NationStates Jolt Archive

"Aye, I know waht you mean." Murphy thought for a bit, runnign through all the names in his 'mental' folder. "I swear, your name, Williams sounds quite a bit familiar. Wouldn't happen to have a history with Imitora, would ya?" he asked, not knowing exactly how much of a history he did have.

OOC: Ok, I'm gonna try ya'll know, considering I cant get my region in on this. Would any of you guys be up to doing a past (future for Iansisle) RP that kinda plays out a bit of our relationship, persay? I can tgram you with specifics if you want.

"Well," Jeff started, "I was friends with Robert Fortier and President Ormsby, she was the maid of honor at my wedding. And I've got an Imitoran battle group named after me. I've spent some good time there."

OOC: I'm up for it, send me the info.

"Aye, thats it, the Williams battle group. Big military museum now. Wonderful place, it really is. Quite a few ships, planes, tanks, everything. Been there quite a few times. Every year they hold some big ceremony, someting or other, not sure. So, tell me Mr. Williams. Is it true waht they say about you? I mean, sure its English and all, but still?" he asked, waiting for the pint to arrive.

OOC: Count to seven, and yo ushould have it in your TGram box.

"Ummm, I'm afraid to ask, but what do they say about me?" Jeff asked.

"That you have the blood in you? I mean, after all, to be worthy of the sword, you have to have the blood," Murphy responded.

Ibrahaim smiled as the tension broke down. He leaned over and talked in a soft voice with D'Analia. The former Duke seemed to think for a second, then shrugged, responding in an equally low voice. Ibrahaim nodded and returned to his food.

James watched the exchange out of the corner of his eyes. He was sitting next to Jeff, of course, and looked Murphey up and down as the Imitoran started talking. He listened for a bit, trying not to intrude too much on their conversation, but also looking up and down the tables. His eyes caught those of another, who he nodded slightly to.

(sorry all - real life cruelly interupted me!

Imitora - I'd love to! Can you send the info to me as well?)

Info on way to all requests. If your wondering where I got teh idea, it came from a cross over what if we need to write about in our Poli Sci class and Academic Writting Class.

IC:

Murph felt the eyes of the man slide over him, sizing him up, but he didnt let on. He continued talking to Jeff, sipping from the newly arrived beer, and made a mental note of the situation.

James looked away, down at his own lunch. He didn't recognize it, per se, but it tasted good enough.

(Yeah, that sounds like fun. Would I have to ADVANCE my technology for this? ;))

(Temporairaly. I already got a definate Whales right now. You seem to know your shit about 1940s era (or at elast up to) Brit technology and all, but if you have trouble with 1980s era stuff, I can help you out with it)

(Yeah, can't say I do - I know a bit about the Falklands War, but not much. I've been sort of researching every tech era as I move through it - meaning that I'm concentrating on the 50s right now.

Does this mean I'll have to give up the good old .303? :))

Yeap :(. But look at it this way. You'll get that wonderful POS known as the L85A1 (5.56, worst rifle design...ever), and the wonderful rifle known as the L1A1 (7.62 NATO). Plus the Minimi and teh GPMG.

(Aww...can't I keep the SMLE? ;))

As long as you understand it'll be going up against guys with AKs and M16s and M60s and the like.

I'm tempted to start now, but I kinda wanna wait to see what Lark has to say on it. I mean, I'm assuming you're gonna e GB? I got a Whales (someone almost begged for it), and I got Ireland.

(I'll be whoever - doesn't really matter to me. Who's Wales?)

Adejaani.

(Well, this is real cool. Everyone ditch Iansisle as soon as he gets back, eh? ;)

At any rate, I think that with the introduction of D'Analia as Ibrahaim's lap dog, I've got everything I planned to cover done with this thread.

Looking forward to the party and that cool Imitoran RP, but other than that - I may have to declare this thread DONE.)

If I wasnt so tired, I'd start it right now. But, I am, so I'm gonna hit the sack, pop in boondock, and go to bed. I'll talk to ya'll tommorow, when we get my little pig of an RP started.

(later, man)

"That you have the blood in you? I mean, after all, to be worthy of the sword, you have to have the blood," Murphy responded.

"I guess I do. I dunno," Jeff said. "That's still amazing to me. Ummm, what kind of blood are we talking about? I've seen enough of my own to realize that it's as red as anyone elses"

James coughed slightly and turned away as the talk turned to blood lines. He had never been too comfortable with that subject; to be honest, he was at times embarassed by his royal blood. Looking down the table, he noticed Ibrahaim staring with a burning interest at Jeff. James narrowed his eyes slightly, resisting an urge to tap Jeff on the shoulder.

James looked away, down at his own lunch. He didn't recognize it, per se, but it tasted good enough.

(Yeah, that sounds like fun. Would I have to ADVANCE my technology for this? ;))

Jeff leaned over and turned to whisper to James, "You have to relax for now James, I mean, after all my new babies will sense your tension when you see them," he whispered with a wink.

(Does James know Jeff had kids?)

If YES: James couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sure they will, Jeff. I'm sohappy for you!" Though James was laughing outside, inside his stomach twisted into knots. House Callahan, as he well knew, was without an heir. Brian, now a full Daezemani, would refuse the throne if it came to him, leaving Elizabeth as regent of Iansisle. But Elizabeth had married before assuming the throne - which meant that her husband would become High King, not a lowly prince. It would mean the end of three hundred years of Callahanian rule.

If NO: "Jeff! Kids....wha...?" asked James, his face changing rapidly through several emotions, and settling on happiness for Jeff. "I'm so happy for you!" he exclaimed, clapping Jeff on the back. "Have you chosen names yet?"

If NO: "Jeff! Kids....wha...?" asked James, his face changing rapidly through several emotions, and settling on happiness for Jeff. "I'm so happy for you!" he exclaimed, clapping Jeff on the back. "Have you chosen names yet?"

( :lol: Ummm, I didn't think he knew, he was going to tell him after the ceremony)

IC: Jeff chuckled, "Yeah, Why do you think I've been gone? As for names, Marcus and Julie. They've got the most fiery red hair, that they got from Katherine."

"That's wonderful, Jeff!" continued James, his smile fading just slightly. "I'm so glad you'll have someone to give all the family titles to," he added, winking at his friend.

"Oh yeah," Jeff said absentmindedly, "I forgot I had to pass those o..." Jeff's voice faded away as he noticed Ibrahaim's stare.

Ibrahaim blinked slightly as Jeff's eyes met his own, but didn't move his eyes away. D'Analia, sipping at a soup of some sort, noticed his new overlord's gaze, and followed it.

