Despite the constant prodding and plying the man gave out at every turn, Portia didn't seem to rise to it at all.  Whatever his musings about her running away were, that didn't seem like it was something that actually bothered her; she and Houdini were very good at it, after all.  Once past the stranger, she paused long enough to look back at the others after he'd dropped a Tediursa in their path.

"Just ignore him.  We're here on invitation - it doesn't matter what some rando with a chip on his shoulder thinks." she called back.  The stranger had no chance of winning in a battle when so heavily outnumbered, which meant he had other motives for wanting to pick a fight he was certain to lose.  Even if they just fought him one-on-one in a row, all it would do was needlessly waste time and exhaust their Pokemon for no gain.

All the same, Portia drew out her own Pokedex but had no interest in scanning the Tediursa who sat primed to fight.  Instead she lifted the device out at arm's length as if taking a selfie in its camera and made sure to capture the whole scene behind her as well - the stranger included.  "Heya Cadien observation team and whichever agent is unfortunate enough to get assigned keeping track of me.  We're just outside Rivierstel and this creep was totally waiting in the bushes to ambush us.  Super gross, right?  Some weirdo hiding just to jump out and accost a bunch of kids, trying to pick a fight?  He knew where we were gonna be and he's talking a lot of trash about knowing our backgrounds, so I guess he must be associated with you guys somehow, maybe?  Keep a better eye on your underlings or check your security to see if anyone's been digging around in your files." she chimed brightly at the broadcasting camera as if she were doing a livestream.  She didn't like the idea of being observed and recorded all the time, but could still turn it to her own uses when the need arose.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

Eve had stopped when he threw out a Pokemon to intersect them. It might not be a very intimidating Pokemon, but every Pokemon could be dangerous if raised to be. Eve rolled her eyes and had every intention of following Portias advice up to that point, and couldn't help but to smirk as Portia went out of her way to get the stranger on camera. She looked down at the Teddiursa, and didn't stop Athena from setting down her pack and growling menasingly to try and intimidate it. "You're right, Portia. We have nothing to gain from this... 'confrontation.'" She huffed haughtily, crossing her arms over her chest. She was not going to back down nor would she command her Pokemon first. She had endless patience when needed.

"Do it." The Teddiursa runs toward Athena, dashing from side to side almost too fast to follow. Not that such tactics are useful against Athena's senses. But the bear's speed is worrisome. Even with her Quick Attack, the Teddiursa unleashes a string of attacks. Athena stumbles back, apparently hurt.

"You've got attitude, but it means little in this business." The Riolu replies, but her attack leaves the Teddiursa unfazed.

As the group watches the exchange, they notice movement from the city. Though at this distance, it's hard to know what it is.


If you want to jump in the fray, or give specific orders, here's your chance. Athena has take one wound so far.

Combat log:
Does Athena act first? Odds: 7/35/88 Result: 79 -- No

Turn 2: Does Athena act first? Odds: 10/50/91 Result: 59 -- No

Does the Teddiursa Fury Swipes connects? Odds: 16/80/97 Result: 18 -- Yes

Does the third hit connects? Odds: 13/65/94 Result: 22 -- Yes
RANDOM EVENT: PC positive -- Develop/War
Random event ends the attack.

Does the attack cause damage? Odds: 10/50/91 Result: 44 -- Yes
RANDOM EVENT: NPC negative -- Waste/Intrigues

Does Athena's Quick Attack connects? Odds: 16/80/97 Result: 50 -- Yes

Does Athena's attack cause damage? Odds: 1/5/82 Result: 51 -- No

Seymour was content to let things go, since his traveling companions did not seem interested in sparing with this jerk. But then when the stranger attacked them anyway, all bets were off.

"Alright mister whatever-your-name-is. That's it." Seymour threw the pokeball containing his newly caught pokemon. "Shroomish! Show this teddiursa what you've got! Leech Seed, then Stun Spore!"

Out of the corner of his eye, Seymour noticed the movement from the city, but he couldn't really focus on that at the moment. So he didn't.

---

Seymour will have shroomish try leech seed, then use stun spore until it connects or shroomish is badly wounded. Then he will have it switch to using absorb instead.

