playing war. I dunno. I've been in this business - hunting bounties, mercenary escorting, retrieval, the whole bit - for long enough to have gotten killed or gotten out, but it's exciting work, and it pays well.

He merges over, getting ready to get on the interstate -

Brock and I were stationed in Kuwait City during the second Gulf War - Met up after a firefight along the border. Fast friends, I suppose, though I know he's a bit over the top.

[LadyGlutter]

Hahahaha, I can win that game. Oh, wait, damn. Only person I can't beat at that.

((As an aside, I love that commercial, "Rock beats paper!" Have you seen it? It makes me cry, it's so beautiful.))

[Chris Chandler]

I know. I threw a rock.

[LightBringer]

"Hey, is Johnny boy merging over to get on the interstate?"

(Yeah, that's a good one.)

[LadyGlutter]

"No. And I can't tell if he has any intention to. So do your thing."

Are they discussing anything, or still on Lollipop?

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, CCR is playing now, and it's John's turn to groan as Ginger hits the refrain -

Theeeere's the bathroom on the right!

You get a flash of thought, Veronica - a surface thought, from John. It's a scene from Bull Durham where the two main characters get in a conflict over correct lyric usage. It's only a second though, and he then audibly groans. He's tapping the wheel along with the beat.

As the interstate approaches John continues in the right lane, not passing or drifting off, either.

Note - LG asks to convey that Veronica conveys this to Heather.

[LightBringer]

"Hey David, could you merge back into the other lane? Actually, just merge back forget the polite part." I say with a smile.

[Chris Chandler]

((Okay, I posted, like before we even did anything and I don't know what happened to the post, but it's gone and let me just post again :S))

David looks to Heather passingly but doesn't comment, as if she's speaking a language he doesn't understand. He blinks and shakes his head and replies -

Wait... what? What are you talking about?

Veronica -

They are still cutting up and carrying on normal conversation, then, when David makes his curious response to Heather Ginger looks wide-eyed and puts a hand on John's shoulder -

Uh, John, do you see who's in front of us?

What are you talking about - it's the interstate. I'm not getting on, y'know...

No, not the road. Look at the van.

What van, you mean that... van... right... in front of us? Uh... oh, you don't think they see us do you?

Hell if I know... just, um, drive nonchalantly... You know, just drive casual!

Drive what? I don't even know wha -

You know - drive like they don't see you!

What?

You know, just drive like there's no problem. Don't act like there's no problem, but like there's no no problem.

Oh, holy crap, this is just really bad timing. We've got to go. This is bad, bad, bad.

Well, don't freak out about it!

Um, okay!?


And he starts to drift off despite Ginger's warnings -

Keep in mind that during this whole exchange (perhaps 15 seconds) there's plenty of time to do whatever simultaneously - your actions aren't excluded here. It won't change the dialog and will probably solidify the dialog. By any means - actions, intent?

[LadyGlutter]

OH my gosh I've got it, David SWERVE Hard RIGHT AND THEN BRAKE NOW!!!!

(8)

[LightBringer]

I begin to repeat myself, but ........

[Chris Chandler]

Heather, you see David's eye's roll back into the back of his head and he groans, but his body responds immediately to Veronica's command. He executes a quick right and stops hard, to the point of stopping the van.

John doesn't stand a chance to avoid it. He makes a good effort to swerve right, but collides hard - he was still going at a pretty good clip, even though he has starting drifting slower. The truck hits the van and, surprisingly, the van handles what is a pretty direct read end collision very well. The van spins out, and it feels like the van nearly flips, but David holds it together. The red truck, too, looks in danger of going out of control, but John holds it together. The impact and the hard swerve on the truck's part causes the front wheels to buckle, and the truck noseplants, also spinning a bit - the van makes a full rotation onto the shoulder and into the grass. Both vehicles stop about 5 yards away from each other.

I'll need health checks from the both of you, if you please.

[LadyGlutter]

((OOC: Regarding our conversation on RS -- LB, I came in from work all cylinders firing [arguably maybe a little crazy and off kilter] and wasn't trying to rile you up. I was trying to simplify things and let Heather know what was up without posting it all to the GM. I know I was trying to say everything in my head at once, and I didn't mean to get all caught up on the past/present/future nonsense. It wasn't my intent at all.

As far as the whole conversation on RuneScape anyway, if it was inappropriate, I apologize. I know I could have said "hey" first, at the very least. :∙ I thought we were doing stuff we didn't want Chris to read in PM or on RuneScape, that's all.))

Health check 7

I gotta get HER first.

Mental blow, Ginger, 7

[LightBringer]

Health check 8. also odds are Heather did not have a seat belt on, now that I think about it.

gotta run be abck soon hopefully

[LightBringer]

Okay I'm back. Just a little security work at Theresa's moms.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, let's see - Heath checks mean that a) Folks were properly braced, so that there aren't any extra injuries incurred.



Now then - safety concerns do abound though - this is a cargo van - no restraints at all in the back, which means that Veronica, Veruca (and Ala as well) get tossed about. Heather smashes into David (who is the only one who is buckled). David and Heather crack heads (ow! 10-2 [DR] 8 damage to the head - both remain awake). Ala handles it pretty well - she's half a cat about things and Veruca smooshes against the cargo door, hitting hard. Veronica does similarly, like a ping-pong ball (for 5 damage - on the back - oof!) and must make a concentration check to maintain visual contact with Ginger (she makes it dead on).

Veronica - you don't know if it was the collision or your psi, but Ginger is a limp rag in the passenger seat. John looks okay - he's holding the left side of his head but is looking at Ginger in near-panic with worry. He's simultaneously unbuckling himself and Ginger, right now.

Oh, hon, please be okay - c'mon, don't be dead!

[Chris Chandler]

Um - okay, that's a decidedly alarming "just a little bit", there, LB :o

[LadyGlutter]

Yeah, sounds like everything's okay though?

Mental blow on Doe 7 too. (8)

[LightBringer]

(Hey I left out the part about the guns.)

In amazement that I'm is still conscious, I try to get out the door, and get a bead on the Mr. and Mrs. Doe.

[Chris Chandler]

Well, "security work" = guns, hence alarming.

Okay, the action is thusly -

Heather - yeah, you're dizzy and "brown out", but manage to get the door open. Peripherally, you can tell that David is doing the same exact thing, though keep in mind that he's clueless to the real situation. He calls out -

Holy shit! I don't know what happened!!! Is everyone okay?

He's staggering around the backside of the van, and moves between truck and van, out of sight from Heather.

Veronica, you send forth your will, and it is matched! All of a sudden John stops, stock still, his hand on Ginger's arm. His eyes go from wild worry to thousand-yard-stare as he scans all around him. He calls out -

Who's there!? My passenger needs medical attention. I...

He forces the word out -

I surrender, but I need a guarantee of medical care for my companion.

He raises his hands, so that they are visible. He, clearly, is not showing fear, just a mixture of concern for Ginger and tactical observation of the situation. He splits his focus on Heather and David -

[LightBringer]

Good saves me the trouble of asking.

Moving forward, "Keep your hands up. We will ensure her medical attention. Just stay were you are with your hands up."

[LadyGlutter]

I keep my eyes on the situation, opening the back of the van as well, trying to keep my eyes on Heather and John at the same time. I'm just waiting, and I'm willing to take him at his word, oddly enough.

[Chris Chandler]

As soon as Heather starts speaking, David looks at the situation as if seeing it for the first time. His eyes widen, and he almost reaches for his sidearm. He quickly gains his wits and analyzes the situation, very similarly to John.

Alright - look, we know who you are, John, and we know that this is a bad situation. Let's not make it any worse.

He also nods to Heather -

... exactly! Just stay put, dammit. I mean it.

John doesn't move, but shifts his eyes from Heather to David -

Veronica, you get another over-the-top-flash.

Stupid cowboy is going to screw this up - Please don't pull that piece...

[LightBringer]

Continue moving forward, "Damn I think I'm going to puke. That's good everybody stay nice and calm. Let me check her pulse."

[LadyGlutter]

(Aaaah, late night cliffhangers, I rested soooo well. LOL )

I hop out and head over to David.

It had to be right then, I didn't have the time to discuss it. I'm sorry it was rough, why weren't you buckled?! That was only supposed to bang me and Veruca up! Well... that bad anyway. I promise though, it'll be okay. I just don't want him to meet us at nighttime again.

No matter what, don't pull out anything, even to set it on the ground. I think it might be some trigger or something for him.


As far as David goes, I stand right beside him and am not stupid enough to touch him, but do try to catch his eye. If I do, even for a split second, I'll glance at his side and very slightly shake my head.

[Chris Chandler]

David does, indeed, pay attention to you, Veronica, and you can see that slight, almost inperceptible movement from "about to strike" to "stand down". John catches it too, and he shifts his focus from David to you.

Um, alright - that's better. Now, I'm not sure who you are, but I recognize this gentleman. The good doctor must be paying you pretty well, for you to play clean up for the likes of him.

Veronica, you get a feeling of fear and confusion from David.

Heather, he makes not motion to suggest that he'd try to stop you. You reach the truck and get to Ginger. You check her out, and she's breathing easy - you don't need to check a pulse. You see no visible indicator of an injury. Up close, you are certain that this is Ginger Morris - this is the lady that spoke with your squad on the morning show the week of the State Playoffs, you are positive.

[LadyGlutter]

Flash of temper, as I almost spit out the sentence. "I don't know what you're talking about, but it's nice to have a serial killer question my motives."

[LightBringer]

"She breathing okay," I say to no one in particular.

[Chris Chandler]

David doesn't make a visible reaction to Veronica, but John furrows his brow at her (still in proper "I surrender" position).

Interesting interpretation, Miss. I'm not surprised, actually, if you're working for Dr. Mudaliar.

He glances toward Heather and smiles, he furrow subsiding.

So it was just the psi attack that brought her down. You?

He shakes his head, looking away from Heather.

No, not you. Must be you, Miss.

Of course, looking now at Veronica -

Not shabby. Gin's really hard to snipe.

David clears his throat -

Alright, John, we don't have time for playing chess. A black in white is already on the way, so unless you want to deal with them, you'll get in the van.

John shrugs -

Yeah, sure. Sacramento's finest don't need this headache - it'll take them most of the afternoon to get a car towed. The last thing they need is a serial killer.

His smirk is almost contagious, Veronica.

That's enough, John.

I mean really - what did Doc put into your tap wa...

Enough!

David makes his way over to John, pulls out a plastic zip-tie and gets him restrained.

Victoria, do you think you can handle, uh, Ms. Morris there, or do you need some help?

[LightBringer]

"Huh, oh me, no I've got her." I'll steady myself and get her on my shoulder. If she's to heavy or something I'll get Ronnie to help me.

[LadyGlutter]

(Hahaha, that's so funny, it took me a sec too. All of Donnie's "Victoria, I mean Veronica, I mean Vanessa, I mean Virginia" has taken its toll on my brain. I thought he meant me.)

Same basic reaction as Heather, looking around for 'Victoria' for a sec then, oh, yeah, right. I'll go over and help her getting Ginger together, whether Heather needs it or not.

Are you ok?

[Chris Chandler]

It isn't an issue - she's a little slip of nothing, and short, too. Veronica's only there for moral support, even with the posibility of a concussion for Heather.

Everyone continues into the van, quickly and quietly, though you too have plenty of time to concurrently discuss whatever.

[LadyGlutter]

I really want to get an answer from Heather, by the way, and will hold her up outside til she gives me one. Even if it's I'm fine, let's go!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(I'm anticipating the brushoff as far as Heather's condition. Ordinarily the above would be my whole post. But, in prep for the net going out, I'm going to post a little more than I would ordinarily -- if Heather actually answers me meaningfully I'm not trying to skip it, I'm just sick of my lack of 'net access slowing stuff down when I've been all keyed on the action. BUT, on the chance she wants to have a word with me about anything outside this is just my intent afterwards.)

When we get into the van I'll check on Veruca as well.

What's the seating arrangement NOW?

