NationStates Jolt Archive

EDIT: Comes after Unknown Invasion and OG's training.

IC:
Ranger HQ, D'Hara

*BUM-BUM. BUM BUM!*

The familiar opening sounds of the Magnificent Seven theme song greeted Chris, as he watched the old Western classic on his little PDA. He'd been taking a break from the usual sort of stuff, mainly trying to maintain his old LAPD Issue Shotgun. It was in several parts, with gun grease, scrubbing brushes, sponge bits and a skewer for said sponge bit cleaning out the whole thing. He was giving it a long overdue scrubbing; the first job and the hours spent with Nick had given it some use. Now, the old "Black Maria," as it was named, was resting.

"Stupid Gun Grease. I'll never mail order from S-Mart again." He cursed the generic grease, with its unstable bottle. At least the other gun matenance parts worked. His railpistol was also on the gunsmith's block, though that needed a few electric parts and a specialized Energy Screwdriver. That would take some time later, especially since Chris usually had Sparky do it--only Sparky had a cold that day.

As that occurred, Chris felt his PDA buzz. Looking at it, he paused the film and checked his e-mail. There were Hajarran spammers, spammers for lotteries...and one legit e-mail.

"Huh. This should be fun. 'Professor Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D in Anthropology, University of California at Los Angeles."

He then opened it and began checking it out.

"To whom it may concern--

I am Professor Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D from UCLA. I need some assistance, but I didn't know who to call in this organization. I sent some e-mails, but nothing came of it. Just in case, I sent multiple copies of this one to whoever I could talk to.

I need to contact whoever's in charge of the Rangers; I require their services for a sort of 'escort' assignment for my research team to Hajarra. I'd explain more, but I'm more comfortable doing it in person.

Sincerely,

Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D
Professor of Anthropology
UCLA"

Chris then printed out the item on the printer he brought, and then began looking for Marcus. Something told him this could be either really important, or just another piece of spam e-mail. Only an outside opinion would be able to tell.

Marcus was in the lower levels of the Ranger Temple on D'Hara. He had been there for several days along with Ranger Greil and Ranger Ike studying the Geth remains that they had retrieved from the Mythrandir world. Whole Geth carcuses had been stripped down to their "skeletons" while the Rangers studied the inner workings of the machines. Some had been brought back and reconstructed to put on display in the main entry of the Temple as enemies already fought.

Right now it was all business as they studied the robotic technology and made the finishing touches on their recent finds. It had been non-stop research with the best in D'Hara's R&D division as they disected the Geth and put them back together again while analysts went over the information that Marcus had pulled from their computer. Only in the past few days had everything been coming together which was why Marcus was down there looking over all that had been accomplished.

Thanks to Lord Rahl's ties and resources, record time had been made on using foreign technology. "So these are the new series of weapons we pulled together?"

Greil nodded as he pulled out the table from a vault built into a rock wall. Laying on the tray were a number of various weapons that were completely different from anything found in D'Hara or the Abh Empire. "We have engineered the design so that the weapons can be compacted for easier carrying and travel. I figured for the Rangers, easily concealed weapons that were light would be essential."

Marcus walked over studying the designs. "I see. Something small and light weight would definantly come in handy but how effective are they?"

"That's the beauty of these weapons and technology. They carry a heavy punch for using very little ammunition or weight. It utlizes a mass accelerator to propel rounds at near light speeds which matches the reports from Mythrandir. What we have here is an onboard computer system that gauges the distance to the target and uses the right size and speed for the round."

Ike then stepped up and picked up an assault rifle which extended to its full length. "As you can see, there are no ammunition magazines. The weapon itself uses a block of aluminum that the computer breaks off for the appropriate target. Ammunition is relatively unimportant making gun battles and ammunition no longer a concern. We can also have the ammunition change into armor peircing, stun, poison, and any number of various unique qualities."

Marcus raised his eyebrow at that. "And how are we supposed to change the computer to fit those modifications?"

Greil grabbed a wrist armament and put it on. Clenching his fist caused a golden glove of sorts to come to life around his hand. "We call it an omny tool. It interfaces with the computer on the weapon and armor systems so that the users can make the appropriate modifications on the go."

"Armor? What's that looking like?"

Ike rolled out a fresh suit of armor that had just been completed. "Equipped with multiple layers of armor, these suits are also self contained with an extensive amount of oxygen for all types of conditions. The suits themselves are geared towards stopping rounds of kinetics. We've tested the suits a day ago and it takes quite a few rounds to pierce the armor but it is not a end-all be-all. There is also a kinetic barrier that the suit will temporary throw up for cover acting like a shield of sorts. This suit here is of the light armor variation, which allows for greater speed and mobility."

Marcus walked over to the armor and studied it. There was no obvious head gear for the suit but he assumed that it was like everything else, compact and put away somewhere. He noticed the symbol of the Rangers that had been painted on to the breast of the armor. A shield was the most prominent feature as it represented the Ranger's mandate to defend the borders against threats to the peaceful nations that had joined its ranks while a star in the lower quadrant represented their knact for diplomacy as well. The gear in the upper right quadrant represented the willingness of the Rangers to share technological achievements with its members in the idea that they would intern share with the Rangers. The last of all the symbols gave homage to the one that had a hand in creating the organization. A single dragon's head was imprinted on the upper right quadrant of the shield to show that one of the Abh had started the Ranger's foundation.

"Impressive. We can we start using this equipment?"

Greil smiled as she put the weapons back in their vault. "The first batch is already loaded onto the Sanjura."

Marcus nodded his thanks but stopped when he heard foot falls on the stone stairs leading into their lab of sorts. Turning around, he was greeted by the sight of Chris coming his way. "Chris, good to see you again. Something you need?"

Weapons and Armor (http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h255/Abh_Empire/Mass%20Effect/)

Marcus nodded his thanks but stopped when he heard foot falls on the stone stairs leading into their lab of sorts. Turning around, he was greeted by the sight of Chris coming his way. "Chris, good to see you again. Something you need?"

Weapons and Armor (http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h255/Abh_Empire/Mass%20Effect/)

Chris was momentarily distracted by the gobs of technology in the lab around him. He was getting used to the fact a medieval looking castle was the site of a major scientific lab still; it was something that to him had previously only existed in spy flicks and manga and movies with mad scientists and Frankenstein. Still, the sight of D'Hara's best making good was here to stay and Chris got used to it.

Chris shook his head and said, "Heck of an operation here. Reminds me of the LAPD Motor Pool. Anyway, here's what I got for ya. Some scientist who claims to have been sending e-mails to us. Here's my copy."

He then showed the following message.


"To whom it may concern--

I am Professor Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D from UCLA. I need some assistance, but I didn't know who to call in this organization. I sent some e-mails, but nothing came of it. Just in case, I sent multiple copies of this one to whoever I could talk to.

I need to contact whoever's in charge of the Rangers; I require their services for a sort of 'escort' assignment for my research team to Hajarra. I'd explain more, but I'm more comfortable doing it in person.

Sincerely,

Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D
Professor of Anthropology
UCLA"

"Well, whaddya think?" Chris said, with a puzzled look.

The large TV screen in the common room flickered to life, it’s surround sound stereo pumping sound from each corner of the room in realistic time and sound. Popcorn in hand, smothered in fresh butter, and slight nacho cheese flavors, Nick pressed the play button.

The movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLPp8y-mEhw&feature=related) came to life, the barrel aiming at the Caprican Spy, I mean British, as the classic music played. Nick leaned his head back, as he took a sip from his Killian’s, and grabbed a large handful of popcorn.

Around the room, several DVD cases laid on the floor. Chris had been so kind to share his DVD collection with Nick, and he found himself immersed within the movie culture of the thirteenth. He smiled, as James Bond, the only man’s man he had seen so far that blew Indiana Jones out of the water, was taking no prisoners, kicking some ass, and of course frakking every hot girl he found. Nick found his role model.

The movie went on, and the action was getting good. Bond went rogue, and MI6, was hunting down their top double OO. Nick was on the edge of his seat, his popcorn bowl long gone, as he took his last swig of beer. “Damn!” he exclaimed, as his eyes were glued to the television. “Beep beep.”

Nick looked down to his wireless. He shook his head, as he tried to ignore his notification of messages on his Computer. A minute later.... “Beep Beep.”

“Damn, that woman has the worst possible timing.” Nick exclaimed in frustration. Shaking his head, he grabbed the remote and hit pause. Nick walked over to his room, and turned on his computer.

He opened his messages, but it was not a message from Blue. “Well frak that.” he said, as he light his cigarette. “Who is this guy from UCLA, and why in the hell would he be sending me a e-mail?”

Nick was torn emotionally, curiosity vs going back to the movie. Nick sat still for a moment, as the conclusion came to him. He got back up and walked over to the Television. He hit play.

One Hour Thirty Seven minutes later.

Three beer bottles adorned the coffee table, as a empty bowl with a few golden popcorn kernels laid in the center. ‘Hell yeah.” Nick said to himself, as his adrenalin was pumping. He reached down and cleaned up the DVD’s as well as cleaning up the beer bottles. Once his clean up was done, he walked to Chris’s room and returned the DVDs.

Nick walked over and put them back on his desk, when he saw his computer terminal up. Nick could not help himself as he looked at the text. “Oh damn.” he said to himself. “So that is what the old man wanted.” Nick walked out of the room, and down the hall, looking for Marcus.

Crimson was in the middle of the hangar making some finishing touches to his "special modifications" based on the data he gathered from Dr. Helsing's email concerning the Arm Slave's combat performance on its previous mission. Looking pretty agitated with a part he finally sighed with relief as he completed his hard work. He wiped the sweat with his arm as he walked over to the table that was in front of the mech. He looked at the laptop and saw the new software was successfully uploaded into AL, the Arm Slave's AI.

"Alright AL, lets do some tests?"

"Understood."

"Begin with G-54."

"Roger G-54 uploaded."

He took a sip of his coffee and gulped it down his throat, setting the cup down on the table and sighing with relief.

"The hostile Arm Slave units have appeared. Targeting systems seem to be working with 20 percent more efficiency."

"Good," suddenly an alert came up on his laptop followed by another from one Juvi Testarova. Ignoring the former he immediately clicked on Juvi's.

"Hey Juvi."

"Crimson? Oh you're okay! I was so worried about you."

"Why you have to be worried about me?"

"Well you always seem to be in the most dangerous places at times..."

"Don't worry. I'm fine!"

"The reason I called you is well...um..."

"The enemy seems to be pooling up for a major offensive." AL said.

"Hmm? What Juvi?"

"Well...if you're not doing anything...I was wondering..."

"Unusual behavior coming from the hostile units."

"Would you like to go out to eat or something." she finally spat out.

"The chest is taking hits."

"What? Well I don't know...I mean I'm not even sure we get time off..."

"Okay, well I guess I'll talk to you later.

"The enemy seem to be in full retreat."

"Alright see ya." he turned off the communicator.

"I suggest you gather your courage and give chase."

"Aw shut up already."

Crimson looked at the previous email and found it to be quite interesting. He got up out of his seat and told AL to continue the simulations without him and expected a report on the new software. He continued down the hall until he saw Chris and Marcus inside the lab. On the way there he saw Nick coming from the opposite direction. "Hey kid wheres the others? Oh wait never mind they're in here."

He walked into the room and looked around. It reminded him of the Meridia Island Compound of Ganoxa R&D although a bit more stable, not knowing how the hell they get any means of technology out of that place. He sighed and looked around some more, seeing a piece of armor. He was reaching over to touch it.

"Well, whaddya think?" Chris said, with a puzzled look.

Marcus took the email and read it silently. He shook his head with and smiled half-heartedly. "Sorry, we've been busy with a few things down here that I haven't had the chance to check any messages, this and shoulder therapy. Besides, the Lord Rahl really isn't all that up to speed on email messages."

The Ranger took the message again and read it more carefully. It seemed to be a simple enough request that fit their mandate and it was from a member nation so that demanded at least their attention. "There appears more to be going on than what he is letting on. Whatever is in Hajarra, it looks like trouble has found its way there as well. I can't see Ranger-One having trouble with giving the green light for this though I don't think he will be able to attend personally. Hopefully your doctor won't mind a couple of replacements."

It wasn't long before everyone else had found their way down into the research section of the Ranger's Temple that connected with the underground labs of D'Hara itself. Weapon prototypes were not exactly abundant but now seemed to be a good of time as any to introduce everyone to what was new for the Rangers.

"Since we have the group here, we might as well get started. I'll introduce everyone to the improvements later but I think Chris here has our next mission. Chris?"

"Right." Chris coughed and said, still skeptical about the whole thing, "Apparently, we all got some sort of e-mail in our systems from one Professor Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D from the University of California at Los Angeles, Professor of Anthropology. So far, it seems most of you got it in time." At that, he looked at the assembled, nodding with a smile.

Chris then went on. Marcus seemed to have gotten it, so that made Chris feel somewhat better about his presentation. Though he was still wary about the lack of details. That he dismissed internally; he had put up with plenty of that on the streets.

"He seems to be requesting our help for a job of some sort. Basically, we're playing escort for a group of scientists and archaeologists looking to investigate the local mythos on the world of Hajarra. Those were the only details he gave--otherwise, he was very succinct. Though I have a bit of a hunch--messages like these always signaled bad news in my days working the domestic violence circuit, and judging by the tone of his e-mail, I'm going to agree something Marcus said earlier. It seems he's in a bit of trouble. And if it's enough to call us, and if its happening in a friendly state....well, it must be something worth looking into."

Chris then coughed and spoke a little further. Any good police briefing was usually long, boring, and factfilled. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too boring.

"I'm gonna get something out of the way, so you know what kind of planet we're dealing with. It's not much, but it's a start. Also, I'd advise looking up Westheimer. He didn't leave us much to go on for a contact point, and he indicated he'd rather talk in person. Not too good if we don't know where he is. I'd recommend trying the UCLA faculty pages, see where he's gone to.

Hajarra's officially incorporated as a protectorate of the Workers State, in something called the Cooperative Union. Three warring factions united into one nation after a little thing called the Farrell Expedition where we made first contact, then assisted a local revolt against a tyrant. Unofficially, its basically New Dornalian; Dornies come and go there as they please, college kids tour the beaches on spring break, and people store money there in secret banks. Also, the People's Acolytes recruit there, as Hajarra has a sizable Force sensitive population. So you might want to anticipate that. The people there, look a lot like Humans, terrans, whatever you wanna call them. Just somewhat taller."

He then said, crossing his arms, "Any more questions?"

Nick was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed as he listened to the briefing that would be their next mission. It was not long, but nothing he could have done, hell almost anyone can do to avoid the boring part.

Nick lifted his head up to Chris, as he uncrossed his arm. “Yeah.” he responded, “Do we have any idea what he is looking for? I mean think about it, if he is in trouble and he is looking for something, and needs protection, how do we know what he is looking for will be of value to us. I mean hell he could be looking for an ancient WMD, to go all Wiley Coyote and blow us all to hell.” Nick stated as he shook his head.

“We should before we sign up for anything other than a free buffet, get more details on what is going on. I mean right now all we know is the location that he wants us to be at, and the fact he pissed off some people. Sounds sketchy to me, until we get some more details."

Nick was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed as he listened to the briefing that would be their next mission. It was not long, but nothing he could have done, hell almost anyone can do to avoid the boring part.

Nick lifted his head up to Chris, as he uncrossed his arm. “Yeah.” he responded, “Do we have any idea what he is looking for? I mean think about it, if he is in trouble and he is looking for something, and needs protection, how do we know what he is looking for will be of value to us. I mean hell he could be looking for an ancient WMD, to go all Wiley Coyote and blow us all to hell.” Nick stated as he shook his head.

“We should before we sign up for anything other than a free buffet, get more details on what is going on. I mean right now all we know is the location that he wants us to be at, and the fact he pissed off some people. Sounds sketchy to me, until we get some more details."

Sure enough, some of the other Rangers in the audience nodded, and looked as puzzled as Nick was. They weren't so sure about going on a job with few background facts even with Chris's police instincts and Marcus's blessing.

Chris duly replied to that, holding his hand up in a gesture of, "Hold it." He then said, "I know, Nick, that I taught you never to go into a situation that you didn't know about. I mean, shoot. Why do you think my aunt got hit by a bad check? That's why I indicated it would be good to look some background on him."

Fortunately, there was one man in the audience who was just as confused as Nick, and just as willing to get the lowdown. He raised his hand up, and Chris pointed to him, saying, "Yes?"

The man stepped out, and Chris regretted it. It was the NYPD Officer who had delivered Chris his bulletproof vest, one Ranger Thomas Sirkowski. With a smile, he said with some self-pride and thrusting his PDA in Chris's face, "Ranger Chris, as a favor from one cop to another...." He then pushed a few buttons and exposed the info he got. Chris then chuckled nervously and said, "Oh?" He then pointed to some very confused Dornalian Rangers and said, "Well, we're in the middle of a meeting, Ranger Thom."

To that, Thom replied, "It's the information we're kinda missing right now. As usual, New York's finest are one step ahead of their Californian cousins. I looked him up while you were talking and confusing everybody." At that, Chris frowned and retorted, "Gee. Aren't we being a little self-absorbed today? And after I loaned my copy of Bow Bow Footy Kick Megamix Edition XK2 to you." He then took the PDA from the New Yorker, with a glare that said, "Don't do that again."

Thumbing through the data, Chris then said, "Okay. This man here got some data on our fellow, Westheimer. Not much to go on....let's see....52 years old....degrees in Anthrolpology and archaelology, currently on Sabbatical to perform field research with Dr. Melissa Voeker and several grad students....."

The last part caught Chris's eye, and it made his eyebrow raise up.

"...to find the location and perform a historical analysis of the Tenjin-Kai. Or, in English, the City of Steel. Huh."

“The City of Steel?” Nick asked as Chris released the information to the public at large. “What in the frak is that?” he asked the room, hoping someone had some idea, whether through myth, legend, or played a video game on their Xbox about it.

He leaned against the wall, and folded his arms. “Well.” he replied still skeptical over very little being known about the mission, “At least we know he is not trying to dig up something to later screw us over. So if this mission is a go, and we are going to protect Indy, then may I be excused to get ready for the mission?” he asked the rangers.

He then cracked a small smile, ‘Oh and I call the whip.’

“The City of Steel?” Nick asked as Chris released the information to the public at large. “What in the frak is that?” he asked the room, hoping someone had some idea, whether through myth, legend, or played a video game on their Xbox about it.

He leaned against the wall, and folded his arms. “Well.” he replied still skeptical over very little being known about the mission, “At least we know he is not trying to dig up something to later screw us over. So if this mission is a go, and we are going to protect Indy, then may I be excused to get ready for the mission?” he asked the rangers.

He then cracked a small smile, ‘Oh and I call the whip.’

Chris then held a finger up, saying, "Not just yet, Nick. Ranger Marcus actually had some goodies for us, derived from the remains of those robots we shot up during that job we did with the Myth." Chris then became aware the thing he just said rhymed, but he said nothing that would elicit chuckles. "And frankly, I'm a little curious myself about what the City of Steel is, but right now...."

He then did a quick search on NSGoogle, and sighed.

"...all I'm getting is new age sites, hippies, and what look like a couple of ads for badly made sci fi. Looks like we're gonna have to speak to Westheimer ourselves to get to the bottom of it, unless you want ramblings about power crystals and what looks like badly interpreted Eastern mysticism. All I can tell is that it's some sort of Atlantis-like place."

Nick chuckled for a moment, "Oh so you mean it is like Earth?" he replied. "Well is it really a good thing then if it is found?" he said shooting Chris a grin. He then turned to the rest of the group. "Well then, I say lets go to this protectorate of yours and talk with this professor of yours. It is obvious he has more information about the situation than any of us do. And if the rumors are true, then power crystals might be one hell of an power source, something we might be able to use." He replied.

He then turned to Marcus. "Alright Grandpa." Nick said, using his "loving and affectionate" nickname for his mentor and teacher. "What is this new crap that we got from the light bulbs? How does it work?"

Marcus cracked a grin through his goutee at Nick's questioning. "This stuff just isn't for you sport but for everyone. Since we're all here and interested, everyone may go ahead and pick up the weapon class that is suited to them. What you have before you is a sniper rifle, assault rifle, shotgun, and pistol."

Everything would look surprisingly compact and light at first glance. There were no visible ammunition clips or barrels at the start. "Rangers Ike and Greil have been working along with the D'Harans on engineering these new weapons. They're lighter and more compact than your standard issue, ideal for fast moving with the Rangers. If you look at the just above the trigger guard, there is a button. Go ahead and press it."

Once the button was pressed and locked in, the weapons would extend to their full length complete with barrel and butt depending on the make. "Your weapons are now prepared to fire. You may be wondering about a magazine clip or energy cell for lasers. These weapons are step away from that dogma thanks to the D'Harans and a little pilfering of Abh technology. In each of your weapons is a chunk of aluminum accompanied with an onboard computer. Sensors along the barrel of your weapon guage the distance to target and shear off an appropriate piece which is then launched through a miniature mass accelerator for a bullet that travels near fractions of the speed of light. The size of a standard round is about the size of a grain of sand.

You will effectively never run out of ammo but that does not mean there are no drawbacks. Firing weapons continuously at long periods of time will cause them to overheat and shut down while the systems have time to cool. There is no universal time line here so an assault rifle will be able to fire longer continuousl then say a sniper or shotgun. Know the situation you are in and adapt with whichever weapon would work best.

The last thing about these is that they are completely able to be improved. The D'Harans have created something called an omni tool which allows you to access your weapon's systems and modify the weapon to suit your needs. As time progresses, we hope to have more modifications available for your choice. For now we are slightly limited but there are modificiations for stablizers, cooling cells, tungsten rounds, bio-rounds, EMP, and a number of other objects."

Marcus looked over at the armor which was beeing wheeled back into the vault. "There is also new armor for everyone which will be given to you during the flight along with your omni tools. Questions?"

Chris nodded, listening to Ranger Marcus give the briefing on the shiny new toys the Rangers could possess for the jobs ahead. If Westheimer didn't screw them over--or if he did--then it would be a good chance to try them out on any baddies that decided to give them the old "mess-around." Having thought of that, he looked at the guns. They were decidedly circular, rounded things. Futuristic looking, and lacking the steel ruggedness he was used to in his old LAPD models. In terms of subcultures, his shotgun was a punk, these shotguns were yuppies. The question was whether these yuppies could deliver....

He then decided to ask, with a somewhat skeptical eye:

"So, wait. If you're saying this system uses a mass accelerator, then how does the shotgun work? Shells? A burst of mass-accelerated grains? You only mentioned the physics behind the assault rifle, and I'd like to know what I'm getting. Also, they look rather too shiny for combat...."

"The shotgun works in a burst of mass accelerated grains whereas the sniper's rounds are slightly larger for more effect. As for the shininess of the weapons, I have to remind you that what you are holding are the prototypes. The actual weapons you will be issued are on board the Sanjura along with the body armor."

Marcus looked around at the other Rangers. "Any other questions?"

"The shotgun works in a burst of mass accelerated grains whereas the sniper's rounds are slightly larger for more effect. As for the shininess of the weapons, I have to remind you that what you are holding are the prototypes. The actual weapons you will be issued are on board the Sanjura along with the body armor."

Marcus looked around at the other Rangers. "Any other questions?"

Chris could only look with disappointment as Marcus spoke his piece. "As you wish" was his only open reply; he knew when to keep his mouth shut. Privately, it was obvious he was somewhat nervous about the new tools he was being given. His new shotgun had advantages in terms of mobility versus combat power. But it remained to be seen how flexible these new caseless "wonder weapons" could be. After all, Chris had survived the last job only because of the good use of shot shells consisting of phosphorous or electrified gel rounds. How that was to match this was unknown.

"Well, if we're done here, I'm gonna go do some more research on our man Westheimer and this City of Steel. Not to mention I'm gonna tell him we're taking the job. We are taking the job, right?"

"I would have to say yes to that. I don't hear many more complaints. Find as much information as you can about this doctor and this City of Steel. Hopefully you'll be able to give us a fuller report on the flight out."

"I would have to say yes to that. I don't hear many more complaints. Find as much information as you can about this doctor and this City of Steel. Hopefully you'll be able to give us a fuller report on the flight out."

Chris nodded and left the room, deciding to do some more detailed research on the matter. Finding a secluded spot in his quarters he logged onto the HoloNet and began checking his e-mail. Finding the Westheimer Message, he e-mailed back with the following:

"Dear Prof. Westheimer--

I spoke to my fellow Rangers, and we are willing to take up the mission. However, they're a little worried about the lack of details. Where can we meet, and what is going on? I can be reached at not only my work e-mail, but also the People's IM handle Huggybear69, if you are so inclined to chat over IM. Please send detailed instructions.

If coded, send an appropriate cypher in another e-mail or by another means. Time is of the essence, and we need to know what is going on here.

Sincerely,

Christopher Markham
Ranger"

The message was duly sent in reply to the professor's box.....then Chris began searching for info on the City of Steel. The results were revealing, for they seemed to reach into the heart of Hajarran religion....his head began spinning over mentions of "Valkiryes," "the Goddess," the "Ancestors," and the "Fall."

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

A few minutes later--Somewhere inside New Monterrey SSR, New Dornalia

The territory of New Monterrey was one of the larger territories of the Workers State. Many of the worlds colonized were somewhat varied, though a lot were mostly used for mining and agriculture, with some bigger worlds used for habitation.

Among these worlds floated a small Toyota SK2000 shuttle. Onboard was a very frazzled looking scientist. With white hair, crags on his face, cokebottle glasses, a banker's tie and a simple brown shirt and slacks, he seemed rather busy. Pouring over the volumes of books on Hajarran religion and mythology, he sat with the eminent Doctor Melissa Voeker. Now somewhat older and wiser, she was a professor at the University of the Cooperative Union, working at its main branch in Aghaliastadt. As such, she was qualified to translate and assist Westheimer....

...who was right now, about to get a signal on his computer. Distracted, he read it. It was the e-mail from Chris. Westheimer read it, and began typing out a reply with a sigh, and fiddled with some programs for extra security. He quickly sent it, and muttered, "I hope you people know what you're doing. I'm risking my neck....."

Voeker caught that, and said, "Worried about the Army of the Goddess?"

"Well, that is why we're acting like vagabonds in space, versus the comfort of a research archive. As it is, we barely had time to flee the University before that gunman opened fire on us. Whatever we're doing, they must not like it." Westheimer spoke matter of factly.

"Well, we are challenging centuries of dogma by proposing to uncover the City of Steel, and reveal it as a rather mundane thing instead as a magical chariot of the gods. You know the old legends." Voeker smiled, knowing full well how her students would react to such a thing.

Westheimer leaned his head on his hands and sighed.

"Yes....it's like Atlantis. All sorts of wonders. Invincible machines. Endless sources of energy. And weapons to shake the world and many others. And machines to make men into gods. Countless expeditions penetrated the Central Mountains, but none succeeded." Turning to Voeker, he said, frazzled, "I vow that we will succeed. I just rather not lose now, even before we started."

"As you wish. Just get us to our next destination." Voeker nodded and walked back to the coffee machine.

The reply mail would read, after some finagling with highlighting text, converting picture files to sounds and other methods of obscuring a signal:

"Dear Christopher--

As it is, I am taking a significant risk by doing this. Our pursuers have an understanding of tracking via electronic means, so I will have to keep our long-distance communications brief. This message is sent in a coded sound file to distract prying eyes. Good luck. I must end this now. I cannot talk to you until then. Further data will be revealed once your party follows the instructions.

(OOC: Here's the "file" sent to Chris.)

.--. .-. --- -.-. . . -.. / - --- / - .... . / .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. / --- ..-. / -. . .-- / ...- . .-. .- -.-. .-. ..- --.. --..-- / .- -. -.. / - .... . / -.-. .. - -.-- / --- ..-. / ... .- -. - .. .--. .... .- .--. .-.-.- / .. - ... / -.-. --- --- .-. -.. .. -. .- - . ... / .- .-. . / . -. -.-. .-.. --- ... . -.. / .. -. / - .... .. ... / .--. .- -.-. -.- . - .-.-.- / .-- . / .-- .. .-.. .-.. / -- . . - / -.-- --- ..- / - .... . .-. . .-.-.- / .-.. --- --- -.- / ..-. --- .-. / - .... . / .-. . ...- --- .-.. ..- - .. --- -. / .... --- - . .-.. --..-- / .- -. -.. / - .... . / - .... .- .. / .-. . ... - .- ..- .-. .- -. - / .. -. / .... --- ..- ... . / -. .- -- . -.. / - .... . / .-- .... .. - . / . .-.. . .--. .... .- -. - .-.-.- / - .... . .-. . / .-- .. .-.. .-.. / -... . / .- / .-- --- -- .- -. / .- -. -.. / .- / -- .- -. / - .... . .-. . / .- - / - .- -... .-.. . / ... .. -..- / .. -. / - .... . / .--. .-. .. ...- .- - . / -.. .. -. .. -. --. / .- .-. . .- --..-- / .- ... -.- / ..-. --- .-. / .- / .--. .- .-. - -.-- / -. .- -- . -.. / .-..-. -- .-. .-.-.- / .- -. -.. / -- .-. ... .-.-.- / -.. .- .-.. .-.. .- -.. .. . .-. .-.-.- .-..-. / --. .-. . . - / - .... . / -- .- -. / .- -. -.. / .-- --- -- .- -. / -.-- --- ..- / -- . . - / .-- .. - .... / - .... . / -.-. --- -.. . .-- --- .-. -.. / .----. ... .- .-.. .-.. .- .... .-.-.- .----.

Sincerely,

Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D
Professor of Anthropology
UCLA"

Chris, after some troubles, got it to play out a signal in none other than Morse Code. After translating, he got:

PROCEED TO THE WORLD OF NEW VERACRUZ, AND THE CITY OF SANTIPHAP. ITS COORDINATES ARE ENCLOSED IN THIS PACKET. WE WILL MEET YOU THERE. LOOK FOR THE REVOLUTION HOTEL, AND THE THAI RESTAURANT IN HOUSE NAMED THE WHITE ELEPHANT. THERE WILL BE A WOMAN AND A MAN THERE AT TABLE SIX IN THE PRIVATE DINING AREA, ASK FOR A PARTY NAMED "MR. AND MRS. DALLADIER." GREET THE MAN AND WOMAN YOU MEET WITH THE CODEWORD 'SALLAH.'

This was a bombshell. He quietly wrote down what he got, and continued collecting info on Westheimer and the City.....after all that, he then tracked down Marcus and said, "We need to get everyone together ASAP. I got some concrete data they might love."

"What do you got?"

Marcus took the information from Chris and scanned over it quickly. The Ranger nodded as he read the words looking at it with approval. All of the research looked thorough enough and the doctor did appear in some sort of trouble.

He handed the information back to Chris. "Let's meet outside. I'll call the rest of the group, you get ahold of Max and get the Sanjura down here."

With that taken care of, Marcus moved off to gather up the rest of the Rangers. A notice went over the intercomm system in the Ranger Hall.

"Attention. Attention. All Rangers outbound for the City of Steel are to report outside the main doors of the Hall."

Once everyone got the message, they would find Chris and Marcus waiting outside for them.

All was quiet, as Nick sat in his room. His legs stretched over his bead he looked down at the new toys that he had received. The assault rifle, and the pistol, the newest inventions of the Rangers which looked more like a toy gun that kids played with on a lazy Saturday after noon after watching their morning cartoons. He reached down and picked up the pistol.

He could not help but to nearly laugh at the gun. It was shiny, light weight and looked so fragile that if you dropped it, it would surely break in half. “What am I to do with you?” he asked the gun as he placed it back down on the bed.

"Attention. Attention. All Rangers outbound for the City of Steel are to report outside the main doors of the Hall."

Nick turned his head towards the door, as the message went out. He reached down and put on his boots, and grabbed the pistol and assault rifle, as well as the Picon 5, he usually carried. As he picked up his trusted pistol, he smiled at the pure metal pistol. There was no way he was going to put his life in the hands of some untested gun, at least untested by him. As he suited up, he walked out side the main halls, cigarette in hand.

“So I take it we got the job?” Nick asked Chris and Marcus, as he leaned against the wall, as a cloud of gray smoke left his mouth.

Prepping his Arm Slave for transport Crimson began making the necessary checks on the datapad before handing it over to one of the ground personnel who was loading it.

"You made the necessary accomodations?"

"Yes sir."

"Good."

"Attention. Attention. All Rangers outbound for the City of Steel are to report outside the main doors of the Hall," he heard on the overhead PA.

"Looks like I gotta get going."

"Alright sir. We'll take care of it, don't worry."

"Thanks," he said running down the hangar and through the corridor until he reached the main doors, where he saw Nick, Chris and Marcus standing outside. "Sorry I'm late, was just making some final preparations loading my equipment into the transport."

"Thanks," he said running down the hangar and through the corridor until he reached the main doors, where he saw Nick, Chris and Marcus standing outside. "Sorry I'm late, was just making some final preparations loading my equipment into the transport."

"It's cool, Ranger Crimson." Chris shrugged, evidently not minding the slight delay. With a lot of understanding, Chris replied, "Besides, I can understand. A machine like the Arm Slave might need special procedures and care. I should know, I had to keep track of my own equipment back in the Los Angeles Police Department."

“Hey Crimson.” Nick greeted the Ranger as he walked around the corner. “It is cool man, we are still gathering, so you are not late.” Walking up to him he held out his hand, waiting for Crimson to shake it.

“So did you finally fix that problem you were having with the fuel injection to the new flight pack?”

“So I take it we got the job?” Nick asked Chris and Marcus, as he leaned against the wall, as a cloud of gray smoke left his mouth.

"Yeah, we did. You might also be glad to know I got some more info on our employer and what's his business with us." Chris then frowned at the fact Nick had been smoking, and waved the smell away from his face. With a sigh, Chris tolerated the presence of the cigarette, though he made his stance clear when he said, "Another cancer stick?"

"What Cancer Stick?" Nick exclaimed somewhat mockingly. "Marcus told me that these things were healthy for me, and the more I smoked the healthier I would be. Zero Calories, Zero Carbs, and full of vitamans, A, B and C. He recommeded five packs a day." he said as he grinned at Marcus.

Marcus and Nick had an interesting relationship, one that many would not really understand. Nick really had a deep respect for the man, but somehow they devolped into a bickering relationship, where Nick would try to taunt him at all costs.

