Marina awakens in the alley serving as her home, pushing aside the loose scraps of tarp and insulation she uses as a blanket. The sounds of construction have replaced the sounds of distant gunfire as the background music of the city.
It is a change, maybe an unwelcome one, but a change none the less
Marina gets up rubbing her eyes of sleep. Looking at the mismatching right arm a pale white that doesn't match the rest of her naturally olive skin. She stares at it a moment remembering the past few months before getting up and brushing off the ash and other dirt that had accumulated on her in the night. She steps to the edge of the alley checking the streets to make sure the fighting isn't right on top of her.
Marina heads down the road trying to piece together the night before. Doing a job for the De Crusces before failing it due to trying to get a fix. Lost the package didn't know how much it was worth just traded it for some psyche, She feels the familiar itch as she thinks of the drug. She had no money at the time and still doesn't. She got caught later without the package. It was worth a lot. She should of sold it. 40 thousand she owes the Decrusces now. They won't give her work anymore either after that took her only way to show she was any part of them. "I'll probably be shot if I show up to close near one of their places again." She says to her self. She stops thinking where in the city she is and heads for the closest bit of civilization she can think of. (Assuming there is some sort of refugee camps around or some sort of civilization I suppose I should have taken an Egons crash course first. At the same time waymaker you basicly always know where you are compared to other places you've been.)
Marina walks into the bar sitting down at bar. She waits for the bartender to walk over to her before saying. "I don't have money for any drinks. I need to find a specific dealer. That or I need to find some work, a lot of work. It can't be for the Decrusces."
"Alright. I guess you have no idea if there is any Psyche dealers around do you? I'm looking for a specific one although I don't remember really how he looks like."
"I don't remember agreeing to work with them, but I guess they're my only option so far. Thank you." She says before getting up from the bar and walking to the other table. She stops at looking over the people sitting down. "Hello there the bartender thinks you might be able to help me with work."
"I wish I could disagree with that, but yes. I can't really explain the whole story but I owe some money to someone and need work. Or if you know any Psyche dealers that might have something interesting with them."(edited)
"Well it's hard to explain. Let's just say I can get into just about any door no issue most often. I don't really use weapons I'm trained in hand to hand combat similar to what's used in the Taros fighting league and I can time to time go around unnoticed in places."
"Alright so we're a group of criminals. That's nothing new for me now I guess." Marina takes a seat. "So you said we're going after a cache of some sort?"
There's a dealer- used to be involved with trance. He's moved onto other things now, frequents the fighting clubs here in town and has a warehouse near the middle of all of them- so his stock is always close at hand. We're going to aquire it"
"Tonight. Meeting here, we came to see if we could find another recruit or two before making a decision, but with your help. I think we will be alright"
They don't seem to object, and the light outside gradually fades, replaced by the neon glow of streetlamps. A groundvan pulls up out front. It is an earthen brown, a handful of patches rubbed to a sandy metallic brown/silver
"Alright, lets go"
The driver is not wearing a mask right now but you can see one sitting on the floor next to the driver seat
"Everyone back there have a weapon of some kind?"
The driver nods, and you move down a handful of different side streets before coming to a halt at a closed gate, leading into the walled warehouse complex.
"Alright, newbie, Rhyek, you're up. get that gate open"
"Controls are in the guardhouse there" your companion says, pointing to a small structure close to the gate.
"We don't have to kill 'em. We probably shouldn't, but we gotta get em out of the way"
(yeah thats it)
He staggers backwards under the sudden and surprise blow, your companion storms in behind you, laying out the other with a powerful leg sweep
3:15 PM
The surprised officer rallies, throwing a punch to try to knock you back
The blow is turned aside by the troopers woven armor.
Your companion has the other officer on the floor, delivering a hearty whack with the blackjack. There is a small amount of blood on it, but nothing serious
Marina heads inside pulling the leaver. “Better then showing them the truth or having to lie I suppose.” She says quietly to herself always worried what others would think if they found out. She checks the guard post for any tape to tape up the guards.
The van is rolling up and low speed, and the blackjack user has a hand stretched out to take yours and pull you in.
"nice work in there. He got lucky" he winks
"Hang on...hang on a minute, kill the lights"
The van lights turn off, just in time, as an armed guard pokes his head out of an alley-way between the warehouses.
he holds up a hand for quiet.
The guard lights a cigarette, satisfied that maybe the van has been there all along. He moves back to where he was standing before out of sight.
1:01 PM
"Alright, well we know theres at least a couple guards on duty"
“Alright. You two go down that alley. Handle him. We will sneak around the other side and secure the back. Then we all go in together. Let’s meet at the back door”
Looking to knock him out quickly Marina smashes him over the back of the head with her left first sparking with electricity of her mesh capacitor (take 1 strain 12/4 + 4 non lethal electric)
Moving to the corner of the warehouse exterior, you see the team from the other side circling around to join you.
"Two on that side, they'll be out for a few minutes, let's go quickly"
You hear the lock being fished with.
Finally, there is a click as the lock is disengaged.
"Alright, we go in fast, we go in hard. We keep moving. Those of you with a gun, try not to use it unless you don't have another choice. I'd rather not escalate this if we can avoid it"
The doors open and you see the dim glow at the far end of the warehouse. You can see five shadows blocking your path, interspersed between crates and stacks of barrels. There is a strong chemical smell on the air
(they mentioned its in the back office, these guys are blocking your path)
You see the other guards being fallen upon, with clubs, fists, anything that would knock someone out. You square up with your own, as he begins to realize what is happening
Marina takes the handle. “On three.” She whispers. “I’ll take lead unless you have something else.” She waits a moment before counting. “1.. 2... 3...” and opens the door to rush in.
The three guards inside have firearms and look up in surprise and the five of you rush in. The room turns into a swirling melee as weapon arms are broken or tied down
the van pulls off, and you see the companions emerge a moment later, shouting and running after the vehicle, but it keeps driving.
"Youre lucky you were out first! I was about to leave!"
"Not when prison is concerned"
The van pulls over, off to the side of the road, halfway into the first block of outer city habs. Three police vehicles, and a light civic defense walker fly past, heading for the warehouses
4:35 PM
"You don't want to take your chances against all that, do you?"
“No... but we shouldn’t have left them we had time.” She says staring down. “So what’s in the case.” She questions trying to not think about those left behind.
"Try not to think about it or feel guilty. Accidents happen" He says, pushing the van back into drive, and ensuring you vanish in the dense city streets.
The case has a small lock on it. (sneak dex)
"Central. We get there, go our separate ways on arrival. I think I'm going to join up with one of the groups there, use their reputations for some protection:
“The human city...” She thinks for a moment. “I don’t know if I could go to a place like that. I’d rather try to deal it in Vapermills or Atrovia.” They’re the reason I’m like this either way. She thinks.
“Maybe I could run from my debt.” She said mostly to herself. “But I would never be able to come back to Egons probally.” She sat for a few moments silent. “Let’s do it. I doubt I’ll ever want to come to this war torn city again anyways.”
"Alright. I'll get you as far as Atrovia, and then its off to Vapormills for me to catch the train to Central."
The drive through the back country is uneventful. Traffic flows somewhat freely in and out of the city, and you're free and clear before a report of the incident at the warehouse is circulated. No one was killed, and the lower priority of the report because of it allowed an easy escape.
"Apparently the UNW has been seeing them on the northern frontier. I probably shouldnt have dug that deep into secure nets. Kind of glad I'm getting out of here in a way:
"I was part of the Egons electronic warfare department once, before the tumult and the civil war. After Magister was assassinated, our department was shuttered in the chaos of reorganizing the city. I did some work for House Talskar, and House De Cruces for a while, short stint with each. Small stuff, transferring money from banks, intelligence gathering, but you know what happens to people like me after a while. Eventually you know too much"
"It was from a bank, to a criminal house, and it was only possible with the extra computing power they could afford. Gear I could never dream of even touching on my own"
"Sounds like a load of bull, but I'll trust you I guess. Got any leads of anything in Atrovia. I know it's still coming back after what those humans did to their leaders, but I'm sure something interesting must be there."(edited)
"Yeah I'm sure I'll find some work. I'll have to sell this psyche first though. I'm sure there is someone there looking for it if it's as much a slum that I've heard."
A day later after rough travel through open country, the van parks 2km outside the city.
"Here is where we part ways. You should be able to slip in just fine, and vanish into the working ranks. I'll see you again one day I hope."
"Marina. Marina-" She stops. "I don't have anything else. No family or name to take from them. I wish you luck out there Kefrin." She says opening the van to get out.
The city does not have a new settlement wall yet, and you hear the sounds of rebuilding here, though not as widespread as in Egons. Atrovia was recovered first, and given extra attention by the UNW. Humans, Taros, and a few piggen all work side by side here
Upon seeing the humans Marina stiffens before passing by to head further into the city. She knew she needed to make some connections. As she walked she looked for the tale tell signs of junkies and those who sold to them. (Would that be a connect roll.)(edited)
“I have some good stuff. You know stuff you might like to use. Meet me after your shift and maybe I can get you it cheaper then your dealer.” She says quietly to him
“Alright central fountain in an hour. See you there.” She walks away down the street. “Now to find a fountain and hope it’s the right one.” She says to herself.
The reconstructed roads all lead to the center of town, copying the former infrastructure of the city, and you see many with jerry cans going to and from that area. Pipes and lines are some of the last things going in
Marina watches for a moment before walking up to the man. "Hey how are you doing!" She says with a wave to him. "I was worried you'd be late. We gotta catch the fight. I think I found a shortcut through an alley."
Marina stairs at the credit stick for a moment before pocketing it. She heads into the crowd and starts thinking about places to stay. She looks around to see if there is any vehicles.
The road and outside of the circle fountain is lined with cars. There are a few roadsters, more sensible family size vehicles, and two cargo trucks, one is delivering food to a storefront here on the square
Marina walks up casually as she can to one of the family sized cars and looks around for a moment standing at the door. Without checking the handle she focuses on the lock for a moment before feeling the new strain her new found powers usually gives. She hears a click before pulling it open. She checks the dash to see if she can start the car with her Capacitor Mesh. (Using waymaker to unlock the door taking 1 strain.)(edited)
Marina puts her left hand below the dash feeling the electric hum of her mesh as it charges electricity. She feels a slight pain crawl up her arm as it discharges into the vehicle hoping to get it started. (Another Strain gained.)(edited)
"What the fuck!" She yells. "They have GPS on these things? This was suppose to be easy." She pulls the vehicle to the side and attempts to disable the locator.
