Jhenli shows the Freerunner Group to yet another freshly dug, empty chamber, one of many built and broken down and rebuilt for various functions in the outer Hive.

"You may use this room to open communications with 'Mockingbird.' Do not forget to affix your badge from Talia before you step outside the sensor-free zone. As soon as you leave our territory, you will be stepping into that of the B25 automaton sentries." He gives them directions to the nearest Hive exit, down the adjacent corridor and past the moss gardens the producers keep at the outskirts. "If you need me to leave, I will do so immediately, of course."

The room has been furnished, as a special consideration for the human guests, with a long resin-crafted table and six chairs. As it is a temporary room, light is provided not by re-routed essence power from the Hive's central manse, but by luminescent plants and fungi allowed to grow in glass orbs and rods, providing both light and decoration, and a pair of lamps that appears to retain light when Essence is fed to it. This source is much brighter than the natural ones, but must be fed every hour or so.

Hopefully, Dashu should not have to remain here that long to establish contact for the group.

[Private to Ledaal Xurizu; Saina Nanaret; Talia Zerith; Yaishin Higura: Here's where you guys should gather.]

[Private to Peleps Dashu: Well, you can start when you're ready, and when done (or if you pass on the scroll you got to the group, I suppose, up to you!) you can go to the Inner Temple Infiltration thread.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Sun 24 May 2009.

Nanaret arrives with Higura. Now that she knows she'll be traveling with him at least for the time being, the notion of serving as his agent and bodyguard seems to come naturally for her. Quite the reversal from the feelings Ranavalona harbors -- her abject refusal to trust or respect the man once known as Dusan. How both those feelings could coexist in the same body is a mystery.

But Rana is dormant now, and thus Nanaret's devotion and protectiveness to the doctor takes immediate precedence. She seats herself close to him -- having to adjust quite a bit with all the weaponry she is carrying -- and waits, curious as to what they would be doing now.

Talia enters and looks around the room.  She takes a seat and waits for their contact to arrive.

Dashu thanks Jhenli for the reminder and promptly attaches the badge to his belt.  Once everyone is in the room, Dashu takes the small scroll and pushes his essence into it.  He then starts to seemingly mutter to himself and brush his hair out of his face.  As he's muttering he moves his weight off one leg and onto another like he's uncomfortable.

[Private to GM: Still not certain if the prayer is supposed to be the actual message or just used to initialize contact.  If it's the actual message, then I want it to say "Mockingbird.  This is Talon. Sky wishes to meet with Free and the Freerunners.  Hood will be present to vouch for them at the meeting.   As payment for these services, you should know that Sky is trying to coordinate an attack to free the Earth District from Dragon control.  If you do not wish to participate, then you should at least make preparations to secure yourself and organization."]

Dashu's 'prayer', if it can truly be called such, concludes without much fanfare or even a hint that it did indeed work. It is only accompanied by a moment of complete silence, rather anticlimactic even though Dashu's working of the artifact had not set expectations particularly high to begin with.

And then, a few moments later, a response comes to Dashu, in the form of a short message that whispers directly into his mind, murmuring the words to him without anyone else hearing them.[Private to Peleps Dashu: Greetings Sky. Mockingbird here. Have contacted the Freerunners after you left, as promised. Just reconfirmed with them to arrange a time and place. Representatives will be at the obsolete corridors west of the Conclave where we last met. They will wait for 3 hours maximum, starting now. Move quickly.

Head westwards outside of the Conclave itself until you come to a a fork. One of the tunnels is closed by a barrier. Make sure no one spots you, then pass over the barrier. Watch your steps, those caverns are not maintained anymore. Free's people will meet you there. Sky is on its own at this point. Don't have any power over what Free or his people do.

The info is appreciated. Will arrange for support on Conclave's liberation when possible. Agents already in place for such contingency. Communicate again later to give details or coordinate operations.

Best of Luck.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:25, Fri 22 May 2009.

Unknowing as to the details and intricacies of the established communication line with this 'Mockingbird', Higura remains mostly quiet through the whole procedure. He does raise an eyebrow at Dashu's behavior however, uncertain if this is supposed to be some sort of code or if it is simply the man's nervousness at the whole endeavor surfacing. The doctor knows better than to point out this fact however, in case Dashu does not want it addressed. Instead, he turns to the faces around him, a thoughtful expression on his features.

"We should probably try to organize some of our thoughts while we wait, and make the best use of the time we have." He says, regarding Nanaret before turning to Talia. "Earlier, you mentioned that anyone who would want to speak with Free would have to 'prove themselves'. Would you by any chance have any idea what this 'test' might entail, or how Free and his people might do such a thing? It might be useful for us to know at least a bit of what is to expect, so we can prepare ourselves in anticipation of what is coming."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Fri 22 May 2009.