After a few more seconds, Ibrahaim leaned over to D'Analia, whispering something. D'Analia nodded, then whispered a single word in Ibrahaim's ear. The Holy Emperor's eyes grew wide, and he dropped his spoon with a clatter.

"Are you alright, Jeff?" asked James, concerned he may have given insult.

"Yeah, I.. I think I'm all right," Jeff said, turning back to smile at his friend. "If you'll excuse me," he said standing up, "Your Holiness, I believe I need some air."

"As do I!" exclaimed Ibrahaim, much to everyone's surprise. "I hope you do not mind the company, Sir Jeffery?"

(and I should probably be off to bed....friday would be the ONE day I had to take an early morning class, wouldn't it?

*wanders away grumbling*)

"I..." Jeff looked at him and D'Analia and kept his composure. "Of course not sir. James? Would you like to join us?"

I'm not planning on leaving you alone with D'Analia

(OOC : An early morning class on Friday??? Blasphemy! :wink:)

James looked surprised. "I, uh, guess so, Jeff," stammered James. It was obvious he wasn't keen on the idea of being close to Ibrahaim. "Yes, yes, I would," he said, with a little more confidence, standing. Weathers motioned at once as if he'd like to come with them, but James waved him off.

D'Analia also stood. "I should greatly enjoy a smoke. I find that a touch of tobacco may calm the nerves...don't you, Sir Jeffery?"

Jeff turned to D'Analia and flashed one of his best smiles, "Of course, it might calm our nerves," he said , holding the door open for Ibrahaim and D'Analia and pulling out a cigar, "After you two gentlemen."

James tried to make sure he was the last one out, but a polite gesture by D'Analia to procede infront of him didn't allow it. Imagine, the Iansislean High King refusing the hospitality of an Effitian servant, while in front of every Tilsitian leader!

James walked out before D'Analia, half surprised he found no knife in his back.

Ibrahaim, who was the first out, leaned casually against a rail. It was clear he frequented this part of the castle. Pulling a case from inside his robes, he offered it about. "Cigars, anyone? The finest thing from Healdsburg!"

Jeff stepped forward, "I've got one right now, but if you don't mind, I'll take one for later when I get back home." he said taking one.

Jeff lit his cigar and also leaned along the rail.

"So, this a very interesting country from what I've seen. Now your title, your Holiness, is it a dual title? You're also the... what's the word I'm looking for?" Jeff asked, trying his best to keep himself between the two men and James while staring out from the balcony. "High Cleric?"

"Of course not, Sir Jeffery," smiled Ibrahaim, handing one over. "I find the Healdsburgians make the best cigars in Tilsitia, even if they are shunned by certain states." Such as Iansisle, he added silently. After a minute - "Many call me Pater - it means father, I believe, when translated literally. In English, High Cleric, High Priest, Holy Emperor, or your Holiness are all acceptable translations, along with some others that slip my mind. You see, Sir Jeffery, I've never been too hung up on titles...too much stuffiness for me - don't you agree?"

D'Analia very subtly edged closer to James. The young High King wasn't sure who he should be keeping his eye on, switching from D'Analia to Ibrahaim and back again. Nervously, he almost lit the wrong end of the cigar.

"May I help you, Majesty?" asked D'Analia, taking a large step towards James and raising his hand.

"Of course not, Sir Jeffery," smiled Ibrahaim, handing one over. "I find the Healdsburgians make the best cigars in Tilsitia, even if they are shunned by certain states." Such as Iansisle, he added silently. After a minute - "Many call me Pater - it means father, I believe, when translated literally. In English, High Cleric, High Priest, Holy Emperor, or your Holiness are all acceptable translations, along with some others that slip my mind. You see, Sir Jeffery, I've never been too hung up on titles...too much stuffiness for me - don't you agree?"

Jeff took a puff on his cigar and blew out a ring of smoke. "Yes, I think I agree with you there," he said. He turned towards James and winked at him, in part to keep an eye on D'Analia, "King James likes to tease me about all of the titles I have."

D'Analia very subtly edged closer to James. The young High King wasn't sure who he should be keeping his eye on, switching from D'Analia to Ibrahaim and back again. Nervously, he almost lit the wrong end of the cigar.

"May I help you, Majesty?" asked D'Analia, taking a large step towards James and raising his hand.

Jeff's voice trailed off as he kept an eye on D'Analia's movements.

"No! No, I think I have it!" exclaimed James, wanting to reach for his missing broadsword.

D'Analia nodded stiffly. "Of course, your Highness. Forgive me if I seem rude." He backed to his original position. With twitching fingers, James managed to get the cigar lit, taking a quick puff.

Ibrahaim coughed. "Tell me, Sir Jeffery - I am most interested in how such a humbly-born man did manage to acumulate those titles. For instance - though I'm not sure if I should believe him - Andrew was telling me the most fantastic story about your knighting..."

"No! No, I think I have it!" exclaimed James, wanting to reach for his missing broadsword.

D'Analia nodded stiffly. "Of course, your Highness. Forgive me if I seem rude." He backed to his original position. With twitching fingers, James managed to get the cigar lit, taking a quick puff.

Ibrahaim coughed. "Tell me, Sir Jeffery - I am most interested in how such a humbly-born man did manage to acumulate those titles. For instance - though I'm not sure if I should believe him - Andrew was telling me the most fantastic story about your knighting..."

Jeff chuckled as he thought about the statement. "Well, James and my wife would say I acquired those titles despite my stupid actions. Something about a kilometer-long dragon if I remember one of those actions," he said winking to James and starting to relax. "Besides, humble-born or not, honor doesn't rest in the titles, but the man."

Nothing to worry about here, these two won't do anything stupid, and if they do I'll tear this place apart.

"Which story about my knighting ceremony did he share with you? The dual? I've apologized and agonized over that."

"A very good shot, Sir Jeffery, but not what I had in mind, alas. To be honest, I don't remember the story perfectly...something about little green men of Mars, or to that effect."

D'Analia kept his dark eyes on James.

"A very good shot, Sir Jeffery, but not what I had in mind, alas. To be honest, I don't remember the story perfectly...something about little green men of Mars, or to that effect."

D'Analia kept his dark eyes on James.

"Little green men..." Jeff thought then broke out laughing. "Well, I don't think I'd call them little" he said. "You must be talking about receiving Excalibur," he continued. "Yes, that was quite the surprise."

Don't try it little man... Jeff thought as his eyes flashed over to D'Analia quickly.

