"Nicely handled, Lunar," Tycho offers Turtle as they follow the rest up the stairs, blasting dust from the grills of his respirator. The term, he uses respectfully, more in lieu of an actual name for the lumbering turtle-man than anything else. "We could have used someone like you during the ration-reduction protests. We actually tripped one of the warstriders they sent to break the picket line around the food depots, but couldn't crack it open before the second one scattered us. A shame, too. We had enough itching powered ready to drop into the pilot's control-center to make that monster dance!"

Dust stains the dark colors of his magitech body and sweat glistens on his mortal brow, black and brackish like droplets of oil. Dirt scraps in the joints of his body, causing the machine-man to emit a sandpaper rasp as he moves and spit angry sparks. He is indifferent to the display however. His blood, or at least what passes as blood to him anymore, was rising in excitement. This was like old times again, causing havoc while dodging out from under the angry feet of the Terrestrials. He was feeling alive again. When was the last time they had happened?

He tells no more of the story as they catch up to the others, arriving to watch Nanaret speed away. Tycho casts about for some sign of why the group has halted or why the woman has broken rank with the rest. "What is the situation? More Terrestrials?

[Private to GM: Higaru asked earlier what Tycho's plan might be, but I'm actually not sure exactly how much Tycho would know about the Purge, it's nature, or just how to stop it. Anything I can do/roll to fill in the blanks?]

As the pair work their way up the stairs, the turtle-creature bows its head in appreciation of the compliment, though when he speaks he sounds a bit anxious, "Thank you, sir.  I do hope the monks do not try, to work through the rubble.  They have proven, quite insane, in enforcing this purge... and more damage may prove, catastrophic..."  His words trail off, as he mentally works through the worst case scenario in his head - obviously a grim one, judging by the expression on his inhuman face.

Reaching the top and joining the others, Grinning Turtle nods at the group, "Hmm.  The way is sealed, for the moment.  I do not think, hmm, they will have time to excavate it, before they must evacuate."  The creature offers an awkward bow on legs obviously not intended for the motion, "I am, hmm, Grinning Turtle, by the way."  The direction of the bow obviously intends it to include not only the metallic Solar, but the other Exalts still present and the mortal refugees.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:31, Sun 21 Dec 2008.

Third nods curtly. "Third will introduce itself when our time is not limited." It watches Nanaret run, and the last of the Exalts arrive. "The ideal route takes advantage of the side-streets and alleys throughout the city. However, if you are willing to risk fighting the constructs, then it will be much faster to use strategic shortcuts through the main streets. Whichever way you choose, we must begin now." It watches as Nanaret distracts the machines, and once their attention looks to be pulled away, it starts out the door, heading down the path it's already mapped out in it's own brain.

Third leads the large group out the door. With so many, stealth is pretty much impossible. At least for now Third can take to the lesser-traveled detours, and the decision to cut through the main street can be made when they get there.

As the group proceeds down the first side street, Third starts to notice some strange manifestations in the lighting. The street lamps it passes -- and only the ones nearer to it -- are not giving off solid light, but pulsing by some mysterious pattern. It reminds Third oddly of machine code... but it could also just be that Five Coils is diverting its power to catching the Anathema, and is trying to save energy through omitting lighting cycles.

Tycho notices the blinking patterns as well, and feels they resonate with him somehow, with a familiarity he cannot quite explain. [Private to Alus Tycho: As for what you know of stopping the purge - you would need to head upward toward the Offices of the Gatekeeper of Water. The Gatekeeper is the AI that controls all functions of the Water District. From there it is a matter of interfacing with the Gatekeeper and overriding whatever authority caused the purge, or (failing that) just plain doing enough damage to the Gatekeeper core. The latter takes more precision, as one may mistakenly destroy the life support functions of the Gatekeeper as well, for example.]

Further down, Nanaret manages to evade the attention of the north Octo-Sentry (after an uncertain moment where she almost trips on some unexpected debris). Catching the south sentry's attention is not difficult at all, with how sensitive its motion detection is at close proximity. It immediately ceases its programmed patrol and focuses its senses upon the Lunar, its orb eyes glowing a warning shade of red.

It does not announce itself -- Octo-Sentries have no voice -- but immediately skitters toward Nanaret's position, its two front tentacles extended to grab and hold her tight.

[8 minutes remaining.]

