Chapter 27: Invaders
In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 641) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 643):
Harlay shakes his head in response to the professor's question. "No, sir. The invaders put a stop to it. I thought you were asking about contact with other towns down the line."
The telegraph operator sighs. "I have not seen either courier in the last few days. Ned was due the morning of the attack but he never showed. Jim was in Grafton last I knew, the day before that. I hope they are both well."
While listening to the conversation, Tommy looks around the office. The equipment is fascinating, but the mechanic keeps his mind on the task at hand. He sees a ledger open to a page dated two days ago, with notes about the invasion. Peace sees neatly written notes which seem to corroborate the operator's spoken words -- "lines cut" and "Ned Turpin and Jim Duly whereabouts unknown." On the opposite page is today's date, with a note in fresh ink: "Lines repaired. Test messages exchanged with Hite."
The Irishman had hoped for more, but he realizes the professor is on a track that may help, now that he has heard the names of the couriers and seen them identified in the ledger. Perhaps he could pose as one of the men -- unless they were already in Grafton and known to the invaders. Perhaps if he learned more about them from Harlay ....
OOC: The Judge enjoys this sort of role-playing, but doesn't want to drag out the scene. Earnest and Tommy may continue speaking with Harlay, or we can summarize information if needed. You might think of something the Judge hasn't, so don't want to cut off the RP unless the players are ready to move on.