Ibrahaim raised an eyebrow as Jeff ammended the "little", then staggered back - the first time any of them had seen the stoic Holy Emperor so shocked. "The wealth of a thousand nations, the power of a million men - given to a...a Larkinian commoner!" he muttered.

"I shouldn't be so elitist, Ibrahaim," spoke James equally softly, his rude usage of the Pater's first name almost lost by a sudden gust of wind. "Some times the 'commonfolk' are the only ones worth knowing," he continued, his thoughts turning to Christin, who was half a world - maybe half a galaxy - away.

D'Analia dropped his cigar, hurridly picking it up. "Clumsy me," he whispered, still staring at James.

Jeff smiled at James as he saw the effect his comments had on Ibrahaim, before turning back to the man, "Once again, my honor is not in my titles, or the blade, but in me. Apparently I was chosen to receive the sword, and it has saved my life on more than one occasion already." he said.

"And commoner or not, I'd place my honor against anyone, anywhere, anytime," he said straightening up and squaring his shoulders to the two men. "A title alone, does not bestow honor upon anyone."

Ibrahaim hastily reshelved himself. "Of course not, Sir Jeffery. Of coures you're right...you as well, King James. Forgive me - the magnitude of the moment seems to have blown my manners as well. I assure you - I do not think lower of anyone because of nobility or lack thereof."

From inside, a tiny bell sound emitted. "Pater, cena parata est." whispered D'Analia. Ibrahaim nodded and waved his hand.

"I believe they are ready for us inside, gentlemen," he smiled. "If you'll accompany me back to the table..."

"Yes," Jeff said getting the door for the men again, "Let's go back to the table." He walked in after them, keeping his eyes on the guards and exits.

Damn, just as I was starting to relax too...

The guards made no sudden moves, though they were covering every exit seen.

A large lunch was served and eaten without D'Analia or Ibrahaim casting eyes upon James or Jeff. At last, Ibrahaim stood.

"Guests, I thank you for your attendence, but am afraid this concludes my coronation ceremony. Please, have safe trips back to your homes. If I could ask the Tilsitian leaders to join me in my private quarters for the talks now," he spoke, nodding at James at his counterparts before standing and walking briskly out a door. James looked confused for a second, but hastily rose to follow Ibrahaim.

What?? WTF???

Jeff stood as James rose. "You're majesty," he said quietly to James "As I have been given the task of additional protection for you,"

Being a knight of Iansisle and all that he winked. "I'll have your car ready for your quick departure from the talks."

James turned back as Emperor Ramirez and his swarm of bodyguards vanished down the walkway. "I know that's not all you wanted to say, Jeff," whispered James. "But Princeton, Weathers, and all them are here. I'll be fine. The Effitians just...don't have the same sense of manners we do." He winked at Jeff. "I'll be fine. See you at the hotel - this may take a while."

Eleven hours later - nearly ten o'clock at night EFST - James and his escorts still hadn't returned.

(DAGNABIT!)

James turned back as Emperor Ramirez and his swarm of bodyguards vanished down the walkway. "I know that's not all you wanted to say, Jeff," whispered James. "But Princeton, Weathers, and all them are here. I'll be fine. The Effitians just...don't have the same sense of manners we do." He winked at Jeff. "I'll be fine. See you at the hotel - this may take a while."

"You're right your majesty," Jeff whispered back, "There's a lot more I wanted to say. I'll meet you at the hotel. If you're not back, I'm going to tear this place apart looking for you."

Eleven hours later - nearly ten o'clock at night EFST - James and his escorts still hadn't returned.

Jeff paced back and forth in the hotel lobby. "Ma'am? Any message from King James?" he asked the desk manager.

"You're right your majesty," Jeff whispered back, "There's a lot more I wanted to say. I'll meet you at the hotel. If you're not back, I'm going to tear this place apart looking for you."

"You're the best, Jeff," grinned James. Turning and nodding to his escort, he vanished down the hallway just ahead of the dark-glassed Healdsburgian Primere.

Jeff paced back and forth in the hotel lobby. "Ma'am? Any message from King James?" he asked the desk manager.

The annoyed-looking Effitian female - who had gotten over her xenophobia quickly when faced with Jeff - glanced up at him in annoyance. "No, none yet. And the palace operator keeps saying I should tell you to leave the country; the coronation is over."

"You're right your majesty," Jeff whispered back, "There's a lot more I wanted to say. I'll meet you at the hotel. If you're not back, I'm going to tear this place apart looking for you."

"You're the best, Jeff," grinned James. Turning and nodding to his escort, he vanished down the hallway just ahead of the dark-glassed Healdsburgian Primere.

"I have my moments," Jeff said to himself as he watched James vanish.


The annoyed-looking Effitian female - who had gotten over her xenophobia quickly when faced with Jeff - glanced up at him in annoyance. "No, none yet. And the palace operator keeps saying I should tell you to leave the country; the coronation is over."

"Oh really?" Jeff asked angrily. "Well, you can tell them that I'm not leaving until James is back in this hotel sharing a beer with me. No, better yet, I'LL TELL THEM!" Jeff fumed as he walked out of the hotel to hail a taxi to take him back to the palace.

Jeff picked up his trusty cell phone and dialed a number as he flagged down a taxi. "Hey Jet, it's Jeff. Yeah, she's great. Yeah, twins, hard to believe isn't it. I need a favor, how far are you and Spike from this cell phone coordinate?"

The taxi driver almost screamed as an obvious outlander walked into his cab, talking on some fabulous contraption. But he was more scared of the Pater and his secret police than he xenophobic.

Emperor Rameriz and Primere Musil, along with their escorts, walked into the hotel behind Jeff.

"Most useful talks," the Emperor was saying.

"Indeed," agreed the mustachioed Healdsburgian, as the heavy doors swung shut behind them. There was no one else in sight along the street.

"Wa...wa....where to, mac?" asked the shaking taxi driver.

The taxi driver almost screamed as an obvious outlander walked into his cab, talking on some fabulous contraption. But he was more scared of the Pater and his secret police than he xenophobic.

Emperor Rameriz and Primere Musil, along with their escorts, walked into the hotel behind Jeff.

"Most useful talks," the Emperor was saying.

"Indeed," agreed the mustachioed Healdsburgian, as the heavy doors swung shut behind them. There was no one else in sight along the street.

"Wa...wa....where to, mac?" asked the shaking taxi driver.

OOC: Ooooooooooooh, a choice, does Jeff take what's behind door #1, or what's under the tarp?

IC: "The presidential Palace," Jeff said.

Then he turned back to his cell phone, "Jet, track this signal. If you and Spike don't hear from me in 12 hours, go with plan Delta." Jeff hung up the call and left the phone signal on.

