Thanks to Celeste and Kincaid, the journey up in the elevator hadn't been as uneventful as either Laima or Kite might have wished. Laima had found observing Celeste particularly worrying during those few minutes. The anomaly in her aura had manifested again, along with the sudden pulses of colour-change evident in her eyes. There was no doubt now, In Laima's mind, that some form of psychic espionage was going on there. The colour-shifting in the eyes might be worth noting too. Did the fact that it happened when Celeste's emotions were running high, mean it was easier for whoever was using her to look through her eyes then? And did the fact that they had flickered between the two colours mean that Celeste was aware of what was happening, or did it simply represent the presence of the psychic spy? Laima would keep a closer watch on Celeste from now on. Kincaid's behaviour simply confirmed what Laima had already surmised from his aura, although the aggression and hostility in him had flared up when he and Celeste had ended up sharing the elevator. And that underlying vicious streak had intensified when she was around, which virtually confirmed serious hostile intent- at least where Celelste was concerned. However, Laima's primary concern for now was Kite, and her morale hadn't exactly been boosted by the scene in the elevator- or Kincaid's smug remark thereafter. Laima silently walked a pace behind Kite as their leader made her way towards her own room. Once there, Kite turned and said to her silent companion, "you said you wanted to talk about something?"

Laima tried to find the best way to frame her thoughts as Kite unlocked and opened the door. "Yes Miss Kite," she said as she followed her leader in, "I've noticed that since you were chosen as leader of our team you have...um, well how do I put it? Your spirit seems to have taken the kind of knock it might if someone gave you a bucketful of hot coals and told you to start juggling". Kite's response to this was to give Laima a wry look which plainly said 'you noticed that huh?' What she actually said was, "and?" Laima hesitated momentarily. How could she say this? "and I think that you're maybe seeing the worst, when it hasn't actually happened yet". Laima answered. Kite didn't seem particularly cheered by that remark, simply saying, "how do you mean?" Laima tried to phrase her words as gracefully as she could while she answered. "Well," she began, "you seemed to be feeling despondant because you thought Celeste, Kincaid and Porche had showed the rest of us up by arriving here before us. But that impression isn't strictly true. I don't know if you noticed," Laima continued, "but there was some luggage in amongst the shopping-bags Celeste was carrying. Porche hadn't beaten you to the hotel and then gone on a shopping-trip, she went straight from customs to the shops. She only just arrived as we were getting into the elevator. And Kincaid certainly wasn't here ahead of me," Laima informed Kite, "I know that because he was only just checking in when I was heading out. You see, I haven't just arrived here," Laima explained, "I've just arrived back here".

"From where?" Kite asked. "From familiarising myself with Gothenburg," Laima answered, "and the fact that Kincaid was back before me suggests that either he took a different route from mine (which is very possible), that he didn't see everything I did (again very possible), or that he took a shorter tour than I did- although I doubt that since, for all his temper, he actually seems to have it where it counts". Laima paused to take stock of Kite's aura. It didn't seem to have changed much since she'd begun speaking, but Kite now seemed a little less despondant. "So what about Celeste?" she asked, "and why didn't you say something about having been to scout Gothenburg earlier?" Laima considered the question carefully. It probably wouldn't do Kite any good to know about Celeste's 'bug' just now. "I can't say for certain whether or not Celeste was here when I arrived," she admitted, "but I don't think she went into town purely for the shopping-trip. I suspect Porche called her mainly because she wanted someone to carry her bags to the hotel, and to tell her where it was. Celeste probably had an ulterior motive for going. From what I've seen of her," Laima said, "I suspect it was the prospect of going into potentially hostile territory that won her over. As for not speaking up earlier- well Tybalt beat me to it," Laima finished the statement rather lamely. Kite looked uncertain exactly what to make of all this. "So- since you seem to have formed a few opinions while keeping quiet- what's your opinion of the team overall?" she asked.