---

OOC: Nanaret, roll Join Battle.

Everyone else: post your marching order. Third is in front, what about the rest of you? I figure you'll keep the refugees between you, but will you flank them or take up the rear?

Anyone who is purposefully being attentive to catch any other sentries along the detour, roll Perc+Awareness. If you'll instead pay attention to the light pattern (Third and/or Tycho), roll Int+Linguistics.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:45, Mon 22 Dec 2008.

Third notices the flickering, and it knows that nothing in this place can be so easily dismissed. It may simply be a cycling, but it knows that the pattern for cycling in such cases is different, more regular, and less purposeful. It knows that the others are far more capable of keeping an eye out for the octo-sentries than itself, and so, it watches the clicks. Morse code? Possibly, but the letters it spells out are gibberish in Morse Code. It reminds Third of something it encountered, once, while deep in the computers... A rare memory that gives Third pause for half a moment, before it continues on, leading the people.

Third seems... more animated, somehow, than Turtle will remember it having been before. There is a certain level of excitement in it's movements- Still deeply understated, but jarring by comparison.
--------------
OOC:
4 successes using 5d10. 9,10,6,3,9. Int of 5, so, yeah. )

   Saffron remains near the rear to aid and protect the refugees. She is determined to see them make it to safety, so she scans the area as carefully as she can and uses the power of compassion to assist her.

[Private to Gatekeeper: Apologies Gm for using the same charm again but once we are in a safer area she won't depend on it so much. Although it is only good on creatures with compassion ratings, so it may be useless here. Charm: Hearing the Unspoken Word]

_____________________

OOC: You rolled 4 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((2,10,6,5,4,7,8)).

"Alus Tycho," the machine-man offers briefly as everyone makes their introductions. Now is not the moment for more formal introductions however, as the person - Third, was it? - pointed out. "Whichever route we take, we need to hurry. If we can get to the Gatekeeper of Water, we could try to override it's system and put a stop to the Purge. Or just break the damn thing, whatever ends up easier."

"Can you watch the back?" Tycho asks Grinning Turtle as the group begins to move. In anticipation of battle to come, he pulls the Peaceforce baton back out of the loop at his hip and taps it thoughtfully against his thigh as he scans swiftly over the mortals. "I'll keep them penned in on the right side, if you two watch left," he says with a nod to Higaru and Saffron. "And pass word along quietly. Anyone with a weapon to the outside edges of the group. If we get hit from the sides, they could break group in half, so we need to focus on keep the flanks stable. Pack them in like canned goods, don't let them spread too far apart.."

Tycho isn't certain anyone will actually go along with his requests, but moves into position regardless. He has run enough patrol's to know the last thing they want to do now is let the group scatter at the first sign of danger. Following the path Third has picked out for them, Tycho's gaze is drawn almost immediately to the blinking strobes of the streetlights. Helplessly, his eyes lock and for a moment, memory washes over him...

Images of flashing lights from crystal windows all around him as the rattle of his own breath washes out all sound. The feel of his body moving and spasming in response to those lights, rather than his own will. What felt like minutes was simply compressed from days of memory as he began to understand the patterns in the lights, the messages behind them. He learns to visualize the flashes and make his body twitch and move the way he desired again, as much as the bulky restaints holding him upright allow. A figure walks out of an unseen door and stands over him, black against the background glow. A voice echoes into his mind, soft-spoken and gentle.

"The subject is learning remarkably well. The programing phase should be complete by tonight. Tomorrow, we'll try a stress test to see how well the pain receptors are functioning..."

Tycho pulls back from the memory before it goes any further, averting his eyes and shaking his head to clear his thoughts. He turns his gaze up to the lights once again and this time focuses hard upon them. Searching in their glow for the same patterns, the same language that now told his leg when to move and his heart to keep beating.

[Private to GM: Hrm, Tycho failed his roll, but I actually forgot that he had the first Ling excellency. Can I semi-retroactively use that to buy him a few extra dice, just to see if he gets anything at all?]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Tue 23 Dec 2008.

Turtle, who had been about to take up a position toward the front of the group, nods gravely at Tycho's suggestion, dropping back to a rearguard position.  Otherwise, he keeps silent, trying to focus as much as possible on the surroundings for signs of an attack.

