I better get my laptop working again to see what can be salvaged. Im still in :O

I'm still in this, though give me a day or two to get my act back together for this RP, and I'll see what I can do to contribute to this.

OOC: Thank you Torn =D whenever you're able is fine, no hurry =)

OOC: This is the entire last page of the RP just so we can move on, I'll post shortly...

The Mobius Forum
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Cherry Echidna
Net Navi

Posts: 144
(5/23/05 2:02 pm)
Reply Promise me.
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Cherry smiled wryly at Castor's comments.

"Yer right, mate. He can be killed. And I don't doubt that you can deal accordin'ly with dangerous people when you come across 'em..."

She looked away.

"...but, in spite o' all that, you don't know Jerin. Maybe you've known people like him, an' I respect that. But you don't know him. S'all m'sayin.'"

Castor regarded her evenly.

"Like I said. I know he can be killed. That's enough."

The echidna shrugged.

"F'you think so, mate. In any case, all I ask is f'we do run across him that you leave him to me. F'yer unable to due to personal attacks on yer person, o' course I understand that. But f'he doesn't go fer you, or show interest in doin' so, I'd appreciate it..."

Trailing off, she glanced at Legs.

"...f'that's that, then the plan is set, aye? You go with Justin and th' others, ok mate?"

Legs protested loudly, until Cherry fixed him with a stern look.

"Legs..."

Drooping, the decipede chittered tearfully, clinging tightly to her neck. She swallowed hard, pressing her paw to his back. Castor spoke.

"Better get going."

The echidna nodded, gently prying her whimpering companion from around her neck. Turning, she placed him on Justin's shoulder, then took the humans hands, regarding him very seriously.

"Justin. You said you'd have me back, an' watch after me. I need to count on that now, though m'not th' one who needs lookin' after. He's a good fellow, knows what's up...but...please watch out for him...ok?"

Justin nodded, though he still looked worried.

"Miss Cherry-"

She shook her head. When she spoke she spoke to Justin. But she was looking at Legs.

"-I'll see you on the other side. I promise."

The decipede didn't look as though he believed her, but he nodded, staring sadly at the floor. Cherry scritched his head with one claw, smiling encouragingly.

"It'll be ok...chin up now. There's a good mate..."

Turning away from him quickly, Cherry followed Castor, careful not to look back. Her shoulder already felt lonely, and in her two year pursuit of Jerin she couldn't re-call a time when she and Legs had ever willingly parted. Without him she felt more vulnerable, far less prepared, and very lost indeed.

Fine time fer all this nonsense to be goin' down...

Taking a deep breath, the echidna's mind ran through a multitude of possibilities, options, and plans.

Hope m'wrong about you showin' yer ugly mug, Jerin. Really hope m'wrong...

Edited by: Cherry Echidna at: 5/24/05 3:47 am

Swifthom
Partially demented...
But usually just insane
Posts: 6067
(5/23/05 6:32 pm)
Reply
An Artistic Collage
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Sir, not to question you, but are you sure this device will bring heroes from other dimensions to help us? What if it brings someone more despicable than the Kaiser?

Swiftbombs eyes fluttered open, first one then the other as consciousness slowly returned. He could feel the cold hard floor beneath him, rough and uncomfortable. Slowly he climbed to his feet trying to get his bearings, he was slightly warmer than he had been late last night, it was middle light and he was backed into a corner

"We may have to resort to more drastic measures. Time is of the essence, Lilian - you should know that better than the others. It won't be long before the Kaiser realizes that we haven't been disbanded as he had thought."

Behind him he could see the marks in the wall where the Michel's gun had discharged the bullets, the bullets had passed through the portal thing and presumably come out of the other side hitting the wall
Suddenly Bomb started checking his body to make sure he hadnt been hit, he didnt feel any numbness but he had to be sure

The Kaiser is a cruel, heartless man who took over this continent five years ago and has been ruling with an iron fist.

After satisfying himself that his body was in perfect working order Bomb decided to do a tiny bit of exploring, he didnt have a clue where he was but it wasnt Sega City
He remembered Darkest Light, someone he had met on the last Group Mission who had been referred to as a Templar, a traveller to other worlds.

They thought they had murdered Sir Garadon, but what they dont know is that we had managed to fake his death using a device similar to the one that brought you all here. He is currently in a pocket dimension, awaiting to be recovered. The problem is, the device was captured by the Kaiser.

Someone had obviously brought him here, by design or accident he was here. Grinning he considered the possibility of meeting a Templar and asking for a lift home, but first he wanted to know what he was doing here, stumbling forwards he reached the side of the alleyway and glanced out into the street

Well, this definitely isnt Sega City."

Edited by: Swifthom at: 5/23/05 6:34 pm

Guardian of Destiny
The Rogue Mercenary,
the Legendary Guardian,
as foretold in the
prohecy of Dreams,
and Nightmares.
Posts: 103
(5/23/05 7:31 pm)
Reply
Re: Gangstar Rappin
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"I'll be the second piece of bait so let's just get this over with!" Spiner heard T say with a shrug.

It took him a split-second to think about this. He knew he was pretty fast, both on land and in the air, but proven so far, he could trust these two to pull it off. And since they were the ones who were volunteering, he knew that he'd be the one who could give them effective cover fire when they were ready to come in, seeing as how he knew that Blu's frying pan wouldn't work properly and do something else, and as far as he knew, Megan wasn't able to release ranged attacks of any sort.

"Good luck, you two," he said with a nod, and a thumbs-up. It wasn't long now til the security guns opened fire, and the spiders were upon them.

tornadot
Free as the Wind
Posts: 2976
(5/24/05 10:03 am)
Reply | Edit Re: Gangstar Rappin
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Naval Team:

Silver dove into the water and swam over to the hallway. He could see that it sloped upward and to another door. "Maybe we can try this way!" He said. Mike looked at the group and shrugged. "It's worth a try, I guess," He said and he followed Silver. Torn was about to follow but one of the sharks smashed into the broken window and widenned it. The force also knocked her into the water, just as one of the sharks wiggled through the hole but also cutting itself on the glass, which began to float toward the other shark.

Jungle Team:

T laughed and then smirked at Spiner. "We don't need luck but good luck to you as well," He said. The weapons fired off and the group split up. Claire and T ran off in one direction and T could hear some of the spiders slaughtered by the weapons but some of them began follow the duo since they were closer.

Edited by: tornadot at: 5/24/05 10:14 am

Tergonaut
Superhero

Posts: 1708
(5/24/05 5:45 pm)
Reply I'm just afraid of regret, without doing my best
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OOC: Great job, everyone, welcome to the RP, Swift (and welcome to DL as well, I don't remember properly greeting you earlier), and I think that takes care of business. I'll try to help out the other teams as we go with posting, but for this one my focus is on the S Team. You're all doing great!

IC:
Justin's eyes stared at the back of Cherry's head for a moment longer as he stood with Legs in his hands. She's trusting me a lot on this one, he thought, almost dazed by the implications of what had just happened. If what I heard through the door is the truth, then she and Legs have been together for at least two years, going after Jerin.

He winced, the memory of his eavesdropping striking him as dishonorable. But he couldn't help what he had heard, and there was a new priority that Cherry had given to him. And darned if I won't trust her to keep her promise, he thought with newfound determination as Castor and Cherry turned around the corner and out of sight.

Justin looked down at Legs, and he smiled sadly to see what had to be the most laughably pathetic expression he had ever seen on a bug's face. "Well, you heard the lady, Legs, she said she'll see us later and she'll see us later!"

Legs turned to look up at Justin, its eyes scrutinizing him. He smiled more nobly back at the decipede. "You know her better than I do, she keeps her promises doesn't she?"

Legs nodded with a chitter, and Justin nodded as well. "Exactly. In the meantime, you and me are partners. We'll have to work our hardest for Cherry!"

Justin laughed as Legs eagerly jumped up into the suit's breast pocket, poking his head out and looking as determined as a decipede can be. "That's the spirit! Let's go show 'em what for!"

"Now that you're done with your pep talk," said Knight from behind the two, "can we get going? We need to find a way down to the fifteenth floor."

Justin turned around, slightly annoyed with Knight's sarcasm. But he wasn't about to let Knight get to him either. "Depends on which way you wanna go." Justin pointed behind, in front of, and around himself as he explained, "We could take the stairs, ride the elevator, or go on the outside of the building and climb down that way. Now, it's just me, but I think we should take the stairs. That way if something goes wrong, we won't be trapped in the elevator."

Legs chirped. "Oh? I thought so too," replied Justin, not having any idea what the decipede had said.

Shadow Lady
NO!! Pie are ROUND,
CORNBREAD is square!!
Posts: 1240
(5/24/05 7:36 pm)
Reply
Re: I'm just afraid of regret, without doing my best
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Um, Torn...I giant wall came down, blocking the hallway exit. They're trapped. Though that's not to say they can't.....break something along the way. *wink**wink* *nudge**nudge* <3

IC:

N Team
Kristi's eyes widened with alarm as her friends and teammates entered the rapidly rising waters. A small squeal escaped her as the sharks finally broke through, one cutting itself. Blood seeped into the water, reaching the uncut shark's senses. Suddenly the second shark, (the uncut one) turned on its partner, the smell of blood in the water too overpowering. The two fish began to struggle with each other, forgetting the three Naval Team members that were in the water as well.

Kristi gulped as she watched the sharks. Then flailing her arms, she shouted out to her friends. "Guys! Get back here! Quickly! That exit is BLOCKED!!"

OOC: Edit with more on the J Team.

Swifthom
Partially demented...
But usually just insane
Posts: 6071
(5/24/05 7:44 pm)
Reply
Something for Nothing
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OOC:
You may notice that I havent turned up ANYWHERE near you guys, I'll catch up eventually but there's some stuff I want to do first...
Having missed the mission brief my priorities are a bit different to everyone elses right now...
Now, to return to Yee Old Inn, a good while after everyone else has moved on.

IC:
"No money, no food, get out," one barman replied as Bomb inquired tentatively, leaning forward over the counter with the most agressve glare he could muster. The raven who ought to be giving him free food and drink didn't buy it...

"I was wondering if I could have information..."

"You can pick up a city leaflet for three cents, a city altas for double that or buy a drink and then i'd be happy to let you stay and talk." The raven grinned, "Otherwise, you can get lost like the other strangers."

"Other strangers?" Bomb wondered, but the raven just grinned.
"Don't think you'll get anything out of me, all I'm saying is that you're the fifth person to come wondering in here asking for information, the first time a load of soldiers came and the second we had a kidnapping from right outside. I don't want any more trouble, this is a quiet Inn. Unlik the last one you aint got no money so you can just sodd off." The raven folded his arms, "Now get out before I call the guards, I don't want the watchmen to come calling."

Bomb sighed, wandered away wondering what to do next. He noticed a scrap of paper pinned to the doorway as he reached the exit before calling back, "I don't suppose you could hire me, I'm looking for a job."

Th raven looked up from a bulldog he was serving, a wide grin spreading accross his face. "We closed submissions last thursday, any chance you could take the sign down I've been meaning to do it for ages." Bomb growled ripping the paper of the doorframe and stuffing it into his jacket pocket.
Everyone wanted something for nothing these days...

Edited by: Swifthom at: 5/24/05 7:56 pm

Mobius Tetherblood
Stealth Administrator
Posts: 658
(5/24/05 8:29 pm)
Reply
Re: I'm just afraid of regret, without doing my best
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Both the stairs and the elevator works for me... The elevator is less conspicuous considering we are supposed to act in discuise. If I had it my way, then this mission would be performed under cover of the night as an urban infiltration, and not all this discuises. I dont know how to handle 'discuises'. I'm a soldier specializing in security infiltration - not a spy."

"But isn't discuise a way to infiltrate inside places?" Justing wondered.

"Yes, but not for the kind of infiltrations I specialise in. I work by sticking to the shadows and out of sight, and taking out any possible threats. For me, being unseen is a lot surer way to move about than relying on a discuise. But seeing as we are stuck on this gig, I say we use the elevator. Stairs ARE a preferable tactic, but if _I_ was security personel in this building, I would be suspicious about a group of buiseness people who use the stairs instead of the elevator."

OOC: Hey Swift, welcome aboard... If that was Rachel then I have one question: Why would she slap someone she probably has the hots for?

EDIT: It would be more acurate to not say "has the hots for" but rather "is attracted to".

Edited by: Mobius Tetherblood at: 5/24/05 8:32 pm

CastorTroy
Covenent Cleric
Posts: 1596
(5/25/05 6:01 pm)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Castor and Cherry strode along the corridor to another set of elevators. "Okay, these elevators should kick us out in the main bank lobby in this tower. Now, as soon as we get out of the elevator, we need to survey the joint. Check all guard positions and the bathrooms. Bathrooms are important, because the last thing we need is get shot because a guard was on the john the entire time." Cherry was nodding through Castor's briefing as they walked, sincerely hoping that he knew what he was talking about. Castor kept going. "When I give my signal, the guards get neutralized. Do it however you want, just make sure they don't be a problem for us. After the guards go down, we storm the counter. Be blunt, be brutal and look dangerous. We need to look dangerous enough to need lots of security to stop us. People are less likely to cooperate if they think they'll die anyway. Pop the registers, snatch the money and out we go."

By that time they'd reached the elevators. Castor punched the button to go down and they waited for a car to come to their level.

"So, how ya plannin' for us to make our exit?" Cherry asked as they waited.

"Alright, there's a small enclosure that has two things we need: a fire door that opens out into the main street and an emergency staircase that has access to every floor in the tower. What we want to do is throw them off on a wild goose chase, so we open the fire door and head up the staircase. Classic misdirection."

Cherry smiled. "Geez, and you thought all that up that fast? Not bad, mate. So, I take it ya robbed banks before ya started yer current field o' work?"

"Never," Castor shook his head. "Closest I ever came was watching a mark who was a professional thief take a few scores. A lot of the stuff I mentioned was stuff he did so I figure it works well enough to use myself." Castor paused as he noticed worry suddenly appear on Cherry's face. "So, do you have anything besides that sword, because they might be suspicious seeing you lug that thing into a bank..."

One Tru Blu
Stranger in town
Posts: 2114
(5/25/05 6:48 pm)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was now or never. Blu dashed for the door of the plant and slammed his shoulder into the the door to try and break it open, the large and sturdy bolt that was across the door shook, but it was far from breaking.

This was going to be more difficult than Blu anticipated.

"Dammit..." he spat under his breath, unleashing a few full force kicks on the bolt, it was beginning to rattle more and more...

Silver the Hedgehog
We will not die...
We will survive...
Though on different sides...
We still don't fight...
This is to you...
From me...
We will be free...
We will be free...
Posts: 606
(5/27/05 12:07 am)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'll try to see if I can't burn it down with a firebeam.", Silver said, motioning for everyone to step back a bit. HE pointed a sword at the door. "Fire...BEAM!", A column of fire sprouted from the sword and hit the door, after a few seconds the door began to glow red in that spot, and dripped slowly on the floor and solidified. "Almost through, but it might not be big enough..."

Shadow Lady
NO!! Pie are ROUND,
CORNBREAD is square!!
Posts: 1245
(5/28/05 12:04 pm)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kristi smacked her head when the others didn't heed her warning. Only until she saw Silver trying to melt down the wall did she get an idea and forget about the wrestling sharks. Quickly she ran and jumped off the platform, which was slowly taking on water, and dove into the salty waters. Her eyes stung, but she kept swimming, shooting through the water like a silver torpedo. In no time at all, she had reached the hedgehog, tapping him on the shoulder as they floated at the water's surface.

"What?" Silver readied himself for another go at the door.

"Wait...hold on. I've got an idea that might work. Let's combine our attacks, that way we have more of a chance to kick that thing down." Kristi parted her already matted hair, spitting out some water.

Silver glanced back at the sharks...

Silver the Hedgehog
We will not die...
We will survive...
Though on different sides...
We still don't fight...
This is to you...
From me...
We will be free...
We will be free...
Posts: 610
(5/28/05 4:46 pm)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...And nodded. "Right, there's not much else we can do."

cosmickid
Super Hero and
Bacon Lover of
the MoFo!
Posts: 1384
(5/28/05 6:05 pm)
Reply Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cosmic saw Silver and Kristi over by the wall that Silver was trying to melt. "Hey you guys! Is there any way i can help?" he said as went over to them.

Shadow Lady
NO!! Pie are ROUND,
CORNBREAD is square!!
Posts: 1249
(5/28/05 6:39 pm)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kristi nodded toward Cosmic, "Yes! Combine your laser blast with our attacks!"

Cosmic nodded as well, before swimming up beside them. He and Silver looked to Kristi for the appropriate firing time. Licking her salty lips, the vixen raised her hands in the air, collecting a blinding ball of light. Silver charged up his Firebeam attack, hands glowing, while Cosmic aimed his sight at the point where the attacks would combine.

"Ready..." Silver began.

"Set..." Kristi shifted her weight.

"Go!" Cosmic yelled.

All three released the attacks they had been harboring, letting them merge into one big, insane ball of energy that slammed into the wall. Smoke and heat poured from the collision. Kristi craned her neck to see if it had worked, shouting with triumph as the gap they created began to drain into the hallway.

tornadot
Free as the Wind
Posts: 2990
(5/28/05 6:45 pm)
Reply | Edit Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: I need to stop being so lazy...

IC:

Torn looked at Kristi and Silver trying to unleash a twin blast to blow open an opening and she looked at them and cosmic. "I'm sure these walls are super strong since we are underwater but I'm sure a blast from you three can do it. I'll heal you guys' stamina so you can continue your assualt until we open a way!"

OOC: Cheesy yes but if anyone has any problems with it, let me know...oh yes and I've been playing my new Cube so that's why I've been away...

