It looked like the official welcome was about to begin.

Ike Turner was a thickset middle-aged man with a full head of grey hair and peircing green eyes. He was wearing a dark business suit with no tie, but something about him suggested he wasn't just some management type. Maybe an engineer of some kind?

First, he made a point of shaking hands with all the Posse members, not just Simon and Fred. "I am damn glad you all could make it. Captain Phelps told me that some of your people sacrificed themselves to get Simon here. Don't hear a lot about people doin' that for others, most Wasters wouldn't. I think it's worth it, and I can't say how thankful I am for what you've done."

Ike then addressed Simon directly. "When Sky Raider One arrives without you aboard, I didn't know what to think. If the Combine grabbed you, well, they don't give up their captives without sticking a chip in their brains.

"After a day without word of you, I sent a courier out to find the Templar's Second-in-Command, Jo. She's on her way. Anyways, when you made contact via radio and arranged for pickup, I was so Goddamned relieved. Because, you see, you, Simon, are a symbol for people throughout the wastes. More than I could ever be! That's why it's important to have your support for this Pact.

Welcome to Junktown. You cut it really close, Jo will be here tonight and the meeting will begin tomorrow morning. We'll set you and your party up in the Junkyard Hilton hotel and convention center, you can relax tonight, because the real work starts tomorrow afternoon."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:26, Tue 22 Apr 2014.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 1):

Simon listened to the speech with a neutral expression.

The Posse had picked up on a few of his opinions as they traveled. For one, Simon was not a particular fan of Ike or Junkyard. For over a decade after the war, Junkyard had freely traded with the various gangs who prowled the wastes, enforcing a 50 mile radius neutral zone around the city where gangs couldn't attack communities, travellers or each other. Anything outside this zone was fair game, and more than once Templars found themselves at odds with this hands-off policy. But the gangs eventually took too high a toll on Junkyard's trading partners outside the zone and the bolder ones started to raid inside the zone. Ike struck without warning. A couple years ago during a meeting of gang leaders much like the current summit, several dozen club Presidents were arrested or killed without warning, their gangs eliminated or absorbed into the Militia. Over the next couple years, Ike consolidated his hold over much of the wastes surrounding Junkyard and huntrs down many remaining gangs. Junkyard and its trading partners thrived.

The chance of another double-crossed was slim, considering that all the various non-Combine factions had a potentially vested interest in banding together. Junkyard included. But if he wanted to gather any and all potential rivals for power in the Wasted West, perhaps to take them over or even hand them over as part of a deal with the Combine, this would be a great time.

Anyone who wants to can make a Scrutinize check.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:47, Tue 22 Apr 2014.

Peter was glad to have his truck back. It appeared like they were giving him his truck back at least. And for that, he was thankful. He had written it off and closed it off from his mind so he could keep going. But now he didn't have to. He had to try hard to keep his face impassive, twitches of a smile kept breaking through periodically.

He stood behind Simon as Ike spoke. He occasionally stole glances at his truck and at Jane, deliberately giving the appearance of not really paying attention to the proceedings.

After Ike spoke, however, he leaned over behind Simon and spoke very quietly in his ear, but appeared to be brushing his pant legs clean.

"Do you have a way to wave Jo off? It might be better if both the first and second in charge of Templars were not both here."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:20, Wed 23 Apr 2014.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 3):

Simon caught Peter's eye and, without changing his expression, nodded slightly in agreement.

Kira arced an eyebrow, "You have a 'Hilton'? And, out of curiosity, if we want to wander a bit, are we allowed to?"

[OOC: 3d6 unskilled? Not gonna bother.]

He nodded.

"Yep. Before Hellstromme moved his corporate HQ to Denver, it's where VIPs would stay and they would hold business conferences. Hellstromme Industries bought up the Hilton chain after Blackstone sold it off in 2020. so it's not figurative. It's literally a Hilton Hotel. Takes a lot to keep it up, but we're talking five-star."

The speechifying over, Ike departed up through the elevator to city hall.

Junkyard city police directed the Posse towards the far end of the underground parkade. It was so huge that the concrete cavern spanned the entire city block from City Hall to the Hilton. This way they wouldn't need to come up onto the surface level.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 7):

Roadkill moved to mount up his rig, then turned.

"Well, folks, sorry to say I can't stay further than tonight. Got things to do for the Convoy, Simon knows what that is. Dakota and Jack will be comin' with me. The Colonel, well, that's your choice, I guess?"

Peter thanked Ike quietly and then began heading towards his truck. He didn't care where they were staying...well, that wasn't entirely true. The Ravenite part of him squealed like a schoolgirl at the thought of a five-star hotel. It was just that, for the moment, he was more concerned with his technical. Later, he would be a kid in a candy store in the hotel also. It was shaping up to be a good day so far!

He looked the truck over and drove it to the underground part of the structure under the Hilton if allowed.

Smoker's jaw dropped.

"You're leaving? Again? What am I to do now?"

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg # 10):

Ike shook hands with everyone (his hands were rough and calloused), made his goodbyes, and left. The militia dispersed, as did the Sky Pirates.

The underground was so big, Roadkill offered everyone a lift so they wouldn't have to hoof the city block through patches of unlit darkness where there were no lights. After all, they'd been walking for most of the past week! After everyone mounted up, Raadkill started the rig up and drove over to the Hilton.

There were 4 MG bunkers sitting on the concrete floor of the parkade, surrounding the entrance to the Hilton's underground stairs/elevators. The defensive position was manned by a full platoon of militia, who waved them into parking spaces using flashlights.

Unfortunately, the underground parking garage was so huge they couldn't keep it lit up 100%. Electricity was generally not a problem due to Junkyard's power station, but it was simply hard to manufacture or scavenge the needed lights. There were zones of brilliant lights, like the underground parts of the Hilton, City Hall, the entrance area. Plus, there was what looked to be a huge metal vault door set into a far corner of the parkade, illuminated by floodlights, surrounded by rolls of razor wire and warning signs ("NO ENTRY", "DANGER-MINEFIELDS", "WARNING - SHOOT TO KILL IN EFFECT")"

"'Fraid you're gonna have to figger that out yourself, hoss. Got Convoy business, real important. Plus, there's stuff of my own to handle. Remember that girl we helped out, rescued her family from Modeen and the Destroyers? She needs help.

"Stick with Peter, you'll be all right."

Marshall's note: Sorry, this was supposed to be Roadkill!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:49, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

"OK, then. Stay safe, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road," said Smoker, adding 'stay off the sauce' under his breath. He jumped down and joined the others, feeling alone amidst the bustle.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 11):

Schaeffer climbed down.

"Rowan, I think I might do a better job assisting the militia. Ike made me an offer. There is not going to be need for my skills in there."

"Go then, my friend. Besides, not that there's any reason to distrust our hosts, but I think it would be a good idea to have one of our own working closely with the security forces here. That way if something, er, goes wrong, we might get advance notice of it."

 Rowan looks at him, "No I guess not apart from keeping a foolish women company"
She adds softly.
"Travel safely love."
Rowan turns back to guarding Simon

He grabbed her and held her close.

"Hey, there is nothing saying I can't stay at the hotel! I don't have to live with the damn Militia, you know. You are wanting to get rid of me that badly, ya? Will take more than that!

"I just mean that, speaking tactically, I will not be operating with the rest of the Posse. But you can take care of yourself."

 Rowans eyes and face come alive, "good"
"Oh a bed that will be nice. yes please love, sorry I thought you meant you were leaving"

He laughed.

"Ha ha! It's been a long time since I've had a bed. To sleep on, even! I will not be passing this chance up, no."

Peter hesitated a moment and then clapped a hand on to Smoker's shoulder. "Do not worry. You can ride with me, Smoker." He looked like he wanted to say more but then he turned away and let it drop. Of course, for Peter, that was still pretty good.

"Thank you," said Smoker simply.

Suddenly he felt a whole lot better.

Kira took a glance over her companions, "I want to take a walk around while we have free time. Not that I'm not hoping for a great bed, but I'd like to see what sort-of town we're in. Anyone care to join me?"

As soon as Simon is guarded and safe I would like to look around

Dakota nodded, hitching his gun belt with twin holstered replica Colt Peacemakers. His guitar case and knapsack were on the pavement beside him.

"So would I.

"Roadkill, you think you could let me go, buckaroo? I think this is one situation I could be of a little use in. If the Colonel is gonna stay, that leaves you with that other Jack feller."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:40, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

In reply to Dakota Jack Cardinal (msg # 24):

Roadkill shook hands all around.

"Yeah, Dakota. I think I could make do. Coupla good guys I know were wanting to ride with me, I was thinkin' of lookin' 'em up.

"Awright, you folks take good care of yourselves, now."

With that, he climbed up in his cab. Starting the truck up he pulled away, honking on the air horn for fun. The deep blasts were devilishly loud in the confined area!

After Roadkill's rig pulled out and headed back towards the ramp, an honest-to-God bellboy met them at the elevator doors, along with a Junkyard policeman. The bellboy started loading up their bags on a baggage cart.

The policeman said, "you folks want to come with me, we can get you checked in. Get some picture IDs made, too. Take about 15 minutes. Step this way?"

For pretty much everyone who hadn't been to Junkyard, this was the first working elevator they'd seen in over a decade! Even in Junkyard, however, spare parts for elevators were in short supply so they were still a rare luxury.

Smoker retrieves his stuff from the bellhop if he has to go with the policeman. Him and his stuff stay together!

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg # 27):

The bellhop seems like he's dealt with the odd Waster who's been "raised by wolves".

"Don't worry, sir. I'll just be at the front desk, waiting for you all to check in. Your stuff isn't going anywhere."

