Grimsby remarked, "Having Miss Tinker-Plumist glowering in the background might add to the captive's impression that Miss Holroy spoke with authority for an elite cadre of female vril."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 805):

Now that things were slightly calmer, Rosabelle decided it was time to make a small, but significant correction. It's actually Doctor Tinker-Plumist. I don't mean to be pedantic, but I worked hard to earn the right to be addressed thus. Although, informally I am pleased to be simply Rosabelle. The rest is quite the mouthful, isn't it?

In reply to Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist (msg # 806):

Grimsby replied, "My apologies. Doctor. I did not mean to appear to neglect your achievement."

Marian listens to the rejection of her idea with intense relief. It would be a risk for sure and one that she was nervous about to say the least. Then something sparks another, hopefully less risky plan. Hm....what if you arrest me and put me in prison with the man? Under pretense of being another Vril and his superior I could question him? It's a great deal less risky than before. The worst case would be he says nothing but it could glean some answers...In separate cells of course. she adds quickly. The last thing she needed was him suspecting her and strangling her for her troubles.

Not at all, Mr. Grimsby. It just didn't seem like the time up until now.

She listened attentively to Marian's idea and thought about it. That could work. I suppose it would be difficult to convince the agent that we were able to just walk into the station unless we have some official capacity in which to be there. I don't think my authoritativeness would work under those circumstances, however. I will go along with whatever plan the group decides is best.

In reply to Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist (msg # 809):

"If you are Doctor Tinker-Plumist, I suppose I am Mr. Baskerville,"  Grimsby remarked. "But setting aside these matters of address, would you care to share a cell with Miss Holroy while she attempts to question the Vril, or would you prefer not to join in the project under those conditions?"

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 810):

My apologies, Mr. Baskerville. I lost my head for a moment. Or perhaps I did not hear your surname. She shrugged aplogetically.

Rosabelle considered the gentleman's proposition. She stroked Thorn's brass head, the dragon leaning into the touch. I...suppose I could. I wouldn't be able to take Thorn with me, and I don't like leaving him behind. Though I might be willing to leave him in Connor or Mercy's care. She glanced at the persons in question.

Good heavens, what would my father think if he heard? I suppose it wouldn't get back to him, unless one of my people saw me. No, I think I must have a false name if I am to participate in the charade. I certainly want to be of service, but I must take some care of my reputation back home. If my name is tarnished, I may never be able to work in England again. She nodded resolutely at Grimsby. Let's do it.

Marian frowns at the suggestion. I'd be happy to have company but do you think it will matter that she doesn't have the tattoo? she gestures to the henna still on her own skin. I think that will be my biggest selling point. Is there time to put one on her or do you think it will matter? Perhaps my vouching for her would be good enough she finishes, looking at the woman up and down thoughtfully.

Grimsby suggests, "If we cannot give Dr. Tinker-Plumist a tattoo, can she at least wear gloves, or would the Vril demand she show a tattoo as proof of her authenticity?"

"In all this excitement, I can't recall if the Vril women at the booth displayed such tattoos or not," Mercy said. "It doesn't seem as if they were trying to hide anything."

"As for time, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you want to find this gun, then, yes, time is of the essence. If not, however, then we can take as much time as we need."

"Just remember... these Vril agents don't think like ordinary people. For instance, generals never tell privates what's going on--they just send them out to do something. These agents seem to be a bit higher up the chain of command, but still... they may not have actually been told anything beyond their immediate assignment."

"Anyway, we still have another set of bleachers to be disposed of."

She hurries over and assists Connor in fastening the straps to the second bleachers.

Well I am at your service however you wish me. If you decide you want me to give it a try let me know. And I'm happy to have Dr. Tinker-Plumist's help if you think the missing tattoo won't matter. If you wanted to be safer I could question him after we infiltrate the women tomorrow, I'd have more to go on. Though I suppose that could be too late for any immediate information, provided he has any to give. she shakes her head. She then falls silent and moves to help with the bleachers.