Shadow Lady
NO!! Pie are ROUND,
CORNBREAD is square!!
Posts: 1250
(5/29/05 12:05 pm)
Reply
Re: Pep talk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N Team
Kristi smiled toward Torn, indeed looking a little drained from the energy she had to collect. Before she could shout anything else, the torrent of swirling waters pulled her under, sweeping her and the rest of the N Team into the hallway. Kristi quickly attached her breathing gear, relaxing a little when she spotted Mike, Torn, Silver and Cosmic following the gesture. With one last heave, the team found themselves in the quickly flooding halls of Floor Four.

Good. The vixen thought, looking around. We've made it this far...I believe we can make it even farther....

J Team
Claire quickly jumped out of the way of another laser shot, smirking with satisfaction as it hit a spider instead. Heart pounding in her chest, she kept glancing back and forth, toward those at the door and toward TJ. She could see he was holding up just fine. The vixen saw that Blu had already began to throw himself against the door, using his Frying Pan as well.

"C'mon guys..." Claire muttered, jumping off the top of a spider's abdomen as she released another blast.

"Anytime now....."

Cherry Echidna
Net Navi

Posts: 145
(5/29/05 9:19 pm)
Reply The Toy Collector.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Woo. Finals/school, over =D thanks for being patient, everyone. Would have posted sooner, but I had this hellish travel day where everything that could go wrong did go wrong o_o so by the time I (finally) got home, I was so tired I just went straight to bed. Got some time now though =D so here we go. This probably needs editing o_o we'll see how I feel about it laterish.

~*~

Cherry smiled, tucking some hair back into place.

"I see what you mean. Don't s'pose it'd do to hold up a bank with a sword, anyway. "

She frowned, thinking a minute, then shrugged.

"Guess it couldn't hurt...give me a tick, mate...elevator'll prolly take a bit anyway, seein' as how big this place is..."

Castor nodded, watching as she pulled a small mirror from one of her pockets.

Hardly the time to be checking your face

Cherry chuckled, peering at him over the top of the frame.

Honestly Mr. Troy, in the short time youve known me has anything Ive done or said ever been exactly what it seems?

The human smirked.

Nah. Just getting my hopes up.

She laughed.

Sorry ta disappoint

Holding the mirror to her lips, the echidna whispered to it, then set it on the ground, stepping back and kneeling a short distance away. Though he was expecting something odd to happen, Castor was nevertheless still somewhat surprised as he watched the mirror grow in size, expanding outwards until it lay three feet wide across the floor. Every part of his brain screamed against the illogic of it all, but he didn't have time to attend to such thoughts, especially after what happened next. Once the mirror hit three feet, it paused, and the glass of the frame faded altogether, leaving a six foot hollow within the ground. Inside it was lined with row upon row of shelves, each of which held a vast assortment of different weapons, neatly arranged and labeled as though they were part of some bizarre museum exhibit. Castor recognized a lot of the guns, which, despite the variety, were clearly the predominant implement as far as numbers were concerned. Many of them resembled pieces he'd used, though there were slight differences detectable about certain ones, which his keen eyes easily picked up on...a sleeker frame than he knew on this one...a smaller barrel than was normal for that one...unfamiliar clips of ammunition beside these ones. There were some devices he didnt even recognize, they were so weird looking.

Pulling a sleek handgun with an angled nozzle and a few small clips of ammunition from the top shelf, Cherry glanced up at him, smiling.

"Stranger than ya expected?"

He shrugged.

"Not really, I guess, not as weird as it would have been before this entire thing, anyway. The hell is it? I mean, besides some kind of storage compartment. I get that much."

"Yer correct. It's a storage unit o' sorts, compliments of the engineers back at my base. We use small pocket dimensions to store our things when we travel. The mirror itself s'just the door.

Through the looking glass sort of thing

Aye. Lewis Carroll. Seemed appropriate. Plus it saves on space."

Shaking his head, Castor knelt by the hollow, peering inside.

"Portals, pocket dimensions, mechanic bugs...feel like Im stuck in a sci-fi novel. These all yours?"

She chuckled, shaking her head.

"No...Jerin's. He makes 'em, I take 'em."

The hitman nodded.

"You use them, though?"

"Not really. I detest guns for the sort o' work I do."

Castor cocked a brow at her, resting his arms across his knees. The echidna winked at him.

"Too easy, mate. Bang, an' that's it."

"That's why they work so well. End things quick, get paid sooner."

"Aye, s'as I said, they're good fer certain kinds o' jobs. Not my kind."

"Your people want him alive, then?"

She shook her head, smiling a little.

"I don't think me mates care so much at this point. Just...it wouldn't feel right. Gunnin' him down like that. I guess I could. S'not how I want to win, sall...

She looked down at the gun in her lap.

"...sorry...cant explain it any bettern that mafraid"

"I understand. Revenge."

Cherry chuckled.

"Not reallysdifferent. Not fer revenge. Not fer money. M keepin a promise to someone

Changing the subject, she waved at the laden hollow, remarking absently as she started to fiddle with the handgun.

"...f'you want sumpthin' in there though, have at it. I have three more units full o' these things, an' much as I hate to admit it, Jerin's weaponry's top notch...it really shouldn't go to waste..."

Castor nodded, scrutinizing the contents of the unit more carefully. After a moment, Cherry interrupted his thoughts, her voice unusually quiet.

"Um...Castor?"

He looked up.

"Huh?"

She couldn't meet his eyes, and she stumbled through her words as though her point wasnt something she was looking to arrive at in a timely manner.

"Could you...I don't really...I don't really know much about guns, Legs always...before...I mean, his are weird sometimes with the loading and Legs always had to take off the...that...bollocks, that thing that keeps 'em from goin' off any which where. He had to take that off, an' I didn't ever really...I mean...I can SHOOT it, I just don't...I should really know how to do this by now, I know, I don't use 'em often is all, an' s'been least half a year..."

Trailing off, she shook her head, apologizing hastily.

"...ferget it, nevermind...sorry I bothered you, mate..."

She stared at the gun and clip in her lap, tapping one against the other, utterly lost.

Bollocks, Legs...not even ten minutes and Im already wishin you were here...

~*~

Legs clung to Justin's shoulder as he and the rest of their teammates debated the safest route. His job was remarkably simple, as far as he was concerned, if it only involved taking down some lousy security cameras. That he could do, and in fact had done in the past, quite successfully.

It was his friend he was worried about. Maybe Justin and the others hadnt followed her words closely. But Legs had.

I'll see you on the other side. I promise.

She'd said see. Not re-unite with, or meet. In the Oasis, if one was certain to successfully re-join ones companions, re-unite or "meet" were the proper words.

See simply meant he might catch a glimpse of his mistress from the other side...from far away. That was her promise.

And Cherry was always very careful about her choice of words.

Nevertheless...I suppose now that Im here, I must do my best for her, like Justin said...

He sighed.

Still, I hope she makes it over ok. I don't know what to think of that human she's with, either...he reminds me of Jerin, in certain aspects. Reminds me of some of the creatures Jerins allied himself with in the past, too, actually. Hope Cherry's careful...

He crossed three pairs of his arms, frowning.

and I really hope she doesnt run into any technical problemsshes utterly hopeless as far as that sort of thing goes

Edited by: Cherry Echidna at: 5/30/05 2:50 am

One Tru Blu
Stranger in town
Posts: 2132
(5/30/05 6:35 pm)
Reply
Kick down the door.
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CRACK!

That was the sound Blu wanted to hear. A final full blown kick to the bolt broke it in two and sent it falling to the floor, with everyone else's help, he gave a final push to the large, rusty door and it slowly creaked open.

Blu signalled Claire and TJ and shouted. "Hey! You two! get back here! Let's get inside quickly!" unfortunately, it seemed that some of the spiders had heard him shout as well. Blu whipped out his frying pan and one swing let out a mighty gust of wind that blew some of them back quite a distance, and he got ready for another attack, trying to keep the spider's at bay until Clair and T were with the rest of the group.

tornadot
Free as the Wind
Posts: 2995
(5/30/05 7:26 pm)
Reply | Edit Re: Kick down the door.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.J launched a short blast of fire at some spiders, knocking some away and he looked at Claire. "Let's get over there pronto. I don't know about you but I'm quite tired of dealing with these spiders now," He said. He grabbed hold of a vine dangling overhead and handed it to her. "You go first."

Cherry Echidna
Net Navi

Posts: 146
(6/2/05 1:25 am)
Reply Testing.
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OOC: Ok folks o-o far as I know, the post/reply feature is working again. Thought I'd do up a test post to check that claim, so we'll see if this gets through. If it does, and if everyone else is also able to post, we can continue on, and I've read (as I'm sure most of you have) that the guys in charge believe they can restore the majority of the missing posts.

In the meantime, things can get back to normal (as normal as they ever were, anyway =P) and we can keep going. That's all, I think. You've all been doing really great and sticking with this thus far, and I think we've got some really terrific stuff going on =3 can't wait to get back to it.

Cheers all.

Darkest Light
HQ Forumer

Posts: 3117
(6/2/05 2:33 am)
Reply
Test
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OOC: O.o ::Lets his post be the guinea pig::

::The group of five that began to infiltrate the Power Plant would have some "divine" intervention. Spiner, Blu and Megan were all quite close to running into the hallway, but their actions had left the door in shambles, hinges weakened to the point of collapse. It didn't matter to them at this point, survival was key. If they kept moving they would be fine, right?

The same could be said for T.J and Claire, as she grabbed ahold of the vine. Lasers would direct themselves toward the duo, even as she began to zip through the air. A feeling of weight seemed to clamp down on Claire as she narrowly avoided the swiping strikes of the living spiders. The lasers were barely grazing the vine, and her grip tightened, hoping it would make it. The vine would reach the distance necessary, and she fell off, immediatly making a beeline for the door.::

"Hurry up!!" Blu would shout, before his body would be kicked inside the doorway. He would not have time to react, other than roll on his side, winded and bruised in the chest. Through squinted eyes, he would see his frying pan on the ground a few feet away. Standing on top of it was a thin construct, connected to a bulbous form that was blocking the doorway-as well as Claire's and T.J's way of meeting with them. He coughed, and quickly crawled back, unsure of what to do or how to react. But he did know one thing...

That spider didn't kick him into the hallway.::

=======================

Large fangs protruded from the enemies face as it scaled down the wall in a hurried frenzy, eager to pick off tee two that fell behind. While the brethren were being massacred by the defense system, there were those that still hung around the plant in order to pick off those that made it. Jaws opened in a hasty manner, white fluid being twirled and netted in order to be fired at Claire.

The girl was frozen in place, unsure what could happen next. T.J saw this, and silently cursed himself. He'd have to play hero now-which he didn't mind, but without a solid plan-he wasn'tr sure if he was going to be able to save her-or just put them both in danger.::

"CLAIRE-RUN!" was all he could say as he jumped on the vine and swung his way across. Through his field of vision though, he swore that something had jumped on the laser machine that was pointed at him, and kicked off it, causing it to spin around and blast a spider that was about to shoot some webbing at him. He would finish his swing, the laser system not tracking anymore movement since it seemed they were out of their range of vision. The spiders that remained began to scuttle forward, but the gate still impaired them from covering that distance anytime soon.

"I hope this works!" He sneered as both feet were extended. The spider wouldn't know what hit it, and neither would T.J, as he felt his boots connect with her face. However, as he flipped backwards to land, he felt and heard what he believed to be a blade stab the beast from his feet-and slide back into the soles of his boots!

A crouching landing would be performed, as he tried to ascertain just what happened. With the spider stabbed in teh eyes though, Claire finally snapped out of her frozen state, and bolted for the opening. T.J followed, smirking.

"About time she used her head. But..where did that blade come from? Did they switch my boots?"

They barreled into the Power Plant finally, Blu leading them down the direction Spiner and Megan had already ran. Blu looked back one last time, as the cries of the spider could still be heard. Darting back, he would reach the entranceway, only to scan the ground.

"What that---where is it?!?"

His frying pan was gone.

"What?..What's going on?" But he did not stay to figure it out, as one of the smaller arachnids began to enter the doorway. Right now-Blu didn't feel like becoming food. He hurried back down to catch up, spooked just a little bit more now

=============================

A sigh, as he stuffed the unique weapon into his coat. Standing in the darkness of the broken door, Dl would watch as a spider warily stood at the entrance. It could smell the blood on DL's coat-even though DL was within the depths of the shadows. Shaking his head, DL would only begin to walk away, noting the creature did not enter. The larger beast already scurried away, unable to do much without its sight. But the reluctantness of the smaller beasts to give chase allowed DL to hypothesize that the commander of this domain, this Husk character, had enough skill and power to even cause those vicious beast to stay at bay.

So by now, she had already began moving for them. All he had to do was meet her first. If not, then meet her when she was still alive.::

"Dumb kids. Don't even know what they're throwing their lives away for..." He mentally stated as his shadowability allowed him to walk by the group as they were catching their breath, regrouping for their next move. He kept moving, heading toward the lower levels of this plant. It seemed opportunistic that the kids would be the ones to let him enter this area. He didn't recognize T.J or Megan or Claire. Spiner though, stuck out like a sore thumb, it had been years since they had saw each other last. Blu was anoher one-quite puzzeled as to why he was here again. But no matter, they'd meet up when he felt the time was right. Right now, his priority was to meet with the Commanding officer of this plant-by any means necessary.

OOC: Did it Stay?

CastorTroy
Covenent Cleric
Posts: 1599
(6/2/05 3:37 am)
Reply
Re: The Toy Collector.
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Castor looked at Cherry from his position by the pocket dimension as she talked. Pre-game jitters, he thought. Get someone in an unfamiliar setting with unfamiliar equipment and even the hardest killer gets 'em. He stood up and stepped closer to her.

"Lemme see it," he said as he held his hand out. Cherry put the gun and a clip of ammo in his hands. Castor looked it over, cursing the unfamiliarity of it. It felt... different to him. Then again, he'd been using the exact same handgun for years, so naturally any other gun didn't feel right in his hands. Spying what he assumed was the safety catch, he flicked it 'off', slapped the clip in and moved the slide to chamber a round. "Here ya go, ready for battle." He spun the gun around until he was holding it with the muzzle pointed toward the ground and the handle pointed toward Cherry.

"Thanks..." Cherry trailed off as she took it back. "Didn't see anythin' ya wanted?"

"Nah. I prefer my own piece. Someone else's might jam or backfire on me when I least expect it," Castor said as he pulled his handgun to check it. "Go ahead and keep your souvenirs."

Cherry nodded as she went to the mirror to shut it. As she was closing the pocket dimension, the bell signifying the elevator's arrival sounded. The doors slowly slid open, revealing an empty car. Castor stepped inside the elevator and held the door as Cherry finished up. When she got in the elevator, Castor hit the button for the lobby and let the doors shut. As the elevator started moving, Castor saw Cherry taking some deep breaths and readying herself.

"Okay, first thing we do when we get down there is split up and look for the guard positions. Make sure you check every place you can, including the bathrooms." Cherry nodded as Castor continued. "When you think you've got a good handle on the layout, find the biggest threat and track them. When you get my signal, drop them however you want. Pistol-whip them in the nose and take their guns. Be loud and be authoritative, but don't act psychotic. If the civvies think that they'll die anyway, they won't cooperate. That said, you see a guard draw, shoot them in the chest quickly. Don't bother with the head or extremity shot, just plug them center mass and that'll get them out of our hair for long enough. Soon as we finish with the guards, we both head to the registers and hop the counter. Take as much as possible, but do it quickly. I figure we have two minutes tops from when we start to when the cavalry shows. The second they show, we break for the fire exit, kick open the door and race up the stairs."

"Sounds like a snap," Cherry drawled sarcastically. Castor smirked. Looks like her jitters are clearing up.

"We do it right, the security'll be looking right at us instead of where they need to be. Ready to do this?"

OOC: Sorry about the rushed-feeling post, I lost the far-superior original version when the boards went wacky.

OOC: Ok, working on a post to move things along on all fronts. Hoping to have it done tonight, if not, definitely tomorrow, and we can get this show on the road =) just wanted to let everyone know what alls going on.

OOC: OK o_o hope this mondo large post thing gets everyone back on track. Introduced some new situations and new characters for the Power Plant and Naval Base teams as well, just to keep things interesting =3 NPCs, of course, and it's up to all of -you- to develop their personalities and powers, and to ultimately decide what happens to them. I really didn't name either of the two primaries (in my private mind I've just called them 'Harle' and 'Cuda,' and Chino the piranha has a name for reasons I don't understand...it just seemed like he would be Chino) so if anyone wants to do that as well, have at it =) I think I covered every group, and I hope I can lure Castor back, if he hasn't drifted into the dark abyss somewhere x_x and yes. Changes can be made, if anyone wants o_o just do it. I might edit this later, but right now I really need a break.

Cheers =3

It was very dark inside the power plant, a fact that was both ironic and wildly humorous. Or rather, would have been, if anyone felt like laughing.

Though shaken from their various trials thus far, the members of the J Team nevertheless pressed onwards. Perhaps everyone wisely came to the same conclusion that words were both unnecessary and dangerous, for all walked in silence. TJ and Claire led, keeping sharp eyes peeled for any suspicious activity. Spiner followed close behind, Megan practically glued to his side, gripping the hilt of Sinbreaker tightly in nervous paws. Blu brought up the rear, lagging behind some as he puzzled over the disappearance of his frying pan. After a time he caught up with the others though, feeling it was best to stay close seeing as there was little he could do about his lost weapon at the moment.

They wandered around the plant in relative peace for a time. The place was surprisingly (and unnervingly) deserted, and the small torches issued to each group member more often than not seemed to illuminate dead ends. They'd come to their fourth dead end when Megan started, ears perked. Spiner glanced over at her, puzzled.

"Megan...?"

"Shhhh..."

After a moment, they all heard the distant tinkling of bells.

Before anyone knew what to make of this, a small girl leapt nimbly from the darkness, landing in front of them. She didn't look more than twelve or thirteen years old, and she was dressed, oddly enough, as a Harlequin, jet black and electric blue checkers etched into her costume in bold, energetic patterns. Beneath her belled hood her face was painted black, while her lips, cheeks, forehead and eyes were covered in bright blue swirls of paint. Her eyes themselves were a startling blue. Tilting her head to one side with another sharp jingle, she held up a pail of water, giggling.

