Ste3lla steps from her concealing shadows and approaches Dash.

"Seeing as how we have just engaged in several acts of mayhem in a foreign port, Dash," she scolds, "I think it best not to shout our full names up and down the street for any witnesses to report to the gendarmes. Now, let me see to your wound.

"Oh, and there is an unconscious man on the sidewalk who should be secured, or at least watched."

She rips open Dash's coat sleeve and shirt sleeve to determine the extent of his injury and to assess whether she might be able to do anything for it.

"Bell," she says to the man nearby, "Would you try to find some transport, at least for Dash."

[edited to correct the wound location]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Fri 04 July 2014.

Bellgrove stands from where he was crouched ahead of the cab, but does not yet holster his pistol knowing that the one that Stella fell might yet still get up. In response to Dash and Stella he responds, "I am unhurt."

Learning that Dash is hurt he finally puts his gun away and moves to the man's side, "Easy there, partner. We've still got this cab, eh? We'll make it to a hospital in no time."

Connor said nothing as he pulled a length of chain from his newly-recovered toolbox, which he then proceeded to bind up the immobilized mech-man with, then, just to be sure he couldn't make any more mayhem, the felinoid began to systematically disable all of the enhancements as best he could, removing a few parts here and a few there to put a spanner in the works

When he was finished, he stepped back and stood watch over him, regarding the man sharply with his violet eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Bugger a hospital," he said tersely, "We need to leave these parts, and quickly, unless you fancy spending some time in 'the hoosegow' as you Americans say."

Grimsby responded to Connor, "I believe I could persuade Her Majesty's Consul to vouch for us if need be, but it would be awkward, especially as several of us are not her subjects. So if Dash can bear the journey, we had best return to our airship forwith." He continued his examination of the man he shot.

The man that Grimsby encountered in the other cab is, indeed, the one laying on the ground at the back of the remaining cab. As Grimsby examines the man, he realizes that the man is unconscious, but is not bleeding.

A more probing examination shows bullet holes in the man's jacket, but upon opening the jacket, he sees the three bullets embedded in the man's vest! Apparently they weren't able to penetrate the vest.


As Connor wraps the chain around his opponent, he discovers that, underneath the man's trenchcoat, the man is wearing some type of armor. It appears a bit like a medieval breast plate, but with armor greaves on the arms, augmented by steam-powered cylinders. He's also wearing some sort of goggles cum mask.

"Ah, I don't need a hospital for a scratch like this, I've suffered worse in Cuba." Dash...exaggerates..."Just tie it up with my kerchief, here, and we'll deal with it when we get back to the ship.  Just lemme think a minute..."

After a moments thought, Dash grins a sly little grin, and hands his kerchief to Stella.

"If you would, please, Stella, bind my wound.  Grimsby, secure your man and then toss him in the cab.  Connor, get whatever papers your thug has on him, then get aboard the cab.  Mercy!  Are you alone; where are the others? Gather them up and get in the cab.  If Viktor is with you, send him over here."

"Bellgrove, I have something special job for you to do."  Dash says, as he pulls the remaining Francs from his jacket pocket, "Take this, then climb up and see if the cabby is still up there.  If he is, give him all of this -- in fact, Grimsby, check your man for a wallet and add whatever he has on him to what Bellgrove has, here. Then, once you've given him the money, produce your pistol and start waving it around and shoo him away. I want you to keep repeating -- in English! -- the words 'We're going back to Grand Fenwick! We're going back to Grand Fenwick!'  Got that?"

Dash looks around at the group, "Okay ... after battle clean-up ... gather prisoners ... chase off witnesses ... get transport ... provide cover story.  Have I forgotten anything?"

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 101):

Grimsby opened the waistcoat and felt to see if the man's ribs had been broken by the force of the bullets. Then he continued to search him for any other useful items --particularly a wallet as Dash had suggested. He also examined the man's arm to verify the presence of the gang symbol seen earlier. Once he had found everything he could, he asked Connor, "Might I have another of those handy pieces of chain to bind this fellow, please?"