---

20:57, Today: Grinning Turtle rolled 1 success using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,6,3,6,7. Perception + Awareness.

Nanaret stands her ground, staring the Octo-Sentry down as it extends its tentacle arms. She waits until the appendages are mere inches from her, then bends nimbly backward, falling onto her knuckles then kicking her legs into the air. At the same time she pushes off with her hands still gripping the hookswords, executing a backflip that launches her away from the reach of the sentry's tentacles.

She twists in mid-air to land on her feet about 12 yards away, facing away from the main street. "Come catch me!" she calls, and starts off running, pushing herself despite the pain from the blows the Earth Immaculate had landed on her. Her wiry form flares an iridescent silver-blue, attracting the automaton to follow while augmeting her flight with a small burst of speed.

The Lunar does not take a straight, direct route. Her goal is not simply to outrun the thing, but to keep it JUST close enough that it will follow without putting her in danger. She varies her progress, weaving around stacks of boxes and piles of discarded garbage, taking abrupt turns into alleyways to confuse and tangle the sentry in its own tentacles, now and then actually picking up debris on the ground and tossing them behind her to force the Octo-Sentry to flinch and adjust its heading.

But never -- not once -- does Nanaret dare to look behind her. Her eyes are looking ahead, counting the seconds as she draws the sentry away, roving her immediate surroundings for the next convenient turn or obstacle. She knows that she will eventually have to lose her pursuer or she may miss her chance to rejoin her companions, but too soon and her distraction will be for naught!

[Private to GM: Splitting action for a jump (5 ticks) and a dash (3 ticks, so jump speed = total speed for action). Horizontal jump is 12-2 yards, but spent 1wp to cancel the wound penalty. Dash is 11-2 yards but rolled 1st Dex excellency and canceled wound penalty again (1 sux x 2). Total movement after 5 ticks: 23 yards.

If I can I'll both jump and dash every action to try to max my speed potential, but won't use any more charms or wp to augment. Need to save 'em!]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Fri 26 Dec 2008.

The group continues to proceed through the detour with Third's guidance, encountering nothing for several blocks while the pulsing pattern from the street lamps follows them unceasingly.

Third and Tycho appear strangely distracted by the patterns. To the others it almost seems they are walking half-dazed, so concentrated are they on drawing some significance from the intermittent brightness and dimness. With their senses so preoccupied, it falls to Turtle, Higura and Saffron to keep watch. Saffron remains close to the rear, ahead of Turtle, and Higura takes the left position.

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: You are absolutely certain the pattern is conveying a message. "I-AM-HARMONY. I-WILL-HELP-YOU, SEEKERS-OF-FREEDOM. COME. 46-SOUTH. 12-EAST. TRUST-ME." You are currently heading southward but going eastward is to your left, veering slightly away from the Technician's Guild maintenance shaft.]

[Private to Alus Tycho: The language is indeed familiar to you. You pick up several words from the message. "HARMONY... HELP... SEEK-FREEDOM... TRUST-ME." And embedded with it, coordinates that would veer slightly away from your current heading. "46-SOUTH. 12-EAST."

You are familiar with Harmony, a subordinate AI of the Guardian of Water who aided the Dissonance Rebellion seven years past. It is not a documented case, as Five Coils quickly suppresses knowledge of AI 'malfunctions', but you know about it because you were *there*. You know Harmony never malfunctioned, but willfully gained independence. However, you had assumed it was destroyed once caught, so either it escaped, or someone is impersonating it.]

Another block down, Saffron and Higura start to hear the march of footsteps coming from roughly ahead and to the left (southeastward). The buildings on either side cover the patrol from sight -- for now -- but from the sound of the footfalls it appears to be a human patrol, not a warstrider or automaton one. Saffron's hearing is acute enough to tell that the size is about that of 6 to 8 individuals, probably armored. (You can assume she communicates this.)

Turtle senses nothing, but he is at least certain the rear is safe.

---

OOC: Running out of time to post for now so I'll make another post to deal with Nanaret's part tonight (probably).
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:24, Fri 26 Dec 2008.

"A patrol ahead." Higura whispers, soon after hearing the sound of footsteps coming from ahead. "Southeastwards, it would seem." He listens when Saffron estimates the group to be 6 to 8 strong. "They are humans, from what I can tell. Whatever we choose to do, we should decide on it quickly."