"I don't WANNA fight! Coz I want to play!"

With that, she threw the contents of the pail over the startled team, dousing their torches and leaving them in total darkness.

OOC: Meet Harle =P not her real name, because I don't know what it is o-o but yes, the random Harlequin girl I threw into the Power Plant for no reason other than to make things strange/interesting o_o it's up to you, the members of the J Team, to decide whether Harle will be an asset or a hindrance, what she is capable of, and ultimately, what will happen to her. In addition, you still have to worry about Lady Husk, and finding the component you're supposed to collect. DLs still about too, don't forget, in pursuit of Husk and in possession of Blu's frying pan. Remember, don't be afraid to take the bull by the horns, work together, and finally, good luck!

"Cap'n, they've broken through!"

Vladimir Pike looked away from the various monitors he was surveying to grin toothlessly at the breathless young sailor in front of him.

"Relax, ladey, the sharks'll finish 'em."

"S'what I wanted to SAY sir!! Th' sharks're too big ta squeeze through! They're in th' smaller 'allways now, makin' fer us!"

"Aye? Tis no matter. Loose the piranhas on 'em. Best case, they'll finish 'em off. Better case, they drive 'em out inta th' open water-"

His smile widened.

"-and th' big fish kin finish 'em!"

The big fish was moving, his long, powerful silver body gliding effortlessly along through the cool blue waters.

There was a time when the Barracuda had been King of his domain. He was the largest of his kind, and by far, the oldest. He had been an excellent hunter, a vicious fighter, and (as the multitude of thin scars along his body might indicate) a learned survivor.

That was before the concept of 'home' had became an unreachable, forbidden paradise, of course.

It had started when some strange creatures had come to the big deep, come looking for something. He hadn't known at the time. They came for him in their puny machines, and shot him with small, pointy things, shot him until his struggling ceased, until he fell asleep. When he awoke, the big deep was gone, and he was in shallower water. Panicking, he'd tried to leave, only to be met with strange barriers of steel and metal a short ways from the island he'd awoken beside. He'd tested their limits, desperation aiding his reckless thrashing until more of the funny creatures had shown up with more of their small pointy things.

When he woke the second time, there was a small, pebble sized device lodged directly between his eyes. It was practically invisible to the casual observer. But to the barracuda, it was a very powerful and cruel contraption. For if ever he tried to escape or act in ways which did not please his new keepers, someone somewhere would make it so he would behave accordingly. He could only attribute such actions to the addition of the 'pebble' as he thought of it. Sometimes, when he was particularly 'disobedient,' it would flash a horrible, bright red color, which often gave him headaches. These days he didn't try too much. He did as the small creatures asked. He ate to live, and he ate whatever the small device indicated he should eat.

But when his time was his own...he swam the length of the outermost barriers, back and forth, back and forth...staring into the open sea beyond.

On this particular day he circled close to the tower, which he had decided, in his fiercely intelligent way, was the source of all evil. His efforts to bring it down had been thus far unsuccessful. But he was thinking...

"'Ey, loco!"

Turning, he found himself facing a pack of twenty piranhas, each fitted with the same small, pebble-like device as he himself. The largest had addressed him, the pack leader, who grinned, displaying a mouthful of razor sharp teeth.

"'Ey loco, m'talkin' ta you 'ere, man!"

The Barracuda smiled a little.

"Hello, Chino. To what do I owe the honor?"

"S'no honor, man, we muchachos just goin' in there ta take care o' sumthin. Orders from the man, an' all, man."

"Oh?"

"Oh, he says, man, like 'es 'specting sumthin' else."

"I expect little these days. Should I hang around?"

"Naw, don't even worry 'bout it man, you kin take off, swim yer exersizes real good, man."

The others snickered. The Barracuda chuckled good naturedly.

"Will do. Try not to let any through today. You and your boys are losing your touch."

Chino narrowed his dark eyes, but his smile remained benign, or at least, as benign as a piranhas smile can be.

"You weren't bigger'n me man, we'd thrown down 'ere an' now."

"But I am. I'll see you later. Enjoy yourselves."

"Si si...c'mon muchachos, s'make like senor loco here on a bad day!"

With a chorus of cheers and yips, the pack took off, heading for a small opening in the tower wall. The barracuda stared after them for a moment, then fell to studying the tower windows. His sharp eyes easily spotted a group of small creatures, the ones he assumed Chino and his boys were being sent in to take care of. He went in for a closer look at them. And why not? He had little else to do.

He swam slowly and stealthily, as only a barracuda can, until he was beside the window. The group took no notice of him at first. Then the silver furred female in the lead turned her head, and found herself staring directly into one of his silver eyes, an eye large enough to fit around her entire body. She doubled back a bit, startled. He smiled fangedly at her.

What do you desire, small one? You don't look as though you belong down here. You have no fins. I suppose none of it shall matter shortly, of course. Still...I'm curious. I've little else of interest to think on...

He followed them for some time. There were five, and though they regarded him warily, none seemed particularly afraid, which he had to admit was admirable, given his size. Of course, there was a pane of glass between them.

After a time he broke away, swimming listlessly out to the barriers, to perform his 'exersizes,' as Chino called them.

I suppose I should have hung around. Might have to make a return trip very soon, especially if the pack gets sloppy with that group.

He fell to swimming lengths.

OOC: And this is Cuda =3 he's a bit more filled out, in regards to his back-story, but its still up to the Naval Base team to decide whether he will be a hindrance or an asset, and what will ultimately happen to him and the others. I also like the idea that Pike's 'pets' aren't really there of their own free will, but are being controlled via technology instead. Plus, it explains how the captain is able to get some of the most dangerous fish in the ocean to listen to him =P and yes. Same stuff, piranhas coming after you guys, and you need to find your component (which should really probably be described soon ._.). Take the bull by the horns, work together, and good luck!

Legs clung to Justin's shoulder as the group piled into the chosen elevator. Knight pushed the button for the fifteenth floor, and the cart lurched to a start, descending. The decipede fidgeted nervously, scratching his head and rolling a shoulder absently.

So once we're down there, I guess we find the bridge, and then blend in until its apparent Cherry and Castor's rouse has worked. It sounds so easy, but Gods, I have this horrible feeling in my stomach. I wish I had never left her...

OOC: Kept this short, just wanted to get the other half of team S moving with some sort of basic plan o_o I figure Terg will have more to add to this later, anyway.

Cherry smiled.

"Ready when y'are, Clyde."

She wasn't sure if she imagined amusement within his features before he nodded, turning to face the elevator doors. Busying herself with last minute preparations, the echidna tucked her "borrowed" handgun into the back of her slacks carefully, mindful of her reflection in the polished, mirror-like surface of the nearest elevator wall. She found herself particularly grateful for the dark suit jacket she had brought as an afterthought, as it was loose and long enough to conceal the shape of the small handgun.

Jerins inadvertently useful sometimes, I guess...not that he did any of the work re-fittin' th' bollocksy thing...

She thought with a fading smile, taking stock of her appearance. The addition of the coat...

Cast out these thoughts, wee girl...you'll do better by it than its previous owner ever did. Focus.

Adjusting the strap of her carrying case more comfortably over her shoulder, she slipped her hands into her pockets, lowering her head and speaking softly to herself.

"Deonaigh dom an suaimhneas chun glacadh le ruda nach fidir liom a athr, misneach chun ruda a athr nuair is fidir, agus gaois chun an difrocht a aithint."

Beside her, Castor frowned.

"You say something?"

She looked up at him, shrugging.

"Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

He stared at her. She winked.

"An Phaidir Suaimhneas. It's an Irish prayer..."

The elevator let out a loud ding, indicating they'd reached their destination.

"Castor?"

"Huh?"

"F'I get held up or fall behind, I think this is sorta obvious, but don't wait fer or come after me. S'not what yer here to do...s'all..."

The doors flew open, and she darted from the elevator, her mind about her task.

Ok.

Glancing from side to side, the echidna took in the layout of the room...fairly large, rectangular, well lit...registers against the far wall, across from the elevators (and safes behind those, she supposed)...to her left, two sets of revolving doors leading to the outside world...to her right, four more doors arranged against the wall. Signs marked two of the doors as bathrooms, gentlemen and ladies, respectively, and she could see stairs through the small glass window of the door nearest the elevator, and beyond that, the fire exit (she made special note of this). The fourth door though, the one nearest the registers, was unmarked, and almost ominous because of the fact. Cherry bit her lip, frowning.

Bollocks...some sort o' storage room, maybe a janitors broom closet? Could be a smaller office I s'pose, maybe fer dealin' with customers who need ta discuss things which can't be brought up at th' register...whatever the case, I don't like it...I s'pose f'there are people there they aren't armed...still, wish I knew fer sure...

Pausing, she fell to flipping through some pamphlets on a smaller counter near the revolving doors, casually eyeing the center of the room, where a series of poles connected to each other by thin belts were arranged in a mazelike fashion. The civilians within its confines appeared to be waiting in line for the registers.

Bollocksy thing could really trip someone up...

She made another mental note to stay away from it if things got heavy. That was the last thing she'd need, to get twisted up in that mess while trying to escape. Casting a hasty glance to her right, she saw Castor was also at a smaller counter, in the act of filling out a deposit slip. She had to marvel at how natural he made his actions appear, and how calm and casual his posture was.

Smooth, Clyde. Ok, re-cap...gotta watch the one door...never know what could come out o' there. Stayin' away from the center and that big maze shouldn't be too big a problem, s'very open anyway, wouldn't wanna be there if an' when shots start ta fly...these smaller counters could be good spots to hide behind f'things get heavy with gunfire, actually...as fer the guards...

She took a quick headcount.

Three near th' outer doors...three more near the counters...wonder if they've got anyone lookin' after the safes back there...s'pose I'll take the blokes at the doors, since I'm nearest, 'less Castor indicates otherwise-

"Can I help you with anything, ma'am?"

Looking up, Cherry found herself facing a smiling young woman with a name tag. She shook her head.

"M'set, but thanks very much, miss."

"Ah, I see. Are you thinking of opening an account?"

Cherry chuckled at the irony of her next words, lost upon the bank employee.

"Thinkin' o' openin' sumpthin,' ma'am."

The woman nodded.

"Well, let me know if I can answer any of your questions or help you with anything at all, dear."

"Roger. Thanks again. Gonna nip into the loo fer a bit, I'll let you know f'I think o' anythin."

Turning, Cherry made a beeline for the ladies room. Her lips barely parted as she passed Castor, speaking in a quiet voice.

"Door number one, mate."

"I know. See what I can find out."

The exchange never took place, as far as anyone else was concerned. Cherry smiled as she entered the bathroom. She found it empty, but took the time to use one of the stalls anyway.

No sense in needin' ta have a piss while I'm on the job...

She thought, and after washing and drying her hands, exited the bathroom to await further instructions or signals from Castor.

A sleek sky cycle cavorted high above the streets of Notopia, diving and soaring and looping in bizarre patterns, the driver clearly having no agenda, no destination, and no respect for any possible passengers.

"MASTER! I IMPLORE YOU TO HOLD THIS CONTRAPTION STEADY!"

Junk wrapped his tail more tightly about his master's shoulder, hunching down as Jerin pulled another loop-de-loop, laughing.

"Oh lighten up, Junk, just testing her out..."

Righting the vehicle, Jerin smiled over at him. Lifting his head uncertainly, the small robot remarked crossly.

"Thirty six loop-de-loops isn't exactly my idea of the perfect testing procedure, master."

"Thirty six? We should make it an un-even forty one. Forty, plus one, for fun."

"MASTER. What ARE we doing? And I suppose nows as good a time as any to point out that you still have lipstick on your face."

Launching into another series of loops and twists, Jerin wiped his face with one hand.

"Ick, this red is so not my color...what? Doing? We're celebrating, isn't that obvious?"

"Not terribly."

"Remind me to program 'sense of fun' into you next upgrade, Junk."

"Yes master."

"That was a joke. Sort of. Anyway. What did we come out of that with?"

"A wealth of information on the city we're currently flying over, Notopia. I can tell you everything about the city itself, surroundings, history, economy, government, transportation, entertainment, every nook and cranny and dirty little secret I was able to gather from the mainframe of the Central Core Computer is now ours. In addition, I've acquired an enormous amount of intelligence on Kaiser Crugenhoff and this 'Garadon,' the one you were imprisoned under. Overall its really a charming place...chaotic, confused, desperate-"

"-ripe for the taking."

Junk coiled about his shoulders smugly.

"Precisely."

"I see. And Red's mission?"

"She departed with the others. She should be within one of the towers by now, though I know not which one. Her progress is always difficult to estimate-"

"-It doesn't matter. I'll find her eventually-"

"-Master?"

"Hm?"

"I've just been thinking. What if we didn't go after her this time?"

Jerin narrowed his eyes at his robotic companion.

"I do enjoy my petty torments, Junk."

"I know, master, I'm simply talking facts and figures. Our resources, money, and time have been repeatedly lost due to her interference, provoked or otherwise. Frankly, and especially at this moment, it's more beneficial to us to go around Cherry O' Kidna."

"Go around her."

"Yes."

"I see your point, Junk. But I'd rather not."

He leaned forward, smiling.

"I won't hand red off to anyone. She's mine. My sad, sadistic, suffering little hero. She's two years and counting of flawless, beautiful self destruction. I've barely even had to raise a finger. No, I daresay red is my most valuable experiment, in so many aspects of my life..."

Junk slunk around to his other shoulder.

"You value her from a research standpoint, master?"

"Mmhm."

"The bug has often told me, in his stupid, chattering way, that she is one who will not fall to you in any fashion, be it inside her head or upon her back."

"I suppose he would. She already has, though, in at least one way. Red stands alone in her pursuit of me, and alone in her destruction by me shall she ever be."

"What of these other heroes?"

"What of them? They are of little consequence. She's too far gone to save, mentally anyway. No. No matter what happens, I have already triumphed."

"Of course, master. Are we to go after her, then?"

"Brilliant suggestion, Junk."

"Can I at least go over a few things with you first?"

"Fire away."

"Splendid. I printed some false registration papers for you so you can walk freely about the city. The Core inhabitants use them on reconnaissance missions, and they should hold up if we get stopped by patrols. So long as we don't get into any trouble that warrants arresting, we're fine. In addition, I uploaded all available maps into myself so we can easily move from points A to B. Finally, I've already taken the liberty of marking several locations that could prove ideal as centers of operation."

"Excellent. I do hope some sort of library was one of your 'ideal' locations?"

"Of course, master. My first choice, the public library on the outskirts. Ideal location, lots of unused space, quiet, and best of all, very little traffic passes through there anymore. I suppose you can thank technology for that."

"Indeed. How about currency?"

"I'm afraid that was the one thing I was unable to purloin."

"Oh? How unfortunate..."

Junk glanced at him.

"MASTER...we shouldn't-"

"-Relax. I've got some gems leftover from our last heist. We can trade them for the locals fare."

"One of the Financial Center towers has a bank on the first floor, actually. Perhaps we could see to an exchange of currencies there. What do you think?"

Jerin smiled.

"I think I should very much like to visit it."

OOC: Woo. Saved my own pieces for last =) should be noted this was the -third- time I've re-written them, between my computer crashing and then the board crashing ^_x so if they seem stiff, that's why XD; also, Castor, feel free to add to or subtract to the layout of the bank, as you see fit. Hope this gets everyone started again =) and as I said before, feel free to change things up.

And yes. I am out of my mind =) how are all of you?

S Team
The elevator reached the fifteenth floor with a jolt that sent Justin's stomach lurching. He exited the elevator alongside Knight and Camden, entering another hallway that looked almost identical to the one they had been in on the upper level.

"The bridge should be at the end of this corridor," said Knight as he took point for the group, leading them in the indicated direction at a moderate, controlled pace. "Once we get to the center 'scraper, it shouldn't take long for us to find that component."

"Right," agreed Justin, remembering the details of their specific briefing. He left his gun in its hidden pocket, feeling somewhat dumb for carrying it after it was proving to be useless. It had hit him why it had malfunctioned, but he hadn't remembered earlier because it had been two years since he had to worry about a device malfunctioning because of something completely out of his control.

"You come from a non-supernatural world," he remembered Vector explaining after a particularly nasty incident with a Templar device Justin had tried to use. "According to these tests, you don't appear to have the same sort of ectoplasmic aura that most species of flora and fauna have here in the MFW. In fact, I'd almost go so far as to say you're one of the very few beings who does not have it. What it means is that you aren't capable of using supernatural forces - I don't understand why you can still use Moderator powers, but perhaps it's because here in this world, the Figment Keys define our reality and so they change reality enough to allow them to be used by you. Regardless, this brings up a variety of questions on the interactions of mana and psycho-kinetic energy on your physical structure, as well as-"

Gotta love Vec, but sometimes he goes on into techno-babble long enough to annoy even me, thought Justin wryly. I forgot, I can't use magic, and these enhancer chips are magical according to what Lilian was saying. Which means my gun is almost useless in this situation. I guess I can stick to my gloves and sneaks, their fields seem strong enough to do the damage. Just means I have no long range capabilities against the 'bots.

"So, the plan is for us to just look natural and wait until Cherry and Castor start the party, then bypass the bridge?" asked Justin more for something to talk about than anything else.

"Yes, but..." Camden answered, trailing off as she stopped walking.

Knight looked back at her to see that she was looking up and down the corridor. "What is it?"

"Haven't you noticed? There aren't any people around this floor. It's almost like it's been deserted."

Justin's eyes darted up and down the corridor, and then he shrugged, Legs chittering quietly but fiercely at him because the shrug caught the decipede off guard. "They're probably just in these offices doing their jobs. Works good for us."

"But that makes us conspicuous," acknowledged Knight. "The sooner we get past that bridge, the better."

Justin smacked one fist into his other hand with a grin. "Then let's go!"