He took another drag, and smiled at Chris. "So what did you find out about the Doctor and the job?" he asked Chris.

"What Cancer Stick?" Nick exclaimed somewhat mockingly. "Marcus told me that these things were healthy for me, and the more I smoked the healthier I would be. Zero Calories, Zero Carbs, and full of vitamans, A, B and C. He recommeded five packs a day." he said as he grinned at Marcus.

Marcus and Nick had an interesting relationship, one that many would not really understand. Nick really had a deep respect for the man, but somehow they devolped into a bickering relationship, where Nick would try to taunt him at all costs.

He took another drag, and smiled at Chris. "So what did you find out about the Doctor and the job?" he asked Chris.

"Really? And I thought Marcus was Captain Hardass. As for the info in bulk, that's for the briefing, kid." As he said so, Chris shook his head with a smile, a smile one would normally find on a parent musing about "kids these days." But, he figured he would give Nick a taste enough of what he was getting into. He was after all one of the more skeptical Rangers to sign on for the job. With a look at his PDA, he said simply, "But I can say this much as a sampler. When a man's gotta hide a sound file in a picture, and then make that sound file in morse code....he's really in trouble. And, I finally managed to snag a reliable source about our man and his research. He's an archaeologist. But he's probably stepped on a few toes with the kind of historical theories he's proposed."

Crimson shook Nick's hand, firm as always. "Yeah, I finished the new upgrades Ganoxa R&D sent me, after they reviewed the battle analysis I sent them when we returned. Now my Arm Slave will have a limited flight ability and will jump a little higher and longer, making me more mobile," he smiled.

"Sounds like hes in deep shit," he said after Chris' made his report, "I guess its going to get interesting for us."

Crimson shook Nick's hand, firm as always. "Yeah, I finished the new upgrades Ganoxa R&D sent me, after they reviewed the battle analysis I sent them when we returned. Now my Arm Slave will have a limited flight ability and will jump a little higher and longer, making me more mobile," he smiled.

"Sounds like hes in deep shit," he said after Chris' made his report, "I guess its going to get interesting for us."

"Indeed," Chris said simply. "Indeed....but the full extent is for the briefing itself. Wouldn't wanna spoil the fun now, wouldn't I?" With a smile, he said, "At least I'm glad you're bringing the Arm Slave along. You might find a few friends over there, I think."

OOC: If Abh sees this, he's free to get us onboard....

It was good to have all the Rangers gathered outside the Temple before the Sanjura touched down. Pre-mission jitters always seemed to ease up when everyone could sit and joke around for a bit. Marcus rarely bothered to get in any of it. Since the mission in Mythrandir, he had been sort of the figure head for leadership with the group. It wasn't necessarily what he wanted and he often tried to pawn it off on someone else whenever he could, but with that came a sense of needing to let the others work closer together while he removed himself more.

The time between jokes didn't last long though as a familiar silhouette drifted down from the sky. The sleek hull of the Sanjura touched down lightly in the clearing and opened its doors for the Rangers.

Marcus grabbed his gear and waved the Rangers on. "Alright, everybody on board. Nick, put the fag out. Just because Johnson is cut some slack by Lord Rahl for smoking, doesn't mean that slack translates to you."

Once everyone was aboard and Crimson's Arm Slave was secured in the belly of the ship along with the rest of the land vehicles, Max hammered back on the controls and had the Sanjura reaching for space and later the hyperspace gate. In the mean time, everyone would have something waiting for them in their lockers and rooms. The armor that Rangers Greil and Ike had referred to, were finished and waiting. They were detailed in a pale camouflage of sorts and a number of suits were labeled for heavy armor, medium, and light depending on who wanted what.

Beside from that, the new weapons that had been displayed earlier in the Ranger's Hall, were now ready for use. The shiny polish was gone and replaced with a similar camouflage. A new wrist communication device was also laid out for everyone to pick up and replace their old ones with.

Crimson picked out the light armor as it would be too uncomfortable inside his cockpit if he wore the bulkier heavy and medium armors. He put it on and noticed the rather comfortability and maneuverability of the armor, stretching out his arms and legs. He picked up his new wristcomm and attached it to his wrist, noticing how snug it was, relieved that it wouldn't slip off in the heat of battle. He had taken another look at the weaponry, failing to really examine them back at the lab. The lightweight feel of the weapon surprised him as he picked it up with one hand, wondering if this was some sort of toy. He aimed down the sight and then put it down.

"Eh, I rather use my Pl-95," which was already in a compartment on his Arm Slave.

He walked out of his room and met with the others, "Wow this armor feel great! Its like a flightsuit."

Taking another drag off his smoke, Nick raised his head towards Marcus, “Alright Captain Killjoy.” he said sarcastically, as the gray cloud left his mouth. Cigarette still in hand, he continued to smoke til he was at the end of his cigarette then gently tossed it on the ground.

Nick smiled, as he walked past the ever annoyed Marcus, towards his room. Unlike the rest of the rangers, Nick never brought gear with him. He really did not have anything to bring since he really owned nothing, except for a few pair of clothes, and his bottles of booze and cartons of smokes.

He looked around the ship, as he walked back towards his assigned quarters. This ship was full of memories to him. He gently put his hand on the wall of the hallway, as he could hear his voice, yelling at the rangers to ignore the diplomacy and blow the Geth out of the sky. He smiled as he could see his last moment in person with Blue.

He walked past the common area, where he remembered on the way home Chris teaching him to play some strange game called Poker, and how strange it was that Chris won every hand. A smile cracked his lips, as the memories came to him. It seemed so long ago.

Nick opened the door to his room. Looking around, it was not the same. It was the same room number, but things were different. The smell of smoke vanished, as well as the small personal touches. It was barren, like when he first came to it. Nick shook his head as he walked in. Opening the drawers, everything was exactly as it was the way when he first came on board. He could not help but to see humor in it. It was like a new beginning, like it had all be done before.

He pulled out his picon 5, and placed it in the drawer as last time, along with his bottle of Ambrosia, and Tequila. Lining the outer edges, under the socks he hid his cigarettes. Nick then turned to the closet. Opening it, he noticed a new set of guns that was not there before. The light weight ranger rifles, and pistol. Nick pulled them out and examined them. Aside from the paint job they were identical to the one that he saw on the ranger hall. He then began to break the gun apart. Taking it apart piece by piece, he knew that knowing how it worked was going to be key in the event of jamming, or worse a part breaking down. Despite the reassurances in the ranger hall of unlimited ammo, Nick knew the one simple truth of all machines. They will all break down eventually.

As time past, he looked down towards the parts on the bed. “Alright time to put this thing back together.” he said to himself. He got to work, trying to trace back his steps and placing each part back together. He knew it would be a long trip, and he knew the value of a uniformed weapons and armor in the military, thanks to Johnson. Lighting up another smoke in the safety of his room, he put the rifle back together, then began to take apart the pistol.

When that was all said and done, Nick got up and walked out of his room. He hated hyperspace, it was such a long dreary way to travel. He grabbed his rifle, and pistol, and began to walk to the firing range. As he walked, the words that blue once told him came back to him, “You have to practice, after all what else is there to do on long boring trips.” He chuckled to himself at the thought.

OOC: ND, up to you when we get where we're going.

Chris whiled away the trip on the range, both with the new toys Rahl's men had assigned to him and his trusty old "Black Maria," the shotgun that had saved his bacon on the last job. The pistol shooting also worked out well. Partly it was enjoyment--partly it was to keep in practice for the fight to come. Whoever Westheimer had angered, he was gonna have to fight something fierce.

He then remembered he had to brief the Rangers. With an all call, he summoned the gang to the CiC of the Sanjura and began talking.

"Ahem. Sorry guys, to interrupt your pleasure cruise--but I think its time I revealed why we're all here."

He then pressed a few buttons and brought up the image of fusty old Professor giving a speech at a symposium. The man seemed to epitomize the image of "the ivory tower intellectual." He had cokebottle glasses, no hair except for a few graying tufts on his sides and a healthy goatee, and a suit that looked to be some sort of tweed. Next to him was a younger, well-dressed woman with brown hair, and a confident air.

"That's our man, Thomas Westheimer, Ph.D. He's a bit of an odd sort. Specializes in Archaeology, having dug up the remnants of old pre-Apocalypse missile silos, battleships, and now, alien artifacts. He's begun work on the City of Steel I mentioned earlier, having been invited in at the behest of Doctor Melissa Voeker, the woman at his side. She's New Dornalia's expert on Hajarran culture, having gone on the Farrell Expedition that discovered the place. She now resides at the University of the Cooperative Union as a Guest Lecturer...though due to a recent terror attack, she has gone missing.

A little background on what they've started...."

He then switched to a picture of some crude hieroglyphics, scrolling through them as he spoke.

"According to the Hajarran legends, specifically the 'Book of Descent,' the City of Steel was a grand floating city, a mechanism that ferried the descendants of modern Hajarrans to the present world. These descendants, like the myths of Atlantis on Earth, were purported to possess godlike powers, and in fact were led by the Goddess herself. They flew, made crops grow at will, what have you.

Myths then say that the Descendants became jealous, and a War in Heaven broke out between factions loyal to rival lieutenants of the Goddess. They all loved Her, but interpreted Her will differently to the point of war. Thus, the Descendants were scattered, the City lost, and the three Hajarran nations born."

Chris, seemingly disbelieving in what he just said, continued with, "OUr man Westheimer analyzed the evidence, along with Voeker. Before they disappeared and contacted us, it was believed they were about to pursue a controversial thesis. That the City of Steel was not a divine object at all, but merely a spaceship from a long-dead human civilization that possessed high levels of technological sophistication. That apparently angered a lot of people, and before they could begin their trip to the geographical area they purported to be the site of the 'City...'"

Chris flipped to a map of Hajarra, focusing on a rugged region wrinkled with hills and which seemed to be covered in jungle, motioning to it as he spoke. At the last bit, he then switched to another find. A news clipping of a gunman in a balaclava, some news footage in a garbled language that looked like a video by similarly dressed men and other such things.

"They were attacked by a gunman claiming to represent a force known as the Army of the Goddess. Local cops don't know much about them, and the ISB knows only a little more. But it is agreed they're a buncha occult religious fundie ultranationalist types who seem to really want the City of Steel for their own ends, and they didn't like what Voeker and Westheimer were saying. Some say they've got old Hajarran money, provided by disgruntled ex-nobles, others say they got friends. Either way, be careful."

The Galactic Positioning System on Chris's PDA flashed, and he said, "Cool. We're arriving at New Veracruz, over Santiphap. I think we should go as civvie as possible. And lay low. If these people are as dangerous as our rescuees say, we don't want undue attention."

Once down on the planet--having passed through the usual security checks--they would find a ramshackle city of all sorts, cobbled together roughly with a Mexican quarter, a Chinese quarter, a Thai place and a Hajarran quarter rather haphazardly. All sorts of languages and ethnicities would mingle, and Nick would finally see those catgirls Chris was talking about, some of which were haggling with some street vendors over what looked like buns of some sort.

"Well....this is different," was all Chris could muster.

Crimson sat back in his seat and started to drink out of his flask, sighs of relief coming from his mouth, "Alright! Thats the stuff right their."

He looked over at the monitor and saw that the ECS was still operational. His Arm Slave had been sitting in one of recreational parks in the city. He made sure that the park had some tree cover so no one would notice the birds perching on top of his cloaked Arm Slave wondering how are they floating. He saw Chris and the others walking on the other side of the street on his monitor, he leaned forward.

"This is Can Opener, I'm in position. Just holler when you get into some shit. Over." he keyed up still watching them.

Crimson sat back in his seat and started to drink out of his flask, sighs of relief coming from his mouth, "Alright! Thats the stuff right their."

He looked over at the monitor and saw that the ECS was still operational. His Arm Slave had been sitting in one of recreational parks in the city. He made sure that the park had some tree cover so no one would notice the birds perching on top of his cloaked Arm Slave wondering how are they floating. He saw Chris and the others walking on the other side of the street on his monitor, he leaned forward.

"This is Can Opener, I'm in position. Just holler when you get into some shit. Over." he keyed up still watching them.

"Can Opener, this is Rubber Ducky. We'll call ya when its time, over." Chris then hung up. He was kinda glad Crimson was nearby with the Arm Slave, though from what he read about their ECS systems, they could get interesting with the fact they left some trace.

In the park, meanwhile, people didn't notice Crimson, though they would notice they got poor call reception. However, a lot of people merely cursed their phone companies and left.

After the briefing, Nick could not wait to leave the ship. Ships were nice and all, but this was a new planet. One not filled with killer robots of doom, one filled with people, fellow Colonials of Kobol. Excitement was hardly the word to describe as he felt, as he walked towards the ramp of the Sojourne.

Wearing a gray t-shirt, and a pair of old blue jeans, and his boots from Galactica, he stood by the door after the briefing, waiting to see how the people once myth now real actually existed.

He could not wait to see his first cat woman, whom Chris talked about a lot. Nick could not understand why in the hell anyone would be attracted to an animal, but Chris swore by them.

Without warning, the hatch door hissed. The air flew into the Sojourne, and Nick could smell the foods of the near by bakery. It smelled... delicious, making his stomachs grow. Nick turned to Chris, “So when are we going to get something to eat?”

“Once we get through security kid.” Chris replied in his usual mentor way.

“Yes dad.” Nick said, his tone filled with sarcasm. Checking to make sure he had the essentials with him, not a gun, since they were going in as civilian as possible, but instead a couple packs of cigarettes, and his small flask of booze. He had heard that Dornie taxes were high, and as it was Blue cost him enough money between dinner and wines, he did not need to pay even higher prices to the thirteenth colony or it’s territories.

He looked up as he walked through the small metal detector. Once passing through the check point, he met a stern looking old hag of a woman with a get off my lawn look. She yawned at Nick, as she held out her hand to him.

“Passport.” she said to him,

Nick reached down and pulled out his passport. “United Colonies of Kobol-Caprica. Nicholas Tyrol. Birthdate: 680 ASCW 4323 AEK. (680 days after the second cylon war, 4323 after the Exodus of Kobol ) Birthplace: Battlestar Galactica. Age: 16. With his photo ID next to it.

The lady looked at it, then looked back up to him and scanned it into the computer.

“Purpose of the trip?” she asked him in a monotone.

Nick smiled for a moment as he reached over and grabbed his passport. “Well my friend here” he said as he patted Chris on the back, “He seems to not like my current girlfriend very much. He thinks she is too uptight. Anyway.” Nick said with a large smile on his face, “He kept telling me about these Cat girls that you guys got. Now I don’t believe it, I mean how in the hell can a girl with furry ears and a tail be cute, but...” Nick paused as he felt a sudden rush of pain shoot across the back of his head, as Chris smacked it. Nick turned to Chris, as he rubbed the back of his head. “Ouch. Ok Vacation.” he told the old hag.

The woman looked at the pair shaking her head. “Ok you are cleared” she said as she stamped their passports. “Damn boy loving fucking Capricans.” she thought to herself. “Next!”

As the group then left, Nick looked out on this planet. It was not like Caprica at all, more like Scorpia. Street venders were everywhere, as the city seemed to be somewhat run down. People milling about, cussing, and bartering for goods. Yep definitely like Scorpia.

Nick took in a deep breath, as the smell of the hot fresh baked goods filled his nostrils. He was starving. “Hey Chris.” he said to him. “Seriously, lets get some food. No offense to the Abh or anything, but nothing beats home cooked food, you know?”

Nick then began to walk towards the bakery, until he saw something that stopped him dead in his tracks. There was a woman there, haggling over the baked goods. Her body was fit, and she had an exotic look to her, but what the hell, a tail, and cat ears. Nick stared at her blatantly, not knowing if he should be aroused or if he just lost his appetite. “It is such a strange creature.” he thought to himself, as he stared at this woman.

“They...” he paused for a moment... “Are real?” he asked, as his jaw nearly dropped from shock.

Marcus managed his way back to the briefing area of the ship when Nick made his announcement over the comm system. The older Ranger listened in on the briefing and wondered if they didn't have a two part mission or if the local police would find the missing researcher. Well that would come later if need be.

For the mean time, since they were going in civilian like, he had Max store their equipment in drop pods just in case they would need anything at a moments notice. Marcus in the mean time would wear his usual clothes that he had been given when going into the Rangers though he did take the emblem off so it wouldn't draw undo attention. Along with that he took the retracted fighting pike that would look simply like a silver can when it went through the security checks.

Once on the planet, Marcus took in the surroundings and the people. He noticed Nick's fascination with trying to find a cat-girl and just rolled his eyes.

“They...” he paused for a moment... “Are real?” he asked, as his jaw nearly dropped from shock.

Marcus nudged Nick in the back. "Just keep it in your pants for now. We've got another job to do first."

“They...” he paused for a moment... “Are real?” he asked, as his jaw nearly dropped from shock.

The catgirl Nick had gawked at seemed to possess either really good hearing, or a kind of sixth sense--more likely the latter, given the way gentegata evolved. Regardless, she turned about and Nick got a good look at her.

She was petite, with a baseball cap that read "LA" in a stylized format. And, it became readily apparent why Chris had his little, um, kicks as it were. This woman happened to look like an ordinary human woman, Mexican in ethnic character, just with a prehensile tail, ears off the top of her head resembling that of a cat's, and an overall look of "cute" about her. It helped she had a babydoll tee and some Daisy Dukes that probably were one size too small and made some passersby shake their heads.

Of course, Nick's little fantasy was about to get ugly. The woman put her hands to her hips and shouted in a Latina accent, "They're real, cabron. Real as the dumb stick you're thinking with. Now, you got somewhere else to be, or do I gotta make you go somewhere else!?" To seal the point, she got in really close, so close her eyes seemed to sear into the poor kid.

Chris walked up to the cat and went, "Okay, that's enough...." before pausing. With a gasp, he then said with a sarcastic grin, "Oh, it's you again. Now my day is complete."

The catgirl then leaned back and looked at Chris. She promptly greeted him with a headlock, which he took rather well. Holding his hand up to signify it was okay, Chris said, "Ugh...I'm fine...." in a strained manner. He then jokingly smiled, and said "So, how's it been, fuzzy?"

The catgirl seemed to respond to the nickname well enough, and chuckled, letting go. She then said, "I see we're still playing Hero, while I got a real job." She then noticed the presence of Marcus and Company, and said, "Gonna introduce me to your loser squad?"

Chris frowned and said, "Not now, we gotta go. I've gotta meet some people for lunch with the guys. Business."

"Yeah, sure. I'm sure those shemales can't wait, eh?" She then said, "Llamame!" sticking her tongue out and scampering off. Sighing, Chris waved the group on, saying, "Let's go."

Approaching the Revolution Hotel, Chris explained what that was all about. Simply put, "Fuzzy" was an old female friend of his, one Juanita Daniela-chibi, that nearly got close, then thanks to awkward circumstances involving his job and some office politics she broke off that part of it. They were still occasional friends, but they hadn't talked in a bit.

Little did they know, however, "Fuzzy" was up to something. For when she got back to her friends, she then excused herself and made a call on a payphone, saying simply, "Yeah. This is Foxtrot Uniform Double Zulu. No sign of the interlopers yet. But I met an old friend of mine...yeah, yeah. They're probably incognito. With these damn video games though, you think they'd have more notice. Well anyway....trail them? Damn, you're paranoid. Fine." She then hung up and began following quietly, out of sight.

Well the boy was dumbfounded at the sight of the cat chick. He could not believe such a creature actually existed, and they were so many that he saw one five minutes after being on the planet. Sure her body was smokin, hell anyone could see that, but the tail, and the ears, were too strange for him.

Then he felt the gentle nudge in his back, to see Marcus with his apathetic face, and tone to match politely told him to stop staring, well polite for Marcus.

“Dude, I mean shit can’t you see that, what the frak!” he said completely confused, as if Big foot just walked into your back yard and asked you for a cup of tea. He glared over at Marcus for a moment, “Hey just cause I am looking does not mean I want to buy, ya know? Unless you want to give me a raise.” he said as he cocked his head to the left slightly as he stared blatantly at her, without shame or remorse

Then she turned towards him, obviously hearing what he said. Nick just stared, as she came into full view. Nick did have to admit she was cute, although her mouth soon wrecked that image quickly. Flustered, he straightened his back. He opened his mouth about to reply in kind to the woman, until Chris intervened. It was probably a good thing to, as Nick shut his mouth. He had learned that much discipline in his training.

The conversation went on, but Nick just kept looking at the oddity. Looking around to see her tail twitch, or her ears rotate like a cat, he could not help himself. “What in the hell happened to her?” was all he could wonder as he studied her.

Once the “woman” left, Nick just shook his head. “Are all the kebbles and bits like that?” he asked Chris.

With that he began to walk towards the restaurant with Chris and Marcus. Nick smiled as he took in the sights, the short ones, the tall ones, petite, and “well rounded.” It was truly a great planet, as he walked by several women.

As they approached, Nick looked in the window. The first thing that caught his eye, was the bar, filled with all the liquors he could drink. His throat feeling dry, and his stomach empty, Nick stopped the ranger group. “Listen we all can’t go and sit at the table, that would look really frakked up. Marcus, I think you should sit at a near by table, and I will take the bar. Get the best tactical advantage in case anything happens.” he told the group trying to pass off his reason for being there as “part of the job.”

With that he did not give Marcus a chance to ruin his sound "plan." He walked in first, and sat at the bar.

As they approached, Nick looked in the window. The first thing that caught his eye, was the bar, filled with all the liquors he could drink. His throat feeling dry, and his stomach empty, Nick stopped the ranger group. “Listen we all can’t go and sit at the table, that would look really frakked up. Marcus, I think you should sit at a near by table, and I will take the bar. Get the best tactical advantage in case anything happens.” he told the group trying to pass off his reason for being there as “part of the job.”

With that he did not give Marcus a chance to ruin his sound "plan." He walked in first, and sat at the bar.

Chris could only shrug at Nick's commentary, but just when he could retort, Nick darted off to the bar. Good planning aside, it was kinda obvious he was attracted by the sudden availability of the Workers State's finest liquors, and the liquors of some other places too. Yes, they had Ambrosia even, though that would cost extra in this neck of the woods. More likely, you'd be getting whiskey or tequila.

Chris wandered about, motioning for the others to follow. Sure enough, he found the entrance to the private dining zone, so he asked for the Dalladiers. The kindly Chinese man at the front waved the Rangers through, and upon entering they would find, underneath coats too hot for the local climate and awkward sunglasses that screamed "senior citizen," their people. Chris walked up to the couple and said, "The name's Sallah."

At that, Doctor Voeker looked about and said, "Thanks. Name's Doctor Voeker, Sallah. Take a seat, all of you."

I love this bar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRyXuIuDG0U)

Nick walked over to the bar his eye staring at the many different types of liquors. The air in this section smelled of smoke, the bar filled with patrons, mostly under class sitting at the oak long table in front of them. The chatter was the usual, some bitching about their boss, or their wives/ husbands. Nick took in a deep breath and smiled, for the first time since leaving the Galactica, he found a place that actually felt like home.

Looking around he noticed one seat open, at the end of the table, next to a large burley man wearing a flannel jacket, adorning the classic long gray biker beard. Moving to the seat, the Colonial sat down. He stared up at the liquors, each classified by cost and quality by the level of the shelf it was on.

The lights cut through the smoke hitting the bottles. Behind them was a mirror, used to reflect the light back through the liquors, to emphisize color and texture by mere glance. Nick smiled at it, as he looked in the mirror directly behind him. Nick knew he could easily watch this place from his location without being suspicious. Using the mirror he kept watch on the windows in the front, and the door to see who might be coming in or watching the place. After all if Chris's intel was right, people might be aware of their presence here.

He smiled, as happiness filled him. He watched the back ground for anyone that might be entering the place. If what Chris said in the briefing was true, then the Rangers really needed a look out at this moment, besides the benefits of “Adapting” as Marcus would say was too good to pass up.

Nick reached down into his pocket, and light up one of his smokes, as he waited for the bar keep to come by. Taking a deep breath of his cigerette, he kept watch on the door as he smiled. “Now this is my type of job.” he thought to himself, as he gently pulled one of the ash trays towards him.

I love this bar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRyXuIuDG0U)

Nick walked over to the bar his eye staring at the many different types of liquors. The air in this section smelled of smoke, the bar filled with patrons, mostly under class sitting at the oak long table in front of them. The chatter was the usual, some bitching about their boss, or their wives/ husbands. Nick took in a deep breath and smiled, for the first time since leaving the Galactica, he found a place that actually felt like home.

Looking around he noticed one seat open, at the end of the table, next to a large burley man wearing a flannel jacket, adorning the classic long gray biker beard. Moving to the seat, the Colonial sat down. He stared up at the liquors, each classified by cost and quality by the level of the shelf it was on.

The lights cut through the smoke hitting the bottles. Behind them was a mirror, used to reflect the light back through the liquors, to emphisize color and texture by mere glance. Nick smiled at it, as he looked in the mirror directly behind him. Nick knew he could easily watch this place from his location without being suspicious. Using the mirror he kept watch on the windows in the front, and the door to see who might be coming in or watching the place. After all if Chris's intel was right, people might be aware of their presence here.

He smiled, as happiness filled him. He watched the back ground for anyone that might be entering the place. If what Chris said in the briefing was true, then the Rangers really needed a look out at this moment, besides the benefits of “Adapting” as Marcus would say was too good to pass up.

Nick reached down into his pocket, and light up one of his smokes, as he waited for the bar keep to come by. Taking a deep breath of his cigerette, he kept watch on the door as he smiled. “Now this is my type of job.” he thought to himself, as he gently pulled one of the ash trays towards him.

Nick was promptly accosted by the bartender, who resembled a cynical, washed out version of Kevin Nealon from Saturday Night Live. Wiping down a glass, the man took one look at Nick and said, "Whatt'l ya have, sonny?" As he did so, the bartender sized up Nick, as Dornalians tended to do whenever they were suspicious. The kid looked a little young for booze, and if he saw Nick's ID, he'd be right. As it was, the Barkeep had a chest of Cokes and such below for emergencies like this should that be the case.
-------------------------
In the meantime, Chris sat down, after Marcus and the others did so. After a round of ordering some food to keep in character for the party, Dr. Voeker simply said, "I assume you got my colleague's little message, yes?" Chris nodded.

To that, Voeker issued her own nod. She leaned in and spoke in a low tone, "Good. Because I can't overstate how much shit Doctor Westheimer and I are in right now."

Chris nodded. "The Army of the Goddess, yeah?"

Westheimer sighed and said, "Yes. Those fanatics. Makes me want to actually consider being athiestic, the way they got worked up....." He then went back to sipping his drink, an iced tea made with sweet milk.

Voeker then proceeded to explain in a little more detail, being an expert on Hajarran culture.

"Well, they're a bit more than fanatics. They're what the polisci boys call an ethnonationalist movement--Akrehitist in this case. They believe Hajarra is theirs, rightfully, and we Dornalian Commies who helped a filthy rabble illegally depose their rightful rulers should go back to our mommies. Of course, having read a few captured documents from them as part of being consulted by ISB in the past regarding Hajarrans--I was with the Farrell Expedition, after all--I can say they seem like disgruntled ex-nobles, especially the kind that got their priveleges cut if not outright abolished when the Combination took power and engaged in revolutionary frenzy. Understandable, since a lot of those nobles were members of the Secret Police, and the Secret Police were the only ones who could use psychic powers, the Force, what have you."

Chris then nodded, saying, "All well and good...but why the City of Steel?"

Voeker replied simply, "It's like Atlantis. It's said to possess great powers. Godlike machines. Weapons to make our goodies look like popguns. And they say its where the Goddess lives. They get their hands on it--well, lemme put it this way. The Secret Police under the Akrehite Regime were notorious for utilizing their powers to hurt people as often as possible. They were...a bit nutty. They get their hands on whatever's in there...we're in for a world of hurt."

Westheimer sighed and said, "It's just a ship."

"Yeah. But even then, do you trust a buncha crazies with superweapons from a long-dead civilization?" Voeker retorted.

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

As all this happened, Fuzzy took a seat outside, out of sight of that nasty cabron.

Marcus took a seat with the rest of the group and put in a small order of food for himself and a beer. He didn't much care for the taste of beer but it wouldn't do to order a glass of water in a bar. Things like that drew too much attention.

While he waited for his food, he listened in on the conversation between Chris and the doctor. "How much of a head start do they have on us? We may have to move quickly if they are close to discovering its location."

Marcus took a seat with the rest of the group and put in a small order of food for himself and a beer. He didn't much care for the taste of beer but it wouldn't do to order a glass of water in a bar. Things like that drew too much attention.

While he waited for his food, he listened in on the conversation between Chris and the doctor. "How much of a head start do they have on us? We may have to move quickly if they are close to discovering its location."

Westheimer shrugged and said, "Dunno. We had heard from some of Doctor Voeker's colleagues at the University the opposition has hired, damn their pocketbooks, an entire team of treasure hunters from some Godforsaken place. One of those Southern States. Other than that, we don't know. I'm afraid knowing them, they'll get rather busy. It is fortunate we took our research materials on the site....all we left them with are a few pop histories and some paranormal literature. That should slow them down. However, knowing their income and their knowledge of customs, I am sure they can get maps soon enough."

---------

At the same time, Fuzzy decided to call down her benefactors....and decided to distract Nick. Waltzing up to him, she said in a rather sleazy manner, "So....I see Loser Boy--er, I mean my old friend Chris ditched you here." As she spoke, a group of cheery, chattery businessmen entered the private dining area. Well, they seemed like it.

------------
Chris then interjected with, "Then what's stopping us from leaving?"

Voeker then sighed and said, "Nothing really. Let's get going." At that, the group motioned to flag down a waitress, over Westheimer's complaints about wasting food. They would have left were it not for the sudden appearance of the previously mentioned businessmen. Tall, skinny fellows who looked a bit girlish for their own good, these gents were Elves, ears and all. Their accents betrayed them as German Elves, with the sounds of Bavarian German pitched back and forth.

As they sat down, Voeker shrugged and said, "Well, let's go then." Until one of them tried to trip her over....

Nick shrugged at the bar keep, who was in classic fashion just drying out a glass that he probably washed barely under untreated tap water. Nick glanced up towards the liquors, until he noticed at the top shelf, Aristocrat Ambrosia. Nick shivered in disgust, as he pointed to the bottle.

“Man, you misplaced that bottle, that should be on the lowest shelf. That shit costs three cubits a fifth.” he said as his face contorted in disgust of someone actually drinking that crap.

He then looked around, seeing no other good Caprican drinks, “Give me a tequila sunrise.” he said as he flipped out his ID for the bar keep.

“Such a backwards ass planet”, Nick thought to himself, “Don’t they know that any drinking age of over twelve is just barbaric.” Nick just watched as the Barkeep took note of his ID.

His picture (http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural/cast/images/c/0000/cw-supernatural-prt-JAckles-a_000690-127dfe-281x374.jpg) in the upper left hand corner of his Caprica City Drivers Licence.

Nicholas Tyrol. Height, 6;0. Weight 167 lbs. Brown Eyes, Brown Hair. Birthdate 680 ACSW ; 4323 AEK. Address: Battlestar Galactica. Organ Donor: N, Class C

Nick waited for a moment, as the bar keep looked at the ID suspiciously. Then glaring at Nick, he tossed him back his ID. “Whatever your little inbred moon runes say.” he said as he poured half a shot of tequila in the glass.

Nick stood up, ‘Hey you cheap bastard.” he shouted, ‘Do not frakkin think of under shooting me. I want two shots.” he said determined to get what he was supposed to be paying for. The man glared at Nick, as he poured in the correct amount, then filled the rest of the glass with orange juice, and a couple of drops of grenadine.

The bartender, very aggravated slid the boy his drink. “Inbred boy fucker.” the bar keep said as the glass slid across the bar. Nick smiled at him, and replied kindly, “Yeah tell that to your kitty when her ass stops being sore.”

Taking a small sip of the drink, Nick let out a smile. “That barkeep might be a cheap mother frakker, with the manners of an Saggitarion, but damn he can make a good drink.” he thought to himself, as he took another sip, then took a drag off his smoke.

Just then he looked back up in the mirror. Taking a sip, he noticed a fimliar rack, I mean person walking towards him. The tight shirt, daisy dukes, kitten chick slowly made her way up to him. Nick took another sip, but did not turn around.

As he did, he began to feel something was wrong. Like on the Myth planet, he could not place it, but suddenly a cloud of dread covered him. Nick closed his eyes for a moment trying to shake off the feeling, but he could not.

Just then the kitten walked over to him. As he took his drink, he tried to ignore the large assets about three inches from his face. With all his willpower he tried his hardest, but after half a second he turned to her. Staring at the massive jugs in front of him, he let out a slight smile. “Hey Keebles.” he said to her as his eyes light up like a child looking at their presents under the tree, wondering what was under the wrapping.

Making his way slowly to her eyes, he stood up. The feeling of dread continued to fill him, and the timing was just too strange. Of course if Chris were here, he would tell Nick that he was being paranoid, but frak it. This “woman” who berated him, was being... too nice. Something had to be up, but how to tell the others that she was here. Nick smiled at her as he knew what to do.

Using a Drunk man’s talk, his voice boomed loud enough to be heard across the room. “ So Fuzzy, how are you?” he said to her as if he was a life long friend. Hoping Chris would hear him, he wrapped his arms around her giving her a friendly hug.

“Oh that loser. Nah he didn’t ditch me, you know how he is. Can’t stop and check out a good thing when it is staring him in the face.” he said loudly, as if he was a very cheap drunk. "He just walks on by. All work and no play ya know!"

Pulling back from his ‘friendly embrace’, he smiled at her for a moment. “So what in the frak are you doing here?”

Just then the kitten walked over to him. As he took his drink, he tried to ignore the large assets about three inches from his face. With all his willpower he tried his hardest, but after half a second he turned to her. Staring at the massive jugs in front of him, he let out a slight smile. “Hey Keebles.” he said to her as his eyes light up like a child looking at their presents under the tree, wondering what was under the wrapping.

Making his way slowly to her eyes, he stood up. The feeling of dread continued to fill him, and the timing was just too strange. Of course if Chris were here, he would tell Nick that he was being paranoid, but frak it. This “woman” who berated him, was being... too nice. Something had to be up, but how to tell the others that she was here. Nick smiled at her as he knew what to do.