 "It's a volatile mix certainly," Laima said in response, "at the moment I'd say that, despite her aggression, Celeste is for you- if only in the sense of wanting to spite Kincaid. Kincaid well-," here Laima broke off momentarily, "you have to understand a bit about him," she said. "He sincerely believes that he is superior to everyone else on the team, and he believed that leadership would be assigned to him. Since that didn't happen, he now believes he has to call the attention of our superiors to himself by standing out- and to shine the brightest he has to reduce the glow from everyone else. That's why he paints our situation in the bleakest colours- and why you should ask yourself if things are really that bad. Nevertheless, I don't believe he intends to compromise our mission. Porche and The Warden I believe you can trust- although how much you can depend on at least one of them I don't know. Tybalt I think, has accepted you as leader and will simply try to impress our overheads by doing everything he's asked to do to the best of his abilities. As for yourself," Laima concluded, "well, I stand with The Warden on that one: Mercury assigned you leadership for a reason. And I think he made the right choice. Believe in yourself a little more," Laima finished. Then her soft voice grew softer still as she added, in an undertone, "as I believe in you". Kite didn't exactly smile in response to this, but her aura looked a little bit brighter now, which was a start. Then she seemed to think of something, tilted her head slightly and asked Laima, "and what about you?" Laima hesitated, momentarily thrown by this question. "Me?" she asked in a surprised tone, before recovering. "Oh. Me," she said once she'd regained her composure, "I see a lot other people don't. Enough to trust you, and I harbour no ambitions to compromise the mission. In fact," Laima added as a thought occurred to her, "most of the higher-ups I've worked with before say they're glad I harbour no ambition at all, because if I did they don't doubt I'd be the one giving them orders by now...,"

OOC: Hope this doesn't seem like taking liberties with anyone's character! If it does, drop me a line!!       

"Thanks, Laima. I feel a lot better," Kite replied, a smiling a bit for what felt like the first time in a while. "By the way, just 'Kite' will do. I don't really like being addressed formally."

OOC: ((Apologise for the infrequency of updates, I have been rather busy lately, heck I've just been home ten minutes and I'm in a DnD game as I type this. This is likely to be a common occurence, so I apologise in advance, but I shalln't just abandon you.))

After the brief chats and individual orientations, explorations and shopping trips, the group retired to meet up in Kite's room on the top floor. Tybalt got himself comfortable by the window, looking out over the snowy night sky of Gothenburg as he waited, smiling to himself.

At 9pm, there came the expected knock on the door.

Kite stood at once, brushing her short hair away from her face. She had changed outfits after she had reached her room, even though it was a simple collared gray shirt (that covered another, tighter-fitting one), dark jeans, and a pair of gray shoes. With her lavender eyes locked onto the door, she took the first step forward.

This is it, she thought. Not really a defining moment, but it'll be the next step in our mission...

Slowly, she reached out with her right hand and opened the door.

Kincaid, to say the least, was mystified. Initially, he wanted to seize control of the contact moment and let the rest of his teammates know who was running the show. However, he had had a change of heart. He reasoned that it would be for the better to let Kite assume the reins of leadership for the moment.

Just so when she inevitably and irretrievably mucks it all up, I can step in and demonstrate how a vet handles these things.

The green-eyed ram was astonished, however, when Kite casually opened the door at the first knocking.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" he hissed urgently. "You know, like the password?"

Her hand stopped just short of the doorknob.

Crap.

She'd forgotten it. In the midst of getting here late and wallowing in her own self-pity and all kinds of other stuff, she'd completely forgotten about the password.

Think... think... you have to remember it...

Tybalt watched his leader head over to the door, his fur chilling as she hesitated. Did anybody remember the password from the breifing? All he could recall was something to do with pizza...

The knock came thrice upon the door again...

((OOC: The information has now been available to you, if you are enough of spies to find it.))

(OOC: So...is it bad that I tried scouring this thread inside out, listened for clues in the voice exchange thread, and still didn't find anything ringing any bells about the password? >> )

From the corner of the room where she'd been standing Laima took in the situation. Kite seemed to either have forgotten the password, or- perhaps courtesy of an attack of nerves- was simply unable to recall it at this moment. Kincaid either wasn't going to offer the password in order to show Kite up, or he had no recollection of it either- Laima wasn't quite sure which of the two it was. The others seemed either unwilling to interrupt Kite- even to offer the password- or unable to recall it themselves, though it seemed mainly a case of wait to see what the leader would do. What would happen if Kite couldn't recall the password even if she tried? Would their contact stand knocking on the door all night and so draw attention? Would Kincaid wait a few moments more and then step in? Would any of the others do anything? Could they? Should she do something, or was this one of those moments when you had to let your leader either 'sink or swim'? All these thoughts swirled in circles through Laima's mind. The repeated knock at the door however, jolted her to action.