"What is scroll?" Nanaret asks Dashu, though with how concentrated he looks, she doesn't expect an answer immediately.

In the meantime she offers her opinions on Higura's question. "Hrmm... if I may add, I think he try testing us strength. From descriptions I hear, he is a Lunar such as myself, and physical powerful. Though not all our kind are strong, he may appreciate those with strength and endurance, because to survive so long as free Celestial, he must be great survivalist." Once again she frowns, as she inwardly finds Rana's philosophies conflicting with her own. Or are both of them hers, in some way? Force is not always necessary. Yet Nanaret cannot deny that it is at times required.

The Lunar offers no explanation for the strained expression on her face, though. Belatedly she takes her identification badge, pinning it onto the breast of her dark coat, which she has already buttoned up over her jade armor.

Since Dashu was occupied with using the scroll, Xurizu explained for him.  "It's called a Prayer Transceiver," he says, quite enough not to distract Dashu.  "You say the prayer on it and the information you want to send and when the prayer reaches the place prayers go to, the God in charge of it routes the message to where you actually want it sent.  It's supposedly untraceable.  At least until you can start to strong arm the Gods, I suppose."

"Does he have to be, Nanaret?" Xurizu questioned.  "You of all people should know that sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight, not with brawn, but with guile.  I hope that he recognises there is more than one way to solve a problem."

"Oh. I not doubt that Free can use stealth, and use smarts as much as strength. But all descriptions I hear of him say he is giant of a man. Though some also say he is magical man as well. Spells of arctic ice, or something like..."

Nanaret pauses, thinking on all the rumors she heard in the Conclave, and even before that: word of the legendary freedom fighter, trickling down to the Pit level from above. After a moment, she reconsiders. Her experience as a gladiatrix has colored her view of the world; it is only recently that she has embraced the more subtle side of her Lunar nature. Perhaps because of Higura, as well...

"There many things people say of Free. Maybe not right to assume too much. I guess what I mean... is that I think he would want test if we really mean we want work with him. To survive such hardship... must be strong, mind body and soul," she amends.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sat 23 May 2009.

Dashu quickly sends another quick prayer through the scroll with more muttering and twitching.  [Private to GM: Thank you.  Hood will be present at the meeting and in possession of the scroll.  Thank you. ]

He then turns to the group and relates what Mockingbird has told him. "He already set up a meeting.  You have three hours to make it."  He then quoted the directions Mockingbird gave him word for word, "One of the tunnels is closed by a barrier. Make sure no one spots you, then pass over the barrier. Watch your steps, those caverns are not maintained anymore. Free's people will meet you there."

Afterwards he gave Xurizu the scroll saying "Good luck."

"Thanks," Xurizu says as he takes the scroll from Dashu, storing it in a pocket.  "Luck be with you too," he nods to the man who was probably his closest friend in the Five Coils.

He turns to the others then.  "Three hours.  We had best get moving."

"I am sure we meet again soon, Dashu. Take care." Nanaret gives Dashu a small smile before he departs. He was at least a trusted comrade at this point, if not a friend to her as well.

Then she picks up on something else Xurizu said before. "So this item... Transceiver? It requires a god to pick up message via prayer? I suppose that the god is one Mockingbird is trusting, then. Amazing and strange how such things work. But I be worried about the god himself be security breach... ah well. Nothing we can do but trust Mockingbird for now."

Seeing that Xurizu is intent on getting moving right away, Nanaret gets up too. "With identifying badges, hopefully no problem we not get caught. But if I understand, we still must be careful of human patrols, yes?" She peers at Talia, as she was the one involved with the creation of the virus.

"I certainly hope so,"  Dashu says to Nanaret.  Truth be told, even though he had witnessed one of her episodes, he was still fond of her as well and was happy to see her smile at him.

Dashu would have stayed longer but he was needed elsewhere and they had to be quick to make their appointment.  With that he leaves to go join the other group.

"Do take care of yourself, Mister Dashu. And the best of luck to you and the others on your mission... Watch your backs, and we shall meet later." The doctor smiles in Dashu's direction as he exits, then turns to the others now that he has left.

"Miss Nanaret is right, I believe. There is not much we can do at this point but trust the Mockingbird... Although let us still exercise caution. Let us stay on guard, and be ready to leave the area if it turns out the Freerunners are definitely hostile towards us."

"On the other hand... It would seem they have taken the chance to meet with us, so we should at least give them some benefit of the doubt and hear what it is they have to say. A cooperation between our two groups might very well turn the advantage in our favor and help out fighting comrades survive..."