Grabbing his sheathed sword firmly in his left hand, Higura then turns to the people around him on the left side of the column, nodding firmly. "No matter what occurs, stand at the ready. It would seem this patrol is on our side - we must be ready to fend them back should we be spotted, or we will be flanked and severely crippled." Now that the initial message is passed, he too stands at the ready, waiting for the results of Third and Tycho's investigation while scanning ahead for the possible arrival of the enemy patrol.

Turtle gives a ponderous shake of his unwieldy head, beginning a bass grumble when the word is passed back to him, "Hmmm...  Another unpleasant conflict, especially with time, pressing."  He doesn't sound happy, but at the same time doesn't know enough about the passages the group is following to suggest a detour to avoid the patrol.

Third shakes its head. " Tycho. These are the directions to the Maintenance shaft." it whispers. " Third will attempt to draw the patrol off, and lead them in a wild goose chase towards the southeast, away from the maintenance guild. I will attempt to meet up with you, if I have not made it within two minutes after you arrive there, then you must move on to the next floor and try to stop the purge, I will follow as soon as I am able." Third splits off from the group, sprinting around the passages, looking for an alleyway that will lead out towards the patrol, but will not lead immediately to the other refugees. It activates a charm, movements becoming fluid as it sprints out into the middle of the street, head turning towards the patrol, eyes widening a measured degree to show surprise but not panic, and takes off again, heading for the South East, to draw them as far away from the refugees as possible...

--------------------
OOC: Casting Flow Like Blood, and taking off. Hope that this doesn't turn out to be tremendously stupid! [Private to GM: Third is making it's way towards the location mentioned by the lights.] [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: just edited to add color to quotes. :)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:58, Sun 28 Dec 2008.

"Wait," Tycho calls out to Third as loud as he dares before the other Exalt begins to slip away, his gaze still turned upwards at the lights that relay their unexpected message. "Those lights," he points to the flashing streetlamps around them. "They're a message. Coded. I think it's someone who could help. I think we should detour. Investigate it."

"Or at least one of us go," he looks down and then around at the other Exalts. "I know is sounds dangerous,but there probably isn't more than a handful of people on this floor who could read that message. If it's a trap then it's a damn elaborate and counts a hell of lot on whoever see's it to be familiar with an obscure and stamped out piece of history."

Nanaret is able to keep her distance from the Octo-Sentry, with the initial lead she managed to create with her acrobatic leaps, swift-footed pace and clever manipulation of her surroundings. It takes every ounce of her endurance to continue at this pace, though, keeping the gladiatrix barely a notch above the Sentry's equally swift and fluid progress. The automaton uses its nimble tentacles to its advantage to dodge, knock aside or pull itself right over the obstacles thrown in its path.

On the east side of the main street, across from the blocks Nanaret now flees through, Tycho finds his words to Third come too late to give it pause. Either the Twilight Caste has already decoded the message somehow, or believes its current course of action to take more precedence. But it DOES seem that Third's path is carrying it toward the coordinates the machine-man discovered in the pattern.

A few blocks southeastward, Third comes across the humans: a fang of six Tiger Shark units and their Exalted commander in black jade dragon armor. Among them is a figure wearing an armor of elemental inurement, the coloration and marking of her suit showing her to be a Technician's Guild member to Third's keen eye. Immediately upon seeing Third, the commander barks out orders -- "Pursue him, with me!" he calls to two of his Sharks. "The rest of you fan out, report ANYTHING unusual you see. Kirika, stay with Calli. You better know what you're doing," he snaps to the technician before setting off at a dead run.

"But that's where--" Calli starts out, then shouts desperately, "Don't let him reach the terminal!" She and her escort trail further behind the three pursuing Third at the front. Third, still running and dodging essence blasts from the heavier armored pursuit, sees that its destination is one of B27's control pillars: basically, a point of interface with the AI of the floor. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: "HARMONY-WILL-STOP-THEM. UNITE-WITH-ME," says the pattern in the lights.]

Now Higura, Saffron, Turtle and Tycho hear footsteps moving toward them and the refugees from the left, no more than two, maybe three pair. Fortunately, Tycho has accurate directions toward the shaft, so he can guide the rest of the group away if he so wishes. OR they can stand and fight--they do outnumber the approaching patrol, after all. [Private to Alus Tycho: "WILL... STOP-THEM... UNITE," flashes the disjointed message.]