J Team
Megan suddenly dropped Sinbreaker to the ground as she fell to her knees, whimpering. The sight of the clownish figure had gotten her upset, and now with the lights off she felt alone in her nightmare all over again.

"No, not again..." she muttered, her body shivering though the air inside the plant was humid.

Creatures with painted faces howled and hooted as they leapt through the dancing flames throughout the city. Soldiers ran alongside the creatures, a grim contrast to the chaotic demons. And she was fighting for her life against one of these demons as its fellows cheered it on ith mad cackling laughter.

"Not again..." she whimpered, closing her eyes.

OOC: This has probably become apparent to everyone else as well, but I'll vocalize my concerns anyway just in case. Before you make your posts, make sure you either copy everything you've written or have a copy of what you've written on hand, in case the post goes missing. Also, after you post, check to make sure the post is actually present in the thread. Because I've noticed that although a person's name might appear as having posted, when one gets into the thread no such post exists. I don't know why the board is doing this ._. probably a negative result of the crash. But until it gets fixed (if it does) I advise everyone to be extra careful and to ensure you have back-up copies of what your writing on hand.

Or, you know, copy/paste. And all that. Cheers =3

EDIT BY TERGONAUT: Hope Cherry doesn't mind me bumming into her post. What she said, plus do not use the bottom reply button, the one at the bottom right of every page of a thread. That's giving problems even now after the hack. Either use the top button, or I'd personally recommend hitting the tiny "Reply" link underneath the name of a poster. Hitting that reply link also allows you to have the post in particular available to read so you can double-check how your post works with previous posts. Thank you for reading this Public Service Announcement.

OOC: Found that out the HARD way but my post was too short for me to be ticked off...

Yeah, sorry about my absense. I'm in the process of moving the the cable internet provider's not gonna be able to get to my installation until Monday, which has left me to access the internet using other people's computers.

I'll get an IC post in on Monday, especially since I'll be able to save a backup copy of it then.

OOC: It's totally fine Castor, whenever you're able, don't rush yourself or anything =3 I understand all about moving and all that, so I know how much of a hassle it can be >_> just glad to know you're still in =)

T wasn't at all shocked by the harlequinn's appearance. He thought it strange that a clown would be in such a dark and depressing place like here but he had come to believe not to take anything at face value, or painted face for that matter. He wielded a large flame in his hand to illuminate their path and looked at the clown. "What in the world are you doing here?"

OOC: I'm back, y'all. ^^

J Team

Claire, up until then, had remained silent, not because she was afraid or because she thought it best, but because she was confused. Confused and upset. Why had she hesitated at the door, when that large spider came? Why had she acted like such a coward, leaving TJ to save her like some damsel in distress?? It angered her. Why was I so STUPID!? Claire suddenly felt angry with TJ as well, though she knew she shouldn't be upset with him. After all, T had been the one to save her....

The tan vixen jumped at the appearance of the clown-like figure, cursing herself for letting her guard down. She breathed a sigh of relief as TJ used his firepower to replace the loss of their torches, and decided to help as well. White-hot magic enveloped both her paws, as she glared at the harlequinn with suspicious eyes.

"Yeah...why the hell are you here? Do you even realize what 'here' is?" Claire shifted her weight, becoming slightly nervous.

The clown-like girl just giggled and skipped away into the darkness, leaving the question unanswered. Claire blinked, feeling slightly uneasy about the whole experience.

"....Oh-kay..."

N Team

Kristi floated in the flooded hallway for a moment, staring at the large barracuda that had now taken an interest in her and the group. A tingling sensation passed through her head, and she felt somewhat light-headed. She tried rapping on the glass to get the fish's attention (she had no idea why, though) but the water slowed down her movement, so she could just tap the pane with her fingernails. The barracuda, being able to sense the tiny vibrations made by her movements, swam in a slow circle until he had Kristi in his sights.

"Hello there...who are you, Mr. Fish?" The silver vixen felt the same sensation in her head.

Cuda (I'll just use that name you gave 'em Cherry ) blinked, surprised he could understand her words. The big fish swam closer, noticing, as he did so, the pack was catching up with the others.

"How did you speak to me, little one?" He asked.

"What...? I don't know how...... Kristi looked at her hands in wonder, surprised she had this kind of technique. But then, she examined her breathing mask, and found some sort of chip, blinking blue. Sighing, she replied again, "Not of my own accord, that's for sure....must be something Lilian gave us to help with the locals."

Cuda didn't answer, as he spotted Chino and company coming up behind them. "There's Chino."

Kristi whirled around, eyes widening as she spotted more than a dozen pirahnas swimming speedily toward them, jaws rotating.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you're going to need a larger initial balance than that to open up an account," the lady behind the counter said in a condescending tone. Castor grimaced. He'd figured that the muggers he'd taken out earlier would've only had chicken feed on them, but somewhere deep down he'd hoped that the neon-colored sheets of tiolet paper these people called "money" was worth more than that. Plus, he'd wanted a savings account just in case an idea of his panned out later, but that'd have to wait until they got to the person in charge of the financial center...

"Oh well, I'll just have to come back when I get more cash from home. Thanks for your help. Oh, and by the way, could I get a roll of change? Gonna need some later on." The teller nodded and took one of the red bills off the counter. Castor piled the rest up and put it in his jacket for later as he looked around. The three guards near the entrance looked extremely bored, while the trio by the counters seemed to be discussing something about the newspaper one of them was holding.

"Here you go, sir." The teller set a roll of change down on the counter. Castor grabbed it and put it in his pants pocket. "Thanks for visiting First Bank of Notopia. Hope to see you again soon."

"You will," Castor said, a friendly smile on his face as he thought about punching the condescending broad in the nose. He'd never liked violence toward women, but he'd made exceptions in the past and was about to make one right now. He picked up his attache case and started for the restrooms. When he'd almost gotten there, Cherry exited the ladies room. "Two minutes. Take the entrance." he said, not breaking his stride as he entered the men's room. Once inside, he checked the room for people. Nobody by the urinals, nobody by the sinks. Castor knelt down and checked under the stalls. Two feet sat in the far stall, the pants around the ankles and a belt containing a holstered service pistol touching the floor.

Castor grumbled, set his attache case on the sink and opened it. Inside, the P90 lay ready for action. Instead of taking it out, Castor pulled a couple wires and levers out of pockets inside the case and attached them to the trigger. He then ran one of the wires to the handle of the attache case and attached it to a small lever on the handle. Satisfied, he shut the case. Right as the case clicked closed, the tiolet in the occupied stall flushed. There was a rustle of movement in the stall before the door opened, revealing a fat feline dressed in a security outfit. Castor turned the sink on and washed his hands as the guard started to do the same in the sink next to him. The guard took a look at Castor, then turned back to his hand washing. He never saw Castor reach over, but he did see the sink basin mysteriously get closer really fast and then he saw only darkness.

Castor slammed the guard's face into the sink a couple more times to make absolutely sure he wouldn't be an issue later. After that, he let the guard go and finished washing his hands. After he dried his hands off with a towel, he grabbed the roll of coins out of his pocket with his right hand, grabbed his suitcase with his left hand and exited the men's room.

Showtime. Castor beelined it straight for the guards by the bank counter. When he got close, he set his attache case on the ground and walked up to the first guard. One of the guards took notice and was about to voice his concern over it when Castor reared back and slammed the back of the closest guard's head with a right cross. The guard's head rocked around a bit as he sagged to the ground while coins fell out of Castor's opening hand. The next guard dropped the newspaper, but he was grabbed in a chokehold before he could go for his gun. As the farthest guard reached for his gun, Castor quickly grabbed the gun out of the holster of the guard he'd taken hostage and pointed it at the guard. The guard stopped, his hand a mere inch from his gun.

"Down on the ground, hands behind your head." Castor said. The guard nodded and laid down. Castor then hit the guard he'd taken hostage in the back of the head with the butt of his gun, walked over to the remaining guard and took his gun too. A quick glance to the entrance revealed Cherry taking care of the other guards as well. Good girl. He stepped up on the counter and waved the guns around the room, sending screaming civilians diving for the ground. Castor went into control mode immediately, using a speech he'd heard the bank robber he'd killed use a couple times before.

"Ladies and gentlemen, calm down. This will only take a couple minutes, so if you stay calm and cool you'll make it out of this unharmed. We're only taking the bank's money, not your's. Your money is insured and you won't lose a cent. Think of your family and your friends and don't try to be a hero. When my accomplice and I are finished, we will leave you to go back to your normal lives." With that, Castor whistled at Cherry before jumping behind the counter. Coincidentally, he'd wound up at the counter of the same teller who'd been assisting him before. She was cowering underneath the counter. Castor smiled at her. "Told you I'd see you again soon."

OOC: Whee, internet's back. Feels good to be back.

Blu looked on as the little freaky girl skipped into the darkness.

"What.The.Hell."

"Should we follow her?" Claire asked

"Might as well" Blu replied, then broke into a thought. "maybe this freak took my frying pan, I'd better get it back before someone tries to use it and..."

"...No. It doesn't bear thinking about" he finished, and walked forward in the direction the little girl went, though stumbling after taking a few steps forward.

It was still mostly pitch black after all.

J Team

Claire nodded, the suspicious yet disturbed look on her face still there as she lit the way. TJ took up the rear, just in case. The team stayed in close formation, every ear pricked, every eye alert, and every muscle ready to spring into action at the last possible moment. The vixen took a moment to realize that she now regretted her ability, wanting only to be tucked safely in the middle of the group formation. It frightened her that if something happened, she'd be the one to take the first hit...but Claire shook her head. No, she trusted her teammates too much.

Suddenly she stopped, causing Blu to bump into her and startling the others momentarily. Spiner blinked, and, seeing nothing out of the ordinary, spoke up.

"Claire...? What's....." He was interrupted by Claire's strained whisper.

"Shhh! Be quiet," She hissed, ears swiveling in all directions. The rest of the team stopped as well, and froze as an audible creaking emitted from the floor beneath their feet.

Claire stared down, blankly before breaking out into a horrified expression. "Oh da--!!"

The floor suddenly gave way beneath J Team's feet, sending the group tumbling through a trapdoor.

OOC: Ignore...

(OOC: Um...Torn? The team fell through a trapdoor....)

OOC: Sorry, I still thought Page 8 was a blank page like a lot of RP's I've seen...o_O

IC: T saw a vine and grabbed hold of it as they tumbled into the darkness. He reached out and caught someone's hand and they slid down the vine to the ground safely. The others landed hard. T let go of the person's hand and wielded two large flames in both hands and saw he had snared Claire's hand. "Hopefully you aren't angry at me again for saving you from a nasty fall," He said, full well expecting to be slapped.

OOC: Sorry this is late-ish >_>;; I got this nine to five job to contend with, plus Jerins part was really hard to write, because I had like three different ideas and we both liked all of them, so picking was hard, and picking the idea that would be the best was hard, but in the end Im fairly pleased. I wanted to leave things sort of open for Castor as well =) glad to have you and Shadow Lady back, by the way <3 we miiiiiiissssseeedddd you =P

And furthermore, am very very pleased with the last batch of posts. You all get gold stars.

Hopping the counter, Cherry landed lightly beside Castor.

Doors clear. Those blokes wont be goin anywhere fer a bit. Still, lessn ten minutes an were outta here, right?

Ah huh. Wont even take that many, so long as were snappy about this.

He was already cleaning out the first register. Jabbing at the machines to his right with one of his guns, he addressed her without taking his eyes from the female employee whimpering under the counter, who he was smiling at rather maliciously.

Get these, will ya?

Nodding, the echidna turned to the nearest register. There was little time to feel awkward or bewildered, though later she would confess she had experienced both feelings on some level, having never stolen anything in her life, much less robbed an entire bank. She was particularly uncertain as to how to go about her current task, but after a bit of studious prying, she managed to pop the register drawer open with one claw. Pausing, she stared at the fat wads of multi-colored bills and shiny silver coins, trying to figure out where she would put everythingLuminos occupied her only container, and she had brought no bags or briefcase because she had no need forshe smiled suddenly, chiding herself. Removing another mirror from one of her pockets, and heedless to the gasps of the prostrate employees as she opened it on the counter, Cherry pulled the drawer from its slot and emptied its contents into the holding unit. After that, the job was a snap, and she was on her fifth and final register when Castor whistled at her again, inclining his head in the direction of the fire exit.

Better get going.

Right

She responded absently, placing the mirror back inside her pocket carefully. Castor frowned, checking for any indications of danger before hopping the counter again.

Something wrong?

Cherry was quick to follow, and careful not to step on any of the cowering citizens. She smiled apologetically at a few as she answered.

Not particularlyjust got this feelin that forces are alignin and therell be trouble

Well most likely be gone before trouble gets here. Its a good idea to stay sharp, of course, but dont dwell on the thought that something might go wrong. Otherwise, youll be so caught up in the @#%$ possibility that you wont have your head on straight if things do get serious. Thats how people end up worm food-

He glanced back at her, smirking a bit.

-didnt your parents ever tell you that?

She chuckled good-naturedly.

Aye, yer rightfull o sense you are. Yer a good friend, Castor. Thank you.

Several hundred feet from the front entrance of the bank, security guards, watchmen, and even a few policemen were hastily assembling, awaiting instructions from one man, who paced in front of a patrol vehicle smoking irritably. The Financial Center Chief of Security was not necessarily a large man, or a particularly threatening one. Truth be told, he was thin as a rail, silver haired, beady eyed, clean-shaven, and looked as though he belonged in a library or a lab. But whatever his body lacked he more than made up for with the swiftness of his mind, a mind that was currently working faster than a jackrabbit on crack. After a minute he dropped his cigarette to the ground, putting it out with one sturdy black boot as he spoke authoritatively into a large walkie-talkie.

Team leader seven, are you in position?

There was a pause, and then a voice crackled loudly through a mess of static.

Roger that, Chief. Were in position.

Good. You have your instructions. Be prepared to take immediate action, but dont do anything stupid. Boss wants them alive. Chief out.

He lowered the walkie-talkie. It hadnt been easy, securing the premises on such short notice, but they finally had the bank completely surrounded. If the robbers tried to exit from any direction, theyd be apprehended immediately by one of seven teams of assembled guards and watchmen on the grounds. Hed also positioned several teams on key floors of the tower, so if the criminals tried to make for the roof they wouldnt get far. And if they werent planning on moving at all, he suspected they would be sending out a list of demands shortly, making the entire scenario a hostage situation. Any way he tried to figure it, the next move was theirs, so long as there were civilians inside. So they would wait.

Big to-do at the bank today, sir?

Startled by the soft male voice near his ear, the chief whirled, and even before he was fully turned around, found himself stumbling over his own feet to take three involuntary steps back. The oddest creature hed ever seen squatted on the front of the patrol car directly behind him, smiling disarmingly. He was a pale, sickly grey all over, with long, jet black ears and hair, the latter of which hung over his forehead and into his eyes, and sprouted from the back of his head in a short ponytail. His clothes were black as well, and it appeared that the only bit of color on him existed in his brilliant green eyes, one of which appeared to be blind. Several of the other officers took notice of him now, though even the most watchful couldnt say exactly how he got there. One strode forward, irritated.

Sir, Im going to have to ask you to leave! Civilians arent permitted beyond the yellow tape-"

-I take it this bank IS in some amount of trouble, then?

Were taking care of it, sir. Now, if youd be so kind as to-"

-help out? Why, of course. You need only have asked. Whats the situation?

Intervening before the young cop could do or say something stupid, the chief confronted the dark stranger, frowning.

Whats your purpose here, son?

My purpose? Difficult to say until after the fact, dont you think?

The chief narrowed his dark eyes at him, punctuating his next words with the jab of a thumb in the direction of the yellow police tape.

We dont need any aspiring heroes, kid. Beat it.

Hero? Im anything but.

The modest angle wont work on me.

Its not modesty. Its the truth, for once.

Look son, Im asking you to leave nicely-

-and in a minute youll remove me by force. I know the drill. If you please, though, my name is Jerin, not son or kid. And Im just curious as to why I cant go into the bank. I had business there, important business, and I wanted to accomplish it today. Ive had such a good day up until now, and well, you know how one thing can just put a wrench in the entire system? A sticky, gobby, goody gumdrop in the entire barrel of monkeys, if you will? And now the rest of my day could very well end up in shambles, all because I couldnt finish my errands. Now, please dont misunderstand me, Im hardly the type to let one thing ruin my entire day. I do like to make the best of things, but if Im going to end up in bad humor anyway, I should at least like to know why I am not permitted to complete my business.

Everyone present stared at him oddly. Then the chief shook his head, scowling.

Look, I will tell you this much, banks bein robbed. Im sorry if you had business here, but you should come back tomorrow, because you sure as @#%$ arent getting in today. Now get the hell out of here.

Robbed? My goodness. Whoever would do such a naughty thing?

Thats none of your concern, AND-"

-I understand, I understand. But Im something of a problem solver myself. Just got into town. Come now. What can it hurt to at least tell me what you know of your robbers? If the papers are any good around these parts, everyone will know by this evening anyway. I promise if youll do that for me, Ill leave without you having to exert any energy on my behalf. Im sure youd much rather save your strength for those nasty criminals, right?

The man snapped at him.

Theres nothing TO tell. Theyre foreigners, some weasely lookin human and this weird red female--piece of work, her, shes not even human, shessheshell, I cant even tell what she is. She might be attractive if she werent so @#%$ odd l-"

-four and a half feet tall, well built, lots of curves, tattoos, red hair, small round snout, long furry tail, bright blue eyes?

Unable to hide his surprise, the security chief stared hard at the hybrid.

Yes, actually, thats--thats her exactlyshe carries a big sword, too. Its all on surveillance. How do you know her?

Jerin laughed. The others regarded him uneasily, for it was unsettling, his laughter. One officer scowled.

Hey, whats so funny, buddy? Chief asked you a question.

He chuckled, leaning back.

Nothing and everything. I just find it ironic. You see, the red haired female youre speaking of is actually the same criminal I came to this town in pursuit of. Shes simply awful

Rooting around in his pocket, Jerin eventually produced a picture of Cherry, which he held up for all to see.

eh?