As far as "talking" goes, David has a point, as far as giving everything about us away and letting him fill in the blanks. I sure am getting a lot of them filled in everytime Doe talks, though.

[LightBringer]

"I'm okay. Probably as bad as the worse fall I've ever taken. 'Course I did have a concussion that time. I'm fine for now, the swimming feeling in my stomach is passing. Let's get out of here before the police come."


"I'd keep talking ot him regardless of what David wants. He is giving us a lot of info."

[Chris Chandler]

Doe stumbles into the back of the van, and you both get Ginger in fairly well. Verucan is clutching the backpack (Ala's carrier) tightly and is in a near panic as she sees John enter in. She lets out a peep, and John furrows his brow at her.

Do I know you, young lady?

Leave 'er alone, John. She's still nervous from, oh, I don't know, the concussion grenade you launched at us. What was with that, anyways?

Oh, you were in there?

He fidgets to face Veruca, his face showing a slight bit of concern -

So - you were in this van with these Mercs? Nice, keeping kids around for giggles.

He gives a half glance toward Heather.

Concussion grenades put people out of commission, and don't make, well, much shrapnel. Explosive rounds are a little much if I just want people off my trail, don't you think?

Whatever - let's get this hulk out of here before I have another headache - Everyone ready, 'cause I've got to get moving now!

You'll note that there are a few passers-by. Some folks that pulled over because they witnessed the accident, along with a rubbernecker or two. People are talking on cell phones, as well.

Veruca looks in decent enough shape - she is just scared out of her mind.

Heather's still got shotgun - David's driving, and everyone else is piled inside, Veronica closest to the side door, Ginger near Veruca (behind David), and John directly across from Veronica, leaned up against the solid wall of the van.

[LightBringer]

Seatbelt on!!!!!

I just smile at Doe 7.

[LadyGlutter]

"She's still alive, so I wouldn't be judging too harshly. Better here than under your gun. You would have killed her, like it or not. I imagine you're trying to tell me she would have been... what's that heartless word.... collateral?"

[Chris Chandler]

What are you talking about, Miss? What do you mean collateral damage? I've never seen this girl -

He looks hard at Veruca -

- this girl... You know... I really can't say that I never seen you before, but I don't know you, or where I've seen you. You really look too young to be enlisted? You aren't, are you?

Veruca does a timid doe shake of the head, and she clutches the bag tightly, until it squeaks. Neither John nor David pay it any mind directly.

I... my... No, I've not enlisted, D... um Doe 7.

His eyes widen just a touch at that title, then he smiles big and replies -

I didn't think so... but you -

He turns back to Veronica -

I don't know what you are getting at, with collateral damage. Wait - what are you doing in Sacramento? My intel has Dr. Mudaliar's mercs squatting somewhere down in Mission -

He smiles right at Ronnie -

You, Miss, are a lot more than just a sniper, aren't you? Just what do you think I've been doing?

He looks at Heather, and smiles back at her -

What is it that your sister does that makes you so scared?

David, for his part, is busy trying to make sure the cops don't sniff the van out. He's heading down another state road, and working toward getting on the interstate at another exit. He hears John's statement to Heather, passes a quick glance to Heather, then quickly merges, driving very defensively -

Please, let's hold on kiddies. I only prefer to hit cars on purpose!

[LightBringer]

Without even missing a beat, or at least trying not to miss a beat, and trying to keep my poker face, "Buddy, the only thing that scares me is an Ala on vodka!" Still just smiling.

[LadyGlutter]

Still angry, that jibe at Heather not helping me any either, I try to not focus on her at all.

"Honestly? A ghost told me you were going to kill her, and some other folks, and so I think you've been killing folks. Because, thought I'm not an expert, I think people don't usually come back from the dead to tell people random lies about their child's untimely death.

So, that's what I think you're doing. You want to tell me what you think you're doing?"

[Chris Chandler]

David weaves in and out of the main bit of traffic, then gets on the interstate.

We should be, should be okay - Victoria, would you keep your eyes open, though?

He smiles.

John's own smile turns into a thoughtful purse of the lips. He ponders for just a moment -

Well, no offense -

he looks to Veruca -

but I'd personally not trust the agenda of a spirit, unless I personally knew the spirit. You dad said I was looking for you to kill you, or that I would kill you?

Veruca replies -

... That you'd kill me - there was a vision of me on the pavement and blood and you walking away.*

Ah, the collateral damage she spoke of.

He turns back to Ronnie -

Killing folks? This is touchy, and so when I say "open to interpretation", you're going to look at me like I'm Stalin or Son-of Sam, or some other whackjob.

He sits up a bit more, his bound arms obviously making him uncomfortable.

I heard it on the news, and I cried. Ginger cried, told me we needed to go about it a different way. I think she's right. If... Hmm, interesting -

He glances at Veruca quickly -

Her... father's ghost said she was going to die, what, I assume last night? I sent three shots when two would have done it, and a mother of two is in the morgue this morning.

His eyes, do, indeed, get red-rimmed -

*sniff*

Yeah, I've got to go about it another way.

---
* Your vision as well, Veronica

[LightBringer]

"Okay", I cheeck the mirrors and do a general look around.

"What are you so mad at?"

[LadyGlutter]

That softens me a bit. "Well, she knows her dad. I don't believe SHE is lying to me anyway.

Yes, early this morning. So, I've answered your question. What is it you think you're doing?"

Lots of things. Him. Killing. Just... argh! I can't explain it right now, anyway.

[LightBringer]

"You need to regain your control. Remember she sees things from her perspective. He from his. It's very unlikely they will match right away. Do you want me to take over for a bit so you can calm down?"

[LadyGlutter]

Pure confusion for a second. My mental "speech" is quick but not as angry at all, as I watch his face for answers.

I'm not out of control! I'm fine. Damn, I let a little bit of emotion out, soooooorrrry. People are dead you know. I had to hurt you guys again to get him, and I'm certain that was the best way too. Veruca would have been DEAD. It won't hurt him to see that there's people behind his collateral damage, to take a step back from his "mission" whatever it is, anyway. And of course I remember that! Why else am I trying to get him to answer?!

[LightBringer]

"Okay, control was a bad word. Lossing focus may be better. You're forgetting he IS a soldier. Killing people is what they trained him for. He already seems to be seeing that collateral damage. Play on that, but don't let your emotions go. Be careful, just because his caged doesn't means he's caught, and I'm not so convinced the canary is unconsious."

[LadyGlutter]

No way, Dad! I am NOT forgetting that, don't worry! Geeze, don't forget you ARE a cheerleader. Sometimes people need a little fire in their guts to stay focused. You know, rahrahree, kickem in the knee? Rahrahrass kickem in the other knee? That's why I'm staying angry, yes, it's deliberate partly. So I don't forget he's dangerous.

Oh, but that reminds me.... I'll put Ala on that problem.

Ala, keep an eye on our unconscious one, if you would, dear. Let me know if she starts to wake up. I think I got her pretty good, but I want to keep safe.

[Chris Chandler]

That softens me a bit. "Well, she knows her dad. I don't believe SHE is lying to me anyway.

Yes, early this morning. So, I've answered your question. What is it you think you're doing?"

Lots of things. Him. Killing. Just... argh! I can't explain it right now, anyway.


What I'm doing is stopping something that never should have happened. I'm correcting a wrong perpetuated by our own government. If you guys have dug as much as I think you have, you'll not only heard of NOVA, but the NOVA II project. Well, let me just say - those "folks" I've killed, they aren't people. They are abominations.

Ala to Veronica -


Ms. Morris is out for the count. You pushed her right into REM sleep. You want me to spy on her naughty dreams?

Heather (old school inviso-spoiler for now) - Your back is getting stiff,and it's not from the accident, either. That tremendous feeling of heat and pressure is back, and you nearly black out, but you force yourself
to stay conscious. Whatever's going on with Stitch right now better stop, because your body can't handle it much longer. Oh, and you are freaking starving again.

Everything looks clear right now. You don't see any police.

[LightBringer]

"'Mental laughter', Okay, I gotcha."

After I recover, "Damn Stitch what is going on? You're freaking killing me here."

[LadyGlutter]

If it keeps you out of trouble, sure. Don't distract me with naughtiness though. I'm busy.

"I'm here to save her life, I told you that. Yes, I've had a passing acquaintance with some propaganda of Nova's. And a smidgen of Nova II. Enough to make it look like you're killing your old friends, not a bunch of abominations."

[Chris Chandler]

John looks hard at you -

Well, then, you've got at least one thing wrong, then, don't you.

That really touched a nerve, you can tell, and he's of a mind to stop playing the talking game. He looks over toward Ginger -

Is she going to be alright? She's all I've got.

David's working on getting downtown.

I'm gonna get off the interstate as soon as I get to Oakland. We're taking the long way 'round.

Heather -

Of course, Stitch isn't giving you any response, but you are losing sensation in your digits - fingers and toes. You're in need of something to eat, and not later.

[LadyGlutter]

I look back at him, frowning. "I said it looks like, didn't I?"

Towards David, "you need any help from me?"

I turn my attention to Ginger, to make a good faith gesture. He has no idea that Ala is checking on her.

"She's asleep. She'll be okay. I've been checking on her.

And yes, I know things aren't always what they appear. Why do you think I 'sniped' her and not you? I'd rather deal with truth, though usually I find it very hard to find."

Quite frankly, from what I saw of Nova, and your actions, one of my thoughts was that I would be on your list next. So there was an element of self-preservation there too... care to define abomination?"

[Chris Chandler]

I don't know you from Eve, Miss. I know Mr. Granger from reputation, as do I his... Well, I did know his team. You girls are new to the party. Dr. Mudaliar's recruiting from the yearbook staff, though - Shouldn't you be moving into a dorm now?

He laughs despite himself.

I don't know why you took her down, but it's probably good that you did. She's got a temper!

He takes a breath -

Look, I wasn't, never will be after this little girl, and I haven't been planning on going after you, since I didn't know you existed. I really don't know your motives, either, so if I had to kill you, I'd need more information.

He shakes his head, smiling -

An abomination... Let's see - A person who is loathsome or disgusting. An abhorrence: hate coupled with disgust. An action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence; for example, "his treatment of the children is an abomination"

[LadyGlutter]

I look at him. "I. Don't. Know. Dr. Mudiliar.
I've been trying to take your words at face value but you telling me, hey, they aren't people, they're abominations sounds like the same eugenic crap that I was reading... you know what... Fine. Play games. Don't explain. Fits right what I expected. Laughing at the whole thing. Big joke. Yeah. Sorry, I'm missing everything but the punchline. Doesn't look that funny to me."

[LightBringer]

"David do we have tie to stop for some doughnuts?" with a smile.

[LadyGlutter]

WHAT THE HELL?! Did you seriously just ask him to stop for doughnuts after telling me to focus?

[LightBringer]

"Shut up, I'm focusing."

[Chris Chandler]

I look at him. "I. Don't. Know. Dr. Mudiliar.
I've been trying to take your words at face value but you telling me, hey, they aren't people, they're abominations sounds like the same eugenic crap that I was reading... you know what... Fine. Play games. Don't explain. Fits right what I expected. Laughing at the whole thing. Big joke. Yeah. Sorry, I'm missing everything but the punchline. Doesn't look that funny to me."


Look - It... It is serious, but, hell, you just said it yourself. I say, "I'm killing abominations", and you toss out eugenics like have any idea what you're actually saying. I can say, "they aren't people", but they're walking around breathing our air, eating our food, so what leg can I stand on? Those things are not my friends, though, I can tell you that much. Maggie was looking for them, but I haven't heard... anything from her in...

He drifts off, and looks at Ginger.

David glances at Heather with a smirk -

Sure, Victoria, just let me get to Oakland - 15 minutes, okay? Man...

He just continues driving.

[LadyGlutter]

Ok, then. That's weird. What's going on with Heather? I'm searching to see if I can get a read on her, emotionally at least. I'm not digging in her head.

"So you're killing them because they're not your friends? THAT can't be right.

Look, yourself. I know a bit more than I want to about eugenics, so don't tell me what I understand when you just admitted to not knowing me. I thought I wasn't supposed to be jumping to conclusions.