He does stand up alongside Nanaret, then nods sharply to the others around him. "I agree with the statement - we should get moving. Better keep some time ahead of us in case we need to make any change in our plans."

"It appears you have a destination, and I should leave you to it, Celestial Chosen," Jhenli says formally, stepping aside for the Celestials to exit the Hive for what may be the last time. "If we meet again, let it be in fortuitous circumstances for us all."

Higura, Nanaret, Xurizu, and a rather mute Talia set out through the final safe corridor of the Hive, toward the wide open space of the caverns beyond. In this area, mining operations are all but obsolete, as the earth has long since been depleted of all its minerals, leaving large, empty spaces in their wake. From here, they will be on their own.

Though it's uncertain the insect people feel the same emotions as humans -- only Dusan would truly know -- the golden Communicator watches them go until he can no longer discern them in the surrounding darkness.

Fortunately for the Freerunner Group, the directions Mockingbird gave are quite precise and thorough, much like the man himself. But it would be dangerous to let the identification badges give them a false sense of security. They have yet to be tested, after all. The sight of the distinctive red-beam lights from two Hulking Armor Sentinels sweeping the area at a distance reminds the Exalts of that very point.

---

OOC: Roll a Perc+Aware to get your bearings before proceeding. Also Dex+Stealth if you will still attempt to move unnoticed.

OOC:  Sorry, just got back from Toronto.  First chance to get online.


Talia nods slightly, then checks that her badge is securely fastened to the front of her jacket.  "Yes, the badges will make the automated sentinals ignore us; basically they'll think that we belong where ever we are.  Sadly, we don't have any way to fool people in the same way.
"I don't think the Freerunners will be hostile unless come at them like a threat.  As far as the 'test'...who knows, really?  It depends what kind of mood Free is in.  But what he'll be trying to find out is if we're strong, clever, and serious about freedom."

[Private to GM: 22:51, Today: Talia Zerith rolled 2 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,5,2,10,2. Dex+stealth.
22:50, Today: Talia Zerith rolled 1 success using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,4,3,6,7. perc+awa. ]

"Farewell, Communicator Jhenli," Nanaret says simply, before stepping out at Higura's side.

Her first move upon leaving the safety of the hive is to subtly shapeshift her features. Unlike the warforms typical of Lunars, her hybrid form is normal humanoid sized, but with unnaturally flexible muscles, lemur tail and ears, and yellow nocturnal eyes, their color shielded by her specially tinted glasses.

She'd also brought with her one of the essence lamps that had been on the table in their meeting room. For now, she does not expend any Essence to light it, as the glimmer would only stand out as a beacon to human patrols, should they be anywhere near. Instead the Changing Moon relies on her shifted eyes and ears to interpret her surroundings. Her ears twitch to and fro, listening for the tromp of footsteps or the whine of machinery, searching for signs of movement or activity in the immediate area. Her eyes alternate between focusing on immediate details and on the far reaches of her visual range, building a distinct impression of the dimensions and major landmarks in the area.

"I think better to test badges only if truly necessary. Maybe is just overcautious of me. But not wanting to take any chances."

Nanaret gives into her usual stealthy habits when the group starts to move. She falls silent, taking advantage of her flexibility, precise footwork and positioning (remaining close to the nearest wall if possible, slipping in front of natural earth columns or discarded machinery) to proceed with the least likelihood of being noticed.

[Private to GM: stunted both for awareness and stealth. Sorry for the too many rolls, messed up :P Anyway it seems I got 6 sux Awareness for sight, 4 for hearing. And only 2 (wah!) for Stealth. Spent 3m on Perception and Dex excellencies respectively. Hoping to get some of that back with stunt.

04:57, Today: Saina Nanaret rolled 2 successes using 14d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,3,4,5,6,1,9,2,4,6,5,5,7,3. dex+stealth+eq. and mutation bonus+excel.
04:54, Today: Saina Nanaret failed (no successes) using 2d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,6. er... +2 not +1 , duh.
04:54, Today: Saina Nanaret failed (no successes) using 1d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6. another +2 for hearing.
04:54, Today: Saina Nanaret rolled 2 successes using 1d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10. oops, forgot a die.
04:53, Today: Saina Nanaret rolled 4 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,3,3,3,6,9,7,1,4. per+aware+ex.]

"Thank you kindly, Mister Jhenli. May chance smile upon you, and keep you sage from harm." After one last bow, the doctor resolutely sets out for the group's destination, Nanaret walking by his side.

Similarly to Nanaret, the normally quietly affable Higura falls silent when the group leaves the protection of the Hive. The Doctor's pace takes on a much more cautious rhythm as they move out, paying attention to his motions so that he will not attract attention to their advance, and possibly ruin his comrades' attempts at being silent.

