I grin:  I'm fine too, by the way.  You know, no biggie, just had a suspect explode in my face, that's all.  But seriously, when I saw that spear hurtlin' after you, I thought you had your ticket for the Black Bag Express.  Glad to see they taught you the Mossad Shoulder Twitch.  Yes, I made a Star Wars reference, try not to faint...

Yes, Williams is in a great mood after his run this morning and he's hoping the rest of his day goes as well as his run did.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 8):

The girls both smile at Jacob and greet him properly.  Almost time, Sergei said it would be important to be in the basement on time this morning.  Everyone has to be there. So whenever you're ready, though we have a little time left.

/to Rebekah/

Levy looks as if shocked. "First of all, the briefing packet failed to cover what would happen if a supervillian's circle explodes. Second of all, not my fault, never my fault. Third, you mean you aren't infatuated with me yet? Crud, I've got more work to do."

/to Jacob/

Levy feigns innocence, "You mean you've never had a suspect explode in your face before? I'm sure I've seen it happen in a movie. Stop destroying my illusions of America." He starts to grin, the smile growing wider as he speaks, "And when did you see Star Wars? Don't you Looziyana boys fight alligators for entertainment or something? You mean to tell me you have electricity in the swamps? Next think you'll tell me is you don't have to row down the bayou to go to work. I don't think my heart could take it."

I laugh heartily at that one:

Well, sorry to burst your bubble there, Levy.  Bossier Parish ain't got that many bayous.  Like Horace said the other day, I come from the part of the state that's practically in Texas, so we ain't all a bunch of web-footed coon-asses.  No, I'm from the civilized part of the state.  Of course, the problem with livin' in a state of lunatics is that you've got to go somewhere else to find a wife that's crazier than you are.  Krystal didn't exactly fit in around Seattle either, she might kind of be a hippie, but she never was into the drugs and... Jacob blushes just a bit since he's in mixed company weird sex and stuff...  No, Krystal's, well, I guess you'd say she's a conservative green Republican?  She's a vegetarian and kind of a health fanatic, she donates to the Arbor Foundation and the WWF (the World Wildlife Fund, not the one with Hulk Hogan, I was kind of disappointed too), and we saved some money and got one of those weird little hybrid cars that Toyota started makin' a couple years ago.  But other than not doin' drugs and not sleepin' with everything she sees, she didn't fit in with the yahoos in Seattle because she believes in Jesus and they just don't tolerate that kind of behavior up there.

Israel looks contemplative, "Texas...Texas...That's guns, cowboys, and comically large hats right? And Seattle...that's the rainy one?" His smile returns,"Yakov, your country is to big. It confuses us poor uneducated Middle Easterners. We are but nomads and shepherds - at least according to American Television." He laughs, then finishes his breakfast and motions towards the door to the office. "I guess we shouldn't keep the boss waiting."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 12):

The four of you enter the Cloud Basement, home of your division and the location of your desks and paperwork.  You automatically look to the glassed in office where you know you have a briefing momentarily.  Standing next to Sergei is a woman of about 5'7 in stature.  Not short, for a woman, but not particularly tall.  From here her hair, which looks red through the glass, is in a tight bun.  She is wearing a drab, unflattering business-suit, and is holding a folder threateningly.

Upon noticing you, Sergei extends two fingers, sweeps his hand to include the four of you, then rotates his hand to use the two fingers to signal you to come in.

Team, this is Director Bres, head of operations...That will do, Sergei, I can introduce myself.

I am director of the Glasgow operational center of Interpol.  Everything that goes on, through, or in conjunction with this compound is my responsibility.  That includes the explosion in the middle of Glasgow.  Thankfully, no one was injured, well, except for Dr. Krebotkin, but that terrorist doesn't count.  That's the stance Interpol is taking.  Yes, I know what actually happened.