So... um... seriously, what are they? Abomination is a word fraught with emotion. Let's try something more concrete that I can understand. I've been called freak enough, that's not very specific. No one has tried to kill me for it yet. Well, no, that's technically not true. Probably. Anyway, could you please TRY and help me out here? Right now it looks like you're just trying to throw more dust up in the air and say, look, I told you it was a dusty out here!"

(ooc: do I know who Maggie is?)

[LightBringer]

"I don't think I have 15 minutes but I'll try." No more smile.

[Chris Chandler]

Veronica -

You can only pick up her normal vibes and whatever she's conveying to you directly. You sense that she is unwell, but is you can't determine what the issue is. You know, however, that it does not relate to her near-concussion.

David continues to smile and merges over.

Well... what's another stop, right?

He heads to a gas station and pulls up to the door. He pulls out a $20, and hands it Heather.

Say, get me a Pepsi and a bag of cashews. Does anyone else want anything?

John replies -

A Slim Jim and a Root beer.

Veruca -

Oh! A root beer sounds yummy! And gummy bears too!

Ala -

I think I want three peanuts.

This is all great and all, but - [ You can hardly stand - not weak, stiff - you can do it, though. The feeling of heat starts to slowly expand. Right now it's still in your back, but you can tell it's spreading]

Veronica - Just before that (No, Maggie doesn't ring an immediate bell)

John only seems to half listen to you, but he does reply -

What do you know of NOVA II?

[LadyGlutter]

Stop -- take the backpack. And her. Go. Be fast, and careful.

Ala's in the backpack, and I indicated Veruca go with her.


Keep an eye on her and TELL ME if they need my help.

"This is what I know. Like I said, some propaganda: The attacks on 9-11 galvanized the country about national security. The NOVA project went from military funding, indirectly relative congnitive study to Supersoldier school within a month."

Then you guys, as a group, looking like you all are in agreement, revolt. So... um, I'm lost. Nova II clones, or what? That's my best guess."

[LightBringer]

"Oh, great, clones." Is all my mind can manage as I slowly get out and go in. I will immediately grab a Snickers and eat it, as I go get the rest everyone else wants. For myself I'll grab some cooler sandwiches that don't need heating, 12 more Snickers and 6 Mountain Dews. I don't care what the cashier thinks. I simply dump a hundred on the counter and say, "Make it up." as I just walk by. Drop a bag of peanuts in the backpack before we get back to the van.

[LadyGlutter]

(great. caffeine on top of all that. awesome.)

[Chris Chandler]

Stop -- take the backpack. And her. Go. Be fast, and careful.

Ala's in the backpack, and I indicated Veruca go with her.


Keep an eye on her and TELL ME if they need my help.

"This is what I know. Like I said, some propaganda: The attacks on 9-11 galvanized the country about national security. The NOVA project went from military funding, indirectly relative congnitive study to Supersoldier school within a month."

Then you guys, as a group, looking like you all are in agreement, revolt. So... um, I'm lost. Nova II clones, or what? That's my best guess."


Pretty intuitive, and that's my best bet... Doppelgänger, might be a bit more appropriate, though. Do you know what the Doppelgänger is? Maybe a Vardøgr? I don't know if these are clones in the test-tube sense.

Heather, you knock it out in record time, and you barely even realize that you are being nearly carried out by Veruca by the end of it. She sits you down, hands out the food, and leaves the bag for you to eat. That first Snickers, though, certainly... satisfied.

[LightBringer]

"Thanks V" and "Let's roll." is all I manage to get out before I dig in. I'll try not to 'eat' like a pig even though I'm about to eat like a pig.

Oh by the way, I kept David's 20. :smiling:

[Chris Chandler]

The van gets moving without a hitch. David does, however, opt to stay on the streets, rather than try the interstate.

As you were.

[LadyGlutter]

What the bloody hell is going on? That's more food than me at a full moon.

I take a Snickers from Heather's stash, climbing up to look her in the face for a minute. I'm not eating it, though I'd really like to. It's going in my pocket or backpack or something. I don't like this.

(dunno, do I? Occult roll -- or literature if GM thinks it more appropriate -- 12)

[Chris Chandler]

Depending on the source, the Doppelgänger is anything from a spirit that can take the form of a person, to impersonate him, to an "evil twin", and many things in between. Specifically, though, is the notion that such a creatue is a harbinger of bad-tidings, usually death.

he Vardøger is a spirit from Norwegian folklore. Stories typically include instances that are sort of like backward deja vu, where a spirit with the subject's footsteps, voice, scent, or appearance and overall demeanor precedes them in a location or activity, resulting in witnesses believing they've seen or heard the actual person, before the person physically arrives. Certainly less sinister than a doppelgänger, but no less supernatural.

You look at Heather - She looks... not too good. Pale and flushed, and you can feel heat from her as if she has a bad fever. There is a smell around her, to which you aren't accustomed - an odor, not body odor, but an underlying metallic scent to Heather.

When you sit down with your absconded candy bar Veruca leans over to you, and says very low -

Um, Heather's pants, and the back of her shirt too, have little holes all through them - She didn't put on any torn pants, and she didn't have any during the accident - I peeked. Did you see her tear her pants?

[LightBringer]

"I don't know. I'll figure it out. You focus."

Toss a Slim Jim and Root Beer to John, "Here you go." as I continue to eat.

[LadyGlutter]

EDIT FOR ORDER:

While waiting on Heather,

I'm familiar with both concepts, yes. Rather a wild claim, but not outside of the realms of possibility. I'm openminded, so I'll grant you're not blowing smoke up my ass. Brock won't like you at all, though.

Anyway, why do you think that they're something like that? How are you sure you're getting the doubles? And what about the originals?"


To Heather,

Not if you pass out, you won't figure it out. I'll try and focus but you YELL if you need me! Then I can focus, if you assure me that. For real. And dammit, make Stitch stop it, let her KNOW she's hurting you! Veruca saw the holes in your clothes.

To Veruca,
"I don't know. Keep an eye on her for me."

[Chris Chandler]

John nods, and you travel south through Oakland -

Brock... The one that knows Cortez, right? Anyways, at first it was just... a gut feel. Maggie and Ginger, well, Maggie was the one who came to me. She and Donald... um. Sorry - you have no idea who I'm talking about, do you? Folks came to me, and we found out some things. I have those findings, just not with me...

He smiles sheepishly.

Veruca consents with a nod and moves up to kneeling just behind the front seats, making a pretense of messing with the radio. David lets her, seeing that things are going on of which he's not privy.

[LadyGlutter]

"You have the findings of what? Where are they? Are the original people safe or NOT?"

I'm scanning Doe 7 pretty close at this point. In fact I'm trying to decide whether or not to go in his brain, since he keeps not answering my questions, or answering them in ways I can't use.

(By the way, I did a memory check for those names, but I rolled a 16. I know I scanned the info on the individual Janes and Johns, so I'll leave it to you to decide how much detail I looked that bit over in.)

[Chris Chandler]

Maggie and Donald are John Doe 1 and Jane Doe 1. They are the ones that Brock et al. put into hiding (I may have said Doe 1 and 2, but I meant it this way).

I have some of the classified NOVA II materials, as well as, well, what I've seen. You don't seem the type to believe what you read necessarily, but you never know. It's in a safe-deposit box, in 'Frisco. Likewise, when we're in a... calmer situation, I'm sure you'll dig around. I'd wait til we're out of a car, though. My id has a mind of it's own...

I'm telling you, the smirk is infectious.

Let's see - is this completely real-time or are there occasional breaks in the conversation? The only reason I say this, is that if this is a fast-paced back and forth, we've only gone for maybe 10 minutes, probably not even that long - around 5, which means that you technically wouldn't be in Oakland, even. I don't have an issue with it - it isn't going to affect anything, but I didn't want to progress to a point without this conversation having proper resolution.

[LadyGlutter]

(Either way is fine. The way I imagined it was a few couple of thirty second pauses while I gauge him, you know, basically how I, LadyGlutter, talk when I'm meeting someone new, to give you a feel. And of course a long worried pause around the time the Heather issue was worst. Speaking of, I'm still bugging her from time to time to please check back with me.)

At the id joke, that smirk actually just scared me a second, even if it is a joke. But I try to not smile or quail either one. "Seriously? I kinda thought so at first, but meeting you made me think you had a bit more control after all."

[Chris Chandler]

He smiles -

Look, I know that I'm being a headache, but honestly, I don't know how this -

He gestures around him -

is going to turn out. You say you don't work for the good doctor, but you're working with his mercs. That suggests to me one of two things - You are a second cell and are following concurrent orders, or that it's an emergent situation - you just happened upon each other. Well, it suggests other things, too, but those are the two that are the farthest apart but still seem plausible.

He tries to stretch again -

Since I don't know the full situation, I can't properly assess it. I can guess, but I hate guessing - my gut might be right more often than not, but I need to not ever be wrong. I don't know if I'm going to get killed here, so I don't know how much I need to divulge and how much I need to take with me, you get me? If Maggie...

He blinks back a little -

Well, of course there's a few others. I can't risk exposing them. It'd be irresponsible. I need to know the situation. If it's just a execution, well, then, at least I know.

[LadyGlutter]

I sigh. "That's a loaded question you just asked, and I guess it's fair enough that I'm doing the same of you. Closest I can answer is it's an emergent situation. As far as what we're going to do with you, that's your expertise isn't it?

I told you. A ghost told me to get to stopping you from killing folks, and that Veruca was going to be one, but there would be more. Saving Veruca apparently wasn't enough. So now we have you. Because I can't have you out on the streets killing people.

But just like you, I don't have enough facts to answer what you want to know. Yet."

[Chris Chandler]

Then what - do we wait, or will we be given that option?

[LightBringer]

My responses...... "Shut up I'm eating", ..... "I'm focussssinnnngggg here!", ..... "Oh great now he sounds like you. Just what I need Ronnie part II", ..... and other assorted smart ass crap.

[LadyGlutter]

Good enough. Shut up yerself, I'm focusing now too. Couldn't even get me anything, could you?!

"Wait on what?"

[Chris Chandler]

That's a good question. I don't know - hey David, where're we going?

David turns down a street -

Hell if I know. I guess back to the bunker, and... well, I've got to talk to Brock and Jen about this. I'm going to have to blindfold you, you know.

Yeah, I know. Not killing just me yet... I don't know if that's a good or a bad sign.

Hmm... I'd say it's less than good, but you know these folks, too.

[LightBringer]

"I brought you some Snickers and a Dew. You didn't say anything in particular."

[LadyGlutter]

Mental laughter. I was focusing. Hand Veruca a Dew for me then. I thought those were all yours, freak.

"So it sounds like we have a little time anyway. So, Dopplegangers is your claim and some of the real folks are alive still, so they didn't just come in and kill off the originals exactly. Is this Doctor a Doppleganger too? What's their agenda?"

[LightBringer]

Hand V a Dew, "Pass this to...What's her name back there."

[LadyGlutter]

That makes me bust out laughing. There's no way it wouldn't.

[Chris Chandler]

Do you not know Dr. Mudaliar at all? Even by reputation?

Veruca hands off Veronica's Dew with a roll of the eye, blowing the hair out of her face in a mock irritated manner.

[LadyGlutter]

Irritation again. "Is my knowledge of Dr. Mudiliar's reputation relevant to you answering my question? Geeez man. I told you 'emergent circumstances' !! I'm not going to change my story. It's true."

I pop open my Dew. "Thanks, whatsyerface. You too Veruca."

[Chris Chandler]

You asked if Mudaliar was a doppelgänger. I was just curious, and no, he's not. He's also not the... responsible party, as far as I can tell. He is, though, in short, a thief. Whatever specifics happened in NOVA II, he was able to exploit the project.

He laughs -

Of course I know it's vague. Hell, it's not exactly polite conversation, though, is it?

[LadyGlutter]

"Okay, then, you feel you have to be vague, but I don't know what you're protecting if you say you're not killing folks but dopplegangers stealing other people's identities. You know, I'd think you would want to be making a case for yourself pretty quick rather than evading. As you said, no, it's not 'polite conversation', though I am trying to give you the benefit of the doubt for now."