OOC: Ooooooooooooh, a choice, does Jeff take what's behind door #1, or what's under the tarp?

IC: "The presidential Palace," Jeff said.

Then he turned back to his cell phone, "Jet, track this signal. If you and Spike don't hear from me in 12 hours, go with plan Delta." Jeff hung up the call and left the phone signal on.

(ooc: you win...a donkey! (wah wah waaaaaah) :P)

"Yes, yes," agreed the cabbie, slamming on the gas and roaring away to Ibrahaim's palace. "No charg-ie, no, charg-ie," he quaked, trying to use his mind to will Jeff from the car.

A couple guards started moving curiously towards the new arrival, holding late-model Effitian rifles.

OOC: Ooooooooooooh, a choice, does Jeff take what's behind door #1, or what's under the tarp?

IC: "The presidential Palace," Jeff said.

Then he turned back to his cell phone, "Jet, track this signal. If you and Spike don't hear from me in 12 hours, go with plan Delta." Jeff hung up the call and left the phone signal on.

(ooc: you win...a donkey! (wah wah waaaaaah) :P)

"Yes, yes," agreed the cabbie, slamming on the gas and roaring away to Ibrahaim's palace. "No charg-ie, no, charg-ie," he quaked, trying to use his mind to will Jeff from the car.

A couple guards started moving curiously towards the new arrival, holding late-model Effitian rifles.

OOC: A donkey? So does this mean that James will hide behind Jeff's ass when the shooting starts? :wink:

IC: Damn, he seems very intent on me leaving...

"Don't go anywhere," Jeff said as he walked out of the cab.

Jeff walked up to the two guards. "I need to speak to His Holiness, King James has not returned to the hotel. His last known location was here. I want to see James now."

(Don't make me chuck a watermelon at you ;))

The guards stared impassivly at him. "The Pater is taking rest. He must not be disturbed."

Behind Jeff, the cab left with a squeal of tires.

OOC: They can ride out on the donkey! "And an ass shall lead them..."*ducks*

IC: "Ahh, then there is no need to disturb him," Jeff said as the tires left. "Just produce James for me to talk with. Or bring D'Analia out here to explain where James is."

(ooc: You'd better! :P)

The guards had no ready answer for that one. They chattered for a moment in latin, before turning to Jeff. "We will take you to And-roo D'Analia. Follow."

One guard turned gruffly without waiting and marched through the palace, coming up to a room marked 'Medicus'.

"In there."

OOC: Jeff knocks on the door, "Yes ma'am, official ACME Salesman, buy your way to a newer, slimmer ass in 30 minutes."

IC: Jeff walked up to the door and knocked, waiting for it to open.

(I knew I shouldn't have given you a damn donkey! Dagnabit.)

D'Analia answered the door. "Ah, Sir Jeffery," he started, "I..."

Behind D'Analia, James was lying in a bed, perfectly still. Blood was crusting over on the pillow.

EDIT: Oops, I should read before I post ;)

(Yeah, I think you got the... ass ...end of that deal)

Jeff's eyes grew large and he looked at D'Analia. He took a deep breath and focused. He set a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder, and gently pushed him into a chair.

"Andrew, you're going to tell me a story. And hopefully I'll believe it and it will keep me from going berserk and leveling this palace to the ground."

Jeff looked the man with an intense blue blaze in his eyes. "You can start now... and make it good."

(wow...these donkey jokes are a dime a mule-illion.

Ok, so that was even worse ;))

"Ah...a...story, Sir Jeffery?" trembled D'Analia. "Y...you mean Emperor Rameriz didn't....tell..." D'Analia didn't like the look in Jeff's eyes. The last time he had been looked at like that, a 10mm caseless round had just about taken his life.

(Heh heh, Jeff's gonna have to kick the ass in a second, then he'll have to go and feed his new pet donkey, OK, that was worse)

"No, he didn't seem to concerned with things," Jeff said, "Other than to say the talks were most useful. I'd like you to define that for me.

"Now, this doesn't seem to be doing much to calm me down, better hurry and tell me what happened," Jeff said as he pulled the man close to him.

(man...you lose ;)

Speaking of losing, I need to be off to sleep in a minute or two...last response of the night for me I'm afraid.)

D'Analia gasped in shock as Jeff pulled him close. "No! No! He was supposed to tell you - the staircase! The High King, he slipped and fell! Gotta cut on his head, bleed all over the place!"

(I missed a lot, can some one catch me up?)

(I missed a lot, can some one catch me up?)

OOC: The ceremony ended, most people are back at the hotel, but James is wounded or dead from being pushed or tripped down the stairs. Jeff was getting worried and went to find him.

(man...you lose ;)

Speaking of losing, I need to be off to sleep in a minute or two...last response of the night for me I'm afraid.)

D'Analia gasped in shock as Jeff pulled him close. "No! No! He was supposed to tell you - the staircase! The High King, he slipped and fell! Gotta cut on his head, bleed all over the place!"

(Well, leave it to me to make an ass of myself....)

"Really? Now where are his guards, and why aren't they in here guarding him? And where is the doctor?"

OOC: The ceremony ended, most people are back at the hotel, but James is wounded or dead from being pushed or tripped down the stairs. Jeff was getting worried and went to find him.

Thanks

OOC: Thanks For telling me we were starting this back up. I gotta go to Wal Mart to pick crap up, so I'll talk to ya'll later.

"The one man - Wheats - he was supposed to be guarding the door! The pale one, he was in here with me! Had to go to the bathroom! The others are in the kitchen, getting dinner! Honest, Sir Jeffery! The doctor said he was fine, and went to get a nap!"

Jeff (ooc - probably) pulled him closer. "Help!" cried D'Analia, afraid for his life and well-being.

Hardly six seconds later, the door swung open, admitting two burly guards. They took in the scene briefly... "Desiste!" cried one, raising a cruel-looking club...

(heh, sorry Imitora ;))

*Across the street*

McManus had been watchign for quite a bit of time, and had decided Jeff, and James had been inside for far to long. He pulled a cell phone from his pocket, and dialed a quick number. "Aye its me. We got ourselves a possible situation. No I dont think she's in danger but it may affect us all the same. Ok, find a good spot to put down, and call me."

(ooc info about the city - Veritas is a sprawling horizontal city of almost twenty million, fairly modern towards the center, but an increasingly shanty town towards the outskirts. Ciudad de Mexico or Sao Paulo would be good real life equivalents. Police and military presence in the slums is lower than in the city center, but a helicopter landing would be noticed. A paradrop may not be.)