Eve was a bit surprised by the ferocity of the little Pokemon, but only momentarily. A thug would have a thug Pokemon. "Brace yourself, Athena, don't let it get to you," she encouraged her Pokemon, who seemed shocked at the damage the little bear had inflicted. "Just stay back and endure it, don't be in a rush. Get ready now." She narrowed her eyes sharply, waiting for the Teddiursas next attack to come. "Now, hold until it hits you... Then strike back and counter it!"

Distracted by the unprovoked attack on her Pokemon, Eve didn't notice the movement from the city.

Riolu will hold off from attacking, and Endure if she must to survive another attack. And then use Counter when hit again.

When the opposing pokemon came out, Jake definitely took notice, but it was not enough of a provocation to engage Jake. Despite his somewhat uncouth appearance, he had a cool head when it came to conflict. Things changed when the Teddiursa attacked Eve's Riolu. Acting on instinct, Jake moved towards the conflict, but then paused again. He then directed Skipper to the Teddiursa, but his command was not an attack,
"Skipper, move to the side and use growl! Keep it on edge and strike only if it gets too close!"

Despite his lack of confidence in dealing with wild pokemon, he moved with a degree of certainty when dealing with this kind of situation (once he realized he should be letting Skipper do the intimidation rather than himself). He'd been in fights on the street before; he knew that having an ally nearby can help boost morale of the combatant and weaken the enemy's resolve. That and it was less honor and more difficulty coordinating when too many people or pokemon were attacking a single target.

Like the others, Jake was too focused on the battle to notice movement from the city.

Skipper will flank the teddiursa and use growl repeatedly. If the teddiursa changes target to Skipper or if it gets knocked in Skipper's direction, Skipper will use tackle.

Seeing all three Pokémon close in, the stranger shouts "Keep moving!" The Teddiursa keeps moving quickly, jumping from side to side, and dodging Shroomish's Leech Seed doing so. Skipper manages to get close enough to Growl at it, though.

The stranger grins as the group surrounds his companion. "Now! Earthquake!" The bear jumps between the three, and smashes the ground with his paw, right next to Shroomish. The mushroom is thrown back and looses consciousness, while both Athena and Skipper are hurt. Skipper manages to Growl at him again, but Athena stumbles from the blow and is unable to counter-attack.

OOC: Shroomish is KO, while Skipper takes a first wound and Athena a second one. Further more, Athena needs to recover her footing, so the Teddiursa will get to act before her (though other member of the team may get to act before it).

Turn 3: Does Athena act first?  Odds: 16/80/97  Result: 30 -- Yes

Does Shroomish's Leech Seed connects?  Odds: 16/80/97  Result: 88 -- No

Does Skipper's Growl work?  Odds: 16/80/97  Result: 22 -- Yes
RANDOM EVENT: Remote event -- Postpone/Liberty

Turn 4: Does Shroomish act first? (Athena needs to wait for an attack before using her move)  Odds: 4/20/85  Result: 69 -- No

Is Athena hit by the Earthquake?  Odds: 17/85/98  Result: 36 -- Yes

Is Shroomish hit by the Earthquake?  Odds: 15/75/96  Result: 5 -- EXCEPTIONAL YES (a critical hit, that means +2 Power for the attack)

Is Skipper hit by the Earthquake?  Odds: 17/85/98  Result: 47 -- Yes

Is Athena hurt by the Earthquake?  Odds: 19/95/100  Result: 27 -- Yes

Is Shroomish hurt by the Earthquake?  Odds: 17/85/98  Result: 10 -- EXCEPTIONAL YES (that's a one-hit KO)

Is Skipper hurt by the Earthquake?  Odds: 18/90/99  Result: 61 -- Yes

Does Athena's Counter connects?  Odds: 4/20/85  Result: 98 -- EXCEPTIONAL NO

Does Skipper's Growl works?  Odds: 17/85/98  Result: 12 -- EXCEPTIONAL YES (the Teddiursa's ATT drops two level instead of one)

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:31, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

"Shroomish, no!" Seymour exclaimed, even as he struggled to keep his balance from the earthquake. This teddiursa was an even stronger combatant than he had anticipated. Seymour quickly recalled his KOed pokemon.

After a split second of hesitation, Seymour sent his injured lotad back out into the field. "I know you're still hurt, lotad, so try to keep your distance. Stay back and give the bear a constant barrage of Bubbles!"