Marina keeps running till her aching lungs force her to stop. Cursing herself that she’s in such a state it was only a few minutes more. She needed to get back into shape one day. She decides she needed a drink and to find some work. So slowly and sheepishly she heads back for the center of town.(edited)
The traffic of families on walks has been replaced by young couples on romantic outings, or people taking in the evening air. Someone plays a mandolin nearby
The bar is slowly filling up, mostly young couples, but there are a few soldiers playing cards, and a group of workmen looking somberly into their drinks.
They deal five cards to you and it looks to be a variant of the human game poker.
“A clergyman and an army officer turned rebel leader. They did well for the common folk. Hope they stay that way”
“Interesting. I was was tempted to join up in security or the military around. Where would I be able to do that. Probally will need to find the quartermaster too.”
"They've been providing the gear once you pass inspection, and are permitted to join. Pretty quick process. It's not like the old days of sending unarmed conscripts into a zone and hoping for the best"
“I see sounds good.” Marina says. She looks are her cards absentmindedly playing with the other gamblers. I need to get some gear and there is the place. From there though where will I go. she thinks. Carrinhold. I have my arms now I need to find how why and how I lost. “Is there any curfew around base?”(edited)
“Oh well I guess that means you can’t be out late then can you. No fun or partying for you all. What do you do with all the women you must bring home? Hide them under the bed?” She says with a wink.
“Don’t have anywhere to go.” She thinks for a moment. “Family died fighting the Underhill and I never made it in.” She lies. “I thought maybe I could finally make up for failing them.”
"Oh I see. I'm pretty sure my parents died because of a humans cowardice, but let's not keep bullshitting show those cards I want my money back it's obvious you must have nothing."
He nods, and the group gets up. Their lead, a corporal you see by his rank stripes, places credit chips on the counter to pay for the drinks, and a bit extra, and you head out into the night air
There is a small queue outside base, a few other soldiers with similar ideas are waiting on the duty officer to return to his post in the small guard shack outside
"I see. The Underhill still out there is sure a scary thought." She thinks for a moment before blurting. "Of course because of my dead parents and all the other ones."
“After the next couple weeks it won’t be a problem anymore”
There is a rattle of a metal shutter being pulled up as the duty officer takes his station. A rough line begins to form and you’re near the front
You can't hear what they're saying, but some credits change hands, and the gate opens, a handful of you are waved in, and you feel a tug on your arm as the soldier youre with goes to escort you inside
Inside, there are rows upon rows of small semi-permanent structures, each meant to house a squad, with a small private room at the back for the squad leader.
Marina stands still starting to realize what she had really got herself into. Looking around the room to find a way out if she needed it. I just wanted in this was probally a bad way she thinks to herself.
11:36 AM
“So who’s taking me.” She says nervously. “I hope it’s somewhere more private.”
'Of course, there's a warehouse no one should be using or inside of right now" your 'escort' mentions, and he begins heading out the back of the building
Marina knocks him over sitting atop him pushing on his chin to hold his mouth closer. “Sorry but, I’m not quite that eager for a rut. Thank you for getting me inside though.” Marina picks up her left hand feeling electricity course through it and the mesh. “I’m going to knock you out now do me a favor and forget me. Thanks.” She punches him square in the jaw with her left hand.
She grabs a boot pulling it off and talking a sock to gag him after pulling is belt off to lash his legs together. She looks around for anything to tie his hands together behind him.
Marina takes one tieing it around his hands behind his back. Then she takes another to tie a loop between the straps on his hands and feet to keep him put. “Well now that you’re nice and wrapped let’s wait a while for the base to quiet down.”
Marina once sure they left cracks the door open and leaves out of the shed. Should have asked him where the armory is. She thinks before looking for any kinda of signage nearby.
Marina focuses on it imaging the door opening and hears a click as her magic unlocks it. She quietly opens and closes the door as she enters. (Gain one strain.)
there are a few of the new slimline week-long ration packs here, in a half opened box. Armored undersuits are not present in the boxes. There is a keypad sealed section in the back, with a cage separating it from the rest of the building. you can see a few armored undersuits inside
Marina once again walks up to the keypad feeling the now more familiar magic pushing on the keypad door and feeling it open. She quickly heads inside and looks around to see all that is in this separate room.
There are armored undersuits, a few boxes of grenades, piles of neatly ordered anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, and rolled up pressure tents, meant to survive bad weather or hazardous conditions
Marina grabs a pressure tent putting it on her bag before grabbing an undershirt undressing to put it on and redress. From there she listens for anything going on outside.
She pants a bit as she finds what she hopes is a safe corner getting used to the new gear as much as she rest from almost getting caught. Now I gotta get out. She thinks. She tries to find her way towards the front gate.
The gate is back toward the western end of the compound but it looks like you can get there without crossing in front of the barracks you’d been in earlier
8:59 PM
(It’s city block style. You can go down a different row)
Marina looks at herself and then makes sure to look like she was unable to put the uniform on right and walks up to the guard house knocking on the door.(edited)
"Hey I don't remember if you were the one who let me in with that kid, but he kinda passed out on me in some shed. I don't remember where. I was hoping to just get out of here and I don't know where he threw my clothes so I took his uniform."
Marina heads out the gate and walks a slow pace before getting to the first corner and runs down the street. She sheds the uniform and puts back on her old clothes making sure to throw the uniform in a trash bin before walking down the street to look for the closest train station with a smile on her face.
The train station is not hard to find, the focal point of this area of the city. Its a large glass and steel building, and a train is idling on the platform
The cabin door remains closed. You hear conductors checking tickets but thankfully there is a slot in the door for it to be passed out without opening up
8:42 PM
The train gently lurches forward as it leaves the station
The train travels across the countryside peacefully, coming to rest in Carinhold in the morning, its gentle connection to the platform jostling you from sleep.
Marina gets up rubbing sleep from her eyes again noticing the miss matched right arm after disrobing before sleep. She redresses and leaves the cabin heading off the train. Now I gotta find out where Rhys is and figure out a way to get a fight. She thinks her self. She heads off the station her head low to make sure to lower any chance of recognition to find a bar.
Marinas heart sinks at the lack of info rereading it again knowing she would have to go to the gym. Someone might recognize me if I go there. I'd rather be dead then they know the truth. She thinks. I need a way in without being seen. What if I could go in while seen. What if I could not be me while being seen. Her faces grimaces at the thought of using the other ability she had found to exist in her during the destructive time of her life after being saved shuddering at what she did and let be done to her. I'm going to have to use it to find her. She thinks getting up and heading out of the library to walk down the street a few blocks and find an alley.
Marina walks down the alley trying to take any cover. Alright so it's simple I just gotta think change. Just think about change and it'll happen. Just need to change. She thinks as she can feel a familiar but different and alien compared to getting doors to open. Her hair shortens and color changes from brunette to black her face becoming less soft and more square her skin now matching fully in tone while she feels her entire structure shorten her spine aching. It wasn't something that horribly hurt but still to feel alien in her own skin it wasn't something she enjoyed after finding out she could do it. It was a face she put on several times before under the name Vandal, but only in stress or fear she Marina would be outright dead otherwise. She shook her limbs out trying to shake the feeling of being in a separate different body from her own. Leaning against the wall she thinks to herself. As long as I stay focused I'll be fine. Just remember this isn't you. Even if you're broke don't lose yourself Marina. It's just a face. After a few moments of continuing mantra sure now that she wouldn't some how lose her own body to this exotic one she had now she leaves the alley to take the trek to the Gym.
The gym is a painfully white Trianing space where digital and physical Trianing take place. The building is full of various practical and practice rooms all tailored to different environments
9:41 PM
Trainers in white and navy track suits wander with datapads looking to coach those who need it
Marina takes a deep breath. Deciding to play the part of an avid fan of the up and comer she psych herself up heading to one of the closest trainers to her. "Hey there! I'm just the biggest fan of the Iron Duchess. You don't happen to know if she trains here? I don't wanna bother her but, I was nearby and thought I might ask she's just so awesome!"
“Thank you again!” Vandal/Marina runs up to give the man a hug before running towards the elevator. Alright just find her. Then I gotta find a way to get into the fight. She thinks to herself as she enters the elevator and hits the button for the second floor.
Marina walks up to give a hand shake mentally realizing this is where the plan ended. Shit. How do I get anything from her and how can I get out of this. She thinks before saying. “Iron duchess it’s wonderful to meet you. My name in Vandal sorry to come on such short notice.”
She pauses her training, horned helmet with its ice blue eyes focusing on you intensely.
"Nice to meet you Vandal. I overheard a little of the conversation. You're offering me a sponsorship?"
“Yes I represent...” She thinks a moment hoping it seems like she’s choosing the best words. “A house in Egons. I can’t name specifics for now, but with the battling hopefully coming to an end there some are hoping to find ways to expand power as everything settles. With most city’s together some are hoping to solidify power in the fighting league with strong up and comers who we feel might be the next champions.” She says eyeing the women checking to see if any of her hair is visible at her back.
(I was confused. Oh god not the ferp) Marina continues on. “Those who I represent were hoping you’d be the first of that group. After winning your next fight we’d be more then happy to make a real contract and work together to bring you to the top. All legally and perfectly in the rules of course.” She says with a stumble of words at the end.
“I mean it’s not for Egons. We would name the team and really the fighters would have most of the control. Who I represent just wishes to spread his wealth so to say. I would just need a name and...” She trails off for a moment looking at the braid. “A lock of hair. It sounds odd I’m sure but it’s something to with his house and agreements as well to ensure we won’t find you to be an addict of some kind.”
(Alright I get it. This is like a DX kinda thing. I dig it)
“Well, it’s a little weird but for 15,000 I could get that custom bike I always wanted. Alright. Take some. Just a little”
7:04 PM
“If you take too much I’ll have to crush your hands”
(DX thing?) Marina watchs as she turns taking hold of a few strands and pulling at the base as to try to not cause to much pain. "Alright I still need a name a real name. Once i have that we can consider this an agreement and after you win you will find much more then what I offer now. In the small chance you lose well show your worth I only got told to find good fighters so you can still gain the backing."