Jane looked over at Peter and grinned.  She knew that she would be second place for a bit until he was absolutely sure that the truck was really there and all fixed up.  "Hey Peter.  I'm going to go for a walk with Kira.  Get us a room will you?"

Peter gave Jane a mock long-suffering look. "AFTER you get your ID card, Jane. Then, yes, you may go." He shook his head but he was smiling. He hadn't, for the most part, stopped smiling....which was really odd for Peter. But his truck was back, he rode in a fucking working elevator, and more! This place was like a Ravenite's wet dream!

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 30):

Jane chuckled at Peter's long suffering look but was glad that he felt like kidding.  It had been a long road they had traveled and it was good to see him with a smile.  She gave him a "yes dear" in a tone that clearly said she was mocking him but he knew her well enough to know that it was in good fun.

"As soon as I get the ID card Kira then I will be free to explore with you."

In reply to Jane Guin (msg # 31):

"Well now. I wouldn't mind takin' a lil' walk with you and Kira. See what ol' Janey's been up to."

Dakota had always fancied himself a ladies' man. It was possible that he was unaware that Peter and Jane were an item, as they'd become lovers after he split from the posse.

The check-in and security badge process went smoothly and efficiently.

For some, being issued picture ID to wear around the neck on a lanyard was a novelty. To others it hearkened back to a lost time of door scanners, offices, cubicles, or military checkpoints.

Their ID cards had their names and pictures, plus some biometric information. They identified them as part of the authorised Templar staff. "Use this to get into the hotel. The entire Hilton is off-limits during the summit. No one gets in or out without one of these. The security detail will use hand-scanners to determine if the badges are real."

Rowan makes sure that trickster is issued with one as well.
If asked why, well he can sense things others miss

Smoker looked dubiously at his, then stuffed it into a pocket.

"Thanks," he said.

Jane took her ID and looked at the picture.  She hated pictures but it was necessary.  Taking her ID she put it on via the lanyard and prepared to play tourist.

"OK Peter.  I'll see you later.  I'm off to explore."

Jane then turned to Kira "Ready?"  She didn't bother making a comment to Dakota Jack.  If he knew jack, he'd know that she wasn't a "janey'.

Kira seemed quietly pleased with all of the 'old advances' the city had. When it came time for the ID, however, she asked, "Out of curiosity, what happens if the ID gets stolen or misplaced? Who do we go to?"

Assuming a none-too-complex answer

The Templar then nodded to Jane, "Let's go then. Anything in particular you'd like to see?"

Wow. This takes me back.

Peter couldn't help but shake his head in wonderment a bit at the technology used in Junktown. He hadn't had an ID in...he couldn't even remember how long anymore. "These things have location tags or anything in them that can be found from afar?"

To Jane's comments, he looked up and smiled at her. "I will be here when you return, Jane." He looked a bit torn on whether he would be spending time with his recovered truck...or the luxury of hotel room!!

Jane turned around to see if anything caught her eye.  "Nothing stands out so far as a starting place.  Pick a direction and we'll work our sight seeing tour in a clockwise direction around it.  Don't want to be out too long.  I want to test this theory I have...I want to see if my body remembers what a regular bed is for."

She then looked over at Peter.  "I'll let you know when I get back."

"Talk to the front desk, they'll call me. I can make a new one and it will be possible to track the old ones."

With this admission, he nodded at Peter's question.

"The cards do have an RFID chip so they can be remotely tracked. The picture is important but there are other things there that will help us determine if someone is a cyborg infiltrator or not."

Checkout proceeded smoothly. Security was heavy in the lobby, with 3 pairs of foot police in SWAT gear and SMGs, plus a dog team.

The rooms were luxurious, with working lights, deep-pile carpets only a little worn (as Junkyard had been run-down even before the war). There was clean linen, towels, free mini-bar, room safe, TV with 4 channels (3 pay-per-view, 1 current news and entertainment from the city's only broadcast station), double Queen-sized beds, bathtub-jacuzzie, showers, etc.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 41):

The concierge, Piers Andersen, is happy to suggest places to visit.

"The Hilton takes up most of a city block. Indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, casino, spa. Next to us is the City Hall, the old Hellstromme corporate HQ.

"For nightclubs, we have the Steamer and the Tech Noir. Whatever you do, stay away from The Ledge. No balcony. People fall off there, or are thrown out, at least once a week.

"Hellstromme Memorial Arena is only a block away. Big Skullchucker game on tonight.

"Junkyard prints it's own currency. We call them "Widgets". It's backed by salvage."

He showed them a wad of paper scrip, blue bills that looked pretty sophisticated.

"The salvage is brought in and appraised at the Market, based on a schedule of goods plus a processing fee of 5%. If you try to barter, you'll find prices are a lot more. Maybe 50%. For VIPs such as yourselves that are being comped by the city government, we offer a flat one-for-one rate."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:37, Tue 06 May 2014.

A real bath!!! Smoker treated himself to a good soak.

Peter was torn for a moment, but then decided it was better to get dirty before he got clean. And his truck...well that would win out most days. He went to give his truck a thorough going-over, checking to make sure everything was in working order and see if anything had been replaced or added.

Only then would he go take a hot shower.

Kira nodded about the scrip, and, after thinking for a few moments, ponied up five pristeen .50 caliber shells for trade. After that, she mulled over the other options and inquired to her companion.

"Clubs, or City Hall?"

In reply to Kira 'Valkyrie' Herja (msg # 45):

It was a hard decision for Jane.  She wasn't a club type person having been on the run/fight for so long and the thought of swimming or taking a bath sounded more appealing than exploring.  However she had said that she would go with Kira so she would.

"I'm not sure.  I'm not known for dancing and doing those things which one can do at clubs but to hear music might be nice.  Do you have a preference?"

In reply to Jane Guin (msg # 46):

Dakota motioned towards a poster advertising the night's Skullchucker game.

"Shee-it. I say let's go hit the arena and check out the Skullchucker game! I ain't excited about clubs and can get wasted anyplace."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Wed 07 May 2014.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 44):

It was understandable that Peter would like to give his baby a good once-over. It was in immaculate condition, with care taken to replace parts correctly. Nothing could get it to pre-war condition, and they'd only had a couple days to work with, but she was looking good and in good working order. One thing they didn't do a lot of was bodywork, the truck was still a patchwork of armoured plating. They did buff out rust and apply a matte rust-red coat of paint.

The concierge spoke up.

"If you want tickets to tonight's Skullchucker match at Hellestromme Memorial Arena, I'll be glad to comp them for you. The Screamin' Demons are playing Canned Heat. Should be a good match, they're old rivals.

"As well, we offer in-house massage, as well as more, ah, intimate companionship."

 Oh I just imagine my feelings on the Dog teams.
Err stay very very close to some ones legs and HIDEEEEEEEEEEE

"Split the difference," Kira suggested, "City hall until the Skullchucker starts, then the arena? I want to see what makes this city tick, as well as maybe find out any local rumors."

Peter was impressed. The people that had brought him back his truck did more than he would have expected. He found himself smiling several times. He ran his hand lovingly along the length of the truck before finally letting out a small happy sigh.

He headed in to the hotel and went up to his hotel room. He still had trouble believing that he would get to spend a night in an actual working hotel! He nearly fainted when he saw that he could take a shower! A SHOWER!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Tue 13 May 2014.

 Maura checks with Simon as to guard duties and what he would like her to do and makes sure Shaffer knows where their room is

Jane nodded to Kira.  "Sounds like a plan to me.  Hopefully we won't be out for too long though.  Hate to admit it but that shower and an actual bed sounds pretty terrific to.  I wouldn't hear the end of it if Peter got to use it and something happens that I never do."

The concierge counted out $25 in Widgets for the five .50 BMG rounds.

"Here you go.

"Tickets will take about a half hour to get, I will have them sent up. That'll give you time to take a shower? I can also recommend a restaurant for a late dinner."

In reply to Piers Andersen (msg # 55):

Jane perked up at that news.  "Yeah that sounds good to me.  Let Kira know when the tickets are ready.  Come and get me then Kira.  I have to book up to our room otherwise Peter will hog all the hot water.  30 minutes barely enough time for a shower after so long.  I promise I'll be in a better mood after that."

Jane had a smile on her face as she waited for Kira to acknowledge that it would be ok with her and then she'd hurry up to her and Peter's room.  She wasn't going to let him use up all the hot water!

"You go ahead and shower. I'll catch one later. I'll stretch my legs, but only a little, and I'll come get you when the tickets are available."

The templar then tucked away the local currency.

In reply to Kira 'Valkyrie' Herja (msg # 57):

Jane gave Kira a hug which was uncharacteristic of her but she was in a good mood and just didn't seem to be able to stop herself.  While she hugged Kira, she smiled and said "Thank you."

Jane then gave the rest of the group who was there a quick salute/wave and was off to see Peter in their room.

<to the room>

Having enjoyed a good soak, Smoker went for a wander to see what was about.

After a few minutes, Peter was done with his quick check on his truck, and was up in his hotel room. At that time, Jane had finished her own shower (hot water! Shampood! Conditioner!) He could join her, Kira and Dakota if he wanted to forgo his own bathing.

Kira was reminded by the MPs to have her ID showing while in the hotel. It was not just for access but ID. Smoker got the same lecture as well to take the ID out and clip it somewhere it could be seen. Smoker luxuriated in the hot water shower, although didn't quite know what the difference between shampoo and conditioner was.

If either wanted, a barber or hair stylist could be sent up to their rooms.

It turned out Schaeffer was happy to take a turn guarding Simon for the evening. "Go on and have some fun. I do not believe we will be attacked tonight. Once you get back, I should like to have dinner with you in the hotel restaurant. It had a four-star rating before the war, you know."