(ooc info about the city - Veritas is a sprawling horizontal city of almost twenty million, fairly modern towards the center, but an increasingly shanty town towards the outskirts. Ciudad de Mexico or Sao Paulo would be good real life equivalents. Police and military presence in the slums is lower than in the city center, but a helicopter landing would be noticed. A paradrop may not be.)

I was thinking somewhere a little outside the outskirts city by a few miles

(ok....it'll take a while to get in, then. Veritas is pretty damn big.)

Roberto quickly roused himself. He had slept for many hours on the hard cot. He went downstairs to see where everyone was.

OOC: How far from the Palace (or wherever we are) by a local car to say, five mile outside the outskirts? And Jeff wouldn't ahppen to have his car would he?

IC:
The dark black helicopter stayed low over the water, pushing its max range capabilities to the limit. It needed to stay as low as possible in oreder to avoid teh radar, even if primitive, and needed to fly out of the way enough to avoid coastal patrolls and small vilages.

"How far we got?" a man, wearing obligatory tactical black, asked, in a light Irish accent.

"Bout an hour or so, sir," the co pilot responded. He didn't need to shout over the engine noise, as a suprise to all, there was none appearnt.

(OOC2: Read about in in Rainbow Six, brand new technology, still being tested in the Real World, but makes helicopters practically inaudible)

ooc: What would we do without good ol' Tom Clancy?

Exactly.

Emperor Ramirez nodded over Priemere Musil's shoulder to Roberto. The lobby, but for that pair, their escorts, and the receptionist, was deserted.

(Imitora- Call it eight miles from the palace to the fringes - plus five miles is thirteen, divided into an average of thirty miles per hour..about .43 hours. Call it twenty five minutes.)

Murphy strolled very non chalauntly (SP Any one) and walked lightly up to the desk. "Excuse miss, would there be any way for me to rent a car?" he asked politely.

"Go outside and raise your arm," was the none-too-polite response.

Murphy arched an eyebrow. "Aye, very well."

He stepped outside into the night, and, feeling teh security of the 10mm handgun under his jacket. He moved towards the street, attempting to hail a cab. He pulled out his cell phone while h waited, and punched in the number. "Aye its me, I should be there in a half hour. Yeah I got the right phone, so send me directions. Alright then thanks. See ya in bit."

He hung up the phone, and slid it back into his pocket.

---

Five miles outside the city, Connor McManus (OOC: Brother) checked his rifle, and sat on the edge of the helicopters open cargo hold. He checked his watch, 1130 pm local, and hoped it wouldnt take to long to pull off whatever Murph wanted to pull off.

OOC: Hmmmm, yeah, no happy, shiny Jeff-o for now.

IC: Jeff looked up at the guard with the club raised. "Heh, I suggest you put that down, or it might be the last mistake you make," he said pointing at him.

He continued, while looking at the guard, "Andrew, get the doctor in here for me now please, And James guards, get them also."

OOC: Jeff wouldnt happen to have nano upgrades in the crotch would he?

OOC: Jeff wouldnt happen to have nano upgrades in the crotch would he?

OOC: Nah, he always wears the titanium cup of protection ;)

OOC: Ever see 'Super Troopers'?
Mac, you are one sick f---

The guard hesitated, but didn't lower the club. D'Analia broke free, and made quickly for the back door. "I'm going! I'm going!"

Jeff's blazing eyes locked with the guard, "Don't make me say it again.
Put.
It.
Down."
He backed up towards James' bed to check on his friend, never looking away from the two guards.

The meaty Effitian was obviously in no hury to comply, slowly lowering his club, but keeping it well at ready. "Why touching Danahleeah?" he spoke, in slow, broken English. James had a large gash on his forhead, apparently caused by impact with a blunt object and covered with a bit of less-than-sanitary looking gauze. He was rather pale, but breathing normally.
_______

Five minutes late, D'Analia still hadn't returned.

The meaty Effitian was obviously in no hury to comply, slowly lowering his club, but keeping it well at ready. "Why touching Danahleeah?" he spoke, in slow, broken English. James had a large gash on his forhead, apparently caused by impact with a blunt object and covered with a bit of less-than-sanitary looking gauze. He was rather pale, but breathing normally.
_______

Five minutes late, D'Analia still hadn't returned.

"That's the smartest thing you've done so far," Jeff said as the guard lowered the club. "Why? Because he's already tried to kill King James and me once. You could say I don't trust him.

"Were you on duty when this happened?"

-------

Jeff waited the five minutes, "Where in the hell is he? How long will it take to get the damn doctor here?"

"etiam," replied the guard. "Down steps fall - hit head. Ees-lees-ians much worried, say 'getta Geff'." The guard seemed to relax somewhat.

If Jeff would wait another three minutes, D'Analia waltzed into the room, followed by a doctor, Princeton, Lawrence, and Weathers - though not Severson, and the Iansisleans weren't holding their staffs. Half a step behind them, seven more Effitian guards, surrounding Ibrahaim XVIII.

"What is the meaning of this?" asked Ibrahaim, glaring at Jeff. "Sir Jeffery?"

OOC: Jeff's not going anywhere, he's gonna wait for them to arrive.

OOC2: No staves? Hmmm, that's strange.

IC: "The meaning of this? I've been trying to find out what happened to James. He never came back to the hotel, all I get from your staff is 'you should take yerself back where you come from, the ceremony's over' and when I take the initiative to get here and find out what's going on he's lying in the infirmary with a crack in his head," Jeff shot back, eyes nearly glowing at the man. "Now I apologize for my lack of tact, and excuse me for being a little upset, but I tend to get pissed when a good friend of mine is in the hospital knocked out and someone tries to rush me out of the country."

(ooc: :oops: Yes, I guess that would be the plural of 'staff'. hehe, oops)

"Sir Jeffery," started Princeton, but Ibrahaim spoke right over him.

"Sir Jeffery....I don't know where you think you are, but this is Effit. I will not - for the security of the state, I CANNOT - tolerate the besmerchment of the office of Pater. You will retract your statements at once - and be aware that you only get that luxury as a guest of the state. You will then procede to Veritas Aerodock and get out of the country - forever!"

Jeff looked at Ibrahaim for a moment, "And what have I done to besmirch your office, your holiness?" he asked. "I have given you no personal insult, I have not 'stormed my way' into your palace, I even requested that you not be disturbed. The fact that you have been awakened was unfortunate, but is the result of a servent not able to handle his responsibilities. I had sent your man to find the doctor and James' guards to inform me of what happened and of his current state, since he was unable to." Jeff said glancing at D'Analia.