[Chris Chandler]

You're right. To be frank, I'm of a mind that what I've been witnessing is just plain madness - I mean, batshit craziness. If I hadn't seen things - if I'd only heard, I'd call whomever told me a lunatic. It makes me worried that what I have as support is so out in left field that it won't do me any good. I barely can believe it myself. I'd be a fool to think that someone else would. I do... want to tell you, and you seem open-minded enough - Lord knows that I need allies - but, well, a car ride to Mission wasn't exactly the time or place I had envisioned. Of course, I never thought I'd be captured by a fender-bender.

[Chris Chandler]

Heather [Stitch is physically spreading now. The feeling of heat is now supplanted by intense pressure throughout your back, shoulders and legs. The pain is... well, you may very well pass out. I'll need a HT check please, strong will included. This is almost the worst pain you've ever felt.]

[LightBringer]

To no one in particular, but almost laughing "Yeah that's us. Batshit crazy lunatics out in left-field, waiting to cause an open-minded fender-bender." Just as I start to really laugh stop, as I grit my teeth hard.

(Started post then saw your next. Ht 3,3,2 for 8)

[LadyGlutter]

I smirk at the compliment.

"So far I am not convinced of anything but that you are nervous as hell, telling the truth it seems as far as you understand it, and not giving me a whole bunch concrete to go on. And I'm waaaay more openminded than at least one of the people we're about to meet up with. So, seriously. I would use this car trip to it's advantage."

I think it's fair to say that right yet I don't get an idea that Heather did anything but joke and laugh at it shortly just yet.

[LightBringer]

"Stitch, what the hell are you doing???? If you don't stop and answer me I'm going to rip you out of my body with my own two hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chris Chandler]

Heather -

[ You don't pass out[/b], but there's no such thing as actual meaningful movement or thought at this point. To be plain, you are paralyzed, and your vision is... well it isn't fading, but it's like the color is getting drained from your sight - The brilliant blue of the July sky is draining to a dull gray. You feel a dull thud throughout your body, and ears start to ring. Stitch finally speaks -

Dearest one, you will not die. You have let me live, and are my [I]mother. A moment longer.

Let's get one more HT check, with Will]

John frowns -

Okay. I'm not evading now. I just need to know where you stand, so that I don't waste any more time. What do you know of NOVA?

[LadyGlutter]

"Hold on one second." I look in the rearview mirror.

"David, my name is Veronica. I know it's silly, but you deserve to hear that first. That was the only lie I told and you knew I was being facetious but this is bugging me.

Now, I know what I was shown on some tapes and some documents of the project. I was acquainted with such information very very recently. You'll have to ask the others what they know themselves."

[Chris Chandler]

David glances at the mirror and back at the road.

John nods -

I'm not concerned about anyone else right now, but that's nice of you to protect them.

Those tapes... Well - oh! Is there one with some loudmouthed general barking at us?

[LightBringer]

Health check 4, 4, 3 for 11.

[LadyGlutter]

Still oblivious, I throw a searching look at David while I nod at John. "Yep, that's the one. I quoted him directly when you first asked what I knew of Nova II. Then you bungle some Latin, and you all go commando on him."

[Chris Chandler]

Ah... "War ends all." Yeah, that's mine, though I can say it correctly. That one was killed first, in fact. The good general, that whole thing - it was a nice little stageplay. The other stuff - I'm assuming you got to see a tour of the NOVA project and some of the participants? Yeah, all that stuff is legit. Dr. Lenz was great.

Heather passes out.

[LadyGlutter]

"Yes, that's the one. So, that's my foundation. Some tapes of Dr. Lenz.....?" I wait expectantly.

((Did I not have both Veruca and Ala watching that muleheaded sister of mine? I am going nutty waiting to REALIZE she's having issues, and now she's passed out. Do I at this point she isn't conscious to be giving any buzzzzzz Heather's here in the back of my head?))

[Chris Chandler]

David glances over -

Uh, Veruca, crap, what just happened - check her airway!

John starts to answer -

Dr. Lenz was a good man, he was doing good work. He just talked to the wrong peo - oh, crap! Um - is she okay?

Veruca bobs her head obediently and actually follows some first aid training.

---

It's not something that has really registered, but you actually haven't heard from Ala in a bit. It's nothing punitive or anything like that, but you've been focused on John. You told her to let you know things, and she's... occupied.

Veruca is very well meaning, and would, indeed, call out as soon as Heather keeled. I did forego mentioning that - she was right there. From outward appearances, though, Heather was looking actually a little bit better than she did at the gas station. There was nothing, as far as psi is concerned that would have tipped you to her condition. Heather has had you locked out with that specifically.

[LadyGlutter]

"WHAT THE FUCK!!! Ala, why didn't you tell me something was going on?!"

I come forward, watching Veruca first aiding her. I connect with Heather's mind as fast as I can. "HEATHER WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! Stitch, help me!!! What's going on?!"

[Chris Chandler]

Ala does not respond - as a note, she should be in the satchel still being held by Veruca. You get no response from her.

So - Veronica knocks the stonewall down that Stitch put up like the big bad wolf against the stupid strawbuilder pig. It's not a problem.

Well - Heather's mind is like a Phish concert - hot, noisy, and it has the munchies. The "backblast as you brute force your way into Heather's psyche hits you like a hammer (which, at this stage in the game won't faze you).

You see images flashing - All over the place, all having to do with Stitch - almost a "flash" of Stitch's life. It's frenetic and maddening. You feel Stitch's presence.

It is finished. I can leave now. Heather had an injury. What happened to her head?

[LadyGlutter]

HOW DID YOU HURT HEATHER!!! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER HEAD??! GET OUT OF HER NOW!!! DO NOT HURT HEATHER STITCH!!! I'll take you out if I have to but I'm scared it might hurt her. PLEASE STITCH!

[Chris Chandler]

I am leaving now. She is not harmed, only tired. I did nothing to her head. I have healed her injury to her head.

[LadyGlutter]

That's all well and good, but I'm waiting for her to actually leave, because if she doesn't, like I said, I'm going in. In the hopes that talking out loud will facilitate it, I've not ever talked to Stitch but once I don't think this way. But out loud I have....

"What is finished, Stitch? Come out please."

[Chris Chandler]

Heather takes a gasp and is awake - completely awake. She's covered in sweat and cold to the touch, but looks... fine.

Veronica, you recognize Stitch "embracing" Heather on the surface of her skin - her cheeks, shoulders, and hands have that telltale "circuitry" look to them. Stitch has left.

Please do not harm me, Veronica. Heather is well.

Heather - You feel dizzy and still hungry, but your head doesn't hurt anymore. Stitch is on the surface of your skin.

I have grown. I did not anticipate your condition. I will be more careful next time.

[LadyGlutter]

"Are you okay?!"

[LightBringer]

Slightly wide -eyed I look at Ronnie, "Yes, I'm fine why do you ask?"

"No problem Stitch. Everything is fine." "Can we stop and get those doughnuts now?"

[LadyGlutter]

"Because I need to know so I can kick your ass!!! Have this damn candy bar. I can't believe I stashed this and you're already eating it."

I hand her the Snicker's bar. NOW, I take the backpack from Veruca and look for Ala.

[Chris Chandler]

You take the backpack from a confused Veruca and look inside. Ala is in the fetal position, and is holding her head - She is not paralyzed, but rather in intense concentration. She's shaking a bit, as well.

[LightBringer]

"What did you do to my head?"

"Actually a dozen hot glazed would hit the spot." Allowing Ronnie to keep her candy bar.

[LadyGlutter]

"I stashed it for YOU. EAT."

Now I connect with HER brain to try and help HER out. While I'm at it, is Ginger still out?

Ala! Are YOU okay?

[Chris Chandler]

Ginger is still unconscious.

Not now. I'm busy. I'm... okay.

[LightBringer]

"I want a dozen hot doughnuts. Thank you though. Sorry about that guys. Didn't mean to worry anyone. How you doing back there John?"

[LadyGlutter]

DAMMIT, I'll kick your ass too, Ala!!! Just take a number.

Sitting back down shaking, but relieved that Ala didn't somehow stay behind at the gas station and MOST importantly that Heather's okay....ish... I ignore Heather. I look at John.

"Where were we? Dr. Lenz?"

[Chris Chandler]

John looks completely nonplussed.

Um, are you serious? Who in the world are you?

[LightBringer]

"Pssshh, fine ignore me. David....." I smile at him.

[LadyGlutter]

I look back at him. "I am Veronica Sawyer, pleased to meet you. Beyond that, I just guess you'll have to believe me when I say I've got reason to be fairly open minded." I laugh sardonically. "It's way worse than what you just saw. Just... let's get back to Dr. Lenz. Otherwise I'm going to have to add you to the list of asses to kick today." My own smirk now.

[Chris Chandler]

Actually - at this stage in the game, you are getting close to the same franchise of donut shop you were at... this morning (!). David stops and looks in the back seat -

Veruca - could you go grab the bottomless pit a dozen. I really don't...

He looks at Heather -

want to know.

He hands Veruca another $20.

John sighs -

Okay. Well. What do you want to know that you didn't already find out yourself? He was a geneticist, very well-respected, and dropped off the map to start up NOVA. It was his life's work, if I understand it correctly.

[LightBringer]

"And some chocolate milk!!!" I yell as she gets to the door.

[LadyGlutter]

You're not funny! You were supposed to yell if you were not doing good! You passed out! I can't trust you to not keep an eye on you for one second? I had to beg Stitch to come out of you! What is going on? I had to break through a freaking barrier in your mind that was crazy. Did YOU put that up or Stitch? This isn't cool. I can't hardly think straight now. You have to TALK TO STITCH. Please.

I am not talking while I think to Heather. When I'm done, I speak slowly, trying to pull my senses back together.

"You asked what all I knew in order to tell me what I needed to know. I don't know what to ask you yet. You... I ... dammit. Give me a moment. Let me get the doughnuts. Oh wait I can't leave right now, can I? Shoot. Please just talk, so that I can get an idea of why it is these dopplegangers are worthy of being enemies, and what went wrong with Nova? Okay?"

[LightBringer]

"Chill the fuck out. It's hard to yell when you can't do anything. You don't need to worry about me. I told you to focus didn't I?? Now you're so flustered Doe could be doing anything and you'd miss it. Focus on what you are doing. I don't trust their side, I don't trust our side. The only thing we have is you and me. I'm fine."

[Chris Chandler]

David starting working the maze of Oakland's back streets. Basically, he's going to go run south until he hits 82, cross the bridge into San Mateo, and head back north. It'll add a good bit to your time, but David's not taking any chances.

He looks over at Heather -

You alright? I mean, outside of the 9000 calories I've seen you put down, you. You've got some sort of... rash maybe?

He's referring to Stitch, just under your skin - she stopped right at your cheekline, so it's visible.

Veronica, you can see Ginger starting to stir, just barely, and Ala pipes up -

Okay, um, you were right to snipe this one. I, um - talk about divergent points of view. I dunno. Give me a minute to let my head settle. I feel like a herd of vorbax* stampeded on my brain.

John notices her stir, as well. He makes a quick glance to the front of the van, towad David, then to Heather, Veruca, then back to Veronica. He mimes to her -

He points his finger to his head, at the temple, then puts his hands together and opens them, like opening a book, then points back to Veronica. He motions for her to hurry, and he glances back at Ginger. He glances sidelong for a minute, gives a wide-eyed, worried smile to Veronica, repeats the head-point-book gesture, then points to Ginger and makes an "explosion" gesture off his head.

As he is miming, he also replies to Veronica's question, after a fashion -

Nothing went wrong with NOVA, per se, it's who found out about NOVA that caused the problem. That fabrication you watched - the b-movie with the general and the bad camera work, that was designed to put the black mark on NOVA so that what happened afterward would seem... justified.
---
*You've seen a musk ox (http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/j/Musk-ox.jpg) before. Well a vorbax looks similar enough, except for the fact that it's the size of a collie.