Or I know what you reported.  So I find myself beholden to ask you: did you learn from this experience, or do you expect to blow up something in every assignment?  I have an American cop, which doesn't fill me with confidence in the non-incendiary aspect of this team's methodology, and a former member of Mossad, along with a liason to Mossad who specializes in fire, so you understand why I might feel less than fully confident in your methods.

Having said that, I'd rather have to cover the destruction of a building than have a lunatic puppet out there getting stronger and working for our enemies.  So congratulations on a successful first mission.

Williams, I am told you did very well in conjunction with Anti-Drugs, so even if this experiment fails, Interpol has a place for you. Levy, I've still got my eye on you, the reports I have received were satisfactory, if not stellar.

It has been decided to send you on a mission of some importance.  Agent Mikhailov will brief you and send you on your way.  I wanted to speak with you personally, introduce myself, and wish you luck.  We need you effective, but a degree of discretion will occasionally be necessary. Good day team.

With that, Director Bres walks out of the office, and makes her way back into the compound in general.

The borderline ass-chewing briefly takes a bit of wind out of my sails, but I rebound quickly (though I wait until after Bres has left the room to comment).

I think she's watched a few too many movies.  Just because I'm an American cop doesn't mean that I'm Dirty Harry or John McLane.  Of course, if we were workin' with some of my old EOD buddies, then I could understand.  Oh well.

Director Bres said you have a mission for us, sir?

"That...went quite well actually," Levy adds. "No yelling or screaming or anything. There was a lot more yelling after my first case with Mossad. My job hasn't been threatened once yet.  This place is positively cuddly."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 15):


Mossad uses different tactics to keep you on edge, sharp, ready for anything. KGB very similar, except instead of yelling at you, they made you disappear.

As to your assignment. You are being sent to the village of Wyvis, it is in the highlands on the shore of Loch Glass.  Arrangements have been made for you to stay at Wyvis Lodge for as long as it takes.  The proprietor, a Miss Dena, will be expecting you.  She is the one who contacted us about this situation.  I'm sending Rebekah and Ariel along. They will share a room, as will the two of you.

Dena is asking for help because, as of this morning, 6 children have gone missing.  We suspect a magical item at work. 

Ariel operates a slide projector, the first picture is an artist's representation of the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

I will assume everyone is familiar with this tale.  If not, ask later.  We have reason to believe the pipe is real, and has magical qualities that control the minds of children.  Not much is known, except, every so often, children will go missing with no evidence of how or why, or by whom.  I believe it the work of the pipe, or perhaps the piper himself is behind it, and Director Bres and I are determined to stop it.

Also, this gives us the opportunity to see you in action of a different vein.  This must be held delicately.  We are already doing everything we can to keep this out of the press.  Keep that in mind while you're working out there, we do not want the press catching wind of disappearing children.  It could spark panic, and that would be counterproductive.

Interpol has a private airstrip for small flights.  The four of you will be boarding your plan and departing by noon. It is 15 past 8 now.

Go, gather your belongings, jackets and raincoats are on the plane. Horace should be back any minute if you need him,also, I will let the cafeteria know to pack your lunches, no inflight meal you understand.

Alright, dismissed, if you have questions, now's the time, otherwise, God's speed and good luck.

Israel has no questions for the boss, but does have some for Ben.

"Wakeup Ben. Gotta search for ya. See what you can find on the 'net about the Pied Piper and his flute - especially older tales, things that haven't been "Disneyfied."  Send the data to my encrypted E-mail account.  I can usually check E-mail in most places without fusing circuits. We're on our way to Loch Glass."

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 17):

Glass Lake? Really? I haven't been to the highlands in a while.  Wait a minute, a pied piper, They have kids disappearing around there?  From what I know off-hand they aren't that dangerous, you just have to hold your end of a bargain, not try to cheat him.

"Yeah, it's disappearing kids, six as of this morning.  So you're familiar with pipers? This fairies again or something new?" Israel asks as he packs his stuff.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 19):

Nice intuition.  The general story is that the piper stole the children of a town because they refused to pay him.  In more recent times, the motive is less...I think americans would call it personal, as opposed to being business.  Really, does it matter what his motive is?  You humans get so caught up in "why's".

