Watching Orlando adjust his pack and secure his weapons reminded Aeviternus it might not be a bad idea to have Lotus in hand.  He removed the short staff from his own pack while he observed the impressive yet simple display of magic from the larger man, twirling the weapon absently as he took in the show.  Once the rite was performed, he waited for Orlando to seem ready again and tapped him on the shoulder.  The wizard didn't really seem the type to engage in the more espionage-like elements of warfare, at least not with his physique, so Aeviternus wordlessly pointed a trail of shadows out that he intended to follow in order to get him to the yacht and remain unseen.  His gestures indicated the suggestion for Orlando to follow.

Next he looked for Max so as to make the path clear for the first to land as well.  Had he trusted the suit not to megaphone his intentions, he might have spoken these thoughts to the group.  But he was learning as he went, and Aeviternus wasn't keen on taking chances just at the moment.

Kirby landed and helped Max get his pack ready, stowing the excess parachutes for everyone he took out a sub-machine gun and pointed at Aeviternus to lead the way.  Kirby would hold the rear and make sure that he kept the group close," Keep it close close," came his quick talk. If they were lucky, Xuan would have the boat ready and they would be soon underway. He only hoped that Cosmic Breed weren't interrogating the pilot currently, that would be bad for the group.

Orlando was turning out to be a deep bag of tricks, and he hoped he had many more coming. Kirby followed right behind Max in arms reach scanning up ahead for movement. Kirby's sight at night was to say the least exemplary, he focused and stretched his sight, farther than any normal man could, looking for movement, unnatural movement for this late hour.

using my sight to scan for bad guys
 Today: Seeker of Truth, on behalf of Edmund Kirby Smith IV, rolled 15 using 1d100. perception
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:21, Wed 06 Mar 2013.

Having plotted a course and receiving the signal, Aeviternus did what came natural... he disappeared.  Had the group not already an eye on him, the figure completely encased in black may well have become a shadow himself and vanished from sight altogether.  One thing aiding in their tracking of his movements, however, was his continued strain under the obtrusive weight of the gear.  A stutter step here, a readjustment of a strap there, every few yards was a battle to maintain balance and stay within the comforting hollows of the dark.

No stranger to improvising, Aeviternus led the pack through the crawling vines of shadows in as direct a path as possible to the docks and Xuan's home.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Thu 07 Mar 2013.

The sun was past the horizon with just the tiniest of light in the sky leaving the darkness that much lighter over the water.  It was a normal night at the harbor and people were out and about, walking their dog, getting into cars, and businesses across the street were open.  People were milling about.

Aeviternus had successfully gotten the group to the "bay break" wall that ran from the water all the way to the beach.  It was a concrete wall that kept breaking water from slapping the boats, and at this section was quite high, enough to hide the group from the on lookers as they huddled down by the waters edge.  It was tagged with graffiti and provided quite a bit of cover, it did seem however that it would be hard to avoid normal people on the street from seeing the group if they followed the "break" from the beach to the entrance to the harbor.  There were simply too many people out not to notice them.  It was as good a place to regroup...Kirby seemed to frown slightly as he scanned up ahead, the creases on his brow indicated that there was trouble up ahead, he had ordered the group to have normal civilian parachutes and not the sleek black small chutes.  At the moment the group had the cover of parachuters landing on the beach, not totally out ot the norm...


In the water Xuan swam easily into the bay and to the back of his boat.  Climbing on his boat he noted that things weren't as he had left them, not ran-sacked, but searched through. He quickly scanned...everything seemed to be there.  He checked the levels and prepared to start the boat, a brief heartbeat stayed his key...turn...the engine chugged to life and with a calming and normal sound...fuel levels were where he had left them as well...Xuan began the other preparations for leaving...cautiously...


All may go from here...I would like to know what weapons you have, and what you are looking for, I need some intel on you people.   As you are all good at certain things, I need to know what you are trying to do and what you are focusing on.

Keying his intercom,"Hey, we are going to have to pass by some potential video surveylance, I can nullify it, like I did in the conference room, but we are going to have to turn off all of our electronic devices. I'm trying not trying to be too paranoid, but well, I don't think we can take too many chances. We need to get closer to the sidewalk. "

Orlando realized that there were more people out than he had thought, he wondered if a non-chalante approach might suite the teams approach. The group still held his shadowy spell and they would be hidden for the moment.