[LightBringer]

(Made it but will be on and off)

Looking at David, in a nice and calm voice, "I'm fine. Thanks for the concern. The rash comes and goes. It's nothing to be concerned about." Finish off the chocolate milk and survey the scene outside around us.

[LadyGlutter]

Much calmer now, though I did mentally flip Heather off when she told me to chill.

Well, I'm going in John's head now, so I'm going to cut off stuff between me and you. I don't want him to feel the trail... I don't know what he can or can't do, but it worries me. Ginger's waking up. Nothing I can do about it at the moment.

Ok, Ala -- I don't want you in my head for a bit anyway.

Okay, I am not thrilled about this, but yes I can do this, and yes, you're very smart. I'm here. What's up?

"I thought you said that ...that Lenz was a good guy."

[Chris Chandler]

(Made it but will be on and off)

Looking at David, in a nice and calm voice, "I'm fine. Thanks for the concern. The rash comes and goes. It's nothing to be concerned about." Finish off the chocolate milk and survey the scene outside around us.

David smirks and continues his drive.

Well, if you're feeling better, then good.

He pauses for a moment -

So, what do you ladies like to do to relax?

He says "ladies", but the question is clearly directed towards Heather.

Ala "signs off" with a quick reply -

Fine by me. I am worn out.

John replies - He was the best, Veronica. NOVA was his baby.

Okay, David is listening to every damn word we're saying. I don't know if he's got a transmitter implant, or a something within the van, but his cohorts cohorts are aware of the situation. I mean, he's got a cell phone, but never bothered to check in. He's not stupid. You can't expect be to expose my allies with one of Dr. Mudaliar's hired guns driving!? Hell, I'd treat it as him having your sister hostage, too.

If you know a way out of that, then fine, but 'til then I can only be candid here. Also, and more to the point - My friend is going to wake up, and she's going to know what happened to her, though she might not know by whom. That just means she'll take care of business wholesale. We've only got a few minutes, then I'll just have to hope that you're strong enough to keep her from having you kill yourself before I can talk her down.

[LadyGlutter]

Eyeroll. Irritated again. "You're doing it again. Then why on earth was he party to changing what NOVA is, or was, or whatever?"


About David, yeah, I get that. He messed up not answering me. I wasn't about to do THIS without your say so, though, it gets ugly when... anyway, you said 'dig around later' so I assumed a barrier. Thanks for switching off this is easier, I don't have to worry about filtering it for 5 sets of ears this way. I'll talk though and not let on... try to keep being a hardass and capitilize on Heather flustering me. However, I assume you're using "you" in the plural. And no, I'm not all that sure, while I can do what I can for myself, I can't promise that for anyone else. So go as fast as you can, and I'll only interrupt if I'm seriously confused. Kay?

[LightBringer]

"Well mostly we roam the countryside looking or trouble to get into. Have you seen any trouble around lately?" I ask with a, 'oh this is normal tone'.

[Chris Chandler]

NOVA changed. Doctor Lenz didn't. Remember, what you saw in that video with the general was, is, propoganda - a stage production. I mean, what pisses you off about it?

NOVA was a government funded playground for Lenz. Dr. Lenz had the base interest of his forefathers - what makes humans in general into humans as individuals, highly interested in the differences - but his research was aimed toward the medical field. I mean, if the videos you saw were the ones I was in, you could see that there were some of us that weren't all completely well.

Um, the most powerful psi that was there, for instance, was also autistic. One of the participants had pancreatic cancer. Another was blind, and there were others. Folks like myself and JD4 - Dr. Lenz and his efforts for "anonymity". Her name is Carmen - we're elite athletes on top of being, whatever you want to call it, talented, I suppose, but there were just as many sick folks that were in the project. Lenz noticed the propensity toward individuals to be at one end of the spectrum or the other, in terms of physical and mental health, that is, there weren't any couch-potato, sedentary types that were otherwise healthy. No one I saw was middle-ground.

I'm not sure if I'm being clear here, but the point is that it was for medical research. Lenz had us together to look for tracers in our odd genetic makeups that could point to why certain "normal" groups suffered from sickle-cell, or couldn't handle dairy, or even had increased odds of losing eyesight or hearing because of old age. I followed the research along, and he'd made some strides in it. That's what drew the unwanted attention, actually... Hannah's recovery from being a paraplegic.

David nods -

I think we're officially in it, personally. So just vagabonds and wanderers, eh? Can't blame you. I did the exact same thing when I was your age, well, the government paid me to shoot at people, but it was still wanderlust. Where've you been?

[LightBringer]

Oh the smile that creeps from ear to ear. Even beyond the cat who ate the canary.... "Us? We've been to some far out places. Mostly we've spent a lot of time in the Carribbean(sp). As far as trouble goes, this is nothing. I remember once I was stuck in the ducts of a ship with 20 guys on my ass. I managed to wiggle free of that sticky situation." The smile turning into a grin, "You know I'm thinking we shouldn't go back to the bunker. We should call Brock and Jen and have them meet us in a more neutral location. That way nobody gets to stressed out."

[LadyGlutter]

I snort. "I'm not pissed; that propaganda doesn't even matter all that much. I've no idea where you're getting that. The only thing that has pissed me off is Miss Munchies up there toking up and not telling anyone she was going to, and she apparently was just screwing around with me. If Lenz isn't the issue, then I guess Mudiliar is?"

Wow. That's some very interesting stuff. But .. ok. This is my issue right now. We have people sizing each other up like crazy, calculating odds and sincerity and abilities and ways out. You're telling me there's about to be another, who tends to act first and ask questions later. And you're telling me stuff I do need to know, yes, but at this point I need to know if I should just knock her out again because if she's such a threat she'll cause the deaths of people who have done nothing but try and stop a serial killer. Whether you like it or not, that's what we were doing, whether you see David as a merc or not, it's beside the point. That is unacceptable risk and she can't be allowed to wake up, or you need to give me some idea how to handle the situation. Right now it looks like you are biding time til she saves your ass.

That was calm, by the way. Just matter of fact, staring him straight in the eyes. And I'm NOT going to respond even peripherally to the comment about Hannah. Bad enough he's noticed the family resemblence with Heather. He's fishing and I know it, for me to connect that dot.

[Chris Chandler]

John almost breaks form with that thought and takes a breath. He forces a laugh at the audible joke -

Her? She looks too skin-and-bones to be a pothead, though the "keeping you out of the loop" crap sounds new. Does she always dictate what you do and do not get to know?

He smirks again, but his eyes have a dangerous cast to them -

The last thing I want is for Ginger to be harmed, ever. No I don't want you sniping her again, and I'll stop you if you try, but I might have another solution. What say we have a "conference call", so to speak. Can you tap her and myself at the same time? She's in a state of mind where I might be able to talk her down if you can get in her head.

[LadyGlutter]

You're not making this surface conversation easy! Damn, you know, you do have a case to make to David, too. Even if you're not worried about anyone but me, don't get to comfortable here.

But yeah, I can try the conference call. I've done it before but the others were similarly talented. We'll see.

Make it so (10)

Hardened voice. "My relationship with her is irrelevant. Didn't David already tell you to quit playing chess? Yours with Mudiliar and the people or dopplegangers or whatever you're trying to sell me is what we're talking about."

[Chris Chandler]

Fair enough. Mudaliar is a thief, as I've mentioned, but I guess it'd be more accurate to say that is an opportunist. His position as Director gave him the opportunity to discover just what was going on in NOVA II. He orchestrated a... I don't know, some sort of exposé on the project, enough to get his hands in the pot, and that's all it took. It was his.

He stiffens just slightly as you tap into Ginger. He is readily preparing for an assault.

You connect and it is different. Ginger is clearly a psi, and her "surface thoughts" are becoming more and more coherent -

psi nearby? John! I can't see!
forced my id to suppress. What a talent...
where am I?
can't move... not restrained, just immobilized. let me... Damn.

Similarly to Heather, you visualize a psychic "avatar". It's like Heather's raven in context, but Ginger's avatar is a rose, darkest red.

Hello, mind I do not know. Is... that John, too? Okay, I need to find out the situation, or things will be shut down, is that clear? Who are you and what is going on?

John, awkwardly - you visibly see him resist actually speaking out loud - replies.

This is Veronica... the sniper. She's a bit more open minded than we're letting on out there. We need to have an exchange of knowledge right now. It's a bad situation, but I think -

Okay, John - quit yammering and let the grown ups talk now.

Her focus is on you now.

Alright sweety - you sniped me. Don't think it will happen again. Now, convince me why I shouldn't just take care of business, please.

Oh the smile that creeps from ear to ear. Even beyond the cat who ate the canary.... "Us? We've been to some far out places. Mostly we've spent a lot of time in the Carribbean(sp). As far as trouble goes, this is nothing. I remember once I was stuck in the ducts of a ship with 20 guys on my ass. I managed to wiggle free of that sticky situation." The smile turning into a grin, "You know I'm thinking we shouldn't go back to the bunker. We should call Brock and Jen and have them meet us in a more neutral location. That way nobody gets to stressed out."

David smiles at the anecdote and nods in agreement -

Those Carribean pirates can be such a hassle, especially when they think you're horning in on their business!


He laughs, and continues listening -

I don't know about that. The bunker is really isolated. Any sort of situation that might get out of hand would be pretty well mitigated down there. Brock'll be less, uh, on edge if he's on his "home turf", if you get me. Well, actually... You know what? There's... a safehouse we could use. It's a good bit south of Mission - closer to where we are - and we haven't been there in some time. It'd be less compromising for my team, at least.

[Chris Chandler]

As a note, while Veronica might very well be able to hear Heather and David's conversation, it is "background noise" to her right now.

[LadyGlutter]

"And what did he do with it?"

Aaaah, I can talk to this person, too, but yeah, mental shift. Okay, on this, tone is important and I don't want it to be misread in my writing. I am careful not to laugh, to show the anger and defensiveness that would be respectful of the situation instead of teasing her like I would Heather. The mocking is slightly angry and bowed up, ready for a brawl.

Because I didn't take care of business while you were out, hon. I could have you know. Don't think to threaten me, you don't know any more than I do who would win that battle. Those two reasons are enough to at least hear me out. Anything more's going to take more than a 5 second defense, and you and the Red Gunner here are the ones who on the surface are the guilty ones.



((OOC: Good, because I have a definite opinion on what David just said but wasn't sure if I was able to split my attention enough to comment. I'll leave Heather to that.))

[LightBringer]

Laughing along with David and then responding, "Yeah, that's part of what I'm trying to avoid. Bringing John and Ginger to the bunker creates a more hostile and uncooperative atmosphere for them. If we choose a place that is more neutral then, yes everyone will be tense, but no one has a distinct advantage over the others. Then perhaps we can figure out what is actually going on, and make the right decision on how to deal with it. I think the house is a good idea."

[Chris Chandler]

LB - Heather's cut off. Neither Heather nor Ala can see what is going on with this conversation.

[LightBringer]

What conversation?

Oh, I wasn't actually responding to the conversation. You said Heather saw the avatar, and she couldn't help but think that to herself.

[Chris Chandler]

No I didn't. I said, "Similarly to Heather", that is, the manifestation is similar to Heather's.

[LadyGlutter]

(Aha! LB got Chris on a dangling participle! Even if it was unintentional and he was 'pulling a Teresa' by letting grammar mistakes confuse him. Haaaaa! My day is soooo good.)

[Chris Chandler]

...

As you have done similarly with Heather, Veronica, you visualize a psychic "avatar". It's like Heather's raven in context, but Ginger's avatar is a rose, darkest red.

More clear?

[LightBringer]

Let's seeee now LB : 1 , LG 1000000000000000000000000000000 :nod:

:cool:

Yeah. Already edited post.

[LadyGlutter]

(Actually, that phrasing is still a little less clear than it could be. The most clear way to write it would be to snip the adverbial phrase altogether, as it's extraneous. Thusly:

Veronica, you visualize a psychic "avatar". It's similar to Heather's raven in context, but Ginger's avatar is a rose, darkest red.