There was a murmur among the assembled. The chief stared at the picture.

You do know her.

Better than anyone here, I daresay. Another reason I think youll find my help most valuable. Really, youd be doing me a favor, Im to bring her home in handcuffs.

He grinned.

Kinky, yeah?

Ignoring the last bit of his statement, the chief nodded slowly, though he still regarded him with some suspicion.

Alrightfine. You have my attentionJerin, was it? You do well with this you just might have my trust, and the thanks of Kaiser Crugenhoff himself. So, what are you proposing?

Jerin hopped down from the hood of the car, strolling past him and eyeing the daunting tower as he spoke.

My query is not looking for a way out. She is looking for a way up. I have it on rather good authority that shes gunning for something or other at the top of the center tower.

He stopped, and whirled to face the chief and his guards.

Has your boss gone and hidden something deliciously decadent up there? Something of value to those who would seek to do less than pleasant things by its acquisition?

The chief pressed his lips together, swallowing hard. It was all the confirmation Jerin needed. He continued.

How many ways up are there?

Only the elevator and the stairs. We jammed the elevator though, so their only option would be the stairs.

Once they begin their ascent, where do you suppose theyll head?"

The fifteenth floorif theyre going to the center tower, theyll need to cross the bridge. Its the only way over.

Double your security on the fifteenth floor, with lots of robots, if you can spare them. Red hates robots. Its only a precaution, of course, Im hoping to apprehend her before she gets that far-

-What about her accomplice and the others?

Others.

Yeah. We caught five intruders on surveillance earlier, on the thirtieth floor. I recognize this pair from those tapes, but the other three are missing. Watchmen are looking for them now. If what you say is true, then the missing three must also be trying to reach the bridge.

Impressive, smarty artie. Knowing that, dont you think this entire robber scenario looks suspiciously distractive?

YeahIm beginning to think so. Ill make some calls. Like I asked though, what about those others?

They are of no consequence to me. Do what you will with them. All I ask is that you leave the girl unharmed.

Very well, Ill issue further instructions emphasizing that she is to remain unharmed. Dya need anything special to nab her?

Only the promise that none of your boys shall get in my way or prevent me from capturing her. In particular, I dont want any of them entering the stairwell. If red or her accomplice exit the stairwell and enter a floor, thats all well and good, I understand you probably don't want her running freely about the Financial Center, but I'd greatly appreciate it if that area was avoided while it's occupied by my query. Itll interfere with my work otherwise.

Fine. Youre helping us out, we wont get in your way in regards to the girl. Just see you extend us the same courtesyyou'll forgive my lack of faith, but we did just meet you, and I will be observing what you're doing while you're in there, down to the last minute detail.

Of course. You'd be a fool not to.

The human crossed his arms.

How do you know all of this, anyway?

Thats the interesting part. I think your boss would very much like to know where I got all my information. Ill share when all this is over. The world would be so much nicer if everyone shared, and I do like to set a good example.

O-kayah, you sure you dont need any guns or nothing, though? They are armed.

Positive. Ive my own toys-"

"-to be used only on the robbers."

"Of course. Like I said, I'm only interested in red, and she should be fairly open to seeing me again.

He smiled.

She usually is. She knows why. Shell come to me. Now, where's this fire exit?

On the fifteenth floor, Legs chirped at Justin, pointing to the bridge, which had just become visible through one of the windows. It was very wide, as bridges go, probably to allow lots of people to get across more easily, and the sides and ceiling were made entirely of glass, polished to the point where they shimmered prettily in the sunlight. Justin smiled, relieved to see that their goal was finally in sight. Getting to the point they were at hadnt even been that difficult, compared to what he was used to.

Prolly shouldnt celebrate just yet, though, dont want to jinx things

Even as he was thinking the thought, ten watchmen rounded the corner ahead. Behind them were several human guards, armed to the teeth. Casting a hasty glance in their direction, one spotted the group, and pointing, shouted.

THERE THEY ARE! GET THEM!

Claire tried hard to calm herself, and leaned against the wall for a moment. She closed her eyes, her nerves still rattled from the sudden fall they had taken. It was only when TJ spoke up, that the vixen's eyes snapped open, and her mouth opened as well, a venemous sentence attached. But instead, Claire closed her mouth and dropped her gaze to the sandy ground the were standing on.

"No...only a fool stays mad at such a thing. I'm grateful for what you did TJ, I...I owe my life." Her ruby-red eyes glittered in the dim light.

T paled for a moment but regained the color in his face and nodded. "You don't owe me anything. We're on a team, right?" He said. He turned to everyone else. "So how are you guys? Any broken bones, bruised elbows or any owwies?" He asked, partially with a sarcastic tone. He was still trying to calm down from the unexpected drop.

OOC: That's all from me. Someone else post so Claire and T stop hogging the spotlight...

"Heheh. I'm fine" Blu said, as he began to stand up.

The area they had dropped down into was a large room, with the floor being covered in a thin layer of dust and sand. Whenever someone spoke, the room was filled with an echo that seemed to stretch out a long way.

"So...Er...What do we do now?" Megan asked.

Blu was about to reply, when he heard a familiar faint giggle coming from a hallway to the right of him.

"Now...We find the crazy clown girl again." Blu said, as he turned to the right.

OOC: Back..temp. Posting now

The hallways that winded about the interior of the Power Plant all held their locked secrets. All could be bypassed, but for what goal? The J team was here to infiltrate and disable this stronghold. All he wanted was a little...talk with the commander of the station.

So, in respect, they wanted the same goal. He sighed and jumped out of the wall's proverbial black hole, staring at the exodus that was a broken window sheet. Gaze dropped stories until figures were made out below in the massive workstation below. They did not seem to have any individuality to them, eyes staring at the conveyor belt or hands jammed into sockets as countless numbers and letters streamed acoss the screens in front of them, alluding to a world of fantasy that could be controlled by a single plugged in individual. But this was real as the coat he wore, as as consistent as the energy being contained and thereby transferred by the pillars in the center of this room. He quickly knelt down and began to work, knowing he had only a few moments before he was found.

A small hand held device was procured from his inside pocket. Fliping it open, the screen would rise, giving witness to a secondary screen that was already giving output. He set it on the edge of the windowsill and pointed a small wire-like object down toward the Watchmen that were working down there. Once he was satisified, a few small buttons would be pressed simultaneoulsy, and a video feed would begin upon the dual screen device. The first screen would then be removed, and attached to DL's wrist, making for a portable camera. Pressing the keys on the base of the screen allowed the fiber-optic camera to move to and fro, alowing 360 degree visual of that room, and of a way for Dl to enter-given he would have time to.

"Pretty tall reacto--" He stopped when the gentle breeze of air caught his attention, hair floating up in indignation. Something happened to the merry troop that was allowed to run free here. Turning away from the reactor for a while, steps would be traced back to a open hole in the floor. One could almost laugh at the novelty of such a trap utilized, but in the dark, it was as effective as any other.

He flew over the gap, and landed on the other side, before turning down a different corridor. With his camera set up on a main reactor room, he could keep watch to make sure that his quarry did not make her path through there. It still did not quell the feeling that he was being hunted as well though...

OOC: Finally gacked some names for the two NPCs, plus I want to help N Team out a little in particular, as things seem to be stagnant over there x_x another negative result of the board crash, I'm thinking. No worries though, Terg and I will take care of the loose ends until things pick up again. Many apologies to the N Team. We're on it now =)

The group made their way down the narrow hallway cautiously, Claire and TJ playing leader and rear guard once more. And while chasing after the mysterious harlequin wasn't exactly what they'd hoped or planned on doing, they had little choice at the moment. The further they went, the louder the giggling grew, until finally the team entered a large stone chamber. The walls were covered in small doodles, and the entire place was packed to excess with all sorts of junk. Many of the piles contained old toys, though there seemed to be an even greater amount of broken electrical appliances, from ancient TVs and washing machines to busted blenders and toasters. And in the center of the room, seated atop several TVs, one washing machine, and an old stove, sat the clown girl. In her arms she held a giant glass sphere, twice the size of her own head. Upon seeing them, she fell into fits of merry laughter.

"You came! You came! And there you are! How wonderful! I shall inform the queen! And we shall dance and sing and dance and sing until the pease pudding is finished!"

She informed them. Claire stared up at her, frowning.

"Look, whoever you are, what gives? Why did you-"

"-SHHHHHHH. I must inform the queen! It is not polite to wash your hands before you eat your corn. Come now! Did the horned cuckoo teach you nothing?"

Leaping from her makeshift 'throne,' the harlequin seemed to float to the ground, landing lightly and turning to confront the now empty seat in what was meant to be a serious manner.

"Your highness, they have arrived. I have served them all manner of good things, per your request, and now, fat as Humpty Dumpty, they are ready for the games!"

She paused, and seemed to listen, though no one was speaking. Then she turned to the bewildered group.

"The queen says you are welcome here, so long as you both shall live. Amen! And praise be to the Jabberwock, who hath slain Prince Charming in his sleep-"

Claire scowled as the girl prattled on. She was beginning to get annoyed with this. They were no closer to finding their component or Lady Husk...hell, at the moment she didn't even know which way was out. Glancing back at the others, she took stock of their various states. TJ was staring at the little harlequin as though he didn't know whether to laugh or groan. Blu looked bewildered and impatient. Megan looked scared to death. And Spiner was simply frowning at her, as though trying to come up with a response to all her nonsense. Claire sighed, turning to address them.

"Lets get out of here. I don't think we're going to get any sense from her. She's clearly out of her mind."

TJ nodded slowly, and seemed about to speak, when the clown girl beat him to it.

"Am not am not am not!"

Surprised by the timely response, Claire whirled, staring harder at the harlequin, who pointed right at her.

"Maybe you're just locked inside your mind!"

She paused, and stared at the group in puzzlement, as though she'd temporarily forgotten where she was. Then her mouth lifted in a silly grin.

"...Look what I can do!"

Tossing the large sphere up, she lifted her foot, catching it on the point of her shoe with a small jingle. Balancing carefully, she clapped her hands, hopping up and down on one foot.

"Bravo, says the queen, Electra, truly, you are my best jester. Now shall I reward you with all manner of marzipans!"

"Electra? Is that your name? Electra?"

Blu asked. The clown girl nudged the ball with her shoe, catching it in her arms as it flew upwards, and giggling, bowed to them with many loud jingles.

"Today my name is Electra, and tomorrow my name should also be Electra. And three weeks from now, my name might still be Electra. But I can't tell for sure. I haven't been there yet."

Blu held out his hands imploringly.

"Look, Electra, why did you bring us here? And did you take my frying pan? If you did, could I please have it back? It's very dangerous, and I wouldn't want it to hurt someone."

She stared at Blu, head tilting to one side, the insanity and mischief in her eyes intertwining like the components of pure electricity.

"I wish I had. We could play with it together! Darkness walks in many forms today, for it is a special day filled with candy canes and sugarcanes and more."

She held one blue-gloved hand up to Blu's face suddenly.

"You seem to be a reasonably stout fellow, said the queen, if you'll but play the games, you could get there by morning yet, and perhaps become her Jester's most favoritest playmate ever."

Her hand seemed alive with static, and Blu took a step back, not wishing to get shocked.

"Ah...where could we get by morning?"

Electra frowned at him.

"Well, I'm sure I don't know. You're very much in trouble if you aren't sure. Your name could mean almost anything, with the shape you are. Said Humpty Dumpty."

She turned, flouncing over to a dilapidated box in the corner.

"I made these just for today! I knew you'd come. The Watcher said so."

She produced several small glass spheres. As she held them, two in each hand, volts of electricity began to dance inside the small globes in slim, sporatic clusters of lightening.

"If you play with me, I'll show you how to get there. Yes, if your feet are nimble and light, you can get there by candlelight. Catch these! They're fun, they explode on impact!"

With that, she began to fling the spheres at the group, laughing.

Kristi narrowly avoided the incoming attack. Whirling, she kicked the piranha closest to her in the jaw, sending it spiraling away while she took on the next, fearfully trying to watch out for the rest of her team. For the most part everyone still appeared to be in one piece, but panic and confusion were running rampant among the group. Silver was doing the best he could, but the water slowed his movements, and the piranhas were very fast. Torn looked terrified, and was swinging her sword frantically, trying her best to keep the hoards at bay. Luckily, Cosmic and Mike seemed to be watching out for her, and after a moment, Silver joined them. Sending Chino flying with another kick, Kristi called to the Barracuda, who was watching the brawl inside with some interest.

"Hey, excuse me, Mr. Fish, do you know these guys?"

"More or less. And my name is Moloch. If you please."

"Ok...Moloch, any chance you can ask them to cut it out?"

"Child, look at me, look at them, look at where you are. Do you honestly think I or they would be here by choice?"

Kristi grit her teeth, throwing off another group of piranhas. There were so many...

"So...so...you're telling me they don't want to eat us?"

"Maybe. I don't know if the two leggers fed them earlier and they merely intend to rip you to shreds, or if they counted on your arrival and they weren't fed, so they're truly hungry. I myself was wondering when you would show up."

"You knew we were coming?"

"Mmhm. The Watcher said you'd come today."

Kristi had no time to ask about this, as more and more of her energy was being taken up by the attacking piranhas as time passed. After a moment, Moloch snapped his jaws together lightly to attract her attention.

"Ahem...if you like, you could swim out here. Through that hole up ahead there, in the wall."

Kristi struggled with her assailants, barely managing to choke out.

"Sorry to...question you, Moloch, but what...good would...THAT do us???"

"None really. I was just thinking if you want to be finished quicker and less painlessly, I can take care of you and your friends instead of them. Being swallowed whole beats being torn to pieces, yes?"

Kristi flinched.

Great...

OOC: Will do N team tomorrow just too tired now...

IC:

T jumped out of the was as one of the discs hit the ground under his feet, exploding. Yes this little clown had weapons but he was more worried about her attracting too much attention like from those giant spiders that were a pain to deal with. He flicked his sword around, knocking several discs away. "Darnit. This just gets better and better," He said.

J Team

Claire caught one of the balls, spinning it on her finger before launching it back at Electra. Her patience for such things was wearing thin, and she was beginning to take the clown girl more seriously.

"Guys...I've got an idea!" The vixen said to her teammates.

N Team

"Any way you could help us instead? I'd rather...keep all my limbs in tact..." Kristi grabbed one of Chino's boys in her hands, struggling with the little fish.

Moloch sighed, as well as a fish could. "I can do nothing, child. It is not my place to decide who lives and who dies."

Kristi frowned, using her foot to squash the pirahna against the window pane. "Why? Is is because of the Captain dude?"

The barracuda on the opposite side of the pane was silent, watching as another pirahna latched itself onto the vixen's arm.

J Team
-------
Megan was paralyzed as she saw the girl again, and not even the exploding electric orbs seemed to snap her out of her wide-eyed daze. Sinbreaker hung uselessly at her side as one of the orbs flew at her, rapidly closing the distance between itself and her chest.

Then her vision whirled as she was tackled from the side, throwing her and her savior out of the way of the orb. It exploded harmlessly far behind the group as Megan landed hard against the ground, knocking some of her senses back into her as they rolled behind an extended edge in the wall.

"Are you okay?"

Megan looked up to see that Spiner was the one who had saved her, and he was already back up in a fighting stance with his unusual swords in each hand. But his eyes, one purple and one covered by a red and black eyepiece, were on her.

"I-I'm fine," Megan stuttered as she struggled up to her feet, using Sinbreaker to prop herself up. "Th-thanks for saving me again."

"Do you know how to use your sword?"

The question caught her off-guard. "My sword? I do, but-"

"Then use it."

And then Spiner flapped his majestic white wings once, propelling himself back into the main hallway as his eyes focused on the battle itself, dodging orbs as they were thrown by him.

Megan looked around the corner, cringing as she saw the painted face of the girl once again. I know how to use my sword, but how can it help now? she wondered helplessly as she watched. He told me to use it, but I don't know if I can really help against this...
-------
S Team
-------
"Dang," said Justin with a smirk as he stopped himself short next to Camden and Knight. "Looks like our cover lasted a New York minute."

"Double back, we'll find another way to the other side," ordered Knight, and the three of them spun around just as another team of troopers and Watchmen robots came from the other corridor.

"They're on our other side!" exclaimed Camden as her fists rose up, ready to fight.

"Surrender now and we'll let you live, criminal scum!" shouted the squad leader of the first team.

"Doesn't look good," muttered Justin as he and the others closed up onto each other, going back-to-back as they were swiftly surrounded. He tilted his head to one side to look at Legs. "Legs, find somewhere to hide," he whispered. The decipede chirbled at him before pulling open one edge of Justin's collar and diving down his shirt, making slightly grumpy noises that indicated he did not like his choice of hiding place. "C'mon, I showered this morning," argued Justin.

"Greetings, gentlemen and lady," came a distinct female voice that crackled like it was coming through a radio. Justin raised his head to see that one of the Watchmen had stepped forward and its bulbous camera eye was glowing. "You are under arrest for trespassing, breaking and entering, and aiding and abetting criminals, assault and attempted murder, and vandalism, among other things."

"Oh, is that all?" Justin commented brightly.

"No," came back the voice. "Guards, bring these three to the twenty-fifth floor of the central skyscraper and put them into my maze, without their weapons and tools. I want to see how long they can last before my traps crush them."

"Miss Renee Jameson, I presume?" asked Knight knowingly, and Justin remembered what the briefing had mentioned about the leader of the financial center.

"You presume correctly," responded the voice courteously. "Sadly, the only way we can meet in person is for you to make it all the way through the maze I've constructed between the twenty-fifth and thirtieth floors. I know you're here to recapture the component to that rebel Garadon's contraption, that's the only reason anyone would try to attack this place, thanks to those terrorists. Guards, disarm them and bring them. 'Twould be a shame to have a maze built and not use it, after all."

Freakola, this is not good, thought Justin as the guards came forward. At least Cherry wasn't here.