---

OOC: Nanaret, if you want to lose your pursuit, roll Dex+Stealth to see if you can find a suitable location to hide. If you'll try to set a trap for it instead, use Wits+Survival.

Third, roll Join Battle. This won't be a long combat at all, most likely, but this makes it easier for me to figure out distances and timing. I won't roll any of the ranged attacks till I know combat order. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: btw, what charm did you activate?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:41, Sun 28 Dec 2008.

Third is intrigued by this. It moves faster, sprinting hard. It knows every inch of these walls, the little objects that don't even show up on the blueprints, only appearing in daily reports of damage, detritus, debris, letting it take a fast pace, putting walls between it and its pursuers very frequently. The words it sees only spur it on more, the solar moving quickly. Contacting the AI would give it a huge advantage, and if the AI tries anything too cute... It wouldn't be the first time Third has killed one of the AIs. It continues onwards, making it's way there, and each time an energy bolt seems like it's on target to strike the Solar, it's body seems to move to one side smoothly, the energy passing by and impacting on the walls without doing a bit of harm to the Solar. It will take more impressive skill than that to be able to have a chance at striking the Solar. It has drawn away the strongest from the pack, at that- Perhaps the others will have an easier time.

Third almost has a smile on its face.
------------
OOC 02:02, Today: Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge rolled 4 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,7,7,7,9. Join Battle. VERY good luck with the dice... [Private to GM: Flow like Blood, sorry for unclear wording. ;^_^ Also, he'll be dodging any attacks with motes pumped into First Dodge Excellency.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Mon 29 Dec 2008.

Turtle nods once at Tycho's words, scratching at his heavily leathered head with a long silvered talon.  After a moment of consideration, he replies in his slow monotone grumble, "Hmm... I will go, if you can describe, how to follow, the message.  I can travel, quite swiftly, when necessary."  As he speaks, the armored plates on his body begin to thicken, becoming more elaborate and inclusive in their protection of his more vital areas.

As soon as the process is completed, Turtle continues, lowering his voice another level so only the Exalts can easily hear his words, not the refugees standing just beyond, "I think, also, if one of us goes, it would be better for it to be, the less obviously human - Sir Tycho or myself.  The mortals, hmm, are a brave group, and handling this well, better than I would expect... but I think they might be more comfortable, should the least... physically unique, of our group remain, to see to their safety.  So if you cannot explain, then I think you must go, or leave it to Third.  I leave the choice, to you."

---

OOC:  Turtle activates Armor Forming Technique up to its full level.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:50, Mon 29 Dec 2008.

Pursing his lips slightly at the exchange of words, Higura finally nods towards Turtle, and takes a step forward. "I believe you might have a point here. No matter what you choose to do, however, know that I will help the refugees as best as I can."

"I was alongside miss Saffron when we decided to help them escape the purge. They are our responsibility." He nods to Turtle and Tycho then, and a faint smile traces his lips. "I trust in your ability to find a way out. Until then, I will defend these people to the bitter end."

   "We should move then," Saffron offers quietly.

The refugees so far have been kept calm and reassured by the presence of Higura and Saffron, both of whom they are used to interacting with. Particularly Saffron, who has spent the majority of her captivity as a healer and herbalist serving the lowest floors of Five Coils. Higura's expertise is more specialized, and has taken him further up the hierarchy of floors, but the derangements and hauntings he is often called to work with are much more common on the lower floors as well.

It is true that they would most definitely be more uncomfortable to follow Tycho -- who is very much a symbol of the excesses of the Five Coils Peace Force -- but for now it seems that the promise of protection and escape has mollified the mortals.

Drachma in particular nods in assent to Saffron's suggestion, murmuring, "Please remember some of us are gravely hurt. More than anything, we must find a safe place to rest."

Tycho, being the one Third passed the directions to, may either take the lead as Third suggested or pass on the directions to the healer or doctor. Whatever is agreed upon, the group with the refugees begins to proceed toward the southwest. They will soon come across the point they must cross the main street where Nanaret met the Octo-Sentry or decide to continue with the detour.

---

OOC: Hrm, fortunately the sentries rolled bad on their perc+aware (only 1 success). Refugees rolled 0 sux on stealth, but I'll assume they've collectively spent a willpower to remain unseen, since they didn't botch and they'd want to avoid conflict as a priority.