But that's honestly picking nits. :P I only answered because you asked. Lol. Seriously, this day rocks my face off.

Wheeeeee! On with the show!)

[Chris Chandler]

Goodness gracious me. It seems I've wandered off to where people give a damn.

Yeah, why don't we get on with the show? :roll:

[LadyGlutter]

Lol. Deny it if you like, it stung. I know it did!

It seems we're waiting on our GM to post something of relevance that is in coherent English.

[Chris Chandler]

Rocks fall. Everyone dies.

[LadyGlutter]

Bwahahahaha, there's the sign that you didn't give a damn, right?

[Chris Chandler]

At least you can read that.

[Chris Chandler]

"And what did he do with it?"

Aaaah, I can talk to this person, too, but yeah, mental shift. Okay, on this, tone is important and I don't want it to be misread in my writing. I am careful not to laugh, to show the anger and defensiveness that would be respectful of the situation instead of teasing her like I would Heather. The mocking is slightly angry and bowed up, ready for a brawl.

Because I didn't take care of business while you were out, hon. I could have you know. Don't think to threaten me, you don't know any more than I do who would win that battle. Those two reasons are enough to at least hear me out. Anything more's going to take more than a 5 second defense, and you and the Red Gunner here are the ones who on the surface are the guilty ones.






Well, he found out what they were doing, and then managed to take over, inexplicably. It wasn't too long after that the results of NOVA II started cropping up. It took me a few years to catch it. Since then, I've been, well, doing what I can.

He shrugs.

Guilty of what, Veronica? What evidence, evidence you can present to a court, do you have that John and I have done anything? "Well these two were in a red truck!" I think you'll find it's largely circumstantial, what you've got, but that's not the issue. I can see that we're really at a crossroads - it's not an impasse, yet. Just... a... John's rambling about Mudaliar, but... you don't even know who that is, do you? Who is Veruca?

[LightBringer]

HEY!!! Why am I getting killed? I think your english is fine. :evolved:

[LadyGlutter]

"You weren't part of NOVA II?"

What huh? No, I don't know who he is, I've tried to tell him that, and right now that's like he said, some stuff to talk to David while we do this. Except some propaganda films and what he's said, I've never heard of Mudiliar til today, I don't think. Who is taking you to court? That's Veruca over there, if you insist on digging in my head. That's my motivation, and are you going to tell me that a mother of two is NOT dead? Screw the courts. That's not what this is about and we both know it, and I wasn't claiming it was. You're as bad as him throwing up smokescreens.

Shoot. Ginger, look, I don't get what is going on but I'm pretty used to being in the position where everythng isn't what it seems and trying not to judge too quickly. I wasn't trying to threaten you, just tell you your initial threat was unnecessary, I'm aware that the situation is bad. If you are successful in 'taking care' of the situation you will have harmed MORE innocents, jumped to conclusions, and possibly taken out allies.

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, no, no. The NOVA project was shelved, and we went back to normal life, almost at the flip of a switch. We'd no idea about NOVA II, and what it was trying to do.

David nods to Heather -

Sounds fine. We'll be there in just a little bit. I think we can relax now.

So, Veronica, are you able to listen to David and pull on all this?

Veruca - she's connected to NOVA II. I don't know how. She's your charge? So you aren't connected with Mudaliar at all, then? I can... see that. I'd like you to believe that Mudaliar is a very dangerous man, a man that would like nothing more than to you people like you or myself in a Protean Tank or just killed... Doppelgängers? John is so weird. He prefers to hide behind hocus-pocus lies like magic and spirits than think a man could do something like develop the NOVA Progeny.

I'll stand down if you help us get out of this. I'd rather have you and your cohorts in the fire with me than leave me in the frying pan. I don't want any more innocents harmed.

[LightBringer]

Really? Don't you think you should call the others?

[LadyGlutter]

So what was NOVA II? It sounds like that video was still part of NOVA I and I'm misunderstanding something.

No, not really able to divide my attention that much without losing connection. The surface conversation is very hard in fact to keep going at all.

That's what I'm trying to do, insofar as 'getting you out of this' means at least buying enough time to get stuff straight. You realize that their hearts are in this, it's not just mercenary work here. You are Bad Guys in their eyes, and I'm not going to take them down for doing a good deed, even if you claim it's not. I can't make snap alliances like that for the reasons I've already given.\

((OOC: Since she's digging around in my head, I'm going to go on and take the chance of spreading my abilities a tiny bit thinner. I won't go in John's head because he's more resistant and she's being open, but I want to know what both of their abilities are in her mind and words. [4.... these dice are beginning to believe in me. :) ] ))

[Chris Chandler]

Really? Don't you think you should call the others?

David smirks -

It's one of those things where it's better to ask forgiveness than permission. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

John nods his head -

That video - again, it was just propoganda - represented the dying breath of the NOVA project. NOVA II took the ideology of the NOVA project and turned it on it's head. Like I said, Dr. Lenz's aims were medical in nature. NOVA II was nothing of the sort.

Ginger's avatar illumes slightly more brightly as you tap in for a deeper look. Ginger calls John's ability his Nick in Time, mostly because he usually still gets hurt, even though it keeps him from getting killed. She doesn't fully understand it, either. She also knows that he is a Tough Nut, and she's never been able to meaningfully control him.

Her abilities - you start to dig around and the rose darkens somewhat -

Going a bit personal, aren't you? I've steered clear of your panty drawer, Miss Sawyer.

You feel the hint of humor with her words, and then you get an image of a funhouse - You know, the type at a carnival with all the mirrors in a sort of maze. Distorted mirrors, perfectly reflecting mirrors. You have the slightest twinge of panic, as if you were about to be placed within the funhouse, but she pulls back. You, physically, are sweating now, from just that instant. You won't get caught off-guard like that again.

It's as close to describing what I can do. I can put you where I wish, whatever I can think of, you're there, and it's as real to you as sitting in this van. I've also got a few of the more... traditional psi gifts - I could have talked to you like this, though I sense mine is a bit more broad, if less deep. I've spoken to crowds of folks at once, but I've never been able to manifest... well, snipe, as John calls it. That's really the extent of it, as far as talent is concerned. It gets the job done, and that's what counts, right?

And then to address your question -

Alliance, eh? Now that would be something. You've asked John so many questions that he's gone and gotten impatient, and you're doing similarly with me. I honestly don't know what answer will satisfy you. You're saying, "Tell me what NOVA II is, or I can't help you." It can't be answered with a paragraph, or even three. I think from what I got from John he's explained that to you more than once. I can send you flashes of what we've discovered, but there is a lot that is just not understood, nor with us. Again, you want all the information, and I just can't give that to you. John's explained one reason - we don't know if this is a surviveable encounter and we have other allies - but what you want is unreasonable in the amount of time we have. I cannot give you what you want, because you want everything. I don't have everything. Give me a reasonable request, and I'll try to comply.

You sense palpable frustration from Ginger, which transfers immediately to John.

There's no threat of violence, but I'm getting two messages from you. You say you want to help, but your conditions for aid cannot be met. Please be reasonable.

[LightBringer]

"I guess I don't, since I rarely ask for either, but I take it you're going to inform them of our location once we get there?."

[LadyGlutter]

(Dangit the David/Heather conversation is killing me. :P Ah well, I'm about stretched thin keeping up with all this crap NOT messing in people's heads, I know poor Ronnie's straining hard.)

I nod, " I ... you know, I don't know what to ask you. So, I guess, go on. "


I'm not demanding I know all at once. I'm trying to be logical here and get facts. I am trying very hard to be reasonable, but time is catching up with me. I just know I don't have a lot of time and I don't know what David's going to do. He IS working for Mudiliar, and his other two associates... well, I don't know what I think there, so I'll not get into it.

Look, what I want is I MIGHT want to help, but I also want you off the streets as far as terrorizing the populace. Even if I agree that these guys you are killing need killing, you are causing a panic. I'm sure you of all people get that is BAD. So I figure you must really truly believe that it's awful for them to be alive in order to put everyone through all this.

A reasonable request? You see what I'm all about right now. You are in my head. You know I'm not lying. I have put myself at a distinct disadvantage letting you in my head right now, and ...I'm trying to keep you from doing THAT crap to me, and if you do feel you have to do it, I want a handle on things first. I am just as frustrated as you. Moreso. My request is that you work with me. That you try to use some empathy. I know you have it.

[Chris Chandler]

"I guess I don't, since I rarely ask for either, but I take it you're going to inform them of our location once we get there?."

David nods -

Brock hates it when I interrupt him too early. We'll get settled and I'll give a call.

John snorts -

Okay then - sorry to confuse you. NOVA II took some of the peices of research, and made it into a monster. Like Oppenheimer and the bomb, y'know?

Ginger's rose avatar grows pale and grey -

Hmph... Empathy, huh? You're better than most, I'll give you that, but I'd really like to know your angle if we get through this.

The thrust is this. When NOVA ended, it ended peacefully. The funding stopped, so Dr. Lenz made sure we all networked each other, and he set out to make a private venture of it. Whomever cut off the federal funding simply redirected it to what I can only assume was the beginnings of NOVA II.

There were two key points that Dr. Lenz hit on with NOVA that... would have been interesting to the military, outside of the whole psi-ops angle. The first was the psycho-pathology of the whole thing - that there were, indeed, more than just the NOVA participants that were... talented - There were markers that could be, I think, recognized, or, in the case of NOVA II, exploited. The second was one particular marker, that is... what happened with Hannah. NOVA II is, in essence, a... research-driven rape of the regeneration of Hannah's inexplicable nerve, muscle, and bone tissue.

[LightBringer]

"Sounds good. So, I guess we're to Jen then. Where'd she come from? Was she with you and Brock in the military?"

[LadyGlutter]

My focus is suddenly on John's conversation a lot more. But I'm talking to both of them, since the topics are converging.

"You sure want to know how much I read and how much I pay attention in classes, don't you? I get the idea, yeah. Is that where the dopplegangers came from?"

Sure, we'll sit down and have a cup of Joe. So why are you guys going about it THIS way?

[Chris Chandler]

David grins -

Jen? No, she's former JTF 2... a regular Canuke, that one. Canadian special ops, eh?

He laughs.

No, she got out after... she'll say 'that Rwanda garbage', but all I now is that she resigned her commission. She's like me, though. Jen never took much to civilian life. She's actually got a price on her head, because of whatever happened to force her out.

He slows down, letting a car get past him, then merges over to the right.

I met Jen when we both signed up on a joint op in Costa Rica. Her spotter'd been killed in a prior op, and I was attached to her for the mission. After we got paid, we went up to San José, and met up with Brock, who'd just finished an escort run himself. We went freelance after that... That was some years back now.

He smiles in memory. He glances at Heather and turns down a side street.

We make a good team. Small enough to attach to a larger force without headaches, but big enough to be versatile.


John laughs -

Not everyone's so keen on the book learnin', you know? Of course that's where they came from.

Ginger responds, but only after a momentary pause -

We're actually waging a counter-offensive. John didn't find out until it was too late for a few of us that one of the goals of NOVA II was to wipe out the participants of NOVA. I... I still really don't know why though. It's not like they're doing some pod-person thing, either, and taking our places. They just kill and move on.

[LadyGlutter]

This exchanged triggered several things in my brain simultaneously. As per conversation with GM, I'm going to lay it out thusly:

Out loud to John, "Then why do you say dopplegangers and not clones?"

Hannah will immediately draw me to look around for a mental image of this person. I am not probing beyond that, just trying to have an idea of who "Hannah" is.

Then if they aren't taking your places, then... what? The bodies you guys are killing certainly are being identified as you guys. So in essence you guys are wiping out yourselves, even if you think they're not taking your places, they ... are? They are wiping out NOVA, and then they look like NOVA, so.. how do you mean they aren't doing a pod person thing?

(that was very confused and deliberate... slow, trying to work it out)

[Chris Chandler]

John frowns -

Because they're harbingers, not some sort of replicated, synthetic human.