7:17 PM
Marina looks at the hair knowing she would have to use this power to take this woman's form to fight Rhys then stops. She stairs wide eyed at the women. She's a human. In the fear and excitement to get here she didn't even think of the fact barely noticing. She feels her heart start to pound breath speeding up. She uses all her strength to try to remain calm. "A-a-and once you win I can introduce you. I can introduce you to the man who will. Who will be paying you." She says in a stutter almost.
"That's good to hear. Well I'll just leave and make sure to have this sent so we can talk further." Marina says starting to take steps back. "I hope it'll be a good partnership." Taking one more look at the Iron Duchess. This 'Jenny' Marina gives a handshake to the trainer and all but runs out of the room. Once outside she throws herself in the elevator hitting the button that would take her furthest up from this floor. If I want to fight Rhys... I have to act, no be a human. Dread filling her at the thought of something even more alien as her current body, but more then that the body of a human.
The Iron Duchess shrugs as Marina leaves, and goes back to spin kicking various punching bags full of weight.
The elevator doors open at the roof level, where several small meditation gatrdens are laid out
It looks calm, and no one is meditating right now, with the sun at its Zenith. The roof is simply too hot to allow mindfulness to overpower the distractions of an uncomfortable body.
Marina walks around the elevator collapsing on the side of it’s wall. “I need to fight Rhys and figure her out.” She says aloud looking at the strands of hair in her hand. “This is the only way I’ll be able to do it.” She sits there for several minutes just staring at it before pocketing it again. “One clumsy plan down now how do You get into the fight Marina.” Vandal says getting up. “Well I just have to break in and stop her from fighting. Marina you need to be able to fight Rhys after too still. I’ll just catch her while he changes knock her out and switch. You should be careful you’re not caught and jailed.” Marina nodding stops now back at the elevator door before stopping eyes wide again. She grabs her head shaking it now. “No no no no! I’m me Marina!” She starts to shake violently. Quickly she releases her focus that holds her form feeling her body change and shape back into herself. “I’m me I’m me.” She says in mantra again. Entering the elevator to hit the first floor. “Gotta get out of here.” She says to herself. Waiting for the first floor.
Marina now back in her own body quickly runs out of the building and to the alley from before. Once at the alley she leans against the wall catching her breath. (How long till the fight could go on?)(edited)
The fight wil be held in an arena near the gym, due to the volume of fighters participating, and a crowd is already beginning to form outside, waiting for entry
There are three that you can see easily. one is a red emergency door, and two other say staff only. They are small doors, meant for personnel, not the large bay doors of heavy freight
Marina focuses on the lock feeling the normal strain behind her eyes as she pushes the now unlocked door inward and closes it turning to see where she is now.
You are in an access hallway in the climate control area of the arena, from here, the spectators and competitors are kept comfortable through a series of vents, pipes, and condensers
She covers her eyes to the light. "Sorry I'm a new fighter." She says. "Got lost on the way to the changing rooms just didn't know I could get this lost."
"ID?" She asks. "I showed up told them my name then they just set me into this labyrinth of doors and pipes telling me the door on the left. They never gave me anything though."(edited)
"Oh yeah." She says starting to mess with her pockets as she comes closer. "Let me just find it." Inching closer before throwing a left hook covered in electricity.
Marina breaths hard before taking a small part of his hair and doing her best to hide him around the corner in the pipes. She checks his pockets for what he has on him.
Marina takes his hand cuffs pocketing the key while linking the man to a nearby pipe. She stands once again saying the mantra. “I am me I am me.” Before using the mans hair to turn into him clothes and all. Taking the rest of his belongings she walks further down the hallway.
You hear another two fighters coming in to talk. There is a whispered conversation going on near the far door. You’ve been party to enough psyke deals to know what that is
Marina sighs after the moment of excitement leaves her once again going back to going through the other persons belongings idly questioning the color choices.
Marina's body loosens a bit as she looks at the body. She looks at the lockers before deciding to instead drag her out of the door into the inner workings of the building.
Marina breaths heavily making sure to take the helmet before feeling the strand of hair in her pocket. "I'm me. I'm me. I'm me." Marina turning into the Iron Duchess and closing the door, and standing near the other side of the of the locker room to be ready when they call her.(edited)
It is a tense ten minute wait before a technician with a headset opens the door.
"Hope you're decent ma'am" he says, looking away "You're up next, when you're ready, lets go"
Out in the ring, the lights flash, and pounding techno music announces the entry of Iron Jenny. You feel a slight prick and a warm sensation flooding your arm as your coach injects you with a shot of lift
"Should keep that sore knee from bothering you!" the coach says, handing a mouthguard and waterbottle to you
"Yeah my knee. I don't wanna buckle of course." Marina says trying to imitate Jenny in more then just sound. She starts the long walk to the ring before entering at her corner. Once up she faces the opposite corner to see if her plan worked out.
Memories of their last fight flood her mind reminding her of why she's here. "You can do it Marina." She hears from her own mouth in the voice of Jenny. Marina bites her tongue hard trying to squash the thoughts as well as the voice before taking a deep breath and walking to the center ring to wait for Rhys.
You bite down on a soft mouthguard, and gives a pleasant release of pain suppressant. A nifty trick. It is numbing and feels very good.
Finally a bell dings, and you're both directed to the center of the ring
11:27 AM
Rhys is an impressive wall of muscle, with the same ugly knife grin you remember.
11:27 AM
"Alright competitors, I want a nice, clean fight, within reason" the ref smiles, playing it up a bit for the audience
"Touch gloves, and then to your corners"
Marina returns to her corner leaning back against the post feeling her body tense and adrenaline course through her. I will win this time Rhys and figure out just what you did last time. She thinks to herself awaiting the bell.
Marina remembering her last fight notices the start of the kick and dodges by taking a quick single hop back before launching herself forward again at Rhys (7/6 but the shock dmg still.)
Rhys looks horrible, bloodied, in far worse shape than the end of your last bout
11:53 AM
she needs her coach to steady her, as the crowd roars its approval
11:54 AM
You feel your own coach helping you bite down on the mouthguard, the chemical cocktail inside healing the worst of your injuries and dulling some of the pain
Marina tries to struggle free. "I almost had her. Let me up. Let me finish her! I have to know. I have to know!" Marina screems against the mouth guard as flashes of the metal bones come back. "Rhys how did you do it. Are you even Taros!"
Marina even though the worst healed can feel her body being sluggish does her best to ignore it running forward for a jab into Rhys side. (7/7 so just the shock.)
Marina nearly buckles at the kick. Putting most of her weight on the right leg the throws another punch with her left feeling electricity poor through it and the mesh. (22/13 + 5 non-lethal.)
Marina falls to her hands and knees panting heavily. "I did it?" She asks herself. "You did it." She hears in Jenny's voice but choosing to ignore it she looks up at Rhys. "What are you."
Rhys does not respond, and the light animating their eyes is out now, but very small stamped onto one of the lattices of metal/muscle below, you see a sigil,
12:08 PM
Tri-Green Medical
12:08 PM
(they're not back, or anything, but you two started fighting in the same circuit about the same time)
"Tri-Green. Rhys you were worked on by Tri-green." Marina starts to cry. "You mean all this bullshit that happened to me was set up by them? They knew all along? Did you know!" She roars towards the limp body.
Marina screams looking at her hands. Jennies hands. Tri-Green did this to me. Not one did they change me they must have planned this. I will kill them all. Every one that's left. I will find any one that helped them, and make sure they pay too. She thinks to herself before she shakily gets to her feet.
Marina huffs a bit still from the strain and turns back into her own body happy to feel like herself again. She exits out the door before walking back out towards the way she came.
“Perfect.” She says before handing over the credits and limping towards the room given. Once inside she barely makes it to the bed before falling atop of it and passing out.
The trials were handled for only a few members. Most fled to aliah with the help of a human, Malak al muta who was later killed himself for other terrorist activities.
Tri green continued their experiments on the jungle planets natives and a combined force of natives, red Sangha, UNW marshals and dank crew put them down
Those that survived are imprisoned in carinhold under heavy guard. There are only a few on planet. Most had fled by time authorities took serious steps to halt them
The prison is in a heavily defended military district, where the local division of the defense force is also placed. The worst of the Taros criminals are held there.
"I don't have time to gather a team. I'll just go it alone." She finishes her food before heading out and to the military district to attempt to scout the prison.
(so are you trying to take up a bounty, or are you trying to become wanted to get into jail, I;m trying to respond in a way that makes sense and I'm kind of lost)
(Sorry I’ll explain the plan. Since she can turn into people if she can pick up a bounty with a worse enough offense and find them she could offer them freedom from pursuit and get herself in by becoming them.)
"Alright"
He takes out his compad, and shows you where on the UNW data network to go to find the bounties. Each comes with pictures, if available, and a description of their crimes, so people understand why these folk are wanted.
12:42 PM
it is in a very out of the way section of the nets, so the assistance was certainly needed
The data hub is open to the public, and you're permitted through without any challenge or trouble. A number of terminals are lined up back to back. A couple other patrons are spread out through the sections
Marina sits down following the instructions again and starts to look through the bounties focusing on reasons they’re wanted. Looking especially for murder something of that level.
The list of charges varies greatly, but there is one, called Oilheart, who murdered six people by drowning them in barrels of engraving acid, and burning them after
7:28 AM
He is currently at large, believed to be somewhere in the largely uncharted southlands
“Well I never thought it would be easy.” She says to herself. She keeps the page open to hopefully make a print later and then looks to find if there is any pages to make ads hoping to find someone willing to take her out to the area to explore and look for him. (Idk if you’ll want a roll or if not I can make up a small blurb for it.)(edited)
“Well it’ll get me closer to those Tri-green fuckers.” She says quietly to herself one hand tightly squeezed as she goes to sign on to it. Looking to see where and when they’re to meet.(edited)
“From space...” she murmurs to herself suddenly feeling slightly more worried then furious. She looks into where landing platforms in Carinhold are to meet them and then sets on her way.
Marina watches the three enter the abandoned building, stun rifles drawn.