Using a Drunk man’s talk, his voice boomed loud enough to be heard across the room. “ So Fuzzy, how are you?” he said to her as if he was a life long friend. Hoping Chris would hear him, he wrapped his arms around her giving her a friendly hug.

“Oh that loser. Nah he didn’t ditch me, you know how he is. Can’t stop and check out a good thing when it is staring him in the face.” he said loudly, as if he was a very cheap drunk. "He just walks on by. All work and no play ya know!"

Pulling back from his ‘friendly embrace’, he smiled at her for a moment. “So what in the frak are you doing here?”

Fuzzy could only be astonished at just how well her plan was working. She had let in the others assigned to the job within a matter of seconds. Usually in the movies, it took a little longer, or not at all. "Jeez. Chris always gets the lamest partners," she thought to herself. Naturally, she didn't say it, especially as she was duly distracted by the advances of Nick--if that was his name.

Pushing him back and playing along with his drunk act--which she saw through quite well--she merely said, "Oh, just looking for your new buddy. I forgot to ask him something...but I could ask you something." Stroking her hair Charlie's Angels style, she said, "Judging by your appearance, you sem kinda...soused. Am I right or am I right?"

In the meantime, Chris heard things alright, and in that split second, wondered why his old flame had to barge in now....

The young colonial chuckled for a moment, as he looked around the restaurant. “Nope, Keebles.” he said with a quick smile. “Actually I just wanted another look at that tail of yours, maybe get a cheap feel, but frak I couldn’t bring myself to do it.” he said. He laughed for a second, “I must be feeling ill, or something.”

“Thought acting drunk, would get me less of a slap. Oh well.” he said trying to act like he was confessing his sin to her. He smiled with his usual feigned charm, as he walked over to a tall table with two chairs. “Please have a seat, damn if I am not curious about you. I mean seriously, when Nick told me you kittens existed, I could not believe it.”

He waited for her to sit to take up his attention while he scanned the surrounding area. Just then he noticed the men in the black suits suddenly in the resturant. Nick looked up and noticed Chris looking his way. With his eyes he motioned towards the men, then sat down across from Keebles.

Grabbing his drink and lighting a smoke, he sat down. “So how did you meet Chris?” he asked the freak in front of him, hoping that Chris picked up on the subtle motions towards the new men.

He raised his hand towards the bar keep, extending his fingers in the air and motioned him over to the table. “What do you wanna drink?” he asked, as he light another cigarette. As he sat across from the freak, he lowered his eyes, as he stared at his drink.

At the mention of the word Kibbles, Fuzzy frowned. "Now that's a new word. Usually, I get shit like necker and kitty." SHe then laughed, saying, "But then again, yer a Colon. From the Little Sisters. We may as well be unicorns, ghosts and bubblefruit gum."

Sitting down and hearing Nick's statements, Fuzzy chuckled and said, "Yeah, I seem pretty fantastic. Hell, to a lot of people, us gatas are fuckin' from Mars. Though that doesn't mean much since we got Mars nowadays, but you get the picture. To Chris, it wasn't so. I met him at a bar near the Police Academy, when he was a kid like you. We clicked, he took me home, we got busy. Har har. That's how we hit it off."

She then said to Nick, "Gimme some tequila. Ask for the best they got."

Nick leaned back, noticing that the “gata” had not picked up the second cigarette. Leaning back, he picked up his drink, and listened to her tale. “Man what the frak is taking Chris so long?” he thought to himself, as he smiled at her and put down his glass.

As he did, he could not help but to laugh slightly. “Oh so you are one of those kinda hoes” he again thought to himself, as he smiled and nodded through her story. It was not all bad, I mean he got to hear a bit about Chris’s past, although he was kind of shocked to here his partner was a cat frakker.

Reaching out with his hand, he picked up his smoke and took another drag. “Shit.” he said. “I wish I could afford the best tequila in the house, but my girl has my paycheck by the balls.” As the Bar keep walked over, Nick pointed to Keebles. “Can you get the lady, a shot of 1800.” he said to the keep. It was a good middle grade tequila, good flavor and texture, but not as smooth or refined as Patron.

With that he smiled at her, being as charming as he could be. “By the way, I am a Caprican, not a Colon. Calling us Colonials, you lump us in with people like the damn root suckers, and frak that.” he told her blunty. “Where in the hell are you Chris?” he asked himself again.

With a slight glance down, Nick reached in his pocket, and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. "You smoke?" he asked her, holding the finest tobacco grown on Caprica, for cigarettes anyway.

With his other hand he took a final puff, Nick reached for the ash tray and put out the smoke. With a small smile, he picked up his glass again. “So why did you and Chris call it off? He seems like a decent enough guy, minus the loser part.” he said trying to play off the joke.

Before she could answer though, he stood up. “Excuse me for a sec, nature ya know.” With that, he began to walk towards the rest room. Walking through the restaurant, he could clearly see the strange men in black inside the place. Walking by Chris’s table he nodded his head slightly towards the Will Smith wannabe’s, before entering the men’s room.

Reaching out with his hand, he picked up his smoke and took another drag. “Shit.” he said. “I wish I could afford the best tequila in the house, but my girl has my paycheck by the balls.” As the Bar keep walked over, Nick pointed to Keebles. “Can you get the lady, a shot of 1800.” he said to the keep. It was a good middle grade tequila, good flavor and texture, but not as smooth or refined as Patron.

Fuzzy took the liquor silently, and sipped it with a nod and a smile. "Hell, I'm good. It's booze. Firewater. I'm good either way."

With that he smiled at her, being as charming as he could be. “By the way, I am a Caprican, not a Colon. Calling us Colonials, you lump us in with people like the damn root suckers, and frak that.” he told her blunty.

And to that, Fuzzy sighed, merely stating, "Root sucker? Now you got me." She then muttered something in Spanish. Laced with more than a tinge of confusion, it was obvious Nick's reference had lept over Fuzzy's head entirely, considering the woman never visited Sagattarion.

“Where in the hell are you Chris?” he asked himself again.

With a slight glance down, Nick reached in his pocket, and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. "You smoke?" he asked her, holding the finest tobacco grown on Caprica, for cigarettes anyway.

With his other hand he took a final puff, Nick reached for the ash tray and put out the smoke. With a small smile, he picked up his glass again. “So why did you and Chris call it off? He seems like a decent enough guy, minus the loser part.” he said trying to play off the joke.

Before she could answer though, he stood up. “Excuse me for a sec, nature ya know.” With that, he began to walk towards the rest room. Walking through the restaurant, he could clearly see the strange men in black inside the place. Walking by Chris’s table he nodded his head slightly towards the Will Smith wannabe’s, before entering the men’s room.

Fuzzy then took the cigarette, and pulled out a zippo-style lighter, saying, "Yeah. I do." She seemed to straighten out some.

Then, Nick split. Sighing, she downed her drink and began cursing to herself.

As for Chris, well, he found himself confronting Dr. Voeker's tripper, saying, "The hell was that for?!"

The Elf promptly looked at his comrades. Exchanging nods momentarily, they promptly began to get aggressive. One immediately pulled out a Sig Sauer and lunged at Dr. Voeker, recieving a swift strike on the wrist by Chris, who proceeded to move to disarm him...

However, there were the others. Discounting the one tussling with Chris, there were seven in all. They began to get nasty, two withdrawing and kciking over a table, two moving to snatch Westheimer, who began to dash in another direction, and the rest aiming to engage the Rangers and try to stop them from exiting....all had SMGs, and made rather professional hand motions to coordinate their movements....

Chris would then proceed to shout, "Get Westheimer!" to Marcus.

Marcus was not one to stand idly by when it came to a fight. When Chris fell into his little tussle, the Ranger quickly took stock in the rest of the bar's patrons and noticed that the man was not alone. There were than a few customers that looked interested in what was going on.

Whirling around with chair in hand, Marcus used his momentum to hurl the chair into the crowd of men that were standing up against Chris. Once the chair was away, Marcus grabbed a hold of the only weapon he could get through customs and the security checks. Marcus gave the silver cylinder a quick shake and out stretched his own fighting pike.

Chris would then proceed to shout, "Get Westheimer!" to Marcus.

Marcus nodded and grabbed the doctor and ushered him towards the back door. (Assuming there is a back door.) Right now all that mattered was getting the doctor away from danger.

Marcus was not one to stand idly by when it came to a fight. When Chris fell into his little tussle, the Ranger quickly took stock in the rest of the bar's patrons and noticed that the man was not alone. There were than a few customers that looked interested in what was going on.

Whirling around with chair in hand, Marcus used his momentum to hurl the chair into the crowd of men that were standing up against Chris. Once the chair was away, Marcus grabbed a hold of the only weapon he could get through customs and the security checks. Marcus gave the silver cylinder a quick shake and out stretched his own fighting pike.

Chris would then proceed to shout, "Get Westheimer!" to Marcus.

Marcus nodded and grabbed the doctor and ushered him towards the back door. (Assuming there is a back door.) Right now all that mattered was getting the doctor away from danger.

Westheimer was grateful for the sudden rescue by Marcus. Just as well, since the two in back began opening up on Marcus, commanding one another in harsh German with orders that presumably involved taking Marcus down with pistol fire. Westheimer tucked his head in out of fear...

Meanwhile, Chris immediately held out the gun he captured from the downed Elf, who was by now recovering and moving once more with a knife once more towards Chris, screaming "I FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU!" Chris opened up expertly on the knife-guy, shooting his knife out of the man's hand then whacking him to the ground again, taking his knife. Another came by; the group by now trapped under the chair had thrown off their encumberance and began opening up on Chris. To that, he kicked over a table and ducked returning fire. Voeker, meanwhile, ran to Chris's side. As she got there, the woman's only reply was, "Well this is just great."

It did not take long for Nick to walk out of the bathroom, especially as Chris’s screams echoed throughout the building. As the screams, “I FUCK YOU” echoed, Nick walked out of the room. Keeping his back to the door, he looked around.

He watched as the people in the restaurant seemed frozen with fear, as Keebles sat in her chair taking another drag off the smoke he gave her, and as Marcus was pulling the good doctor out of harms way, towards the back entrance.

Nick focused on the elves, as his heart grew angry at the outrage. His partner, his bud, was in harms way as he tried to save the other doctor, while Marcus was hurrying as best he could to save the old man. “Mother frakker, we were set up.” he thought. He had to do something but what. He could not let the elves shoot Chris, after all what use is a partner if they are not there to watch your back. Then again, he did not have any weapons on him.

“Adapt and Overcome.” he thought to himself. Looking around the room, he noticed an empty table to his left. The table was set, lined with small plates, forks, spoons, butter and steak knives. Next to that table was an empty dirty table. The table was still litered with uneaten food, glasses with water downed sodas and liquors.

He resigned himself to the only thing he could do. Unarmed, with men with guns, the odds were not favorable. Nick took in a deep breath then began to walk out “seemingly” not noticing the tussel. AS he walked by, he stuck out his hand, and quickly grabbed a steak knife, shoving it into his pocket.

Then the shot fired, as Chris fired his stolen gun at the elf. Nick knew it was now or never. Nick took the knife and threw it with as much speed and force behind it as his half cylon body could muster. He prayed that the knife hit one of the elves as he reached for the other three knives on the table and ran as quick as he could towards Chris.

The bullets were flying, as the noise of bullets hit all around Nick. "FRAK!" he yelled as he jumped towards the table. A bullet whizzed past his head, as he hit the floor hard behind the table. "Son of a Whore." he said as he backed up against the table. Nick looked at Chris as he pulled out the one of the three steak knives. With a quick smile, which quickly vanished he said to his partner “Well this is the last time I am asking you to come to a bar with me.” Glancing at the gun, and sighed, ‘You wouldn’t happen to have gotten two of those would you?”

Then the shot fired, as Chris fired his stolen gun at the elf. Nick knew it was now or never. Nick took the knife and threw it with as much speed and force behind it as his half cylon body could muster. He prayed that the knife hit one of the elves as he reached for the other three knives on the table and ran as quick as he could towards Chris.

The bullets were flying, as the noise of bullets hit all around Nick. "FRAK!" he yelled as he jumped towards the table. A bullet whizzed past his head, as he hit the floor hard behind the table. "Son of a Whore." he said as he backed up against the table. Nick looked at Chris as he pulled out the one of the three steak knives. With a quick smile, which quickly vanished he said to his partner “Well this is the last time I am asking you to come to a bar with me.” Glancing at the gun, and sighed, ‘You wouldn’t happen to have gotten two of those would you?”

The thrown knife hit the guy in the upper arm, whereupon Chris kicked him in the groin and said, "This is what happens when you try to fuck a stranger in the ass!" as he tripped him onto the floor. The elves backed off and kicked down their own table, deciding to hold off somewhat and figure out a new battle plan, especially with the reinforcements coming in. They were hit several times with Chris's looted pistol, though they survived--a sign they had armor.

Chris was a bit busy opening fire, but Dr. Voeker sighed and said, "Well, how do we get out? The Pretty Squad isn't going to let us out easily, it would seem. And you're the only one with the hogleg."

"Didn't you bring one?" Chris asked.

"Yeah, but it's my hogleg." Voeker said with a frown, somehow wondering if it was to be taken.

Chris then looked at Voeker and said, "Get it out, cover me. I'm going shopping." Voeker then pulled out a small Laspistol and began firing at the elves, while Chris began darting over to the men in front. He proceeded, fueled by adrenaline, to jump over the hurdle and land on one of the elves with his elbow out, kicking out the gun of the other one who tried to assist his comrade, netting to his dismay a Kicker Machine Railpistol--a good gun, and one which gave the kid an advantage! He then leveled his Sig Sauer at the elves and said, "Don't fucking move. You put down your guns, I won't kill you." backing off without turning around as he jumped back over the table and ran back to Nick's side, tossing him the railpistol.

"Enjoy." Just in time too, because the men lept out of there and decided to get even....

The men pursuing Westheimer, meanwhile, had regrouped with the others firing at Marcus, and decided to try and keep the pressure up. However, it was just in time too, because Westheimer squawked, "Look! The exit!"

Marcus was in a fix with two guys focusing on him while he was trying to get Westheimer out of the bar. Using what was around him, Marcus kicked a few tables over for some cover to help protect Westheimer's escape and to give himself a little protection. Bullets whizzed by and cracked into the wood giving Marcus time to thump his head against the protective wood.

"And we had to leave all that crap behind on the ship."

Reaching around, he found a broken chair leg which he decided could be used as a club or a projectile. There were some knives and forks around as well which Marcus quickly added to his stash of weapons.

"Hey Chris! Mind if we call in a little support of our own?"

Marcus was in a fix with two guys focusing on him while he was trying to get Westheimer out of the bar. Using what was around him, Marcus kicked a few tables over for some cover to help protect Westheimer's escape and to give himself a little protection. Bullets whizzed by and cracked into the wood giving Marcus time to thump his head against the protective wood.

"And we had to leave all that crap behind on the ship."

Reaching around, he found a broken chair leg which he decided could be used as a club or a projectile. There were some knives and forks around as well which Marcus quickly added to his stash of weapons.

"Hey Chris! Mind if we call in a little support of our own?"

Chris simply said, "Don't mind if ya do, Marcus." As it turned out, he was distracted by the now resumed exchange of shots with the elves Voeker was firing at before, since one of them decided to fire back. By now, Chris was getting very irritated about the whole affair, and resolved that one way or another, he'd finish it. Thus, he began firing to try and keep their heads down and ordered Nick to "Watch the Doc, and get her ass out of here! I'll keep these jerkbags distracted."

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

The staccato exchange of gunfire on Chris's side and the stalemated situation caused one elf to pause and do a status report. Retrieving his PDA, he spoke in a hushed tone, in English. "Zulu Vier, this is Zulu Vier. We've encountered resistance; professionals, it seems. Requesting support to neutralize opposition, over."

Just as another elf was about to report reinforcements, a nastier sounding Germanic voice garbled with static jumped in and promptly cut him off. The grind of static ripped at the elf's ear and he jumped back. The voice muttered angrily, and he then mustered up the paitence to lean in as he heard the voice cry out: "...Jislaaik, man! You sissies are taking too fucking long! Permission to finish the job!"

The elf was not pleased at being interrupted; the Code of his assasin's trade demanded the job be done and the job be done right, and frankly, his experience taught him that a job tended to move at its own pace. The commander knew who it was, and frankly the man was beginning to grate. He let out a long sigh and responded with, "Nein, Commandant du Plessis. Do not deploy until I order you to. This is an urban area. The management requests we maintain a low--"

Du Plessis arrogantly finished with, "I say you've lost your disguise, uitlander. I think we can take it from here. Go and run naked in the woods or something, while real men do the job, hey?" The voice cut out to the elf's consternation. Throwing down his PDA in frustration, he then tapped the other one shooting at Chris, motioning for those shooting at Marcus and Westheimer to shift some fire their way. Chris promptly was fired upon and he kicked over one last chair to serve as a crude rampart. At this rate, the restaurant would have a very large bill....


"Ja, Herr Kruger?" the one the Elf tapped said, ducking as shots whizzed by.

The Elf, now indentified as Herr Kruger, in the most deadpan of mannerisms, said, "Freischutzer Gruber. Our allies have decided to intervene. Get ready for evasive manuevers. Warn the others."

With a nod, the other elf began motioning to the others, and they began hunkering down for some reason. Gruber would find his hand shot by Chris, but the second shot was interruptedby a loud "WHAM!" and a rumble outside the restaurant. For if the Rangers cared to look outside the windows and the exit which Marcus was peering out of now (having been left open by a scared chef), there were three Rk-98 Savages that suddenly entered the area, and they leveled their guns at the building.....

It was good Marcus was told to call for aid.

“Do not hesitate.” Nick told himself as he heard Chris’s orders, to surviving the ambush. It was one hell of a cluster frak, with mercs on any given side. He looked at Chris then nodded, as his partner stood up and began to open fire.

Looking at his pistol, he then crawled under the table to the doc. “Pleasure to meet you.” he said with a quick smile, that soon became serious. Looking at her, he could tell she was a proud woman, self confident, with the air of hands off to him. Nick kneeled down next to her, as the bullets slammed into the table shooting splinters out the other side.

“I am sorry Doc, hope you forgive me.” he said to her. Reaching down quickly, he grabbed her, scooping her up in both arms. Then he ran, he ran for his life, he ran for hers. As fast as he could muster, knowing if she was on foot she would slow both of them down, Nick took off like a cheetah. As he approached the exit that he last saw Marcus and his charge running towards. Nick turned the corner to see two men firing at Marcus. Nick put the woman quickly, as he pulled out his new rail pistol

Nick ignored the cussing that was certain to follow, as he took aim at the two men that had Marcus and the Doctor pinned down. With a simple squeeze of his pistol he fired a spread of bullets at them. Even with body armor, the bullets impact was sure to hurt like hell, maybe even stun them, enough for Nick and Marcus to get the two out of harm’s way and into safety.

With Chris's ok, Marcus quickly got to work. The Ranger brought his clyuno up close to his mouth and got in contact with Max. "Max. Marcus here. We could sure use some help down here. Lock on to my location and drop the equipment down."

"Headin' down now, Marcus. Just hang on a second."

Marcus dropped his hand and hunkered down behind his table as the bullets continued to crack into the wood around him. This was a bit ridiculous being pinned down without any weapons to return fire with. Even his fighting pike was all but useless in this sort of fight.

It wasn't long before he heard the roar of the Sanjura's engines over the bar. There was a loud crash in the back as Max dropped the Ranger's gear through the ceiling, landing next to Marcus's head.

"Hey, I got enough people trying to kill me without you adding to it."

Max's voice chimed over the communicator. "Sorry about that."

"Well never mind that, something is pounding this place from the outside. Take care of it."

Marcus rolled over to one of the drop pods and slid open the panel. This one held their weapons while the rest must contain their armor. Grabbing an assault rifle for himself and Chris, Marcus tossed the other one over.

"Here you go Chris."

Marcus hit the switch on his own weapon and the rifle extended to its full length. It didn't take long for Marcus to send several of the rounds out which traveling nearly at light speed splintered through any of the wooden tables in the way.

Outside, Max had the Sanjura swinging around and its auto-turrets locking on to the new arrivals. Rumbling in the bar could be felt as the ship opened up on the new attackers.

Suddenly a flash hit the neck of one of the Savages taking cover behind one of the buildings, immediately exploding, leaving only a hulking burning mess on the ground. The flash was an AT dagger coming from Crimson's Arbalest, looking as if it came down from the sky. He immediately looked to the left and saw the second Savage, motioning towards it in a zigzag maneuver, he took out his mono-molecular cutter and jumped up deflecting a round that was shot from the Savage's weapon with the very cutter. He came down hard with the cutter, slicing just behind the neck of the Savage, instantly killing the pilot inside. Over to his right he saw another Savage being chewed up by the Sanjura's autocannons.

"Sorry I'm late," he reported.

“Do not hesitate.” Nick told himself as he heard Chris’s orders, to surviving the ambush. It was one hell of a cluster frak, with mercs on any given side. He looked at Chris then nodded, as his partner stood up and began to open fire.

Looking at his pistol, he then crawled under the table to the doc. “Pleasure to meet you.” he said with a quick smile, that soon became serious. Looking at her, he could tell she was a proud woman, self confident, with the air of hands off to him. Nick kneeled down next to her, as the bullets slammed into the table shooting splinters out the other side.

“I am sorry Doc, hope you forgive me.” he said to her. Reaching down quickly, he grabbed her, scooping her up in both arms. Then he ran, he ran for his life, he ran for hers. As fast as he could muster, knowing if she was on foot she would slow both of them down, Nick took off like a cheetah. As he approached the exit that he last saw Marcus and his charge running towards. Nick turned the corner to see two men firing at Marcus. Nick put the woman quickly, as he pulled out his new rail pistol

Nick ignored the cussing that was certain to follow, as he took aim at the two men that had Marcus and the Doctor pinned down. With a simple squeeze of his pistol he fired a spread of bullets at them. Even with body armor, the bullets impact was sure to hurt like hell, maybe even stun them, enough for Nick and Marcus to get the two out of harm’s way and into safety.

The sudden leap made Chris blink for a moment, and rub his eyes a little. Did he just see Nick run like a fucking cheetah? "Must be adrenaline," he muttered. But he also thought, "....but that's gotta be a lotta adrenaline. No way anybody runs that fast. Right?" Voeker, meanwhile, added, "Sure but wh--WOAH!" as she was lifted up.

His biology quiz was then interrupted by the elves, who had also witnessed Nick dashing with some alarm. Chris then leveled his gun at Gruber and Kruger, who in turn leveled pistols at him. They then held them for a little bit...

Nick's shots then proceeded to make them fall back with a lot of hurt--just as well, considering the German Elves' crazed allies were outside and about to tear the place down regardless of friend or foe. Voeker, meanwhile, was also wondering just whom her colleague had hired.


Marcus rolled over to one of the drop pods and slid open the panel. This one held their weapons while the rest must contain their armor. Grabbing an assault rifle for himself and Chris, Marcus tossed the other one over.

"Here you go Chris."

Marcus hit the switch on his own weapon and the rifle extended to its full length. It didn't take long for Marcus to send several of the rounds out which traveling nearly at light speed splintered through any of the wooden tables in the way.

Outside, Max had the Sanjura swinging around and its auto-turrets locking on to the new arrivals. Rumbling in the bar could be felt as the ship opened up on the new attackers.

Chris snatched the rifle from midair and ducked as Kruger and Gruber emptied their magazines. Chris sighed, and activated the newfangled device after some finagling. He then got back up and fired a burst at the two, sending them running out of the room for cover.

Ducking to the side, Gruber then asked Kruger in hasty, tired German, "What now, Herr Kruger?"

Calmly, Kruger said, loading his last magazine in, "Our allies have decided to intervene, although they are under fire. Our enemies have us overmatched. Recommend we fall back and reassess the situation. No need to waste our time while 'real men' can do the job we should be doing." Spoken with bitterness that Commandant du Plessis had intervened when he wasn't supposed to, he tried to contact the rest of his squad and order them to fall back. What he got was a staccato of static and gunfire.

Suddenly a flash hit the neck of one of the Savages taking cover behind one of the buildings, immediately exploding, leaving only a hulking burning mess on the ground. The flash was an AT dagger coming from Crimson's Arbalest, looking as if it came down from the sky. He immediately looked to the left and saw the second Savage, motioning towards it in a zigzag maneuver, he took out his mono-molecular cutter and jumped up deflecting a round that was shot from the Savage's weapon with the very cutter. He came down hard with the cutter, slicing just behind the neck of the Savage, instantly killing the pilot inside. Over to his right he saw another Savage being chewed up by the Sanjura's autocannons.

"Sorry I'm late," he reported.

"FUCK!"

Commandant du Plessis's elven ears perked up and he slammed the console. He was planning on opening fire on the building with his squad of operators and tearing the damned restaurant down. Yeah, it meant the pretty boys would have died too, but so what? The rest of the universe would have been better off without those uitlanders mucking it all up. Then, somebody called in the ship and the other Arm Slave which took out a man and another man. It never made him happy hearing his people scream.

Fortunately, the cannons from the uitlander vessel weren't so bad. They did hurt, however, and compelled him to run, as his Arm Slaves diagnostics read "Warning: Incoming Fire." Thus, du Plessis began moving at full speed ahead, making an about face and, shouting, "KAK! You die now!" on Crimson's frequency. Unlike most Savages, however, he had purchased a Dornalian aftermarket kit. A Cadian Lasgun, scaled up to AS size. It was with that du Plessis opened up on Crimson.

He then decided to radio for help, saying in fast, angry Afrikaans, "Any available units! Attention all units! Alpha Stick is under attack. Bravo Stick, if you're there, get your sorry stront vir breins* arses over here! NOW! We got a live Arm Slave here!" A series of affirmatives came in, saying, "Ja, Commandant." At that, du Plessis smiled arrogantly. He muttered to himself, "Alright, you fucking bastard. Let's see how well you do against people that think, eh?"

Chris then replied, "It's cool. Just keep those giant robots off our asses. I don't like interlopers." He then shouted to Marcus and Nick, "Got a couple'a strays, gonna give chase. I'll be back!" He then went to chase Kruger and Gruber, who by now were bounding over chairs and tables to try and get out.

*OOC: Appropriately enough, Afrikaans for "shit for brains."

The scene was chaotic, as Nick emptied the clip of the rail pistol towards the elves. Like in a movie, everything seemed to move in slow motion. The smoke and sudden crash, as pieces of wood, and tiles broke free spreading across the area in a cloud of debris. Shards of small splinters struck out, as a cloud of white powdered dust spread across the area.

Nick tried to peer through the dust, as his skin began to feel small pricks of pain. Shaking his head for a moment, time seemed to return to him, as Marcus ran over and opened the cache.

Covered in the dust, he ran over to the cache, and grabbed the rifle and pistol. Tucking the pistol in his left hand, and slinging the rifle over his shoulder, he turned to the doctor. “You comin or staying?” he asked her bluntly.

With the rifle over his shoulder, and the pistol in his hand, Nick felt a small sting across his arm. Looking down, he felt around, until the pain struck him like a bolt of lighting. “Oh frak!” he said, as he reached around to the backside of his arm. “Don’t tell me, frak!” he said as the pain shot through him. As he felt around, he felt something small, and hard in his arm. Reaching his fingers in it, he pulled out a large nail, covered in his blood that had somehow slashed into his skin.

He sighed, as he felt relief for a moment. Fearing being shot by a gun, finding a nail in your arm, and probably needing a shot of medicine was nothing in comparison.

Nick turned to Marcus, and looked out the door near him. The scene was more chaotic than the restaurant. Giant killer robots, battling it out with the ship. Nick could not help himself, as he broke out in laughter. Laughing for a good minute it seemed, he finally took a deep breath. “What in the frak is it with us and Robots?” he asked as he turned to Marcus. “Next mission we do I say we take it on the Colonies. At least there, there will not be any robots.”

As he spoke several explosions occurred around the building. The room shook, as the mech’s made their way towards the building. There was not much he could do. Watching the mechs’s coming he closed his eyes. He knew that if something did not happen, soon he would be with his mother, and as much as he loved her memory that was not something that he was looking forward to.

Then a giant thud crashed in front of them, as Crimson and “his bitch” jumped in, and began to brawl with the other mechs. Nick was shocked, as he felt relief for the robot on his side, almost grateful. Happiness surged though him as he nearly broke out and cheered for Crimson. Shaking off the thought, he looked at Marcus. “We need to get out of here, any suggestions?”

The scene was chaotic, as Nick emptied the clip of the rail pistol towards the elves. Like in a movie, everything seemed to move in slow motion. The smoke and sudden crash, as pieces of wood, and tiles broke free spreading across the area in a cloud of debris. Shards of small splinters struck out, as a cloud of white powdered dust spread across the area.

Nick tried to peer through the dust, as his skin began to feel small pricks of pain. Shaking his head for a moment, time seemed to return to him, as Marcus ran over and opened the cache.

Covered in the dust, he ran over to the cache, and grabbed the rifle and pistol. Tucking the pistol in his left hand, and slinging the rifle over his shoulder, he turned to the doctor. “You comin or staying?” he asked her bluntly.

With the rifle over his shoulder, and the pistol in his hand, Nick felt a small sting across his arm. Looking down, he felt around, until the pain struck him like a bolt of lighting. “Oh frak!” he said, as he reached around to the backside of his arm. “Don’t tell me, frak!” he said as the pain shot through him. As he felt around, he felt something small, and hard in his arm. Reaching his fingers in it, he pulled out a large nail, covered in his blood that had somehow slashed into his skin.

He sighed, as he felt relief for a moment. Fearing being shot by a gun, finding a nail in your arm, and probably needing a shot of medicine was nothing in comparison.

Nick turned to Marcus, and looked out the door near him. The scene was more chaotic than the restaurant. Giant killer robots, battling it out with the ship. Nick could not help himself, as he broke out in laughter. Laughing for a good minute it seemed, he finally took a deep breath. “What in the frak is it with us and Robots?” he asked as he turned to Marcus. “Next mission we do I say we take it on the Colonies. At least there, there will not be any robots.”

As he spoke several explosions occurred around the building. The room shook, as the mech’s made their way towards the building. There was not much he could do. Watching the mechs’s coming he closed his eyes. He knew that if something did not happen, soon he would be with his mother, and as much as he loved her memory that was not something that he was looking forward to.

Then a giant thud crashed in front of them, as Crimson and “his bitch” jumped in, and began to brawl with the other mechs. Nick was shocked, as he felt relief for the robot on his side, almost grateful. Happiness surged though him as he nearly broke out and cheered for Crimson. Shaking off the thought, he looked at Marcus. “We need to get out of here, any suggestions?”

As all this occurred, Dr. Voeker was swept up in the whole mess. When asked by Nick if she was coming or staying, she promptly said, "Of course, I'm coming, k-"

The sentence was never finished, as Nick found the nail. Dr. Voeker simply said, "Jesus. You okay?" As Nick was contemplating the wound, Voeker said, "I'm right here, kid."

The robots then came by, and Voeker ducked as Nick muttered his musings. She simply declared, "Jesus christ. They really do want to kill us." Crimson's intervention then gave her some relief. Though she noticed the two elves hunkering down in the back now to avoid du Plessis' inevitable gunplay, figuring out a way to get out. And then it hit her.

"Did anybody here bother to call the fucking cops?" she asked. "I mean, with all this damage...."

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

Chris, meanwhile, moved like a nimble kitty chasing the two elves. One of those times he was glad to have served on the beat, he had the stamina to keep up, even when the perps threw chairs, flowerpots and even photo frames at him. It would be comical, were it not a war zone.

On the street now, Chris noticed people running about--well, a scant few, since by now most of those who could escape did so to flee the giant robots now duking it out. One of the stragglers was a cop, and he said, "Officer, stop those men!" The local cop then noticed the two elves, and gave chase. Chris would have followed, were it not for a shard of masonry that forced him into cover. By the time he got up, the whole pack disappeared.

Frustrated, he decided to get back to the hotel. As this occurred, he saw squad cars racing to the site. Good thing the cops were coming.....though what took them so long was his question. As this occurred, one group of cops began following him....

---------

As the fight in the Hotel went on, Gruber and Kruger turned and double teamed their pursuer, taking him out with all due speed. They had to get to the extraction site, and report back to their benefactors. Locating a pair of bikes, they promptly stole them and fled.

Their thoughts were racing--or at least Kruger's were. Edelmeyer, Strauss, and all the others, if they were still in the Hotel would be at the mercy of the Interlopers. But, they were resourceful men, no Jungschilds. They could get out. Right? It was hard to say. By now, the holes in the police comms that clumsy thug du Plessis made would be plugged and the cops would be coming, and those Interlopers had plenty of weaponry, including their own personal vessel.

It was time to ask his Benefactors for a higher paycheck to ensured the continued services of his Schattenbilderen Schar, the "Shadow Band." This was more than he expected. And he thought all he had to worry about was du Plessis.

Crimson jumped up immediately when he saw the Lasgun being lifted, throwing an AT Dagger in quick succession as he fell back behind a building. He looked both ways to find the way clear.

"Enact ECS."

"Roger ECS online."

Compartments began opening all over the mech to reveal the laser oscillators. A quiet hum then silence, as the oscillators began work on cloaking the Arm Slave. Crimson took out the mono-molecular cutter, sure he could use his the 52mm shot-cannon but he couldn't risk hitting any of the buildings which could contain his comrades. Anyways this was a bit more fun.

"Warning: Multiple AS units detected. Moving down these routes," AL showed him on the bottom monitor which contained the map of the area.

"Time to have some fun."

Crimson hid by a corner where some of the Arm Slaves were to be heading through, about five or so, he couldn't tell, they were so grouped that tactile sonar was causing AL to "guess". Using the left manipulator's wrist periscope he spotted his targets and confirmed the guess. He waited until they were in just the right position then a loud explosion could have been heard all the way from the restaurant. About four Savage lay mangled on the floor as the AS Grenade did its job. Crimson immediately went in amongst the confusion, still cloaked, stabbing the Savage right where the pilot seat was. He watched as the Savage slumped to the ground motionless.

“Hey I am right here kid.” the voice of his charge said to him. Turning his head, he gave her a quick smile. “You alright doc?” he asked her as he took a step closer to her. Looking her up and down for a moment for “any injuries.” “Well you look like you are in good shape.” he told her, as he pulled out his flask.