Castor had been suspicious when he'd seen someone looking into the bank from across the street, but he wrote it off as a bystander, because that quick of a response was damn near rediculous. But as soon as he saw the flashing lights, his inner alarms went off.

"Sumbitches are fast, I'll give them that..." he said as he turned to Cherry. "Wrap it up, time to move!" he yelled at her. She nodded and started toward the exit as Castor grabbed his attache case and followed. Cherry opened the door to the emergency exit and Castor went to open the fire door... and stopped. Something looked extremely off. For all the sudden security presence outside the bank, the alleyway was barren. It screamed 'ambush' to Castor. And if they mobilized out there that fast... Suddenly the misdirection seemed like a bad idea. Castor shook his head and walked back inside the bank lobby, followed by Cherry who was no doubt getting the same gut feeling that things had gone awry.

"Dammit, so that's why he always had a good-sized crew." Castor hissed.

"Who?" Cherry asked.

"The bank robber I talked about earlier. He always had four or five guys running with him at a time. They could bring down security and pull off the job with little effort that way."

Cherry glared at Castor. "You ain't much of a robber, are ya?"

"Guess not," Castor looked around as he spoke. "But I'm good at improvising. Time to give them a reason to stay out of here while we figure out Plan B." With that, Castor started walking toward the windows covering the front entrance of the bank. As he walked, he spied a thin man in uniform surrounded by other guys in uniforms. He was addressing all of them at once while speaking into a communicator at the same time. Castor smiled as he walked. And there's the guy running the show. He stopped by the entrance and pointed his gun right at the thin man and fired. The bullet never reached its target. It was instead flattened against the layer of reinforced glass making up the windows. He smiled. Great, that should slow them up a little bit. His test complete, he reached down and grabbed the communicator off one of the guards Cherry had taken out. He changed the frequencies to 'all' and pressed the 'send' button.

"Attention to all the security personnel outside of the Financial Center, especially the thin prick running things. This is one of the people robbing your fine institution. I just want to congratulate you on turning what could've been a casualty-free snatch-and-run into a long drawn-out ordeal that could end with many dead bodies." Castor paused a second to let it sink in. Satisfied that they were starting to appreciate the gravity of the situation, he continued while walking back toward the counter. "Since you've pushed my hand, I'll make this quick. I demand a large aerial transport be delivered to to rooftop of this building in 30 minutes and safe passage to whatever destination I choose. If these demands are not met, I will start killing hostages every ten minutes until they are met."

"And, unfortunately for you, I was planning at one time to bust into the vault here but I decided against it. However, I forgot to take the high-explosives out of my case. If you try to break in by force, I will find a new use for these explosives, one the hostages won't enjoy very much. Also, I overprepare a bit, so I'm currently carrying enough high explosives to hollow out the first three floors of this building and maybe half of the fourth." A bluff, to be sure, but one worth making if it'd keep the dozens of armed guards that Castor saw positioned outside from blasting their way in.

"So gentlemen, the clock is ticking. And now that I've said my piece, I'd like to know the name of the thin prick in charge."

OOC: Post coming later tonight, and if not, tomorrow (though I don't really see why I can't have it up tonight ._. if I can't I'm bad). Anything anyone needs, by the by? Does everyone feel that they're getting the most from their current situation? I know I already mentioned that N Teams pretty stagnant, but is there anything else we should be looking into? Complaints, criticisms? Let us know how we're doing =P or something. And yes, next post is another big one. They're all kind of big, aren't they? x_x sorry...we've got stuff from that security chief guy (who I had to name, yes, thank you Castor =P luckily I've had one on hold that did in a pinch), stuff from Cherry, stuff from Jerin, stuff from Legs, and I was going to post more on N Teams end to help them out. J Team, are you guys ok over there, or do you want me to pop something in on your end too? Because yes o_o can do that, if you like.

Annnnnddd I think that's it. I've had gremlins on the brain lately. And we all known what that means...

Cheers.

OOC:

Cherry: O.o Yes Dl?

DL: O.o Can I have an ice cweam cone?

Cherry: ^^; Why sure you can!

DL: Oooh ooh! Can I also have your picture with you in a...

Terg: *WHAP* >> PG thread.

...x_X Sorry, dunno where that came from. Umm I was just wondering if you guys had a specified layout for the reactor. x_X Cause...I kinda do, but I don't wanna put it out there if you guys have something already.

OOC: I personally had no specific ideas about the reactor or a description for it. I do this whole make-it-up-as-you-go-along thing, so I wouldn't really think about the reactor unless it became necessary for me to describe it in a post. Not that the entire play is working that way >_>;; there're actually two storylines that I'm weaving my way around, the obvious one, and the more subtle one that hasn't really become apparent yet. It's just that everything is subject to change once I start writing. Heck though, if you want to specify the layout for the reactor, I'm fine with that. Terg has input here too, of course, but if he's cool with it, I say go for it. I here at wherever I am encourage players to create areas and NPCs and situations of all sorts, within the limits of the pre-defined rules, of course. But yes, don't be afraid to let your character work the area and rock the boat a little =)

That is all o-o good question!

OOC: Go for it, DL.

Nice OOC interlude, BTW. XD

I'll try to post more later after Cherry, maybe more to have DL cross paths with the Huntress.

OOC: So they're in a room with a whole bunch of broken Appliances, correct. And they're dealing with that harlequin *shudder*

Good. I get to make some boom booms.

IC:

Structural integrity of the land would be the main focus for any architect who got a worthwhile bid to build a state-of-the-art Power Plant, especially one in the middle of a dense jungle. The amount of manpower necessary would be tremendous, not to mention the time needed to execute such an undertaking.

Hence why DL seemed quite satisifed as he walked down this small hallway, making a sharp left that led him to a set of split passageways, doors littering each side sparingly. He would only amble up a few steps before his camera screen would fizzle out. The stylus he held would tap the screen gently, to make sure it was not an lighting issue. When the image did not return, he instantly turned around, hand grasping the door handle that was not to his right. No sounds were approaching him, and if something were to follow, they would have to elude the gaping hole in the floor.

Without so much as a whimper, the door handle would be turned, allowing DL entry. Closing it softly behind him, the sight that laid ahead would be a mixed blessing the the rogue.

Wires would be strewn everywher, some giving the presence of weakened life, as sparks lazily jumped from the ceiling down to the cooler floor below. Some wires were still coiled and ready to strike, as they whipped about in their area, pulsating with invisible rage. Ensuring that he was suitably grounded, the enigma would grasp the nearest set of wrigglign wires and tie it within a knot, so the output would not somehow conduit into him.

Droppingthe coil, he would walk further into this large room, filled with boxes of papers, some giving off a smell of burning. Others gave off pure mold, as if they were here from before the place was even built. Neither smell was acknowledged as he pushed some of the larger boxes aside, heading toward the back of the room. Convienently enough, the back of the room had boxes blocking the eastern wall. Dl would have turned around, had he not heard a slight breeze coming from the wall. Fingers ran down the front of the box he placed his hand on-until they found their spot. Almost as if he was ripping a hole within the wall, he wopuld step into the shadow as he saw fit, emerging on the other side with an uncanny eerieness unique to his being.

On the other side, as he suspected was a smaller room, folled with papers and most importantly-blueprints. His left hand dove into his inside pocket again, this time procuring a second small metallic oobject. Under the press of a button, it sprung to life, opening a smaller compartment with a refractory lens, and a whirring sound could be heard. One more button press, and the blueprints would be recorded as fast as he flipped through then, fingers running along them to understand the true layout of this place. Each blueprint would be explained in his scratchy voice-for further review.

"Now that I know how this place is built, there's no need to worry. We have 4 true floors, this being the top one. There is one below, where I suspect those misfits are. Those used to be lounge quarters for the facility workers, but I suppose they are all dilapidated by now. Watchmen might be lurking down ther to ensure that any humans that are down there get their work done. I wouldn't count on it though. By the looks of the bloodstains everywhere, I'm sure there was a rebellion of some sort, and the stinking little geekhearts lost.

But some of those stains are fresh.." An audible pause as his hand would be lifed from the corner of the blueprint, to wipe off a mass of indiscernable fluid that was inexplicably hidden under it. The table his napkin, he continued on.

"Below that is what I would assume to be where the main reactor bins are held, so if anything were to go wrong; it would shoot into the ground first, before coming up. I'm sure there would be no problem from any government about that. Kill the land of a large natural resource first in order to preserve their own kind. Forget the fact that the planet may die 6 years sooner because of it. Probably have that whole floor laced with just in case an extra volatile reaction occurs.

As for the byproducts that are pure waste, I'm sure they drop to the lowest level and get swept out through the ecosystem via hydrolysis. That looks like a sewer line, and possibly the best way off this island and through it without any trouble. Plenty of exits, probably some even leading to the edge of the jungle if you looked hard enough. Not really under any rush here though, since I'm not here to blow anything up."

He quit talking, pressing that same button once more to end the whirring emanating from that small device. Blueprints were left alone, as he headed back and out the room. As he reached the doorway he origially came in from however, there was a split second of intuition that told him to run. With the only real escape being the window in the room behind the boxes, DL sprinted. He was right to have done so, as a Watchman barreled into the room-hot on his heels. The bionic sentry would open its left arm to try and fling a desk at the fleeing intruder. DL gave no signs of a fight, as he flipkicked the wall of boxes down and darted through their wake of papers and files to the other side. Camcorder was tucked away before he dove at the window, and disappeared. The watchman had gave chase, but when the being it was chasing disappeared at the window, without breaking through it, rational programming was overridden.

No shattering sound was heard, as well as no viable hiding spot could be seen. The Watchman would hopwever, take no chances and begin the destruction of this room. One arm opened, and soon a mass of liquid began to fall on all the papers in the room. In seconds, this liquid grew to a immense temperature, igniting itself. As the flames began to sear about the room, the camera-installed Watchman would see a blinding surge of red, white and green envelop its primary vision.

Staggering backwards was all DL needed. The Watchman would do the rest, as it fell out of the window, and down into the reactor room. The actual chambers were far from being in danger of the impending explosion caused by the bot, but DL took no chances. Jumping out the window,he began to fly toward those reaction chambers, in order to see if they were working with alpha harvesting, or beta replication or what not. You could never be sure with an alien technology these days.

"There are rooms near the tops of the contrete walls that would eventually be the smokestacks, as well as a long ladder that goes up to what I can deduce to be the ceiling. These are probably to monitor the output that is going into the atmosphere. I'm sure I can set base there, as those pesky Watchman are not that small."

He flew without a care in the world, landing awkwardly so he would have to grab the ladder. Letting his grip go; he would fall a few feet before flying upward to reach the scaffolding that led to the inside of smokestack #1.

"Still begs the question. How the heck did that robot know I was even here.."

OOC: Sorry System Alert...

IC:

T knocked away a couple of discs and looked at Claire. "You have an idea?" He asked. He was getting tired of all these constant interruptions in their mission. He expected it of course but that didn't help his irritation. "Because I want to complete this mission ASAP. We still haven't ran into Husk, which isn't a good thing."

Defenseless without his pan, Blu was just darting around evading the junk the harlequin was throwing about, he still had a trick up his sleeve, he learnt a technique long ago, back in his adventuring days on his homeworld. He was about to utilise his speed and put it all into a dive to grab ahold of this girl, so when he had a spare moment. He pushed his feet off the ground and lunged at the harlequin, but she dodged it effortlessly.

"Is there anyway we can even touch this girl?!" Blu said, "or are we just going to have to wait until she just gives up attacking?" Blu jumped to his feet and got ready to dodge another wave of attacks.

OOC: Gonna try to post a little with J Team.

IC:
Within the monitor-walled room, the cloaked figure's eyes glittered like emeralds as she watched the scenes unfolding before her. Yess, come and play the game, she thought as she watched with fiendish delight. The herd of mammal prey hass fallen for the clown girl'ss trap. They sscatter like the weak-hearted foolss that they are. If they cannot even get passt her, then they will be no match for me. Let them die, they killed more than their share of my children...

Then those eyes darted to the right side of the wall, looking at the screens that replayed the scattered images of the shadowy figure that had been scrabbling about. But thiss one, he iss...different, she mused, watching a green coat and darkness move as one. He movess by himsself, unafraid. Even my cameras do not keep good track of hiss movementss...

Deep within her heart, there was something that truly bothered the Huntress Diana Husk about this humanoid. Something that indicated he was not a natural occurrence, outside of the natural order of the hunt. But just as sure was the drive to find a hunt worthy of her mettle.

But let uss determine what our friend in the shadowss intendss to do. Friend or foe, no one intrudess upon my territory lightly. A hand shot out from within the cloak, and strong fingers curled around the shaft of the broad-bladed spear leaning against the wall. And no one will touch the device placed in my care. Only the Kaiser can command ssuch a thing. If thiss shadow-man sseeks it...

Megan watched as she saw the others struggle hard against the insane clown girl, who was chortling and clearly enjoying herself in the game she had created for herself. Blu threw himself out of the way of her next bombardment, creating an opening for TJ to throw a reddish ball of flame in retaliation. But Electra backflipped over the attack, giggling madly all the while as she landed next to another previously-unseen supply of the electric orbs.

"What ho! 'Tis a jolly time for all, Robin Hood and his Merry Men have gotten to dancing away the night! I never believed to think of such revelry, oh what wonders, dear queen!"

Megan tightly gripped Sinbreaker's hilt, feeling helpless and lost as she watched insanity let loose. It's happening again, there's nothing we can do, she choked as hope dimmed from her eyes. We'll be destroyed, all of us...

"I'll handle this!" shouted Spiner as he landed behind Electra, his dual blades carving through the air. Somehow, the clown girl darted above the attack, almost like a spark of electricity arcing away from its source. The winged hedgehog pressed the attack, his speed increasing as he lunged with each blade in turn, swinging around, whirling. But Electra only danced just out of reach of each attack, her eyes twinkling with unstable enjoyment.

"Now sir! What a fine dancer you are here at this glamorous ball!" she giggled, but Spiner's mouth was set in a grimace of concentration as he pressed the attack.

He's giving it everything he's got, realized Megan, the spectacle unfolding before her pulling her out of her doldrums. He's trying so hard, he's already done so much, how does he do it? How can he do it?

Claire pressed her hands together and drew them apart slowly, darkness gathering between her hands as tangibly as a baseball. Pulling back an arm, she thrust the sphere forward with a grunt of effort, and called out, "Hey Spiner! Watch out!"

The split-second that followed went in slow motion as Spiner and Electra both shifted their attention ever so briefly to the incoming object. Spiner's blade was halfway into a swing, and Electra deftly leapt onto it and flipped backward right behind Spiner, her arms pulling up right around Spiner's as the sphere of darkness crashed forward into his now-defenseless chest.

"NO!" screamed Megan, her large feet kicking against the ground as she shot forward with surprising speed, the wind rustling her ears and hair. But Spiner was caught in the brief explosion, and Megan was all too late to stop it from happening. She saw him stumble to the ground, and her eyes rose up to see Electra, standing and laughing madly at the acrobatic stunt she had pulled.

The rabbit girl smashed her feet against the ground to catch air, both hands around Sinbreaker as she twirled it, swinging it as she fell at Electra. The blue and black-painted girl had barely noticed her approach when the flat side of the sword pelted her ear and sent her tumbling along the ground. She recovered quickly, only to find shining steel and an outraged rabbit right in front of her face.

"I'll show you as much mercy as you showed us," growled Megan in a frighteningly uncharacteristic way as she raised the sword high up above her. "As much mercy as you showed my world!"

OOC: And in case you didn't notice, she's officially wigged out now. The hit to Spiner isn't really bad enough to stop him for long, so I didn't disable him. I'm curious to see what'll happen next.

Before Megan could run the clown through, T jumped between her and swooped the clown up in his arms. "Calm down! Spiner isn't dead so what will killing her accomplish?" He asked. He looked over at Spiner. "Are you okay Spiner?" He asked the winged hedgehog before turning his stare to the clown. She was surprisingly light in his arms, light but very deadly. "So are you with Husk?" He asked. He turned the clown to the rest of the group, just in case they had any questions as well.

OOC: Never inquire about my titles. They'll never make sense xD.

IC:

The small victory over the Watchman was short lived. He knew his flight path had to be anticipated by now, even as he hovered in place, staring down at desks with monitors and conveyor belts and Watchmen.

Everywhere he looked, those bionic sentries were walking about, completing mundane tasks. Moving certain boxes down to what he assumed to be the lover levels. Changing dials, standing guard at the doorways..

He knew better than to try and take them all on, that would be a willing suicidal mission. But with his camera out, he couldn't tell just how many were on the testing side as well. All he needed was a south flank to come and stop his assault. Shaking his head in disagreement with those two trains of thought, DL headed to what he wold later mark as Outpost 1.

===

"So I've landed and began my real mission here, to see if I could lure out this Husk character. I do not have time for these games. I understand the security is high, and my only mistake was not thinking that sentries might not have been walking about. From up here, my recording shows a very complex nucler reactor being well maintained by auto--"

The recording was stopped when his eyes caught sight of something moving too fast to be an automation. It was running, white lab coat torn at various parts. It was not making a sound, but it was visible that it was spooked, even from this height. Using the zoom function, Dl would gain a better image of the form moving.

As per his guess, it was a human. Male, with short black hair and glasses. "Hrm, and here I thought there were no workers. I need him alive." He shut the camera off, and made his way out of the maintenance room that was adjoined to the large concrete base of the smokestack. With no fear of the resulting consequence, he vaulted over the edge of the railing, speeding down toward what most people would view as imminent death.

==

He was running for his life, as he heard the metallic clangs of Watchmen hot on his trail. Their liquids had already burned a considerable portion of his back, so it hurt to hide up against any wall. He cut a turn too sharply, and slammed his knee into a corner.

"Suspect hampered. Moving in for restraint."