Simon was fine with this arrangement, as Junkyard had assigned a squad of MPs for his personal security, as needed. Besides, he wanted to say his prayers over Trejo's body, send the fallen Templar on his final journey and didn't want to be disturbed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:30, Wed 14 May 2014.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 60):

Janes looks up at Peter, glad that she got to clean up and grins at him.  "Am I going to convince you to go with us or is the pull of water going to win out over my charms."

Peter narrowed his eyes at Jane in mock-suspicion. He shucked his clothes and had to stop himself from setting up any booby traps or hiding his gear so no one would steal it.

"You can do whatever you want to, I am going to take a very long shower. Do you know how long it has been since I had a shower? Because I don't."

He let out a chuckle and smiled at her. "Now if you had not been such an eager beaver, we could have showered together. That would have been fun. Or a bath together. Is the tub big enough for us both?"

But he shook his head. "However, you have plans, Miss. So you should likely dress and get going." He chuckled again.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 62):

Jane grinned.  "What can I say.  The lure of the water was a siren to me.  However, to show no bad feelings and so you can relax with your back turned to the door, I will wash your back and then get dressed.  It will give you something to think about during your shower and hopefully will make you miss me.  THEN when I get back tonight we can check out that bed."

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg # 59):

Smoker went down to the lobby. An armed MP in SWAT armour reminded him to show his ID at all times in the hotel.

There was a bar, restaurant, casino. Instead of the normal patrons there were delegates from factions all over the Wastes, militia officers and security personnel, plus Junkyard VIPs. As well, a covered swimming pool and spa.

A movie screening room was set up, featuring new epics from the enigmatic "Director" of "Movie Town" on the west coast, transported by data-slug to Junkyard.

Peter was glad that despite the state of the world, everything gone to hell in a handbasket, and their current mission....that he and Jane could occasionally find reasons to still smile and laugh even if only a little.

He looked her over. "I find your terms acceptable." He smiled at that. "I hope you do not stay out too long as I do wish to get some sleep tonight and yet I think we shall be staying up late."

Still naked and standing there unashamed the whole time they talked, he finally walked into the bathroom to start up his shower.

Smoker headed for the restaurant. Now clean, the next priority was to eat!

((In Peter and Jane's room)



It was so tempting to stay in the shower with Peter but she had made a promise and she tried to keep all her promises.  Jane followed Peter into the shower and made sure that he would remember her for the rest of the night.  Before leaving him she whispered into his ear "I don't mind staying up late...for the right motivation."  With a wicked smile and kiss that left a promise on Peter's lips she left while she could.  Jane couldn't make it out of the bathroom though without looking back one last time and smiling.

In 45 minutes, the desk rang up to inform those who were interested in the skullchucker game their tickets were ready.

Trickster, in the mean time, was happy to hide under a reasonably clean bed for a change!

In about an hour, the tickets to the skullchucker game were ready for those who were interested in going. There would be enough time to catch a bite to eat in the restaurant before the game. As meals in the restaurant were being comped by the Junkyard city government, it would make sense to eat there.

Meanwhile, Smoker was seated by a waiter, Jennifer, who seemed to understand that younger Wasters probably had never eaten in a pre-war style restaurant before. She calmly explained how the buffet worked, and that it was all-you-can-eat. There was actual beef from Kanas, a juicy roast with gravy, plus vegetable dishes, pasta, mashed potatoes. Various drinks from beer to alcohol were on offer. The few other patrons there looked like they were from the Oil States, down in the formed Texas and Oklahoma.

Smoker appreciated the attention.

"My word, that sounds good, Jennifer ma'am."

He asked for some beer, then set to work trying virtually every dish on offer.

Peter decided that Simon would be alright for a while and he wanted to see more of the junktown. He got dressed and followed after Jane to go see the dinner-and-a-show. He hadn't been able to do that since before the bombs had dropped.

"So. What's this skullchucker thing we are going to see?" Pause. "I want to go shopping at some point while we are here to, even if it is just to see what they have available."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Wed 21 May 2014.

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg # 70):

Left to his devices, Smoker brought back plate after plate from the buffet. The waitress made sure his beer was replenished.

"We have ice water as well as mixed drinks. The drink menu is right here, on your table."

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 71):

Jane smiled when Peter decided to join them and almost swooned when Peter said he wanted to go shopping.  She controlled herself and arched an eyebrow.  "I thought it was the woman who wanted to always go shopping."  she quipped at him.

"I have no idea about this show we're going to go see.  I've never seen one before.  Anybody else have information on it?"

Rowan walks in having had  hot shower and wearing dress, "Smoker can I join you ?

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 74):

Rowan was seated by Jennifer, then directed to help herself at the buffet. A main in chef whites stood carving a rare cooked roast at the end table. Steel lids kept the various breads, vegetables and pastas war and/or cold.

The smell of food was overpowering. True, the carpet was a little threadbare and there were a few mismatched chairs, the restaurant managed to capture some of the grandeur of a bygone era before the war.

"Please," said Smoker to Rowan. "I'd be glad of the company. Do try the roast meat, it's magnificent."

He frowned for a moment.

"You do eat meat, don't you? If not, there's more vegetables than I can put name to, and they are delicious as well."

Rowan smiles "thank you, yes I eat meat though rarely but there well cooked and in pleasant surroundings"

"How about Trickster? I guess they might let us take him some of the meat if we ask nicely," said Smoker, relieved that he hadn't made a gaffe recommending meat to a vegetarian.

Rowan smiles as she tucks in to one of the best meals she has eaten in years.
taking a sip of water she answers Smoker
"I was going to ask them for some meat for him later."
"He does not really like this place so apart from when we are on duty, he is hiding under the bed, says it is clean and dry, and his fur is nice and clean after getting warm wet and dried"
You were correct about the meat Smoke.
Rowan looks around "I do not belong in here Smoker, this technology is no longer me"

"I like the indoor plumbing and the food... and will probably relish a comfortable bed later... but I think I know what you mean. It's so... enclosed and yet does not actually feel any safer."

Smoker addressed himself to his meal with evident enthusiasm.

Jane looked at Peter and KIra (and whomever else was with them) and grinned.  "What do you say we run through the cafeteria and grab some chow before we go see the skullcrushers?  If it's not a good show at least we'll have been fed."

Jane didn't know how extensive the food line was or she might not have called it a cafeteria but food did sound good.  Food always sounded good since you weren't sure where your next meal was going to come from.

rowan set to enjoying her meal and Smokers company. She wishes Shaffer was her to share it as well, and to love him later

Peter thought about that for a moment and then nodded. "I could definitely use some food in me. If it is good food, then that would even be better." He glanced at Jane and at Kira, then finally at Roadkill "the ladies man" in his own mind. He gave a very small smile and offered his arm to Jane and then he doubted she would take it but offered his arm to Kira as well.

"Shall we?" He headed towards where the food was.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 83):

Jane blinked when Peter offered her his arm.  She only hesitated for a moment before taking it but her hesitation was only for surprise.  She hadn't really ever walked some place with her arm linked through another's that wasn't injured and she was helping them to retreat or get treatment.  It was a novel experience.  Peter could hear her mutter under her breath, "Nice.  A girl could get used to this.  Careful Peter, you might be inclined sometime to put your arm around me in public and then what shall you do."

Jane loved to tease Peter about their relationship.  He was slowly getting more comfortable with small gestures of affection in public and she treasured them.  She also treasured his concern when they were in a firefight and how fierce he would fight to get to her if she called out to him.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:50, Tue 27 May 2014.

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 82):

Jack entered the restaurant, grabbed a plate and filled it with vittles. He wandered over through the half-empty dining room.

"Mind if I join ya'all?" Sitting down, he remarked to Rowan, "When I left you foiks, Jane and Peter weren't together. For that matter, I reckon from what Schaeffer said, you and him are an item now. Love, blossoming in the wasteland. Who'd have thunk it?"

He started eating. "You know, Kurt's really hung up on you. Got a lot of deep feelings, if you know what I mean. Right now he's guarding Simon, else he'd be here too."

Rowan a little sadly "I know he has his work to do, I just wish he was here to share this that is all"

Dakota spoke around the mouthful of food, "still, good to see you two bein' together. He's a fine feller."

Dinner was excellent, the food plentiful. Seconds were allowed!

Tickets to the Skullchucker game at Hellstromme Memorial stadium were delivered to their tables. The city had a number of box seats reserved for VIPs.

Their meal having gone on a little longer than anticipated, whoever wanted to see the game would need to hustle a little to get to the stadium, but at least they could use the VIP's side entrance.

The hotel would even send around a limousine to transport them, if they liked.

Peter gave Jane a sidelong glance and shook his head. "Shush now, you. You will spoil the moment."

Eating and running was never a great idea, but it seemed that that's what would be required for witnessing the 'event'. When the limo was offered, Peter almost fainted. He looked at Jane with big eyes. Despite his words, he of course wanted to. When would anyone get a limo ride in the Wasted West?? "We...shouldn't...really. That would be...wasteful...right?"

"For once, let us kick back and enjoy ourselves. The opportunity may be a while coming again," said Smoker.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 89):

Jane grinned as Peter bantered with her.  When he asked/stated it would be wasteful to get in the limo she shook her head.

"On the contrary.  We SHOULD take the limo.  It would be a more logical expenditure of our remaining energy not to mention saving time."  Turning to the person who offered the limo's use she agreed.  "Thank you.  I was afraid that we would miss the show if we didn't catch a ride."

The limo driver held the door for all those wishing a ride. Inside, the stretch limo's upholstery was still in pretty good shape, it had been a new vehicle before the war. There was a moderate selection of liquour as well as iced water in the small fridge. There were 2 bench seats facing each other, and video screens for entertainment. The limo was an ACV, riding on a cushion of air for maximum comfort.