Handing the silver colored flask to her, he asked, “Can you do me a favor. Can you pour this in the hole?” Then he pulled out one of his cigarettes. Breaking the filter off the end of it, he handed the butt to her. The hole in his arm was in an hard to reach location.

As the ambrosia hit the wound it burned like hell. He winced as he gritted his teeth together. He looked down to see the green liquor, mixed with a little of the red blood on his arm, dripping to the floor. “What a waste of booze.” he told himself.

Once the deed was done, he turned to her. “If you could, stick this in it, to stop the bleeding. Don’t worry I’m clean.” he told her. Just then he felt the end of the cigarette jam into his arm. “Frak.” he said as it hurt like hell, but at least it would stop the blood pouring out of him til he could get someone to sew it up.

He looked at her when it was all said and done, “Thanks he said to her, as he light up the now unfiltered smoke. No way in hell he was going to waste good tobacco along with some of his booze, as he held his hand out for the flask.

Looking around the room, he noticed someone was missing. Well lots of people ran out, but there was two exceptions, Chris and Kibbles & Bits. Nick turned to Marcus as the building shook, “Where in the frak did Chris go?” he asked his mentor.

Nearly at the same time, the doc asked the most blatant question, "Did anybody here bother to call the fucking cops?" she asked. "I mean, with all this damage...."
Nick shook his head, “Sorry my cell is roaming, and would eat up my minutes. The roaming rate for the thirteenth colony is a bitch ya know.” he said to her sarcastically, yet playfully.

With his right hand he pointed out the door, “Although if that did not get their attention nothing will.” he said pointing to the battle of the bots. Just then the building shook again. “Alright Mark, we gotta get out of here and find Chris.”

Crimson jumped up immediately when he saw the Lasgun being lifted, throwing an AT Dagger in quick succession as he fell back behind a building. He looked both ways to find the way clear.

"Enact ECS."

"Roger ECS online."

Compartments began opening all over the mech to reveal the laser oscillators. A quiet hum then silence, as the oscillators began work on cloaking the Arm Slave. Crimson took out the mono-molecular cutter, sure he could use his the 52mm shot-cannon but he couldn't risk hitting any of the buildings which could contain his comrades. Anyways this was a bit more fun.

"Warning: Multiple AS units detected. Moving down these routes," AL showed him on the bottom monitor which contained the map of the area.

"Time to have some fun."

Crimson hid by a corner where some of the Arm Slaves were to be heading through, about five or so, he couldn't tell, they were so grouped that tactile sonar was causing AL to "guess". Using the left manipulator's wrist periscope he spotted his targets and confirmed the guess. He waited until they were in just the right position then a loud explosion could have been heard all the way from the restaurant. About four Savage lay mangled on the floor as the AS Grenade did its job. Crimson immediately went in amongst the confusion, still cloaked, stabbing the Savage right where the pilot seat was. He watched as the Savage slumped to the ground motionless.

The AT Dagger smarted; the explosion consumed du Plessis and his Savage in a fiery explosion and took out the mecha, sending the mecha to the ground with a resounding "WHAM!" Those who gathered around it, policemen and all, would notice the now disabled frame of the once glorious mecha. And out of it popped a very angry elf, dressed in an Arm Slave pilot's suit, what looked like an odd bodyglove arrangement (albeit modified with what was a South African paratrooper's slangvels coveralls). The elf then grabbed a radio and an A280 blaster, and held it up at the crowd, which promptly backed off.

"Put the gun down!" the cry came from one of the policemen that had made it there. The elf promptly shot the man's pistol out of his hands and made a dash for freedom. As he did so, he saw his comrades in Bravo Stick being decimated. Gritting his teeth, he cursed the enemy pilot. "Shit. He's got a Goddamn ECS system. Figures. These uitlanders have their own ship, they can afford Arm Slaves with an ECS."

As he fled, his radio chattered with cries of, "We're un-" and "AAGH!" from the downed pilots as he heard their decimation on the line. It was fairly obvious this mission was going from bad to worse--at least for the bad guys. Du Plessis then made a similar note as Kruger's: Confront the Benefactors about a higher paycheck. OR ELSE.

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



With his right hand he pointed out the door, “Although if that did not get their attention nothing will.” he said pointing to the battle of the bots. Just then the building shook again. “Alright Mark, we gotta get out of here and find Chris.”

Chris stumbled back into the room. After ducking from the sound of Crimson's AS Grenade, he got back up. Looking about, he saw to his horror two of the Elves were about to flee. Two had already escaped, presumably the bigwigs, and he wasn't about to let that mistake be repeated again.

It seemed only Voeker had noticed the two straggler Elves, and then he said, "Alright, you dumbfucks. You staying, leaving, or what? I know you people understand me." The two Elves raised their pistols now, and Chris wagged the rifle, to demonstrate that it was not in fact a game. The two elves opted to leave, smashing open a window as Chris fired at them delicately to avoid anybody. One was hit in the leg and taken down; the other escaped.

At that moment, however, Nick's prophecy about the AS fight attracting the cops came true. Or at least it became noticable to the rest. The cops began filing in and around the building, some giving chase the one who tried to escape. As this occurred, Chris said, raising his comms so Crimson could hear and basically putting him on "speakerphone," said to all the Rangers there "Guys, the cops are intervening" just as a group entered the room....

Shaking off the thought, he looked at Marcus. “We need to get out of here, any suggestions?”

"Yeah, don't get killed and look out for stray bullets."

Making his way low to avoid the stray bullets, Marcus made his way to the other series of drop pods. Inside was the remainder of the Ranger attire complete with body armor that had just been detailed out for the ride to New Dornalia. Picking out some of the pieces, he tossed what looked to be labeled for Nick and tossed the items over. "Put it on."

Just as quick as they were getting ready for a final push, the fight seemed to be over. Most of the elves had given up and the fighting outside seemed to quiet down. Marcus groaned and eased up when he saw Chris come back into the room. "Bloody hell. Enough with the sneaking around and all that. I think we've made ourselves quite known today."

The Ranger opened up the remaining caches to reveal the rest of the armor for the other Rangers. "Let's suit up and hand out the weapons. I'd rather not get caught with my pants down again."

Just then, the cops came into scene. With the Sanjura still hovering outside of the destroyed robots, Crimson's mecha, and all the Ranger gear lying around; Marcus could only hang his head and sigh.

Just then, the cops came into scene. With the Sanjura still hovering outside of the destroyed robots, Crimson's mecha, and all the Ranger gear lying around; Marcus could only hang his head and sigh.

Fortunately for Marcus--or not, depending on what mood he was in--the New Veracruz State Police squad in the hotel was made of relatively young sorts. One of them, a nerdy looking sort, immediately recognized the insignia on the gear Marcus gave out, and radioed their superiors with, "Boss, belay that call for reinforcements, over."

The meaning of it all would become clear in a moment's time. See, Dornalians had a tendency to become unusually devoted to things. One of them was video gaming, and someone had elected to make an episodic RPG of the Rangers' exploits--touched up with a little drama of course and a soundtrack worth buying for USD$12.99. The Nerd then dropped his gun and walked up to Marcus, extending his hand.

"Oh. My. God. You're Marcus? I love your video game and your Collapsible Staff with upgrades and that totally awesome British accent. Seriously. Why the fuck didn't you boys tell us you were in town, man? We coulda helped you out pro bono. Hell, even brought in some giant robots of our own," the officer said enthusiastically.

Another interjected with, examining the room and rousing the captured elf, "'Cause they're specialists, douchefag. They're the good guys." He then poked the elf and said, "Get up, kid." The elf woke up and lept back, frightened. The cop then said to the Elf, "Well, well, pretty boy. Looks like you're going downtown with us."

The Nerd Officer then said, "But the good guys do get overwhelmed sometimes." To that, the cop reading the Elf his rights said, "Damnit, they don't. They're the good guys. I dunno what kinda crap you watch. And besides, I actually play a guy who used to be a cop. Take him and that kid, you fucking win the game. Anywho...."

Chris's ears perked at that one; it was a good bet he was talking about him. Chris then walked up to Marcus and whispered, "Marcus...partly, this sort of celebrity is why I wanted to sneak around." Chris then radioed Crimson and said, "Can Opener, stand down. I don't think there's going to be anymore trouble today, over." He sighed also, wondering if all this attention was going to mess him up as he kitted out.

The Nerd Officer then said, sheepishly, "Nevermind my partner there." He then produced a camera and said, "Mind if I take a picture with you guys and get it autographed before you ship off?"

Chris then said, "I'll leave it up to the rest of the crew. But I will ask you to hand over Elf-boy there. We need to ask him a few questions, and we are on the clock, and he is part of the reason we're on said clock, and I was a cop. LA-"

The Nerd said, waving his hand, "Yeah, tough guy, street soldier, rough and tumble man who braved the mean streets, Scorsese style. I'll let you have the prisoner, since you were the target and you guys have a job to do. Now what of the picture?"

Dr. Westheimer then poked his head in and asked, "What the blue blazes is going on?" To that, Doctor Voeker replied with some sarcasm, "Boys with toys, Tom. We let them finish up, and then we get out of this popsicle stand."

"Yeah, don't get killed and look out for stray bullets."

Nick shot Marcus a look he has given his mentor a thousand times, the look of when you hear something so obvious it is insulting. Shaking his head, he put his hand to his chin. “Really, you know I never thought of that. You are such a good teacher, whatever would I do without your incite.” he said quite sarcastically to Marcus.

He turned around to look at his charge, who stood a slight safe distance behind him. With his right arm, he waived her forward, “Well come on we are getting the frak out of here.” Out of the corner of his eye he then saw something flying towards him. Turning quickly, he reached out with his good arm, and caught his medium armor.

"Let's suit up and hand out the weapons. I'd rather not get caught with my pants down again."

Nick smiled at Marcus, “My lords, do not tell me you actually concerned old man.” he chimed back to his friend who he loved to antagonize.

Taking the chest piece, he tried to slip it on, as the pain in his left arm hit him hard. The hole stretched, while a little blood began to drip like a leaky facet to the ground. “Son of a bitch.” he said as the pain writhed through him. Still struggling to put it on, Nick completely missed Chris, and the two elves in the room.

Finally he slipped the armor on. As it came over his head, his smile had passed, replaced with a painful teeth gnawing look. “Oh that sucked.” he said, as suddenly he noticed, the police, and Chris in the room. With his right hand he face palmed. “Isn’t this just great, and here we are supposed to be under cover, and now the police are here. Damn it.” he thought to himself.

His thoughts raced on what would happen. “Will I be arrested? What would I say if they asked who he was. Of course I can’t tell them the truth, after all we’re under cover. Although the mech’s and the space ship and the new armor would give it away, I had better come up with a reason that they were there." Vigilantism was illegal, and frak if they we’re not guilty.

Looking out, Nick saw one of the damn pigs walking up to me. He turned his head to the side, trying to break the gaze. “Frak, lords damn it. First robots then pigs. Frak!” he yelled in his mind.

Nick's paranoia was unfounded. For the squad had pretty much figured out through Marcus's orders and the game that they were Rangers. Good thing. They were willing to let them go, in fact treat them as celebrities for the day.

The cop walking to him was a woman who said, "You're that Nick kid. Like in the video game, right?

Hearing his name, he turned to the new comer. “Video game?” he asked looking damn surprised. Putting his hand behind his head, scratching the back of his neck, he looked at her, assessing her body.... language. “What game?” he asked looking very confused.

The woman extended her hand to him. He reached out to shake her hand. Her skin was smooth to the touch, very warm, very well cared for. Nick gave her a brief smile, “And what is your name?” he asked, as the classic spark in his eye came to life.

"Yeah. Oh, right. Guess you'd never figure it out openly. Celebs do that. See, someone got word about that job a while back in Mythrandir, and hit upon the idea to make a video game about it. It sold like hotcakes. The rest, they say, is history.": the female officer replied .

"Sgt. Connelly. Deanna Connelly, New Veracruz State Police. I'm on duty. But I would like to say whoever voices you does a bad imitation."

Nick let out a slight chuckle at that. “Frakkin A, I am a celeb? Shit next thing you will tell me, is Marcus is not a tight ass.” He looked around, in complete disbelief, but the comments from the other side of the room seemed to prove it, with the nerd rage debate going on as which character was tougher, Marcus or Chris.

“Well then.” Nick said to her. “Sorry to hear you are on duty, when do you get off?” he asked her, with a sly smirk.

"Well, in a bit. Like, after I clean up this madhouse." Looking around, she whistled. "Wow. What the hell kinda trouble did you boys get into?"

Chris then poked in and said, "Just some trouble with some elves. Not as much trouble as when his ladyfriend on the ship finds out."

Nick looked at Chris and gave him a glare. “What you are the one who told me to get out and meet the other half. Just being friendly is all.” he said backtracking slightly.

"Well, there's that...." Chris said. Connelly interjected with, "And then there's asking them out on a date." She wasn't too surprised--celebrities always had a way of two-timiing significant others. Still, the fact he flirted with her was a bit much.

Chris then said to Connelly, "I got this, Officer."

Nick sighed as he shook his head at the cultural confusion. “I...look on Caprica it is the norm to meet people and go for a drink with them. I was not asking for a date...” he interjected quickly.

Connelly said, "Sure. Like you got the Black Maria. Take it from me, I found the upgraded Rangers Shotgun a better choice."

"Oh." Connelly chuckled and said, "Oh! You're a Colonial! Sorry, I didn't know." she said as she turned beet red.

Nick laughed, “Didn’t the word frak give that away? No I am Caprican. We are colonials.” he said dismissing the term “colonial”. Nick looked at Chris who looked very bemused by all of this.

"Ah yeah. My bad. Sorry, I'm part of the population still adjusting to the whole unity thing." she responded still somewhat embarassed.

Nick just smiled, “Nah it is cool. Seriously, besides I doubt she would care that much. Blue knows I am comin home, and not bringing anyone with me.” Nick replied.

“Man why in the hell does everyone think I am a two timing whore?” he thought to himself, as he looked down towards the ground. Although he kept it hidden, Blue meant the world to Nick. He would never actually do anything he believed would hurt her, but at the same time it was not like he was not allowed to have fun. It was a fine line, but one he loved to walk.

The Arbalest decloaked, to reveal the tall mech, letting out all the built up heated gas throughout the various ventilation scales on the unit. Afterwards it knelt and opened the cockpit to reveal Crimson, who began climbing down the Arm Slave. He surveyed the damage done, large shrapnel everywhere, a small crater in the ground, and a mostly intact Savage, which he carved into earlier. He walked by the Savage and began rummaging through the wreckage, to better know what his enemy was using. He had never seen Savages quite like this back home and was a bit curious as to how they functioned.

Everything looked normal on the outside, including the power supply, which was the standard GTE. He began searching for the manual release to open up the cockpit, even though there was a large cut to it he couldn't really fit through it to investigate it properly. A few minutes later he finally found it and began pulling on it. The cockpit opened immediately and smoke began to immediately escape it and dissipate from the cockpit.

Crimson grimaced at the sight of the blood that was everywhere, with the pilot staring blankly at him, dried blood on his mouth. He looked down his body and found the very deep wound caused by his cutter, which was still oozing with blood. Crimson closed the pilot's eyes and resumed his investigation, even with the massive damage caused by the cutter. Everything seemed normal and the monitors seemed to be normal. Then he just noticed something, something not right.

"Can Opener, stand down. I don't think there's going to be anymore trouble today, over." his comms chimed.

"Voice not recognized, SDM will commence in one minute." the diagnostic said.

"Fuck me!" Crimson quickly got out of the Savage and ran to the Arbalest, quickly climbing the rope ladder. The cockpit quickly closed and Crimson immediately moved the Arm Slave away from the self destructing mech.

"This is Can Opener, we got more trouble! Get the fuck out now!"

Chris immediately stopped being somewhat placid the moment he heard Crimson sound the alarm about "more trouble." He immediately radioed Crimson back with, "Can Opener, what exactly is going on, over?" Crimson then could be heard shouting loudly (OOC: Permission given by Communisti Govts), "Savage is going nuclear! YOU GOT 30 SECONDS!"

Chris had a good feeling that it was time to get out of dodge. He then asked Officer Connolly, "I need you to get HQ, tell them to get anybody that hasn't left this part of town out of here. I dunno what's going to go down, but I figure at least four city blocks' worth of people are going to have to be evaced."

Connolly then said, pulling up her comms, "What am I gonna tell HQ?"

Chris thought of a plausible reason. "Tell them what my fellow Ranger just yelled to me. It's a Savage. Arm Slave. Giant fucking robot about to fucking explode because some jerkbag decided to be a jerk. Now. Please."

As Connolly called for evac, the mood changed as an air raid siren blared, causing the police to get busy rushing out of the area with anybody they could pick up as fast as they could. Fortunately, people had done the sensible thing and fled when the robots first dueled, but plenty of people had to be evacuated nonetheless.

Chris called to the others and said, "Make for the Sanjura, all of you! Rangers, Prisoners, Fanboy and Doctors! NOW!!!" as he ran out to it, calling on his comms, "Max, get us--all of us--inside, ASAP. We got 30 seconds!"

Marcus looked from Chris to the police then back to Chris. "We're a video game? What the hell? No real point in trying to sneak around now."

The notion that the Rangers had been turned into an epic RPG was surprising to the Ranger. Especially one that had not grown up in any gaming culture. Processing the reality of it all was beyond Marcus as he finished putting on his armor and collecting his weapons.

Unfortunately, the mystery would have to wait until later. There was the small matter of a mech outside the inn going nuclear. Gear dished out to everyone, Marcus grabbed up the doctors and pushed them outside where the Sanjura was still hovering three feet above the ground.

"Get in!"

Once everyone was on board, Marcus hit the comm switch to Max. "Get us the hell out of here."

Max didn't bother to wait for the doors to close. The crippled pilot hit the thrusters and blasted them off to clear the blast distance.

The Arbalest was still in the air amid its latest jump, but he still wasn't far from the blast radius. Sure the Arbalest could jump well outside the radius in an open field but in a highly urbanized city their was very little landing space and Crimson didn't want to risk crashing through the roofs. Crimson had 15 seconds before detonation and only thought of one thing, the new modification to his Arm Slave, flight mode. It was a limited flight though, virtually gliding with two boosters on the mech's back.

"Activate Flight Mode."

"Roger. Flight Mode Activating in 30 seconds."

"AL...you have 10."

"Roger."

As the countdown came down, the back began to extend a booster pack and out of this pack came out two small wings, in a swept formation.

"SDM detonation in 5...4...3...2...1..."

The boosters ignited causing the Arbalest to hang in the air, as a massive explosion rocked behind it. Crimson gritted his teeth as the cockpit rumbled and teetered heavily, but the Arbalest still hanged in the air and still flew on.

"Shit that was close!" he said on open channel.

Marcus didn’t have to tell him twice, as Nick ran with the rest of the group towards the safety and security of the ship. Jumping on the ship, and giving a helping hand to any of the police, doctors, or would be assassins that followed, he could not believe the cluster frak of what was happening.

No sooner than the last of the people were on board, the ship pulled away at a high speed. The jolt knocked him to the floor, as it lifted off quickly to a safe location. Looking out the still opened door, Nick’s eyes watched in horror as a large explosion ripped in the middle of the city.

The orange fire ball, and massive shockwave could be easily seen by the young “colonial.” as he watched helplessly. He wondered about the people below, the innocent civilians that would have had no warning, the cops on the street that had to be left behind, the children. "Oh gods the children that would lose a parent or a sibling today, cause of some over grown toaster with a nuke on board." he thought to himself, as he swelled with anger.

Nick’s face grew red as he watched out the door. His teeth gritting, as his hands balled up into a fist. “Mother frakkin toasters.” he exclaimed out in anger, “Can anyone tell me why in the frak people think these bastards are a good idea. I mean look at that shit. All those people dead cause some bastard thought, oh look lets make machines sentient and give them guns. Frakkin genius.”

The blast wave rocked the ship slightly but Max was more than capable of keeping it a smooth ride so no one fell out the back. With the danger passed, the pilot leveled the ship off at a safe altitude and held her steady for some time.

Marcus in the back, hearing Nick's rant, hit the switch to close the docking bay ramp. The ramp raised and closed off the scene of a ball of fire and clouds of smoke drifting into the sky. There was no real need to tell the Colonial to shut up with all the non-Ranger types on board. Hopefully, it would get the elves a little nervous and make them more vocal.

"Nick, we've just had a nuclear device detonate, the Sanjura hovering around this planet, and a gun fight in an inn. I think the time for incognito is over. We'll simply fly to our destination and suit up along the way."

Chris simply took a moment to breathe, and told Marcus, "Marcus, there's a reason why I wanted to go incognito. And it involves the people we accidentally took on and that game." Officer Connolly, the Nerd Cop, the Elven Prisoner, the two Doctors, and the whole Ranger band were safely onboard, and all looked rather tuckered out after the long confrontation. Fortunately, the explosion's end saw the return of radio traffic, and it seemed good. Nobody was injured so far. Chris added, "No offense."

Nobody really cared about Nick's little spiel. Chris sighed and went, "Whatever, man." Nick was evidently still playing to the Dornalian stereotype of the Colonial Provincial Luddite rather subconciously, so he just sat down. Nerd Cop laughed. "Those were Arm Slaves, you brotherfucking inbred Colon. They have fuckin' people in them. Jesus. What part of podunk do you come from?" Connolly sighed, and backed off from Nerd Cop, knowing what was to happen next. She then said, "Dude. Not cool." Chris nodded and said, "I know. You kiss your mother with that mouth?" with a nasty glare at Nerd Cop.

The two Doctors shrugged, they didn't know much about Colonials. They were just worried about their research. In fact, Doctor Voeker said, "If I may, Rangers? I think my colleague and I have a shuttle over at the local spaceport that has a lot of important stuff in it. I'd appreciate it if it could be recovered. It shouldn't take too long."

Chris shrugged. "It's up to the rest of the team, really. I'm all for it." He then glared at the elven prisoner and said, "Though I dunno what his people are going to do about it."

The Elf looked up and said nothing. At that, Chris walked up to him and knelt down, meeting him square in the eye.

"Freigauneren, right? You boys have some kinda honor Code that forbids you from talkin' to cops, right? Well guess what, buddy. Your asshole friends put a lot of lives in danger with that little explosion. I think the Code's gone out the window. Your buddies pretty much proved that your so-called Code is a crock of shit. I think it's time you delivered. What the hell was going on?"

The Elf at this point let out a, "Harumph. It was merely our incompetent South African friends. Those Boer monkeymen and their war machines! I say let them go back to that damn jungle where they belong!" He then let out some curses in German. Chris leaned back, and the Elf merely sneered.

Getting up Chris said, "Right. He's not going to talk. Somebody here wanna persuade prettybo-"

The Elf then screamed, "The name's Erich! Erich Pfalzmann! Proud member of the Pfalzmann Family, son of Johann and Erma, brother of Seaman Klaus Pfalzmann and a proud son of the Schwarzwald! That is all I am authorized to give you by the duty prescribed by the Code." He then let his head down.

"Right," Chris said. "Tell us a little more--"

"I cannot!" Erich said. The fact he, of all things, pouted didn't help his case. Chris shuddered at the sight, and said to Nick and Marcus, "You guys wanna help me out here? This guy...."

Stereotypes although should never apply to everyone, are in some way earned. This was very true for the young man that stood at the hatch door as it closed. The steel covering up the scene of horror and destruction left behind in the wake of those damn mechanical horrors. Nick did not move a muscle as the door shut, the last image in his mind was the city burning, much like Caprica did the last time the cylons visited the colonies.

Nick’s anger festered in him, growing at the recent memory. The explosion, and cloud of debris entering the sky. He remembered it all too clearly, the bombs falling on the planet, the atmosphere covered in mushroom clouds, the cities burning, the children crying, the fleet completely impotent to stop the carnage. Now here on this distant back water Dornie world, it was all happening again on a much smaller scale.

His knuckles began to grow white, as the noise of the wireless washed over him. He barely heard the words of the wireless, lost in the memories of the past. Then at the worst possible time, the nerd cop spoke out.

He listened to the nerd raged cop defending the glories of the machines, the wonders and how it was human’s fault, not theirs. He listened to the uberness of them then one word stuck out.... Colon. Colon... he thought on the new slang. The third time he repeated the word in his mind, the first vowel changed.... “Cylon.”

Nick turned around, and began to charge the nerd cop as fast as his hybrid body could move. “What the frak did you call me?” he screamed out, as he moved as fast as he could, about 40% of what the cylons could move, he struck out at the cop with that same force. Stronger than most for his size the Sixteen year old “colonial” through his fist towards the cop’s jaw, hoping to knock his head off, or slam it into the bulkhead.

The cop did not seem to move, was it shock, or inability to comprehend what has coming, Nick did not know or care. His fist slammed into the man in blue knocking him to the ground instantly. Nick watched gleeful as blood began to pour out of his mouth, as the man began to spit up small broken fragments of teeth. “You mother frakkin son of a bitch, don’t you ever demean us like that again.” Nick yelled as he with his right foot kicked the cop in the abdomen as hard as he could.

Nick looked down at the crumpled up man on the ground, as he was about to kick the cop again, until he saw Chris running towards him, his right hand out, in a gesture to stop. Nick turned around quickly, and began to walk away, as he opened his mouth and placed his hand on his chin.

Chris rushed to his aid, as the Nerd complained in a mangled voice, "I think I lost some teeth! Yo--." Chris then picked him up, and said, "You deserved it, you little shit. Don't talk shit to my friends, ever. Goddamn. What are they teaching our kids?!"

Nick’s face was red, as he paced up and down the room. He needed to do something, he needed to hurt someone for what they did. What they did to the city, and to the people. Nick then heard the name the assassin spoke out. He turned towards the elf and began to walk up to him. Nick looked down, staring the man in the eyes, the assassin could see pure rage burning within him. “Let me talk to him Mark and Chris.” the boy said to them. “Maybe you two should get a cup of coffee.”

(OOC: Post done with ND's express permission and supervision)

Nick’s face was red, as he paced up and down the room. He needed to do something, he needed to hurt someone for what they did. What they did to the city, and to the people. Nick then heard the name the assassin spoke out. He turned towards the elf and began to walk up to him. Nick looked down, staring the man in the eyes, the assassin could see pure rage burning within him. “Let me talk to him Mark and Chris.” the boy said to them. “Maybe you two should get a cup of coffee.”

(OOC: Post done with ND's express permission and supervision)

"The only thing this douchebag is getting is his teeth reset, at Mother Dornalia's expense. Luckily, she's given us generous health benefits."

The two of them gone from the scene, it was Erich and Nick now. Erich was prepared to withstand anything this angry young teenager would throw at him. It'd been part of his Jungschild training to develop the mental discipline to resist pain, and never to break for authorities of any sort. Crossing his arms, Erich said, "Do what you will. I have stated my intentions already, and intend to keep to them." He then sternly glared at Nick.

(OOC: Warning, this post contains graphic violence that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader Discretion is Advised. This post was done over MSN with ND's cooperation and support.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgyBzhdPIY

Nick smiled at the elf, but not his usual smile. There was nothing happy about Nick’s face, as the defiant elf stared him down. This mother frakker that dared to kill or try to kill his own people with robots, turning tools against his own people, attempting to slay them. It did not matter to Nick that so far no one was reported dead, this bastard was still a cylon collaborator, a friend of some freak of software and wiring.

Nick kneeled down next to the injured man and reached into his pocket. Pulling out a cigarette and a lighter, quickly he light the cigarette. Holding it between his index and middle finger, Nick took a drag. “You smoke?” Nick asked him.

The elf stared at the cigarette then nodded. Nick took another drag off the smoke, then placed it in the captive’s mouth. He watched the elf as he took a puff of the smoke, as it hanged out of his lips.

Nick smiled once more at the traitor of the thirteen colonies, the one who would betray his own people with machines. “Such a coward.” Nick thought to himself as the anger continued to build.

Nick said nothing, as the elf took another puff. Watching him like some lab experiment he let his guest enjoy a simple pleasure of life, a fine tobacco from the Colonies finest.

"A fine cigarette. Not like ze German, or the Amerikaner."

Nick smiled. “It is grown on a place called Aeralon.” Nick replied at the man’s fine taste in tobacco. “It is a lovely planet, full of wilderness and fields. Small towns litter the landscape. I especially love the mountain regions. At the foot hills, the wheat grows in golden fields as far as the eye can see. It is like a blanket of gold that lays out below you. You should have seen it.” Nick told the man.

"Ah. One of your Twelve Colonies. I have heard good things. Shame what occurred. It reminds me of the Schwarzwald, the way you describe it."

Nick paused for a moment, as he listened to the man. “At least that is how it used to look. Before the cylons came back, and with the aid of people like you, frakkin traitors who worked with the machines for their own ends to destroy our homes, kill our mothers and fathers, and sold the survivors into slavery to the machine.” Nick said, his voice growing much colder.

“You see, I know you. The way I figure it, we are not all that dissimilar. You have your code, like I do. You have no fear of death. You will die for your code, your friends and your family, but then again to you that is not exactly plan A am I right?” Nick asked the elf before him.

Erich frowned. "I told you people. Those Boer wildmen used those machines to kill, not us. We elected to do things quietly. They had to come in and show off.”

Nick shook his head, “That is not what I asked.” he snapped back at the elf.


“Yes, I would die for my family. And my comrades. Not those Boer scum, but my Real Comrades. That is what my Code is about."

Nick smiled again at the elf, “You see, we are not all that different you and me. I am in exile of my homeland, and you well after today are probably in exile of yours. I can not imagine that they would be happy with you. It must really suck that those machine frakking Boers came in and tried to ruin your party isn’t it?”

Erich shook his head. "Whilst I share your hatred of the Boers, I do not enjoy your glib characterization. I am regarded as a rogue yes, among my people, as are my comrades. But we are not exiles. Not totally. Perhaps I merely clutch at straws, ja?"

Nick shook his head, “No today you are. Do you really believe that after your failure that they will let you back? I do not know, you see I am still learning about your colony, as you are learning about us. But if say you were a member of the Black Market, well code or no code, I can tell you that torture or the threat of it is nothing compared to what they will do to you, for failing so miserably. Am I right?” Nick asked the man.

"Nein. My comrades and I--we are obligated to reunite. It is as if we were prisoners of war, ja? my comrades and I will no doubt be shamed, and we would be hard pressed to find work. But internally, as long as I compromised nothing, nothing would occur."

Nick gave the man an understanding nod. “I completely relate to that part man. However I am curious, how would they know that you gave nothing away? Do not tell me, they would trust your word on it.” Nick asked sarcastically, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a smoke of his own.

"Partly, they would trust my word. But they would question me to ensure the truth of my statements. A rigorous series. Sweat me out." He then sensed that he might be giving away too much, and began clamming up.

Nick nodded. “Makes sense” he said in an understanding way. “Well we both know you are not going to tell us anything of value. I mean frak it, I would not, so I can only assume you are not.” Nick told the man. Bamm... a loud cracking noise went off, as Nick smiled at the man. Nick slammed his fist into the man’s knee shattering the bone

"ARGGH! Schiesse!" The man yelled out, in pain, as his joint laid shattered under the force of the kid.

Nick frowned at the man slightly, “Yeah I know it hurts dude.” the boy replied. “I mean hell you are probably a guy, working to feed his family. You got a girlfriend, or a wife, or any kids?” Nick asked the man as if nothing had just happened. “I know you are in a tough line of work, but I mean a man has to eat right?”

"Ach! You little shit!" the elf yelled out. Erich sat up and said, "I have a girlfriend. But what matters is the fact you fucking broke my leg.”

Nick smiled at the man, “No need to get all pissy, I mean frak I am just trying to talk to you man, you know have a nice chat.

"Ach, you monster. What hell did you come from!? Goddess of the Black Forest, protect me! ARGH!"
The elf said, while nursing his leg. "You get to clean this up. What's your damage!?"

Nick looked at the man, while stretching out his good leg. Nick pulled out his wallet. Inside was a picture, with the corners cut off in standard Colonial fashion. “You see this woman?” Nick asked, as the elf saw a picture of an Abh woman.

“You see, she means the world to me, just like I know your girl means the world to you. I mean sure she can be a pain in the ass, they all can right?” Nick asked the crippled man before him, nudging him slightly.

"Ja....my girl's name is Elise. Ach. Somebody help me! Anyway, she's nice. Good woman. What's your point?” the elf yelled out.

“My point is my pain is two fold. You see she loves fine things, and I do not know about you, but she loves to go out to the finest restaurant, drink the best wines, loves to go shopping at the expensive outlet stores. So as you can imagine, for a man like me money is tight. Frak it, these bullets cost five cubits a pop. Then I have to pay shipping and handling. You know how much that costs from Galactica to D’hara. Then you got tariffs, so when I say it will hurt me too, I really mean it.” Nick looked at him in all seriousness, as he pulled out his pistol and held it to the man’s other leg.

"Ach." Erich sighed. Chris walked back into the room and his eyes opened wide. "What the hell is going on?"

Nick ignored Chris for a moment, as he pointed the pistol, still set for the cylon killing second barrel at his other knee cap. “Nice to see your coffee is over Chris. So Erich is it, care to tell Chris what he would like to know, or should I ask about your parents?”

Erich then looked at Chris and asked, "May I have something to ease the pain!? Please?"

Chris sighed. "Bu--" "No," was the reply.

Nick looked over to Chris for a moment. The kid had a look in his eye his old buddy had never seen before, it was dark and yet still somewhat friendly. “Oh it is ok Chris, our friend had an accident, he really should get some meds. Do not worry I will keep him company while you walk to the infirmary for one. I know it is a long walk since it is on the other side of the ship.”

Pointing the barrel on his good knee, Nick asked in a calm voice, “So what does your girlfriend look like?”

"Look, your Code is fucking worthless, kid. If you don't want me to get two bandages, I suggest you speak. besides, we're probably going to be much gentler than the ISB will." Chris yelled out to the man.

Chris rummaged around in Erich's pocket and removed his wallet, whereupon Erich snatched it and flipped it open to reveal a graceful, cheerful woman of almost ethereal beauty. "That's her."

Chris ran to get the bandage and some antibiotic ointment.

“Crack” the second knee cap went as he shoved the barrel as hard as he could into the man’s joint, shattering the second leg. Nick sighed, as he looked at the man. “I didn’t ask Chris I asked you. Seriously is it so hard to day she is a blond with green eyes?” Nick asked Erich.