The man didn't have musch choice now, as he ran smack into a dead end, the concrete cicumference of the smokestack his only vision. Quickly he darted right, Watchmen barely missing him, even as he hissed in pain. Hands grasped ahold of the ladder rungs that he just recalled, and he began to scale up them. He wouldn't get far before his leg was pulled taut by a metallic unforgiving grip.

"G-G-GGET OFF! I'M NOT DYING HERE!"

"Yeah. Can't afford that." came a voice from above...

"Huh" Before the man could make heads or tails of what was happening, a blast would break the ladder from its concrete roots, causing him to fall backwards. He screamed and wrapped his arms tight around the falling construct, unsure where his life was going to lead him....

A bead of sweat could be felt upon his upper forehead, as it began its journey down his face. The microscopic indentations known as pores could have seconded for fiber thin feelers, as the drop caused a reaction from its creator, one of distraught confusion.

"Wh-Where am I? Dead, did I die?"

"No. Silence for a moment." Was all he heard as a response. He couldn't make heads of tails of this place. It was black for the most part, but purple clouds seemed to be created as fast as they dissipated into the darknesss. There was no feasable bottom or top, but he knew that his center of gravity was inverted. The man grabbed for his ankle, feeling that if he could reach it, he might be able to quell this feeling that he was upside down. Reaching, all he could feel was his ankle. But he knew that the blackness around it was "grabbing" him. He couldn't make heads or tails of it, as his hands went to his stomach. Nausea began to swell around him, making the area swirl and attain an orange hue.

"Where am I?"

"Not explaining it right now. Who are you?"

"Who am I? Who are you? Loook, I don't know if I'm dead or alive right now!" he exclaimed, settling down quickly as his stomach dosagreed with his outburst.

"Look..." Dl said, still remaining hidden. "You're alive. I grabbed you before you were terminated by that Watchman. How I saved you dosen't matter. What matters here is Husk. Where is she?"

"Husk? No! Not her! NEVER!" The nausea was a control agent, as the man suddenly retched over himself. There would ahve been a smell, but oddly enough, there was none. The man's lunch floated in front of him in a odd ambience all its own, before [undergoing changes that I'm too lazy to type out.] If he wasn't freaked out before, he was definitly scared now. "Where am I!!!"

"Don't worry about that. Now look, we're going to be safe in a second, as we're going up to the utility room on the main smokestack. The Watchmen aren't up there. Up there, we can talk."

In a instant, the man felt his body being jerked up, akin to the feeling of recoil from a bunjee cord. There was a ominously odd feeling of reversal, and for a second, he could swear he couldn't breathe. He closed his eyes until all motion stopped and his stomach had a chance to settle. When he felt he was stationary his hands went out to his sides, touching the ground for what he felt to be the first time in hours. He sprang forward upon his knees almost kissing the steel walkway in his excitement.

As the voice said, he was up in the utility room, as the only window stared out at the darkness of the smokestack, its one trail of lights speeding down the side into the depths of the reactor. For now, the man was safe-and upon feeling this way, wanted to at least see his savior. But his vision yielded no form.

"H-hey..where are you?"

"You can't see me because I don't need witnesses knowing what I look like."

"Witnesses?"

"Look. I'm goig to be brief. I'm here for Husk, someone who plain terrifys you. So I know she's seen you and you've seen her. I don't need her getting from you what I am. All I want is an..audience with her."

The man looked around. There was no body to be seen, this room was not that bag. Furthermore, it sounded like his feet were talking to him, He looked down at them, seeing-and finally smelling a few spots of his lunch on his jacket. Tearing the coat off, he would wipe the sweat from his brow, lifting one foot cautiously as he did so.

"I...don't know who you are, but I can't just ask for her. She finds you when she wants you. I don't even know where she sleeps, she just comes, and then you're gone. There have been nights where 3, 4 workers disappeared after word got around that Husk was in the area. She's a killer! I know it!"

"Well, so am I. I just don't kill for fun. Anyway, you can stay here until I get back. The ladder down is broken, so they won't be flying up here anytime soon." With that the voice left the man-whom was stil puzzled over the whole experience.

J Team

"So much for the plan..." Claire muttered, rushing over to Spiner. She helped the winged hedgehog sit up, watching as he rubbed his chest. "Are you okay Spiner?"

He blinked, and nodded. "Yeah, yeah I'm good...what was that?"

Now she felt like an idiot. "Umm, listen, I'm really sorry I hit you. It's all that little bugger's fault."

Spiner nodded again as he staggered up, still a little dazed from the hit he took from Claire's magic. The vixen followed him over to where Blu, TJ, and Megan were holding Electra at bay. The harlequinn was struggling, muttering odd things every now and then, and yelling for them to let her go. Claire put her hands on her hips and grabbed the crazy clown girl by the shoulders, shaking her vigorously.

"Alright, you lunatic clown...thing! How do we get outta here?" Claire frowned, studying Electra's face.

Electra burst out laughing. "The queen won't allow that!"

Growling, the vixen used her dark magic to bind the girl. As the glowing black rope was tightened, Claire turned back to the team meeting their exhasperated stares.

"Alrighty...well, obviously she won't tell us, and I'm not willing to dance the spin-cycle just to figure it out."

N Team

Kristi shook her head, muttering thank you to Moloch before turning and swimming rapidly away from the window pane, managing to bat the pirahna off her arm. Blood trickled out of the wound, coloring the passing water red. Torn paddled over to meet the vixen halfway, looking concerned, before Kristi explained a few things whilst defending themselves.

"Torn! Torn, we need to get out of here!" They had switched their speakers momentarily.

Torn frowned, dodging Chino himself. "Well...what do....what do you suggest!?" The girl kicked at some newer attackers.

"Well, um..." Kristi looked around desperately, while trying to maintain her system of defense. She knew the team had to find a way out; sooner or later their strength would fail, leaving more prone to attack than ever.

Her ears perked up when she saw an elevator, jammed so its doors were wide open. She looked at her teammates, and passed her idea on to Torn, telling her to get the attention of the others and bring them into the elevator.

Quickly, Kristi shot forward in the water, using all her remaining strength to propel herself forward into the machine. Once there, she waited for the others, fending off the occasional pirahna member.

Ohhh....please, hurry up..........

J Team

Despite her large ears, Megan wasn't listening to Claire. Her pupils shrunk as her hands went limp, dropping Sinbreaker with a clatter against the unkempt floor. She dropped to her knees, staring at her hands in shock.

"What's happening to me?" she choked, fighting back a sob.

OOC: Ok, so Im bad o_o Im also radical. And that makes me badical =P I can live with that.

Long post, as I said, with a bit on every end. I feel I should mention Jerins part really has nothing to do with anything at the mo, it was just me being overly thorough because Jerins overly thorough, and I thought it was a good example of how overly thorough Jerin is. Thoroughly. Get it? =) In any case, the area he ends up in will be very important later, and also, the end bit of his part reveals some stuff about the Financial Center. So I suggest you all just ponder that so you arent all confused and AHHHH WHATS GOING ON.

And. Im really happy that DL made like, two posts in a row, because its nice to see someone else is taking the spotlight x_x;; and yes. Not that you all aren't doing amazingly, or anything =3 you are. But seriously. Feel free to you know, take center stage.

Cheers.

Megans grief seemed to rouse the little clown girl from her mirthful mumblings, if only temporarily. Looking down, she stared at the rabbit, her brows drawing together in puzzlement. Then, regarding the group as a whole, she asked uncertainly.

Youare not enjoying our game?

Everyone looked shocked. Her answer was a chorus of negative remarks.

NO!

Why the heck would we enjoy having explosives thrown at us?!

Are you stupid?

Youre horrible!

She blinked several times, then looked forlorn.

Oh

TJ frowned.

Answer my question! Are you with Lady Husk, or not?

The clown girl stared at him, confused.

Wh...Whats a Lady Husk?

TJ sighed.

"This is getting us nowhere

Claire growled, turning on her heel.

Lets GO.

WAIT!!

Electra wailed as they started to depart. Her lower lip trembled.

Please, you mean to say youyou arent entertained? Not at all?

Claire answered crossly.

NO.

Not even a little, teeny weeny, itsy bitsy, bitty bit?

Not even. Now, weve gotta go, because weve more important things to do than stay here and fool around with you!

She started toward the exit. After a moment, the others followed. The harlequin stared after them sadly, wiggling a little, still bound. Then she lowered her head, sighing.

Im sorry...

TJ paused.

Wait

Claire whirled, snapping.

No, dont wait! Its probably another trick!

No no no!! Please listen!!

Electra hopped up and down as best she could to get their attention.

The Watcher said youd like itthe Watcher said you would play with me if I did as it instructedno ones been here in so, so long, not since the West was won or the dragon was slain or I met the prince of persopolisand the dumb robots dont come in here anymore, because theyre afraid of me and they dont like playing catchandand you cant perform when no one will come

Blu stared at her, then whispered to the others.

The Watcher? You think she means Lady Husk?

T shrugged.

Dunno

He turned back to Electra.

Is the Watcher the one in charge of this place? What does he or she look like?

But Electras eyes widened, and to the surprise of the group, there was fear in them.

I cannot tell youit will knowit knows. It knows now. It knows all about you, all of you. Everything, your whole big, beautiful horrible lives. It sees all the bad and all the good. It watches. You cant lie to it. I cant tell you anything because it will know I did, and it will keep me here forever, and it wont ever ever ever take me home!!

She choked back a sob, and closed her eyes, a look of devastation crossing her face.

Oh, oh dear. Think but this and all is mended, that you did but slumber here, whilst the Queen dreamed you up, and in the morning you shall wake and feed on shrunken headsIm sorryI suppose next timeseveral more dress rehearsals are in order

Turning, she hopped sadly to one corner of the room, where a large box lay on its side. Flopping roughly onto the ground, she inched inside, and lay still, binds and all. After a moment, soft words could be heard, as the harlequin sought comfort in the only thing she had: the sound of her own voice.

How many miles to Babylon?
Three score miles and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
Yes, and back again.
Yes, if your feet are nimble and light,
You can get there by candlelight.

Moloch frowned as Kristi swam away. He knew any blood in the water, no matter how small the amount, would quickly draw the sharks. They might stay a ways back, since he was there, but they would certainly hang around, swimming back and forth, back and forth, their dead, dark eyes ever watchful. The barracuda didnt like sharks. Bad conversationalists, the lot of them. Well, the Makos werent. But the majority wanted and thought of only one thing: food. And that severely limited the subjects they talked about.

Chinohey, Chino

After a moment, the piranha leader appeared, darting from the darkness and shaking his head rapidly from side to side. He growled.

Little senorita KICKED me, man, didja see that? EY! Dont roll yer eyes at me, loco. I aint lissenin. Sno time fer yer smart talk, I gotta get the job done, or else sred flashy light city and th chicks aint so pretty there, man

She can understand you, you know.

Now I know, an it dont make me care no more. Watch this, senor, show its done! Ma get her!

Grinning, he plowed through the water, teeth barred. Molochs eyes widened, not only out of (oddly enough) concern for the little vixen and her friends, but also out of concern for Chino. There was something otherworldly about these fivesomething that made him pause. Not many knew, but Moloch himself was not born into the world he currently resided in, though he could remember no other. Well, not all the time.

But sometimes. Just sometimes. He thought he could see blue waters hed never seen anywhere in this world, alive with food and freedom, as far as the eye could see.

And then hed wake up.

Though outwardly expressionless, the chief had to chuckle inwardly, undaunted as he was by Castors threats. No, it wasnt that he didnt believe him. The man talked a very convincing round. He more than believed him, to the point where he was certain somewhere deep in his gut that his words were true (give or take a statement here and there). But the chief had been privy to and participated in more negotiations than he could have counted on both hands and feet. So a few punks wanted aerial transportation in thirty minutes or else. So what? He could use the time. And if nothing came of it, there was always his ace in the hole

Boys, I think we got ourselves a couple a comedians here, and amateur comedians at that. Get me the Head of Transportation at the citadel, get me the best lookin chopper we can afford to lose, get me a couple watchmen to fly it, and get the Kaiser on the phone to ok all a this.

The mixed assembly of officers and guards stared at him a moment longer, uncertainty and worry still present in their various features. Growling, the chief snapped at them, waving his arms wildly.

What, did I stutter? COME ON COME ON LETS MOVE!

That sent everyone scrambling. Seizing the shoulder of one young cop in passing, the chief halted him in his tracks.

You. Get me a megaphone. I want to have a little chat with our friends in there.

Yes chief!

Murphy, you still got that long eared freak on surveillance?

Roger chief. Hes hanging about the fire exit entryway. Hasnt gone in yet. I dont know what hes waiting for-

-Keep your eyes on him.

Yessir!

Heres the megaphone, chief!

Thanks kid.

Taking the procured megaphone, he turned to face the bank, addressing the pair inside in a calm, clear voice.

Hello, this is Chief Clive O Riley speaking. Im the head of security here at the Financial Center. I have heard and reflected upon your demands, and I think we can clear this whole thing up relatively quickly. You want to leave without hassle, with your money. And I want you to leave without hurting anyone inside. Therefore, we are prepared to grant you safe, undeterred passage to the rooftop of the building youre standing in. I have the Kaiser himself on the line right now, and Im waiting for him to personally approve the sending of one of his best helicopters for your use. We can have it here in thirty minutes, twenty if youre feeling pressed. If you cant wait that long, you are free-

Here he extended one arm, indicating the patrol vehicles behind him.

-to help yourselves to one of our patrol cars. Sadly though, these are only low rate hoverers, they cant climb as high as the roof. So if youre certain you want to leave from on high, youll have to wait for the chopper. In exchange, all we ask is that you allow all of the citizens and officers inside with you to go free, unharmed and exactly as they are now. Also, as you have asked us to allow you safe passage to the roof, we ask that you extend to us and to all the employees of the Financial Center the same courtesy. In other words, we would like you to cause harm to no one on your way up. There are two ways to the roof, the elevator and the stairs, three if you include the fire escape. You are free to choose the option that best suits you to reach your destination. If anything should happen to the hostages before or shortly after you depart in your chopper, we will not let you leave the city alive.

He stared levelly at Castor.

These are our terms. Is this agreement acceptable to you?

Inside, Cherry sat on the counter, cross-legged, back leaned against the wall furthest from the windows and revolving doors. Even though Castor had already proven the glass was bulletproof, the echidna wasnt taking any chances. Besides, from her current vantage point she could keep watch over customers and counter workers alike, and make certain that neither tried anything funny. Thus far everyone seemed to be behaving. Several people were starting to fidget on the ground, but Cherry saw nothing sinister in this. After all, theyd been down there for a while now, and she was sure some were starting to get cramps.

Castor, meanwhile, stood at the windows, listening to Chief O Riley. Buying them time. Thats what hed said. Buying them time.

The problem was Cherry didnt really WANT more time for anything. She was feeling very cross at the moment. As always though, her mind pushed her annoyance aside after a minute.

Be proactive, wee girlnot reactive.

She reminded herself. The main problem with all of this, at least, as she saw it, was that they couldnt leave the tower without completing their objective. She doubted Lilian would allow them back into the Core otherwise, though, if Cherryd had her way, or her own team, shed have ordered a hasty retreat, spent the next few days re-planning their each and every move with the new intelligence gathered on this mission, and then, under the cover of night (when there were no people and only guards to contend with) landed on top of the center tower, skipped down a few floors, found the component, and left. And that would be it. Thats what they should have done in the first place. That was sensible. That was logical. That was-

-frellin OBVIOUS. No wonder theyre losin th bollocksy war, if all their tactics and infiltrationsre as poorly planned as this one. At least send out a frellin scout beforehand, go undercover, find the difficulties and problem areas, and report back. Whole things bloody unprofessional for a start-

She scowled, then took a deep breath and pressed her lips together tightly, forcing her mind back to more proactive thoughts. She left the negotiating to Castor, mainly because he seemed quite capable on his own, and also because she simply had no interest in negotiations. Humans, Cherry had learned, liked to talk themselves in never ending circles. Shed spent three years caught in the middle of their wars and disagreements, and though she now knew how to better deal with negotiators, she still didnt understand them. It all seemed so pointless.

Several possibilities solidifying in her head, Cherry resolved to speak to Castor of her ideas when he was finished with the human outside. Staring idly at the large gathering of cops and guards through the window, the echidna frowned suddenly.

They got here awful fasttoo fastan therere so manyan by the offer this Chief O Riley is givin, sounds like they want us out o here lickety split.

She sat up.

No way theyd need this much security for a hit and run joblike Castor said, its simplewas expectin maybe a few officers, not the whole bollocksy forcewhich begs the question

Her eyes roamed around the room.

whatve they got in here to protect thats worth all o this?

Jerin waited five extra minutes before pulling the fire exit door open very, very slowly. Hed oiled the hinges so the door would make no sound, and Junk had taken care of the alarms for him. Peering through the thin crack, he paused for another instant, surveying the stairwell, then, satisfied, made his way inside, careful to gently ease the door shut behind him. Creeping over to the main door, and keeping low so as not to be seen through the small window, Jerin pressed one long ear to the crack, listening. Ah, there was Mr. Troy, talking about something or other. Negotiations, it sounded like. He couldnt hear anything from red, but he suspected she was watching their little gathering of friends while Castor worked things out with the cops.

Good.