This particular hover-limo belonged to the Junkyard city government, of course. The driver was also a plainclothes MP with the militia, and there was an backup MP riding shotgun up front.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:08, Sat 31 May 2014.

Before anybody could change his mind (or hers) Jane got into the car and then looked out with a smile on her face to make sure that others were coming along.

Smoker climbs in as well.

Peter shook his head but was smiling slightly when he looked at Jane. He gave her a nod, partly in agreement partly in thanks. He really did want to ride in the limo. He followed in after her and looked around the interior slowly, taking it all in, drinking it in almost.

And speaking of drinking....there was liquor there as well!! He hesitated but then had to see what types they had available. "Does anyone want a drink?"

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 95):

Jane smiled and softly patted the seat next to her, using minimal amount of movement so that it wasn't TOO obvious.  When Peter asked if she wanted a drink she declined.  She was going into unfamiliar territory and wanted her wits about her.  "No thanks.  You go ahead if you want some though.  I want to be sober enough to remember this.  I'm not sure I'll ever see something like this again."

They were transported to the VIP entrance of Hellstromme Memorial Arena. On the way, they noted through the hover-limo's sun roof that much of the Steel Sky that protected the city from the bombs had been dismantled but much still remained. Someone could easily hide up in the maze of girders and plating, to drop down. The centre of the city (where City Hall and the Junkyard Hilton were located) was clear and it was fortunate that this wouldn't be a security factor.

Their private booth awaited, perhaps not as plush as it once was but well-stocked with food and liquor (from Junkyard distilleries, of course).

The teams playing skullchucker, Canned Heat and the Screamin' Devils, were in fine form. The rules for skullchucker seemed to be more akin to rugby than American Football. Much blood was spilled but the team members were heavily cyborged in Junkyard's famed Scrapper clinics so there were no fatalities. A couple players did lose limbs to whirling saws wielded by various opponents.

The game was exciting and fast-paced. There were several broken bones but no one died. There was one on-field amputation of the left arm of a Canned Heat player courtesy of one of the Screamin' Demons, Nico "the Saw" Flowers. The Saw, not surprisingly, had a circular saw replacing his right hand, which he used to good effect. Actually, the lack of fatalities was pretty surprising, come to think of it!

Anyways, the Canned Heat prevailed over the Screamin' Demons in an overtime squeaker, 4-3. This was "regular OT", mind you, not to be confused with "sudden death OT", a desperate contest best left to the imagination.

After the game, the hover-limo stood ready to deliver them back to the hotel, or elsewhere in Junkyard.

Peter was like a kid in a candy store. Granted, a pretty old kid, and the candy store was technology but nevertheless. He craned his neck to look through the sun roof, he looked out the windows, he sniffed the alcohol. His eyes were a bit wider than normal as they entered the VIP entrance and then a private booth. It was like walking into a memory of the "good old days".

He did partake of the liquor there - not enough to get drunk, but enough to feel "good". He watched the game but that wasn't really why he was there. It was fast and brutal, not really his taste normally. But Jane was there and comforts of a bygone era were there. He couldn't ask for too much more - it would just seem greedy.

The limo was waiting for them again for the ride back. That was actually a good thing for Peter since he was a tiny bit inebriated. He would roll down a window for 'fresh air' but he didn't there was any in Junkyard. He glanced at Jane and winked at her. Soon they would be back in an honest-to-gods hotel with an actual BED! He hoped the nightmares would leave him alone, just for this one night at least.

 Rowan keeps here face placid during the game and the journey back, but privately wonders, what people see in this and why the need for it.
Once back in her room she feeds trickster and then takes him for a walk before they settle in for the night.
She checks in with Simon that he is okay and do they need her on guard duty during the night

"No mistakes during the night trickster, if you must use the bath area," Rowan shows him  "and we will clean it in the morning"

Rowan takes a shower and then gets some sleep

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 100):

Trickster was happy to find an alley near the hotel to do his business. There was a fair amount of uncollected trash, so no real need to clean up after. When it came time to bed down, Trickster chose the dark area between the side of the bed and the wall.

Smoker didn't really see the point of the game, but enjoyed relaxing with his friends and sipping on a beer.

Jane was pleased to see that Peter was enjoying the night.  He didn't "unwind" as much as she thought he should but then Peter was Peter and she loved him no matter what.  She would gladly admit that the night was one to experience.  She might not go to another one of those games but she was glad she experienced it at least once.

Riding back in the limo, Jane leaned against Peter a little more than she normally would and smiled.  The room was lurking and she hoped that the night would also end on an epic scale.

They checked in with Simon's guards, verifying that he was doing fine. He seemed to be a little put out by the luxury of the bed compared to his cell in the Temple's barracks in Boise.

The hotel building and grounds was crawling with Junkyard Militia MPs in full tactical gear. Dog and bomb teams were also deployed. Vehicle traffic was being diverted a block away, and foot traffic was stopped.

 Rowan nods in understanding. "It is true is it not Simon that for the large part we are now used to hard ground and beds"

He smiled, looking a little better. "A matter of necessity, not choice. I hope dinner and the game has done you some good. I, for one, am feeling a lot better. They wanted to keep me in hospital for observation but I decided against it. At least before the summit meeting."

Peter was glad for the night out. It had reminded him of the old days, before the world had gone to hell. Between that, getting his truck back and having an honest-to-God hotel room waiting for him...it had been the best day he could remember in a very, very long time.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Fri 13 June 2014.

Rowan smiles back

"Yes appearance is as important as what is said, though I am I will admit unclear as to how we are going to set about the task in hand or what my part will be in it"

Simon got a far-off look in his eyes. He began to ramble.

"Help me keep safe for the next few days. After that, I would say the future is wide open. But that would be a lie. It's only going to get worse. The visions I've seen, the dreams I've had... we must form an alliance to stand against the Combine, as they are allied with far darker and older powers. Forces that have been around for a long time, long before the War, even. The War gave them power. Now they won't stop until they have it all. America caused this war, made the biggest mistakes, and we've paid the highest price and this is where it will be decided. I used to wonder what happened to the rest of the world, why we never saw any ships or aircraft from other places. What if they're not there anymore, or we're not on Earth anymore? have we been cut off? Quarantined? Isolated?"

Night had fallen in Junkyard by the time they returned from the Arena.

The hotel, which occupied an entire block of the old city, was put on lockdown by Militia MPs. Patrols of the halls, perimeter, grounds and underground were heavy and continual.

Junkyard itself did a creditable job of approximating a pre-war city, at least the part that had been sheltered under the Iron Sky. There were streetlights reflecting off the buildings and the remains of the Dome, even some car traffic, many pedestrians. What was lacking were sounds of violence. Few waster communities of any size could boast a peaceful night without the pops and echoes of gunfire.

There was also no haze of wood smoke; no trees or wood grew inside the outer perimeter wall or for miles around the city. Instead, cooking heating and lighting was courtesy of the city power grid. A cluster of smokestacks on the side of Junktown encompassing the base of the adjoining Wasatch mountains belched smoke. These were the factories, coal-fired electrical power plant and Spook Juice refinery that comprised Junkyard's industrial base.

Peter was glad Simon was fine. That meant he didn't have to worry about it. He idly wondered if they needed to stand watches, but dismissed the thought. And, well, honestly, he would be awake a few hours after he went to sleep.

He went into the room he and Jane were sharing and took off his shirt and boots. He then sat down on the bed and lay back, letting out a happy sigh as he did so. "This is a nice change of pace."

Rowan sits there feeling like a student in front of he master once more.

" I was always taught that time turns Simon, and what we do each day echoes down through time. In the end all we can do is our best with the tools and the chances given us".
"I am witch, I am healer I am Rowan, I walk the road."
" We are taught the following Simon, perhaps it may be of use to you and yours."

I move in rhythm with the earth.
I am held steady
My true path never wavers for an instant
My purpose is clear before me as a wide road
Of no more importance to the universe than a leaf is to a tree
I am still
I share the life
I am one with it
I guide upon the wilderness
I take no advantage
I give no quarter
I defend my own
I am as strong as I need to be
Powerful or weak
I am become whatever I would chose to be
I give what I can no one owns me
I am sacred to my self; no one can touch myself
I am free
I am my only master

Rowan finishes and gases into space, "Simon I will make you an offer, if we survive what we are going to meet, then I will return and help you as a medic and friend rebuild the home". "There should be a true centre there, homes families schools and from that under the knights protection truly we could make a song worth singing in this life time".

Looking more relaxed than she'd seen him before, Simon smiled and nodded.

"That would be a fine, fine thing. You are right, we need such a thing! It's a deal, then. I'll hold you to it."

In reply to Simon (msg # 113):

Rowan Smiles back
"Done and Done" she says softly

Jane smiled when she saw Peter relaxed.  She remembered from days long ago that there used to be two things that she would automatically do after coming home so she could relax.  Tonight she decided that she would institute that ritual again so she took off her boots and then smiled at Peter while she took off her bra.  Finally, as she climbed up on the bed with him, her shirt still on but unbuttoned, she too laid down and gave a happy sigh.  "I had forgotten how good this feels."

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 114):

Poking his head in the room, Schaeffer said, "I may as well, if it means staying with you. I'll stay here tonight. Unless you want to take a watch, Rowan?"

Peter put on his best innocent face. "What, not having a bra on?"

He held the face for a moment longer before letting out a rumbling chuckle. He put an arm around her and gave her a long kiss.

"Shall we sleep, my pretty soldier girl? Or shall we put the bed to other uses?"

Already done my love she says turning and giving Simon a smile. Every thing to its time and place Simon."
Rowan leads Shaffer back their room.
I am making the most of this my love she says kissing him as they step inside, She slides out of her clothing, looking over her shoulder at Shaffer, and wriggles invitingly as she pads to wards the shower

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 118):

"Oh well, I guess if Kira is taking the first watch we can relax a little. Simon, Librarian Biletnikoff, until later, then." He followed back to her room.