"FFUUCCKKKK!!!!!" Erich yelled out, writhing in pain, as both legs contorted away from him.

Chris then ran with some meds saying, "Damnit, Nick.":

He then began treating Erich's wounds as the elf screamed, "Okay, okay! Enough!"

Nick shrugged, “Sorry Chris, it seems our friend is having a bad day. “

"I don't want to go to the ISB and I don't want to be here with this crazy shithead!"

Nick stood up and shrugged. “Too bad, I was enjoying our chat. For all it is worth Erich, I must say, you are a good man.” Nick said as he winked to the elf.

The elf then said, "Goddamn.....we were hired by a mysterious woman who claimed to be working for a group of benefactors. She offered us a generous bounty to kill Voeker and Westheimer. She also put us in contact with those Boer fucks. They're led by a crazy asshole, named Commandant Johannes du Plessis. Real macho man. He and his band of psychos are real killers. Boer Elves."

"Do you know how bad Boer Elves are, kid?" Erich glared.

"They are Bad. They're religious nuts. they believe they're not only the best Elves around. They believe they're the ONLY forms of life worth living . They even make fun of other Elves. They believe their God Elected them to be best. Cocksuckers see us as worthless pagans. Bad enough. But they pair it with centuries of military experience. Their people have battled human Afrikaners, blacks, traders, and other persons in endless wars until Macintyre came. They're violent and aggressive. they've mellowed out recently, but du Plessis comes from the Bulawayo Commando--the worst of them. His merc group is the Flying Squad. They too were approached by the woman who hired us."

"The woman's given us generous cash payments."

"Enough to buy the best weapons. And in du Plessis's case, acquire the best armor and weapons possible. He loves giant robots. Says they shouldn't be in the hands of filthy uitlanders, and that real men should use them."

"Sometimes, that man just rambles." Erich said out in pain.

Nick turned to Chris then smiled. “Well then, is that all you know man? I mean hell I was enjoying our little chat, it was quite remarkable. Aside from my bro here.” Nick said referring to Chris, “I do not get to talk to that many of our brethren.”

Turning his attention to Chris, Nick shrugged, “Got any more questions, or should we just toss him out an airlock?”

Chris then looked at him and said, "What's your group, sonny?"

Erich said, "Ach." "Truthfully, I cannot say who the woman was, or whom she worked for, or what group I am part of."

Nick stood up, as his rage subsided. Looking down, the boy’s face was flushed. The gun in his hand, his face grew pale. He looked at the man below, as his chest began to feel the pain of his actions, as if part of his soul had just died.

A tear gripped the boy, as a tear rolled down his face. He felt his stomach coming up, as he vomited over the deck of the floor. Nick gaged on it, trying to catch his breath... “What have I done?” he asked as what was left of his humanity struggled to come to the light. “I have become my father.” he exclaimed. He reached down to the floor, slowly pulling himself up. “What have I done?” he asked...

Chris then immediately went, "Jesus" upon seeing Nick vomit. Erich then became genuinely concerned as well, as did Voeker and Westheimer, who saw the whole thing with more than a hint of concern. It was fortunate Nick didn't do much worse with that gun, for Voeker and Westheimer were about to deck Nick. Chris would have likely joined them. As it was Chris took Nick aside, as Erich asked, "Are you alright?" Chris then said, "He's fine. You still got a few questions to answer."

Chris patted Nick on the back and said, "Dude, you okay? Seriously, breathe. You went a little overboard, but shoot, we just take those things and, y'know, learn to keep them in check the next time we gotta make a man talk. I did that my first time; felt like shit cause I got too much into the moment and ended up sending a dude to the hospital with a gunshot in his knees. Now come on, focus."

Voeker and Westheimer merely shook their heads, Voeker commenting, "That's youth for ya. Luckily, he didn't go completely ustashi on our elven friend there." Connolly then nodded and said, "Agreed." She then went to Erich and knelt down in front of him with a smile. Fortunately, she was pretty enough for Erich to notice, and Connolly said, "Yeah, they're having a chat." Chris then asked Connolly, "Um, I hate to impose--could you help get some water to show this guy we're not total dicks?"

Connolly said, smiling, "Follow me." Chris and Connolly disappeared for a moment, and reappeared with a couple of bottles of water. Erich picked one up and said, "Thank you."

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

In the meanwhile--

The heads of the Elven contingents had reassembled on an old tramp steamer outside of Hajarra, taking the appropriated escape routes.

The contrasts couldn't be more striking. The German contingent was dressed impeccably in Armani suits, expensive yet tasteful sunglasses and carried few signs of their craft. The South Africans were more military. Standing in regular order in what looked like khaki uniform, behind them was an assembly of Arm Slaves and IFVs, ready for the job ahead.

And the moment the two leaders met, the accusations began flying.

"Well, well. If it isn't our Pretty Little Princess," du Plessis went towards Kruger in an accusative tone.

Frowning, Kruger crossed his arms and sighed. "And if it isn't God's Chosen One," he said with a roll of the eyes and a tone that suggested he was tired of du Plessis's tone. He then said sternly, "Tell me, why did you do it?"

Du Plessis laughed and said, "It's as I have said. You took too long, Princess. Real operators get the job done on schedule and without that much noise."

One of the Germans then pointed out, wagging his finger, "Who collected our intelligence, huh!? Our Benefactors told us that Westheimer was unarmed, so don't blame it on us!" To that, a South African shouted, "Jislaaik! You're one to talk! You Shadow Banders were supposed to do intelligence collecting as well! Don't go acting so high and mighty! I'll donner* you!"

The Germans then reached for their guns, and the South Africans whipped out lasguns and FN FALs. A standoff occurred, as Kruger continued with his rant:

"You shits. All muscle, no brains! The Benefactors never should have hired you!"

"I can say the same to you, pederast!" replied du Plessis. "Go to hell!"

Then, a cry of "ENOUGH!"

Du Plessis and Kruger turned to the entrance of the cargo bay, and a mysterious woman (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/Senor_Nb3/1207221413821.png) held her hand up. The room grew still as she walked up to them both, and then held her hands up and squeezed, bringing them down as the two proud elves slammed their heads into one another to the amusement of their ranks.

Letting them go, she said in a clipped, short, curt, and just plain irritated voice that resembled a Canadian accent, "What happened? Why aren't Westheimer and Voeker dead yet?"

The two began stumbling over one another, trying to explain, but then she did the headsmash trick again. Frustrated, she then began using Force Choke on the two as she said, "I am very dissapointed in you two. My organization--your Benefactors--hired you to assasinate the two scientists who threaten our goal of, to borrow the Dornalian words, 'National Liberation.' As it is, I do not find results. I find two bickering birds, one a
shiniak, fierce and cold and graceful, the other a peacock from Earth, too busy preening its feathers and showing off to do what is needed!"

She then dropped them both, and they began gasping as she spoke in an irritated, hissing voice.

"Now, you two. I do not want to hear another word about sexual deviancy, effiminancy, cowardice, religious heresy, wanton behavior, weakness or any form of moral and ethical deficicency! I want cooperation. I want results. Is that clear!?"

The two then got up and said, "YES, MA'AM!"

The Woman then said, "Good." She then pulled out two envelopes and handed them out.

"These are your direct deposit stubs and cash payments. I sensed you two needed them." She then glared at du Plessis and said, "Especially you, Commandant. Accidents like that demand a way of recouping losses. I am authorizing an upgrade to your mechanized combat arm on behalf of the Organization. They would like to extend this as a Second Chance, because they have evaluated your past record and acknowledged the intelligence lapse as their mistake."

Du Plessis then said, "Can said upgrade incl--"

The Woman then said, "ERA, Lasgun weapons kit, ECS Systems, and a myriad of upgrades to your Savages? Done. The Organization also is entering into negotiations with a group in Ganoxa which chooses to remain anonymous. They can provide Arm Slaves of higher quality. We will throw them in."

She sternly added, "Be aware that this free upgrade is conditional. Failure to complete objectives means termination of contract." She then looked at Kruger and said, "Be aware this Second Chance upgrade extends to you as well. We will seek out the best infantry weapons and unconventional items to assure completion of mission objectives. Be aware you are under the same terms as the Commandant. Do not fail."

The Woman left, adding, "Oh, and Mr. Kruger is not a pedo. And Commandant du Plessis has a brain. They just don't use them enough!"

*South African English for "hit."

"I cannot!" Erich said. The fact he, of all things, pouted didn't help his case. Chris shuddered at the sight, and said to Nick and Marcus, "You guys wanna help me out here? This guy...."

Marcus shook his head. "I need to check in with Max real quick and determine a course. I'd rather not draw too much attention being an alien ship hovering in Dornalian space. Probably have fighters already scrambling to have a look."

The older Ranger left for the elevator and made the quick three floor ascent to the main level of the Sanjura. There the ship laid out a large holographic map of the current galaxy they were in surrounded by a number of sensors and communication devices. Max was down the long row of crew members that were in charge of maintaining the ship's systems like life supports and weapons while the pilot's seat was at the end of it all.

Marcus and Max had a brief catch up session with the two almost having identical personalities in the sarcastic realm. "Engage active stealth. Let's try to not draw so much attention."

"You got it. Just need a course heading."

Marcus scratched at his goatee, trying to think of what to do now. Without Chris though, Marcus didn't know really which way to go. "Just hold us steady here for now. I'll radio back with new directions."

Heading back down the elevator, Marucs stopped off at the reactor to see how the new type was doing. Most of the engineers seemed to be doing fine and everything was blue across the board. Finished with that little chit-chat, Marcus finally found himself heading back down into the cargo hold where the rest of the Rangers and other personnel were waiting.

What he saw below was both shocking and disturbing. Nick had just apparently finished a round of aggressive interrogation, judging by the remarks everyone was giving him, and was now vomiting on the floor. Looking at the elf that was interrogated, it appeared that both knees had been broken. All Marcus could feel for what had happened was rage.

This was not how the Rangers were supposed to operate. They were keepers of the peace, not thugs terrorizing the populace no matter what happened to the Rangers themselves. Before anyone knew it, Marcus had his fighting pike out and extended to its full length. While Nick was still keeled over on the floor, Marcus swung the bar under Nick's arms and chin so it kept a choke hold while also pinning the boy's arms. Despite Nick's training, Marcus was still one of the better wielder's of the fighting pike.

Anticipating possible reactions from the others, especially Chris, "Stay back Chris! This is just between us. Fix up the elf and get him into a holding cell. Make sure he is fed and taken care of."

Marcus forced Nick back into the elevator and kicked the switch to send them up to the top level. Amidst the complaints and Nick yelling, "What the frak?", Marcus only responded with a jab in the back or "Shut the hell up."

When the elevator came to a stop, Marcus released the hold but it was only for a second as the pike came down in a swing taking out Nick's legs. Sprawled on the ground, Marcus grabbed Nick by the back of his collar and the waist of his pants and dragged him to the living quarters. Most of the crew stopped amidst their work and took a good long look while others simply ignored it, pretending nothing was happening.

Marcus found the room that belonged to Nick and threw the Colonial in there then slammed the door behind them. The older Ranger turned around with glare set in his eyes. "Now do you want to tell me what the hell that was all about? Or should I just go off observations?"

His arms were sore, his legs bruised, and still the ranger took it. Not raising a hand to his defense during the trip to his room, the man laid many welts across the boy’s body. Nick deserved it, and he knew it.

Nick was thrown to the floor of his room. The boy was tossed around as easily as an alpha wolf smacking around a young pup who got out of line.

Looking up from the floor, his throat still sore from the choke hold, his lip bleeding from the sudden force of being thrown on the floor, the boy looked at Marcus. His pupils were dilated as he raised his hand from the floor, and wiped the blood off of his chin. Pulling his hand down, he stared at the red line that streaked across the palm of his hand.

The boy shook, as his skin became damp. The boy tried to speak, his mouth laid open, but no words came out of it. He slumped his head down, and just shook, as his clothes began to become saturated in his own sweat.

With his head down, only three words came out of his mouth. They were feint like a whisper on the wind. “I lost it.”

What he saw below was both shocking and disturbing. Nick had just apparently finished a round of aggressive interrogation, judging by the remarks everyone was giving him, and was now vomiting on the floor. Looking at the elf that was interrogated, it appeared that both knees had been broken. All Marcus could feel for what had happened was rage.

This was not how the Rangers were supposed to operate. They were keepers of the peace, not thugs terrorizing the populace no matter what happened to the Rangers themselves. Before anyone knew it, Marcus had his fighting pike out and extended to its full length. While Nick was still keeled over on the floor, Marcus swung the bar under Nick's arms and chin so it kept a choke hold while also pinning the boy's arms. Despite Nick's training, Marcus was still one of the better wielder's of the fighting pike.

Anticipating possible reactions from the others, especially Chris, "Stay back Chris! This is just between us. Fix up the elf and get him into a holding cell. Make sure he is fed and taken care of."

"Aye, Marcus." Chris nodded, picking up Erich, who shot a glare at Nick as he left. Erich merely said to Marcus as he left, "That boy is a monster!"

Finally delivered to sickbay, Erich was promptly subjected to a round of much less humiliating medical treatments. Everything that could be done to get his legs back to normal was done. All in all, Erich was on the way to recovery within the hour, barring some other medical procedures that needed to be done.

As this occurred, Chris said, shaking his head, "Sorry, Erich. My partner went psycho, and I should have done more."

Erich simply said, "You called him in there.....you weren't there to control him...and you didn't do much." He then thought for a moment and said with a shrug, "Though in your favor, you bandaged me up and actually took care of me and tried to clean up the mess." He then muttered angrily, "That boy...he is a monster! Where do you people hire your recruits!? Hell?"

Chris then said, sighing, "Well, Nick's been through a kind of Hell on Earth. Wasn't kidding about those Twelve Colonies."

"So it is true. Colonials are moody, irrepressibly grim melodramatics!" Erich then sighed in his own way and said, "I owe Cristoph a dollar."

Conolly and the rest filed into the sickbay, genuinely concerned. Erich then smiled and said, "It is good to see you all. Especially Fraulein--what is your name?"

Conolly smiled and said, "Officer Ellen Connolly."

He moved one arm forward to his bed, as he pulled himself up. His body ached from the beating, his legs were burning with pain, as the bruised and damaged muscles bubbled up inside him, like a festering boil.

“I lost it.” he repeated again. “Not ten minutes ago, that bastard and his team were trying to kill us. They shot up the place with no regard for their fellow people. Maybe I am just an inbred hick as the Dornies call me, but where I come from that does not entitle you to proper treatment. The man is our enemy.”

“It was clear that when he and his team discovered that they could not win, they called in reinforcements those giant robots to wipe us out. They had no regard for their fellow human’s lives, the property of the city, or frak it even of their own men. And he calls me a monster. They tried to kill us, blow up this ship, and did not care who got in the way. When Crimson dealt with them, they let loose a nuke. Those robots nuked a human city.” he said, as he took his right hand and wiped the blood off his mouth. “And now here, he was a smug little shit. The Dornie Cop after watching his people being nuked, got pissed at me for being pissed off that a robot nuked his city, how frakked up is that? This elf called in the people and worked on the team that used a WMD to wipe out two people, and he calls me a monster while the Dornies are acting like I am the bad guy. Hell I got pissed and I had every right to. You do not piss on your friends and allies while defending your enemy.” Nick said as he pushed himself up to the bunk.

“He would not talk and his information would have given us enough information to prevent another holocaust like that. You know what the frakked up part is, is that I am the only one that seems to care. These are not even my people and the Dornies still defend these robots using bastards like they are the gods gift to man. Their city is nuked and their outrage is towards me. They treat that frakkin elf like he is a prince. He nuked their city, he and his team. And now when everyone else failed to get the intel to prevent another such atrocity, I succeeded. Yet I am called the monster and being whipped like a pup. Yes I lost it. You know what though he tried to kill you, Chris, myself all of us, what he got was nothing compared to the crimes that he did. Nothing. Had that elf had his way we would all be nothing more than ash on the side walk, along with thousands of his own people.”

Nick looked up to Mark, half expecting to be hit again. “I might have lost my mind for a moment, frak it if you drummed me out of the Rangers for it I understand and I will resign, but I did what I did for you. He would not talk with the tea and crumpets that the good doctor wanted to give him. More people would have died and we would have no clue about who was behind this."

"We now know that there are two groups, working as one, hired by this one woman who seems to be the leader of a religious order and has access to vast amount of resources. That is a hell of a lot more intel than we had when you walked out of that room."

"How in the frak can the Dornies just forgive him, and be pissed at me I do not know. What would the Abh do to a man who was part of a team that nuked one of their space cities? What would you do if this was D’Hara? Do not tell me that just breaking a man's knee caps is where you would stop.”

He looked down, "Yes I went overboard, I frakked up and as I said if you think I am unfit for the uniform, I will just resign and disappear, but do not think for a moment that I am a monster. I care more for those people on the planet than the frakking thirteenth seems to. I care about this ship and her crew. I did what I did to save all of you and in the process I lost myself."

After getting away from the rather large explosion that rocked the city, the Arbalest landed in a small clearing just outside of the city. Checking that their wasn't any hostiles left over, after Crimson summarily wiped an entire squad of Savages out, he told AL to turn on ECS and made the mech kneel to preserve the muscle packages. He turned on the comms and switched to a more secure and encrypted line.

"Can Opener to Home. Things seem to have calmed down here. I have not spotted anymore hostiles or such that would endanger me and I engaged my ECS. This message should reveal my location to you and only you, I hope. One thing I'm going to do for now on is turn down my mic so Chris' loud mouth doesn't fuck me over again. Anyways on more important matters I have found something else about our attackers, they seemed to have Electronic Conceal Systems, which would be a reason why we didn't spot them at first. I don't know how they got it, Ganoxa R&D has always kept a tight leash on this sort of technology, but they got it. After this report I'm going into radio silence until you guys reenter. Oh and can you tell the crew chief to get the 40mm ready. I think I'm going to need it."

Marcus stood there in the room as the young man laid it on thick trying to rationalize his actions. Every bit of his training went into restraint, restraint in not beating the kid with his pike. Marcus had always been known for carrying around a lot of repressed anger and this little conversation threatened to bubble it over.

Finally Marcus sighed as he placed his hands behind his back instead of throwing them at Nick's face. "Yes, you were Colonial at one time but no longer. You are now Ranger and that puts you above any old animosities or past ignorance." Marcus squatted down before Nick and looked him in the eyes. "When I signed on for the Rangers, I knew that my life was being put on the line. I have prepared myself for death, not resigned to it. You will deal with death a hundred times over before the year is out while the average man sits at home in safety. We are not like everyone else."

Getting up to stretch and let his emotions cool some more, Marcus paced easily as Nick continued to talk. Nick looked up to Mark, half expecting to be hit again. “I might have lost my mind for a moment, frak it if you drummed me out of the Rangers for it I understand and I will resign, but I did what I did for you. He would not talk with the tea and crumpets that the good doctor wanted to give him. More people would have died and we would have no clue about who was behind this."

"We now know that there are two groups, working as one, hired by this one woman who seems to be the leader of a religious order and has access to vast amount of resources. That is a hell of a lot more intel than we had when you walked out of that room."

"How in the frak can the Dornies just forgive him, and be pissed at me I do not know. What would the Abh do to a man who was part of a team that nuked one of their space cities? What would you do if this was D’Hara? Do not tell me that just breaking a man's knee caps is where you would stop.”

Marcus whirled around and scooped up the front of Nick's tunic in a fist. Nick was hoisted easily after the ground to look into the eyes of a seething Marcus. "There is more than just torture to make a man talk! Did you bother considering it?! No. You just sulked in and let your emotions rule you. I can't believe how easily you fall back to your old ways! Did not Lord Rahl teach you in the ways of logic and reason?

I am sick and tired of you feeling sorry for yourself! You are not the only that has had problems or has lost a home! Right now the Abh Empire is practically giving your Colonial fleet lands to settle on and rebuild but you make like you have lost everything. You want to know true pain?! Do you?

Ever hear of a colony called Beta 9?" Marcus waited for the blank look that he was more than certain would come.

"Thought not. It was a small mining colony on the ass end of Imperial space. Not much to look at but it was where my family and wife lived. When you go to look at the star maps next time, see if you can find it. You'll have to find an old chart to even be able to look up the planet.

You might wonder why. That's because it was destroyed several decades ago. Yes destroyed. Not nuked beyond recognition. Destroyed! The remnants of my home world float in every which way! But I still know where it is. I can take the exact hyperspace route to come out near where the old jump gate used to be or free floating Sord is. My family was there when they came and obliterated it. I see the face of my wife smiling at me before I go to bed every night and hear the screams of a thousand colonists burning in an instant."

Marcus eased his grip on Nick and finally let him go. "Let go of the past or it will destroy you or at least destroy everyone around you."

Walking to the door, the Ranger hit the button to open it but paused before leaving. "I won't have you removed from the Rangers. However, I will recommend to Lord Rahl that you undergo a psycho-evaluation. If you ever want to know how the Abh react, look for holo-vid from the old Empire. If you want to know how the D'Harans react, ask Lord Rahl himself for I am neither."

Marcus exited through the doorway as his cloak billowed up behind him and then was gone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeNdLM1RMtA

Nick took a deep calming breath, as Marcus let go of his shirt. “Let go of your past.” his mentor told him, as he began to walk out the door. “You think this has anything to do with the Colonies.” Nick said as he got up and walked towards Marcus. “You really think that is the reason I did what I did. You are supposed to be my mentor, the man who shows me how to be a ranger. This has nothing to do with the Colonies, it has nothing to do about revenge.” he said as he walked closer to Marcus.

His body ached, as the boy moved quickly down the hall. The beating aside, he stood up straight as he moved towards Marcus. His arms straightened out, his hands were open as he moved closer to his mentor. “Isn’t that part of being a mentor, learning about your student forming a trust or bond with them, not just assuming you know everything?” he said walking four feet behind him.

Marcus continued walking on as Nick rushed out after him. The ship being small as it was, wouldn't take long before they were back among the ship personnel. Having no desire to embarras the boy or take the debate public, Marcus slowed his pace. "And what is it about you that you think I don't know?"

The boy looked at his mentor, as he walked past then turned around. For taking the beating he just did, the boy was moving quite well. The fire in his eyes was gone the rage, the anger, the fear.

Nick stopped and looked him in the eye man to man. “You do not know a damn thing about me. I certainly do not know a damn thing about you. You have no clue why I act the way I do, how I think. You just like Chris and Crimson just assume that it is because of the Colonies. Yeah it is frakked up, some of us are pissed and hell I'm one of them, but that had nothing to do with this. Nothing.”

“You really think that because of a bunch of toasters that the Colonies created that I want to destroy all AI. I thought so. Guess what, the Geth are not the cylons. AL is not the cylons, and those skank bitches that just nuked their own city are not the cylons. I know this.” he said, not yelling but in a stern voice.

Marcus stopped his march and put his hands behind his back as he calmed himself and gave Nick time to talk. "Alright then. If it is not the Colonies or Cylons, then what is it?"

Nick looked him in the eye, “Frak, lords damn it.” he said as he paced as he picked up his hand and put it on his jaw. The boy paused, silent for a moment. “You have your screams, guess what I have the same voices, of those who died by when nukes hit Galactica, my friends burnt to a crisp, by either Cylon, Imperial, GFFA, or Colonial weapons. One thing you do not have though is every damn day looking over your shoulder scared to death that you are going to be airlocked. That you will be drawn and quartered by the people closest to you, just for being born.”

The Ranger blew out a sigh and narrowed his eyes slightly. "Did you follow me to make a point or to just compare nightmares?"

Nick shook his head, “Frak it, I do not know why in the hell Richard thought you would be a good mentor.” he said as he began to turn around. “You are too arrogant to know or care when someone is trying to become more than they are, and too self centered to give a damn about those around you.”

"You're right. I tend to not care about others though it is not because I care about myself more. Regardless of my posed self-centeredness, I have never treated someone less than human. So if you want me to see how you are trying to become more, then stop ranting and speak plainly. I don't need you to point out my character flaws."

Nick sighed, “You want to know why I act the way I do, fine. I do not care anymore. I am one of them. I am one of those damn halfbreeds of theirs.” he said, no longer caring if he was killed for it.

Marcus was somewhat surprised to say the least, that Nick was indeed a half breed. However, that really didn't change his opinion of the boy since he acted more human than anything with his constant emotional outbursts. "So, you hate that what you are and hope to hide behind anger or are you just afraid of what you are?"

“No, I was afraid of you.” he spoke very plainly. “I was afraid of Chris, of that elf, frak it even Blue. I was afraid that I would be discharged, sent back and then airlocked. Now though, I don't think that matters. It is that simple, I took it out on them because I was afraid of you.”

"Do I look like a damn Colonial to you?!" Marcus's anger appears to have somewhat returned. "I am not going to shove you out of an airlock, shoot you, or switch you off. Neither is Chris or the girl."

Marcus rubbed his gotee as his thought for a moment. "So Lord Rahl knew all along... I imagine he told you as well or at least told you that he knew." The Ranger stopped the twitch and let his hands fall to his side somewhat disappointed. "And yet you learned nothing from the first day of training? I am supposed to be afraid of who you are? That a cylon fell in love with a human and had a child. I am supposed to be afraid of that? Remember that who or what you are does not define you but how you react to life."

"As far as I am concerned, you are human. People are not to be feared, only the ideals that drive them are." Marcus stepped up to Nick and put his hands on his shoulder. "You say I am not a good mentor to you and we're supposed to have a bond of trust. How can there be a bond of trust if you do not trust me to take care of you?"

Nick nodded, “Actually you and Chris do. You look and sound and act just like a Caprican. Take that as a compliment or an insult, it doesn't matter. Simply put Marcus, yes you do. You are right it does not define you, but it does certainly have an impact on those around you and how they treat you. Do you not remember, we are not islands. We are defined by our choices, but our choices certainly do affect those around us."

Nick looked at Marcus in the eye once more. “Trust is a two way street my friend. How can there be a bond when you will not let anyone close to you. When was the last time we talked, not lecture but talk. I do believe this is the first time.”

Marcus gave a small smile. "For some, the favorite form of conversation is a debate."

(OOC: Ok soap opera is done, sorry for the derail. Let’s continue with the story)

As Chris and the others gathered in Sickbay and had a nice chat, it became evident this turn of events had really changed things around. Doctors Voeker and Westheimer were wondering when they could access their vessel and retrieve the goods. Officers Connolly and the Nerd were trying to make phone calls home to see what was going on--and to inform their superiors they'd be out for a bit. And Erich, well....Erich was still suffering.

"Ach." He mumbled to himself, as he lay still. With a heavy sighed, he said "How long does this have to take?"

"Not too long, I hope." Chris replied, lookign at the instruments. He wasn't an expert on electronics--law codes and physical combat were his business--but he knew enough. Though with what was in front of him it didn't look like nearly enough, as he found the controls somewhat confusing in terms of monitoring status.

"PC Load Letter? What the fuck does that mean!?" he muttered. Hearing Crimson's hail, Chris thought to himself, "How was I supposed to know that those sons of bitches were gonna rig those damn things up? I don't know everything about Arm Slaves, especially how they had a selfdestruct mechanism. Meh. Guess he shoulda warned me..."

With that said, Nick turned to leave Marcus. Nothing else needed to be said, as the sixteen year old boy left his mentor. It had been one of their better conversations since meeting, so Nick decided to withdraw before the usual antics erupted.

Touching his lip one last time, he placed his index finger on it. No blood came from the wound. Looking at his arms, and the large welts across it, he unrolled his sleeve covering up the anger of Marcus to all around. Reaching down he buttoned his cuffs of his brown buttoned up shirt, to hide and protect the wounds, insuring no one would see.

Alone he walked down the hall, as for the first time he actually felt like he was a part of the team. The eternal chip seemed to have fallen off of the boy, as his spirit felt rejuvenated. He was finally free.

Taking the elevator down, he knew he had to try to make things right. He walked down the hall towards the sick bay. As he walked in, he noticed Chris’s banter, the Doctors chats, and the police’s cell phone calls. He also saw Erich, writhing in pain. Slowly with his hands out of his pockets he walked towards the elf.

“Hell no, Keep that fucking monster away from me.” Erich screamed out, drawing the attention of the room. Nick hung his head down, as he walked towards him, hands spread out. “I am not going to hurt you.” Nick told the elf whom he had broken very easily not twenty minutes before.

“Stay back.” Erich yelled out, “Someone help me.”

Nick nodded as he stopped coming closer to the elf. “Look.” he told the elf as he turned his gaze towards him. “I am sorry. I really am.” Nick told the elf. “Now I know that does not take away anything I did, and I know that it does nothing to help you. I screwed up, and you suffered for it. I am really sorry.” With that the boy turned and walked away.

With that said, Nick turned to leave Marcus. Nothing else needed to be said, as the sixteen year old boy left his mentor. It had been one of their better conversations since meeting, so Nick decided to withdraw before the usual antics erupted.

Touching his lip one last time, he placed his index finger on it. No blood came from the wound. Looking at his arms, and the large welts across it, he unrolled his sleeve covering up the anger of Marcus to all around. Reaching down he buttoned his cuffs of his brown buttoned up shirt, to hide and protect the wounds, insuring no one would see.

Alone he walked down the hall, as for the first time he actually felt like he was a part of the team. The eternal chip seemed to have fallen off of the boy, as his spirit felt rejuvenated. He was finally free.

Taking the elevator down, he knew he had to try to make things right. He walked down the hall towards the sick bay. As he walked in, he noticed Chris’s banter, the Doctors chats, and the police’s cell phone calls. He also saw Erich, writhing in pain. Slowly with his hands out of his pockets he walked towards the elf.

“Hell no, Keep that fucking monster away from me.” Erich screamed out, drawing the attention of the room. Nick hung his head down, as he walked towards him, hands spread out. “I am not going to hurt you.” Nick told the elf whom he had broken very easily not twenty minutes before.

“Stay back.” Erich yelled out, “Someone help me.”

Nick nodded as he stopped coming closer to the elf. “Look.” he told the elf as he turned his gaze towards him. “I am sorry. I really am.” Nick told the elf. “Now I know that does not take away anything I did, and I know that it does nothing to help you. I screwed up, and you suffered for it. I am really sorry.” With that the boy turned and walked away.

At that, Erich sat there confused. Admittedly, he was somewhat skeptical. The kid did try to break his bones only twenty minutes before. Erich was about to say something when Chris said, "I'd take his apology, if I were you." Somehting in Chris's voice told Erich he felt Nick meant that. Naturally, Erich didn't feel inclined to believe him, but Chris simply gave him a stare that said "Just let it go. We're all very tired."

Erich then sighed and said, "Well, I've done so much already. Goddess of the Forest, forgive me." Erich then called out to Nick, "Hey! Herr Ranger! Your apology's accepted; I'm going to be a good sport about all this. But I've my eye on you."

Dr. Voeker, observing the scene, simply said, "Well. This has been rather itneresting. Gives me an idea for my next report." When Westheimer asked what it would be, she replied, "Interservice cooperation in the Ahkrehlite Era."

The Sanjura had sat still long enough for the comfort of the Rangers. Now it was time to move on. Besides, Max was getting nervous sitting stealthed in the atmosphere. He never knew when a plane was going to fly by and crash into the hull of the ship.

Marcus made his way back down to the cargo bay where a huge confrontation had erupted minutes earlier between him and Nick. Now he moved with a different purpose. Distractions aside, he needed to get the Rangers back on track. He found Dr. Voeker not far from the others and pulled her aside.

"Excuse me doctor, but we need to press on. Do you have any idea where we need to go next? I can have our pilot drop us in right on top of any coordinance."

The Sanjura had sat still long enough for the comfort of the Rangers. Now it was time to move on. Besides, Max was getting nervous sitting stealthed in the atmosphere. He never knew when a plane was going to fly by and crash into the hull of the ship.

Marcus made his way back down to the cargo bay where a huge confrontation had erupted minutes earlier between him and Nick. Now he moved with a different purpose. Distractions aside, he needed to get the Rangers back on track. He found Dr. Voeker not far from the others and pulled her aside.

"Excuse me doctor, but we need to press on. Do you have any idea where we need to go next? I can have our pilot drop us in right on top of any coordinance."


Doctor Voeker smiled and replied to Marcus, "About time you came back." She coughed and replied, "We need to get my materials. They're at the Santiphap Municipal Spaceport. Hangar D. It'll only take a few minutes at most--I know we're all pressed for time here, so it's good for us they're in a shuttle."

Westheimer then nodded and said, toddling over to the conversation, "Please hurry. Here's the coordinates--"he wrote them down on a scrap of paper"--and get them before they do."

Marcus pulled back the sleeves of his cloak to reveal his clyuno. "Max."

"Yeah boss."

"We need to get to the Santiphap Municipal Spaceport. You think you can manage that?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "It's better than sittin' around here hoping some flyboy doesn't run into us. I'm adjusting our coordinates now."

Marcus nodded his approval then looked back to the doctors. "We'll be there in a few minutes. Make sure you're ready by the time we arrive so we can make this transition as smooth as possible."

Marcus pulled back the sleeves of his cloak to reveal his clyuno. "Max."

"Yeah boss."

"We need to get to the Santiphap Municipal Spaceport. You think you can manage that?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "It's better than sittin' around here hoping some flyboy doesn't run into us. I'm adjusting our coordinates now."

Marcus nodded his approval then looked back to the doctors. "We'll be there in a few minutes. Make sure you're ready by the time we arrive so we can make this transition as smooth as possible."

Doctor Voeker nodded and thanked Marcus profusely, simply saying, "Thank you." Westheimer then coughed, and she said, "Right. Time to get moving." The two thus approached Chris, whereupon Doctor Westheimer asked, "We're going to get our things. Can you help us once we get down there?"

Chris shrugged, and said, "Well...."

He turned to Nerd Cop and Connolly, and promptly pointed at the Nerd. Chris bluntly said, "He'll help you, along with me." The Nerd proudly saluted and said "Sir, yes sir!"

"It's just Ranger Chris, sonny. Or Chris. My cop days, as you know, are over. Now get ready, Voeker will tell you everything."

Nerd Cop nodded, and then Voeker briefed them both, saying, "Okay. Once we get there, we'll have to run into my shuttle. It's an old Toyota, but I got the keys....anyway, we run in, and get the books, manuscripts, and digital media. There's a lot of it, so I'm glad you boys came."