So far as I know the piper was never fae.  On the other hand, if a creature or being of supernatural abilities is stealing children, there are several possibilities, but not very many that leaves no trace of them afterwards.

Plus, I read the case, this isn't the first time that area's had this happen. Now, if you want a guess, I can speculate why someone would be stealing the children, but without investigation, I don't know for sure.

My first guess, if this is a human who found the pipe, and the pipe is a magical item with that power, my guess is the person is stealing the kids, then selling them.

Israel makes a sound of disgust. "Slavers." He practically spits the word out. "No time to lose then." He finishes packing his gear and rendezvous with the others.

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 21):

The four of you pack, get your stuff together, and meet at the airstrip.

note: now's the time to list specialty items you are taking.  Equipment such as weapons, ammo, and such are on the plane.  Next post the plane takes off unless something needs to be dealt with.

Rebekah looks at Israel You and I have to sit in the back, less chance of shorting out the controls or the engines, that pesky sort of thing.

The plane you will be taking is a small corporate type jet, which can comfortably accommodate 20 agents. Since only 4 of you are making this trip, you have plenty of room to stretch out.

Israel raises an eyebrow and smiles, "You sure you're not just looking for an excuse to get me alone?" He prepares to protect against a possible punch.

Worn Gear: Star of David, Shield Bracelet, Tech Bracket, Force Ring
Packed Gear: Blasting Rod, Laptop (to E-mail Ben back at headquarters - not sure I want to take the risk of carrying him with me)

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 23):

The plane lands, and two cars are awaiting you.  By 4pm, the four of you are standing in front of Wyvis Lodge, a 20 minute walk to town, though she does have bikes, or 1 jeep you can use.  Looking out from the lodge, you see Loch Glass stretching out before you, with the trees, hills, and occasional mountain ringing its shores.  Far out, shortly before the Loch bends and you can see no further, you notice a clump of trees.  A small island it appears to be, marring the otherwise pristine, mirror sheen of Loch Glass.

Dena comes outside to greet you.  She stand around 5'9"or10" and probably 210-230 lbs.  Welcome! Come in! I'll send my nephews to get your stuff.  You probably want something to drink, or maybe a nice meal.

Forgive me if I ramble.  I've had special guests before, but never Interpol agents on a case.  Off case come to relax, sure, I have a special rate for you lot, just in case you ever need a vacation.  I ain't bribing, you understand, but solve this case and the four of you might get special discounts.  The town is in a panic, as you might imagine.  But anyway, I ramble.  Let me know if you need anything, I'll help however I can.  There was talk of having the town leaders come up here to meet with you, or you could go to the town for a town meeting, but I told them to wait on their plans til you get here.  We just want the children back.

Dena shutters, and says quietly We want this to end. For good.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:07, Tue 31 July 2012.

You get your bags put away, then meet back in the large open area of the lodge.



Of course, if you choose to accept these compels, it's a fate point for both of you.

In reply to Dena:
"We'll do what we can."

In the open area:
"So, what's the plan? I assume we want to meet with the town leaders, hear what they have to say. My preference is to take some bikes and ride into the city, to give us the lay of the land."

As you settle into your half of the room, you notice a little icon hopping up and down like a well caffeinated terrier.  It appears you have mail!

Dear Sucker, I am a Nigerian Prince and need your help claiming your money.

Ok, ok, so I'm not Nigerian, but I do have information.  Wyvis Scotland, 1980, authorities reported the disappearance of a child.  Interpol sent an agent to investigate, the child was recovered, the culprit was killed, and the case closed.

1950, child abductions in Wyvis, 1920, child disappearances reported around the western area of Loch Glass.  There are hints of it going on further back than that, but records are sketchy, you'd be better off finding an old person to ramble at you and hope for pay dirt.

Anything else you want my vast intellect working on, let me know, otherwise I'll see if I can dig up more to help you on this case. 