Out of the corner of her eye, she notices a shadow, darting back into cover behind the closest of the abandoned longhouse style barrack buildings
(Works for me!) you barrel into the barracks and the burst of speed carried you through the curtain just a meter behind the fleeing shadowy figure. He reeks strongly of industrial solvents
Marina takes the leap catching him at the waist causing the both of them to fall to the ground skidding a very short distance to a stop with a thud. "I'm not here to catch you myself. I've got an offer to get you out. You're the Oil guy right?"(edited)
"I've got an offer for you. One that probably gets you off free for a moment and likely gets me pain for a bit. For a low low price I can make sure they leave and that the world thinks you're captured. Speak quick I don't know when they'll notice i'm gone."
Marina takes them feeling them in her hand. "Just do you trust this isn't some scheme to catch you." She says before putting them in her pocket. Once again saying her mantra to herself. I am me I am me. She focuses on the man in front of her becoming a perfect copy.
There is a small chamber pot in the corner. A bunk , sink, and small bookshelf with taros religious texts and a few classics are in the cell. There is some kind of dimmer field around the other cells but you count seven others in here. Three more on your side and four across the hallway
Marina get’s up looking out the field to see if she can spot any of the fellow prisoners. She puts a tentative hand towards to field to see if it would sting her.
A cell you can just walk out of? Marina thinks to herself. She decides not to push her luck for now and to take a seat on the bed to wait to see if anyone will come to speak to her.
(it's barred, there's just a dimming field around the outside)
12:05 PM
you're not sure how much time goes by, before the isolation unit door opens again. You sense some people talking outside but the field makes their voices dim, and it soudns like they're far away
Marina as oilheart get’s up walking to the bars and smacking a palm at them. “Hey! Is anyone going to tell me shit!” She yells. “Or did you already throw away the key!”
The dimmer field lowers and you see three officers, with a scientist you recognize from Tri-Green in the hallway. He is in irons, being led out of the unit.
"You'll have your moment! Keep quiet in there! A lawyer will be here for you soon"
"Tri-Green scum is imprisoned in the same place as you." the guard says back, before the dimmer field goes back up. You hear the scientist getting angry at the rough treatment as he is dragged along.
“Watch where you put that club.” Marina says. “Go to bothersome I might add to that body count.” She walks to the front of the cell arms in front of her.
the guard moves to get the shackles on as the other just watches, with the club, his other hand opening the cell door.
"Alright, out we go. Got plenty of questions for you:
You're taken out of the cell and stand in the hall, shackles on.
1:53 PM
led down a narrow hallway, one guard in front, and another behind, you're brought to a cell where a lawyer is sitting at a table, along with a police interrogator.
Maria follows them to take what ever seat or standing position there is. “So are you the one who is going to make sure they understand what is really going on?”
(You made me realize I’m dumb but I’m not breaking out to murder anyone quite yet. So questions we go.) “You already know how I purified the weak. I found them saw their weakness and make sure they knew it too.”
“You think I’m crazy? You’re all the crazy ones don’t you see! I’m making us stronger. All those out there will fear us once I cull the weak and purify them!”
As they get to the cells Marina smiles to herself. Focusing on the lock of the shackles feeling the now familiar strain as the locks open whirling around to throw a punch at the guard with the baton.
The first guard doubles over at the punch, reeling back from you, the other looks like a landed fish, mouth agape as the situation unfolds. He reaches over to his radio, about to call for backup
Marina kicks away the radio from the downed guard. She then uses her shackles to lock the guard from moving. (If it's just one pair then just using them on his legs if it's both then cross doing the bands.) Making sure to take the key as well as a piece of his hair. She then goes to do the same to the other guard also throwing his radio with his handcuffs/shackles. She also searches both for keys to the cells.
(Well if it’s hand feet shackles using it on both then?) Marina starts to walk up and down the cells looking for anyone who looks like a tri-green employee.
(Alright then drag them to put the chain behind a bar and lock them that way.) Marina takes one of the keys going to one of the cells to look inside at the person. "Can you hear me."
"Except you did it without asking. You tested on us and the humans. Made horrible mockeries of us." Marina says walking up to the man attempting to pin him against the wall.(edited)
Not suspecting your intentions, hes easy to pin, though squirms as hard as he can in your grasp. He is pale, and bookish, and you sense this is the best struggle he can put up
Marina brings back one fist and punches hard into the mans face. Then again. Again. Again. She continues to punch the man into a bloody mess before finally stopping about a minute in to look him over.
Marina drops the man looking at her self. "I killed him." she says to herself quietly tears in her eyes. "I-I have to kill the rest." staring at the red slowly dripping from her hands before squeezing her right remembering it's true form different from hers. She leaves the cell going to the next to do the same. Opening the cell door and walking in. "You're from Tri-Green correct."
"I've come for you after what you all did to me." Marina says attempting to take the women to the ground and punch her time and time again just like the last tri-green scum.
(I guess I should have made it more clear what was done but meh.) "Shit." She says to herself checking the one still there to see if he has any other weapons.
Marina takes a piece of his hair undoing the cuffs and taking the handgun. She drags him into her cell so he is facing away from the bars and taking his jacket while shackling him again. She then using the hair dropping the look of Oilheart becoming the officer instead reading his name tag as she puts on the jacket. She then exits the cell locking it back up. She holsters the handgun in her pocket before going to open the other 4 cells. At each one she yells at them. "There is an emergency. Come out and wait on the bars someone has staged a break out."
"Line up here in front of me 5 paces back." Marina as the guard says to them. "You seem the be the only few not with lawyers right now, and I was the unlucky guard to be nearby."
Marina not smiling this time pulls the handgun leveling it at the line of Taros faces in front of her as best as she can. She starts firing into the line as quick as she can.
By the time any of them realize what is happening, the last of them only takes two steps before slumping over, half of her face removed, her brain running out the side of her head, and slopping on the floor
Marinas hand falls dropping the handgun. "I killed them all." She says to herself with a shake of her body and a quiet chuckle. "It's over. The ones who did all that to me they're dead. It's finally done." She looks over the bodies before suddenly turning away trying to halt the feeling to throw up. "I gotta get out of here." She says to herself heading out of the row of cells.
“He ran down the hallway I thought it was this way but he must have gone the other if you’re here!” Marina yells. “I ended up with a bunch of blood on me from him and I think he gave me a concussion I need to head to get checked out and insure the infirmary is good.”
They break off from following you and you round a corner away from them. This corridor looks deserted, but there is a security station at the end. (Like a metal detector/scanner
Sunlight is almost blinding as you emerge from the police station. You’ve made it into the parking lot and thankfully not inside the fenced in court yard of the prison
Marina runs out to one of the first cars feeling the strain of the lock before opening it and entering the vehicle. “Alright let’s do this right this time.” She says as she uses her electric mesh against the cars dash.
Marina takes the wheel. "Alright let's go." She says to herself driving the car from the area looking around to figure out what city she ended up in. (Assuming Carinhold still right.)
Marina noticing she was in Carinhold drives a distance from the station before ditching the car near an alley to turn into herself before slumping down against a wall. She looks down at her hands almost unable to tell the different color of them both behind the dried read of blood. “I did it.” She says to herself quietly. “I killed them...” she says quietly before breaking down in sobs for several long minutes. After a time she finally get’s control of herself remembering she still has to clean of the blood. “I need to find somewhere to clean up.” She says with a slight hiccup from her crying. She looks up to the sky to try to judge the time.
“Maybe I can get back to the hotel without causing to much of an issue. Hopefully they didn’t keep me out for to long.” She says as she does her best to clean her face with out leaving dried blood before heading in the direction of the hotel.
Halfway to the hotel Marina starts to think. What am I going to do now. I've focused so much on this where will I go. Is it time to run away from Gudrun. Trust the humans or some how get a group of my own try to steal a ship maybe buy one. I gotta pay my debt, but what am I going to do beyond that. She continues her walk lost in thought barely noticing anything around her as she walks.
You’re at the hotel district before long, closer to city center. A handful of police cars pass but they’re looking for individuals that do not match your current description in any way
Marina continues on entering the hotel she was in before. "Hey I know I was here a few days ago I seem to have lost time. Do I still have a room here?"
“Alright just wanted to make sure.” Marina says heading up to her room to wash up and take a long sleep that ends with her waking up the next day. (Gunna have to continue the thought in a bit.)
Marina after going through a morning routine sits on her bed thinking through the last weeks events starting with her leaving Egons and ending with now. Trying to decide her best next action... "I need to leave Gudrun." She says to herself. "Maybe the further I am from here I can get past this. One day I'll come back and pay my debt and start my life a new." She says unsure why she's speaking to herself before gathering everything she owns and heading out the door. At the lobby she asks the person at the desk. "What's the easiest way to get to the humans station in space?"
"The airport here in Carinhold, in Vapormills, and in Central all send lifters up to the station several times a day. You should be able to book passage"
Marina makes her way to the airport asking for directions several times before finally getting there. When she arrives she heads for the ticket station. “Hi how much is it to head into space?”
"Not much out there?" Marina asks taking everything in mentally and in hand. "I-I mean that's exactly why I want to go out there! Explore and see new places not touched." Marina exclaims also paying. "Thank you." Marina glances at the manual as she starts heading towards where she expects her trip to begin.(edited)
"Rho-mu. Theta-Ka Ki Khai? Odd sounding cities." Marina whispers to herself. "The attendant wasn't joking not much out there. I guess if I get bored I can always find a way off hopefully. Rho-Mu sounds find to go to once the ask me. At least I can pronounce it I think." She continues onward glancing around the airport unconsciously keeping away from security.
The hatch opens, and several other passengers before you file in. The ship looks weather-beaten and is painted a tan and brown six color pattern- better to help hide it against the desert floor
The manual has some warnings, and a brief primer about the political situation there, namely that the human cities have no stopped warring with one another, but the open desert and northern half of the planet is still considered very dangerous
2:56 PM
UNW personnel have been instructed to not take heroic measures to retrieve the bodies, living or dead, of those lost there
The shuttle emerges in the space above Asta, nimbly working its way through the debris field, and the asteroids near planet. It angles to approach from the south
Rho Mu has no traditional spaceport, but the market in the town square has been relocated to other, smaller plazas, to accommodate landing shuttles in the main one.