Chris was used to a lot, so he could take the idea of a lot of heavy lifting under duress. Nerd, however, was not so hardened. He was visibly uneasy, and asked, "Um, how much stuff."

"A year's worth, my boy," Dr. Westheimer replied.

"Oh, shit," was Nerd's only statement.

OOC: I will not be able to post for the rest of the week after tonight. I am giving ND permission to play my characters in this and Unknown, to help move the story along. See ya later. Sorry for the one line.

Nick stayed out of everyone's way on the trip to the shuttle bay. His little interrogation brought him to a new low. He stayed off to the side trying to let the mood calm down. He knew he was in the doghouse and did not want to bring anymore bad attention to himself. Then the ship landed. As the cops and Chris walked in and began to unload the stuff, he took a deep breath and walked over to the lady Doctor.

"Can I help bring your stuff in?" he asked her. (Assuming she agrees) Nick walks in and grabs what he can carry and walks out towards the ranger ship.

Max brought the ship in quickly to the port and brought it to a rest. The hatch on the starboard side of the ship hissed and released to allow the crew to disembark and get about their work.

While the others were carrying things in, Marcus was getting their own gear ready. Things were bound to be intense here on out so he wanted to make sure everyone was well armed. Improved models of the armor, which were equipped with a deploy able shield for cover, were stashed in everyone's lockers. Weapons specified by each Ranger's strengths were also stored along with the improved clyunos that were equipped with the omni tool so that every Ranger could alter their weapon and armor as they saw fit.

Once everything was settled, Marcus made his way back up to the main decks to see if there was anything left that the doctors needed a hand with.

Max brought the ship in quickly to the port and brought it to a rest. The hatch on the starboard side of the ship hissed and released to allow the crew to disembark and get about their work.

While the others were carrying things in, Marcus was getting their own gear ready. Things were bound to be intense here on out so he wanted to make sure everyone was well armed. Improved models of the armor, which were equipped with a deploy able shield for cover, were stashed in everyone's lockers. Weapons specified by each Ranger's strengths were also stored along with the improved clyunos that were equipped with the omni tool so that every Ranger could alter their weapon and armor as they saw fit.

Once everything was settled, Marcus made his way back up to the main decks to see if there was anything left that the doctors needed a hand with.

By now, the Doctors and their makeshift stevedores had lifted most of the materials the Doctors needed onboard the Sanjura. The archives were massive. Volumes of manuscripts, old papers, yellowing maps, textbooks and regular books obviously borrowed from the University Library way past their due date and copious notes on paper of all sorts. It took an entire storage room to fill them all. As Nerd Cop, Doctor Westheimer and the others were commandered to organized the materials, the Doctors and Chris looked up at Marcus's incoming presence.

Chris then said, waving his hand in dismissal, "We're fine here....but it is a bit heavy."

Doctor Westheimer then mumbled....and eventually got flustered. He eventually found a map scrawled over with pen marked in big letters "EXPEDITION PLANNING MAP! USE THIS ONE!!!!!" Thrusting it in Chris and Marcus's faces, he then said, "Okay, gentlemen. Here's the deal."

Pointing to a red X on a spot marked "Central Highlands," Westheimer said frantically, "This is where many expeditions have gone, and many are lost." He then moved his finger to another spot, saying, "The area is not easily accessible by air--it's known to be a site of thick jungle, giving way to forests at higher elevations. Little or no roads exist, save for paths carved out by tribes living in the region or animal tracks."

Chris then pushed the map out of the way, saying, "Okay, okay....well, if no one's survived, then how come you know all this?"

Westheimer sighed, and rolled his eyes as he said, "I only said 'many are lost.' A couple of recent attempts to find the City of Steel have resulted in survivors--very few though, and even fewer who aren't babbling wrecks."

Then, on cue, he narrowed his eyes and went, "I sincerely hope that we're prepared for whatever's up there. After all, something had to send a man to a sanitarium speaking of 'winged gods' and 'unearthly voices.'"

Nick listened to the group discuss the way of entry, and of all the myths, legends and hidden dangers that lurked around. Looking at the path marked on the map, he shook his head.

“I know you already think I am a paranoid nut job.” Nick said to the group, “Or in Marcus’ case just a damn prick. But this way of entry is a prime spot for an ambush.” he spoke up clearly. Nick walked over to the map, and placed his hand on the basic location that would be considered a prime landing site. “As Johnson told me once, if the front door is unlocked chances are there is a man with a shot gun on the other side. We need more intel on the ground in order to make a more informed situation on the ground.” Nick said to the group, as he took out a cigarette and light it.

Pointing to the ground located about in three different locations, one to the east, one to the south and one to the west. “I recommend we send three recon teams to each of these locations and move in towards the likely landing site. Best case we can find anyone hiding and kick their ass from the air, or worse case only a few of us bite the dust.”

Crimson noticed on his scans that the Sanjura was coming down. Zooming out on his map AL pinpointed the trajectory to show that they were going to the Santiphap Municipal Spaceport. He decided to break radio silence, "This is Can Opener. Nice to see you guys came down finally, I'll meet with you at your destination, ETA ten minutes."

His Arm Slave got up, still cloaked by the ECS, and jumped high into the air, reaching just enough altitude to activate his flight pack. Ten minutes or so later he landed outside the hangar he was getting the Sanjura's signal from, and vacated his Arm Slave. He ran inside to meet up with the rest of the group who were looking over a map, probably discussing their plans. Fortunately for him he overheard what Nick said.

“I recommend we send three recon teams to each of these locations and move in towards the likely landing site. Best case we can find anyone hiding and kick their ass from the air, or worse case only a few of us bite the dust.”

"Why send the teams when I can do the job more efficiently without endangering so many lives?" he said from behind finally coming up to the table.

"Why send the teams when I can do the job more efficiently without endangering so many lives?" he said from behind finally coming up to the table.

Chris took Nick and Crimson's considerations into note. Westheimer hadn't even pointed out a possible entrance, but already the two Rangers had pointed out flaws in the old Doc's original plan that might get them killed. Fortunately, they had a good, creative staff.

"True. Crimson, we can have that AS of yours cover a lot of ground at the locations Nick suggested." Pointing to the bits Nick fingered, Chris said, "Common sense dictates they're the easiest Landing Zones to use because they're connected to major paths and are relatively lightly forested. Elevation doesn't look too bad either as far as climbing goes--though my map reading skills are a bit rusty."

Westheimer looked at the designated areas and muttered, "Yes. They do seem easier to traverse."

Chris then said, pessimistically, "However, it also means that our crazy Elven friends--including the douchebags with the Savages--might recognize that too." Looking at Crimson, he said, "Crimson, you can scout these areas; we could probably do a quick flyby of each and let you go down in each. We also might need Max to perform scans of those LZs as well to double check, see which is the safest as Crimson scans below. We find a good one, pick it, and trek on from there."

Turning to Westheimer, Chris asked, "How recent's the map?"

"Pretty recent. Bought it not but three weeks ago to plan my expedition."

"Good." Chris then looked up and said, "Any questions? Seriously, guys. We're about to jump into jungle here."

Nick looked down at the map, and at the terrain. His head swarmed with questions, but he did not know exactly how to ask politely. Then again when did manners ever stop the young half breed.

“Yeah.” he spoke up. “What the hell is down there? I mean aside from jungle animals, and poisonous plants and insects. I mean if those reports are true about winged gods and voices then we need to know what in the hell they are. No offense or anything but if the rumors are true, but I forgot my god killing rifle on Galactica.” he said sarcastically.

“Without intel on the situation, we're just facing certain death, or at best being one of those babbling crazy frakkers that the Dornies lock up in an institution. That kind of ending, doesn't sit well for the next game, and I wanna make sure there are many sequels. So Doc, you got any info on them even if it is legend or lore?”

Nick looked down at the map, and at the terrain. His head swarmed with questions, but he did not know exactly how to ask politely. Then again when did manners ever stop the young half breed.

“Yeah.” he spoke up. “What the hell is down there? I mean aside from jungle animals, and poisonous plants and insects. I mean if those reports are true about winged gods and voices then we need to know what in the hell they are. No offense or anything but if the rumors are true, but I forgot my god killing rifle on Galactica.” he said sarcastically.

“Without intel on the situation, we're just facing certain death, or at best being one of those babbling crazy frakkers that the Dornies lock up in an institution. That kind of ending, doesn't sit well for the next game, and I wanna make sure there are many sequels. So Doc, you got any info on them even if it is legend or lore?”

Dr. Westheimer replied with, "There's some indegenous tribes that live up there. As for the theologically controversial elements, legend and lore I do have, since it's all I have at this point. The ancients never bothered to perform empirical research."

Going back to his materials, he then pulled up a binder and thumbed through it. Chris wondered if the man hadn't heard of digital archiving, as he witnessed copious amounts of photocopied data, annotated and with stickynotes and pictures of airplanes on them.

"Got something. According to the local mythos, the Goddess, as part of her retinue on the City of Steel, was escorted by Winged Gods that could take the form of men, eagles, or griffons. Odd combo, I would say.

Scholars have been puzzling out the signifiance of these things. Theologists say that they're reflective of Hajarran theology, folklorists speculate they might reflect ancient aircraft or some kind of ancient archeotechnological Transformer.

I might be inclined to believe the latter assessment, though there's no hard evidence for anything, only the testimony of one Horan Visnijic. Led an expedition before we got to Hajarra, and was later incarcerated in a mental institution with symptoms of what the doctors of the time called 'hysteria.' More than likely, some kind of nervous breakdown--but I'm no psychologist."

Chris then impaitently said, "And what abotu that testimony?"

Westheimer shook his head and spoke with bitter dismay.

"Well, I was denied access to his medical file. Seems it was conviently lost in a fire that destroyed the records of the sanitarium he was at around the time I announced my efforts to the public."

He then continued, "Anyway, as for Voices, well...there's the obvious bit with gods and goddesses speaking to their followers when you least expect it. The Goddess was said to have a voice of divine beauty, capable of persuading her followers to cease conflict. Or do whatever she wanted them to. Though madness was known only in a few stories.....

Still, considering my mission here is to find the truth, I don't believe this is divine at all. Perhaps it could be a voice projector with psychic properties, used by the ancient forces that brought the City here.....but if then, what's using the projector to speak? And who's throwing their voice up there in those ruins?"

First it was killer elves, then evil robots of doom with onboard nukes, and now it was a transforming aircraft of doom, with a psychic projector. Nick sighed as he heard the report from the good doctor. “Well then.” he said pausing for a moment. “Sounds like a lot of shit, to uncover a old junk heap.” he said as he grasped his hands in front of him.

He was not sure if this expedition was worth it. The truth was one thing, but was the truth on an ancient myth really worth all this trouble. It was not like anyone was invading this planet, or like this was aid for the government of the thirteenth colony. It was just an job from an archeologist, whom everyone wanted to see dead.

Nick closed his eyes for a moment. “No this old man and that fine piece of ass are going to be going down there with or without us. Frak.” he thought to himself. “Probably get their asses burned and fried to.” he thought again.

Looking back up to the doctors after his internal monologue was over, he nodded. “Alright, when do we move out, and who is coming along?” he asked to the room, but looking more in the direction of the cops.

After the reply, he turned around. “Alright, hey Crimson, do you need any help with your bitch to make sure that cock sucker of a toaster is ready for a fight?” he asked in earnest.

Marcus had never been one for the supernatural nor did he hold any stock in any higher deity. Which was probably why he resembled an Abh to most people, only with black hair. He had his own opinions about what was down there but kept them to himself. He was not in the mood for launching into a prolonged debate on the spirituality of such matters.

He merely raised his hand when Nick was wondering who was going, which he was sure just tickled the kid pink inside. "Just make sure you get your weapons and armor after you help Crimson. I really don't feel like sending a bill to the Lord Rahl because you decided to blow a hole in an Arm Slave so you could fist pump it."

He merely raised his hand when Nick was wondering who was going, which he was sure just tickled the kid pink inside. "Just make sure you get your weapons and armor after you help Crimson. I really don't feel like sending a bill to the Lord Rahl because you decided to blow a hole in an Arm Slave so you could fist pump it."

"That's a pleasant image, Marcus," Chris noted with some good-natured sarcasm. "I don't even understand the physics behind tha--" He then sighed and shook his head, thinking about how he needed a break. "The fuck? Nevermind. Let's just get to work."

Coughing, he continued, "Marcus, you, me and Crimson will be on this job. Erich will come too, as will the Doctors. Erich's coming to act as a guide. His people planned this, so he's gotta know what's going down--and since Nick broke his kneecaps, I'm sure he's not going to snitch. As for the Doctors, they will be the ones leading us on the path to the City itself. They did the research, so the onus is on them to make sure we're not whistlin' Dixie, here."

Doctor Westheimer said, defensively, "Of course! I know what I'm talking about."

Chris nodded and then said, "Good. Then get with Dr. Voeker and review. It's time for your exams, and there isn't anything possible but an A. Got it?" Westheimer nodded and ran off to fetch the other one. Turning to Marcus and Nick, he said urgently, "I think when we bring Erich down, we'll need one of us to watch him. Either of you think you can do that?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbdTL7T0bU0&feature=related

Nick’s face revealed it all as Marcus brought up the image of fist pumping an arm slave. His face grew disgusted at the thought, as he shivered for a second in complete revulsion. “Dude, I do not swing that way.” he quickly replied, as the thought of humping a machine made him feel sick to his stomach.

"Marcus, you, me and Crimson will be on this job. Erich will come too, as will the Doctors. Erich's coming to act as a guide. His people planned this, so he's gotta know what's going down--and since Nick broke his kneecaps, I'm sure he's not going to snitch. As for the Doctors, they will be the ones leading us on the path to the City itself. They did the research, so the onus is on them to make sure we're not whistlin' Dixie, here."
Nick sighed slightly as he listened to Chris speak up. It sounded like to him, that he was being pulled from the mission. Nick could not blame Chris, hell if he was in Chris’ shoes he would do the same. The boy began to feel even more remorse at his actions, but kept quiet. “Looks like I crossed too many lines he thought to himself.”

Chris nodded and then said, "Good. Then get with Dr. Voeker and review. It's time for your exams, and there isn't anything possible but an A. Got it?" Westheimer nodded and ran off to fetch the other one. Turning to Marcus and Nick, he said urgently, "I think when we bring Erich down, we'll need one of us to watch him. Either of you think you can do that?"

Nick nodded, “Yeah I can watch him.” Nick said to the group. He looked at Erich, for a moment, staring the elf in the eyes. Although Erich probably feared and hated Nick, and one could consider this a bad move, Nick hoped the group would let him. He really wanted to prove himself to the rangers, to atone for his past sin.

Nick nodded, “Yeah I can watch him.” Nick said to the group. He looked at Erich, for a moment, staring the elf in the eyes. Although Erich probably feared and hated Nick, and one could consider this a bad move, Nick hoped the group would let him. He really wanted to prove himself to the rangers, to atone for his past sin.

Chris recognized Nick's look, and said simply, "Nick, the vagaries of Dornalian English might not have clarified this, but that also means you're on the job too. Don't get worked up just yet."

Indeed, it was Erich who had things to worry about from the Rangers, should he try to betray them; the sort of screwup Nick was worrying about was partly what Chris was relying upon to keep the elf in line. After all, avoiding such a beating would be a great incentive for the former assasin to cooperate.

As for the elf, he gulped and looked at Nick with some trepidation.

"Well you go after Crimson's AI like you've got a hard on for it. Just making sure we're all clear here. Not that I judge the way you swing."

Marcus gave a slight nod to Chris. "Guess I better go get ready then."

With that, Marcus headed off to the team lockers down in the cargo bay. Marcus's own choice in weapons and armor had been laid out, all he needed to do was strap it on.

OOC: ND, feel free to take control of the Sanjura to get us there.

“Alright, hey Crimson, do you need any help with your bitch to make sure that cock sucker of a toaster is ready for a fight?”

After letting the other rangers talk Crimson finally spoke up, "I will be equipping my sniper cannon for this mission along with a shot cannon as back up. As long as I have the ECS on I should be alright and avoid detection, and this would be a perfect time to test the new "Angel Eyes" scanning device that I put in thanks to Ganoxa R&D. It should be able to detect their ECS units due to excess amounts of ozone it emits, and allow me to snipe them before they can detect me. AL will also assist me as he actively scans the area, alerting me with new contacts. Oh and Nick, I heard of cyber sex but I think you're taking it a bit far." Crimson chuckled, as he walked back to the Arbalest.

After letting the other rangers talk Crimson finally spoke up, "I will be equipping my sniper cannon for this mission along with a shot cannon as back up. As long as I have the ECS on I should be alright and avoid detection, and this would be a perfect time to test the new "Angel Eyes" scanning device that I put in thanks to Ganoxa R&D. It should be able to detect their ECS units due to excess amounts of ozone it emits, and allow me to snipe them before they can detect me. AL will also assist me as he actively scans the area, alerting me with new contacts. Oh and Nick, I heard of cyber sex but I think you're taking it a bit far." Crimson chuckled, as he walked back to the Arbalest.

Chris chuckled for a moment, and then stopped as he said, "Okay people, let's ease off of Nick, here. Besides, I'm not sure if I want that image in my head when I sleep tonight. I know he doesn't. Now, to business."

Chris went to get his gear ready for combat. New rifle? Check. Black Maria? Check. The old girl never left him, really, he had it slung on him since they got back. Just for kicks, he cleaned it once more, though. New armor? Check. Other essentials? Check. Dornalian sense of "fuck it, let's do this Leeroy Jenkins!"? Check.

It was with that that after everyone had gotten their gear, Max said, "Guys, we're over Hajarra. You might want to get ready." At that piece of advice, Chris went to the docking bay....

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

The Organization, meanwhile, was also busy. Though its hired guns had been humiliated on Santiphap, Du Plessis and Kruger had both rearmed and had been dispatched to the steaming jungles below. It was hot, muggy, and nasty, and the inside of the AS cockpits were comfortable only by dint of air conditioning. They lay in wait, like paitent hunters. Outfitted with advanced ERA, upgraded with all ECS systems, and kitted out with nukes and Hellguns and Lasguns, the men of Du Plessis' company waited for the coming of their foe with paitence, like they always did when hunting. With ECS on, they kept guns raised and eyes peeled.

Kruger's men made do with Thermoptic camoflague suits and advanced weaponry recently acquired from sources known to The Organization, as their management was called. Accustomed to working anywhere, the Germans still found it uncomfortable to say the least. Even in these highlands, were it not for the call for radio silence the Germans would have been griping about the suits and their tendency to be hostile to sweat, trapping it and making one feel soaked. Nonetheless, Kruger and his men endured, scanning the skies with binoculars and hiding in dense bush. When were they supposed to come, these foes?

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

The same question plagued The Woman, who was dressed in green tigerstripe fatigues and still wore her trademark sunglasses. However, she was now accompanied. Several similarly dressed women followed, kitted with M16A1 rifles and stern looks on their faces, motioning to a group of what looked like local tribesmen and several treasure hunters from outside to assemble on them.

One of the treasure hunters said, "What's this about? Why aren't we going yet?!"

To that, The Woman replied simply, "We are waiting to ensure the way is clear. Our security personnel hired for this trip are needed to do that. They have gone on ahead. Do not ask anymore questions." With skeptical looks, the Hunters nodded and shrugged. Something told them this woman and her entourage--also some statuesque military woman types--were unwilling to tolerate dissension. The Hunters could also sense the natives feared them as well, with their whispers and heads hung low. Considering this job was assigned to them with a lot of cash and an all-expenses paid trip to nowhere with a map and a bunch of crazed rantings as "evidence," it was little wonder these men were skeptical. What was this really about?

"Well you go after Crimson's AI like you've got a hard on for it. Just making sure we're all clear here. Not that I judge the way you swing."

Oh and Nick, I heard of cyber sex but I think you're taking it a bit far." Crimson chuckled, as he walked back to the Arbalest.

The boy sighed as he looked down, towards the ground. He took in a deep breath, trying to figure out how to retort without making himself look even like more of an ass than usual. Then as Crimson spoke up, a small light bulb went off.

Nick looked up and smiled at the Arm Slave pilot. With a cocky smile, Nick walked over to Crimson. Gently putting his hand on Crimson’s shoulder, he looked the pilot in the eye. “I am sorry Crimson.” Nick started. “Al wanted to tell you for the longest time, but it was afraid to hurt your feelings. I mean hell, how can you tell a bro that it fell for another that busts it’s chops and treats it like shit, over such a gentleman as yourself. I am sorry for stealing your bitch.” He said with a cocky smile.

“Then again, you can’t blame me, after all look at that fine shiny ass, those long hydraulic legs, and that firm chest.” Nick told Crimson, his voice full of sarcasm, and a jovial smile on his face. As he tried to continue to speak, his voice began to crack with laughter.

Chris chuckled for a moment, and then stopped as he said, "Okay people, let's ease off of Nick, here. Besides, I'm not sure if I want that image in my head when I sleep tonight. I know he doesn't. Now, to business."

Nick turned to Chris and smiled. “Alright man.” With that, he went to help Crimson with any final checks to speed the process along. Although he hated AL, and wished that chrome dome punk ass bitch of a can opener would burn in hell, Nick had no desire to see Crimson get any injuries. Crimson was on the team after all.

Once that was done, Nick went to his room and suited up. His armor on, his pistol on his side, and his rifle slung over his back. Nick took out his picture of Blue and smiled at it.

“Too bad you are not here.” he said looking at the picture. Leaving her picture on his dresser, along with any personal identification he had, the boy took another deep breathe. It was hard, assigning yourself to a mission that you do not believe in. Even harder to risk your life for something with so little gain. Nick began to realize this as he went to his top dresser drawer. Grabbing his not so well hidden bottle of Ambrosia, and a quick last smoke, he took a quick shot to help his nerves.

Nick poured himself a second shot as he stared at the picture, wondering if it would be the last time he would see it. "See ya later." he said as he took his second and last shot of the evening. Getting up, and lighting up the cigarette he pulled out a moment ago, he walked out of the room, with his new armor and weapons on him, down towards the other rangers.

Marcus was already down in the cargo drop bay waiting on everyone else when the call went out through the intercom system. The Ranger hit the switch to lower the hatch so that Crimson's Arm Slave could exit the shuttle. Sitting off to the side was practically an all terrain vehicle. Though by looking at the thick jungle, Marcus doubted they would need or could use it.

While Crimson's mecha could hop off the back of the ship, the rest of the team would need a means of getting down. Marcus hauled out the rope repelling equipment and dropped three lines over the edge.

He tossed the harness over to Nick. "Remember you training?"

Chris by now was dressed in his new kit, and was assembled in the landing bay like the rest to begin the journey into the jungles below. The new armor wasn't a bad fit, for it molded to his body proportions well enough. Plus, it was good to get the NYPD logo off of him.

As for the new rifle, he had it packed up in his sack. On his person was the Black Maria, the trusty old shotgun he had carried with him so far. He wasn't willing to part with it, not even if it meant gaining access to a shiny new toy which looked like a popgun from a kid's store. Holstering it, he whistled as he waited for the others...then saw Nick. Smirking at the surly teenager, he saw the boy had kitted himself out, despite Marcus's explicit orders not to. Well, that was fine. As for Erich, well.....the Elf had to be kitted out as well. So, Chris gave him his old railpistol and his NYPD vest. This made for an interesting impression on both of them, which really meant "funny."

He then was confronted with the need to rappel out of the Sanjura and into the abyss below. A tall order, as he had rarely had to do so and the closest thing was a rock climbing wall in the Police Academy. Still, the Ranger HQ had had some facilities, but this was his first time going solo. Erich, meanwhile, looked at the ropes and said to Chris sarcastically, "What's wrong? Afraid of a little ropeburn?"

The Arbalest sat out on the edge of the ship then dropped out free falling for a second then releasing the chutes and enacting the ECS simultaneously, causing the Arm Slave to disappear. Crimson had the sniper cannon extended just in case he needed to snipe enemies from the air, but so far Al's active scanners did not pick up anything unusual, as far as wildlife. He made his slow decent with little trouble cutting off the line at about 20 meters above the treeline crashing through the thick jungle that would otherwise tangle his chutes and screw up his descent. The Arm Slave immediately recovered and moved on to find a perfect ambush position should any enemy be discovered. Crimson rang out two pulses on his commlink to confirm that he has safely landed and is in position.

The Arbalest sat out on the edge of the ship then dropped out free falling for a second then releasing the chutes and enacting the ECS simultaneously, causing the Arm Slave to disappear. Crimson had the sniper cannon extended just in case he needed to snipe enemies from the air, but so far Al's active scanners did not pick up anything unusual, as far as wildlife. He made his slow decent with little trouble cutting off the line at about 20 meters above the treeline crashing through the thick jungle that would otherwise tangle his chutes and screw up his descent. The Arm Slave immediately recovered and moved on to find a perfect ambush position should any enemy be discovered. Crimson rang out two pulses on his commlink to confirm that he has safely landed and is position.

Crimson would find that this LZ is safe for now; indeed, all he's greeted by is a flutter of local birds that decide to move past his Arm Slave. Though they don't see it, the idea that something just landed with a ponderous *THUMP* was enough to agitate the local wildlife.

However, Kruger noticed this; he wasn't one to miss little details like a flock of birds emerging suddenly from the jungle at a long distance. Activating his headset, he whispered, "Korporal. Status report?"

"I saw the objects Herr Kommandant."

"Good. Continue observation. Also, check in on FO."

With that, radio chatter ceased. Though on a secure band, it always paid to never stay on too long. Sure enough, one of the Germans radioed a familiar looking catgirl in a Land Rover Defender 90--one of the few vehicles that could manuever in this environment. With a curt, "Yeah?" she picked up the radio.

"This is Butcher 1 to Fuzzball. Status?"

"I just saw movement. Birds, mostly. Also, did anybody catch that bigass ship over the position? Like, the one that maybe gave us a hard time on our last job?" she replied with a sarcastic tone.

Irritated, the German replied, "Your job is not to judge, Fuzzball. Your job is to be a Forward Observer. And yes, we did see those items. We are continuing observations. Give us the signal. Remember your goal."

"Roger," the woman said, hanging up. Fuzzy smirked as she stepped into the Land Rover and promptly drove it, parking it a bit away from the LZ Crimson landed on and killing the engine. As she got out, she began to get into character. Muddy tires, confused look, and mirror signals and signal flares when they got close.

It was going to be good seeing Chris and his dumb little buddies again....

Al alerted Crimson to a small vehicle that parked in their original LZ. Crimson raised the sniper rifle towards the vehicle but did not fire the weapon. He zoomed in close to find someone of a familiar sight, someone that looked suspicious the last time he had seen this person. She was what Chris referred to as Fuzzy.

"This is Can Opener, I have spotted one contact. I count only one recon vehicle and one catgirl. Yeah Chris its Fuzzy."

Al alerted Crimson to a small vehicle that parked in their original LZ. Crimson raised the sniper rifle towards the vehicle but did not fire the weapon. He zoomed in close to find someone of a familiar sight, someone that looked suspicious the last time he had seen this person. She was what Chris referred to as Fuzzy.

"This is Can Opener, I have spotted one contact. I count only one recon vehicle and one catgirl. Yeah Chris its Fuzzy."

"Jesus Christ," Chris said in reply. "I'm coming down. Keep that gun trained on her. It's bad enough she got stuck up here." Facepalming, he then made the choice to rappel down the line first, ordering Erich to stay behind as he awkwardly manuevered down into the jungle below.

At that point, Erich became rather agitated. Turning to Nick, he said, "We have to warn him. She's here; it is likely to be a trap! I am telling the truth!"

(OOC: I got a lot of things going on in life right now, like State Boards, Moving, on top of normal life. I will not be on as much as I used to until sometime in Dec. ND has my permission to play my nation and all of my characters. Sorry for the bad post.)

Nick went down the rope and did as Marcus instructed, to remember his training. Nick had only one real mission on this, keep Erich safe from others, and keep him in line with the rangers. Nick stared at Erich, never taking his eyes off the bloody elf as they moved together. Nick stood five feet behind the elf, in order to avoid any sudden attacks, or give him time to shoot the frakker if he tried anything stupid.

Nick held his rifle steady, his rifle trained on the elf as they began the scouting mission. Then when the message was received and Erich spoke, Nick nodded.

He thought back to the event at the restaurant. His chest began to clamp down tight, his heart raced slightly, as his adrenaline flowed though him. It was the same feeling he had at the Geth base, before they landed. Erich reinforced that feeling.

The boy began to think back to the restaurant, how the elves began to come in after Kibbles. How she had talked to him, just before the shit hit the fan, and how she was just gone before the gunfire began.

The boy’s paranoia kicked in. “Chris.” he said on the radio, “Kibbles is bait. I repeat Kibbles is bait. She left the restaurant just before the fightin’ started, and came in at the same time as Erich and his buds. It has to be a trap.” he said.

Turning to Erich, the young hybrid nodded. “I need to know everything you know about Fuzzy, or Kibbles involvement. Did she lead you to that restaurant? How involved is she?” he asked the elf.

Erich replied to Nick's interrogatories with a frantic expression, screaming, "The Fraulein was recruited by my superiors as a paid informant! They had intercepted the Doktor and his transmission to your group--that is how they knew where to go--and when they did their intelligence work to look up the man he sent it to, they began to look up people he had known, especially old girlfriends--part of our usual tactics when intercepting a target! She was discovered, I don't know how, but apparently she needed cash because she took the job!"

Nick nodded and leaned into him, saying, "Is this true?" The half-breed glared at the elf; he had no paitence for this toaster-lover and it showed as he moved uncomfortably close--Marcus was close by, and it was the most violent thing he could do (not a bad thing since he was eager not to mess up again, but Nick wished he could really do more to this little cylonhumping snot). As he was about to do so, Erich raised his hand and screamed, "I swear! It is the truth, I tell you not a lie!"

Nick leaned back, and said simply, "Good. Let us keep it that way. Now let's go." Waving his pistol, Erich nodded and they began moving ahead.

As this occurred, Chris rendezvoused with Fuzzy. Holding the Black Maria up, he had gotten the message and he wasn't eager to let Fuzzy get away with any shenanigans this time. This act was greeted with a simple, "What? I don't bite" delivered in a flirtatious tone.

"Well, you don't bite--but you got fleas. German fleas, by the sounds of things," Chris replied sarcastically. "Wanna tell me what you're doing with those scumbags? My partner saw you try to distract him as your dumb little buddies tried to mess us up."

At that, Fuzzy rolled her eyes and goes, "If this is for that time I gave you the Spon Plague...that shit's done."

"This ain't about the Spon Plague, babe. This is about selling us out to a bunch of freakin' douchebags who would slit their momma's throats for the right paycheck, and work for a buncha rich aristocrats who happen to be bored and zealously religious. Now, speak." Chris wagged the shotgun to prove he was serious.

Erich appeared along with Nick, whereupon Erich said, "They know, Fraulein. About who you are."

Fuzzy at that point grew hot with rage; the jig was up, the betrayal was exposed--by a little rat. Fuzzy reached for a pistol; Chris yelled, "Uh-uh-uh! NO! Not this time. You even touch that gun, this gun barks first. Now, talk! I don't have paitence for Judases or snitches," Chris said, slipping into Bad Cop mode. It was plain to see he was trying to use his verbal judo to win out, but was encountering difficulty.

Fuzzy then pulled out the pistol, a simple .45. Raising it at Chris, she said, "You wouldn't shoot me, would you?"

"Don't intend to. But I don't intend to let people who work for the bad guys get away either."

A pause followed, where nothing occurred. Breathing slowed, time slowed.....it seemed things would explode at any moment. Then, Chris decided to try a trick. As the two closed with one another and put their guns to one another's heads, Chris made eye contact with her. He would try a staring contest.

At first, Fuzzy hardly noticed it. Then, as she noticed what was going on, Fuzzy replied with, "You wanna stare? Fine. You always were good at that. Not good for much else anyway."

Several seconds passed. Then.....amidst more "witty" banter, Fuzzy became bored. Chris then said, smirking, "I'll stop if you just put down the gun. No need to get nasty here. Besides, say what you will about me, but you might find me a better man than those Elves. Can't do that if you shoot me."

Fuzzy frowned, and replied skeptically, "Really?"

Chris smiled and said, "Yeah."

Fuzzy sighed; she had been through this before. She simply asked, "Got proof?"

Chris fired back, "Did any of them give you anything besides money? Did they actually send letters, gifts...and treat you like a person and not some cheap hooker?"

Fuzzy cackled bitterly, and replied, "Trying the sympathy vote. Say what you will about my new German friends, but they're constant, hardworking, and dedicated to their lives."

"Maybe. But spontaneity is always key to a relationship. Besides, by that logic, you'd still be dating me."

At that, Fuzzy sighed.

"Jesus." Lowering her gun, she shook her head. "You always knew what to say, Christopher Markham. Fine, I'll tell you what you need to know."

Chris then said, smiling, "Glad you could be reasonable."

Fuzzy them muttered in disbelief, "Goddamn. Get inside the van, all y'all."

He then whispered to Nick, "And that's how you handle an ex." Nick laughed. These Dornies had funny notions sometimes.....

It was then Chris radioed the others, saying, "All clear guys. I managed to declaw the cat."

After the laughter subsided, Nick shook his head in disbelief. “Man you thirteenths are stranger than the Abh.” he jabbed at Chris as they all got in the van. “Usually ex’s involve more gunfire than that, or more frakkin.” he said with a slight smile.

Nick then turned his attention to Kibbles and bits for a moment. “It will not be long before your toaster frakkers know you are busted. Where are they, and what in the hell did they bring with them? After all, you are now a liability to your friends.” he said sternly towards the cat before him.

After the laughter subsided, Nick shook his head in disbelief. “Man you thirteenths are stranger than the Abh.” he jabbed at Chris as they all got in the van. “Usually ex’s involve more gunfire than that, or more frakkin.” he said with a slight smile.

Nick then turned his attention to Kibbles and bits for a moment. “It will not be long before your toaster frakkers know you are busted. Where are they, and what in the hell did they bring with them? After all, you are now a liability to your friends.” he said sternly towards the cat before him.