Inching back, Jerin slunk into the shadows beneath the staircase, more out of extra caution than any real danger. Caution, patience, and timing had saved the hybrids life more often than not, and these were perhaps the only things to which he held true. Reaching into his pocket, he removed two small pieces of metal, both of which tapered to slim points, and resembled droplets of water in shape. One had a red eyepiece, and the other, a yellow one. He considered both for a second, before choosing the yellow one. Turning it over, he flipped open a small, nearly invisible panel, under which lay a little monitor and keyboard. Carefully, he typed in 30>2, and then, after eyeing the distance between one landing and the next, 10 ft. When he was finished, he closed the panel, and turning the small device over, threw it up in the air. Instead of giving in to gravity, however, the yellow bulb on the face lit up, and a small propeller popped out of each side, whirling and causing the little bot to hover. Jerin smiled at it fondly as it turned about, scanning the area. All of a sudden, it shot upwards like a bat out of hell, straight to the very top of the tower. Once there, it hovered, the yellow eyepiece scanning the area until it detected light from a small bulb set into the wall. Honing in on the source, a slot opened in the tapered end, and a small laser emerged. It shot at the bulb, the only noise a soft ping! as the beam struck, followed by the gentle tinkling of glass pieces as they hit the landing. Dropping ten feet to the twenty-ninth landing, the bot scanned the area, found the next source of light, and repeated the maneuver. It did this for five minutes straight, until it reached the second floor landing. Once the second to last light was out, it beeped softly to itself, and returned to Jerin, who was listening anxiously through the door to make certain no one was getting suspicious. Extending a hand, he caught the little bot and smiled, tucking it safely back inside his pocket. Climbing to the first floor landing, he carefully unscrewed the last bulb himself, and continuing on to the third floor landing (to be on the safe side) proceeded to wrap it in cloth and crush it beneath his boot. Happily hidden in the dark once more, with the only light the thin lines underneath the doors, Jerin jumped from the third floor landing to the first once more, landing lightly and listening through the door one final time. No indication that anyone had noticed the sudden lack of light in the stairwell. He hadnt supposed they would. But hed been wrong before. Not for awhile. But still.

Ascending to the third floor landing again, the hybrid seated himself beneath the overhanging staircase, to wait. He figured it was only a matter of time before red either noticed the darkened stairwell or felt him there. Anarchis lay ready at his side, delightfully whispering to him her strange and deadly hopes within the darkness of his mind. He took a moment to look his daggers over (sharp as ever) and made certain he had spare clips of ammunition (plenty to go around). When this was done, he leaned back. Then he sat up. He counted the stairs above his head. He leaned back again. He leaned forward. He sighed, blowing his bangs from his eyes.

Perhaps I should re-phrase what I said earlier. Jerin was very patient sometimes, but very impatient other times. So as he sat, he quickly grew bored, and fell to staring at the walls. Idly, he started to count the exposed rivets, beginning with those nearest the bank door. One, two-

Not too fancy a stairwell. I suppose most take the elevators, thoughfat rich bastards probably couldnt be @#%$ to make the stairs look as nice

-eleven, twelve-

Id have painted them a nice, blaring orange. Just to shake things up

-sixteen, seventeen-

He stopped. He stared. The rivets were all spaced prettily evenly, except in one spot, it seemed, where one row and the next were a bit further apart than the other rows. Jerin followed the lines, up, over, and down. A shape.

A door?

His curiosity got the better of him, and he returned to the first floor landing to investigate. The hidden door lay right beneath the staircase. He tapped on it softly. He smiled. Hollow.

Running his hands slowly along the sides of the door, Jerins fingers finally found the hidden panel (and why not? Hed made so many of his own), and slipping it off, the spot where security cards and codes might be utilized and entered.

Junk.

He hailed his accomplice softly. The small bot poked its head from his pocket, staring up at him expectantly. Jerin pointed at the panel, waving his hand over it theatrically.

Open sesame.

Slithering up his arm, Junk perched atop his masters hand as he worked, pulling the face off the control panel gently so as to get at the wires behind. After several minutes the door slid open quietly, revealing a set of descending stairs. Jerin grinned, pushing the hidden panel back into the wall neatly. He stood for a second, listening, then knelt, motioning Junk on ahead of him through the door. The bot slithered down the stairs quietly, and was soon lost to view. Minutes passed. Then, a ways down, Jerin saw a small green light flash twice in the dark. A signal: come ahead. All is clear. The door slid shut behind him, and lights set into the wall lit up as he descended, only to darken again just as quickly as he passed. At the bottom of the staircase lay another door, heavier and more foreboding than the last. It took Junk longer to crack into it, but eventually the door slid open, and Jerin peered inside, before glancing at Junk and nodding. The robot seemed to understand the indications of the nod, and slipped inside, disappearing around the corner while Jerin waited, sharp eyes taking in the sight before him.

It was some sort of labresearch and development, he was guessing. The doorway he knelt within was set between two huge machines, generators, from the looks of them. Giant generators. And there were two others, one in each corner on the side of the room opposite him. Between the generators, he could see monitors and tables filled with all manner of scientific gear and gadgets. Center stage, though, set into a circular hollow in the ground and surrounded by a railing, was something large, something hidden beneath a great sheet.

Hello hellowhat have we here?

His ears perked at the sound of footsteps. Luckily, the lights went out a minute later, much to the varied groans and complaints of the inhabitants. Ducking into the room, Jerin squeezed between the wall and the nearest machine. Peering around the corner, he saw a human in a lab coat standing at the mouth of the opening between the generators. He was holding a clipboard and appeared to be in the act of coming to see who was at the door. He squinted into the dark.

James? Is that you?

Jerin whistled softly at him. Puzzled, the human drew nearer. Poking his head outside the door, he frowned, before drawing back in and shutting it. His neck was broken before he had time to scream, much less ponder why the door had suddenly opened. Jerin lifted his body from the ground, then released it, letting it hit with a light thud. He hid himself once more. Sure enough, another man came along shortly thereafter, drawn by both the sound and the prolonged absence of his colleague. Jerin called to him using the dead mans voice as best he could, though hed only heard him speak a few words.

Ah @#%$can you give me a hand here?

The human quickly strode forward, his voice filled with concern.

Sure Timsomething wrong with the door?

Im afraid so.

He repeated this ruse several times, using the voice or voices of the people whod come before the next to lower his victims closer. Finally, no one came. At first he thought that was that, but then a voice addressed him shakily through the darkness.

H-hello? James? Timothy? Robert? Malcolm? Elaine? Whats taking so long? Geez, how many geniuses does it take to fix a door?

Jerin crept out of his hiding place, ducking from table to table, until his prey was in sight. A small man with glasses had turned from the monitors he was observing, and had one hand in a drawer. Swallowing, he pulled out a handgun.

Guys?

Jerin tapped the floor lightly with the point of one of his daggers, and then drew back behind the table. He heard the human shuffle nervously, though he tried to sound brave.

I know s-someones there. Stay where you are, Ive got a gun.

Jerin responded in his own voice this time, mirthfully.

Ive got two on my person and two hundred thousand in storage. Whats your point? Is this a competition?

Whirling, the human made his way to the table, and pointed the gun at it.

I know where you are. Come out with your hands up.

The answer was a whisper in his ear.

Oh. Do you?

The man fell to the floor, blood seeping from the neat twin gashes crisscrossing his throat, steadily pooling about his twitching form. Jerin stepped over the body carefully, wiping his daggers and sliding them back up his sleeves. He stood very still, and fell to studying the various blueprints, maps, and plans pinned to the wall in front of him. After a time Junk joined him, and the lights came back on.

Surveillance?

Down.

The hybrid grinned.

Good. Loot the computer. Im going shopping.

Splitting apart, Junk perched atop the main console, plugging himself carefully into the computer and taking the plunge into the Financial Center network. Meanwhile, Jerin wandered about the room, taking anything he found interesting, from microscopes to boxes of slides and chemicals to several interesting pieces of equipment hed never seen before. Eventually he came to the big thing under the sheet, and tugging, revealed the prize beneath. He stared at the contraption, a slow smile creeping across his face.

Primitive. Interesting. But primitive. I can do better.

Striding up to the wall, he carefully took all the plans regarding the centerpiece down, and rolling them up neatly, stuffed them inside the cluttered portal he had positioned against the wall. He frowned at the mess.

Junk, when was the last time I cleaned this thing?

Three months and twenty one days ago. Ive reminded you at least fifty six times already to straighten it up, though.

Jerin chuckled.

Ah wellIll get around to it. Ive got the time.

When at last he was satisfied, the hybrid closed the storage unit, leaving only a small, simple mirror with a sturdy black frame behind. Dropping into the chair in front of where Junk was working, he stretched, tapping the mirror against his snout.

So thats why theyve so many guards. I thought that whole business outside looked a bit much for a simple robbery. Theyre probably trying to protect this place.

The robot nodded slowly.

Seems to be. This is very interesting, mastervery interestingapparently this place is not only a center for business, but for financial investments and scientific exploration as well.

Hidden under the guise of a mere office. Clever. So of course it would have a lot of security.

Of course.

Finishing up, Junk unhooked himself from the computer, and turning to Jerin, spoke in the voice of one whose patience wears thin.

Now that weve indulged your curiosity, master, should we not return to our previous mission?

Tapping the robots small head with one finger, Jerin spoke as several slots slid out from the side of Junks head, each containing a small mirror. He replaced the missing one in its proper slot.

Mmmm. Nah. Im bored with that mission. Lets keep exploring instead.

Exasperated, Junk snapped back together, slumping forward.

MASTER, what about Cherry O Kidna? It has not even been an hour since you declared we should go after her!

Red can waitIll track her, and when Im ready, well know where she is

Rooting around in his pocket, he produced another mechanical bug.

Shall we?

Inside Justins shirt, Legs tried to remain flat and motionless, clinging tightly to the humans chest. It bothered him that he couldnt see where they were going. But then again, perhaps he didnt want to know. He also didnt want to think too much about his current hiding place.

Oh Keeper preserve me, he smells like human

The bug thought to himself, scrunching his face up tight. He supposed, of course, that Justin didnt KNOW he smelt badly to the insect, and in fact, it wasnt even that the smell was displeasing to his nose so much as it was rattling to his nerves. For decipedes, no different from most wild creatures, are often driven off by the mere scent of people. And Legs was no exception. The smell was making him positively antsy.

At least Cherry isnt here.

He tried to seek solace in the thought, as Justin had. But for some reason, it brought little comfort.

After several more minutes of walking, Justin stopped short. Legs assumed theyd arrived, and he heard shuffling as Justin, Knight, and Camden were patted down and stripped of their weapons. He felt a hand pass over him suddenly, and he started, causing the guard searching Justin to exclaim loudly.

Hey, whats that in your shirt?!

Alarmed, Legs tried to dive into the humans pants pocket, but to no avail. Fabric caught at his feet and slowed his movements, and he soon felt a hand grasp his small body and yank him from his hiding place, despite Justins struggles and protests. Then he was upside down, five sets of eyes fixed upon him.

What the hell dya make of this?

Some kinda weird insectnever seen anything like it.

Enraged, Legs chattered horribly at the men, shaking small fists at them as he squirmed around, upside down. Justin shouted angrily.

Hey, leave him alone! Hes with me!

With you? What the hell is he?

A decipede!

And what exactly is that?

Justin paused.

Aha bug thatsthats good at fixing things.

The guards stared at him, before turning back to confer amongst themselves.

Fixing things? Sthat make him, like, a tool?

Sposehell, he dont look like he could fix my toaster, much less anything importantstill, better ask the boss

Pulling a walkie-talkie from his belt while Legs chattered angrily about fixing something for him, the guard pressed a button along the side, speaking loudly into the receiver.

Hey boss, this is team leader eleven. One a those prisoners had some kinda insect on im. Says its good at fixing thingsthat make it a tool?

OOC: Still here but until I can get my internet working permanently, I won't be on much if at all. I'll try to find a library computer where I can update...

OOC: No problems Torn. We won't let your characters fall out of the story or anything =) and whenever you can update is fine. After all the problems my computer recently had, I more than understand x_x thanks for letting us know, though =)

Cheers.

T looked at the ground. "Darnit, now I don't feel like just leaving her. She could be of help to us but then again she did try to kill us. What do you guys think? Should we take her along?"

S Team

"You found a WHAT on one of the intruders?" came the feminine voice from the radio. Renee Jameson's tone was dangerous enough that Justin had to keep from smiling mischievously at the troopers who were about to get themselves into trouble.

The trooper who had made the initial contact probably sensed this, as he was not so eager to finish out his report. "Uh, it was a bug, uh, a kind of insect. Kinda got a lot of legs, about the size of a-"

"DISPOSE OF IT THIS INSTANT!" screeched Ms. Jameson, loudly enough that the guard pulled the radio away from his ear with a jerk. "I will have no pests in my building!"

"Oh no ya don't!" shouted Justin as he broke away from Knight and Camden, bringing his fists up and tapping the hidden buttons that activated the shields in his gloves. Thank goodness they forgot about these, he thought even as he gave a powered stomach punch to the guard holding Legs. The guard curled up at having the air knocked out of him, and dropped both the radio and Legs to the ground.

"Legs, get outta here!" yelled Justin, who then grunted as the other guard caught him off-balance and tackled him, being supported by other guards who swarmed around to disarm him of his gloves. Justin lost sight of Legs after the decipede took a single bounce away, and he only hoped that Legs would be able to keep out of danger now.

"Now get in there!"

Justin fell forward after being shoved roughly into the small, circular room where Knight and Camden had been similarly thrown into, and he rolled as he hit the ground to get up, facing the door. The door shut tightly, leaving Justin and the others in a cylindrical, smooth-walled room with only a small blue light giving illumination from a socket above them.

"Well, guess I showed 'em a thing or two," said Justin confidently as he brushed off his shoulder. "And Legs got away." I kept my promise as far as I could. Just hope Cherry's safe too...

"Now, intruders, here's how the game will play," came Jameson's voice from the walls. "If you can get past my maze, then you can have the component you're looking for. If not, well, then you will be dead. I haven't had any criminals to run through my maze lately, so I hope you provide some entertainment."

"Can you say, 'sicko?'" Camden muttered under her breath.

"So what kind of maze is this?" asked Justin, gesturing to the bare walls of their small prison. "With all your money, I'd have 'spected more from you guys than a little 'time-out' room."

"There is a way out of that room which leads to the next part of the maze," explained Jameson, her voice more sugary-sweet instead of more hostile in reaction to Justin's comments. "You will have to be able to find it within the next ten minutes, or else you'll drown."

At that moment, small panels opened up near the top of the edges of the room, and water began drizzling through these openings, beginning to flood the room. "It's very simple, really. There is a secret switch along the walls that will allow you to get out safely, but it will take time for you to do that, and the clock is ticking...good luck, my intruders!"

Great, I still have my shoes but they won't help me with this situation, thought Justin as he and the others desperately began roaming the walls with their hands. And without my tools, I won't be able to break this maze if we find a control panel. It looks like it's down to luck now...

J Team

Megan was still crying when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw that it was Spiner, who offered her Sinbreaker. "You dropped this," he said simply, his expression neutral but his voice gentle.

Megan looked at the sword, then took it into one hand and stood up with a little help from Spiner. She wiped her eyes and tried to look happy, but her feelings inside were so muddled that it just didn't make any sense to her anymore. "Thanks," she muttered, and Spiner nodded quietly before turning and looking over at Electra.

"Guys, maybe we should take her along," suggested Blu. "She sounds like she's in the same boat we're in."

"What do you mean?" asked Spiner.

Claire snapped her fingers. "You mean, she was taken away from her world to here?"

"Yeah, that's what I think," affirmed Blu. "And if that's true, then we might be able to get her home. After all, Lillian said we could all go home after this is over. She could get Electra home too, the only reason she attacked us was because this 'Watcher' tricked her into it."

Megan stayed quiet. She didn't feel like she was in any position to make decisions after she had freaked out like she had, and she was supremely embarrassed that she had gone ballistic. She felt like she was locked in a nightmare that wouldn't end, and she just wanted a way out...

Except for Spiner, she realized. Spiner has been so kind ever since I got here.

OOC: O_O
Ermm.. I though ez was dead so... uhh... can I have an update as to where N team currently is? o.o;
I'm so sorry...

OOC: It's all good, Silv =) just glad to have you back. N Teams been struggling due to lack of posters, so it's actually great that you're here period =) do you know anyone else from this play who also thought EZ was dead, by the way? Cause we lost a handful of people after the crash, and I just wanted to know if you knew of others under the same misconception.

But enough of that, here's a summary so you can get back to it:

The members of N Team are in a long, submerged hallway in the water, on level four or five of the Naval Base (someone correct me if those floor numbers are wrong). They're breathing via their rebreathers, which also seem to have granted them the ability to communicate with each other and with the fish, sharks, piranhas, etc., when set to specific frequencies. Currently, the group is being attacked by a large pack of piranhas, led by the biggest, Chino. And just outside the hall windows in the open water, Moloch, a barracuda of gigantic proportions lurks, ready to gobble up the team if they leave the tower.

Moloch, Chino, the rest of the piranhas, and the sharks are being controlled via small, pebblelike devices placed on their foreheads, directly above their respected brains. These devices force them to comply with the wishes of the controller (Captain Pike). Should they ignore commands, the small machines flash with an irritating, bright red light. Moloch seems to desire his freedom more than he desires harm to come to the N Team, and it's up to the players to decide whether he becomes an asset and ally to the team, or a hindrance. While he's controlled though, and even while he's not, there's no telling when or where he'll take a snap at you if you're in open water. After all, good fish or bad fish, all fish have to eat =P Kristi's already spoken to Moloch in regards to giving them aid, but his best suggestion was to "swim out here and let me finish you so you can die quicker," as he figures that's better than being torn to pieces.

Kristi's been bitten on the arm by a piranha, and she's currently waiting in an elevator close by for the rest of the team to swim over, in the hopes they can escape the piranhas via the elevator. Whether or not Silver's been hurt in the skirmish is up to you, of course, as well as what he does next.

Hope that helps =) if you need anymore to go on, just take a look at Shadow Lady's last few posts. The N Team portions should give you a good idea of the situation. Also, my last few posts have small bits in the middle areas with N Team, so you can look those over as well.

Finally, welcome back =)

EDIT: OH, yes, and just so everyone knows, I'm going to try and get in a post either tomorrow (later today, whatever, la) or Monday, move some things along for N Team, Legs, and slide in a bit more on Cherry's end. Been sort of slow lately, but I bet everyones just busy with other things, so it's all good =) cheers.

OOC: Sorry everyone, work is murder this week. And things keep coming up at night. I PROMISE I'll get something up tomorrow night, though. At least something for N Team o_o we've left poor Kristi hanging long enough ._.;; and yes. Very sorry again x_x;;