Stepping over to where Kite still stood, Laima spoke softly enough that her voice wouldn't carry beyond the room, but clearly enough that those present within the room would hear. "Pardon my interruption Miss Kite," she said, still using the 'miss' prefix in spite of herself (using a prefix was a habit she had developed whenever speaking to a leader or overhead), "but might I suggest that you stand away from the door? If that isn't our contact knocking, then the last thing we need is for our leader to be in the position of danger. Besides," she added, "I think I'm probably the best qualified of us all to discern whether our visitor is the contact or a fraud. If you'll excuse me?" she concluded, looking to Kite. Kite simply gave a short nod and stepped back, though whether she did so because she hadn't thought of the possible danger or still couldn't remember the password Laima wasn't entirely certain. Placing her own hand where Kite's had been a moment before, Laima called out the password as best she could remember it. "Is that the meat feast surprise Vegan special?" she asked. 

You talk too much.  You think that he REALLY wanted to hear about that?  Did you see how fast he walked off?

The knock came at the door.

And here comes your opportunity to be the hero.  Oh, wait, you were more worried about where that freak of nature was than that piece of paper, weren't you.  And he's still missing, isn't he?  Oh well, look on the bright side, Tan-makik, Some of these lot seem the type to pretend to care about dead people, bet they'll pay attention to you when the brat's body shows up on the street tomorrow morning, e'la.

The rabbit suddenly shock his head and blinked rapidly for a moment, then seemed to come back to reality.  Since he'd started with this organization he'd constantly been in awe of the members abilities to memorize locations, information, people, to deduce things from the smallest clue, even if it seemed more a guess than a real thought process.   Sadly his own mental talents were rather unnecessary here, but even if his forte existed his deteriorating mental state would have hampered it.  His destructive abilities, though still with him, were leashed by an archaic puissance.  The combination of which was completely stultifying, and augmented the heart the rabbit wore on his sleeve to iridescence.  He rubbed his right shoulder, it hurt, maybe that nerve was acting up again.

(OOC: still here. just low on ideas at the moment. *shrug* sorry. Writer's block goes hand-in-hand with a cr...um....crummy work situation...*SIGH*

Reni: Now see, if you had ME in this, there'd be NO trace of writer's block!

...*Facepalm* Not now, Ren. *shoves her back in the closet*)

(OOC: Gemajin recalled the password, so I'll be putting up a post full of information soon, as for Rappy, the old document with the password on it can be found from within this thread. You just have to be sneaky. Tricks like this may occur again, they may not but for now, I've got myself maps to draw and information to gather =S *Scampers off*)

(OOC: Thanks, Gem, I had literally forgotten it. On another note, I don't really mean to slow things down, either; RL stuff has been taking up a bit more of my time. I'm still here, though. Definitely.)

(OOC: Well...I'm FREE of that he--...Well of despair called that job!  'Cept now my future is up in the air, but looking brighter...so maybe I can get back into RP more...if I don't find it neccessary to cut off my internet connection to be able to aford to live...but I'm FREE! Anyway...)

IC: Porche sat at the table, inspecing her nails.  I should get these redone while I'm here...

TBC

(OOC: Sorry. All I could come up with. *shrug* That has to be my shortest IC ever....*flail*)

((OOC: Severe apologies for the lateness of this update, it took longer to find five minutes to compose it then anticipated. Why must people keep expecting me to have a social life )

At the sound of the password, a deep voice with a swedish accent replied in the postive. As Kite opened the door, she was welcomed to the sight of a very large, well dressed Elk with short cropped blonde hair, carrying an impressively sized black suitcase.

"Hallà, you are being the "Kite", ja?" The elk intoned, stepping brusquely into the room, giving a nervous glance behind him through his dark sunglasses. "Is being..." He let out a disgruntled sigh "...Rudolph." Clearly to anybody who could even remotely read body language, let alone emotions, the contact did not care for his code name. As the door was closed, he set the suitcase on the table, and looked around the room, nodding to each of the members. "Have been told to bring information and equipment."

"This is route you will be taking to Gråbo, the 190 is plowed and salted, so should not be much trouble, but the smaller roads to the town may still be dangerous, being careful yes?"

"This is the estate that the midvintersblot is being held on, it is the home of one of the leaders of the sect. We have been unable to get much information on the inside layout of the estate, but we have put what we know on here. As the sect is mostly made up of weathy and influential peoples, the owner of the estate, one Aletta Kriksdotter, has hired private security. The main security housing and known patrol routes are shown in blue, cameras are in red, ja?" He points to the sattalite photo. Ceremony will be held in this yellow area, is set aside from accomidations."