"If your minister of state had simply informed me of what had happened, since I did check in, then this would have been avoided. Instead I was insulted and told to go back where I came from. Thus, I came here to find out what had happened, since it was James' last known location."

"I was led here by two of your guards when I asked to see James or have D'Analia explain to me what had happened. They gave me entrance into the palace, when all they needed to do was say 'no'.

"And I'm sure you can understand my concern when I was led to this room by two of your guards, only to see my dear friend lying helpless on the hospital bed. I had the same reaction I'm sure you did when you learned of what happened to your father.

"Actually," Jeff continued, "The only offense here so far has been against me by your two guards. Who burst in when D'Analia somehow thought he was in danger (ooc: Jeff did have a reassuring hand on his shoulder, not around his throat :wink: ), and raised a weapon against visiting nobility, one who was trying to ascertain what was going on.

"You're right when you say I do not totally understand Effit, but I didn't presume that threatening visiting nobles was an acceptable action by your government."

OOC: I'll just assume I got the cab and all.

IC:

Murphy thanked teh driver, to which he recieved a very crude reply, and tossed some cash into the front seat. He exited teh taxi, and jogged teh last mile, and could make out the dark shape of the MH-60 Blackhawk sitting on the ground, engine in stand by, yet not making a single sound. "So teh dampers work eh?" he asked teh man sitting closest to him as he approached."

"Aye, it does seem that way." The two men seemed to have a fairly comfortable banter between themselves, and the other men seemed used to it.

Murphy was refering to the sound engine dampers, mounted just above teh air intakes on the chopper. When activaed, it they made the engine, in effect tottaly silent, reducing the decible level 98%, and in turn, the only noise made by the helicopter was teh sound of the blades cutting through the air. Murphy had always been slightly skeptical of the system until now, when, as he sat in teh large helicopter, the only obvious way to tell it was running was the fact that it was airborne. He checked the magazine to teh rifle he had been handed, and looked at the rounds. Instead of the standard JHP 6.8mm rounds fired by the CAR-21, it wsa loaded with a special paint round, similar to a simunition bullet. However, instead of red paint, teh rounds had a special chemical in them that, in a single shot, could cause a man to 'knockout' in about a minute. They set teh rifle for three round burst to make sure whoever they hit, went down fast. There was always teh obvious threat of whoever they hit not going down at all, so they also carried the IMI/Taurus PT100, a 10mm semiautomatic handgun with a 19 round magaznie, and an attached silencer. There was also the posibility of whoever they hit having a sort of alergic reaction, but they werent worried about that.

The pilot of the Blackhawk turned in is seat, and held up two finger, signaling two minutes, as tehy slidover the inky blackness of the city.

Roberto walked into the hotel lobby and went to the front desk. "What has happened to James? I heard some news", he asked.

They gave me entrance into the palace, when all they needed to do was say 'no'.


OOC: Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

Alisa walked down, and stood next to Roberto. She was dressed rather casually, in a Tshirt and a pair of running shorts. "Hey, have you seen Murphy? He said somethign about following Jeff, but that was about an hour ago, and I havent seen him yet?" she asked, with a concerned tone in her voice.

They gave me entrance into the palace, when all they needed to do was say 'no'.


OOC: Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

OOC: LOL, however that's all that he needs to know, or think he knows. :wink:

"James?" asked the receptionist, arching her eyebrow. "What is a 'James'?"
______________

(wow, did I miss that one...er, just assume D'Analia is a total wuss ;))

D'Analia winced as Jeff looked at him. Princeton tried once or twice more to interject something, but fell silent. After Jeff had fallen silent, he raised a finger, and...

"In Effit there is no nobility but the Pater!" rumbled Ibrahaim. Princeton rolled his eyes. "I have already prostituted myself and the memory of my father by tolerating outlanders on Effitian soil, all the much more so by pretending to recognize their false claims of holy blood!

"The Commonwealth government - had you bothered to check with them - has been informed of James' condition! They are sending an aeroflyer with a medical staff out to collect him as we speak!

"To be quite frank, Williams, I should have you and this entire merry band of men strung up and slaughtered in the square, as per Effitian law, but I will restrain myself! The Iansislean and his escorts will remain here, under my doctor's care and my men's protection, until their flyer has arrived. You shall hasten to the flyerdock and depart Effit for good, lest I answer the ground's hungering for impure blood!"

"To be quite frank, Williams, I should have you and this entire merry band of men strung up and slaughtered in the square, as per Effitian law, but I will restrain myself!...lestt I answer the ground's hungering for impure blood!"

OOC: Do it...I dare ya...

IC:

"How far out?" Connor asked the pilot. His response was thepilots index finger, followed by a circling motion. COnnor looked back at the six men, so with them, his brother, and he, there were 8 all together. The unit was part of the Imitora Secret Service HRT, whose job it was to protect all Imitoran, and in certain cases allied, rulling persons. Connor grabbed a long, wraped up rope, and stuck it in his pack.

"You and your feckin' rope," Murphy said, smiling, as he sheted a rather large combat knife on his vest.

"Is that so Rambo?"

"Aye, it is. Lets do this," he said, as he reached over, and hit the 'play' button on a stereo inside the helicopter. Stevie Ray Vaughn's rendtion of 'Voodoo Child' began to blast over the speakers. The helicopter cam to a hover, no longer silent as the 'whisper switch' and been clicked off, and four ropes were kicked out of the bay. Murphy was the first down on one of the ropes, and he quickly moved across tehroof of the building, attemptign to find a quick way in, possibly through a balcony.

The helicopter slowly moved forward as teh last of the eight men, the two snipers, hit the ground, and the 'whisper switch' was hit again. It slid off back into the night towards the outskirts of the city, where it would take up a pattern over the city. The two snipers, one armed with a bolt action DSR-9 (OOC: M40A3 Sniper Rifle, if youre wondering) and the other with a CAR-21, took up positions at teh corners of the building, and Murphy and COnnor looked for an entrance.

OOC2: Iansisle, any balcony they can jump onto, go through a window? Or is there a roof acceses point?

Roberto turned, ignoring the receptionist. "Ah Alisa, I have not seen Murphy, do you how King James is doing?"

(wow, did I miss that one...er, just assume D'Analia is a total wuss ;))

D'Analia winced as Jeff looked at him. Princeton tried once or twice more to interject something, but fell silent. After Jeff had fallen silent, he raised a finger, and...

"In Effit there is no nobility but the Pater!" rumbled Ibrahaim. Princeton rolled his eyes. "I have already prostituted myself and the memory of my father by tolerating outlanders on Effitian soil, all the much more so by pretending to recognize their false claims of holy blood!