The low purr of the motor was almost hidden by the whistling winds and shallow rocking of the boat. The waters were calm at dock, the walls around the harbor taking the brunt of the breaking water. The dock lights were already on, but they weren't for the boats. It wasn't that kind of place. It was enough to ensure safe footing to your boat, but once on, the only light was whatever you had on the boat itself. Xuan reached for the switch to his, but hesitated.

Hand hovering above the switch, Xuan cast his eyes across the dockyard to the entry, then scanned across. He didn't expect to see the others necessarily, but there was always a chance he'd spot them. That he didn't meant that they were doing well to remain hidden. How necessary that was at this point was still up for speculation, though Xuan agreed with erring on the side of caution, especially with everything they'd all already been through. It didn't really matter if Xuan could see them anyway, just as long as they could find Si Feng.

"Light is coming on.... now." The deck was illuminated in a warm glow, the spotlight on the mast becoming a beacon for the others. "There will very likely be little surveillance in this place Pythian, unless someone added their own, which of course is..." Xuan's eyes raked the deck of his boat, "...a possibility. Just how far will the effects of your trick go?" Losing a light would not be ideal if they were in open waters at night, but it would only be a small loss. He may have a spare.

Frowning at the state of his home, Xuan ran his hand along the boom, feeling for any anomalies with the reefing. His movements were slow and deliberate. He stopped at the gooseneck and took a deep breath. When he exhaled, he released his emotions with it, finding the calm of clarity and emptiness. Brief as it was, the swim in the ocean did wonders for his stress. It dripped off of him now like so much water. The danger was not gone - far from it - but stress never helped with that anyway. Reaching down, he checked the boom vang. There might not be a use for the sails, but just in case there was something wrong with the engine, Xuan would rather be sure that he could still set sail.

Opening his Inner Eye, Xuan raised again and set to scouring the yacht, unsure of what to look for. Something missing maybe. Something unwanted perhaps. It seemed he had a few moments before the others arrived to be sure. Only a few, if no further trouble sprung up.

At the moment the word "now" was said, Aeviternus scanned the area of the docks to see if he could pick up which boat belonged to Xuan from where the group was.

He offered a solution to the populace problem.  Speaking to no member in particular; What if we move along the break to where it opens the docks to the ocean?"  Then to Xuan; "Perhaps you can meet us at the gate to the sea."

Kirby had spotted the boat quickly....Click..."that's perfect solution, head that way Skyfall, we'll follow your lead," said Kirby.  He was liking the way this new member thought, he could tell he had been around the block a few times.

Orlando, cancel that, we won't need to take out the lights or camera feeds, I doubt they be of use heading out on the break especially if your trick conceals us. So far things were smooth, if only their presence hadn't already been spotted.  Heading out on the break water was a good way of makin it harder to be stopped.

This idea was agreeable with Max. Sounded more viable considering the other choice.

Max continued to follow the ageless soul the was Aeviternus' lead through the ever begrudging sand.

With pleasant sounds of breaking waves as the back ground in his sensory perception. Max delved deeply into the spring of sting vibrations that surrounded him.

"A good plan."

It was enough for Xuan. He leapt into action again, this time to free the boat from its docking points. He started at the bow and worked his way back to the stern. On a yacht, there were usually 4 cleats to secure from, but there were only 3 on the pontoon in this particular dockyard. It didn't stop Xuan from always using all for of his. Tonight, he wouldn't gather the rope, not wanting to take the extra time. Instead, each spring line was quickly released from his boat and tossed to the pontoon.

Once free, Xuan darted back to the controls and set the boat into motion. Being last on the rung of pontoons meant that he had a fast and easy departure on any given day. It just so happened that tonight it was needed. Now on its course - slowly at first; he didn't want to give the impression that he was careless and in a rush - he left the controls and headed back one more time to pull up the fenders, but hesitated as he reached the first. If these men weren intending to leap from the break-wall, Xuan would need to leave the fenders in place. A pontoon was nothing for hull damage compared to a rock wall with waves to coax them together. I'd better find out.

"Are you rock jumping tonight or are you planning on a swim?" It was just as easy to enter the back of the boat from the water, but only if one could swim. And then there were the packs. Xuan knew his preference, but needed to consider the others. He left the fenders there anyway and returned to the helm. He could always pull them up later.