The Elk adjusts his tie. "Your target, Gyllenborg will be arriving the day before the ceremony, on the 12th. Is most likely to be housed in main building in centre, here. Is your descision on how to act from here." He moves aside the pictures to access the rest of the case. "Am also being told to give equipment, ja? Here is equipment. Two pistols ant suppressors, fitted for concealment, 9mm and four clips. Two suppressed pistols for tranquiliser rounds, and 4 clips for those. One automatic rifle, for emergancies. One set of lockpick tools, One gas powered grapple gun and climing hooks. One high range laptop, and usb pen with hacking tools. A radio for each of all. And one black minivan, fitted with tire chains." At this he holds up a set of keys. "Last one is outside, ja?"

Tybalt at the last part, spoke up. "I guess I should take that..." After all, his dayjob as a Professional Stuntman meant he had training with driving in adverse contitions at unusual speeds, as well as a higher agility and endurance than most, and training in things that... well just look like martial arts to be honest, but it's easy to get carried away. On the downside his job had left his co-workers often with the impression that he had taken a few too many blows to the head.

((OOC: A note on Outside Dayjobs. Some agents have outside dayjobs, which give them different areas of expertise. These jobs, by nessescity are in fields where they can take leave for a long time, or won't be missed. You can for your characters, choose to wait to reveal your character's dayjobs, and the skills they entail, until you see something that is relevent to those skills. Heck you might not even decide on them until you see something that skills are needed for, that would suit your character.

It's like schrodinger's employment.

Or, you could choose never to reveal this information, or even just not have one. Many aspect members don't after all.))

(OOC: I may have to disconnect from internet for a while. I'm not quitting the RP, just...may not have as much access to it in comming weeks. That said...

Hmmm...what kind of outside dayjob would a bubblehead like Porche have.....*ponder*)

Kite studied the map carefully. She had to admit, she only knew her way around a computer when it came to downloading all the movies, music, and games she could fit on her computer and hand-held devices. If there was one thing she did with no problem, it was definitely espionage... at least in the video games she played during breaks from hours and hours of college classes. Though in reality, she only had her cover blown a handful of times... except for last year during that mission in Japan.

As thought occurred to her, she shivered. At least she could aim and shoot. All that time spent in the shooting ranges near her home would come in handy.

"This oughta work," she said with a smirk as she picked up one of the weapons to examine it. It felt a little heavy, as she hadn't held a firearm for some time. Thinking of the laptop, she added, "I suppose someone here's a tech expert?"

Kincaid also scrutinised the map meticulously, his hand already tracing the outline of one of the firearms in an almost absent-minded manner.

"I suppose someone here's a tech expert?" Kite said, glancing around at the others. Kincaid's hand flew to the lockpick tools abruptly.

"Only with this kind of 'technology'," the ram answered. "My day job as a locksmith serves me well in this field."

Doubtlessly, someone in the group wondered at how the loudest member of the task force was adept at one of the subtlest infiltration methods. Kincaid did not leave them much time for such idle contemplation, however, as he tapped the map and issued his thoughts.

"Now the most obvious place from which they'd expect intruders is the giant forest in the back; hence the cameras and patrol routes. Just looking at the layout of the security, it looks like our best plan of action is pulling up the van to that point on the corner of the estate where the road has disappeared into so many trees. From there, we cautiously work our way onto the estate grounds and cut straight over to the security complex. That way, we can at least disable the cameras and the central command of the patrolmen. With security disabled, it will be an effortless task to jaunt on over to the ceremony grounds and whisk away our target to a more suitable location. Of course, that's just this vet's little fancy of flight; I'm sure the rest of you have some other equally--heh--brilliant plan."

The rabbit wordlessly stood and approached, picking up the laptop and turning it over in his hands.  

Built-in high power access point.  Have to keep it close to the van to recharge it, even with this battery I'll probably only get 5 hours out of it with conservative power settings.  Should already have some mundane things, I can get the rest from the kid when he shows up with the rest of the supplies... if he shows up.  

His nose twitched a bit as Kincaid attempted to take command. 

"Ehm, the camera's aren't going to be that easy.   If this is as big of a deal as we've been lead to believe they're undoubtedly PTZ and IR functioning, those functions are even costly anymore so we can assume a staff is actively moving the fields of vision and low light won't impede them.  But hornboy is right about one thing, the camera's need to go.   With them active there's only one way in, and we undoubtedly need two points of infiltration."  He took a breath and laid the laptop down and looked at the map,  "Leader of a sect isn't going to let some pimply script kiddie into his systems though.  The camera's are obviously wireless and managed via a mesh network or omni-directional antenna.  Either case they won't be part of the main domain so disrupting them is not hard.  Most likely the AP's have WPA2 over them but I have a toy of my own for that.  Now fooling the camera users is something else, I'll assume this thing has several scanning tools so finding an exploitable port shouldn't be hard...  But how to extend the window before they realize something is wrong..."