Stella offers no criticism of Dash's plan as she ties up the wound in his arm, just shakes her head. She has no confidence that the bandage will do much good. Once they get to the airship, someone can probably do a better job than she.

She also wonders how they will fit eight people in one cab.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Fri 04 July 2014.

As a cavalryman, he was used to charging into battle, but it was seldom such a spontaneous action as Mercy had done. You assess the situation and then select your path. He was also used assessing the situation from horseback, not from the gully of the cafe's stepdown entrance.

That Mercy was smarter than he was a given. He'd too often seen at court the women get underestimated just because they were women, so he knew better. He could see where he keen intellect could have assessed the situation more quickly than he had.

On the other hand, she just may have charged in, assessing things as she went.

Still, it was a bit disconcerting to miss out on this little skirmish. Perhaps, as she had implied, he and Matthew weren't quite the 'exciting' types.


"I think we've got that covered, Stella," Viktor offers as he walks up and joins the little soiree his friends had going in the street.

"Since Dash has dismissed the cab driver, I presume I'll be taking over those duties... on our way to... Grand Fenwick. Matthew can ride with me up top... not unheard of as a liveryman... since I don't think he'll be too keen on hanging off the back of the carriage."

"That leaves just six of you to ride inside... a bit tight, I'm sure, but I daresay you'll make the best of it."

"Of course, there is the question of our unexpected guest. Unless he's dead? I suppose we can throw him in the back where the luggage goes."

"Now would one of you be so kind as to introduce me to our new companions?"

He couldn't help wondering what it was about this group that seemed to attract strays...

Before following Dash's orders he asks, "Are you sure you want to get rid of the only cab likely to be within a mile of this location? I have seen you in action and appreciate you are a tough fellow, but that is not a minor wound and we have two prisoners?

When the fellow with the German accent, who is obviously a horseman appears, Bellgrove nods a hello, Funny how this group seems to have allies appearing from out of the blue.

Dash turns to look at Bellgrove, grimacing as Stella tightens the make-shift bandage around his arm.

"What?" Dash asked, confused, "Didn't you hear me suggest to everyone else that they climb aboard the cab?  I want you to chase off the cabby -- we're stealing the cab!"

Glancing at Viktor, "Ah, right, of course. Viktor, Mercy, Matthew -- allow me to introduce you to these gentlemen.  The fellow climbing up the cab is Bellgrove, a reporter for an American newspaper.  The furry fellow with all the sharp teeth is Connor, who, despite appearances, is from Ireland.  Gentlemen, the strapping chap with the military bearing, there, is Viktor, the young lady with the impressive lightning pistol is Mercy, and the young fellow -- dammit, Matthew, stop inspecting that bullet-proof vest and stand up straight! -- that is Matthew, our scientific consultant. The thugs who just tried to kill all of us are members of an International Brotherhood of Assassins, the Vril Society. Welcome to our world, 'cuz now you're stuck in it. We can get to know each other better once we're out of here."

"And, actually Viktor, I was planning on climbing up there with you, but perhaps Matthew might be a better way to go."

"Okay, have we got everything? Cleaned up any and all incriminating evidence? Tied and gagged the prisoner and thrown him on the floor in the cab?  Then let us take our leave, shall we?"

Stella does her best with the bandage and uses her own scarf for a sling to support the injured limb. She scales up into the cab and scrunches herself as tightly as she can into one corner to allow others to crowd in with her.

Obtaining the chain, Grimsby binds the fellow he shot securely hand and foot, arranging the chain so that if he struggles it will merely tighten the bonds, and
than pushes him into the luggage rack in the rear.
Then he folds himself into a corner of the cab facing Stella, trying to favor his sore arm in the process.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Sat 05 July 2014.

Connor, after obliging Grimsby with the chain he had requested, momentarily spared an appraising glance at the newcomers, muttering "Greaaat, the Vril Society...One man writes a book about magic cave-people, then all hell breaks loose..."