"The Commonwealth government - had you bothered to check with them - has been informed of James' condition! They are sending an aeroflyer with a medical staff out to collect him as we speak!

"To be quite frank, Williams, I should have you and this entire merry band of men strung up and slaughtered in the square, as per Effitian law, but I will restrain myself! The Iansislean and his escorts will remain here, under my doctor's care and my men's protection, until their flyer has arrived. You shall hasten to the flyerdock and depart Effit for good, lest I answer the ground's hungering for impure blood!"

OOC: Bad idea to reply with the way class is going. Need to get out some aggression ;)

IC: "Strung up and slaughtered in the square?" Jeff shot back, "You wouldn't dare. As for your 'Answering the ground's hungering for impure blood', I accept your challange. As the one being challanged, I pick fisticuffs as our weapon of choice."

"Perhaps I may suggest that your belligerence is less than appropriate, Williams," returned Ibrahaim without blinking. "I would suggest that you do as I tell you, without further arguments. Be aware, I am already extending you a thousand favors."

Ibrahaim had pulled a small pistol on Jeff. The Iansislean guards looked from Jeff to Ibrahaim and back again, not sure how to react. Princeton mouthed the words "do it" to Jeff. Behind them, the Effitian guards parted for Jeff, allowing free access to the door.

EDIT: Imitora, you should be able to land on the roof. There'll be a TON of guards, however - Effit tends to put a little more emphisis on security than does Iansisle.

OOC: Roof top acces it is.

IC: With a bit of work, Murphy managed to jimmy teh lock off a door, and opened the door, to the suprise of two gaurds. He sent 15 rounds of the 'slleping bullets' at the men, and moved down the stair way fast, working both to the ground quietly. He signaled the rest of the team, and the men came with him, into the next room. Seven gaurds totall. "Looks like we can't do thie the quiet way," Murphy said, half joking. The 'ca-clink' of the small grenade bouncing off the floor in the center fo the room was the last thigns the gaurds saw before the tremendous ka whumph which seemed to suck the air out of their lungs. It came along with a light that could be best described as the second comming, and a sound which possibly duplicated the one to be heard, at the end of the world. The team moved quickly around the corner, jsut as they had been trained, and sent three of the speicalized orund into every gaurd, and didn't stop moving, pushing forward down the hall.

"Hey boss, I dontthink we got enough of the night night bullets to keep up shooting at least one gaurd a piece three times in every room," one of the gaurds said. He finished as another gaurd came around the corner, and was greeted with three of the 'sleep bullets' right into the chest.

"Aye," replied Murphy, "if need be, use regular rounds," he said, refering to the five magazines of 6.8mm they carried, along with several magazines of 10mm JHP for the PT100. He met another gaurd with some sleep rounds as he cleared a corner, and shouted "magazine," and dropped back, letting the second man take point has he slapped another magazine home. He took his place back at point, and rolled another one of the 'OP' grenades around a corner, teh explosion signaling it was a good time to move around the corner, and popped a few more gaurds. "Christ this place be fricken crawling with them," he said, dropping to a knee, sending the specialized round into the guards.

"I'm out," came the call from his brother Connor. Murphy assumed that it meant he was out of ammo in that magazine, and was driving a new magazine into the catch. He suddenly heard the distinctive hollow 'pop' of the 6.8mm CAR-21. Well all feckin hell, Murph thought, seeing the blood splatter from one of the gaurd's neck as the round cought him in the throat. "If you need to use real rounds, try not to kill!" Murphy shouted over the sounds of return fire. Screw this... he thought, as he pulled another 'OP' grenade from is vest. "OP out!" he shouted, and watched as his men dove back behind a wall as the 'OP' grenade shook the room. They took best advantage they could, and quickly disabled the gaurds, using the 'sleep rounds'.

They rounded the final corner, and saw their inteded targets. "Everyone down! Now" Connor shouted as he burst into teh room, hoping his brother would move quickly. The room was quickly filled with the operatives as they leveled their rifles on the heads of everyone in the room.

"Perhaps I may suggest that your belligerence is less than appropriate, Williams," returned Ibrahaim without blinking. "I would suggest that you do as I tell you, without further arguments. Be aware, I am already extending you a thousand favors."

Ibrahaim had pulled a small pistol on Jeff. The Iansislean guards looked from Jeff to Ibrahaim and back again, not sure how to react. Princeton mouthed the words "do it" to Jeff. Behind them, the Effitian guards parted for Jeff, allowing free access to the door.

EDIT: Imitora, you should be able to land on the roof. There'll be a TON of guards, however - Effit tends to put a little more emphisis on security than does Iansisle.

"Well well well, seems like what I said about honor being in the man, not the title, is true," Jeff said.

He put his hands into his jacket pockets to think about the situation, and he balled his hands into fists so no one would see him gently press the send button on the cell phone...

------------

Aboard the LSS Bebop, in low orbit

Spike Spiegal was sitting in the co-pilot seat of the small ship as Jeff's signal came in on the low band.

He hit the button and turned to Jet, "We've got a call." he said turning the volume up...

------------

Jeff sighed as he took his hands out of his pockets. "I don't think you have the nerve to shoot me, your holiness," he said loud enough for the two on the other end of the phone to hear. "Especially if you want to avoid an international incident. Regardless of what Effit is like, there are certain human norms that must be abided by."

Then the Imitorans came storming in...

ooc: You have space ships too?

OOC: Yeah, Celebourn shared some of his tech with me. I don't use them much, I was just watching the Cowboy Bebop movie last night when I brought in Spike and Jet, and couldn't resist using it this time. :wink:

OOC: Yeah, Celebourn shared some of his tech with me. I don't use them much, I was just watching the Cowboy Bebop movie last night when I brought in Spike and Jet, and couldn't resist using it this time. :wink:

:shock: I am not planning on using Future tech in the near...future. Just some shuttles to and from my colony on New Eden.

(LSS Bebop? ;))

Ibrahaim spun to meet the intruders with a look of shock, his finger accidentily squeezing down on the trigger of the .38 semi-automatic pistol - copied from early Camstol designs - as he spun, the round catching an Effitian guard in the right arm. The man screamed out in pain and fell to his knees clutching the wound, but the other Effitian guards were quick to manhandle the Pater to the ground and block the door.

"Wait! Wait!" cried Princeton. "This is all just a misunderstanding! Hold it!" He tried to muscle through to tell the Imitorans, but found his way blocked by meaty Effitian guards. They were - as most Effitians were - armed not with rifles or pistols, but heavy clubs and flashing short swords.