(OOC: I have to admit, I'm having trouble finding a use for my character or anything for her to do. Add to that the fact that I may be absent from internet for a while. I don't want to pull out of this, really, but...I may be a very infrequent poster. Sorry about this guys. :/ )

OOC: Apologies for the absence. Final year dentistry's hard =/

IC:

Athena stood in the shadows, with a black trenchcoat and a scarf covering a good portion of her face whilst she watched the group analyze the map and configure a plan for their upcoming mission.

Her eyes radiated an intense radiant green as she looked on with stern silence.

She had, indeed, taken in everything that was said by the Elk.

She also found it rather curious to learn of some of the other members' day jobs. Not that she assumed that they did nothing outside of this secret cohort or such. However, sometimes it was amusing to hear that these unconventional individuals did perhaps engage in something 'normal'.

Then again, she grew bored of dedicating thoughts to these peripheral asides and barely smiled as she focused her attention back to what was being discussed.

In all honesty, this was becoming dull and complicated for her. All this stragedy planning that was being implicated. She didn't understand why they couldn't just infiltrate the domain in a riot like manner and apprehend the coulprit in question.

Any security and surveillance to be dealt with and de-activated would obviously be advantage. However, anything to be caught on... what's meant to be is meant to be she thought.

"This is becoming way too technical," Athena finally interrupted as she prowled forwards and brashly stepped in with the rest of the group.

"...and why are we making so many assumptions about their fancy computer gear? I bet they spend more money on their gin and tonic and smoking cancer sticks than they do on their security."

Before anyone could speak out against Athena's complacent and wreckless assumptions, she continued to talk.

"I think I'd rather die than continue to talk all this meticulous planning and techno nonsense so here's my proposition. How about 'I' create this window. Throwing parties into chaos and blind disarray is what I do best so I'd be willing to create this window for you guys. Create a diversion as it were..."

OOC: sorry for double posting

Woodenly, Kincaid absorbed Toby's evaluation. The ram knew he was not nearly as well-versed in telecom tech as Toby. Therefore, he was determined not to let anyone discern that and was about to press onwards when Athena came forward with her radical alternative. Most of the others stared blankly at her proposition; of course, Kincaid could not abide by remaining silent. Unusually for him, though, he was not looking down his nose at her; rather, he had tilted his head and tried to look into her eyes as levelly as he could manage.

"I've seen kids with more spunk and and less brains than you come up with more thoughtful plans. Let me be the first to jump in and just say 'no damned way'. Now, before you pick up your impulse to rail against me, mind that the most successful missions are the ones with as few risks in them. Just because we're endangering ourselves in general doesn't mean you have to ask to be savaged by bacchantes or sacrificed by cultists. I don't want you getting hurt, Athena."

It was as though the winds had temporarily shifted. All at once, Kincaid resumed his more contemptuous tenor. "Anyway, longears, we'll somehow have to work in tandem so your initial disruption of the cameras coincides with me getting us into the central security centre. If I and a few of you lot can get in there and take it, we may have the ability to keep security heat off us until someone picks up on the absence of patrolmen. By then, we should be moving toward our target anyway. I can make my end of this happen easily. I presume you can piddle about on your computer efficiently enough to take care of things on your end."

The rabbit had had enough.  He'd never in all his time with Zodiac ever dealt with such a loud, belligerent person.   "Listen you testosterone oozing neanderthal, if all you're going to do for the duration of this mission is bark orders, sweet talk the girls, and ignore everything outside of that tiny cylindrical space in front of your beady little eyes I'm going to-"

"Act just like him?"  The voice was... not one of them.   It was actually rather youthful.

"Although, it's funny, I thought Kite was in charge.  But all I've heard so far is Mr. Kincaid doing all the leading."  They were all staring at a younger brown rabbit, he seemed to appear from nowhere but there were a few tell-tale signs he'd entered from a window.  His face was stern, looking like a typical rebellious teenager.  He scanned the room with narrowed eyes,  "Forgive my lateness, I'm identified on the Warden's profile. I am his... confidant."  He slunk in with his hands jammed into his pockets.  The rabbit was short, clad in a ruddy old green sweatshirt and jeans, his ears seemed in a permanently drooping position, unlike Tobias's which seem to mimic radar dishes.  His eyes were a odd sort of yellowish brown, penetrating; again the opposite of his older companion who had very disarming blue eyes. "I am not part of Zodiac but am acknowledge by it as being necessary for the Warden to complete his tasks."  He took a seat not far from his older companion, who seemed even more irritated at the youth's timing. 