---

Seymour switched out his pokemon and will have lotad keep using bubble. Preferably from a safe distance.

Jake's confidence was shaken by the earthquake. That little pokemon had a lot of spunk. It was probably stronger than all their pokemon put together. He looked about for a moment to the others. Seymour still wanted to fight, so Jake would feel bad pulling out now. Skipper was still in OK condition, but probably could not keep up the fight if he got hit by another earthquake. He wasn't able to intimidate the Teddiursa into stopping the fight, so it was time to get physical.
"Alright Skipper, do whatever you can to tackle him! The bubbles are your friends anyway! Keep him from using that attack again!"

It looked like the Riolu was on the back foot and Lotad was using a water type move, so even if his Skipper was hit by the bubbles accidentally, the water type move probably wouldn't have much impact. Though Jake was still new to being a trainer, he'd seen battles before and he knew water type moves wouldn't have much impact on a Mudkip.

Jake is instructing Skipper to do a series of tackles to try to keep the Teddiursa on its back foot, even if it means getting hit by lotad's bubbles.

With the group reeling, the small bear turns it's attention to the closest threat: Skipper. It launches another series of claw strikes, hitting the mudkip repeatedly... only for Skipper to continue through, forcing the Teddiursa to dodge out of the way. This gives Lotad the opening he needed, as he strikes with a stream of bubbles.

It didn't cause much damage, but it's a start. You glance at the stranger to see his reaction... only the man isn't paying attention. Instead, he's looking back toward the city. Or more accurately, at the form running toward you. "Tch, should have setup further..." He suddenly recalls his Pokémon, before drawing a second Pokéball.

"Looks like you're in luck, kids." He tosses the ball into the air, releasing a Drifblim above him. The man grabs it's arm, and lets it lift him off the ground. "Since you like my face so much girl, you can keep it!" The man drops something not far from Portia, as he fly toward the forest to the west.

OOC: The battle is won... sort of.
Seymour's Lotad increases his Speed to Below Average, while his Shroomish gains one of the following talents:
  - Effect Spore: Can cause status effects when hit in melee, depending on the last digit of the attack's question: 1-Poisoned, 2-Paralyzed, 3-Sleep.
  - Mushroom Harvest: If he's not unconscious at the end of the day, he has a chance to grow a mushroom after a night's rest. Ask a Below Average question, with the following results:
     Ex Yes - Balm Mushroom (cures Burn, Paralysis, or Poison, but reduces one random stat)
     Yes - Big Mushroom (causes Poison, but increases two random stats, for an hour)
     No - Tiny Mushroom (has an Average chance of causing a wound, but increase a random stat for an hour)
     Ex No - No mushroom have grown.
     What stats are affected by the mushroom can be determined with an Above Average IQ check.

Houdini gets to increase one stat of Portia's choice.

Athena also gets a stat increase of Evelyn's choice, and gets to pick one of the following talents:
  - Steadfast: When the Pokémon would Flinch, he gains +1 speed.
  - Aura Reader: The Pokémon can sense the personality and mood of someone it observe. This is more of a roleplay effect than a combat bonus.

And finally, Skipper's HP increase to Average.

Last round's combat log:
Turn 5: Does Lotad go first?  Odds: 3/15/84  Result: 44 -- No
RANDOM EVENT: PC positive -- Carry/Bureaucracy

Does the stranger notice what's coming?  Odds: 9/45/90  Result: 36 -- Yes

Does Teddiursa's Fury Swipes connects?  Odds: 17/85/98  Result: 24 -- Yes
Third hit?  Odds: 15/75/96  Result: 27 -- Yes
Fourth hit?  Odds: 11/55/92  Result: 66 -- No

Fury Swipes hits three times, does it causes a wound?  Odds: 11/55/92  Result: 92 -- EXCEPTIONAL NO

Does Skipper's attack connects?  Odds: 16/80/97  Result: 100 -- EXCEPTIONAL NO

Does Lotad's bubble connects?  Odds: 13/65/94  Result: 30 -- Yes

Does it cause a wound?  Odds: 3/15/84  Result: 84 -- EXCEPTIONAL NO

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

That the whole thing turned into a fight displeased Portia, but she was confident her companions could handle themselves.  In the meantime she kept on filming, focused on events through the screen of her PodeDex both for the sake of keeping a record of the attack and for strategy later.  The group could review the footage and make use of it in their combat training when they had the chance.  Otherwise she remained well out of the way to allow the others to handle the threat; apparently she really hadn't been kidding when she said she wasn't a fighter.