Marina exits the shuttle looking around at the city now around her. “This sure looks like picture from the manual.” She takes a few steps off the shuttle to examine her surroundings further.
the town square has been cleared out, and is now home to a much smaller market, where trinket peddlers try to hawk their wares to the handful of offworlders coming in and out. Right now, there is little on Asta to bring anyone from offworld not on official business. there is a small well at the edge of the square, with Church of Water priests and their seminarians watching over it.
The trinkets are all manner of strange. Religious icons, necklaces made from bullet casings, figures made from melted down robot scrap metal.
The bars here you come to realize serve not booze, but clean, highly filtered water, the most valuable commodity on planet
The nearby patrons laugh.
“Asta hasn’t had a rain shower in years. All we have is the sea, thousands of kilometers away, and the alloy host shoots up any tankers they find”
"No rain? It really is all desert. If this 'Alloy Host' stops you from taking it from the sea why not just import? I'm sure there is ways to even fix the rain."(edited)
“For someone who came in on a shuttle you....” the bartender stops, noticing his temper. “Import it from where? We get some from your planets now but it’s not enough for a campaign”
"I'm sorry. I just would think there's ice out there and planets probably full of water they wouldn't miss, but I guess that would be up to who ever runs this place. I saw there is only two major cities on my way in I guess there isn't much outside of them?"
He gestures to a shelf behind the bar where a robot head with two bullet holes is perched. The eyes are powered off and it’s leering mouth is still locked in a menacing rictus
“Wait is that thing a robot? Wow sounds like the things from out on the desert I heard of. Hell divers I think they were called. What do you all do for fun around here then. Any hand to hand fighting?”
"I'll have to do that. Thank you for the info." Marina says making sure to tip the man 50 credits. "I'll be leaving now I'll make sure to come back for my drinks." She says heading out to find the town hall.
Town hall is a large three floor building, with a large, walled in forecourt. Militiamen in desert clothing, with well maintained bolt action rifles exercise, and drill in squads
7:16 AM
The path leads to the main doors, watched by two militiamen
Marina watches for a moment before heading up to the militia men. "Hello my name is Marina. It's probally obvious but i'm not from here and I was looking for work. Supposidly your leaders may need people?"
Marina walks up to the Sergeant. "Well I suppose I'm good at hand to hand fighting. Getting into places that are locked. It might sound odd I've been told I do good impressions and acting like other people. I don't really have any skills with weapons at all. I can do errands decently I guess..."
"Not exactly. I was just looking for any kind of work. I just am getting away for bit from home. I mean if you have other work around, but I'm not super into the idea of facing robots."
"There are several holding tanks in a storage area on the property. They're blocking tankers from coming there to empty them, and bring it to the city aquafer. They're demanding an exorbitant price for each. We need someone to accompany our next attempt there, and...'convince' the guards to allow the tankers to pass
10:09 AM
"If they do get violent, you'd not be prosecuted for using proportional force"
"They promised to contribute it to the city, so we would not have to send as many water runs out to the sea. We've never had a run return with as many people as departed. There's always some sort of accident, or attack"
10:14 AM
"Even if someone can have another few days to live by us not needing to send a run out as soon, I feel like they deserve that much"
"You can stay in the barracks after the op for the night if youre comfortable with it. You're doing us a favor, if you plan to stay longer we can look into some more permanent lodging"
The town is beginning to find itself again, still concerned about water but free from the need to center every day life on getting it.
The market is robust, and it seems though, that there is little extra food to go around too, and no animals
There are six trucks on the meeting area along with a few combat oriented vehicles. A gaggle of soldiers and truck drivers assembled in a loose pack around a very young officer with first lieutenant bars on his collar
"Offworlders have had some special skills that have helped us before. Fancy riding along with me? You can help advise as we pull up, and maybe I can explain things a little better"
"You're not going to call a cruise missile in on our position like te last offworlder did, are you?" he chuckles and gestures for you to hop into the passenger seat
"Uh. I don't think that's something I'd be able to do." Marina says looking at her hands. "Just to be clear you mean like from somewhere else and not from seemingly nowhere right?"(edited)
He chuckles "Something of an inside joke. Nevermind that. So we're on the way to get a local water church official to release the bounty they've pumped from surrounding aquafers. We're not planning to leave them destitute. They'll have enough to survive and keep a bit of the lifestyle they enjoy, but the city needs this far more than they do"
"Water church? I saw there isn't much of any bars around here but you have people that worship water? I kinda thought that was a joke when I read about it on my way here. Do they horde it often?"
"I see. We'll make sure to fix that. I doubt I'm high on the list of people getting water if there is none so I'd rather not run into that if I can help."
THe vehicles bounce over the unimproved roads
"You know, I wonder what this place would be like if we didn;t have to constantly worry about this crap. It's like we can never get anything done"
"Probably not unlike my home. Of course we don't have robots trying to kill us any more though. Once you get rid of that issue I'm sure you could fix the water one too."
"Maybe" he says, hopefully.
The convoy pulls up to a large sandstone manor house, and six guards stand at the rought iron gate leading inside. THeir weapons are shouldered right now, but they're already in a heated argument with the drive of the convoy's lead element
"I guess this is where we go talk to them now. Huh." Marina says sliding out of the truck to walk up towards the lead of the convoy. "Hello there I guess we have an issue?"
“This water is for the cardinal and his flock. We have no problem sharing it with them, but we cannot spare anything for those who do not believe in the church, or the sacred mysteries of it”
“It’s water. We drink it we bath in it there is no mysteries. Your planet even has an ocean it’s nothing special you should know that. Just give these men what they want for the city and be done with your nonsense.”
“So they’ll punish you if I make a scene even? Or are you saying you don’t believe in their words and only are paid to be here. Which if that’s true is it worth it to stand in our way?”
“Really?” She says stepping closer a left hand out stretched her right tightening. “Maybe we can find you something better if you open the gates. Not a group that condemn people for not believing a nonsense faith around something as plentiful elsewhere as water.”
"I mean if they don't want to give you a job I could give you some credits, and you could join me. I'm not really doing anything at all, but perhaps I could use a team mate? Even a human one I guess."
He is moving, almost as soon as you ask the question, a large set of iron keys in hand. THer eis a scrape of metal on metal, and a clang as the tense chain releasees and the gate creaks open
The trucks begin rolling into the church grounds, their engines hard to miss.
Pulling up to the tanks, nestled on the left of the stone church building- three stories on its own- a rotund cardinal in cream and blue trimmed robes exits, sweating profusely despite the desert chill in the night air.
2:59 PM
"Stop!" he orders, though the trucks do not.
"This is an illegal seizure of church property!"
There is a thwip and the driver of the rig behind you falls onto its horn. It’s powerful blast is nonstop, weighed down by the dead weight of what’s left of his head
5:49 PM
“Sniper!” Someone yells, and you see the convoy members taking cover
Marina grabs the priest holding him close in front of her plucking one of his hairs before whirling to the ground with the man as she shapes herself into him.
Another shot takes your would be new partner in the hand, blowing it off at the wrist.
He falls into the sand, stump leaving high pressure blood streaks around him.
You saw the flash this time, second level balcony, over the ranks
Still in the form of the cardinal, marina runs inside to confused church troopers looking out. Their battle dress is cream and crimson and each is looking at you hoping for orders as you make your way to the stairs up
The sniper is packing up his rifle and drawing a short snub nosed SMG from his bag when you arrive up the stairs.
“What the hell was that about. This is church property they can’t just take it!”
Marina as the priest comes forward to the man. "No we won't let them. I wasn't going to have a fire fight start with me in the cross fire though. Do you remember my full orders?"
"Guards one of you is to go make sure that sniper is jailed. He could have shot me while out there. The rest of you are to stand down. The Archbishop doesn't want war with the nonbelievers." Marina makes her way down the stairs towards the door as she gives the orders.(edited)
Marina once reaching the door turns to face the guards. "Now I must go ensure the non-believers don't start all out war with us. They spoke of having us surrounded in case we attacked. We would have all died had I not ran back in and now go to speak to them. Property is not to be above lives." Marina pauses for a moment unsure. "long live the church." She spins around opening the doors to exit.
Outside things are busy as the tanker trucks begin to fill. Another two squads of city guard have arrived and you see the handless gate sergeant being attended to
Marina wait's till they're out of earshot before beginning. "Ok this may sound weird but this is Marina the outsider. We need to find the real priest if possible, but they have several men inside waiting to come attack if he gives the order."
"Well let's do our best not to let the others know about this... Tech I have. It's something I found in my home world. I don't need it coming out and then people hounding me for it." Marina says turning to glance at the scene before turning back. "I think the soldiers inside should be quiet for now. Just finish getting the water and leave. I'll make my way out to you as soon as I can."
"Good. Let's make this look decent now." Marina turns shaking her head 'This is sure getting away from Gudrun' She thinks. Now speaking louder for other listeners to hear. "And you remember what I said non-believer. We will let you go now because I don't want unneeded bloodshed to corrupt the purity of our church. Next time though it won't just be me here. I'm sure the Archbishop will see to that!" Marina begins a steady tromp back towards the doors of the church.(edited)
“Look at how many are out there. There is even more behind them as well waiting to jump those of us who attack. I made a decision as to not lose all our believers and the building itself.”
Marina leaves the building getting into the vehicles other front seat. Turning to the driver still as the priest she tells him. "Take my to where the Archbishop is. Let's take the outskirts of town so the city doesn't try to interfere." I'll get away there while I can. She thinks to herself.(edited)
the buggy uses its off-road rating well, and after an hour of roundabout driving you arrive at the papal mansion on the opposite edge of the city. Guards in crimson brocades over their tan desert uniforms carry new looking combat rifles, and allow the vehicle inside the gated grounds.
7:39 AM
There are flowering plants leading up to the house, and you realize he must be using a large amount of water to keep them healthy
(Was somewhat planning to leave the car prior but here we are.) Marina exits the car heading towards the house hoping to gather a guide before getting lost at the doors.
"You there." Marina says those at the door. "Bring me to the Archbishop and make sure he knows I'm here if he's able to speak. It's an important matter that must be brought to him."
"They did. There was a moment that the foolishness of someone else nearly got me killed. The Archbishop needs to hear what happened himself and what I was told."
They nod and bring you up a long staircase into a library where the church official is waiting for you, half reading the passage he is on with a long fingernail
"Thank you." Marina says to the aides. "I do need a moment alone with him though." She stride to the Archbishop. "Your holiness I come baring poor news ."