Since calling out the password, Laima had once more receded to the periphery of everyone's attention, content to listen while the others talked. Disturbingly, she had noticed the anomaly in Celeste's aura manifest itself again. Worse, it looked set to remain for the duration of such planning as was taking place. That would have to be addressed soon, one way or the other. So too would the fact that Kincaid seemed determined to lead the group despite Mercury's instructions- but that was for Kite to deal with. She listened as Kincaid outlined his strategy, and The Warden picked holes in it. Secretly, she was rather glad that The Warden had admitted to being a tech expert since, although information technology was one of her own areas of specialisation, she'd hoped to do something other than use a computer on this mission. When Celeste made her own suggestion, Laima wondered if she truly was serious, or if she was aware that her eyes were being used and was deliberately trying to put a premature end to the planning session, simply to maintain the integrity of any strategy that might emerge. When the meeting was disrupted further by the arrival of The Warden's confidant, Laima decided to take advantage of the momentary silence following his pronouncements to speak.

"If," she said in her soft voice, "you will indulge the thoughts of-," here she broke off briefly to glance momentarily in the newcomer's direction, "-one of the most junior members of the group please?" No-one seemed inclined to interrupt her so she continued. "I think there are a few points that need addressing," she said. "Firstly one raised by The Warden: that we need two points of infiltration. That sounds reasonable, but can we afford to divide our group? There are only seven of us after all- or eight if The Warden's confidant is here in more than just a supervisory capacity. I understand the need for more than one escape route, but do we need more than one entry point as well? Secondly, the images and maps we have here don't reflect the present reality. Everything in these pictures is green, but when we get there it'll be covered in snow and possibly ice. Which means our vehicle will have to be well-hidden but ready to go, since a black van against white snow will, if parked by the roadside for a substantial amount of time, attract potential good samaritans or rescue services, unless parked in a lay-by. But Kincaid is right about this much: It has to be close to the estate, to optimise the time we spend there. We need to allow time to cover trecherous and unfamiliar ground, since all the planning in the world isn't going to do us any good if someone slips on a patch of ice and curses loudly. Which brings me to my third point: what time is the ceremony being held? Do any of us even know that? We can't plan to sneak in under cover of darkness if the ceremony is being held at midday, or during daylight hours- which it could be, since its being held on a secluded private estate. Fourthly, we can't assume that it'll be easy for us to disable the security guards," Laima continued, "these people make their living by keeping other people out, and they'll be good at it since wealthy individuals hire the best as often as they can. Even though we have uncommon abilities, we have to keep low-key, which limits how and when we use those abilities. Fifthly," Laima said, "there's an issue we need to consider seriously even if it was touched on only lightly. These neo-pagan cultists are, to whatever degree, involved with supernatural phenomena. For as many potential pitfalls as we can see in the natural, there may be some mystical defence or security we've either overlooked or have been unable to discover. Do any of you have a contingency for that? Would you know, for example, if a psychic spy had infiltrated our group already?" Laima paused for a moment after that before continuing. "Finally," she said, "The Warden's confidant has raised a very valid point: we have a leader, namely Miss Kite. Does she have a plan already that we haven't asked about yet? Or are we just going to formulate our own strategies all night and simply ask Miss Kite her opinion sometime tomorrow when we've perfected them?"

Having said her piece, Laima concluded, "I don't mean to belittle anyone, or undermine a sound strategy, but I think these points should be addressed and I thank you for being patient enough to listen". This said Laima fell silent again, waiting to see what the response would be to her questions...     

(OOC: Must...post...SOMETHING...)

IC: Porche sat in her chair, letting the others talk their strategy.  Strategy wasn't her strong suit.  Not much was, actually.  All of what they were saying was going right over her head. Speaking of her head...she looked at herself in her hand-mirror, and called up a tiny breeze to tame an errant curl back into place.

TBC

(OOC: GAH.  Sorry I'm not much help, guys.  I SO don't know how to play a ditz...>.< )

Toby nodded rambling off again, "I don't have any objections.  You made me think of something else though.  Maybe we SHOULD use the south point ONLY as our entrance.  We wouldn't need to trip the alarm by disabling the camera's then because there is a hole large enough between them we should be able to slip through.  Once inside and Rambo-y here is cracking skulls, the camera's can be hit.  That'll do two things.  It'll give us multiple points of escape PLUS it may create chaos inside the compound and let us move past the lesser guards easier since some of them may panic..."