In reply to COL Kurt L. Schaeffer (msg # 119):

"We'll be fine for now. Most often the villain attacks at dawn, anyways."

Smoker trundles off to his bed and luxuriates...


... but wakes up in the night, feeling strangely too comfortable, and ends up rolled in a blanket on the floor.

Jane chuckled at Peter's expression.  "I think we should do both my warrior."

Jane stopped chuckling and returned Peter's kiss.  After she got her breath back, she whispered into Peter's ear some suggestions for the "other uses".

<fade to black>

In reply to Jane Guin (msg # 122):

"(Sigh) All right, mien fraulien. Time to get back to work, ya? Sleep well, my love."

After enjoying Rowan's company, Schaeffer napped, then cleaned up. He then relieved Kira on watch in Simon's room. He made sure his M4 was cocked and locked, suppressor locked on the muzzle.

Everyone faded to sleep. It had been a long week of travel, time to make up some lost sack time!

Some time later that night, Schaeffer (who was on watch) banged on everyone's doors, waking them up.

"Everyone, get up! Meet me in Simon's room, five minutes."

"Bleurgh?" asked Smoker, who had nearly been trodden on having been curled up on the floor.

Muttering, he got up and padded down the hall in shirt and trousers, carrying the rest of his stuff.

In reply to COL Kurt L. Schaeffer (msg # 125):

Jane moaned and stretched when she heard Schaeffer calling roll call.  She turned to look over at Peter and gave him a good morning lazy kiss.  It certainly had been a night to remember but duty called once again.

"Duty calls once again Peter.  I get the shower first."  Jane quickly scooted out of the bed and slipped into the shower.  If there was one thing that she had learned, it was to take a quick shower when needed because you never knew when you'd get your next one.  It took a couple of minutes out of the designated five but she did feel better for it.

Afterwards she waited for Peter to get ready and then went to the meeting with him, carrying her stuff with her in case they had to immediately leave.

Peter was awake. Luckily he hadn't woken up screaming for once. But he had still woken up after only a few hours of sleep. Coffee. He would need coffee today. Surely a hotel would have coffee. He nodded to Jane.

"Feel free. I just need to finish getting dressed. I've been up for a bit unfortunately."

He pulled his clothes on and grabbed a couple of guns as well, waiting for Jane.

Rowan snoozing lightly as she always has snaps awake her hand reaching for her blade then realises it is Shaffer's voice. And slides out of bed into clothing and grabs gear. Calling trickster to her she pads after her love

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 128):

Jane gave Peter a smile after she got out of the shower.  "It is unfortunate that you didn't sleep more but I still bet you got better sleep than you have in a long time and that IS a good thing."

Jane quickly got dressed glad that she normally didn't bother with make up and other fancy stuff.  She walked over to Peter to give him one last kiss and hug before leaving the room.  "That's for the road.  Can't pass up an opportunity you know.  We can grab coffee on the way to the meet."

Schaeffer looked serious but not concerned.

"Ok, do not worry. We are not under attack. But there was some kind of police incident in an alley a block over. Probably nothing. Does anyone want to volunteer to check it out, make sure it's nothing we need to be concerned about?

The rest of us will remain on alert to make this is not a diversion of some kind."

"One night... is it too much to ask?" groused Smoker. "OK. You woke me up already, might as well go and take a look."

Peter let out a sigh and shook his head. Schaeffer woke everyone up for that? That seemed excessive. He glanced at Smoker and gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I will not be getting any more sleep tonight, so I suppose I shall accompany you."

"Thank you, Peter," said Smoker.

As if TWO people were needed to check out an already-handled 'police incident'... yet it was kind of the man to offer, and Smoker was not one to rebuff kindness.

Showing their picture IDs to the MPs guarding the lobby and front entrance, they made their way to the commotion. The experience of working street lights was a novel experience for Smoker. Being from the mining town of Deadwod, Peter was more used to the bright lights, and in truth Junkyard kind of reminded him of his old city, if perhaps a more industrial version.

A block over, there was a police line across the mouth of an alleyway between two buildings. Bored-looking MPs stood beside a Militia technical that provided them with transport.

Peter shook his head slightly, trying to get the wash of memories from his mind for the moment. It wouldn't do to get lost in Deadwood when the here and now could be dangerous. AS they walked up to the MPs standing guard, Peter raised an eyebrow. "So. What is the story here, gentlemen?"

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 136):

There were a few night owls drifting closer, and the closest MP obviously thought they were of the same ilk. Her tone was both somehow dismissive without being too disrespectful.

"Nothing to see here. Just move along, sir."

Past her, Peter could see what appeared to be a pair of detectives standing or squatting over a body, examining it with hand torches. There was an enormous amount of blood present. The body wasn't all in one piece.

"Excuse me, officer," said Smoker. "We are part of a security detail, our principal's in the Hilton. We're checking to ensure that no threat exists. What happened here, please?"

Obviously not believing Smoker's story absent some proof, she moved to block his view more. With a nod, the other MPs look more alert, like there may be trouble.

"Sure, you're some VIP's bodyguard I believe you. Look, nothing happened here that ain't happened a million times before. Like I said, time to move along...

"Ortiz, didn't I say to set a wider perimeter? Any clown can just walk up here!"

"The ordinary event can obscure a threat," says Smoker, rather cryptically. "So, what exactly did happen here? Commonplace or not, I still need to know."

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg # 140):

The MP sergeant was rapidly going from bored to annoyed.

"Oh really? You need to know? Let me make it simple, sir. No you don't, buddy. Move. Along. Now, please."

It was obvious that without some kind of obvious proof, like maybe a picture ID of some kind, she didn't believe Smoker was anything other than some bystander. Likely a nutter. But Smoker had never been given picture ID before now, likely couldn't even fathom what such an ID would be useful for.

Smoker is wearing his picture ID visibly having been reminded to do so by hotel security. Perhaps this rent-a-cop is not very observant?

Peter held his ID up to the MP's eye level. "We are indeed a VIP's bodyguard as you so bluntly put it. Feel free to call in ask if you have not been told previously. We are staying at the Hilton. We were asked to investigate this to make sure that it is not a precursor to some sort of larger event. If you insist on being obstinate, I will be happy to go back and speak to your superiors about this. They will be able to tell me what you refuse to. What is your name so I can let them know?"

He is not threatening at all, just speaking calmly. He isn't trying to get the guard angry. He's hoping to keep things quiet and rational.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 143):

"Sergeant Casby, Company C, 1st MP Batallion," she replied, unapologetically. "I see your ID, all right. Please feel free to hand them over any time."

She wondered if these Brainers assumed she had some kind of cybernetic X-ray vision or other sensing apparatus that would allow her to verify it without it being presented. She guessed the younger Brainer had never seen an ID that wasn't attached to a charred skeleton and didn't know how they actually worked. "OK, thanks. This will take a few minutes."

Using an electronic reader, she carefully checked the IDs out and verified they were valid in the database. A short conversation on the radio followed, where she (unhappily) confirmed they could pretty much have the run of the immediate area. She handed them their ID back along with disposable gloves and plastic overshoe booties to slip on over their shoes.

"OK, you're cleared. Sorry for the delay, gentlemen. Go straight down the middle of the alley to the detectives, pay attention to where you're stepping, do whatever the detectives say. Don't touch anything. Good luck."

Peter gave her a small smile. "Good. I will tell them you are doing a good job. I would not want just anyone to be able to just walk up and bluff their way past you. I will commend you if you like."

He handed over the badge and let her scan it. He gave a nod of thanks for the information. "Thank you. I hope you have a pleasant evening."

He stepped down the alley to where the detectives had been indicated to be at. "Hello. I was hoping you could fill us in?"

Seeing Peter handing over his ID, Smoker did so as well. He watched curiously as it was scanned. So that's how they worked... peculiar.

He took the gloves and booties with a grunt, and nearly fell over trying to put the booties on. (Next time, lean against the wall, idiot, he told himself.) He followed Peter towards the crime scene.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 145):

The MP nodded her thanks. She obviously wondered what the half-feral bodyguards of some Waster warlord "VIP" would want with an obviously unrelated homicide. But hers was not to question why.

When they carefully approached the detectives, the two male detectives exchanged long-suffering looks. Sighing, one stood up and stretched, turning off some kind of detection apparatus slung over one shoulder. "I'm Detective Chin, that's Detective Morrison. Junkyard PD. Pleased to meet you." He didn't actually sound pleased.

The other detective continued using his scanner on the alley, methodically sweeping the area with a DNA-sensing laser.

"Just starting our investigation. The deceased is one Flowers, Nico, aka "The Sword". Although, as he has a circular saw grafted to his left arm, that seems to be somewhat inappropriate. Star player for the skullchucker team known as The Screamin' Demons. Cause of death, exanguination. Blood loss due to sharp trauma. Time of death fifteen minutes ago. Definitely a homicide. DNA is inconclusive. Toxicology indicates the victim had high levels of alcohol in his bloodstream, no drugs. DNA scans are inconclusive. Wallet is still here. All body parts are accounted for and due to the amount of blood we think this is where he was killed. No witnesses, big surprise. Surveillance cameras haven't worked in years."

Indeed, they recognised the name as being a player in the earlier skullchucker game against the "Canned Heat". The Screamin' Demons had lost the game but Flowers had put his arm-mounted saw to good use on the opposing team. Entertaining but short of lethal. He was now in several pieces. Both legs and his right arm had been severed. His neck had also been almost been severed but the killer had stopped just short of decapitation. There was an enourmous amount of blood present.

Peter frowned. "That is a shame. We just saw that person play in the game earlier." That was said slightly absentmindedly however. His focus was on the blood loss...sorry blood drain!

