Linus flagged down a pedicab in short order. Lin gave an address, asked for 2 credits to cover the fare.

"Thanks, see you tomorrow."

Shortly, Lin was on his way.

   "Well I’m off as well, need to wash off this grime, so I can collect some new grime tomorrow.  What time should I meet you all at the Pub?  Oh, and pack bug spray, they’re vicious."

Blake, gabs one more drink for the road, drinks it, waits a second or two, then starts to leave….

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg #305):

After a last couple, Blake accompanied the rest of the group form the bar back to the hotel. "Old Lin", the bum who claimed to have been along for the Messandi expedition and was looking to sell information, also came along with them but couldn't stay too long. He sold them his diary and maps for a nominal sum and the promise of off-world transportation to where he might get medical care on a more sophisticated world.

At the hotel, Lorain met and talked to Old Lin and, after some convincing, believed his story to be genuine. Unfortunately, Lin couldn't stay longer than to talk in generalities. After a couple more drinks on the veranda and another for the road, Lin begged off and Linus fetched him a pedicab.

Lin vanished into the rainy street, promising to call tomorrow to arrange a meeting where he'd go over his experiences with Lorain further, perhaps at the hotel.


OOC: OK, think we're all caught up. I assume Neva is at the hotel too, now. If no one has further activities or RP, we can move to the next day.

In reply to GM (msg #306):

Neva debated about whether or not to follow Lin but then decided she had better play it cool for now.  She had stayed out in the rain long enough and the west clothes would be more out of place so she went back to the hotel with the others.

Ken nods to Old Lin.  "Why not meet us around noon Lin?"  After seeing the old man off he heads back upstairs.

<ooc> Might as well head to tomorrow.  Ken will spend some time later tonight reading through the maps and diaries. </ooc>

He agreed to call tomorrow and arrange to meet them at the hotel. Lin disappeared into the darkness.

The next morning Juan showed up at 8am and picked up anyone who wanted to come along. The morning was spent arranging for fuel and finalising vehicle rentals. Next up in the afternoon would be arranging for guides and personnel. Last would come supplies.

At this pace, they would be ready to leave within a week. This was actually very fast but Val Preszar had a well-developed expedition supply infrastructure and such enterprises could be set up quickly and efficiently.

Like usual, Sir Drew was out drinking on the veranda. Tallia was off doing something in the city, visiting one of the many temples and marketplaces, accompanied by Liisha. Liisha herself worked out daily, mostly jogging and cardio training.

Noon came and at first it seemed a little uncertain whether Lin would call. At 1 o'clock he rang the hotel and was put through to Lorain. She thanked him and hung up.

"He says to meet him at the restaurant just down the street from the Outback. He'll meet you there."

Ken will head out to tag along on the rental of equipment such that he was back at noon.  When the call came in he rose.  "Let's go meet with Old Lin.  I'll bring the diary and maps in case we have more questions."

In reply to GM (msg #309):

"I'll ping you guys after I get some work done here."

Walker makes some phone calls.

"Right, let's go see Lin again. He took his time getting back to us..." said Linus.

Ken will head off with Linus and whoever else wants to go and meet with Lin.

Linus and Ken headed out to meet up with Lin. They had an idea where he was, there was a Gog-run restaurant that sold human food just down the street. It served cheap but hearty fare, about what they figured a man like Lin would be into.

Liisha and Talia were out, with Lorain and Sir Kensing joining them. Thomas was making some calls. The map and book were locked securely in Linus's safe.

Neva and Blake could join them if they wished.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #313):

Neva followed Ken and Linus in the search of Lin.  She still wasn't sure how good their skills were and she felt a tad more comfortable with them.  Besides she knew what he looked like  and she'd keep an eye on the streets.  While they did their thing she'd do hers.

In reply to GM (msg #314):

After a little time Walker finds Liisha.

"I cross-checked the price for the hovercraft, we don't appear to be getting screwed on this deal."

"Great to hear. It's so hard to tell, when we're not locals here."

Ken paused to allow Neva to catch up.  "Good to have you along Neva.  What do you think of Old Lin?  Is he authentic?"

Outside, the rain was a warm intermittent drizzle.

Linus, Ken and Neva were dropped off in front of the restaurant, just down the street from the bar. The lunch rush was about over. Looking through the window, they could see with no little frustration that Lin wasn't inside.

As the others peered inside the door (or perhaps ordered a late lunch), Neva casually scoped out the street outside. Not just looking for Lin but checking out of habit for anyone that might be tailing them or showing interest.

Around the side of the shop was a narrow alley, filled with rotting trash and garbage. Fetid water oozed out into the street. From deep within came a moan, and she recognised an man on his hands and knees, trying to stand up.

In reply to GM (msg #319):

Neva nudged Ken and then slowly moved towards the man.  She didn't get really close to him for she had been suckered into that trap once too often.  As she moved she stumbled and swayed as if she was drunk herself and put on slurred speech.

"Hey now.  What's wrong with ya.  Got a  drink have ya?  Share n share alike I says.  Ol Nellie can take the devil off ya.  No worries."

Ken looked back at what was interesting Neva.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #320):

She recognised Old Lin. He looked like he'd been beaten up. Scalp bleeding, eyes swollen, split lip. Still on his knees in the stinking garbage, Lin struggled to stand up.

"Uhhh..."

In reply to Old Lin (msg #322):

Once recognizing that it was Lin, Neva sped up a little bit.  She didn't drop her act but her steps were a little longer.  One never knew if they were being followed or what.

Once she got there, she put her arm around Lin.  "Now then, ya say ya need a drink.  Don't we all love?  Let me help you to my box.  Then we'ze can rest and get ta know another with a spot of the devil.  Easy now.  Up you go.  Ohh.. careful there.  Ya almost met what ya had last night with what you'll have this morning.  Right shame that."

With her arm around him, she led Lin back into the Ally more where she would wait for Ken to follow.  It was dirty and filthy but nothing that was unexpected.  Here it would be relatively safe to ask what really happened.

Seeing Neva with old Lin, Ken waved Linus over and then followed Neva into the alley.  He helped Neva get Lin to his feet.  "Lin what happened to you.  We need to get you to some medical help."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #323):

"Uhhh.... can't breathe...."

They stood him up. Lin tried to focus on Neva and Ken, failing.

"Adlyara...." He gasped for breath. "Kalamanaru planned it all..." His knees unlocked and he collapsed straight down. As they were holding onto him Lin didn't pitch forward, although he slumped, bonelessly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Sun 20 May 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #325):

Neva swore as Lin dropped.  "That's not good."  She quickly put her hands to his pulse to see if he was still breathing or had just merely gone unconscious.  While she did that she muttered "Adlyara.Kalamanaru..Adlyara.Kalamanaru" a couple of times to make sure she'd remember what he said.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #326):

His vital signs were not good. Pulse was weak and erratic. It was probable he had internal bleeding. Blood on the lips could signify internal injury of some kind.

In reply to Old Lin (msg #327):

Neva looked at Ken.  "He's still breathing but I won't guarantee for how long.  You know anything about internal bleeding?  I wouldn't be surprised if he has some internal damage.  Got a place we can take him to see about getting fixed up?"