The younger rabbit looked thoughtfully at Laima, "You said you may run up against supernatural defenses.  You need someone skilled at removing those kind of problems, on top of that there may be sentient beings skilled in that area as well so you'd need someone capable of nullifying their powers.  Both of which should not be a problem for the Warden here, he can negate most common abilities without blowing holes in the ceiling.  I recommend letting me handle the computer disruption, I may not be the expert on it but as was already said the means have already been provided by the Warden here, I just need to push buttons at the right time, in the right order.  Like Kincaid said, it could be done by a kid with more spunk than brains, perhaps we should see if he is right."  A rather mischievous grin showed off his buck teeth, "Though what Mister Kincaid knows about my spunk should probably be a matter for more conventional authorities than us, wouldn't you say Miss Kite?"

"It's going to take a lot more than 'spunk' to get through this," Kite addressed the youth.

"The point is keeping everything low key executing our mission efficiently. Right now all we have are assumptions. Considering our mode of transportation, that would most likely significantly reduce maneuverability if hidden in a heavily wooded area...

"Taking several points into consideration; there are many gray areas about this mission. Sure, we could split up, but that also increases the chances of our task being jeopardized."

Planning really wasn't one of Kite's strong suits, either, but talking things out was always a good way for her to get her thoughts straightened out, even if she hadn't reached a conclusion yet. She pretty much just made it up as she went along.

"If there is one thing I know, even the most well-thought plans don't work out as intended. It's common sense that there will always be something unexpected. At this point, the more information we have, the better. If we can crack their systems without being detected, we could probably get some more information. Of course, they could probably be expecting such a thing. Either way, considering our objective, we must proceed with caution.

"We have a general layout of the estate and surrounding area, but what we don't have is a layout of inside the building. We also do not have an exact fix of where our target is, and, drawing from Laima's points, we don't know what time the ceremony is being held. I can only assume it will take place in the overnight hours or at the crack of dawn. We'll have to make this one quick.

"First things first; we need to get security out of our way long enough to get where we need to go. The cameras have to go first, but then we have the guards." Kite pointed to the area encircled in blue. "This is the gap between the patrol routes on this side. This definitely goes first; it's kind of risky, but it'll either throw everything else out of whack or alert the rest of the guards. Am I wrong so far?"

________________________________________________

(OOC: FFFF Why did it take me so long to think of this?!)

Something still bothered Kincaid in all of this as he stared at the newest rabbit on the team. It was not that this rabbit somehow had wandered into the room with apparently no one guarding the door. It was not that he seemed to be a charming, likable character. It was not even that he readily assessed the situation the moment he strayed in and started talking. It was that he had no name.

"All right, I can't say I approve of the newbie strolling into the place like he's part of the organisation, but the hell with it. What do they call you?"

The yellow furred rabbit shook his head, "So far so good from what I read, Kite."

"What does the Warden's dossier say my name is?"  The youth said calmly over folded arms. 

Laima had been mulling over what both Kite and The Warden's confidant had said, along with what had been said by The Warden himself. Letting the information percolate and keeping an ear open, to the ongoing conversation, she answered the younger rabbit's question almost without thinking, quoting what she'd read in the dossiers. "Archibald Kinnear," she said softly, "believed to be between seven and twelve years of age. The Warden's constant companion, seen with him at almost all times. And recognised as being essential to his completing his tasks too apparently," she finished. As she concluded that statement though, something else occurred to her. "You said The Warden would be able to take down mystical defences and nullify the abilities of most sentient beings capable of wielding supernatural abilities without blowing holes in the roof," she said to the youthful rabbit, "yet- while I admit to not remembering every detail of the dossiers I've read- I'm pretty certain such an ability isn't mentioned in The Warden's file. Sounds like The Warden is a little more secretive and mysterious than I already believed him to be- though secret or not, I'll welcome any ability he has that'll take care of mystical defences. I'm still a little concerned about the time factor though," Laima continued. She paused momentarily before resuming her explanation.