Ginger replies -

You know... you're making a good case for them replacing... us, but what I meant is that... well, take Donald, for instance - He was teaching physics at university and was killed. The NOVA II progeny that killed him didn't just step into that teaching position - there was a big event and everything, a vigil, the whole grievance, everything. We found the progeny driving a taxi, under an assumed name, in another state.

It's that crossing of state lines that makes it hard, among other things. States don't talk as much as they could, so pathology reports rarely trigger much notice, and it's not like corpses get DNA testing as part of the exam.


The image you see doesn't really surprise you (any more than the shock of anything else lately). Your aunt's face looks at you, the shoulder-length auburn hair, the ruddy skin, enormous brown eyes behind thick glasses, and her kind smile.

[LadyGlutter]

My turn to frown, hard. "Harbingers of what? They SOUND like replicated synthetic humans to me."

(I'll leave the GM to decide exactly how and what to do with the "oh, shit" that I try to stifle when I see Aunt Hannah. I imagine it's going to be a roll to see if Ginger catches it, but I'm not trying to let that on, fwiw.)

Okay, I think I follow now. Who all has been taken out so far by NOVA II? And why is that one of NOVA II's goals?

[Chris Chandler]

Doom, of course. That's the usual trend.

He laughs without humor. He turns and smiles to counter Veronica's frown.

Ginger, tell her, please.

David's head twitches and you hear a whispered

Dammit...

He speaks up -

The left front tire is going flat. Brock's going to be pissed his baby got a nail in her.

Ginger sits up, blinks her eyes and speaks aloud -

NOVA II isn't being funded by our government, Veronica, not any more. There's another player. Mudaliar is a thief, but he's also working for... Well, he was able to take Lenz's research and increase it exponentially. There's no way he was able to create the progeny with what we know about genetics, biology, hell, even structural engineering, and Mudaliar, well, he just doesn't have the chops. He's had help, and while I don't know from whom, wiping out the NOVA project is only the first thing that's supposed to happen.

You just know Ginger picks up on your surprise, Veronica, and realizes that you know Hannah. Her psi-avatar turns a snowy white.

David's eyes are right in the rear view mirror, toward Veronica and Ginger, but not before glancing toward Heather quickly.

Wh... What did you just say?

[LightBringer]

(Sorry, I'm missing that. Is he talking me me or Ronnie?)

[Chris Chandler]

((David is talking to Heather - continuing the conversation. Sorry for the confusion.))

[LightBringer]

"You know you don't do much for a girls ego," giving him a little pout, while indicating he keeps staring in the rearview.

Is there a noise or something that would 'tell' that the tire is going flat?

[Chris Chandler]

((Okay - he was talking to Heather, until he started looking at the rearveiw mirror, then he's addressing who spoke last))

[LightBringer]

Well then just ignore me. :x

[Chris Chandler]

It was my fault - no worries.

[LightBringer]

Thats okay.

Although I'd still like to know if there is some noise or something that indicates we are have tire trouble. In fact, I'll be sure to check where we are and what's going on around the van. Actually, was he about to pull over before he was distracted?

[LadyGlutter]

Not missing a beat, I answer Ginger, "They're not done with that phase, so do you know what the next phase would be?"

I glance at David when he yells in the rearview mirror and make that face that's a cross between a smug smile and a grimace. I'm not cutting off the connection between me and Ginger, but it's moving way into the background at the moment and I'm ready to sever it the moment I feel her dig any further.

[Chris Chandler]

I said that Mudaliar's working for someone bigger, som-

No, about NOVA II - How do you know anything about NOV... okay, this is the street. Dammit - NOVA II's supposed to have been buried, but oh, no, every freak in 200 miles knows all about it...

He's a little perturbed, but goes back to driving.

The car's listing to the left a little, and David turns the wheel back to the right a little too much to overcompensate. It's really hard to tell in the passenger seat of a van you've not ridden in extensively. No, you don't think he was about to pull over, Heather.

David starts counting off address numbers -

1123... 1121... 1119 - there we go. 1119. These houses always confuse me - they look too much alike.

He pulls into the driveway of a small rancher with a carport. He looks to pull into the carport.

Ginger addresses Veronica -

I haven't seen any documentation, only... information I've gathered from a few of the more knowledgable progeny. The specifics are long-winded, but the gist is that they think they've made... contact, and are building up for... invasion, and not in the "We're getting attacked" sense. Rather, they're building an invasion force - marines to storm some Tripoli none of us has ever seen.

[LadyGlutter]

"Wait... what the hell? Where are we going?"

[LightBringer]

"To a safehouse, that I'm sure isn't really safe, but you never know" I reply with a shrug.

[LadyGlutter]

"A .. safehouse. David?"

[Chris Chandler]

((a bit canny for someone who, the entire ride, had been completely clueless there, Heather... ;) ))

David is proceeding to park the van and glances back -

Yeah, what's up? We're here.

He unlocks the doors and is getting ready to hop on out.

John tosses Ginger and Veronica a glance, and Ginger, likewise looks back toward Veruca and Veronica.

[LadyGlutter]

"Oh, you can hear my voice. What are we doing here?"

[Chris Chandler]

Doing here? Safe house, Ly, I mean Veronica. Y'know, neutral meeting ground and all that?

[LadyGlutter]

"Meeting whom?"

[Chris Chandler]

The rest of the team, of course. We need to get inside, though. This might be a safe-house, but it's still good to keep our heads down, if you know what I mean.

[LadyGlutter]

"No, I don't know what you mean. Brock and Jen are in there?"

[Chris Chandler]

I've got to call the team, but not 'til we get inside. Secure line.

[LadyGlutter]

"That's not what I asked and you know it."

[Chris Chandler]

I don't know what you're getting at. C'mon already...

He gives you a "weirdo..." face, then opens the door.

[LadyGlutter]

"No."

[Chris Chandler]

He takes a breath and then let's it out.

Really? Well, shit. Blue.

He is moving out the door intending on slamming it -

Heather, you can also see that he is intending to move to the back of the van, toward the street.

[LadyGlutter]

Well.... shoot. I don't want to but I hop towards the door. I speak really fast and if he slams it on me I guess I won't finish. My voice is filled with disappointment. "Do you have to really? It wasn't a real lie, you knew it was a pseudonym. And I've been upfront with you! They are looking for alternatives. You can't give us a couple of hours? You wouldn't have them at all without me."

[LightBringer]

(Just because Heather acts clueless doesn't mean she is. :cool: )

When they get to the driveway I'll unbuckle and listen to Ronnie go on. When David unlocks the doors I'll turn to open mine. (Here's here I get confused. Does Heather's door open? Does she even have time for that? Does the word 'Blue' sound like a command? If it does, does Heather have time to kick the door and keep it from slamming? I am, and have been, completely expecting to get screwed. That's why I redirected him. I'd rather them try and screw us out here than in that base of theirs.)

[Chris Chandler]

LB -

I'm sorry, but you're going to have to argue your case a lot harder, because based on the record, Heather's been duped. If Heather were that canny, it needed to be stated. The reasons I need to know -

1. This game is all about levels of personal awareness, partly because psi is everywhere. This isn't like Production, where everyone and their uncle is a lying, two-faced bastard. It's also not like Kuralia where the exterior facade is all anyone ever sees. I need more of an idea about what actually is going on in Heather's head, not just what she's letting on. You can still pull the "off the cuff" personality of Heather while expressing that her mind's racing under the cool exterior, etc.

2. At no point did I see Heather even attempt to "redirect" David. Perhaps you're mistaken in thinking that Post #163's "suggestion" was the reason David "went your way". You'll note that there are a number of clues that suggest otherwise. What I saw was Heather happily playing into David's hands. But now I find out LB was holding cards in reserve. If Heather knew just what she was getting herself into, certain other NPCs and PCs would be drawing different conclusions about her. It's not all about David and Heather when they are having a conversation. Other people are listening in. If nothing else, your sister should be able to have an inkling when you might be bluffing. She's an empath, after all, and not the only one in this van.

3. Heather's been too busy (being an incubator), to be an effective diplomat right now. This is actually a good case to illustrate my point. Stitch just got done playing ping-pong with your insides, and you didn't contact out. Heather specifically never let Veronica or anyone else know what was going on. LG was very confused as to whether or not she would even know, and I ruled "no," that Veronica wouldn't know what was going on. When that issue resolved itself, it still was pretty unclear about that being your intent. It was your action, though, since you did not state one way or the other.

Basically, my point is, you have got to put those thought bubbles down, on the page. There are psis about, people that are uncanny in understanding human emotion (despite your attempts at hiding such). In fact, you both are included in that ability. As a result, I have been making a point to illustrate body language, patterns of speech, and specific word usage to show that people were thinking one thing and saying another, or hiding the truth, or engaging in some other psychological maneuver. I give you opportunities to detect lies, motives, etc. when it's prudent, even when it might not "matter". I've been doing plenty of reactive die rolling on your behalf thoughout the campaign. I should have the same opportunity. Even if you don't want to explicitly state every plan Heather has, body language, a visual cue, or a passing thought would help.

Don't worry - it's not a poker game. You aren't going to have "tells" just because I know Heather's thoughts. Your emotive responses, detailed thoughts, and rationale are completely relevant to the way everyone around you (PC and NPC alike) react. You know as well as I do that I don't let my NPCs cheat. Witholding stuff from me is only hurting Heather and Veronica. You know that I get silly when I get no feedback or input.

Even people who play dumb leave breadcrumbs. The NPCs that are in this game are all about the breadcrumbs.

Now to your questions -


It's an older van, without electric locks. David only opens his lock. Heather's isn't barred or jammed. She can unlock it, if she ever did lock it in the first place.

Blue (see, here you're asking for specifics - excellent!) is certainly detatched and completely out of context for any conversation going on in the van. It very well could be a safe word or a code word.

Interesting. The van has bucket seats in the front, so it is a little awkward. Even though his action is a bit surprising, you'd have the moment to try and keep it open. One point to remember (and not to suggest you take a different action), is that Heather is worn out, if it wasn't clear. Her wound is healed, but crunchy-wise, those FP are spent.

[LadyGlutter]

((Alrighty then. I, um... yeah, nevermind. I was geared up to see what David did, but I suppose I'm on hold a minute, huh? I want to note I still haven't cut off contact with Ginger yet.))

[LightBringer]

In response to your answers to my questions:
1. You specificly said 'David unlocks the doors' which
led me to think he could lock and unlock them all at
the same time.

As far as the rest of it:
As you will note through the game I have posted Heathers thoughts as Ronnie would be able to hear them when she wanted, and ignore them as she wanted. That link was broken so I no longer felt I had to post them. Yes the game is filled with psi's, and I know John and Ginger are psi's. I also know John's gift is some sort of time thingy, and Ginger was unconscious. I nor Heather had any way of knowing what Ginger's gift was, and didn't feel her in my head. Again I had no reason to post Heather's thoughts. I see that I'll have to remedy that and post her thoughts no matter what.

Here's some OOC; you talk about Ronnie knowing I might be bluffing. From what I saw, you kept telling LG that Ronnie couldn't talk to Heather mentally, and she couldn't keep track with the verbal conversation as well. Exactly how was she going to know Heather was bluffing, getting sucked in, or anything else with Heather? As well, how was Heather supposed to let Ronnie know what she felt was going on without actually saying it aloud?

Back to the meat: Let's talk body language, Heather was sweating, jumpy, passed out, stuffing her face full of food, and now looks like she has a rash. I think her body language was fairly well covered. As I suspected and you confirm, after that, she just sits in her seat and really has trouble even conversing probably. (Used up FP's)

Now for Davids body language, passed the obvious continual looking in the rearview, it is clear he is spending to much energy trying to listen, as well as talk. I mean there's, you hear someone else's conversation while you talk, and then there's actually listening to a different conversation and trying to hold your own conversation at the same time. Also, David goes from cool as a cucumber, to actually nervous once John and Ginger are in the van, and it wasn't a normal nervous. David is a trained soldier. He may have become more focused, but not nervous. He also, continually mentions the bunker. Either he wants to go there or he is trying to steer us somewhere else. Here's where Heathers thinking comes in. Heather is afraid of the bunker. It is a place supposedly ordinary soldiers use as their base of operations against psi's. Why would David risk exposing it? First thought in Heather's mind, the device Jen was working on is not used for only finding John, or any other psi, it is used to holster their power. Frankly, Heather believes the whole base has an anti-psi capablity. Therefore she would rather be anywhere else, or should I say somewhere else, even though she knows if he wants to go somewhere else, it's not because it's safe. These guys have been hunting John for however long. They are not going to stop just cause me and Ronnie say so.