"That...sounds...does this seem like it might be a vampire attack?"

"Wouldn't vampires have wanted the blood?" asked Smoker, innocently. Something over by the dumpster seemed to have caught his eye, he went over to take a closer look.

Peter nodded. He was getting a bit jumpy. Cyborg infiltrators, whatever was killing things back at Boise, etc. Too much for an old Native American.]

"Hmm. True. So if you kill someone and you do not take their wallet and you do not drain their blood...likely either they wanted information or revenge I would guess. I assume this Nico Flowers had no connection to the Hilton or the militia?"

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 150):

Detective Chin answered, "if it was a "vampire", or someone who thinks they are, then they are very messy. Looking around, I'd say the blood is all here. It's just everywhere. Plus, no bite marks. "Exanguination" just means catastrophic external blood loss, not internal bleeding. Blood pressure drops, consciousness is lost as the brain is starved of oxygen, the victim dies."

Chin checked his device. "Flowers had a lot of enemies both on and off the field. Not well-liked. Some arrests for assault but that was a while ago. We figure it was revenge, a personal beef or a Moorlock attack."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:24, Sat 28 June 2014.

"Moorlock?" inquired Smoker, who hadn't heard the term before.

Peter looked up at the last name. It sounded really similar to the creatures from an H.G. Wells' book. They were supposedly albino ape-like creatures that ran the machines underground and ate the people that lived above ground. He repressed a shudder.

"The "Moorlocks" are a local gang. Beneath street level is the "Underground", a sublevel going down about ten-fifteen stories deep in places. Because of a lack of space under the Dome and traffic congestion, Hellstromme Industries excavated major throughfares, parkades, passenger tunnels, even a shopping mall and theatre under the downtown. Under the industrial sector are warehouses and factory levels. It's mostly sealed off now but either some illegal entrances were missed or have been dug since then because there are still some people down there. A gang called the Moorlocks live there and they come up to deal drugs, sell whatever hasn't yet been looted down there or they steal up here for food. Any unexplained crime or disappearance is blamed on the Moolocks."

He looked like he wanted to continue but stopped himself. "Oh man, here comes the Sergeant. Gentlemen, I think it's time to leave."

Actually, Peter and Smoker recalled that in the parkade level below the hotel was a massive metal door of some kind. This was probably a sealed-off entrance to the rest of the Underground.

Smoker sidled over to Firecrow.

"Pete," he murmured, "I don't know if we want to show the cops, but there's a Templar cross, fresh-painted in blood, over by the dumpster where I was poking around."

Peter listened to the explanation and shook his head slightly. So it was a bastardization of the Morlocks from the Time Machine sort of. But there was a city underneath the city? Fascinating!

He gave a nod to the detectives. "Thank you for your time and information. Have a good day."

He lead Smoker away, speaking quietly once they were away from the scene and MPs. "No. I do no think we should. But I think we should ask Simon and Fred if they know the man killed or any reason why someone would paint that at a murder nearby."

The Detective Sergeant gave both of them a hard look as she passed by, heading to the crime scene. She started chewing out the detectives there for letting "amateurs" past the police line. Even if they had the right ID.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 157):

As an MP let them under the police tape, they saw Fred in the crowd. He appeared to be recording the incident in typical Librarian fashion, and put down his palmcorder as they approached.

"This was a player from the "skullchucker" match today? I got the name of the poor fellow from one of the MPs. I don't recognise his name. He's never been to Boise that I know of, and Simon's never been to Junkyard that I know of, either. What do you make of this situation?"

Peter gave the sergeant a shit-eating grin as he walked past. "Have a good night."

He moved towards Fred when they saw the Librarian. "Correct, and not that I know of. However, there was something that looked like a Templar cross painted in blood at the scene. Have you ever heard of someone marking a kill like that?"

"I agree, the cross is somehow significant. But it wasn't a part of the Horror's "signature". And the Boise Horror never struck anywhere other than Boise"

Fred looked up at the sky, pointed out the crescent moon.

"There. The Horror only killed during the new moon. That passed a few days ago, you can see the moon is no longer absent, it's waxing. Perhaps this is some effort to discredit Simon. His presence here is not officially recognised but obviously a some people in the hotel or security force must know about him or may have deduced his presence."

Marshall's Note: This was Fred, not Simon. Sorry!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Sat 05 July 2014.

<quote Fred Biletnikof

Marshall's Note: This was Fred, not Simon. Sorry!
</quote>

Rowan stirs slightly, "there is of course more than ne way of looking at this.
It could also have been sent as a marker". "ie we are here and you are marked"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 161):

Fred had walked to the crime scene, accompanied by Rowan.

"That makes sense. Especially if someone is aware of the history of the Boise Horror and wishes to lay the blame on Simon's shoulders."

"Do you want to see where it is?" asked Smoker.

Peter tilted his head, giving Fred a look that was a mix of confusion and hardness. "Why do you assume that this is the work of the Boise Horror here? Do you think it has followed us, or that one of the members of our group is that creature?"

Rowan calmly
" I have seen no assumption only a desire for facts"

Fred smiled. :"Why do you assume I assume anything?

"The fact the Horror never struck elsewhere other than Boise, and not when it's not a new moon, suggests it's not the same, which is good. But the presence of a Templar's cross in blood at a murder scene a block from the hotel can't be some coincidence. Despite our elaborate efforts the Combine seems to know we're here, they have every reason to disrupt our mission here."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Sat 05 July 2014.

Peter sighed and shook his head. Getting tag-teamed by Fred and Rowan was more than enough for him after seeing the crime scene. He made a dismissive wave of his hand and went back to his hotel room.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 167):

Fred accepted his wave with a satisfied nod and followed back to the hotel.

"Good, I hope this hasn't anything to do with Simon's visit, but we can't make any assumptions. If you want my opinion, Peter, please ask."

The rest of the night passed without incident.

Those who knew how to work it could use the air conditioning. Younger Wasters like Smoker and Kira needed to be shown what the central heating and air condition controls were for.

In the morning, they were served breakfast by room service. The conference wasn't until 2pm so they had several hours to kill until then.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 169):

Simon seemed to have regained his strength, somewhat. He looked well-rested. "Fred mentioned there was some excitement last night. Was it connected to us, do you think?"

Smoker is quite fascinated with the inner workings of the air handling systems and wanders off looking for whoever runs them for the hotel to find out more!

Peter glanced at Simon and hesitated. "Uncertain but likely connected to 'us'. There was a Templar cross....painted...at the crime scene, after all." He will give the details of what he and Smoker saw.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 172):

Simon listened to the description.

"A Templar's Cross? Yes, I think you're right. Meant for us. Or to point the finger at us. Damn it all. And so close to the meeting."

In reply to Simon (msg # 173):

Schaeffer interjected,

"Simon, security is coming along nicely. Some of the Junkyarders, and their mercs, they are pros. I will coordinate your security with them.

"The rest of the posse, I should like them to be our "reserve". Not on guard duty, but free to investigate threats and respond to crisis. And I think this is qualifying.

"Peter, would you and the others be minding finding out more about the victim and especially the Moorlocks? It sounds like they are located under the hotel! We have time before the initial summit meeting in the afternoon. That might be a good use of time, ya?"

 Rowan "with Simons understanding I am going to be staying close to him, love"

Simon seemed inclined to agree with Schaeffer.

"I am inclined to go with the good Colonel's recommendations. Security here is in place, go do some digging on this. I won't push you out the door if you don't want to go..."

Rowans voice is calmness itself
"Do not want do not need, two different things Simon"
"I feel that this thing is here for you alone and it here by your side it will be faced in the end"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 177):

Simon pointed out, equally calmly, "I won't be alone.

"I will have Schaeffer and Kira. Backing them up is about a hundred MP militia, including MPs and police. Capable as Schaeffer and Kira are in battle, they will not be best used for investigative tasks. I think you are. There is no real need for you here until the conference starts, in the mean time, you and your friends are more useful to me as a trouble-shooter."

Rowan Sighs half of her knows that what Simon says is correct, but some thing also says her agreement was to stay close to him

Peter gave a shrug and looked a bit unhappy. "The locals will not be happy to have poking around. They were already perturbed about it last night, but....sure." He headed back to his room to gear up a bit just in case before heading out.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 180):

"From what you say, the police seemed disinterested and eager to close the case. I guess standards have slipped since the war. Actually, I recall that Junkyard was a shithole before the war, too. The worst aspects of a slum and an industrial wasteland.

"If the police aren't going to be much help, maybe there are other people who can help you find out more. Good luck."

The posse gathered in the lobby, sitting on chairs provided for their comfort. There was a telescreen with a news display. The headline was of the murder of Nico "The Sword" Flowers, noted skullchucker player. Police suspected it was a revenge killing. Unconfirmed reports claimed it was Moorlocks, although police deny the existence of any such gang or group.

Peter looked around for Smoker, wanting to know where the man had gone before they headed out. "Has anyone seen Smoker since he and I returned?"

Smoker had no luck the previous evening finding maintenance personnel to talk to, as they were dealing with some crisis prior to the summit meeting.

He finally met the chief engineer, Maggie, for coffee. She was friendly but wouldn't divulge details about the current setup or workings (due to security needs). But Smoker recognised much of the machinery from other non-functioning units in ruined buildings.

"We had a problem because much of the electrical and sewage lines went through the Underground. There's an entrance in the parkade which we use to access the maintenance tunnels. Otherwise, most of the Underground is completely off-limits. We have armed security when we go down there, but I heard a Militia patrol got ambushed by Moorlocks and were completely wiped out.

"If you're interested in more of the Underground, look up a chap by the name of Buck Masterson of Down Below Tours. I'm not saying any more."