As Fuzzy started the Land Rover and Chris had the other Rangers on foot pile onboard, she simply muttered "They're all over the place. Mainly, the Germans are in the trees, doing deep cover observation at least several hundred feet inside the jungle there." Starting the auto and driving down the road, she then summed up the logical conclusion of why the auto and Fuzzy were there, with a simple, "They wanted me to give you guys a ride into an ambush."

Chris nodded, radioing Crimson and Max to "Keep an eye on us, will ya?" Nick then motioned for her to go on with the question, "What of those damn robots?"

Fuzzy said, raising an eyebrow, "Du Plessis? That asshole's got his--what are those? Arm Slaves, Arm Shits, Ass Slaves?--whatever, he's got big robots waiting for us also. Yeah. And they've learned from last time guys. They gots cloaking devices, guns, the whole shebangabang. They're meant to deal with heavy equipment you boys bring--especially that Tin Can Hitman of yours up there."

Nick nodded. "Tin Can Hitman, eh? Guess I'll have to remember that," he thought. Dornies had strange notions.

As the Land Rover drove away from the LZ, Fuzzy spoke into her radio to keep up appearances. As she picked up her headset and wired the radio to the Land Rover's stereo system, she said to Chris, "Just wanna keep up the ruse for a little bit. That way, we won't attract them too early."

Chris kept his shotgun ready, saying, "Make sure it stays that way."

Nodding with a sigh, the catgirl then hit a button on the headset and spoke. "Fuzzball to Butcher One. I'm herding the sheep now, over."

A guttural, German accented voice replied, "Roger. Steer them to Point 25. We will be waiting there, over."

Hanging up, Fuzzy then replied, "Point 25's several hundred yards in front of us. It's a dense glen, perfect for those fucks to start shooting. I'm gonna take us to a more suitable trail."

Marcus traveled the length of the rope to the jungle floor in quick succession. He landed lightly on his feet and waited for his companion to catch up. Glad that the young man was learning, Marcus followed after Chris to meet their newest obstacle.

A cat-woman.

Once he arrived to the sight, he heard Nick calling from behind that this was not what it looked. The older Ranger drew his assault rifle and had extended to its full length before Chris could begin interrogating her. He kept the rifle trained on the woman throughout their lover's spat. While Chris might have some reservation in shooting her, Marcus didn't

When everything was put in working order, Marcus lowered his rifle and returned it to its holster. He merely shook his head at their Dornalian friend. This was probably why he hadn't had a steady relationship in so long.

After the laughter subsided, Nick shook his head in disbelief. “Man you thirteenths are stranger than the Abh.” he jabbed at Chris as they all got in the van. “Usually ex’s involve more gunfire than that, or more frakkin.” he said with a slight smile.

Marcus sighed. "You have a lot to learn about women, my friend."

The Arbalest was still in the jungle with the rifle pointing over the jeep. AL made sure to conduct more active scans with the new Angel Eyes hardware before acknowledging that the area was clear of hostiles. Moving through the jungle he began hopping through the air flanking the jeep as it moved up the trail.

"I'll be heading for higher elevation for a better sniping position. I'll let you know when I'm in position." Crimson said as he jumped to the right of the vehicle, and headed for a small elevation with a adequate view of the supposed ambush site.

Marcus sighed. "You have a lot to learn about women, my friend."

Nick turned and looked at Marcus for a second, although his pistol was still pointed at Erich. With a quick smile, he chuckled at Marcus' comment. "Yup." he said for once agreeing with his mentor. He smiled at the man who was supposed to teach him everything he needed to know, "After all a man of your age probably has all sorts of experience with them." he said with a quick smile. "But let me guess, that whole treat a lady like a lady and a hoe like a hoe, is the wrong thing to do right?"

Turning his face back to Erich to make sure the elf did nothing too stupid Nick smiled again, "Maybe later you can explain women to me. Blue has been dropping hints about something recently, and damn if I know what in the hell she is talkin about."

(OOC: Last paragraph is a reference to the upcoming Meet the Parents thread.)

Chris laughed at both Nick and Marcus, and merely shook his head as he kept his eyes forward and his shotgun at the ready. "Women aren't that complicated, guys. You treat them with respect, remember their birthday, and buy them dinner and a movie once in a while. And shower. Always."

Fuzzy merely echoed Marcus's judgment about whether Chris had ever experienced a long-term relationship with a jocular, "Funny. You got the birthday part right. The date part right. The shower, the memory." She then smiled and said, steering the Land Rover down another windy jungle trail that bumped Chris about, "But not the complicated part."

Reminded once more of how his ex was in the auto, Chris merely replied with more than a hint of sarcasm, "Loud and clear, Antonia. I get it." At that, Fuzzy winced and frowned at Chris, before focusing on the trail with a sigh--you couldn't call it a road. It seemed Chris knew how to push Fuzzy's buttons, and using her real name was one of those methods.

As this drive continued, the Germans saw that the vehicle had entered not where they were expecting. At that, Butcher 1 called in to report.

"Kommandant. Fuzzball has veered off course. Has been compromised, orders?"

Kruger then frowned. Fuzzball had proven to be the intelligencer's worst nightmare. A triple agent. Cursing himself, he then issued an all call to his men.

"Begin Plan Beta."

With those simple words, the Germans began skulking forth. Raising their rifles they began moving out, keeping movement to a minimum as they quickly moved through the bushes. Two men raised their sniper rifles--Farsights, based off some old video game design, that had scopes that could penetrate through the mess of the Hajarran jungle with energy-wave scopes. Setting the rifles to tracking mode, they began following the car on foot.....

As this occurred, the Germans' comrades in the AS's also awoke. It seemed that Kruger, in his haste to initiate Plan Beta, had forgotten to switch to a secure band that excluded the South Africans and Fuzzy's own set. A mistake, because Du Plessis heard everything, if Fuzzy didn't. And when he did that, he smiled and ordered his men up.

"Come on, you runts! That faggots' fleabag has betrayed us! Let's show her a good time!"

A cry of "AROO!" went over the radios of the South Africans, as they got up. Still cloaked, they began closing on Fuzzy's location. Their ERA and ECS gear would hopefully keep them safe, whilst they used radio triangulation to zero in on the traitor.

And amongst all this, the Rangers could hear the thumping of AS feet...and it wasn't just Crimson.

Crimson settled the Arbalest on the hill, lying the Arm Slave in a prone position and lancing out the sniper cannon out, resting the bipod on a hard surface, most likely a rocky one, providing optimum stability for the large weapon. The sniper cannon was really just an oversized sniper rifle fitted for the Arm Slave to take out enemy armor and mechs from a long distance. He made the necessary adjustments to the BMA for the long range attacks he was about to unleash, making sure that he does not miss his mark, as he would either hit his colleagues, cause sudden debris or just plainly miss an attacking Arm Slave that would otherwise cause their sudden demise. He took a deep breath and looked at the monitor once again

"AL activate 'Angel Eyes'."

"Affirmative, 'Angel Eyes' powering up" he waited for the new hardware to activate, watching the meter rise to maximum on the display "'Angel Eyes activated. Warning! Detecting three enemy Arm Slaves approaching friendly vehicle."

"Ah there you are," Crimson smirked, as the sniper cannon roared. Three shells raced down the hill, at near light speeds, cutting through the treeline like a power saw through paper. The head of the lead attacking Arm Slave exploded into a glorious fireball as the other two were promptly disabled as the shells raced through what was the pilots' cockpits, causing the mechs to slump to the ground.

"Can Opener to Ground Team, you got several cloaked Arm Slaves chasing you. I'll provide some covering fire but I advise you to push the pedal to the metal. Got that?!" Crimson said as he popped another Arm Slave that was just behind the jeep.

The jeep shook as the sounds of the mechs caused a vibration, much like that of the T-Rex in Jurassic Park. Nick looked behind him as the large sound of metal feet clashing with the hard jungle ground could be heard and felt in the jeep.

He tried to remain calm, as he put all of his energy into suppressing his anger. “More frakkin robots.” he said calmer than usual, but his voice still hinted at disdain for the abominations. “I swear when I find the man who thought these were good ideas, I am going to put a bullet between his eyes.” he said.

Just then as he looked back three invisible things exploded like small fire crackers on the fourth of July. With Crimson blaring out over the coms and the fourth mech exploding with ease, Nick shook his head. “That was anti climatic.” He leaned back in the seat of the jeep, and could not help but to wonder, how many more of those bastards did they bring along.

Just then as he looked back three invisible things exploded like small fire crackers on the fourth of July. With Crimson blaring out over the coms and the fourth mech exploding with ease, Nick shook his head. “That was anti climatic.” He leaned back in the seat of the jeep, and could not help but to wonder, how many more of those bastards did they bring along.

Nick wouldn't have to wait long. The explosions inspired Fuzzy to drive faster, mumbling, "SHIT!" as the auto bounded on the rough trails. She didn't need Crimson's admonition/order to drive faster, she knew what was coming--her "German fleas," as Chris called them.

Chris pulled out his new rifle, and leaned out one of the windows, waiting for trouble. It didn't take long for it to come, for gunfire began sputtering around the vehicle.

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

Du Plessis saw three of his men die in a series of sniper shots and promptly cursed the ECS. Why didn't it work? That funny Chinese, what was his name, Gowron, Goron, whatever--promised it would work! And now, he saw three men fell. And their armor hadn't even protected them. He slammed his console, only to hear Kruger squawk, "You bastard! You were to wait at the pass! Why didn't you?"

"I always make room in my plans for killing traitors and enemy Arm Slaves. Now fuck off!" He switched to another band, and ordered his men to begin zigzagging through the Jungles as quickly as possible, which they did, cowering down and skulking amongst the bushes as well as giant cloaked robots could. He'd stay behind to take on the Big Bad. Turning to the enemy AS, he took advantage of his new AS, which was not comparatively clunky like the Savages his men used laden with extra weapons, and began running out into an open clearing. Leveling his lasgun, he fired a burst at Crimson's position and disappeared into the jungle once more. He would keep moving, play cat and mouse with the Sniper, and get in for a kill. No one bested a man from the Bulawayo Commando. No one did.

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

The Germans, meanwhile, were more focused. Their trek had brought them closer to the auto, but it was moving faster than expected, the tracking modes on the rifles slower than the snipers would have liked. However, that didn't stop them from letting a few shots off--the Farsight's railgun shots were reputed to be some of the nastiest in the business and they at times missed the Land Rover. Meanwhile, two who were relatively close leveled their rifles, and opened fire with bursts of ammunition, decloaking before recloaking again into the woods. Erich fired back at his old comrades, and Chris shot too. But they were gone in a flash.

Chris then radioed Max and Crimson.

"Any of you who isn't busy--can I get a scan of the treeline? Seems we got bogies with cloaking devices down here, and they don't like us."

"Enemy Arm Slave detected at area 2-6-3."

The cannon roared once again, firing another shell hitting a Savage square in the back where the Gas Turbine Engine was, causing a magnificent explosion as the fuel was ignited by the initial hit. Then Crimson noticed something unusual, in a clearing. He ordered AL to zoom in closer until he could recognize it, then it fired a laser that was aimed straight at him. Instantly he rolled the Arbalest backward causing it to rest against a large tree trunk, and to his surprise to find his sniper cannon to be vaporized by the shot. "Well I guess I didn't learn my lesson from sniper school. Always be on the move." he facepalmed. He took out the 52mm shotcannon and began to close in with the jeep protecting its flank.

"Any of you who isn't busy--can I get a scan of the treeline? Seems we got bogies with cloaking devices down here, and they don't like us."

"Al is currently making active scans with the new 'Angel Eyes' hardware I installed for this mission. He'll be continually updating your PDA with the information. Also I will be meeting with you guys shortly, my long range support has been neutralized."

"Enemy Arm Slave detected at area 2-6-3."

The cannon roared once again, firing another shell hitting a Savage square in the back where the Gas Turbine Engine was, causing a magnificent explosion as the fuel was ignited by the initial hit. Then Crimson noticed something unusual, in a clearing. He ordered AL to zoom in closer until he could recognize it, then it fired a laser that was aimed straight at him. Instantly he rolled the Arbalest backward causing it to rest against a large tree trunk, and to his surprise to find his sniper cannon to be vaporized by the shot. "Well I guess I didn't learn my lesson from sniper school. Always be on the move." he facepalmed. He took out the 52mm shotcannon and began to close in with the jeep protecting its flank.

"Any of you who isn't busy--can I get a scan of the treeline? Seems we got bogies with cloaking devices down here, and they don't like us."

"Al is currently making active scans with the new 'Angel Eyes' hardware I installed for this mission. He'll be continually updating your PDA with the information. Also I will be meeting with you guys shortly, my long range support has been neutralized."

The view of the PDA didn't look good. Several large contacts--presumably the warmachines they had faced earlier--and several smaller contacts--presumably the Germans--were moving to close on the Land Rover. At that, Chris sighed and winced all at once. "What the fuck?" he muttered to himself. All this firepower to kill one Land Rover seemed to be the very definition of Overkill. BUt then again, wasn't using nukes rigged to rogue Arm Slaves overkill?

Nick looked at the PDA and then sighed. "Frak. These abominations.....if I had explosives....if only!"

"You and me both, brother. Now get to shooting!" Chris said, shaking his head. He then fired a burst of ammo out the window at a contact fifty yards near him in the bushes, and Nick did the same.

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

Du Plessis was pleased his enemy stopped sniping at him like he was an animal. It would give the old braggart soldier a chance to face this AS pilot up close and personal--again. And with better equipment! His quarry was still cloaked though, and if it was one thing he was cursing himself for it wasn't getting an ECS detection system.

Darting behind thicket to thicket, he leveled dual lasguns and began moving about. He peered through his visuals, looking for signs of his enemy's movements. ECS may have hidden a man from sight, but it didn't hide his tracks. And if it was one thing Du Plessis's people were good at it was tracking and hunting.

As he did so, he said, "On alert. The AS is cloaked, no doubt--it is hard to see. Keep watch for signs of its movements, but keep focused on the enemy, you useless fucks!" He then began scanning the radio--an old trick.

Thus, the mecha kept moving inexorably to the Land Rover, while Du Plessis was playing Rambo.

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

"Fuck! They're getting wise to us!"

One of the Germans muttered that as he ducked behind a bush with his Thermoptic camo on, reloading his Lancer rifle--a clumsy, big thing with a chainsaw bayonet (OOC: Yes, the Gears of War Lancer.). It had large caliber stopping power, and it certainly had the advantage of clearing brush with the nasty chainsaw. But it was also a liability.

His comrade in arms, armed with a stolen Red Army M1 Rifle, nodded. He then radioed Kruger, saying, "Kommandant. They're onto us. Orders?"

Kruger muttered, "Keep to Plan Beta, Activate Contingency Three. Open warfare, massed assault."

The two nodded and thus one of the men loaded the underslung grenade launcher on his M1. Radioing his men, he said, "All units. Initiate Contingency Three. Teams of two. One man with grenades, one man shooting. No sniping, all massed assault."

The men with grenade launchers loaded their weapons. Then, with a sudden array of bloops and klinks, grenades began hitting earth next to the Landi. Shaking the ground as Fuzzy drove, they rocked the vehicle and made Chris nervous. The spate of Lancer, M1 and what looked to Chris like Tau Pulse Rifle fire began flying past the auto. Desperately, Chris began firing back, as did Nick, the two ducking occasionally as their pursuers eagerly gave chase. Enough dicking around it seemed. This was war!

“Mother Frakker” Nick yelped as the vehicle jolted, and shrapnel from the grenades permeated the area around the vehicle.

Nick ducked down in the unarmored land rover, as the bullets flew over head. The supersonic boom of the bullets passing near by, the smell of gunfire from Chris’s gun over loaded the ranger’s senses.

As the boy laid down hidden, he felt a sudden hit, as one of the bullets passed through the vechile and hit his armor. Nick looked down as he felt his arm shove to one side. The boy looked down at his arm nervously.

Expecting to see blood, or broken bone, the boy was pleasantly surprised to find out that this new armor, did it’s job. The shield around the new ranger armor took most of the blow, leaving only a slight mark on his plating.

Nick smiled for a moment. He grabbed his pistol and looked out the window again. Sighting in on a target, he held his pistol as steady as one could on the bumpy and dusty trail. Gently squeezing the trigger, he let off a few rounds, towards an area of the jungle where he somehow knew a person was.

Boom...

Another grenade went off shaking the Landi again. Nick took in another deep breath. “Alright that is it.” he said growing annoyed and irritated at the german fleas.

Nick stared out the window for a moment. He closed his eyes, as he searched the terrain. “Where are you, you bastards.” he spoke up, with his eyes closed. Reaching out he searched the jungle, looking and feeling for anyone around him.

It was quite disturbing to the boy. He could smell Fuzzy’s fear, Chris’s fear and determination. He could hear hearts beating rapidly, and the pure and vicious life in the jungle. He could sense the spiders, and snakes, the deer and the jaguars. Most disturbing of all of it, was Marcus. He was calm, collected, like he was in a grocery store instead of in the middle of a fire fight. Then he felt one, the german with the grenade launcher.

With his left hand, he wrapped himself around the german. Taking his left hand, he gently lifted the man into the air, out from behind his protective covering, and with his right hand Nick shoved the german as hard as he could into a tree. Nick then opened his eyes. “It is on.” he spoke out clearly, as he began to look for the next target.

Marcus was indeed calm in the back of the jeep as he had laid out every weapon that he had carried with him from the Sanjura. An assault rifle, pistol, shotgun, and sniper were all extended to their full modes as he went about working on them with the strange glowing omni-tool. Marcus made the appropriate changes to ammunition, recoil, and targeting systems.

Finally, he had everything the way he wanted and returned them all to holsters adorning the armor on his body. The older Ranger threw off his cloak and stood up in the jeep, bracing himself as they ran over bumps and ruts in the jungle trail.

Pulling on a head piece with a glass panel in the front of his left eye, Marcus could tell on his own radar that there were a great number of men following the jeep. At this rate, they weren't going to make it very far before shots started piercing the jeep.

Placing one foot on the side of the jeep, Marcus stole a quick look at Nick. "If I ever see you do this, I'll kill you."

Marcus gave Chris the thumbs-up next. "Leeroy Jenkins, Marcus style!"

With that, the Ranger leaped from the jeep and rolled off to the side and into the thick brush of the jungle. He drew his assault rifle and shotgun in a fluid motion and moved through the jungle crouched low like Chuck Norris in Missing In Action.

Using his radar, he did his best to keep out of the way of the advancing Germans while trying to get the drop on them with guns blazing.

With his left hand, he wrapped himself around the german. Taking his left hand, he gently lifted the man into the air, out from behind his protective covering, and with his right hand Nick shoved the german as hard as he could into a tree. Nick then opened his eyes. “It is on.” he spoke out clearly, as he began to look for the next target.


Marcus gave Chris the thumbs-up next. "Leeroy Jenkins, Marcus style!"

With that, the Ranger leaped from the jeep and rolled off to the side and into the thick brush of the jungle. He drew his assault rifle and shotgun in a fluid motion and moved through the jungle crouched low like Chuck Norris in Missing In Action.

Using his radar, he did his best to keep out of the way of the advancing Germans while trying to get the drop on them with guns blazing.

"Was is da-AAAH!"

The German slammed against the tree by Nick's attack was just the beginning. Now, the assasins faced sudden gunfire from Marcus, who was causing them to duck into cover with his brazen assault; he had already ensured a man was injured severely with a shotgun blast. Now, the rest of the Germans ducked into brush and began sniping back at him and lobbing grenades. They expected their opposition to fire back--but there was something about a lone gunman on a sane, calculated killing spree that gave even these experts at the art of killing pause.

As this occurred, Butcher Two, the man leading the assault, said to Kruger, "Kommandant, we're taking hits. One of the enemy has lept into the open, and is challenging us with run-and-gun tactics. Butcher Five is also down, cause unknown. Possible psychic intervention!".

As Kruger moved to reload his Hellgun, he replied simply, "Copy, Butcher Two. Will move in. Order three killteams to stay on the vehicle and coordinate--no, get to the car before our friends do. The rest of you fall back to the main column."

He then joined the fray, firing an angry red focused laser beam at a shifting presence in the bushes he presumed was Marcus. Or at least that's what it seemed to be, because that's where the fire came from and where the shots from his comrades were going as they fell back into the bush and opted to make a flanking move around where they thought he was--that was part of the plan, but whether Marcus would fall for the bait was the question. Either way, he wanted to ensure his men wouldn't be tied down by this crazed fool with dual wielded weapons. The killteams sent to dispose of the Rover and The Woman's guards would ensure that, hopefully.

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

The men who opted to keep following the Landi doggedly kept shooting at it, though to Marcus's credit even Kruger's leadership made the Freigauneren decide he was more of a challenge than the jeep.

Chris sighed, mumbling, "That's my line." He then opened fire on the pursuing men, one of whom lobbed another grenade at the Landi.

The man who had the bad luck of mounting a grenade launcher, was visibly about to reload it when he suddenly let out a cry of "Ach!" as two large rocks suddenly flew at his head, causing him to pause as his helmet took the damage. The disoriented man then, whilst stunned, was flung into a tree and disabled for now.

Chris turned, and saw Nick doing what looked like meditation of some sort. Something told him that whatever he was doing was important, for it gave th Germans pause--they seemed to be ducking into cover and squawking on their comms as they kept following the auto. And evidently, that was important enough too, for one of Du Plessis' Arm Slaves appeared out of the bush, and leveled its shotcannon at the poor jeep....

The Arbalest began to gain ground by leaping great distances through the air, crashing through and into the jungle canopy. He was about a couple leaps or two when AL began to alert Crimson. "Warning! Three enemy Arm Slaves approaching friendly vehicle."

"Shit!"

The three Savages began to close in with the jeep, still enacted with their ECS but still their foot stomps could still be heard. One of the Savages began to extend its arm towards the jeep attempting to rip off the roof. Although its fingers began to break through the rear window, suddenly a projectile hit it in the neck causing the Arm Slave to explode. It was Crimson who threw an AT dagger precisely at the Savage, with AL's targeting. Suddenly the Arbalest deactivated its ECS and pulled out its monomolecular cutter, and charged at the two Savages. Confused and hesitant about their comrade exploding so suddenly they turned to the charging Arm Slave about to point their weapons when one of them was cleaved in half by Crimson's cutter. The third Savage turned and fired at the Arbalest, to which it did a one hand flip and in turn performed a zig zag motion approximately five steps to dodge enemy fire. The cutter was then rammed into the main body of the Savage causing it to slump to the ground. The Arbalest stood and let out a torrent of steam and gases before jumping off into the jungle once again activating the ECS, taking out the shotcannon.

The Arbalest began to gain ground by leaping great distances through the air, crashing through and into the jungle canopy. He was about a couple leaps or two when AL began to alert Crimson. "Warning! Three enemy Arm Slaves approaching friendly vehicle."

"Shit!"

The three Savages began to close in with the jeep, still enacted with their ECS but still their foot stomps could still be heard. One of the Savages began to extend its arm towards the jeep attempting to rip off the roof. Although its fingers began to break through the rear window, suddenly a projectile hit it in the neck causing the Arm Slave to explode. It was Crimson who threw an AT dagger precisely at the Savage, with AL's targeting. Suddenly the Arbalest deactivated its ECS and pulled out its monomolecular cutter, and charged at the two Savages. Confused and hesitant about their comrade exploding so suddenly they turned to the charging Arm Slave about to point their weapons when one of them was cleaved in half by Crimson's cutter. The third Savage turned and fired at the Arbalest, to which it did a one hand flip and in turn performed a zig zag motion approximately five steps to dodge enemy fire. The cutter was then rammed into the main body of the Savage causing it to slump to the ground. The Arbalest stood and let out a torrent of steam and gases before jumping off into the jungle once again activating the ECS, taking out the shotcannon.

Chris ducked as the metal monstrosities began fighting for their lives inside. Nick did likewise, although his ducking was accompanied by the usual curses of "Fraking toasters." The expressions on both their faces told them that however much they seemed to feel about the robot rumble on the outside, on the inside they were very grateful for Crimson's intervention. Oddly enough, it was Nick who radioed a simple, "Thanks" to Crimson before getting back up.

Fuzzy said nothing as she gunned the engine and kept the car moving. However, the Germans, who had ducked into the bushes to stay out of the way of the titanic combat, moved to engage the auto once more. Chris immediately began firing out the window, and Nick resumed his attempts at an attack. However, the Germans were getting clever; one grabbed a vine and swung, making an imperfect landing onto the Landi as he grabbed awkwardly onto the frame.

"Shake this asshole off, Fuzzy!"

"Gotcha." She then immediately began jerking the car about, as the elf attempted to hold on for dear life, cursing them in German expletives.

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

Du Plessis grinned as he detected the Arm Slave enter, attack his men, and then disappear off his radar the next moment. Normally, such behavior gave men pause. But Du Plessis, in his vainglorious arrogance, always found a silver lining in this. He opted to move in on the location where the enemy AS last landed, skulking quickly in ECS mode with his dual lasguns.

Upon reaching the spot, he sprayed the area with shots in case he or she was still there, and issued a challenge.

"Come out, come out whoever you aaarreee!"

Running and dodging, Marcus kept moving so as to avoid giving an easy shot on the mercenaries. He found a log for some cover and took a moment to let his shotgun cool. Checking on the status of everything, Marcus noticed that his armor had taken more than a few glancing blows. Luckily, the shields and armor plating had absorbed most of the blows.

Back in control, Marcus unloaded rounds from his assault rifle until it overheated. Leaving the weapon there, he belly-crawled to a new location and took out his sniper rifle. He made sure to not disturb any of the brush as he moved so the rest of the Germans thought he was still in the same spot.

Once he was satisfied with his new vantage point, Marcus sighted the sniper in and took aim at the furthest mercenary from his position. Hopefully, it would keep them guessing as to where Marcus was. He steadied himself. Then squeezed the trigger.

Running and dodging, Marcus kept moving so as to avoid giving an easy shot on the mercenaries. He found a log for some cover and took a moment to let his shotgun cool. Checking on the status of everything, Marcus noticed that his armor had taken more than a few glancing blows. Luckily, the shields and armor plating had absorbed most of the blows.

Back in control, Marcus unloaded rounds from his assault rifle until it overheated. Leaving the weapon there, he belly-crawled to a new location and took out his sniper rifle. He made sure to not disturb any of the brush as he moved so the rest of the Germans thought he was still in the same spot.

Once he was satisfied with his new vantage point, Marcus sighted the sniper in and took aim at the furthest mercenary from his position. Hopefully, it would keep them guessing as to where Marcus was. He steadied himself. Then squeezed the trigger.

The Germans fell back from the retailiatory fire from the assault rifle, and fell back into cover. They weren't going to be wasteful with men now, and they didn't feel like having some wildman get the drop on them. Then, one of their own fell dead, his head ejecting efflua in a spectactular example of how money can't buy everything. At that point, Kruger then called his two snipers with the Farsights.

"Butcher Six and Butcher Four. Use your scopes to sense this bastard out. All units, keep falling back to column. Do not panic, keep the Code!"

At that, the two men, with their strange, bulbous rifles, painted a shade of green that covered an obvious sheen to them, leveled them and switched on the x-ray scopes their rifles were known for, along with the autotracking function. Taking shelter behind a tree and in some bush, they then began letting the sensors attempt to smoke out Marcus. They would wait until they found a contact that resembled him--Farsight ammo was expensive, and easily wasted.

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

The German, meanwhile, held on for dear life as he struggled to kick back Chris's attempts to use the butt of his rifle to knock him off. Then, frustrated the rifle wasn't giving him the satisfaction he wanted, he picked up the Black Maria and gave the interloper a good smack in his shins, causing some distress. He then whacked the interloper again and then fired, knocking the man off.

Chris then turned to ask Fuzzy, "Where we going?"

Fuzzy then said, quickly figuring out a destination, "There's a police station not but six klicks up ahead. They should be able to help us. They're here usually to pick up stranded adventurers and hikers who lost their way."

Nick sardonically commented, "We fit the stranded adventurers bit, don't we?"

Chris simply declared in reply, "Suppose that's the case now. Besides, we get the law to help us, we might come out of this alive yet..."

The ponderous sounds of Arm Slaves persuaded Fuzzy to say, "I take it that's a yes. Let's go!"

-----------

Du Plessis' men, meanwhile, were engaged in hunting Fuzzy down. But they did so with some trepidation now. Their leader had ordered them to hunt the Land Rover, but so far it had a guardian angel tracking it and preventing them from getting too close. Well, angels were angels, but even angels could be taken down. Just look at Milton's Paradise Lost.

At that musing, the guards elected to keep moving. Veldkornet De Klerk ordered, "Half of you lot keep after that damn car. The other half come with me. We kill that son of a bitch!"

At that, the forces divided, and the forces that elected to hunt Crimson began scouring the jungles...
----------

The Woman, meanwhile, sensed something was wrong. Her Germans were moving. Doubling back to their column. But why?

Then, she sniffed the air and raised her hand. Bringing the convoy to a stop, the main treasure hunter was about to ask what was wrong when The Woman put her free hand on his stomach, to stop him. Then, she closed her eyes, and breathed deep. Upon figuring it all out, she opened her eyes, glared at something and then cocked her M16. The plan was unraveling, her Germans were distracted, her South Africans cut down by their own arrogance, and her double agent having gone triple.

"Those useless...." She then shook her head, and said to the group, "Keep moving. We'll let our mercenary friends deal with our foes, whether they're good at it or not. The City is all that matters."

One of the guards of the convoy said, "Ma'am, there's a police station up ahead. Six kloms."

The Woman then mused, saying, "It's a likely destination for that fuzzball. Get there before our opponents do, and before our German friends think about getting us involved in their failure." She then motioend to the group and screamed, "GO!"

Crimson watched a Savage pass by on the primary display, observing its movements. The Savage began to look the other way, pointing its back towards the Arbalest. Crimson immediately moved in grabbing the arm yielding the Savage's weapon and quickly jabbed the mono-molecular cutter into the main body of the Arm Slave causing it to slump to the ground. The Arbalest then retreated into the darkness of the jungle maneuvering through hunting for the other Savages one by one.

Crimson watched a Savage pass by on the primary display, observing its movements. The Savage began to look the other way, pointing its back towards the Arbalest. Crimson immediately moved in grabbing the arm yielding the Savage's weapon and quickly jabbed the mono-molecular cutter into the main body of the Arm Slave causing it to slump to the ground. The Arbalest then retreated into the darkness of the jungle maneuvering through hunting for the other Savages one by one.

"Koevoet Four is down. Repeat, Koevoet Four is down!"

De Klerk sighed, ordering, "Keep on target. All units within distance of Koevoet Four, keep on alert, and stay together." It was then his boss, who had gotten onto some high ground, chimed in on the radio and rather angrily too.

"De Klerk, you bastard! What the fuck are you doing!? That shit has more targets to kill now! Get out and let me do the job!"

"Negative, Commandant. The situation has become too risky for you to engage the tango alone. We have more than enough to attack the van and the enemy Arm Slave."

"No, no no! Get out! I can handle this."

At that, he broadcast an all call to his forces, declaring, "Koevoet Squad, Hammer Squad, Rooivalk Squad, refocus assault on the Land Rover. That's an order! Don't do anything else! Whoever this pansy is, he's mine! Anybody thinks otherwise, they'll be dead!" Du Plessis then cut off the mike, and bounded across the jungle, ECS active and relying on tracker's instincts as best as he could, given that combat was between two giant robots in cloak.

With the conversation ended, De Klerk sighed and reoriented his men to the enemy Landi.

Al alerted Crimson that the Savages have moved out of the jungle and attempting to pursue the Land Rover as well as confirming that he was simultaneously updating Chris' PDA with the new information. The Arbalest began to sift through the jungle attempting to follow the Savages, taking out his cutter.

"Warning! Two enemy Arm Slaves detected. 100 meters at 9-0 and 9-5.

The Savages didn't seem to notice Crimson moving behind them, due to the relative silent motion of the Arm Slave's advanced muscle packages. Charging towards the first one nearest him he jabbed the cutter through the neck into the cockpit area, killing the pilot instantly causing the Savage to slump to the ground. Before the second Savage could react, the Arbalest rushed over and cleaved off the weapon yielding arm, then jabbed the cutter through the back rupturing the gas turbine engine. The Arbalest soon jumped away as the fuel in the Savage began to ignite exploding into a massive inferno clearing some of the forest.

Al alerted Crimson that the Savages have moved out of the jungle and attempting to pursue the Land Rover as well as confirming that he was simultaneously updating Chris' PDA with the new information. The Arbalest began to sift through the jungle attempting to follow the Savages, taking out his cutter.

"Warning! Two enemy Arm Slaves detected. 100 meters at 9-0 and 9-5.

The Savages didn't seem to notice Crimson moving behind them, due to the relative silent motion of the Arm Slave's advanced muscle packages. Charging towards the first one nearest him he jabbed the cutter through the neck into the cockpit area, killing the pilot instantly causing the Savage to slump to the ground. Before the second Savage could react, the Arbalest rushed over and cleaved off the weapon yielding arm, then jabbed the cutter through the back rupturing the gas turbine engine. The Arbalest soon jumped away as the fuel in the Savage began to ignite exploding into a massive inferno clearing some of the forest.

At this point, the South Africans were becoming both frustrated, and scared. They had never faced an opponent like this. One that could see through their systems like they were toys, could dance and manuever like a ballerina, and kill like the Grim Reaper himself. It was one thing to fight in the bush; it was quite another to fight blind.

Du Plessis noticed this, and contemplated his next course of action. He knew that those Germans were out looking for their latest target, and likely busy with all that jazz about "The Code" and honor. It pissed him off, frankly. Just another example of uitlanders pissing on one another and calling it rain. Well, as much as it pleased him to throw his reluctant allies into the meatgrinder, he held off. Although he had heard rumors that two of their men possessed Farsight sniper rifles. That made Du Plessis happy. Those scopes would be able to give him the edge he needed to smoke this shit out, and score a kill.

Reluctantly, he called Kruger and asked, "Can you spare two men with Farsight rifles?"

A pause.

"Nein. We have our own troubles to deal with. Like a madman who won't die."

Du Plessis snapped and said, "Fuck you! We have a mad robot! A robot! What are you doing with your interloper, having tea with him!? Kill him already!"

Kruger replied, from cover, "This one is a difficult quarry." Snappily, he replied, "And frankly, I wouldn't talk Mr. Musclebrains."