Apparently, the felinoid was familiar with the membership of the aforementioned society, and apparently he had little love for them, but he said nothing more about it as he clambered up onto the cab, opting to ride up on the roof of the cab or in the shotgun position of the driving seat instead of squashing into the passenger compartment with everyone else.

Bellgrove looks at Dash non-plussed, "Right. Of course. Waving a gun around and shouting about a given location is certainly the way one steals a fellow's living from him."

He moves to the cabby and in French explains the situation in a low, serious voice, "My friend, we have a bit of a situation. As you have seen we have bad men after us and my friend is badly wounded.

"In good faith I would not put you into further danger, so we are going to give you all of this cash. It is rather more than your fare, eh? We will then leave you here and take your cab -- if you will tell me where to return it I shall swear an oath on my honor that we shall do so when we are done."

As he speaks he is confident that the man having seen the gunfight that just occurred realizes that what he is saying is much more even-handed than it needs to be. If he needs to actually threaten the man physically he shall do so, but to reinforce his statements he makes sure that the cabby is aware of the big six-gun shoulder-holstered under his coat.

Etienne might only be a cab driver, but he is more perspicacious than his lowly occupation would imply.

"Yes, yes! Crazy Americans steal my cab to drive to Grand Fenwick! I have never been there, but I hear it is a nice place," he replies to Bellgrove with a wide grin.

"I will be very convincing, M'sieur! The shootings will make it believable!" he says as he jumps down off the cab. "This will buy me a new cab and horse, if this one does not make it back to me!" he calls back, waving the wad of money in his hand as he quickly runs off down the street.


With everyone packed into the cab, Viktor heads off down the street at a light gallop.

It still seems odd that there are no signs of the gendarmes, but the sound of police whistles can finally be heard once the cab has gone a dozen blocks.

Somehow, Viktor manages to find his way back to where the airship is anchored.

Dash climbs out of the close quarters of the cab, and calls up to the deck of the blimp.

"Cap'n Remi!  It's us -- plus a few guests!  Is everyone else here?  We need to leave as soon as possible."

Dash then turns to Connor and Bellgrove.

"Well, mates, this is our transport.  We'll be leaving France in a few minutes for ... points East, let's say." Dash says, "We'll take you out of the country, if you want, or you can take your chances with the Gendarmes, yourselves.  But through no fault of your own, you've gotten involved with our mess, even if only periferally, and that means there is a chance you may come to the attention of the blokes we're working against.  Again, you can take your chances alone, or stick with us for safety in numbers."

Dash pauses a moment, then continues, "Unless you're gonna come with us, that's all it's safe to tell you. For now."

Grimsby jumps out of the cab as soon as it stops, and stands by, fingering the Webley in his pocket in case anything is seen of their enemies, but still attempting to look as much like a respectable English visitor as his battered condition will permit, in case the gendarmes appear instead. He says warmly to Connor and Bellgrove, "You have both proven yourselves valuable allies so far, and I would be glad to have you along.  I think I can add that Her Majesty's Government might be able to  express its gratitude in a more monetary form, since it has no legal claim on your loyalties."

After climbing down from his spot on the cab's roof with his effects in hand, Connor spared a moment to look up at the sight of the airship, for even though he had seen them before and knew how they worked, he had never been this close to one in his life, and he couldn't help but be a bit in awe of the flying machine. That magical moment was abruptly shattered when Dash spoke up, bringing the felinoid's thoughts back down to Earth, and after regaining his composure a bit, Connor replied, "I appreciate the offer of letting us bow out if we wish, but I owe you all a debt for releasing me, and I intend to repay it, Mr. Hawkesbury. I am coming with you, come what may."

When Grimsby put in his bit about how the British Government might be willing to pay for his services, the felinoid frowned, but chose to hold his tongue and say nothing. His loyalty was not a thing that could be bought or demanded, and it would be so even if he was an English citizen, it was something to be earned, as was his trust and his respect....