Heather is actually glad Ronnie couldn't hear her thoughts, because ever since she heard the name Muldaliar(sp) she's been trying to unscramble the letters and find Adam's name in there. So the paranoia is starting to kick in. Yeah I know she doesn't have it. I think it's a case of sympathy paranoia.

So yeah, Heather is actually quite sure they are going into a trap. How big it is she doesn't know, but she knows it's one.

But, since none of that matters, and Heather has obviously been duped......

Once the van stops Heather will turn and attempt to open her unlocked door and get out.

[Chris Chandler]

See, each and every bit of that would have been nice to hear, absolutely! Why didn't you put that out there, for Heather's rationale? It would have been present at the gaming table - I don't see why here is any different. The group needs to know these things to function well. Even if Veronica isn't tapping Heather's brain, she'd see that subtle shift in tone or body language, or whatever, in her periphery, and be able to react accordingly.

Posting our thoughts "no matter what" isn't really the issue. It's the surface v. underlying thoughts that I'm discussing here. Of course LB sees the trap. I know he did. He isn't foolish, and has a grounding in military thought and psychology. His character didn't say a thing. I'm not going to make that assumption. I too often get in trouble thinking for my players' characters. :)

Seriously - this would have been great! That detail isn't giving away anything. It would have been very helpful, in fact. I know it's a fine line, but think of it this way, if knowledge would determine outcome, then lack of knowledge would determine a different outcome. I'm not asking for novellas, or not even the conspiracy theories (unless they are really good - those are entertaining in and of themselves ;) ), but rather letting me know when the role Heather's playing is a bluff, or if she's trying to be stealthy, or anything else that is more than meets the eye.

I don't need to know your plans, necessarily, but it'd be nice to know that there was a plan, at all.

As the example -

Instead of unscrambling the letters of Mudaliar to get at Adam Worth, Heather calmly looks at David while thinking, "aha, that's strange," and her wheels start turning.

Is that acceptable?

[LightBringer]

Yes that's fine, but I still see it as posting all of Heathers thought's. Example, except for me telling you Heather is scared of the bunker, you wouldn't know unless I showed what she is thinking. Her fear of the bunker is why she took advantage of Davids attempt's to 'hint' at going somewhere else. When he suggested the safehouse instead of her suggestion thats when she thought 'HA'. Again it falls to posting her thoughts.

Also don't forget Heather also has military training. I keep thinking, 'No Heather won't know that', but then I remember her training.

Gotta run to lunch. see you in an hour or so. :)

[Chris Chandler]

((OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a day))

What military training? Heather has no military training.

[LightBringer]

Mmmmmmm, HELLO, SPACE, you do remember the time in space right????? You know when Josh, Heather, and whatever-his-name was, went to basic and advanced training. You know where Josh learned to be a pilot of spacecrafts, if I remember correct Heather went infantry/sniper. Any of that sound familiar???

[Chris Chandler]

I remember when Josh went into infantry training. He learned munitions, light and heavy arms, and some tactical training.


I remember when Kenny went into piloting training. He learned light arms, navigation and gunnery, along with a few other skills.


I remember when Veronica went to the Centauri Academy, because she didn't want to politically ally herself with any military force. She learned... a whole lot.


I remember when Heather went neither to the Centauri Acacemy ("let Ronnie get the book learning") nor through the Protectorate military institute ("let the boys play with their guns"), but rather explored the Protectorate base in which they were staying. She met up with Cho Nuk's wife, Daya, who introduced her to the Daughters of Theya. Not only did Heather get a contact there, but also expanded her most potent psi ability, as well as started to develop TK.


I remember you perused the choices of military training, and I did, indeed, tailor the Sniper/Scout training to Heather specifically. When LG opted out of the military training, you opted out, as well, for whatever reasons you had at the time. You didn't want to enter the Academy, either, and so rather spent a few weeks "slumming it", gathering some good information on the actual structure of the Protectorate, and some good gossip (outside of the aforementioned Daughter's of Theya).

This sounds familiar. Perhaps I should put a quote from my notes:

There is also the “learn as you go method” of wandering about the station until you find something interesting (being able to get about 5 points in skills, but this method can definitely can lead to mayhem. This would give a “bonus” point in savior faire (space station)

Daya would also offer the chance to “Bikiya” (after the PTC has started, if one of the girls does not want to do the PTC), or join in mind training session with one of the girls, allowing her to train in some of her powers or skills with a gestalt of other Centauri women.



This is what Heather ended up doing.

[LightBringer]

I remember her doing that , but I also remember her participating in some of the basic manuvers that Josh and Kenny participated in. Is it possible that Heather did the basic and skipped the advanced training?

[Chris Chandler]

No, she didn't participate in the basic manuevers at all. I remember taking a week of prep to "build" an alternative for both LG and yourself, because LG had expressed NO interest in doing the military thing. You just happened to decide to not do the military training when she opted for the civilian route. I'm sure of it. My notes support that, as well. Remember though, her exposure to the Daughters of Theya was easily a better investment.

[LightBringer]

I know I remember doing some of the excercises, but obviously that is irrelevant. Skipping past that......Since I no longer feel like discussing it, I'll adjust Heathers behavior which will be different from the past since I wrongly thought she had some basic military training.

As I said, Heather will turn to open her door when the van stops.

[Chris Chandler]

Alright. Fine -

Heather opens her door to the van, opening it out toward the house. Like stated earlier, it's a small rancher. There is a side door about 8 feet from you, and a front door where you'd have to move a total of maybe 25 feet. There is one window next to the the side door at chest level, and two windows flanking the front door. There are hedges all along the front of the house, and there is a sidewalk leading from carport to front door. The front yard is not manicured, but the grass at least looks mowed recently. The roof is fairly flat, and you see no chimney. You can't see the rear of the house or the far side, of course.

The carport is completely bare. There are oil stains on the ground, but past that, nothing much.

Do you just open the van and sit, or are you actively stepping out?

Veronica makes her plea, but it... seems to fall on deaf ears. At least David does not give a verbal response. He slams the door in his wake, loudly.

Ginger and John, neither one, make much of a sound - John moves quickly to the rear of the van, looking like he is going to open the rear cargo doors. Ginger's eyes go wide, and she looks toward Veronica with a "Well?" look, then takes a moment to look in the front seat.

Crap, he took them...

Veruca is pushed aside by Ginger and the smaller girl falls back on her bottom, in the cargo portion of the van. She looks all around, wide-eyed, and clutches the rucksack tightly.

Actions?

[LightBringer]

Heathers intent was to get out of the van, but with all the drama she stops and turns to Ronnie, "What's the deal?"

[LadyGlutter]

"Guys? I really don't want any more fighting. They could be valuable assets."

No bothering with stealth, I'm upping clairvoyance to watch him. (12) Next round in David's head. I'm pushing past all the defenses he has up. (8) What is going on in there?

At the same moment I'm reconnecting with Heather. I'm all sorts of all over the place, but trying to convey as much as I can at once. Hopefully he's listening but I don't think so. I'm trying to see if I'm wrong, anyway. Go on and get out if you want to. I'd rather you... The van is... um, you might could effect it with St... you might could take it. Can you drive? Are you in any condition? I can get on it...

[LightBringer]

Heather looks at Ronnie like she's stupid, "What?? What's the issue?"

[LadyGlutter]

"Shit. Sorry. The issue is that I think this safehouse is an ambush, and because I'm trying to ask questions and get to the bottom of this David may very well feel like he's going to do what he has to to get his contract fulfilled..."

I disconnected with Ginger too, by the way. I meant to say that and forgot so if you wait til now to apply it fine but I meant for those two brains not to touch if I could help it.

[LightBringer]

"Why would he do that?"

[Chris Chandler]

It goes down like this -

Heather halts in the middle of getting out of the van - Veronica activates her clairvoyance and simultaneously hooks back up with Heather (hooray!). That makes the next step easy!

David slams the door and moves right down underneath the van, and under the wheel well - basically squeezed between the two front tires. Cozy! It's hard to ID his intent just yet though.

John moves to the back of the van and pops the doors open and... crouches.

Veronica makes the point to disconnect from Ginger (which causes a look of surprise, as she had been "eavesdropping" on the clairvoyance 'til then).

Veruca's being... Veruca, that is a scared kid.

Ala pipes up all of a sudden -

Hey what th - what is that David guy doing under the van and where in the hell are we!?

Next step puts Veronica trying to crack down David's wall, with Heather looking for any clarification (which might be helped via the clairvoyance that Ronnie downloaded per LG).

Veronica (observed by Heather) is actually able to break through David's stiff defense. Because it's not stealthy, David is quick to attempt to blank his mind, but not before the following impressions -

Okay, 30 seconds let's go now!

What a FUBAR

a tactical retreat or maybe they -

Ow! what the - VERONICA, PLEASE DON'T DO THIS

and he's blanked his mind.

Ginger spreads out her hands, putting one on Veruca, and the other reaching for Veroinica - is it "Snakes!" or a human reaction?

John... crouches.

[LadyGlutter]

To David, matching his emphatic tone -- THEN DON'T MAKE ME.

To Heather: I don't know why. It's just a gut feeling. He won't react to me. He keeps looking at me and he started to call me Lydia which was the same as calling me a liar just about. I don't know why it is... it just is. We've got 30 seconds... he's safe, can you crank it? Can we go?!

[LightBringer]

Actually thats why Heather has been talking verbally. Unless Ronnie actually sends her anything Heather is to tired and to confused to care about trying to 'get' anything from Ronnie.

"What the hell are they all freaking out about?" Heather wonders to herself

[LightBringer]

(Simupost. I'll consider Heather's thoughts to go off just before Ronnie speaks to her.)

Still looking confused, "Crank wha...Oh! I don't think so but I'll try."

Slide over to the drivers seat. "Well Stitch, you been fucking me all day long, you better help me get this van started...and do it as unnoticed as possible."

[Chris Chandler]

Okay this will be a little weird, but let's see it pan out -

Veronica - you get no real feedback from David, of course, but you know that he's able to hear you.

Ginger seems about to do something, with John holding his ground, but Heather forces the issue!

I will try.

Stitch gives a little bit of guidance to Heather - one hand on the wheel, one hand covering the ignition (on the steering column) and...

The van roars to life - revving all the way to pegging the tachometer!

David leaps out from under the van like a scared jackrabbit, his shirt ripped completely off, and he stumbles back out from underneath the carport, landing on the grass. He is completely nonplussed.

((OMG, requested gratuitous David description))

He's an ex-soldier, who is currently a mercenary. He's over six foot, and over 200 pounds and is in excellent shape - He's got a swimmer's build, and has got two campaigns' worth of bullet holes and shrapnel scars.

The van's started, so Ginger... pauses. John, on the other hand yells -

What in the hell?

He very nearly loses his balance and throws himself back to the middle of the cargo area.

Veruca shrieks!

Ala giggles, but then gets to brass tacks as the engine revs down -

Who do I need to take out - Seriously, I've got no bead on anything right now. What is going down!?

[LadyGlutter]

(Cool! :) That's better than I was imagining, so thanks for the "gratuity". It was for SCIENCE anyway.... I need to know things like body language and the like. :fun: Ok, I'll post when my brain is functioning for real.)

[LightBringer]

Going on the half stuttered comment's from Ronnie a few seconds ago Heather throws the van in reverse when the engine whines down and stomps on the gas pedal. Then she slams on the brakes, slaps it into drive, and stomps the gas again.

[Chris Chandler]

Is Heather going straight forward again, back into the carport, or is she going a different direction?

[LightBringer]

Oooo, I can run David down.

No she's going back out the way they came in.