"Well, how about slow up a bit and throw us your lines, we can get it close and jump.  I'm not sure I can make a running jump as you pass." Orlando was audibly breathing hard from carrying the weight of his pack.

Aeviternus moved upon hearing the call from Kirby and, staying low on the break and watching the breaches so that he might be prepared to avoid being toppled, moved along the water line out towards the open sea.  The thought of the waves directed his attention to the rocks they walked over and caused him to notice how slippery they were likely to be, glistening in the dim light, the group's chosen footpath being a constant victim of the break water.  He knew the Captain would manage, but wasn't yet certain of the physicality of the scholars.

"Watch your step; our path is slick from the ocean and will be unforgiving to the errant foot," he spoke earnestly to the team.

One more exasperated drop of his shoulder and hike up on the strap that dug through his suit and into his flesh sparked another thought.  As he continued forward he asked; "Max; are you able to carry our packs with your mind?"  The absurdity of the question struck him for a moment just before he remembered the giant flying door, flung across a chamber as though it were a discarded book.  Then there was his entry into a flying jet as he freefell over the speed of sound who's success likely had mostly to do with this same mind.

He added, "If possible, it could prove most useful as we negotiate the terrain before us and prove invaluable when we attempt to embark Si Feng."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Fri 22 Mar 2013.

Max leapt from the deep, vibrational string pool he was submersed in at the mention of his name in the ear piece.

Max settled his minds energy, trying to fit the peaces of this futuristic puzzle together.


Max wasn't concerned with Aeviternus' question at this point. His concern was for their future and what his visions held. It didn't seem good at this point. He knew all to well that the key to his visions were their interpretation. Max hoped this team of extraordinary gentlemen could place the pieces in some meaningful order.

Max spoke with great urgency. "Team we have to stop for a moment." Max stopped in the sand and took a deep breath. "I've had a vision of the future we need to discuss quickly and present a plan for. Captain I look to you and Aeviternus on how to proceed from this moment to the next..."

Another vision? Xuan hoped it didn't involve a sinking ship. The metaphoric value of that could mean all manner of danger, let alone the literal implication.

"Do not take long. A boat that lingers too long in the dock will seem suspicious. Parked next to a break-wall even more so." Despite what he'd just said, Xuan pulled the speed back to almost an idle. Even that pace would place him at the wall in less than three minutes. But what Aeviternus said was true regarding the challenge to navigate that wall, which meant that Xuan would very likely need to creep along it to reduce the distance and danger.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Sun 24 Mar 2013.

Orlando looked around to see if anyone were watching or noticing the group," Really, we can't stop now, let talk and walk, Max we need you to lift these packs, I'm not gonna make it out there carrying this fucking thing.  Lets keep moving, unless you saw me fall in the water," Orlando seeing the coast was clear undid his back pack and hoisted it up on the wall and looked to Aeviternus to go up first.  "Skyfall, would you do me a favor and hop up there first, I'm gonna need some help with my fat ass? Max, what did you see?" He wanted to keep the group moving, they were all close enough that they could hear each other with out their mics, but Xuan would still need to hear as well.

Quick quick people, lets keep movin, dhont wanna get caught here on dah beach, Cool Hands, did you see something attacking us, what?" Kirby cupped his hands  to give Aeviternus a foot hold to hop up.

Max moved along with the task at hand while listening to the groups conversation and deciding the proper way to share his vision. He didn't have a clue to what it meant and how to interpret the vision.

"Pythian I will help with the pack as much as I can."

Max cleared his throat, "The vision went like this..at first running sand...then car screeching down the street...shots fired...blood in the water...then breaking waves and the sun as the sand runs out...a warning must be heard..."

Max stopped glanced at his team mates and continued. "Please keep in mind these events may happen within minutes or within the next week. I've found vision events can change according to actions taken to avoid or embrace the possibilities. It's still a matter of choice and free will how they unfold."

He awaited the teams input as he continued moving forward behind Aeviternus.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Sun 24 Mar 2013.

Relieved they weren't stopping as he had no interest in lingering with a glowing being about, Aeviternus moved quickly to Kirby and dropped his pack next to them.  Utilizing the Captain's hands as a launch point he made his way easily atop the break wall and swept his legs around so that he lay on his belly with his head and shoulders still above the group.