Well you're ahead of me there, I don't have any colonies or things like that. Just some space that's been rented on the Freeport 2 station at a very reasonable price.

(Man, Project Falconclaw was supposed to be finished by now...and I haven't even started...or got the proper technology to start it. One of these days, I promise! ;))

Well you're ahead of me there, I don't have any colonies or things like that. Just some space that's been rented on the Freeport 2 station at a very reasonable price.

Imitora gave it to me, ask him and hell give u the region and password.

Then the Imitorans came storming in...

OOC: That made my day.

IC:

Murphy moved fast, and with a fluid quick motion, disarming Ibrahaim, and spun him downward, forcing him to land on his back, and, under cover of teh other soldiers, slid a set of 'quick cuffs' on him. One of the gaurds stepped forward, and caught a few of the 'sleep rounds' in his chest. Another gaurd stepped forward, and a butt of one of the rifles came across his face, dropping him. To the suprise of quite a few people, Jeff was next, being kicked to his knees, and quick cuffed. One of the operatives checked a photo kept in his magazine pocket. "He's one of ours," he said. He patted Jeff on the shoulder. "Just hang tight bud."

Another soldier, keeping his weapon focused on everyone not Imitoran in the room, and checked James' pulse, and the bandages. "He's not to good, but he'll make it," he said, forming a one man protective barrier between James and the rest of the room.

Murpy looked over to Wethers and the other Iansisleanian gaurds, and nodded as they two were quickly found on the other side of an Imitoran barrier.

Murph looked to Ibrahaim. "Aye now, this is how its gonna work. You let us go, with James and Jeff here, and I dunn accidently squeeze me trigger here," he sid, loading a magazine with a small band of tape, signaling 'Live Rounds' around the base of the magazine.

ooc: aye, they always after me lucky charms :lol:

Roberto wondered what was going on as he spoke with Alisa in the lobby of the hotel.

Then the Imitorans came storming in...

OOC: That made my day.

OOC: :wink: I've got your back.

IC: The men stormed in, Jeff turned a little to look at them.

Imitorans, thank god. Don't move, don't even breathe, they may not recognize me.

He got cuffed and knocked down, "Yeah, no problem," he said after the man spoke to him.

Better than getting shot at least.

(The K.I.G. men are wearing traditional green-and-blue uniforms - fairly different than the red and gold most Effitians would be wearing.)

Princeton, Weathers, and Lawrence raised their hands slowly. They weren't armed at all.

The Effitian guard who had been shot lay writhing on the ground, doing his best not to cry out in pain in front of the Pater. Meanwhile, Ibrahaim had regained his senses, and lay on the floor. He smiled up at the Imitoran. "I'm sure that'd look great on your report. 'Head of foreign country shot during illegal operation.' It'd make great copy, alright."

Down the stairs, multiple footfalls could be heard, climbing up. Ibrahaim knew that every second he stalled was one step closer for the hundreds of loyal Effitian guards. "I never tried to stop anyone from leaving; in fact, that was all I really wanted, you stupid git."

Jeff chuckled to himself as his listened to Ibrahaim's outburst.

That's a good idea, let's piss off the guys with the big guns.

"I'd like to know what report you'd be speaking of. Well then it looks like we'll be on our way now." Murph nodded to the man next to James, who hefted him up, gently throwing him over his shoulder. The other man lifted up Jeff, and Murph walked over, pulling out the commando knife, cutting the cuffs off, and handing him his silinced PT100. "I'm sure you know how to use this," Murph joked. As tehy stepped out of the room, he looked back at Ibrahaim. "I hope to meet you again on friendlier terms."

Outside, two men on teh roof punched a quick call button, and the helicopter, still blasting 'Voodoo Child' swung back around, heading towards the palace.

Connor and one of the other operatives walked towards a hallway where the sound was comming from, and each placed a small device on either side of the hallway. "You sure these'll work? Non harmless, right?"

"Aye, the'll be fine. Now lets jet, dont want to miss the bird."

As they walked away a small timer went off, and hte hall was slowly flodded with the same gas used in the 'sleep bullets'.

Ibrahaim thrashed against his bindings as gas filled the room. He could hear the guards out in the hall choking as they too encountered the substance, followed by a thud or two. Being on the floor, it took a while for the noxious 'sleep gas' to invade Ibrahaim's nostrils. The world slowly went black...

Murph was one of the first men on the roof, with the rest of the team close in tow. He turned to Jeff, and signaled the almost silent approaching helicopter, teh Hendrix audible in the night air. "Here's our ride, dont wanna over extend our stay now, do we?"

Jeff jumped on the chopper and pulled out his cell phone.

"Jet, Spike, I'm Ok."

"What in the f--- is going on Jeff??" Spike asked.

"Nothing, just a... guardian angel came in to save the day."

"Damn," Spike chuckled, "That was our job. Later boss."

Jeff hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket.

Maybe I should stop going to these diplomatic parties, they always seem to break out somehow...

Murph was one of the first men on the roof, with the rest of the team close in tow. He turned to Jeff, and signaled the almost silent approaching helicopter, teh Hendrix audible in the night air. "Here's our ride, dont wanna over extend our stay now, do we?"

"Absolutely not," Jeff said with a wink. "I have got to work on my diplomacy. I knew missing those classes in the Academy would eventually come back to haunt me..."

Murph just laughed as the helicopter lifted away from the roof. Connor looked at the pilot. "Take us back to the hotel, we need to pick up Carter, and get ourselves out of here."

The pilot just nodded, and Murph smiled as he allowed his legs to dangle from the chopper.

"Are you sure that was the best idea?" asked Princeton quietly, to noone in particular. "The Effitians are a volatile people - there's no telling what they may do..."

Murph looked at Princton. "No offense bud, but you all are a quite a ways a bit behind us here (I'm assuming Effit is on the smae tecnological par with Iansisle) in the technological sector. I dont think we have much to worry about."

Princeton nodded and sat back, gazing at the vanishing landscape of Effit.

Murph looked at Princton. "No offense bud, but you all are a quite a ways a bit behind us here (I'm assuming Effit is on the smae tecnological par with Iansisle) in the technological sector. I dont think we have much to worry about."

Jeff leaned over to Murphy, "Xi-nay on the echnology-tay," he whispered with a wink. "Iansislians can be a little sensitive about that at times."

Murphy simply nodded, and sat back in his seat.

In 12 minutes, I will be able to legally drive in the state of New York. 8)

goodnight all.

(an 'I'd really appreciate it if this thread weren't deleted' bump!)