"No worries, Maggie - thanks anyway. I'm always curious about how stuff works, that's all."

Smoker finished his coffee and wandered back to the lobby. At least Maggie seemed to accept the presence of these Moorlocks, whatever the cops might say.

"Yeah, I think he went down to talk to the building engineer. Oh wait, there he is now."

She pointed in Smoker's direction.

Peter gave Smoker a nod of greeting. "Smoker. Good morning." He tilted his head to the side slightly. "Did you find anything out? Simon would like us to see what we can find out about what happened and the...Moorlocks or who might be behind it."

"According to Maggie, the Moorlocks are real whatever the cops might claim. There's an access to the underlairs of the city in the parkade which the maintenance folks use when they need to go down there, but they take an armed escort. Even then, they don't always come back," said Smoker.

"The person to ask, apparently, is one Buck Masterson of Down Below Tours."

A late riser, Jack sauntered in. "Well, let's find this feller. Someone's gotta know where he is."

Peter gave a nod to Jack and Smoker. "It does sound like a good place to start. Do we know where that is at? If not we should ask before we leave." He glanced at the other to make sure no one else had any other suggestions before he turned and headed out.

Smoker scratched his nose.

"The name sounds like a tourist operation, so the hotel desk staff might know where we should go."

Rowan follows with Trickster , not having any other ideas at the moment.

The hotel staff had indeed heard of Buck Masterson.

"Yes. He runs a tour business, one of the few people authorized to enter the Underground. Or what people call Down Below. His business is called "Down Below Tours". It's located in West Junkyard.".

They helpfully provided directions.

Peter thanked the staff for the information. He gave a nod to the group. "Okay. Shall we?"

He then started making his way to where they should find this 'Down Below Tours'. He didn't think it a bit odd for someone to make money off of something like that. After all, he was from Deadwood, and with what he had been before he had no right to cast stones.

"Right," said Smoker, following.

Rowan walks with the rest trickster trotting at her heals, "wish we knew more about what we were facing", she says to Smoker as they walk

The morning was beginning to heat up as the group intending to visit Downbelow Tours walked in the direction of West Junkyard, quickly passing through the MP checkpoint.

The Wasatch Mountains with their extensive Ghost Rock mines loomed to their right. They passed the Hellestromme Public Library. Then, as they reached the outskirts of the industrial area, they saw a small office building in the shadow of a massive foundry.

"DOWNBELOW TOURS"

Peter gave a few things long almost lingering looks of interest, but for the moment he focused on the task at hand. Once they reached the office, he glanced back to make sure everyone was still with him. He gave a nod and opened the door. He strode in slowly, taking a look at the office, as well as seeing if the proprietor was present.

"That's an almost permanent state for me," replied Smoker. "Every time I'm trying to understand a piece of interesting kit, someone starts shooting..."

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg # 199):

Jane found herself falling behind the group as they moved to take the tour.  She couldn't put her finger on it but she seemed a little distracted.  Perhaps she just wasn't meant to have all the niceties and felt left out.

She hurried to catch up and nudged Peter with her hip feeling better for being with her friends.

In reply to Jane Guin (msg # 200):

A bell rang as they came through the front doors.

The front room looked sort of like a travel agency from before the war. Faded posters for popular destinations like Hawai'i, Tahiti, London, Thailand and so on were on the wall. There was a plastic palm tree over a patch of sand with an sagging but still inflated beach ball in the window display.

One side wall was covered with photos of tours in the Downbelow, smiling people in mining helmets waving from in front of open-topped SUVs equipped with banks of spotlights. Everyone was armed. There was a sign: "The Happy Survivors". There were over fifty such photos.

A young woman sat behind a desk. She smiled as the posse came in. "Welcome to Downbelow Tours! I'm Klara. Heard about the Underground and want to see what few people here have seen and lived to tell?"

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 201):

Jane, bit back the "lady you have no idea what we've seen" comment on her lips and instead put on a smile and tried to pretend to be an ordinary tourist.  "Oh yes.  I heard that there were tours and hoped to be able to go on one. Those guns the people are holding...are they real with bullets and everything?  Is it that dangerous?"

In reply to Jane Guin (msg # 202):

Rowan at the back looks at Jane and smiles, thinking 'and just how did you expect to explain all the hard wear we are carrying'

Smoker nearly burst trying not to laugh out loud.

Jane couldn't keep up her pretense and had to chuckle.  "ok..ok.. I'm sorry but I couldn't help it. Just wondered what it sounded like if I said it."  She then turned to the Klara.  "So Klara.  That last question I asked, I really would appreciate an answer to.  Are those weapons for real and live ammo in it or what do you use when you take those tours.  You have a brochure on them?"

Jane still was chuckling as she waited for Klara's response.  Having joined the group a little later, she didn't remember who they were to ask for if they wanted information so Jane was stalling until somebody else spoke up.

Klara kept smiling. It's unclear if she believed Jane's feigned innocence or thought that in the Wasted West no one went unarmed for any great length of time.

"Oh yes, people supply their own weapons. This is Junkyard, you can get a chainsaw grafted to your pecs, you know!

"Those guns had better be real, the Moorlocks are pretty vicious. Don't worry, Buck knows how to handle them and out of over fifty tours he's only lost eleven clients. And three were due to heart attacks! The Downbelow is not patrolled, so it can be as bad as many places in the Wasted West. Buck's the only non-Militia person authorised to take commercial tours down there."

On the other side wall opposite the wall of pictures was a painted map of the underground labyrinth. Large blocks and areas were connected by lines of tunnels. It looked like a particularly elaborate subway system map.

Peter gave the woman a small smile that was mostly just polite. "Good morning. I'm here to speak with Buck Masterson, if I could please."

Noting Peter's less-than-friendly demeanour, Klara's eyes narrowed but a smile remained on her face. "Let me see if he's available. Are you here for a tour? Or is there some kind of problem I can help you with?"

She pressed a button on her desk. A chime sounded somewhere in back.

"We were told that he was an expert and the person we should talk to. There was an...incident, and we would like to either verify or rule out possible Moorlock involvement." He glanced at his companions to see if they had anything to add, or any comments.

Smoker got a grip of himself.

"Yes. That's right. In particular we need to know if the Moorlocks ever venture out onto the surface, maybe at night?"

"I see. I used to work as a guide and driver myself but Buck probably knows more about the Moorlocks than anyone else."

Frowning at the Intercom, Klara pressed another button as she picked up the phone.

"Is Buck there? OK. Fine, no problem. Just some people looking for information. Thanks, bye." Click.

"Looks like he's busy but he's coming. Moorlocks are like everyone else, they prefer darkness for hiding and moving around aboveground. But they can come out in the daytime.

"Please save your questions. While you wait, help yourself to some purified water?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:30, Sun 27 July 2014.

There was some muffled conversation from behind one of the doors to the rear of the building.

Soon, a grizzled older man came out.

"Howdy folks, sorry for the wait. I'm Bob "Buck" Masterson. You can call me Buck. I hear you're lookin' for some information? All part of the tour. $200 in Widgets, part of the tour.

"I used to work as a city Engineer, spent thirty years in the Downbelow. I know every inch of that labyrinth."

He gestured to the map painted on the wall. The layout of Downbelow consisted of a main 6-lane throughfare, the Hellestrome Underground Bypass, with smaller side tunnels branching off for pedestrians, cars, even trucks. These connected to areas named "Junkyard Center Shopping Mall", "Hellestromme Swimming Pool and Rec Center", "Boutiques", "Multiplex Theater". As well, there were warehouse and industrial areas, aqueducts, an underground reservoir. Connections to the surface was mainly via the bypass and parking lots, but there were other entrances connecting to office and factory buildings aboveground.

"It's almost a city down there. Lots of commercial and industrial spaces. Not a lot of living space, though.

"Most entrances are sealed off. Mainly the big ones like the bypass and to the parkades and factory basements, the ones that can admit vehicles. But some are still intact and controlled by the Militia. Those are the entrances we use. If you know where to look you might find an overlooked or illegal pedestrian entrance as well."

In reply to Klara the Receptionist (msg # 212):

While they waited for Buck, Jane went over to the map on the wall and started to try and remember it in case they got separated (on purpose or by accident) if they went down.

 Rowan "is there a copy of the Map we can purchase"

Buck laughed at the suggestion.

"Naw. You do get a copy when you take the tour! Just kidding, who's got the paper these days to waste?"

In reply to Buck Masterson (msg # 216):

Rowan nods "well that's true, so no copies even to purchase"?

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 217):

"Paper's valuable, they ain't makin' more. Even before the war most reading material was electronic.

"I take it ya'all don't want the tour? I can give you a group rate."

Rowan sighs, so much lost and the knowledge on how to do things lost as well.
"It may be we need to go down there, but what we really need is information about the Moorlock's.
"Who they are, what they are, where they are."
"Any thing that is known about them really"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 219):

"Sure you do. You find anyone who wants to tell ya all about it for free, why, ya'all let me know."

Buck winked at her.

There is not one bit of humour in rowans answer body or speech.
"Who said any thing about free"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 221):

Buck simply replied stare for stare as he lit a cigar.

"Well now! Ain't you a charmer, little lady.

Since I can't read minds, I'll make you an offer. Five hundred, you can ask everything you like and make a copy of the map.

"Just 'cause I like you."

Rowan shakes her head realising she is letting her frustration about all of this out on some one who is not responsible for this situation. "I am sorry I am tiered doing some thing that scares the hell out of me."

Rowan considers, then adds. "500 seems a little steep but I will leave that up to the rest"

Puffing on his cigar, Buck nodded, his expression softening.

"Ain't no nevermind. All right, suppose you tell me what's going on? Most folks come off the street, they want the tour, they don't want to pick my brains."