Mr. Baskerville, how difficult would it be to give me a temporary version of the tattoo? I assume that Marian's is not permanent, so perhaps I can be given one that would pass a brief inspection. As to whether we should infiltrate the women first or speak to the man, I will leave that decision in more capable hands than my own. I will accompany Marian either way, if needed. She eyed the bleachers and decided they had enough help without her inserting herself. There was a point at which one more was just too many.

Grimsby said, "I do not think it would be really difficult to duplicate the tattoo, but it would take a little time, as the design must be carefully drawn. Henna was used last time, which is not permanent."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Fri 06 Apr 2018.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 817):

It seems we may have a little time on our hands, whichever course of action we choose. She gestured to the only just rising grandstand. To, ah, to whom do I speak for the application of the tattoo?

In reply to Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist (msg # 818):

"As a matter of fact, I applied the last one." Grimsby replied, modestly. "I believe we still have some henna if you would like me to attempt one for you."

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 819):

Certainly! Rosabelle thrust her arms forward. Where would be best? She unbuttoned one sleeve, then the other, rolling them up her arms to the elbow. She had a few small scars, mainly old burns, on her hands and forearms, one particularly long and thin across her left forearm. Her nails were short and a little dirty and there was a smudge of grease across the back of one hand.

In reply to Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist (msg # 820):

Grimsby frowned slightly at the sight of Rosabelle's hands --they did not suggest elite status to his conventional mind --- but he said, "Since the Vril seem to delight in mechanical inventions, we must hope there are ladies among them with hands like yours, Dr. Tinker-Plumist. Perhaps the right hand will be better, as being without the scar on the arm. At all events, I shall do my best to provide you with a convincing tattoo. Fortunately, I still have some henna ready mixed from my last attempt." He produced his small bottle of henna from an inner pocket and settled himself to reproduce the Vril sigil again.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 821):

Rosabelle shrugged a little sheepishly. I am afraid some small injuries are unavoidable when one works with chemicals, metal and fire. Some of my father's assistants have worse. She indicated the long scar. I actually acquired this one while I was building Thorn. Rosabelle reached up to stroke the clockwork dragon with her left hand. My grip slipped as I was fastening the pieces of one of his legs together and a talon cut right across my arm.

Grimsby smiled slightly and said, "It seems you paid a penalty for creating such a dangerous creature, doctor. But now it is done I trust it serves you well. Meanwhile, if you will give me your hand, I shall get to work."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:07, Sun 08 Apr 2018.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 823):

As the Black Zep comes to a hover over the grandstands, Dash starts lowering and/or just dropping rope and straps for the next load of explosive seating.  As he's looking down he spots Connor directing things below.

"Connor! Connor!" Dash calls out over the sound of the wind and engines, "The knots you used last time were perfect! They held tight over the city, and released smooth over the ocean! Keep it up!  Anything else we can do from up here?"

Marian, at the ready to help again with the bleachers, is relieved to overhear the last attempt went so well. Perhaps they wouldn't be blown to smithereens after all!

Meanwhile, she starts to get a bit nervous about her upcoming encounters, both the deception of the prisoner and the female Vril later. Fortunately she was a decent liar, especially when prepared, but the worrier in her never seemed to rest. Luckily she wouldn't be alone this time, that was an improvement at least.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 823):

Yes, certainly. Go ahead. Rosabelle settled in front of Grimsby and held her right hand out for him to tattoo.

In reply to Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist (msg # 826):

Grimsby carefully began executing another copy of the Vril symbol on Rosabelle's hand with his henna. Since it was his second attempt, it went more quickly and smoothly than the first. Once it was done, he straightened up and said, "There you are. I hope it is as convincing as Miss Holroy's proved to be. You will want to let it dry a bit before using it."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Tue 10 Apr 2018.

In reply to Grimsby Baskerville (msg # 827):

Rosabelle examined the design on the back of her hand critically, nodding at Grimsby's words. Thank you, Mr. Baskerville. I'm sure it will be sufficient. You are a skilled artist. A puff of smokey air tickled Rosabelle's ear and she held her hand up for the clockwork dragon to inspect, keeping it far enough away that he couldn't ruin the artwork.

In reply to Rosabelle Descant Tinker-Plumist (msg # 828):

Grimsby commented, "I suppose having your creation blow on the henna might help dry it, if he does not blow too hard."