Marina comes close up to the desk. “The heretics are pushing on our church’s. They’re taking our water and pushing a stronger military force to make sure we don’t push back.”
Marina closes the gap between them slamming her hands on the desk. "And who do your answer to then? Who is it you worship that you abuse your power and let people die because you get to enjoy an easy life?"
Marina goes to drag him away from the desk. "You worship fucking water?! So you horde it when you could use it to save others. Hell I think i'd think more of you if you sold the damn stuff, but what you just take it and use it for yourself? What would you do on a planet that was mostly oceans? Just drown yourselves because it's holy?!"
Marina slams him to the ground still in hand. "I bet people out there die because of you. The robots are stopping them from bringing the water here and you're holding them from getting the water that's already here! What makes you worth more then the dirt out there?"
"I said do you know how many have died out there because of you. Why fight the cities why not give them water?! Are you even helping them fight the robots out there?"
Marina plucks a hair from his head. "Well we can fix that. you won't be declaring war against the cities but we won't be ignoring them either. You have a choice here. Stop this nonsense and use your wealth and power to make sure water is given to the cities and you only keep what you need, and help them fight the robots. The other option is I can make sure you're there do it."
Marina squeezes not letting go her body ridged and in her anger. Tars in her eyes she whispers to her self. "Just another tri-green. Not caring about others." (kill.)
Marina keeps squeezing for a short time before falling limp over the body. Getting back up she looks down. "Fuck what have I done." Realizing how far she had gone in her anger. She looks around the room at what exits it has and where the room would be in the building. (Like would it have windows or is it somewhere deep in the building.)
The servants come after a short while to see if you need anything , assuming the meeting is still going.
“Your holiness! Was the visitor dismissed? We did not see him leave”
"You didn't see him? He left quite some time ago. My children perhaps you need some rest. That is if you haven't been slacking off and instead left thinking I wouldn't know?"
"Good. Keep on with your holy work." Marina says getting up. "The Bishop informed me of something very important that worries me. Unfortunately it means I must leave to meet with the cities leaders. I promised we would not start war and, I'm afraid they may attempt to force us. I want to make sure it doesn't come to that for all that his holy. Make sure a driver is ready to take me to the City Administration. Further more no one is permitted in the library or the room further till I get back. I wish to not see it change so I can get back to my readings."(edited)
Marina makes her way to the car getting. "Driver we need to make haste to the administration building of the city. I fear the worst may come otherwise."
Marina as she enters to the administration building yells out. "I am the Archbishop of the Water Church. I demand to see the Lieutenant who led attack on my church stealing our water as well as your leader!'
"Perhaps we should speak inside rather then out here. My Bishop who came to me was very specific on some wording your Lieutenant used I'd like to speak about. That and someone who was with him that was different."
Inside, the mayor and the LT move into a conference room. The guards remain outside the building, securing the courtyard and no doubt sweeping the car for bugs\
“Alright so you asked me if I liked getting my hands dirty when you asked me to help. I may have gone a bit over board with that, and now the Archbishop is dead. No I’m not him I just look really like him.”
Marina focuses turning back to her normal Taros form. “It’s a... technology I found and took from home. Ruins there from some other people or something. That’s about all I can say. I can use it though to help you. I would just probably end up having to play the arch bishop for some time.”
“I mean couldn’t I have them agree to work with you. Slowly move water reserves to you so they’re not hoarding it. They have obvious excess at there compound.”
"So we could use this as way to push rules and regulations to aid you. In the meantime possibly find someone who would be willing to be your puppet I could give the reigns to."
“So what do we tell them? If we just say the church is willing to pass on all it’s water I’ll be hung. We have to find a reason for the church to join side by side and not have it look like I was held by gunpoint.”
"I could say that the fact you're attempting to fight to get water shows that we haven't been showing the charity of our church. Those that could be further worshipers are being pushed away because we don't show them the waters love or something like that. From there empty the reserves to the a point that can be still useable by the church while you take the extra water to the streets in a way that looks like you've joined forces with us. While realistically holding much of it for crisis or further use."
He thinks for a long few moments.
“That can work. It’ll need to be played up properly to appease any suspicious minds there but I can see the potential
“I suppose I could even play it up at the church by saying I swayed you or some of your leadership to the church. Some sort of god willed it or religious magic bullshit. Perhaps you could make an appearance later there as long we can hide it.”
"Alright that sounds good. Can you get something together for us to announce it then. I also need a quick briefing on who I am. You do know about the churches military forces right too? They had several armed men ready to fight and kill you when you went to the church before. We may have to watch for a group separating and using them."
"I'll handle the announcement. The church by law has no actual trained army of its own, but it does allow armed pilgrims and the faithful to protect its holy sites. Infringing on that was seen as infringing on religious expression. We may be able to direct the zealots against the robots though, since theyre also trying to contain water, and control its use"
“That was my thought too. Then I hope you can plan it for sometime soon that way I can get back. I’ll just say a small piece to show that it’s the actual arch bishop.”
11:46 AM
“Another thing we also have to find the bishop I first changed to. He may be an issue if he’s still alive.”(edited)
“That’s good. Keep him for now I can always excommunicate him for something and make sure it’s for a reason he stays in your custody. Let’s get the ball rolling here unless you two have anything to add.”
"Alright. I should be there to make sure they know it's real and not lies." Marina says turning back into the Archbishop. "Ready when you are I guess."
He nods, and both of you proceed to the door of the complex, Some church officials have shown up, hearing rumors that there was something of a problem at the archbishops compound.
"What happened? " one calls out
Marina thinks for a few moments. Play up some religious nonsense about water. That can't be hard "My children I have come to a conclusion along with the leaders of this fair city. We have been holding back what we know by hoarding our waters from the people. How can the people know the joy that we see and, come to join us in our ways if we don't show them. I've decided to give charity to all those so they may see our ways and understand the true love of water and the church. It would be almost like water coming from the sky such a wonderous charity we will give to the people. Water will flow freely from our coffers as to show how just the church is. Those truly pious will join me in flowing the water so that those who we call heretic can see our ways and with time join us. I shed my own water my own tears what forced my eyes to open to our weakness by not sharing our love to the people."
Marina sighs. Waiting to for the rest of the facade to finish knowing she’ll have to head back. She focuses on the mayors speech to ensure she doesn’t miss anything important.
He echoes the sentiment that they are meant to be in a partnership with the church and that the church should be praised for sharing their generous supplies. He hopes that there will be more cooperation in the future and that humans can put aside their differences to fight their true enemy
“Then I have to head back to the compound. I’ll gather the forces and we’ll push an attack. Is there a stronghold nearby that would be worthwhile for you?”
9:05 AM
“At the same time I need to find a replacement that I can control still as archbishop.”(edited)
“I have no experience leading. I’d just out myself trying if I don’t end up getting them all killed some how. At the same time maybe I could borrow that Lieutenant to help me.”(edited)
"I do think it would help. I know how to punch things in a ring and how to turn into people apparently. Me leading an army into combat I can say go and stop but I don't know how to make I don't end up killing them all along with myself."
"I'm fine with that. I can always spin it that I wanted it as forcing him to see our other side. How long till you can gather a force to try to fight them?"
"Alright. I'll see you around soon then." Marina says heading back towards the doors of the building and exiting towards her drivers vehicle. "Hey you ready to head back?"
Marina gives the order to have the church’s military leaders meet her in the library in the morning before closing the doors. Once in the old archbishops quarters she does her best to put him out of sight. (A closet maybe) After laying down for sleep.
You rest fitfully during the night, tired from the flurry of activity of the preceding day. The pre dawn hours have you wakeful though it seems like the manor is relatively quiet
The book is called The beauty of living waters which seems to be a philosophical recollection about currents, water, and the lifecycle supported by it. It keeps relating back to such an intricate plan for life being evidence of a higher power
The church does not have official military leaders but there are armed groups who believe themselves zealots, or some type of guardian of the faithful that have popped up. Some church officials have groups of a few hundred fighters or more. As dawn comes, they begin to assemble, one by one entering the library to pull up chairs or stools, forming a circle around you
Marina waits for them all before speaking. “As I said yesterday we are going to join the city in pushing the robots for our water. This crusade will ensure plentiful water to both us and the masses allowing us to convert more and show them the true love of water. The city has lent us a military leader as well to ensure cooperation. Not having led real war I hope he can help us ensure our goal. Any questions?”
“Good I’ll make sure to arrive soon.” Marina say getting up. “Soon my brothers and children our crusade will begin and we will not stop till the water flows.”
Marina steps out of the car looking for the Lieutenant. “Lieutenant I hear you were assigned to us. What is the current appraisal of where we head to for attack.”
“You’ve called the crusade. Aren’t you supposed to tell us? The robots have the entire desert under their eye. It won’t be long before a fight comes to us
“Well I don’t have the current reports and scouts sent out. I’m sure your cities military have. What is the closest base that we can strike and how is is appraised.”
"They have an outpost about six hours by truck from here. It's defended but it looks to be platoon strength, maybe an understrength company at the most"
(Seung comes on mechanical pegisai.”I have come!”) “I see. Then has there been any successful offensives out there in the desert? Or are the robots pushing to us?”
(Hahahahaha)
“It’s been a stalemate. We win a skirmish one area we lose one somewhere else. We haven’t had the organization to hold what we take. Not before now with everyone working together”
The March is predominantly on foot, the handful of trucks used as impromptu gun platforms or supply carriers for goods, and it is a long walk across the desert
While the march is going on Marina talks to the Lieutenant. "So you say that they watch the city with the platform? I'd say it's best to think they're expecting us then huh? Maybe taking the main force directly towards them isn't a smart idea. I was thinking about it for a while, but maybe we needs a distraction?"
"They watch the city from the outpost we're marching on. (theres no space platform here, theres space elevator ruins but the platform they tried to build crash into it )
"I think a distraction might help. Sometihng to draw them out"
(When I said platform I meant the outpost.) "That's what I mean what's to stop them from just seeing us right now? We did just leave the city and beeline for them."