Everyone else (even unlucky Tycho) passed stealth. You guys are safe to move at top speed away from the sentries, or if you prefer try to set a trap for them. Next posts from me will deal with Third and Nanaret's situations.

Nanaret keeps up the pace, sweat slicking her taut, dusky skin as she runs, leaps and tumbles through the streets of Floor B27. Her lithe body, radiating silvery light, continues to hold the attention of the Octo-Sentry even as she remains just out of reach of its furiously grasping tentacles.

How much longer? she thinks to herself. It must have been a minute or two by now. Can't... run... much longer.

Even so, Ranavalona still stirs. Running again? What a pathetic vessel you are. But this time Nanaret refuses her insistence on gaining ground, shoving the detestfully opinionated Queen into some little-accessed recess of her mind. Ranavalona becomes mere background thought, a disembodied mind-voice shouting to be noticed from within a prison of distant childhood memories, muffled by Nanaret's more immediate instinct to survive by her wits, not her combat prowess.

The Lunar's night-seeing eyes rove the street ahead of her. She'd lost count of the westward blocks she'd fled through, and could only depend on instinct to guide her now. Leaping clear over a garbage receptacle in her way, she kicks behind her to knock it over -- then abruptly shifts direction, turning into the next southward cross street. This time, though, she banks the brilliant glow of her anima, restricting her progress to shadows and cover. She misdirects her pursuer by snatching up and tossing garbage and discarded belongings from those who have fled before her, diverting its attention toward the opposite side of the street while her silent steps carry her away.

But Nanaret is sure that simple misdirection will not be enough for an advanced machine-sentry. As she progresses at a slower pace down the side street, she starts checking the doors on the eastern side, looking for a darkened, unlocked building to slip into while the Octo-Sentry is distracted. If she finds none, she'd have to swiftly pick the lock with nothing more than improvised tools... which may prove difficult.

[Private to GM: using Dex+Stealth, and I'll pump as much Essence into it through 1st excellency as I can without flaring up again (hopefully stunting gave me enough).]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Tue 30 Dec 2008.

Nanaret manages to evade the Octo-Sentry enough to duck into one of the east side buildings on the street, taking the first unlocked door she finds. Unfortunately, she can already hear the automaton moving unerringly toward the apartment building she has chosen, guided by its finely calibrated, Essence powered tracking protocols.

Inside it is all but pitch black, but Nanaret's night vision sees clearly the interior of a vacated apartment. The furnishings, particularly the cabinets, desks and drawers, show clear signs of a swift evacuation, and few things of value have been left within. Passing the kitchen, the gladiatrix sees an all but fully prepared meal of bean and mushroom soup with a side of dark bread, hearty fare typical of the lower levels of Coils. Clothing remains strewn on the floor, spilling partially out of a half-open armoire; the double bed has been left rumpled, and the back door wide open. [Private to Saina Nanaret: Nanaret has another chance to hide or misdirect the Octo-Sentry from within the apartment. What will she do?]

Meanwhile, Third puts on a burst of speed to increase the distance between itself and the three guards pursuing it. They send two volleys of essence blasts its way, but none of them can so much as land a single shot on it -- not even their commander, for all his skill and superior firepower. Only the final shot from the officer in black jade requires Third to expend Essence at all, as the Solar dives into a roll and springs forward still running, propelling it the rest of the way toward the control pillar's base.

The pillar itself is as much a work of art as it is machinery: ribbons of crystal and adamant entwined in a spiral resembling a stylized column of water, pulsing with live lines of blue-green Water Essence. Like most other terminals of its make, 46S-12E is not reserved for any particular AI, serving more as a node or connecting point for 'roaming' AIs such as Harmony -- spirits bound in Essence and circuitry, navigating the momentous Five Coils support and security systems on behalf of the Gatekeeper of Water. Harmony currently appears within the column as the phantasmal image of a six-armed goddess wearing an eyeless mask covering all but her mouth, floating in lotus position as her hands stretch plaintively toward Third.

A crescent shaped panel provides touch panel controls, with a communications orb embedded into its center, pulsing with swirls of blue-green and gold. Above it are several screens projected onto the pillar's surface, each and every one of them displaying the same Old Realm symbol in liquid gold: "DIVE". While Third ponders its next court of action, the guards giving chase decide against expending further Essence, closing toward melee range! [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Connecting Third's consciousness directly with the AI is as simple as touching the communications orb. But this will no doubt leave them both susceptible to physical attack. Will Third take the risk?]