Wordlessly he extended his arms towards the men to pull up whatever was offered first; pack, fat ass or other.

After quick moments passed the group were all crouched upon the top of the wall still attempting to lower their silhouettes to avoid detection.

They were poised and ready to walk out into the bay.


Will you be lifting packs Max, how many? Make your throw roll.

Everyone except Xuan make an athletics check, acrobatics if you have the advanced skill. Place the roll in a private line on your next post.

"Hmm. Well the car screeching and shots fired, that could be something that happens up on the street at the front of the dock entrance, so I feel even better about going down the wall here. Open water, that sounds like us succeeding, so lets get on that boat." Orlando tried to sound optimistic.

Orlando got up to a crouch and waited for Max to attempt the pack.  He wouldn't just expect his friend to lift it for him. Orlando looked up to the dock and out to the ship.

"Let's go gang!"

Sounds a reasonable interpretation to me, lets talk more about this on the ship, lets move, Max can you lift the bags?" Kirby urged his group forward down the rock wall towards the boat. He didn't have any experience in interpreting dreams or visions or what ever it was Max could do.  He was still coming to grips with other people having powers, most of his life powers were something exclusive to his family.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:00, Sat 30 Mar 2013.

The group managed to get on Xuan' ship as it pulled up to the end of the runway. Max was able to use his power to telekinetically lift his and Orlando's packs down the slippery pathway. Once on board, the group hears screeches coming down the street as two cars pull up.  There is a fair amount of street light and everyone sees the cars pull up abruptly into a diagonal stop.  Men get out and start looking around the street area.


Hey everyone I would like to pick up the posting pace, this took a little too long for my liking. I had planned on an encounter here, which by taking the break way for the most part avoided it.  But i would like to pick up the pace.

Free of his burden once more and grateful for the smooth transition in the reunion for the group, Aeviternus felt compelled to combine a bit of mood lifting with exploration of the new vessel.  As the ship picked up speed he walked the length of it, placing his hands carefully upon the rigging here and gliding them across the boom there, making a show of stepping lightly and respectfully with each footfall upon the deck.  In a roundabout fashion he made his way next to Xuan at the controls and conducted one last spectacle of looking about his feet as though he were walking delicately upon the tips of faberge eggs.

Removing the reflective eye protection at last, Aeviternus looked at Xuan and mused; "I've never seen a turtle swim upon its shell before."  A smile formed, practically invisible beneath the mysterious black cloth that still cloaked his face, concealing all but his eyes.

"Ah. That doesn't surprise me. Black cranes are often too preoccupied with fish to notice what the turtle does or does not."

Said with a straight face, Xuan almost felt as though he was having a conversation with one of his fellow students at the Mountain. He nearly smiled, but the game required that he didn't break. Giving his attention over to the one now joining him, Xuan tried to judge what was happening on that hidden face. Too dark. "You know, when the shroud is removed from the mystery, we often find that it was only the shroud that made it mysterious in the first place. A mystery hidden by mystery."

When the team had made it onto Si Feng, Xuan had relaxed a little. They were close to completing their task, and it had been a good run so far. When the last foot touched down on deck, Xuan killed the spotlight and turned on the deck lights - a few lights lined along the deck from stern to bow - giving just enough visibility to maneuver the deck without tripping over anything. So it didn't surprise him that Aeviternus was tip-toeing around. He hadn't assumed that any of these men were accustomed to boats or the water, and their adjustments to the rocking would ultimately give truth to that thought. When they all made it below, he would kill those lights too. He purposefully disabled the running lights as well. They would need to be invisible to all as they made their way away from the coast. If the coast guard happened to run across them, he would find himself in significant trouble, but that seemed insignificant in the face of the danger they were trying to avoid.

Checking on the others, Xuan called out over the wind despite the mic. "It will get rougher from here the further out we proceed. I suggest, if you are not accustomed to nautical travel, to make yourselves as comfortable as you can below." He pointed toward the entrance of the cabin. "But if you feel nauseous..." instead of finishing the sentence, Xuan simply swung his arm outward, indicating the sea itself.

Finally he smiled, broadly. "Welcome aboard Si Feng."