"There's a dune field between us and them. They'll see us enter, but won't see us leave until we're right on top of them- and if they enter, we get to decide how contact is made"
"My men will do just fine lieutenant. I hope it's your men that can keep up with my flocks zeal and determination. Should we expect anything in the sky from the robots?" (I'm also assuming anyone could just be overhearing.)(edited)
(Yeah that’s what I’d think too). “Not if we are quick and not once we take the base. They won’t want to collapse it into the water holding tanks beneath
The scouts return after two hours.
The base is defended by a chain link type barrier- solid, but not impenetrable. There are guards, four patrols of about a dozen watching a side fo the base each
8:49 PM
its five buildings are fortified, as much bunkers as they are for other uses, and there is a tank in the middle of the entire facility.
"You were on to something with seeing how many we can lure into the dune field. I think while they hunt skirmishers here, the main attack should flank east and west in a pincer, and hit the base. If we watch our crossfire, and draw off as many as possible, we should be able to have the base in our control before the hunters withdraw to reinforce it
7:46 AM
"Your zealots arent trained for combat engineering. Do you think you can get them to agree to be the lure?"
"They would gladdly put themselves on the front line for the crusade. To fight for the water that will flow freely is to live for our people. Will your people be able to do the other part of the plan and take the base?"
“Good luck and blessed be the sweat on your brow.” I hope this nonsense sounds good to the other. Marina thinks before heading to his Zelots. “So there is a plan to be out in place. We will drag the Robots into the dunes and the soldiers will wait and attack in a pincer maneuver. I will be leading our party with a guard detail. Any questions?”
Heading into the dunes, the large sand drifts are easily four times your height. Dust drifts across the top, kicked up from the flanking forces.
It is shaded down here in the shadow of such large sand drifts
"Forward brothers! We head for the base of the robots. We turn once they join us in the dunes in a fighting retreat till our allies attack. Onward so we may see the water flow!"
The bots enter the dune field, your flanking forces confirming their exit. They will wait until the bots are further into the trap before moving to hit the base
1:11 PM
"patrol, five of them, cross the next dune and turn right" the forward scouts relay back
The zealots of your guard, and you, run across a patrol of four of the alloy host bots, their single shot rifles lowered in mechanical fists toward the group
Marina stares at the man in shock for a moment before pointing back at the robots and sputtering. “Ke-keep firing at them! Fire, fire, fire! Don’t stop!” The four non wounded each firing at the same boy as before (sorry only got a quick sec so I just took a picture each roll on top +5 is the hit the rolls on bottom are dmg.)
(All good!) two of the bots fall in retaliation for your own wounded, the enemy patrol now reduced to three begins giving ground.
They move back toward the base as quickly as possible (double moving away but a long way off from it)
Robots Falling back toward their fortress, the flanking forces begin their attack, and there are a number of ferocious explosions. You can only hope the tank was disabled in the opening salvo
"Don't let them get back to the base!" Marina yells in the archbishops voice. The four healthy guards firing onto the remaining robots. (22/1 17/8 11/6 23/10 the first two on one and the other to on the final robot.)(edited)
"My brothers protect me and the wounded." Marina yells at the zealots. "Are you hurt. You're not going to die on us are you?" She says leaning down to the man propped up by his combat rifle.(edited)
Smoke rises from breached buildings, and the tank is a burning wreck by time you pull your squad into the base. Most of the defenses have been overrun though it looks like the right flanking element was hit hard.
the officer you'd been speaking with before battle is already pulling his junior squad leaders together to figure out how to best dig in
He looks a bit nervous
"Well, I was thinking maybe we bring some tankers in. As many as we can spare. Empty the water tanks, collapse the fort here, we take as much as we can carry ourselves with some light vehicles, and the most able bodied, and push off into the desert in a lighter raiding party"
"That would probably be best. Even if hold the base here they'll just keep sending more and more of their warriors won't they. So let us bring back the first spoils of our wild crusade and let the water flow freely if only for a day."(edited)
"We'll see a rise in volunteers, too. We've proven we can be successful here, and we have what it takes to win. Now, we just need to see it through. With your permission I'll get the arrangements made"
"They'd appreciate that. Try to get the zealots rallied and ready to move. THey're civilians and not conditioned for the long marches like this. We can hold, if you want to get them marching back to the city. We'll catch up with you when the trucks get here and fill, and lift you back the rest of the way"
The wounded are numerous, lying in a small canvas tents strung up on the fence line. Most have gunshot wounds though a few have been laid into by swords or pole-arms. A few vastly under equipped medics are trying to get the best off among them ready for transport.
“So this is the wounded.” Marina says in the archbishops voice. All this for just some water. I still need to play my part. Marina thinks to herself closing her eyes as she does. “Just a prayer. So that those who feel here may get back up.” She whispers to herself before opening her eyes looking for an aide an idea beginning to form in her mind.
There are a handful of volunteers who are sitting and resting, exhausted from fighting, and then serving as stretcher carriers for those who couldn't walk into triage themselves. They are coated with blood and sand
“You there!” She yells pointing to a random aide. “Gather the Zelots who can still fight. Have them meet here as quick as possible. These men may they be of the church or not fell for our crusade. They deserve more then just one man to stand for them as they fight to stay with their water. Gather them all. All here now!”(edited)
Flocks and mauled squads of zealot warriors begin coming in from the dunes, or return from building clearing duties, at the sound that something is going on
Marina stands in front of the tents waiting for the Zealots numbers to swell for a few minutes before clearing her throat and doing her best to be heard without straining her voice. "To those that joined me on this crusade I say that we have won our first battle, but this is just a small victory. Beneath us is a very large tank of water that was horded by these robots that we've managed to defeat today. Behind me lay both our wounded and the many number of wounded from the city who fought for us taking the base and some may still be fighting below. In this our crusade it is the cities soldiers pushed inward and died for it, and now they offer us safety in bringing the water home for us while we march homeward. How can we holy men allow those soldiers to die for our cause when all did before was give them small aid. How can we call this our crusade when they are the ones fighting for us. Let us stand with them as they hold this base and it's holy water till there is no more. We will help them bring it home and after I urge you to join them. We must ensure the strength not the city of the church or the city but the strength of humanity together if we wish to let the waters flow. When we return home gather those willing to fight and yourselves and join the army of the city get the training that these men show. As one trained force we will fight these fiends and ensure the waters flow! Not separately but together as humanity!"
You see some of the more formal city defense forces and zealot brotherhood members hugging, or shaking hands. There is not a cheer, but there is more spirited conversation among the two forces here, and it is not long before mixed, ad-hoc squads begin to form, with a renewed sense of organization and purpose.
1:20 PM
(So continuing operations here, preparing for a counter attack, then leaving with the water?)
The LT is still getting the defenders organized, and working to see if the tank is too badly damaged to at least get the turret moving again.
"Everything alright with your wounded? getting ready to head out?"
"We're going to stay. I don't wish to make you stay alone so I worked them up to stay. They'll likely be joining the army to get the training once we make it back to the city as well."(edited)
"Well survive I wouldn't be surprised with how many of us there are. But reinforcing you it's for humanity here not just the church or the city. How much time do we have do you know?"
“The robots have a mechanized company making its way here. I’d expect contact in about six hours. The transports will be here and away in five. Its going to be very tightl
He thinks for a long moment.
"Our soldiers of course have E-tools for digging earth works, or as makeshift spears, we might be able to dig using explosives, or try to rig up some construction equipment from the scraps"
"That's a great idea. Explosives behind the dunes to de-stabilize their tops, and fighting pits dug in and reinforced with metal....You just might be a tactician after all"
"I don't know about a tactician but just trying to think of anyways to catch them off guard. I know about fist fights really not big fights like this."
“Well if they come from the north why not set ourselves to the south. We put what we can on the north dunes and when they show up if we can we leave while detonating the dunes maybe the rock canyon too so that we can bury them and the base.”
“Yeah and protect the water till we’re ready to leave. With any hope we’ll force them to leave the base as a loss or they’ll have to unbury it if they want to salvage it and that takes time. We may be able to use that to grow and hit them elsewhere.”
The first of the tankers is hooked up and begins filling while you speak. Currently everything remains on schedule.
“We don’t have many sappers. If you and your brotherhood. Some of them at least, want to lend a hand it might speed things up”
"I'm not looking forward to literally going blade to blade with these things. We should look around and see if they;'ve got anything left hanging around in that armory"
“Have your men not already got there? And if we’re to hopefully trap many of them in the sand we’d have to expect them to get close unless we have mortars or something. I wouldn’t want to risk people dying to our trap.”
Youre taken to the armory where an ad-hoc gang of zealots and soldiers have fashioned a crude battering ram out of the twisted off barrel of the tank. They are running at the door at full speed, and all falling like knocked over bowling pins as they make point of impact
THey make one more pass at the door, just because, and they all are knocked loose, the front of the barrel-turned -ram finally bending upwards at an angle, suffering one impact with the sheer metal too many
8:06 AM
there is a complex holo- keypad with a lock on it, the combination constantly, moving and changing how many digits it requires
“We can only hope to guess this combo. It would be only gods will though. If not perhaps this water was not meant for us.” Marina says feeing the lock with her magic before pushing it to open.
The door opens on your command, revealing an empty armory, but one stacked with heavy weapons in neat alcoves on the wall. Heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, and railguns all sit in racks, enough for at least two men in each squad to be carrying something heavier
“And all I had to hit was the number 4. A true showing of god and his will. Let us use these weapons made my the machines against them. Shall the water soon flow.”
"So lieutenant let's give these to our people and get them set up. We can put charges in the dune as a last resort and set these guns up around it. That way when we retreat and the robots come to get these guns back they have a pile of sand waiting for them."(edited)
Charges are buried and weapon teams begin digging in over the next few hours, sand pits reinforced with metal scrap to prevent cave-ins from shelling where it can be found. A growing dust squall on the horizon, that looks like a storm, but is not, slowly creeps closer as trucks jostle for position at the water pumps.
Marina watches from the top of the dune. "So that's what's coming. I wish I could help fight the oncoming storm that wishes to wipe us out, but I'll just have to wait nearer to the base if they pass this line. Do you men think you can hold this dune long enough to let us empty the water?"
"Then my brothers and soldiers hold strong as long as you can, but don't fear to run over the dune. We must keep as many alive as possible you can't die pointless deaths trying to fight alone. We may not empty the stores but this is only one battle of many." Marina says before heading back down the dune into the base.