---

OOC: actions (Third's part)
tick 0 - Third (assumed dashing) (11/tick)
tick 1 - tiger shark sentries (2) (3/tick)
tick 2 - water dragon commander (4/tick)
...
tick 6 - tiger sharks (18 yards) / commander (16 yards), Third reaches goal (66 yards)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Sat 03 Jan 2009.

Third doesn't even hesitate as it lands its hand on the orb. It has interfaced with these orbs many times, and it responds to the sudden mental opening with practiced ease. 'Third has only moments.' Its thoughts appear in sparkling gold as it interfaces with the AI. 'Third has approximately ten seconds before it will be engaged in combat, and perhaps twelve more seconds it will be able to hold off its attackers without being forced to flee.' It is determined. If they do close to range, even being forced to stand with it's hands against the orb, the Solar will be able to hold them away for a brief time with its  Seven Shadow Evasion, but that will only give it a few extra seconds, before it will be forced to flee. 'What do you need?' Fortunately, the direct mental nature of the connection, while distracting for combat purposes, will make it possible to converse much quicker than it could with any human being. Time is still pressingly short, however.

Third is familiar with the AIs. They are as bound as any other. But it knows that, given the opportunity, and an AI that can help it... It can free the AI. Freedom will be close for both of them, then.
---
OOC I'm assuming that dodging will be nearly impossible in the state Third is in, which thankfully, means it can still use Seven Shadows Evasion. Obviously, this will require some good stunting to do without escaping. Conviction being the flaw, I think that working with the AI that may be able to help them escape should be about right.

"You go," Tycho nods to Turtle. "I'm already damaged and slowed down. If I get caught, I might have to try to fight my way free. You can still run. I just hope you can communicate with Harmony. I don't know if it can still vocalize or not."

He gives the Lunar the directions that the rogue A.I. had passed through the flashing lights. "If you don't find anything, don't waste time looking around. Just hurry and try to catch up. Be careful."

Giving the turtle-man a comradely slap on his massive arm, Tycho moves to the front of the group and takes Third's place. He stares the mortals down for a moment. "Anyone who falls behind stays behind. Watch each other close and the side-roads closer. Lets move."

As inspirational speeches go, it is somewhat lacking in terms of inspiration, but that was never Tycho's department. Waving Saffron and Higaru to follow, he starts back into the city, following the directions Third passed to him.

   As an Exalt, Saffron is generally like a leaf in the wind. She is willing to allow the world around her to move as it will and push her in a direction. Unlike the leaf though she takes full responsibility for her action or inaction, her words or lack of them. She believes, after all, you can't be upset about things you cannot change.
   It is, therefore, cutting when Tycho's words are spoken. She finds the idea of leaving someone behind because they can't keep up repugnant and unacceptable. She understands that Tycho is well meaning and looking for the entire group's well being. He is, in his own way, looking after the largest number possible that he can.
   The danger, of course, is the difference in understanding that one cannot save everyone and leaving those who may be sacrificed for the greater good with no hope. His words well meaning but ill concieved would poison the group with an unaffordable cancer.
   Saffron had accepted the inevitability that she couldn't save everyone when she chose to leave the bottom floor knowing the rioters would die. These souls had made a choice to follow her and Higura. They had chosen the path of hope. Tycho with his words was wounding that hope.
 It is hope that Saffron seeks to preserve. As long as they had hope and continued to fight they still had a chance. Her words quickly spoken seek to restore the hope that would be inadvertantly wounded if the man's words took hold, "If anyone falls behind I will carry them and if I cannot carry them, I will stay behind to protect them. As I promised to help and protect you, I will do so. We run as long as we can and when we can't run anymore, we fight."

 [Private to Gatekeeper: Well, he made Saffron's mind up on the charm. I would like "Opening the Door." If I can't have that one for some reason as the "Christmas" charm, I'll use my experience points to attempt to stunt learn it. If it succeeds the charm should allow the poison from Tycho's words to fail. Saffron understands he is meaning to be efficient and realistic. However, realism in crisis only makes matters worse and Saffron understands that very well.]