When they arrive at the aerodrome and Dash and Grimbsby make their offers Bellgrove pauses, "Well... I've got my things in a hotel room and they include my favorite shotgun as well as cravat and other essentials. Otherwise, I'm a reporter. I'd be a fool not to come along, wouldn't I?"

Looking at Grimbsby, "Of course, I am not about to write anything that might reveal or endanger anything important, sir. Let us just say that once this adventure is over I would submit to you my story and if you are comfortable with it that is what I would submit to my editor. Otherwise, in order to avoid any complications, I could not accept recompense from your government."

"I daresay nothing you report could be more preposterous or fantastical than that Vril book!" Viktor quips.

"In all fairness, though, this Vril Society is not a brotherhood of assassins, for such an organization would work only at the behest of others. No, the Vril Society has its own agenda, but it is not above using assassination to further its goals or achieve its ends."

"Alas, we do not know what those goals are... yet. We have inadvertantly thwarted their plans twice now, and perhaps tonight was a third time."

"We believe they have kidnapped a Professor Cavor, have stolen a quantity of cavorite for what purposes we do not know, and they are now on their way to Graustark to assassinate the Princess. True, this last is mere speculation on our part, but they fly a black airship and that is why we pursue in our own."

"I tell you this, Mr. Bellgrove, because the Vril Society is a secret society that wishes to remain secret, so should you decide to write about them, you will undoubtedly find yourself in their sights."

"I believe it is only fair to inform you of the potential consequences of your actions should you choose to join us."

"We believe that what we do is right and just, and we welcome anyone of good conscience that wishes to join us."

"Besides," he finished with a broad grin, "think of the adventure this could turn out to be!"

No doubt Dash and Grimsby, perhaps even Stella, might be a bit take aback from his little speech, but it had been something he and Mercy and Matthew had been discussing over their late supper. Speculation aside, there was a core of truth in what he'd just said. In any case, as a cavalryman, it was his wont to charge into battle. The adventure part was also true, as this was certainly a reflection of the Zeitgeist--the Spirit of the Times.

In reply to Bellgrove G. B. Wander (msg # 116):

Grimsby replied, "Your discretion would certainly be appreciated --and rewarded. I do understand that a journalist has a natural interest in good stories, but I would be glad of the opportunity to review anything you might decide to publish about this affair." He added,
"Since we are now at the ship, and I am in reach of my own weapons, I shall return your revolver as soon as we are aboard --it proved itself a very timely loan, and I am thankful for it."

"Yes, surely ... of course we can swing by your hotel on the way out of France ..." Dash replied absently, still looking up at the Blimp -- where his gaze had never wavered since their arrival.

As Grimsby is returning Bellgrove's pistol to him, Dash suddenly calls out to the blimp -- it's been too long without response from up there.

"Ahoy, Le Faucon Vapeur! Cap'n Remi, ahoy!" Dash calls out, his right hand sliding into his jacket to grab -- but not yet draw -- his pistol, "Wake up, up there, dammit!  Give us a hail, will you?"

In a quieter voice, Dash says to his companions, "The Vril knew we were in Marseille, they may have come here, too."

Bellgrove listens carefully to Viktor's explanation of things. He can not help but like the cavalryman and what he says about the Vril Society is certainly of interest. "This has already turned out to be something of an adventure, my friend, and if this is only the beginning, then, yes, it promises to be something rather epic!", he says with a grin. The first grin that has appeared on his face for quite a while.

To Grimsby he nods in acceptance and agreement and when Dash shouts up again at the airship he too moves a hand closer to his pistol. As he does so he begins to scan the area to be certain they are not being sneaked up upon.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Wed 09 July 2014.

A kind of rattling noise sounds from behind the group, and they turn to see Remi leading a donkey pulled cart.

"The only one up there that you'll wake up is Hugo... assuming he even sleeps," Remi says. "Though if you keep bellowing like that, you could wake up the whole neighborhood."

"Now everyone... except you, Miss Stella, help me get this coal on board. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find someone willing to sell you coal at this hour of the night?"

He goes over to one of the mooring ropes and begins pulling on it, apparently in an effort to pull the ship lower.