The ambulance transported the wounded Combine's mercenary medic to Hellstromme Memorial, where she was operated on. She was prepped for cyber transplant surgery as part of a plea-bargain deal where she would tell all she knew. Rowan was satisfied that Feldwebel Knappe was also receiving the best of medical care. Her heart was severely damaged by the shock of cardiac arrest and might be replaced, but Rowan's quick care and defibrillation to get her blood moving again meant Laurin hadn't suffered brain damage from lack of oxygenated blood.

Schaeffer joined her in hospital to watch over his friend.

The rest of the Posse was dropped off at the Sheraton. There they retired to their suites. Not luxury ones, as those were already assigned to delegates for the ongoing peace talks, but pretty nice.

Trask was offered a room as well, on the city's dime. The city Militia offered to store and service his power suit at the nearby armoury (a former Deseret Legion Reserve installation).

Jason sits on the bed for a moment puts his head in his hands and has a survivor moment. Then he gets up showers the dirt and pain away. He dresses in his formal wear and goes to find Ike Turner and the rest of the Peace talk delegation.

When Jane found out that they were to be put up in the hotel she looked over at Peter with an inquiring look.  She didn't want to suppose that they would share a room like last time but she hoped they would.  She could relax with Peter and feel as safe as the times allowed.  She also wanted to be there in case he had one of his nightmares.

Trask takes a bath and freshens up, taking his time and making the most of it. Then he dresses in his Sunday best and makes his way downstairs to the drink and the gambling. As he arrives in the hotel lobby he takes in his surrounds as he gets his bearings and makes his way to the bar.

In reply to Jason Sinclair (msg # 2):

The posse was quartered in the same suites they were given before. In fact, it had been less than 24 hours since the Combine attack on the peace conference! Although new to the Posse, Trask was assigned a suite relatively close to the others.

That day an envoy from the Mayor approached everyone in turn, either at the hotel or Hellestromme Memorial Hospital.

"Please accept the gratitude of the Mayor and good people of Junkyard. Also, $2000 each in Widgets. Please sign for the voucher here, and here. Aaand here. Thanks.

"Finally, you are offered full citizenship in Junkyard. Just sign here, submit your fingerprint on this device and I'll take your picture for Junkyard ID now."

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 1):

Waiting in the hospital, Schaeffer said to Rowan, "I see someone coming from the Mayor's office now. Let's hear what she has to say. But we also need to talk, as well."

Smoker treated himself to a long soak in the bath... indeed he was still in it when the fellow from the Mayor's office turned up so had to scramble out dripping wet in a bathrobe to let him in.

"Uh, thank you," he said, signing and applying fingers as directed. He did insist on drying and re-spiking his hair before having a photo taken "... else you won't know it's me..." though.

Once the fellow had gone, Smoker found the bath had gone cold so he got dressed and went off in search of a cold beer and some food.

Rowan smiles her agreement then looks a bit harder at Shaeffer. "About what love"? she ask concerned

Peter smiled at Jane and was very happy to be able to have the hotel room again. He hadn't been sure they'd get it back, firstly, but also if they would be alive and in condition to use it! A real hotel room was still a huge luxury!

Then things get even crazier and the mayor gave them money and made them citizens? Peter looked a bit taken aback by that. "Um...thank you?" He cautiously signed his name in the several places where indicated.

He hadn't belonged to a city in a long time. As a Ravenite, he was slightly ashamed of some of his time in cities. He was trying to do better and be better, but it was a long, guilty road at times.

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 8):

Schaeffer nodded towards the approaching Junkyard rep.

"Let's wait a moment, see what he has to say."

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 9):

Jane gave Peter a hip bump and winked at him.  A real shower and bed....AND Peter AND money.  She didn't do anything for a moment because she was a little afraid, not that she'd mention it to anybody, that she was dreaming it.  When they were asked to sign the paperwork that would make them a citizen she sighed.  Did she deserve it?  She wasn't sure.  She found herself signing the paperwork and then she smiled.  Now she knew she'd have to fight harder than ever to make sure she was doing her job.

The people from the Mayor's office were polite and understanding.

They thanked Peter, Smoker, Jane and Rowan (plus anyone else interested) and left the mentioned documents.

The Widgets (Junkyard currency) were either stored in the hotel safe or the room safes, whichever people preferred.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 12):

Once the man was done and the papers signed, picture taken, Schaeffer again looked full on to Rowan.

The hospital corridor bustled with staff and medical personnel but they were in a side alcove for visitors or other people who were waiting for those coming out of surgery.

"Rowan, my love... what happened down there... in the Down Below, that was no accident. I am talking about how the agent of the Combine turned those people into "Trogs", sent them at us, then sniped the gunners on the vehicles. He could have killed most of us but he did not, and he left a spent casing for us to find. He was toying with us.

"There is someone hunting me. Someone from my past. Also a soldier, also in the Bundeswehr, also a Ranger. He served here in the war, as did I. I do not understand how he came to be here, why he works for the Combine, or what he wants with me. Not just to kill me, although that perhaps is his eventual end. Perhaps he seeks to inflict maximum psychological torment on me, targeting my friends, interfering with my plans.

"This person... I believed it is my father, Joakim Schaeffer. I do not understand how it could be him, because he died over a decade ago. I buried his body myself, in the wasteland outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was definitely dead. Believe me, I have seen a lot of dead men."

Schaeffer's voice betrayed some anguish but his face remained almost as impassive as ever.

In reply to COL Kurt L. Schaeffer (msg # 13):


 Schaeffer's voice betrayed some anguish but his face remained almost as impassive as ever.
Rowan steps close to her man, "what ever is happening we will face together". "Death is the only certainty my love". "That and my love for you, we are one you and I."

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 14):

He shook his head.

"I can't stay with the Posse. It puts them in danger. It puts you in danger. I treasure the emotional support, but I do not have cancer or lose my job. This is a situation that is dangerous."

Rowan shakes her head. "No you should put it to the Posse tell them and let them make their minds up. I bet they will say stay"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 16):

"I guess that's fair.

Whatever or whoever this is, facing him alone would be more difficult. They should be allowed to make up their minds.

"Please believe me, I had no idea this would happen. It is so fantastic."

MArshall's Note: Rowan may make a 1d6 Scrutinise roll to determine if he is telling the truth about this.
This message was last updated by the GM at 08:51, Tue 20 Sept 2016.

In reply to COL Kurt L. Schaeffer (msg # 17):

Smoker was able to find a cold drink and food in the Sheraton's restaurant.

Over at Hellstromme Memorial Hospital, Rowan got the feeling her lover was not telling the entire truth about what was going on with the mysterious attacker.

 Rowan looks at her love.
Gently caringly lovingly she says, okay now lets hear the rest of it love, the things you have not yet said

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 19):

Schaeffer looked away, then looked back. He took her hand.

"I... I am sorry. I cannot. Not right now. There are some things I need to work out myself. You can help by being there for me. But this can't be forced. Please, give me some time."

He was pleading with her.

rowan steps in close gathering him into her arms. "Silly man what else does this women do, time you have not what I give you what you give your self".
"Just remember time does not stretch forever".
Kisses and cuddles follow.
"And no you is not leaving the possie to sort this out for your self"