"Yeah, yeah, whine about it some more, you... y-you..." Portia's taunt as the Stranger slipped into retreat died in her throat when he let out his Drifblim.  As she was at the back of the group, the others likely wouldn't realize until it was too late, but the Stranger himself had the perfect view to watch Portia as all the color drained out of her face.  Any more barbs and insults she might've had came out as nothing but a strangled noise in the back of her throat as the young woman let her PokeDex clatter to the ground, staggered on her heel, and instantly passed out on the spot.

Though Houdini had since proven he was more than capable of sensing a threat and Teleporting away in time, the Abra remained fast where he was atop his companion's shoulders even as she fell partially onto him.  He hugged tight around Portia's head and yelped in pain as he hit the ground with her, but refused to let go as he shielded her from hitting her head with his own body.

Portia is Unconscious.

Houdini's SpA stat is increased one rank and his PC profile has been updated.

The battle still seemed to be a bit one sided even with three pokemon against the stranger's one, but Seymour still had hope that they could take down the teddiursa if they worked together. His hope all but evaporated though when the trainer revealed his second pokemon though. Seymour found himself breathing a deep sigh of relief when the trainer decided to make his exit. Still, what was so bad that it would make a strong trainer such as this flee?

As Seymour gazed into the distance to see what was approaching, he noticed Portia go down. It looked like her abra had prevented any serious damage though, so he didn't rush to her side like he otherwise would have. He tried to see what was approaching. Then he released his shroomish once again. "Can one of you guys check on Portia," he said to Jakey and Evelyn. "I want to try and revive my shroomish again in case it is danger that is approaching..."

---

Seymour is trying to see what is approaching and also trying to get shroomish conscious again.

I am raising lotad's speed to Below Average, and giving shroomish the Effect Spore talent. Also, updating shroomish's current status to KOed.

OOC: Seymour can wake up Shroomish if he's willing to drop his Healing Item score to Minuscule.

Also, I forgot to mention: you all gain 10 Favor for progressing in the Mysterious Attacker plot line.

As he digs through his pack, Seymour can distinguish a large Scolipede running toward him. On it's back seems to be a rider dressed in red.

Jake's concern when the Teddiursa turned its attention and attack to Skipper turned to a look of almost smug pride when it became evident that Skipper was not only able to take the blows, but also force Teddiursa into the stream of bubbles unleashed by Seymour's Lotad. He looked from the fight to the stranger, then from the stranger to the approaching person. He glanced back to the stranger as Teddiursa was recalled. He was not surprised when the second pokeball came out -- he was savvy enough to know they were being toyed with. He wasn't quite savvy enough to avoid being confused by the man's comment about girls liking his face and moved to intercept what the man dropped, but in mid-motion he caught sight of Portia dropping to the ground.

He changed his destination, the agile youth making it to Portia before the others -- as Seymour was concerned with his pokemon and Eve's legs were stubborn to say the least. Yet, when he made it to her side, he looked back at the others,
"Hey, uh, what should I do? She looks like she is knocked cold, but I didn't see what hit her."

Jake had seen unconscious people before, it was not wholly unusual with his rough and tumble lifestyle for someone to take an inconvenient bump to the head. But despite his experience seeing unconscious people, he hardly had experience treating unconscious people. If it was one of his close friends, he would slap them around a bit to bring them to, but he barely knew Portia so it seemed too uncouth, even for Jake, to do that.

Eve had knelt down and was spraying a potion over Athena's wounds, looking concerned. "You did just fine, Athena, don't stress out about it," she said soothingly to the apparently pride wounded Pokemon, who looked grumpy indeed as she was pulled back from the battle to let the other less injured Pokemon take over. She looked up as the stranger began to float away on his Drifblim and scowled, confused at his actions, but angry indeed at his brash behavior in attacking them straight on.