In reply to GM (msg # 25):

  +1 Fate Point

<OOC>Sorry, work night, Olympics, and a serious case of the munchies after work.</OOC>

Jacob's been pretty quiet the whole flight and busily studying the case files looking for patterns, looking at topographical maps and aerial photographs of the area for likely hideout locations, and quietly saying a few prayers for the kids and their families.

Investigation:  4 (+0)

We've got to find these kids soon, the odds are against finding them alive after 24 hours.  I really don't think I could handle dead children.  Please, God, anything but dead children...

After landing and meeting Dena, Jacob has a sudden flash of inspiration while offering his hand to Dena in greeting:

Jacob Williams, ma'am.  My apologies for bein' abrupt, but I was wonderin' if you know of any caves in the surroundin' area?  Could be that our kidnapper/piper/whatever might be based outta one of them.

I look at Israel:

I agree, let's take the bikes, that way we can split up if we need to.  I say we coordinate with the local cops and try to pick up the trail ASAP.  I've never worked a child abduction case before, but McKenzie told me about a couple that he worked in the late '80s.  Long story short, we're down by 7 in the 4th, the clock's tickin' and we're outta timeouts.  It's time for a Hail Mary.

In reply to Jacob Williams (msg # 28):

Dena slaps Jacobs shoulder in a sporting manner, Well aren't you definitely American.  There are bike paths and hiking trails all through the woods and hills here.  This area is mostly wooded.  The path to town is cleared, plenty of room, but it cuts right through the forest.  The trees start thinning as you go north around the edge of the loch.  There's a path goes that way, but it ends at Mt. MacGregor, oh, 8 km from here.  I know of one old cave up there, between 1 and 2 km from the path's end.

It's the cave the survivor was found in years ago.

So to answer your question, I know that one, but it is very possible there are others either in MacGregor or around it, hills, small mountains all through that area. For that matter, in the deeper woods, it's possible someone has a small cabin we don't know about.  Maybe not likely.  I don't get out as much as I use to, taking care of the Lodge keeps me busy.  Some of the townsfolk might know something.

One more thing, you mentioned working with the local cops.  Their names are Bill, the sherriff, and Frank, his deputy.  It's a small town.  They have organized a search party, but they haven't found anything.  Nothing.

Once the child leaves the town, no tracks, no cloth snagged on a branch, no ribbon fallen from hair.  It's as is they just vanish once they leave the town.

Tears are forming in Dena's eyes, and you hear the sound of a catch in her voice as she starts to tremble slightly.

(empathy check Israel 0, Jacob 1)

Ok, here's where I get the weird looks.

Israel turns to Deena. "I've got to ask something strange. You're just going to have to trust me. I need some hair or anything with DNA from one of the children - preferably the most recent disappearance. I can us my, um, portable lab, to discover potential details"

Hopefully she buys that.  I can't exactly say "I need hair to do magical tracking"

In reply to Israel Levy (msg # 30):

(OOC: So the good news is the dice roller doesn't seem to hate Jacob. The bad news is it now hates Israel. deceit modifies to -1)

They aren't my kids, and they don't exactly stay here, they have their own homes.  Just what are you suggesting?  Just because I live alone and run a lodge by myself I must be suspicious?! By God I keep this town alive! This lodge, the tourism it draws, is the lifeblood of this sleepy, backwater town! And what thanks do I get? Oh something strange is going on, Dena must have something to do with it. I'll tell you where you can get some hair or DNA samples...

Please forgive him ma'am, he iz a man, and what do they know of manners or tact?  I'm sure he meant nothing by it, simply the thought entered his brain of something he needed, and he blurted it out.

Isreal mutters under his breath in Hebrew, the  replies in English. "If offense was given, it was unintentional. I am Israeli, Ex-Mossad - Counter-terrorism Divison. Your language is strange to me. I did not mean to imply YOU had what I was looking for, only that you might direct me to where I could find it - or who I should talk to to get it."