Similarly to the Lunar, Higura seems to remain attentive of the possible dangers and hazards that might crop out around them. Unlike her, however, it almost seems like his type of attention is much less involved and more instinctive - as if he is not necessarily watching and listening for threats and dangers, but rather seeking to feel them. It is in that fashion that he follows her example, trying to complement Nanaret's scouting attempts with his own brand of danger sensing in order to be prepared for any possible dangerous situation they might face.

It is his hope that if they fall into some sort of trap or other harmful situation, their combined scouting will allow at least their comrades to be forewarned.

[Private to Gatekeeper: Okay, activating Sid Awareness charms for anti-surprise first and foremost. Then...

14:10, Today: Yaishin Higura rolled 6 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,8,7,7,7,4,8,3,7. Per + Awareness.
14:10, Today: Yaishin Higura rolled 2 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,5,6,5,3,2,9,3. Dex + Stealth. ]

"Farewell, Jhenli," Xurizu nods to the translator as he sets out after Nanaret and Higura.  As he left the safety of the Hive, Xurizu stared to move quieter, picking his way up along the sides of the caverns they were within.  Whilst he wore lamellar armour reinforced with black jade, he was careful to move been the shadows, avoiding situations during which the armour might gleam, moving softly enough to make it rustle.  As he moves, he simply opens up his senses--sight, hearing, even the faintest feeling of the air movements within the caverns on his face--to whatever impressions might fall upon them.
[Private to GM:
Awareness win: 23:13, Yesterday: Ledaal Xurizu rolled 12 successes using 13d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,9,8,3,10,2,7,8,8,8,10,1,5. Per+Aware+Ex dice.
Stealth Fail: 22:31, Today: Ledaal Xurizu botched using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,6,6,5,2,1,1. Dex+Stealth+Ex-Mob. ]

Mockingbird's directions require the group to move inward, toward the site of the B25 Conclave. This most certainly brings them into the vicinity of automaton sensors. The group, though making an effort to be silent and stealthy, collectively does rather poorly at this. At the most, Nanaret and Higura at least manage to walk without drawing more noise or notice than usual, but Xurizu and Talia step noisily across the earth, scattering rock and striding through open space while misjudging the sources of cover around them.

With Xurizu's sharp senses to guide them, the group has little to fear from unexpected attacks. He is so attuned to what is occurring around him that he can feel minute tremors in the earth that warn him of the presence of machines, burrowing mammals, even small insects long before they arrive, hear the sound of breathing and even distant speech from patrols much too far off to have a chance of seeing them.

Both Xurizu and Nanaret notice the Spider Eyes coming before they skitter close to the group. A pair of them flank the group without triggering an alarm, scanning the four Celestials, then following for some distance before moving away. It's uncertain what sort of calculations they made while scanning, but it does appear the badges are working, as the sentinels remain dormant. At one point, as the large, empty outer cavern starts to narrow, they pass right in front of one of the Hulking Sentinels. The activated sentinel eye focuses its red beam on Talia first, scrutinizing her carefully, then gives its beam a cursory pass over the others without pausing.

Two hours have passed by the time they enter a mid-radial complex of tunnels, filling in space between the outer District and the distant glow of the greater cavern containing the Conclave. Again following Mockingbird's directions, they proceed inward, north-northeastward, until the first major fork going west. At this point, it is getting quite dark, as they are moving into a very rarely traveled, off-limits area. The last sign they see (written in bolded Low Realm) before they move out of range of light sources warns of sudden drops, rock-fall, water-eroded corridors, even rogue elementals. It's uncertain whether the rather forbidding message is completely true or whether it's to discourage squatters and other troublemakers from entering.

The winding corridor they were following stops abruptly in a barricade. Then, deep darkness.

---

OOC: Since environment has changed noticeably, I'll call for another Perc+Awareness. You can again attempt to move stealthily of you wish, or activate any charms you think you may need. However, unless you have a way to see in darkness, you will have a -2 external penalty (subtract successes, not dice) from rolls I deem require vision. -1 if someone uses a light source, including anima.

[Private to Ledaal Xurizu: +1 stunt for your awareness. Didn't roll it mostly because your roll was just THAT GOOD. ^^]
[Private to Saina Nanaret: +2 stunt for stealth, +1 for awareness.]
[Private to Yaishin Higura: +1 stunt for awareness.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:31, Wed 27 May 2009.

"Ok, so where do we go from here?"  Talia asks quietly, eyeing the barricade as best she can in the darkness.

[Private to GM: 01:12, Today: Talia Zerith rolled 2 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,1,8,8,1. perc+awar. ]