She looked up as Jake spoke, and blanched in surprise at seeing Portia on the ground. "Portia!" she gasped, letting go of Athena and moving as quickly as she could to her side, kneeling down next to her on the other side as Jake. She reached down and pressed her hand to her head. Even as she looked up, Athena hurried over to her with a bottle of water from her travelling supplies. "Portia, wake up! What happened??" she said in concern, opening the bottle of water and gently splashing the cold water onto her hand, and then onto Portia's face. She was so worried, she didn't even notice the Pokemon with the red rider come close to them until it was impossible to miss the trundling many legs of the Scolipede!

Evelyn heals one of Athena's wound. Lowering her Healing Item score can heal the other one immediatly if she wishes.

Thankfully, Portia fainting spell didn't last long. She quickly wakes up, with Houdini, Evelyn, and Jakey looking down at her.

By the time she fully recovered, the bug rider is close enough to clearly distinguish. "Hey! Are you alright? What's going on?" The brown-haired man (though with his slender build, you first thought he was a woman) wears a red military uniform, and you can see a pistol on his hip. He stops his mount a short distance from you, before walking closer.

It wasn't her companion's voices she heard first.  In that distant darkness, there was another... not exactly a voice, but a warmth.  A familiar presence that resonated through Portia's mind, steady and strong as a heartbeat, that pulled her back to lucidity.  Her eyes fluttered open and came back into focus to find Houdini curled over into her view from overhead, certainly awake for once with an expression of worry set across his usually deadpanned face.  For a second she just laid there in silent befuddlement before her wits seemed to catch back up all at once and she jolted upright, eyes wide and fearful as she looked around and to the skies.  No sight of the Stranger or his Drifblim... Portia's shoulders trembled as she heaved a sigh and gathered her Abra up into her lap, quick to pull him into a hug.  Though whether it was to reassure him or herself was anyone's guess.

"I--" she started, her voice small and meek compared to its previous boisterous tone.  It was just then that the Scolipede and its rider came right on up with a concerned call.  The cavalry had arrived, such as it was.  Portia shook her head and gingerly shifted to get back up onto her feet.  "We got jumped by some creepy stalker guy.  He ran off when you showed up, but I guess I ticked him off - he must've had his Drifblim hit me with some weird attack or something."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Sun 10 Nov 2019.

As Seymour knelt down to heal his shroomish, he had to pause and consider for a moment. He knew he could revive her, but at the expense of most of his healing supplies. But his pause only lasted for a moment. After all, what kind of trainer would he be if he let his pokemon suffer just so he could be stingy? Especially after the sacrifice Glumpy had made. That was what he had just now determined his shroomish's name was. Glumpy.

Once Glumpy was conscious again, Seymour returned her to her pokeball and faced the new arrival. "Are you... here to help?" Seymour asked the brown-haired man, adding to Portia's words. He was glad to see she had recovered quickly. "Did you see Portia's recording? Who are you and/or who are you with?"

---

Adding 10 Favor
Reducing Healing Item score to Minuscule.
Reviving Glumpy the shroomish. What should I write for her current health status?

OOC: Glumpy has currently one wound, and no other issues.

"I'm Lieutenant Barry, first Rivierstel Recon. We were keeping watch for your arrival. When we finally spotted you, it looked like you were in a fight, so I came to see what was happening." He looks in the direction the stranger left. "This area is a No-Man's-Land. We're supposed to check on anyone coming close to see why they're here. If you recorded him, I'll need to copy it at the castle. I can take care of that while your Pokémons are getting healed."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:19, Sun 10 Nov 2019.

Jake looked wholly relieved when Eve began to treat Portia, and even moreso relieved when Portia came to without issue. He looked between Portia and the rider. If the guy used his pokemon to attack a human, Jake figured it wouldn't be bad to give the stranger a taste of his own medicine if they crossed tracks again. Scowling, he looked at the rider with his hands on his hips, but his tone indicated he was frustrated with what happened rather than hostile to Lt. Barry,
"Thanks sir, we didn't want to get in a fight, but the guy just kept at it. I didn't know people would be so mean here. I'm glad you came along, else I don't know what he would have done."

Skipper by then had made it back to Jake's side and rubbed its head against his leg. It wasn't seriously wounded from the fight, but it wanted a bit of attention, which Jake was happy to give as he squatted and rubbed the back of its neck.

Eve will heal only one wound and keep her Medical Supplies level where it is.