"Broadly speaking I agree with Kite," she said, "the ceremony will most likely be held either during the hours of darkness or at the crack of dawn. But I can think of at least four different times at which such a sacrifice might be held. For Midwinter's sacrifices, there's quite an emphasis on equilibrium- on balance," Laima explained, "so holding the sacrifice at a time that is reckoned to be the balance-point of the Midwinter's day- the middle of the middle if you like- is important to those performing the ceremony. But the balance-point, the middle, can be reckoned in different ways," she elaborated, "a number might designate sunrise as the ideal time for instance. The reason for this is that it is one time when both elements of the day- the darkness and the daylight- become evident, and so it's like a balance point- exactly between the old night and the new day. Alternatively, sunset would be a good time for similar reasons, except this time with the emphasis being on a balance point between the old day and the new night. If the ceremony is held at either of these times," Laima said, "then we have to consider the ambient daylight present. In the first instance we'll need to optimise our time under cover of darkness before sunrise, and bear in mind that we'll have steadily less of that cover the longer we spend there. In the second instance, we'll have to arrive while there's still light to the day, but will be able to leave under cover of darkness. Those are just two options though," Laima continued, "as I said, I can think of four times when the ceremony might be held. By different reckoning, midday or midnight could be considered the middle of the middle too. If midnight is to be the time of the ceremony that would be ideal for us, since it would provide us with cover of darkness getting in and getting out. If its midday though- which would be unusual but not impossible since these cultists have made some errors in their reckoning already- then we have to get in and out of the estate when there is most light to the day, making our job much harder. Because of those factors," Laima concluded, "I think it essential that we try to get some more concrete information on the time of the ceremony. If there's any way I can help find that information I shall do it," Laima said & added, "pardon the irony of my saying this- but I don't want to go in blind".       

"Seems we've got a shot at pulling this off after all."  The rabbit said nodded to Laima, "Archibald Kinnear at your service, you can call me Arccy."

Tobias's teeth visibly ground, there was something odd in his eyes.

"Unfortunately the information gathering task the Warden sent me on seems to have proved beyond me so I can't help with that problem."  Arccy rattled off shrugging flamboyantly, "Sorry."

Kite looked tense for a moment. "Looks like we've either got to find another outlet or leave it up to chance."

And past experience has told me it can either work out just fine or go horribly wrong...

That was always the worst thing about taking risks. Kite knew she and risky situations didn't always get along, which was the very reason why she was being so cautious.

(OOC: Again, sorry I'm so infrequent with posts, guys. I just can't seem to get into my character's head. I will not abandon her or this RP, but...*helpless shrug*)

Kincaid stroked his chin for a moment, glancing at Kite. He was mystified by Mercury's decision to appoint her as the team leader, given her hesitation in decision-making.

"Right, one thought," the ram began. "Rudolph, our target arrives when?"

The elk blinked. "He is arriving on day before ceremony."

"Well then, as an alternative idea, we should consider executing our plan that night. Security will probably be tighter the day of the ceremony but less so when all they have to do is their usual routine and maybe greet guests as they arrive. Late into the night, as things settle down, that would be as practical a time to strike as any. Of course, I wouldn't dream of overstepping my bounds, Fearless Leader."

With that, he looked back at the canine, hoping to elicit some sense of approbation for his idea.

(OOC: OOH! Ooh! I got something!  NOt the greatest, or most earth-shattering thing ever, but...it's at least SOMETHING...)

IC:

Porche glanced up from her nails, blinking. An actual IDEA had come to her...and she wasn't exactly sure what to do with it.  So she just spoke it. "Why don't we like...you know...just GO to the party-thing?  Then we'd be there in time for whatever-it-is we're supposed to do and...yeah I know...dumb idea. I'll just shut up now..."

TBC

(OOC:

Okay, I just wrote about a page and a half of stuff about how much I apprieciated you all and everything, but my browser crapped the hell out on me. SO long and short:

Loved this RP, Loved every single contribution.

Put a lot of research into it.

But was last single coin toss at posting on the mofo.

Not your fault, just cant deal with mofo.

Moved on.

Would be very happy for you all to carry on if you wish.

Exceedingly sorry.

Seriously, very very sorry. Loved this whole setup, and wanted to set a series of puzzles and scenarioes for you all, but... could no longer cope with this board.

My previous post was far mor eloquent, but, well, there are reasons I'm leaving this board :V

OOC: Dude wth?? Why?!

I know I'm one to talk... Dr. Invisbility so I am or Dr. Flit, back and forth, you know the way it rolls

Had to make a big move from London to Ipswich as a new Tooth Quack so hence the absence.

Uh, pls come back ;-;

(OOC: o.o;; Sorry to hear it.  I haven't been paying much attention to this either, but I'm still interested in it.  I dunno what happened, but...we don't want you to have to leave! But...I understand if you can't.   Would still like to continue this if anybody else wants to...though...I don't know where you were headed with it.)

OOC: Aww! Granted I actually don't come around here much myself anymore, but this still stinks. :<

Sorry, man.