Heading back inside the wounded are being loaded into one of the medical haulers that has finally made its way out here. A pair of scout vehicles idle at the southern gate while the final two water tankers fuel.
The scout vehicle turret gunners watch the skies with their weapons, panning for aircraft flanking or advancing ahead of the armor column that is coming
3:07 PM
"How are the defenses looking up there? It's going to be hair thin"
(My phone must have done something weird. I don't remember typing the same exact thing twice.) "Alright then I'll wait here near the dune. I can't do much to use weapons but I can hopefully help the front line flee back."
You make it to the fighting position just in time to see the first clod of sand go skyward, billowing out in the prevailing easterly wind.
"They keep doing that, I'll make a nice cover screen for us"
The fighting pits are dug in as well as they can be. The first of the AT soldiers are getting themselves into position, tubes loaded and pointed toward the oncoming armored formation
1:50 PM
"Two minutes, ish" one says over to you from one of the larger nearby pits
The bots move in , the first wave of three personnel carriers advancing toward the dune. Their turrets slew upward and chew sand. Rock chips blow skyward.
Two self propelled guns, bravely, or perhaps simply instructed to, likewise move up and the. Park, their guns begin to elevate
8:38 PM
(Misses and heavy weapon setup turn for me, Rebels have 6 rocket launchers. +4 to hit)
Marina get's close to a wall or vehicle for cover as the sounds of the blast. She doesn't hear the 6 quiet sounds of the rockets flying from the rebels till they hit or miss their targets however firing 2 to a personnel carrier. (carrier 1 16/17 8/5 carrier 2 18/13 9/17 carrier 3 23/9 16/14)
The third carrier stops dead in its tracks as the shaped charges pass through its front armor. The angle is good, the thin armor on the front roof not stopping much of the impact. There are two dull crumps from inside and black smoke begins to vent from rivet holes and the two new ones on the roof.
8:15 PM
There does not seem to be anyone emerging.
The damaged carriers continue on, engines straining , armor plating peeled away by the ablative impact of the shots.
They bracket the rocket teams and fire. (Both suppressing. It’s hard cover, pass is no damage)
Four of the fighting pits are wreathed in flame and smoke as the turrets of the carriers chatter, high caliber cannons chugging in their housings and pumping empty shell casings into the desert sands.
Their occupants do not rise, sand filling in around their bodies.
“It’s time to go!” You hear the officer call from the base below the dune. “Let’s get out of here!”
THe fighting pits have been decimated, the rocket teams torn apart with heavy weapons. Two of the six valiantly remain, their tubes firing, and knocking another carrier out of action, though its troop compliment has already begun to disembark.
"Your holiness! It's not safe here! "
"Flee brothers. You must live to tell your story of glory and battle!" Marina yells. before running back down the hill. "Ready everything we have. We'll have to blow the dune once they've made it past but if the water trucks are not full we'll have to fight."
The truck honks its horn as the hose is left on the ground, a few trickles of the now depleted tank dripping into the sand.
Engines rev on the other side of the dune as the enemy vehicles begin trying to climb it
11:19 AM
The group of you run toward the tanker, 20m from the base of the dune now
The heavy engine crests the dune as you make it to the tanker and there is a muffled pop as tons and tons of sand begin to collapse, blown outward. the APC topples onto its back, rolling down the opposite side, away from you, like a top, crushing some of the dismounted robot infantry advancing behind it as cover
3:45 PM
The attack stalls, and the heavy engine of the water carrier begins to growl
The truck pulls away as the sand continues to collapse, stalling the attack and giving you enough space to break away without further need for fighting.
(9xp)
"We recovered several, we need to do a full inventory on return and see what we can machine more ammo for, we did lost a handful of heavy pieces in the dunes, but it was expected"
"Well soon it won't be a partnership but I think it'll hopefully be mostly under you. That is if I can get most of my missionaries to join your side for training."
"I hope you can. One banner, thats the only way we're going to get through this, and even as one force, we might not"
He shrinks back in the seat a bit, the exhaustion of the day beginning to catch up with him, as the adrenaline wears off
"If he hasn't I'm sure he's noticed. I'd use the chance to slip away or rest or do whatever you need to do, unless you had something planned" (The LT knows your secret iirc, its been a bit here , but he's not sure how it works, so hes trying to help)
“I should be fine I think, but if you think we have time I suppose I could use it to rest and think. Have we told those outside of the city of our success?”
Hearing you have returned, the compound has sent a rickshaw like vehicle down to pick you up, and you are hurriedly welcomed aboard, as the staff is eager their holiness is back in town.
You race through the city streets, small engine sputtering valiantly on some of the bigger hills, before arriving back at the compound. You see the water sharing has gone better than expected, and it is almost a welcome sight to see some of the plants and gardens now withering from lack of water
Marina walks into the compound greeting those that she see's heading for the archbishops room. "Make sure a vehicle is ready for me in the morning." She says to one of the aides as she heads inside to sleep for the night.(edited)
They scurry off to make sure the orders are carried out.
The chamber smells a bit as you enter. The body of the actual archbishop is beginning to decay but does not seek to have been discovered
"Maybe I should die and pick up as who ever takes over." Marina says to herself looking at the body. She then heads to the library due to not being tired quite yet looking over the books that are here.(edited)
There are mostly spiritual books, a few penned by the body's own hand, the others are from former water priests and water clergy, on matters of faith. There are a handful of more sedate nonfiction and fiction books here too, but even these seem to bring faith stories to life with theatrical details
Marina heads out taking a glance at the body. "Gotta get that cleaned up some how." She says to herself quietly before heading out to the vehicle waiting on her.(edited)
The assembled vehicle is a small staff car with an open top and four seats in it. You’ve seen a few like this before. It has bulbous headlights and is painted a dust brown and tan. It’s wheels are wide and thick to help with the unimproved streets
(if you dont want a driver just let me know, going to move it on for the sake of not holding it up with one question)
The driver helps you board, and you head to city center to meet with the town mayor, captain of the guard, and the lieutenant you engaged in the operation with. You realize that in a normal city meeting, you yourself would be attending in the name of the church.
The drive is quick, people moving to the side rapidly for the approaching car. There is hope in the streets for once. The alloy host suffered a setback, and the aquifers beneath the city are full enough to discontinue water runs for an entire two weeks. Fourteen precious days of life for whoever is picked to go next(edited)
Marina stares at all the people around the city happy to have been a help. Leaving the car with the help of the driver she heads up to the doors of the city hall.
The doors are opened for you by two city guard in their dusty khaki uniforms and you’re brought up to the third floor where the normally busy guard office has been cleared for your meeting. A few of the desks have been moved together so you have a place to speak
4:59 AM
The mayor and LT from the assault look to already be there but must have just arrived as well, they’re still getting settled in
(Just bumping, I know youre out of town, I just realized I didn't really give you anything there)
"Ah welcome, good of you to join us, and good we have all made it back safely" The mayor says, pulling out a chair for each of you before sitting down. A small pitcher of perfectly crystal clear water is on the table, and there are even a few icecubes bobbing in it.
"I'm glad to made it back safely. Even bringing that back so it may flow." She says pointing to the pitcher. "We lost many in that rush the robots did to take back the base though."
"but they were denied the base, and the precious cargo we took from within. You've led us to a victory, and against a foe like that, they will always be costly"
"True I suppose. Do we have any plans going forward? I doubt that will make a huge blow against the robots but, we can't stop there I suppose. Maybe even trying to call in the other city?"
"I think it is time we propose a summit, using this recent victory as proof we can back up our promises. We think the three of us in this room , as representatives of our respective bodies, should attend, with our counterparts from the other human settlment here"
"That sounds like a good idea I suppose. And if anyone decides they don't agree maybe we can find a way to change that. Hopefully then we can even get outside help?"
"Ad-Astra, from the UNW is bringing water to the other city, we ahve not been so fortunate with a visit of our own, but something we hope to get from this meeting is contacts for offworld. I am also going to propose a joint strike on the Host's anti-space defense system, so we can once again have some holes in our sky, and help from outside is easier to obtain.
I heard the last few runs here - the ships were fired on"
8:32 PM
(would have been phil, and then phils next character in the Anamen, almost getting shot down twice)
"They'll be arriving tomorrow, with forty of their bodyguards. As for the robots, they are massing near the bunker that first loosed them into the world, but have not made any incursions south in response to us yet
"Cruise missile attack on a couple of our listening posts. We expected retaliation of some kind. It could have been worse. We won't be able to do much about them until the orbital defenses are taken out. We can get some help locating the launch vehicles then maybe"
"I understand. Hopefully someone can come out and help us. There can't be much going on out there that they can't assist a whole planet that needs help."
"Whatever they do is harder when ships are being damaged or shot down for their trouble. We have a day or so before the summit, and there's not much of note happening out in the desert. I expect we'll be moving right after the meeting, any personal business I'd handle over the next day or so"
"You'll be sent for. We have some runners here resting up for the job. Expect to be gone a while once a plan comes together. Pack heavily, and get your affairs running as smoothly as they can without you"
"Leaving the world to the host? It;s been thought about. We would need to find somewhere to go, and they wouldn't be a quiet problem for our kids kids kids to deal with. They'd find a way to come after us. One planet will not be enough, I don't think"
"We'll send a runner when they get to down. Get here quick when you're called, our window is rapidly closing on all of this. The Host will no doubt know what we're up to before long"
The drive is quick, not that there is ever much traffic in the city to worry about. You are returned to the compound within the hour, and are one of the few souls there during the day. Most of the other clergy wander the streets, lecturing, sermonizing, and handing out water as per your command of a few weeks ago
The body is getting to the point of decay where continued hiding is going to become very messy, if not downright impossible . The beginning of advanced decay is setting in, and it is only due to the relative dryness of the air and seal of the room that things are not worse right now. Something will need to be done before you leave, assuming you intend to reprise your tole after this next field job\
As you enter the building it does not seem anyone has smelled anything or become overly suspicious, but there is a certain staleness in the air that you know will become the ripe odor of decay if this is left for much longer
(sorry been busy.) Marina stares at the body. "What can I do with you. I need to get you out of here some where. Maybe the window? Or how..." Marina says thinking to her self looking out the window to see what would be out that way.
The city wall itself is not far from here, sneaking out would be a challege, but out in the open desert, the body would be difficult to dislodge. A group of scavengers would feast on this for a night or more
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