Eve was relieved when Portia came around, and it showed on her face. She carefully helped Portia sit up, and looked sympathetic when she explained that it was the Drifblim that had knocked her out! "We'll get you to a doctor, and they can have a look at you," she said soothingly. Athena was watching carefully, rubbing the wound on her belly and scrutinizing the back of Portia's head. The Riolu reached up and tugged at the sleeve of Eve's sweater, catching her attention, and shook her head pointedly. Eve looked back to Portia, but for the moment, didn't say anything. This would likely be something to talk about when they had a little time alone.

She looked up at Lieutenant Barry and got back up to her feet as well, helping Portia if she needed it. Athena was quick to stand at her side, looking serious. Cadien was not a place to take lightly, in any regard. "Oh, would you escort us into town, please?" she said, looking hopeful. "That would be great of you. That fashion disaster's Pokemon was a lot stronger than I expected. He did a number on my poor Riolu."

"I'll be okay - just knocked me for a loop.  I'm not hurt." Portia sighed as she gave Houdini a grateful squeeze, though she kept him held in one arm rather than settle him to his usual spot on her shoulders, as if not ready to let go of her stalwart companion so soon.  She was keen to take the offered hand to be helped back to her feet, though no sooner was she upright again did she spot her PokeDex on the ground.  Not a scratch on it either despite the drop, which was both reassuring and annoying.  A curious tone muttered low in her throat as she picked it up and the little souvenir the Stranger had left them as he made his retreat.  "Looks like the creep left something...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Mon 11 Nov 2019.

"Well, it's not unusual for trainers to challenge one another, but... I doubt that person came from Cadien. We didn't get any report of people crossing the river, and I'm the only one who left the castle today."

Portia finds some interesting things in the bundle. For starter, a small amount of money (apparently, the man respects the tradition of paying the victor). Next is a red headband with yellow and white flames on the border. And finally... a latex face. The face of the stranger who challenged you.

"Right then, if you'll follow me." Barry starts to walk toward the city, only to pause once he notices Evelyn slowing down. "Are you alright miss? If you like, you could ride Scolipede. I promis, he's the smoothest ride you'll ever experience."

OOC: There's enough money for Jakey and Seymour to increase their Pokédollar rank by 1.
The headband is a Focus Band (the wearer has a 1 in 10 chance to avoid passing out. The next move to make contact will cause it to faint, unless another effect prevents it or the band triggers again)

Eve looked up as Barry addressed her. She was trying her best to keep up and not slow down their escort, but it had been a while since she had rested, and she was starting to feel the fatigue set in. She brightened at the invitation to ride the Scolipede, smiling up at the lieutenant. "Really? You don't mind?" she said, her voice full of gratitude. "I have, er... Weak legs. I get tired quickly. I haven't had a chance to rest in a while. A ride would be excellent." Coming up to the side of the Pokemon, she let her hand run gently along it, not at all put off by the fact that it was a giant bug.

"Ugh... this guy just gets worse and worse." Portia grimaced in disgust as she held up the latex mask.  Still, it confirmed a few things in her own mind, least of which was that the Stranger was indeed concerned about his identity being revealed.  A person with secrets was a person with weaknesses.  Portia retrieved a resealable plastic baggy from her bag and stuffed the mask into it for safe-keeping (and so that she didn't have to touch it), though she tossed the cash and headband over to Seymour.  "Here, you three did all the fighting, so split the wins among yourselves."

Back in as proper sorts as she could be, Portia fell into step alongside the others, albeit at a quicker pace to keep up with Scolipedes' casual gait.  She skimmed through the recording on her PokeDex to check the footage, curious as to whether the so-called authorities had already gotten it as well.  She didn't necessarily believe Lieutenant Barry's claim of full ignorance - he might've been unwitting and uninvolved personally, sure, but she smelled something rotten coming from higher up already.  "Well, he could fly, so I'm pretty sure he could sneak across without being noticed if he really wanted to.  Besides, he knew all about us and was already laying in wait.  We're not friends from prior journeys together, so the only way he could know all that is if he had access to Cadien's background search information on all of us." she sighed as she pocketed her PokeDex once more.  "You guys either have a rogue agent or an information leak - either way, he's got some bone to pick with us being here.  Seems more like he's mad at the process and is taking it out on us."