 Rowan looks at the others to see what they say. "Sir part of what we are doing comes under client confidence"
"There was an attack in the Ally way near where we were staying last night". "People we are responsible for have heard that the Moorlocks might be involved". "We have been asked to check out that information"

"Right. Heard about that. Doesn't seem like a Moorlock thing.  It's usually theft or revenge with them. And they would try and take the body if they killed anyone. Preserve the myth they're cannibals. You know anything about the victim? I don't know the name."

"He played that violent game, skullchuck or whatever it's called," said Smoker. "In fact we saw him in action yesterday evening."

Buck continued smoking.

"Oh, right. Bettern' dog-fighting, I guess. Can't help you with that, I'm afraid. Unless he had some dealings with the Moorlocks, then it doesn't sound like they did him."

In reply to Buck Masterson (msg # 228):

Jane listened for a bit and then spoke up.  "What do the Moorlocks do with the bodies when they take them?  And if it doesn't sound like them then who would you say it sounded like?  I figure you are the brains down here and know most everybody."

Peter, for some reason, had let Rowan take the lead as he got distracted by something.

He spoke up now to sum up and add a few bits of information. "The victim's name was Nico Flowers. He did indeed play the Skullchucker game. He was...ripped to shreds or cut into pieces. We were asked to investigate whether the Moorlocks had anything to do with it, and were told you were the person with the most knowledge. I do not think the Moorlocks were involved personally."

He then waited for the answer to Jane's questions.

He tapped ash from his cigar.

"I can't vouch some victims don't get back into the food chain at some point. Don't eat from the street vendors, know what I mean?

"There's rumour of a waste outflow that leads past the walls. I think that's where they stick the bodies. Or else find some dark hole or storage room to stick the bodies. That's one thing I know not to ask too much about!

"Nico Flowers? Yeah, heard the name. Could have made enemies among the other teams. You supposedly can't use powered weapons in Skullchucker but his occasionally get activated by accident and someone gets hurt. He pays his fine and sits out a few games, but keeps, er, kept playing.

"There's actually a couple factions or tribes within the Moorlocks. One is human, one is mutant, a couple are mixed. They mostly survive through theft and drug dealing on the surface. But there's rumour a cell of Combine saboteurs has a base there, as well as right-wing douchebags that want to overthrow the Junkyard government."

Peter nodded. "Thank you. We may need to set up a tour, but for now I do not think that the Moorlocks are responsible, which means looking at other avenues. But I thank you for your time, and if you would like I would be happy to buy you a cup of coffee or lunch for it."

Buck nodded.

"My pleasure. It'd be my pleasure to take you up on that some time. Leave your contact information with Klara?"

In reply to Buck Masterson (msg # 233):

Conversation over, Buck tipped his hat and sauntered into the back room. "Call me any time, and we have JunkMail through the JunkNet."

Klara gave them a precious business card. Obviously, some card stock and a laser printer in the ruins, somewhere, and Buck or someone he knew had gotten ahold of it.

"Don't lose that! They're not making any more."

Peter gave a nod to Buck and did indeed leave his contact information, such as it was, with Klara. He gingerly took the card and looked it over for a few moments with wide eyes and careful hands. Then he carefully put it away in his wallet...yes he had a wallet even though it didn't carry money anymore. He's a Ravenite!

He turned to the others outside after they left. "So. I do not think the Moorlocks were involved, and I would normally think a rival but the Templar's Cross gives me pause. Does anyone else have any thoughts?"

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 235):

On the sidewalk, Dakota rolled one of his shitty cigarettes.

"So the Moorlock angle's a bust. We can look into Flower's background to see if it's personal. No one seems to have heard about the Templar's cross, guess the police are keepin' that hushed up good."

"If they even noticed it," said Smoker.

Rowan stamps her foot to get attention
"people think please for a moment the sign was intended to reach our employer". "Some one wanted us out of there or at least out on the streets"

Peter turned slowly to look at Rowan with a raised eyebrow. "Really? Stomping your feet like a child to get attention?"

He took in a breath and addressed her. trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible. "So your theory is that whoever is behind this wanted to get rid of us, somehow assuming that by murdering someone with no connection to...our employer, as you put it...but by simply putting the sign at the scene would get noticed and therefore empty most of our employer's bodyguards into the streets?"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 238):

"Does seem a little complicated. Simon sent us. We still got the Colonel and Kira protecting him, plus a hundred MPs. If anyone wants to go back to the hotel and others want to follow up, we can split up and meet back at our rooms?"

He borrowed Smoker's radio and checked in with Schaeffer.

"Everything's all secure back at the ranch."

Rowan shakes her head "then I do not get it"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 241):

Dakota folded his arms as he thought. "Maybe it's, like, an opening salvo? The first move."

 Rowan shrugs "could but against who and aimed by who"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg # 243):

"Against Simon and the Templars? Somehow. Hence the Templar's Cross. By who? Not sure. Let's go, at any rate."

He began ambling with the others back towards the downtown.

With not much else happening, they returned to the hotel at around noon. One thing they noted on the way back was that even within the inner wall of Junktown there were obviously derelict or abandoned buildings. Signs posted on them stated abandoned properties could be claimed by anyone in a form of urban homesteading. Repairs and refurbishments would need to be made and property taxes paid but it seemed there was living and working space available for the taking (although the best locations and buildings were already taken).

There had (thankfully) been no ninja attacks in the mean time, Simon and the others were safe. The first meeting of the conference between anti-Combine leaders was scheduled for two o'clock. There was time enough for lunch.

Schaeffer heard the report from Dakota of what they'd found from Buck.

"Interesting. There is an abandoned city beneath our feet. But it's not related to last night's killing. Personally, I'm going to station myself down in the parkade where I can cover the entrance to this Downbelow place. Dakota, you wish to back me up? I will construct a "hide" to conceal our presence, somewhere we can keep an eye on as many points of vulnerability as possible."

He began checking his gear, making sure the night-vision scope was functioning on his rifle.

In reply to COL Kurt L. Schaeffer (msg # 246):

Simon asked, "In that case, Peter, Rowan, Jane, Smoker, Kira, I should like all of you in the conference area with me. Others will be there with their own bodyguard as a show of force. I don't think there will be a problem, but you never know."

Rowan smiles it will be as you say Simon.
"From an old TV series a quote, that should apply to all there"

"There is no other wisdom and no other hope for us but that we grow wise."

Peter gave a nod to the Colonel with his caution. He wouldn't call it paranoia since he might indeed be correct. Only time would tell.

To Simon, Peter gave a gesture that was half-nod and half-shrug indicating assent. "No problem. I think I will just stay with you until then as well to be safe."

When Rowan spoke, however, like so many times before, Peter turned his head slightly to look at her with a look that was a cross between confusion and incredulity. He quickly looked away again but didn't even make a noise.

 Rowan smiles she does not expect to be understood,  and is rapidly loosing patience with some people. When people use their brains they might runs her thought

Simon smiled and shook his head. "I don't get the reference but a little wisdom iis something we could all use, eh?

"Grab something to eat, maybe a little extra because I know your rations are depleted. It could be a long afternoon."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:30, Fri 15 Aug 2014.

Rowan bows slightly
 "When we have time Simon I promise to explain it to you." "But I promise you that where it came from and to the situation it refers to has relevance."
Rowan gets some thing to eat and feeds trickster

Smoker also gets something to eat, and puts some snacks in his pocket to keep himself going through an afternoon of playing bodyguard in a meeting.

As the summit approached, security began being rachetted up. More MPs and militia appeared. Armoured vehicles blocked off the streets.

Schaeffer and Dakota disappeared into the cavernous and dimly-lit underground parkade beneath the hotel.

A small column of 4 military vehicles, unmarked CS issue hover APCs, arrived. They used the ramp to get to the parkade and parked. A few men and woman in suits climbed out, accompanied by soldiers in body armour. They entered the elevator.

Following them was a semi-truck floating on ground-effect jets. It was festooned with chrome, lights, antennae (dish and whipe), sparks and lightning arced from various parts. It hissed to a stop, and a platform elevator disgorged a man dressed like a wizard, a couple assistants, and two bodyguards wearing combat armour and armed with plasma pistols.

The last delegations were clearly from the Convoy, and travelling with them were several lesser delegates. But a man in purple robes caught Schaeffer's eye.

In reply to The Marshall (msg # 254):

The radio crackled. There was some interference, as he was transmitting from the basement.

"Everyone, this is Schaeffer. We're in the parkade.

"I see what I believe is a delegate from Oil Town in the Oil Confederacy. Some sort of wizard in a big truck, I believe those are the Junkers. The Convoy is bringing representatives from assorted towns and defence leagues. The Sky Pirates are here, as well.

"I recognised one of the delegates, from the Doomsayers. It's our old friend, Brother Edgar. I haven't seen him since that town that had been taken over by the Combine in Kansas. Or was is Oklahoma?"

Jane was used to Rowan making comments and quotes that she didn't understand.  She always liked to hear them for it showed how smart Rowan was.  Jane didn't always comment on them since it usually showed how much Jane didn't know on the subject.  Wisdom though was always a good thing to try and obtain.

"Food for the road is a good idea.  Let's get it and get ready.  Shang-ri la is nice but it's also somewhat off."

Peter gave Simon a nod and went to get a little something to eat. He was nervous so he didn't have a huge appetite, but he knew if he didn't eat something now then he would regret it later on.

When they heard what the Colonel had to say, Peter perked up a bit. Brother Edgar? It had been some time since Peter had seen him. He looked forward to it. And the rest of the information was good, also, of course. Things were about to start, and that meant if someone was indeed still gunning for Simon they would make their move soon.

He finished up quickly and headed back up to Simon.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg # 257):

Jane takes some of the food and stores them in her pouches for later and then followed Peter and the rest.