Du Plessis gritted his teeth, and sighed. "Real original insult. Kids' show, right?" He then decided to try bargaining with Kruger, if only to make this charade stop. "Anyway, I'm willing to help you out, since I'm a little busy to be playing this pissing contest. I send one of my men to help you, you send a sniper. Deal?"

"Frankly, I don't know how good this deal is."

"You got five seconds."

Kruger relented and said, "Fine, fine. Don't expect me to be surprised."

At that, Du Plessis screamed at one of his men. "Hammer Six. Reroute to following coordinates. Provide support as Kommandant Kruger instructs. Do not fail him. I need one of his men to sniff out our quarry."

With a simple, "Roger," the Savage began moving at high speed to the location of the Germans. Meanwhile, from the German lines, one of the Farsight snipers began skulking away from his position, angry at having to be diverted from a good hunt to satisfy some maniac's whim. Quietly, he skulked through the jungle, moving as quickly as possible.

A brief reprieve is all they had, as Nick jostled with Chris and Fuzzy. It was a brief moment of peace, one that was bought hard, as Marcus ran through the jungle doing his impression of Rambo, and Crimson was dancing the night away with the metal frakkers.

Nick leaned back and smiled, as he watched the interaction between Chris and the furball. It seemed refreshing, as he watched the two interact. He watched them even under these stressful situation, work together, and still act somewhat playfully. It reminded him of himself and Blue.

“How much further?” Nick asked as he looked out the window, scanning the area for more enemies.

Then as the response came, Nick felt it, another ambush coming towards the Landi. He could see the fear of the people rising like a fog, feel their heart beats, taste their anticipation. “We got more company.” Nick spoke up. Raising his pistol towards the window, he was about to take aim, until he felt more of the bastards up ahead.

“We got a lot more.” He said to Chris as he took his free hand and pointed to a near still area in the jungle. “Over there.” he told his partner.

Turning his attention back to the people on the right, he knew he did not have a clear shot. Not yet anyway.

Nick took a deep breath, “I hate this shit.” he said as he took his free hand and reached out to the small group trying to flank the Landi. He reached around them, with the tricks learned from Lord Rahl. He held four of them in the palm of his hand, and with a swift motion of his hand threw them as high in the air as he could.

As the men began their impression of superman, Nick dropped his pistol. With his now other free hand, he pushed against the newly air born group, as hard as he could. All he could do was hope that his attack would incapacitate, or kill the group to the left, as Chris held out on the right.

Marcus continued to belly crawl through the mud and the muck until he found another suitable spot for sniping. Finally crawling under a log, Marcus dialed his scope in and took another aim at one more German. The Ranger focused in on the next furthest mercenary then let loose one more shot at the head.

Luckily with the new weapons, there was no muzzle flash or trace of smoke. Marcus detached the helmet piece of his armor suit and set it down in dirt underneath the log he was holed up in. Putting the rifle down next to the helmet, Marcus was hoping to confuse anyone trying to find him with the little decoy.

His little trick set up, he began crawling back to where he had left his rifle. There was one last trick to play.

As the men began their impression of superman, Nick dropped his pistol. With his now other free hand, he pushed against the newly air born group, as hard as he could. All he could do was hope that his attack would incapacitate, or kill the group to the left, as Chris held out on the right.

The results were catastrophic for the rest of the Germans who were chasing the Landi; it had become obvious that without the rest of their group to back them they were in danger of being cut apart without benefit of reinforcement. The Germans on the left were scattered by Nick's sudden Force Push. They were dashed against the side of the trail and knocked unconcious or dead, kicking them out of the fight as they regrouped.

The remainder on the right were sprayed by Chris's rifle, and eventually Nick's move changed many of their minds. They broke off contact and opted to enter into cover. Being peppered with ammunition from Chris, he tagged a couple in the legs and forced them to break to the right side of the trail. Letting the gun cool for a bit, he then saw Nick do his mojo again, and the men on the right flew to their objective much more quickly--although they did so by slamming into the trees after being lifted into the air, like thier comrades to the left. Though they didn't die instantly like their friends, it was clear they would be just as unable to fight.

Eventually, with the situation calm, Fuzzy asked "Chris, they off us?"

Nick replied, "Off us well enough."

Fuzzy nodded, and kept driving onwards to the station.

Marcus continued to belly crawl through the mud and the muck until he found another suitable spot for sniping. Finally crawling under a log, Marcus dialed his scope in and took another aim at one more German. The Ranger focused in on the next furthest mercenary then let loose one more shot at the head.

Luckily with the new weapons, there was no muzzle flash or trace of smoke. Marcus detached the helmet piece of his armor suit and set it down in dirt underneath the log he was holed up in. Putting the rifle down next to the helmet, Marcus was hoping to confuse anyone trying to find him with the little decoy.

His little trick set up, he began crawling back to where he had left his rifle. There was one last trick to play.

The mercenary was taken down quickly, collapsing as did people did when they got shot in the head. However, Kruger did not react this time. He opted for paitence, instead merely instructing his men to stay down and lower their profiles. Kruger then waited, holding his weapon and pausing. He sniffed the air, that typically Dornalian trait of searching.

One of his men saw Marcus' helmet and assault rifle, and then reported, "Kommandant. Tango has exposed himself. Order?"

Kruger then looked at the scene with his sniperscope, and then zoomed it in. He then shook his head, and reported. "It's too easy. He has exposed himself. Fire a test shot."

At that, the Mercenary leveled his Tau Pulse Rifle, painted green, and then opened fire at the spot.

The Arbalest caught another Savage by surprise as they continued to move through the forest. He hid behind a rather large tree, as one of the Savages ran by. A split second later it could be seen that his cutter was driven through the main body of the Savage and out through the back. Crimson jumped away once more as fuel ignited into another fireball in the jungle.

"Enemy Arm Slaves are retreating. One heading North by Northwest, remaining Arm Slaves are continuing pursuit of friendly vehicle to the north."

"I wonder whats up? Send out the information to Chris."

"Affirmative, information is sent in real time."

"Alright. Now we--" suddenly a bright red laser flew nearby almost singing the armor and damaging the ECS oscillating laser screener. The Arbalest immediately jumped back. Crimson tried to assess what the hell just happened.

" detected, approximately one kilometer away."

"Hmm," Crimson jumped the Arbalest into the air towards the position.

The Arbalest caught another Savage by surprise as they continued to move through the forest. He hid behind a rather large tree, as one of the Savages ran by. A split second later it could be seen that his cutter was driven through the main body of the Savage and out through the back. Crimson jumped away once more as fuel ignited into another fireball in the jungle.

"Enemy Arm Slaves are retreating. One heading North by Northwest, remaining Arm Slaves are continuing pursuit of friendly vehicle to the north."

"I wonder whats up? Send out the information to Chris."

"Affirmative, information is sent in real time."

"Alright. Now we--" suddenly a bright red laser flew nearby almost singing the armor and damaging the ECS oscillating laser screener. The Arbalest immediately jumped back. Crimson tried to assess what the hell just happened.

" detected, approximately one kilometer away."

"Hmm," Crimson jumped the Arbalest into the air towards the position.

Chris recieved the information, and nodded frustratingly. Unlike the last time, he was used to the unfortunate news that involved large numbers of enemy forces chasing their party. Shrugging, he informed Fuzzy, "Fuzz, they're sending more robots our way. Any way we can go faster?"

Fuzzy muttered angrily, "Unless you want to be pissing blood because your kidneys were shaken to hell, then no. I'm going as fast as I can on this trail. Besides, we're making good time."

----------

The Sniper, meanwhile, pumped his fist successfully. It seemed that his Energy Scope had worked, and was able to get enough of a peep on the enemy to allow a shot from the South Africans to aim home. It seemed Fortune favored him. However, Fortune was fickle, and it seemed to be turning against him because the enemy was closing him on him, naked as daylight. The sniper moved to duck into cover, and tried to run.

It was with that Du Plessis's Venom detected Crimson, now without benefit of ECS, and laughed manically, moving to close on the Arbalest. As he bounded and leapfrogged close, he broadcast to Crimson, "Welcome to the jungle, uitlander!" as he unleashed a torrent of lasfire upon Crimson's trail, laughing angrily and with glee.

Crimson immediately dodged and reacted by throwing an AT dagger at the venom. As he performed a zigzag motion through the trees, and by chance spotted the sniper, running for dear life for cover. He jumped through the canopy into the air, while avoiding lasgun fire and began to renter stopping in front of the sniper, who knocked down on his ass, his sniper rifle flung from him. Crimson saw the sniper cringing as he stood before him, as he held out his manipulator and tazed the man. Crimson noticed that his position was being compromised and immediately took off, crushing the sniper rifle with the Arbalest's foot as he took off.

Crimson immediately dodged and reacted by throwing an AT dagger at the venom. As he performed a zigzag motion through the trees, and by chance spotted the sniper, running for dear life for cover. He jumped through the canopy into the air, while avoiding lasgun fire and began to renter stopping in front of the sniper, who knocked down on his ass, his sniper rifle flung from him. Crimson saw the sniper cringing as he stood before him, as he held out his manipulator and tazed the man. Crimson noticed that his position was being compromised and immediately took off, crushing the sniper rifle with the Arbalest's foot as he took off.

Du Plessis winced as he saw the sniper taken down. No matter, the quarry couldn't hide. Even as he ducked to the side to avoid the AT Dagger, he kept following his foe's tracks. The Venom's manueverability made him smile, for he enjoyed the fact it was so agile, thus enabling him to keep up. He called out on the comms, "Oh, uuuiiiittlaaaanddeer! Where are you!?" Slipping into a happy, jocular tone and then exploding in anger, "I won't hurt you....much! COME OUT!"

He then dashed further into the jungle, ignoring the fact he nearly killed the sniper by dashing over him. As he saw Crimson, he opened fire with both barrels blazing.

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

The Landi eventually seems to move clearly now, through the trail that becomes now less windy and more traversable. The road looks more traveled here, and Fuzzy says, "Station's ahead....can't be too much longer now." In the distance, a building appeared, with signs in a strange local script and in English, reading, "Post #4. Aghalian Territorial Rangers."

Chris looked out at the sign and asked, "Local authorities?"

"Must be," Fuzzy said. She then pulled into the station's parking lot and parked the auto. Nick and Chris got out, with Erich. Fuzzy ran inside, and found a simple bureaucrat in khaki.

"Yeah? What you want?" asked the ranger in a Canadian accent.

"We're being chased. Some sort of crazies with guns. We were on a hike, and then, we were attacked!" Fuzzy said urgently, bluffing a story.

"Poachers, eh?" The policeman leaned back and said with concern, "Well, that's a problem. We're here to prevent poachers. Mind if you help us?"

"Well, don't you have guns, or men with guns?" Chris asked. "We need them, like, now."

"Well, we're but one Ranger station. We can't do everything." the Bureaucratic Cop said. "Besides, we do things different than in Dornalia, boys. We don't shoot our way out of situations, we talk them out, eh? No need to get violent now. Let's have a description, then we go."

"Okay....um..."

Fuzzy began giving a description of the Germans as well as the other forces she knew about. The man wrote the story down, nodding. Fuzzy then turned to Chris and Nick and told them, "You boys better wait."

"No, no, they stay here. You can rest in the seats, but I have to call you up." The man seemed very insistent on having them there. Chris and Nick then sighed, as he began peppering the group with all sorts of questions. It took all of their wills to prevent the group from flipping out at their would be jailer.

---------

The Woman, meanwhile, sensed something up ahead at that Ranger station. It was a familiar presence. She then winced--it was the enemy!

Forcemessaging the others, she said simply, "The defilers are in the station. And we are still some time away from it. Can we pick up the pace?"

One of the other elites replied, "Aye, ma'am. It involves unloading some of the equipment. But what to unload?"

The Woman looked at the group in front of her. She then proceeded to go, "eeny meeny miney mo..." as they walked. Eventually, she picked a hapless native and a hapless worker both overloaded with what looked like spare useless items, and then used her powers to make them fight one another, angrily getting into a dispute and falling out of the column into the bush to the tune of shots. She then said, "Right. Let's go!" They then picked up the pace, the workers and natives nervous.

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

As Chris and Nick sighed, a shot rang out, zipping through the window and missing the Territorial Ranger's head. It was on...

The Landi eventually seems to move clearly now, through the trail that becomes now less windy and more traversable. The road looks more traveled here, and Fuzzy says, "Station's ahead....can't be too much longer now." In the distance, a building appeared, with signs in a strange local script and in English, reading, "Post #4. Aghalian Territorial Rangers."

Chris looked out at the sign and asked, "Local authorities?"

"Must be," Fuzzy said. She then pulled into the station's parking lot and parked the auto. Nick and Chris got out, with Erich. Fuzzy ran inside, and found a simple bureaucrat in khaki.

"Yeah? What you want?" asked the ranger in a Canadian accent.

"We're being chased. Some sort of crazies with guns. We were on a hike, and then, we were attacked!" Fuzzy said urgently, bluffing a story.

"Poachers, eh?" The policeman leaned back and said with concern, "Well, that's a problem. We're here to prevent poachers. Mind if you help us?"

"Well, don't you have guns, or men with guns?" Chris asked. "We need them, like, now."

"Well, we're but one Ranger station. We can't do everything." the Bureaucratic Cop said. "Besides, we do things different than in Dornalia, boys. We don't shoot our way out of situations, we talk them out, eh? No need to get violent now. Let's have a description, then we go."

"Okay....um..."

Fuzzy began giving a description of the Germans as well as the other forces she knew about. The man wrote the story down, nodding. Fuzzy then turned to Chris and Nick and told them, "You boys better wait."

"No, no, they stay here. You can rest in the seats, but I have to call you up." The man seemed very insistent on having them there. Chris and Nick then sighed, as he began peppering the group with all sorts of questions. It took all of their wills to prevent the group from flipping out at their would be jailer.

As Chris and Nick sighed, a shot rang out, zipping through the window and missing the Territorial Ranger's head. It was on...

It was hard for Nick not to break out laughing, as Fuzzy told her fantastic tale. Nick looked down at himself, and at his bud Chris, both decked out in Ranger gear, carrying all sorts of weapons, and yet “They were hikers.”

It became worse when the Park Rangers suddenly seemed to believe the story. Nick leaned closer to Chris, “You sure these are the same people as us? I mean shouldn’t Captain Obvious be flying in to save the day right about now?”

Then he listened in some more, as the Park Rangers, and their acute senses and keen minds began to go to work. It took everything the boy had not to express outrage, when the best and brightest of the park services came to the conclusion of Poachers.

Nick shook his head, as he walked up to the man who seemed to be in charge. “Are you a frakking idiot?” Nick asked him in all seriousness. “Poachers? Poachers? How often do you have poachers come in to the woods in glorified can openers with machine guns. What do you think they are that bad of shots? Oh let me guess, the men in the robot suits are really peaceful and mistook us for a deer. Damn it Kibbles next time paint the roof of the Landi Orange.”

He turned around, as he put his hand to his mouth. Slowly he turned around and looked at the park rangers, “Listen alright, we got a ton of bad guys, with a ton of ammo coming at us soon. Maybe you are right and they are hunting Godzilla, or Mothera, but right now they are PMSing at us. Now if you want to go have a nice chat with them, by all means go on. Otherwise get the hell out of our way, or grab a gun and do something useful.” Nick ordered the Rangers in the station.

As he finished his long rant at the peacenick brigade in front of him, a shot rang out, buzzing past his ear. Nick ducked down, and pulled out his pistol. Taking a deep breath, he scanned the horizon of the jungle looking for the shooter. Turning to the park ranger, Nick said sarcastically, “Well go on. Go talk to them all peaceful like. We will wait here.”

It became worse when the Park Rangers suddenly seemed to believe the story. Nick leaned closer to Chris, “You sure these are the same people as us? I mean shouldn’t Captain Obvious be flying in to save the day right about now?"

As he finished his long rant at the peacenick brigade in front of him, a shot rang out, buzzing past his ear. Nick ducked down, and pulled out his pistol. Taking a deep breath, he scanned the horizon of the jungle looking for the shooter. Turning to the park ranger, Nick said sarcastically, “Well go on. Go talk to them all peaceful like. We will wait here.”

It was at that moment that Voeker and Westheimer laughed at Nick's question, Voeker declaring, "Well, they are."

At that moment, Chris turned and said, "The hell did you come from!? Don't scare me like that....jesus! We're under fire and you guys show up!" Leveling his rifle, he gulped as he saw the familiar presence of the Doctors, the woman and the short nervous man.

Westheimer said, "Well....we were going to get into that car....and we did. But I guess you guys didn't notice us, as we all kinda got stuffed into the trunk there--no room up front, we kinda hid--we're used to doing that. We almost hitched a ride with that ship of yours....."

"...do all your courier missions end up this way?" He asked the last bit with a sigh and a shake of his head.

"No, I just happened to encounter an old flame," Chris replied with a sigh, not eager to be judged.

"Figures. Good thing I'm a virgin," Westheimer said. "I find it helps protect my precious bodily fluids."

At that, Chris and Voeker stared at him oddly, and then shoved him down as another wave of fire hit the station. Chris then said to them, "Stay here." Turning to the Park Ranger, he said, "And make yourself useful."

The Park Ranger nodded, pulling a fresh Cadian Lasgun from the rack, saying, "I hope I still know how to use this" with a nervousness that was not reassuring. Chris, meanwhile, walked up to the radio the Park Ranger had and began working it, asking Voeker and Westheimer, "Any of you two know how to work a set?"

Westheimer replied, "I know something about radio and communications devices, I was in my school's Ham Radio Club."

"Good enough, let's go!"

As Chris and Westheimer began working the Park Ranger's radio set, the Park Ranger began firing rather awkwardly into the bush, returning another spray of bullets. And, sure enough, two more Park Rangers ran out with Lasguns, kicking over a table and tossing another to Dr. Voeker, who actually seemed somewhat handy with a weapon so far, considering that time in the café.

Then, the fire stopped, and then....

*fwip**fwip*

from the bushes. And what looked like...dancing?

Nick laid down, silent as the two professors decided to come out of hiding. Laying low, Nick continued to look out to the jungle, as Chris handled the What the frak moment. Nick tried to stay silent and let his cop flesh out the details of their miraculous appearance until he heard something strange, something of mythical per portions.

Figures. Good thing I'm a virgin," Westheimer said. "I find it helps protect my precious bodily fluids."

Nick shook his head and looked at the old fat professor like he was some sort of freak. “Really?” he asked astonished. “You mean you never.... wow, I thought you guys were like Unicorns, or dragons.” He said in disbelief. “I mean how is that possible, haven’t you heard of Vegas, or the Temple of Aphrodite.” Nick asked in earnest to the poor professors affliction.

“I mean do you have plumbing problems or something, cause I mean if I had an assistant like yours, you know I mean damn, I would have to get that clog fixed.” Nick told the professor. “I mean she is hot. How come you have not made a pass or something?”

Then more shots came out, and Chris began to save the good doctor from the Colonial onslaught about his condition. Nick turned back around, still laying on the ground, but close to the table barricade. He peered out, scanning the jungle til he saw some figures in the bushes looking like they are dancing.

He narrowed his eyes and watched the pair. “Isn’t this just great. We are about to be shot by the Pixie Parade.” He held his pistol at the targets and waited for who or whatever it was to show themselves a bit more clearly. He gripped his pistol and held the pair in sight. He took a deep breath, as his index finger caressed the trigger...

He narrowed his eyes and watched the pair. “Isn’t this just great. We are about to be shot by the Pixie Parade.” He held his pistol at the targets and waited for who or whatever it was to show themselves a bit more clearly. He gripped his pistol and held the pair in sight. He took a deep breath, as his index finger caressed the trigger...

The jokes aside, the situation turned deadly when the "Pixies" decided to make themselves known. Emerging from the jungle in a series of kung-fu style somersaults, they lept out of the jungle and landed on their feet, whipping out....M16s.

The Park Rangers giggled nervously. Yeah, these chicks were scary, but to use those!? No way they thought they could break an enemy with superior firepower....right? Voeker, however, knew differently, and ducked, spraying and praying as she opened up on them. The Pixies immediately replied by performing cartwheels, high jumps, twirls, and all sorts of skills into and out of cover, teasing the Park Rangers as their expressions turned to those of fear....

Chris and Westheimer, meanwhile, finagled the radio just enough to pick up Crimson and Marcus' frequencies and send out a morse code version of the message they were about to send. They then sent out the following message using Chris's PDA to Marcus and Crimson.

"This is Chris, reporting from Territorial Ranger Station #4. I'd use my comms, but this should be easy to track. See if you can finish up on your end and rendezvous here, over. We're under siege."

The mercenary was taken down quickly, collapsing as did people did when they got shot in the head. However, Kruger did not react this time. He opted for paitence, instead merely instructing his men to stay down and lower their profiles. Kruger then waited, holding his weapon and pausing. He sniffed the air, that typically Dornalian trait of searching.

One of his men saw Marcus' helmet and assault rifle, and then reported, "Kommandant. Tango has exposed himself. Order?"

Kruger then looked at the scene with his sniperscope, and then zoomed it in. He then shook his head, and reported. "It's too easy. He has exposed himself. Fire a test shot."

At that, the Mercenary leveled his Tau Pulse Rifle, painted green, and then opened fire at the spot.

Marcus was convinced that they mercenaries had bought the bait but it didn't matter much. He couldn't stay in one place for too long or else they would eventually find him and kill him. As long as he had their attention focused elsewhere, Marcus could keep up the harassment.

When the sniper let loose of a powerful blast, Marcus' agenda changed. The sniper had to be taken out quickly. The Ranger had cover in his position with plenty of built up earth acting as a mini fox hole. He crawled down a little ways and placed two charges facing in towards each other at an angle. Marcus removed the locking pin from each charge and tied a shoe string to each pull pin.

Marcus moved a little brush to cover up the charges for his anti-personnel mine. Crawling back up to his makeshift fortification, the Ranger pulled out a grenade and altered the ammunition in his assault rifle. He toned the power and went for speed of firing. He was going to need a lot of bullets filling the air to win this fight.

Once everything was fixed, Marcus launched his attack. He pushed down on the top of the grenade and threw it into the largest cluster of mercenaries. Grabbing his assault rifle, he fired a hail of bullets towards the sniper that fired on his helmet earlier.

"Come on you bastards! I got plenty for you!"

Marcus was convinced that they mercenaries had bought the bait but it didn't matter much. He couldn't stay in one place for too long or else they would eventually find him and kill him. As long as he had their attention focused elsewhere, Marcus could keep up the harassment.

When the sniper let loose of a powerful blast, Marcus' agenda changed. The sniper had to be taken out quickly. The Ranger had cover in his position with plenty of built up earth acting as a mini fox hole. He crawled down a little ways and placed two charges facing in towards each other at an angle. Marcus removed the locking pin from each charge and tied a shoe string to each pull pin.

Marcus moved a little brush to cover up the charges for his anti-personnel mine. Crawling back up to his makeshift fortification, the Ranger pulled out a grenade and altered the ammunition in his assault rifle. He toned the power and went for speed of firing. He was going to need a lot of bullets filling the air to win this fight.

Once everything was fixed, Marcus launched his attack. He pushed down on the top of the grenade and threw it into the largest cluster of mercenaries. Grabbing his assault rifle, he fired a hail of bullets towards the sniper that fired on his helmet earlier.

"Come on you bastards! I got plenty for you!"

The grenade caused the Mercenaries to scatter, as the sniper he shot at was taken out as he attempted to flee before the explosion hit. The grenade did its job, damaging several mercenaries in the legs and causing no small amount of grief in the rest of the ranks.

However, there was plenty of fight left in the Elves. Kruger came out of cover, firing at Marcus and proclaiming as he cocked his rifle, "As do we, Herr Ranger!" On cue, the Germans leveled their rifles and returned fire, adding a hail of bullets to the air as they attempted one last time to stop this madman, rushing out of the bush and towards the man who gave them so much grief. THe men with Lancers revved their chainsaw bayonets, the men with grenade launchers loaded them, and those who were almost out of ammo for their rifles came with Dual Pistols.

The Arbalest dodged yet another blast from the enemy lasgun quickly sidestepping through the forest returning fire with his shotcannon every time it stepped to the side. Still the onslaught began to rain down on him almost missing one of the legs. Crimson sighed with relief momentarily, if it had hit him there he was screwed. Al began alarming Crimson to a message in morse code and translated it for him:


"This is Chris, reporting from Territorial Ranger Station #4. I'd use my comms, but this should be easy to track. See if you can finish up on your end and rendezvous here, over. We're under siege."

Crimson dodged another blast, before cursing and jumping through the canopy and into the air towards the ranger station shown on his map. He landed a few hundred meters away and continued to hop until he reached his destination and assist his comrades.

The Arbalest dodged yet another blast from the enemy lasgun quickly sidestepping through the forest returning fire with his shotcannon every time it stepped to the side. Still the onslaught began to rain down on him almost missing one of the legs. Crimson sighed with relief momentarily, if it had hit him there he was screwed. Al began alarming Crimson to a message in morse code and translated it for him:



Crimson dodged another blast, before cursing and jumping through the canopy and into the air towards the ranger station shown on his map. He landed a few hundred meters away and continued to hop until he reached his destination and assist his comrades.

Du Plessis gritted his teeth, and muttered, "You won't escape!" as he lept after Crimson. His Lasguns opened up as he flew in the air at the enemy mecha, and then he landed, dashing at Crimson towards what looked like a clearing. What was this place?

Then, the morse code. It had to be something important!

He smiled. He would beat his German friend, if his hunch was right, to the prize...

The jokes aside, the situation turned deadly when the "Pixies" decided to make themselves known. Emerging from the jungle in a series of kung-fu style somersaults, they lept out of the jungle and landed on their feet, whipping out....M16s.

The Park Rangers giggled nervously. Yeah, these chicks were scary, but to use those!? No way they thought they could break an enemy with superior firepower....right? Voeker, however, knew differently, and ducked, spraying and praying as she opened up on them. The Pixies immediately replied by performing cartwheels, high jumps, twirls, and all sorts of skills into and out of cover, teasing the Park Rangers as their expressions turned to those of fear....

Chris and Westheimer, meanwhile, finagled the radio just enough to pick up Crimson and Marcus' frequencies and send out a morse code version of the message they were about to send. They then sent out the following message using Chris's PDA to Marcus and Crimson.

"This is Chris, reporting from Territorial Ranger Station #4. I'd use my comms, but this should be easy to track. See if you can finish up on your end and rendezvous here, over. We're under siege."

And the pixies came out of the woods. Their form was beautiful like synchronized dancers, their movements flowed like a river, calm, yet with a under tow that threatened any who dared to swim. Nick watched their beauty as they danced in the sky, bouncing like deer, looking for revenge against the hunters who shot their herd.

Nick stayed low, as a hunter is prone to do, when the prey is about. As he gazed at them, and the beauty and art they inspired in their craft of death, he knew he had to lay waste to them.

Nick shook his head, “Damn, I hate having to shoot the hot ones.” he said to himself, as he aimed his pistol towards one. As he got one in his sights, as the bullets whizzed past him, he knew he had to take his shot. Carefully he lined one up in his sites. As he was about to pull the trigger, the pixie darted away from his lead.

“Damn it woman.” he thought to himself, “The man is supposed to lead.” He took aim at another, and soon found it just as hard to keep track of just one. She bounced like a gazelle, with the grace and beauty of a ballerina, and the precision of a sniper. Nick shook his head, as he smiled under his helmet. “Alright skanks.” he muttered to himself. “If this is the way you wanna play.” He popped a switch on his pistol, and set it for auto fire. Gently he raised it in the direction of one of the rockettes, and fired until his pistol over heated. Spraying as many bullets in the air as he could, he only hoped that he knocked this angel of death to the ground.

And the pixies came out of the woods. Their form was beautiful like synchronized dancers, their movements flowed like a river, calm, yet with a under tow that threatened any who dared to swim. Nick watched their beauty as they danced in the sky, bouncing like deer, looking for revenge against the hunters who shot their herd.

Nick stayed low, as a hunter is prone to do, when the prey is about. As he gazed at them, and the beauty and art they inspired in their craft of death, he knew he had to lay waste to them.

Nick shook his head, “Damn, I hate having to shoot the hot ones.” he said to himself, as he aimed his pistol towards one. As he got one in his sights, as the bullets whizzed past him, he knew he had to take his shot. Carefully he lined one up in his sites. As he was about to pull the trigger, the pixie darted away from his lead.

“Damn it woman.” he thought to himself, “The man is supposed to lead.” He took aim at another, and soon found it just as hard to keep track of just one. She bounced like a gazelle, with the grace and beauty of a ballerina, and the precision of a sniper. Nick shook his head, as he smiled under his helmet. “Alright skanks.” he muttered to himself. “If this is the way you wanna play.” He popped a switch on his pistol, and set it for auto fire. Gently he raised it in the direction of one of the rockettes, and fired until his pistol over heated. Spraying as many bullets in the air as he could, he only hoped that he knocked this angel of death to the ground.

The woman was hit several times, but took it surprisingly gracefully, landing on her two feet. Eyeing Nick, she gave him a Sarah Palinesque wink and then lept back into the woods. Then, two others charged forward, smiling and Forcemessaging Nick with a simple, "Hello, big boy. Let's do the messaround!" Oddly enough, that simple message was delivered with an unusually alluring message...

Then, one lept onto the other's back, and then somersaulted off, closing distance with Nick as she sprayed his position with bullets, her second doing the same.

The Park Rangers got their own assault, in the form of a rapid zigzag directed at the station's entrance accompanied by assault rifle fire. Whoever the Pixies were, they had prior military training and clearly knew what they were doing. Voeker fired back, even after one of the Park Rangers became injured.

Then, the ante was upped. Another threw a bolt of Force Lightning in her assault, and Fuzzy sighed as she fired her .45 at the offender. They had really upped the ante.

The gunshots rained, as the dancers danced, and all Nick could do was watch in awe as his drive by, did little to nothing to the one that he had hit. If he had time to even breathe, he might have come up with something witty, but now was not the time.

The hybrid soon found that his move had drawn all sorts of attention, as he received another text message from the assailants. “Damn, if you wanted it rough, you should at least take me out for dinner and maybe a movie.” Nick replied back to the twins, as one came down towards him, spraying the area with bullets.

As the hybrid replied, he ran, as fast as he could, around the corner. As he ran, as fast as his half cylon body could move, he was chased by the poping noise, and dirt shoots of the bullets behind him. Ducking around the corner, he took a deep breath. Reaching behind him, he pulled out his trusty Picon 5, at least until his Rangers pistol had enough time to cool down.

He waited a moment, as he watched and waited. It would not take long for the hybrid to catch sight of one of the pixies floating through the air. Then he caught sight of the woman throwing lightning. “Mother frakker.” he exclaimed internally. “Alright hoes. It is on.” he said to himself. He reached out towards the one that tossed lighting at Fuzzy/Kibbles. He could feel the Pixie, her body was wrapped in his essence. Normally this might be a turn on to Nick but not now.

Gently he wrapped his invisible hand around her body. With a squeeze, he began to try to shatter her bones, rip her muscles, of the wanna be Zeus. With his other hand he reached around another Pixie in mid air. With a strong pull, he wrapped himself around her, and tried to slam her body on the ground as hard as he possibly could.

On the second jump Crimson barely got hit by a couple of lasgun blasts until one actually scored a hit on the left leg, incinerating the muscle packages. As the Arbalest came down on the good leg it began to collapse to the floor. Crimson cursed out as AL gave him the diagnostics, the right leg had suffered some damage as well during the landing. Doing some quick thinking he took out the AS grenade he had left and planted it somewhere disguising it with a some vegetation before crawling towards the middle of the clearing with the two working arms, dragging the useless legs across the dirt.

"AL power up the TBS."

"Roger."

He waited for the enemy to come, hoping this plan would work.

On the second jump Crimson barely got hit by a couple of lasgun blasts until one actually scored a hit on the left leg, incinerating the muscle packages. As the Arbalest came down on the good leg it began to collapse to the floor. Crimson cursed out as AL gave him the diagnostics, the right leg had suffered some damage as well during the landing. Doing some quick thinking he took out the AS grenade he had left and planted it somewhere disguising it with a some vegetation before crawling towards the middle of the clearing with the two working arms, dragging the useless legs across the dirt.

"AL power up the TBS."

"Roger."

He waited for the enemy to come, hoping this plan would work.

Du Plessis smiled. He knew his shots had hit home, and thus he began to bound closer to his enemy, opening up on him with all the shots in his magazine. Usually, he was taught not to waste so many rounds, but Du Plessis' reckless nature and the fact he was eager to try and do as much harm to Crimson as possible made it so he ended up firing at full bore.

Of course, recklessness ensured he didn't see the trap....

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

The Pixie he grabbed and tried to slam into the ground flew into the ground as such, surviving only by dint of attempting to struggle with the grip. Both of them did, but only the one who was being subjected to Force Crush had any success--the pressure told her this was bad news. Thus, she began using her own powers to try and resist the squeezing grip, imagining an inflating airbag expanding out as a cushion of sorts to counteract the strangling effects. Still, both would be busy for a bit trying to resist.

Fuzzy muttered, "Thanks, Nicky." She then shot at another, leading her shots as the Pixie danced, then was duly thrown by a stray shot from one of Du Plessis' oversized Lasguns into the path of Fuzzy's fire, taking several torso shots. Fuzzy then smiled, took the bleeding woman's M16 and her magazines, and said, "Thanks," before running and gunning at several more, who danced and moved as usual. One of the Park Rangers wasn't so lucky, though--he suffered a headwound, delivered at dramatically close range by one who lept in close, opened fire, and then lept back.

Indeed, the Boer madman's shots were beginning to really interfere with the situation--so much, that the Woman, if she survived this, swore she would kill Du Plessis herself for getting in the way.

"Just a little closer," Crimson said as a few shots missed him, barely grazing the Arm Slave. "Perfect!" Crimson smirked noticing that Du Plessis had fell for the trap.

"Activate TBS."

"Roger Temporal Burst Shield online."

To Du Plessis it would seem a large bubble had encompassed the severely damaged Arbalest, absorbing his fire. Then a split second later a large explosion rocked behind him engulfing the mech in flames and shrapnel. Even though the shield blocked off most of the fire the concussive force was still considerable rocking even Crimson's cockpit as he clenched his teeth, holding his controls tightly. After the bubble disappeared, the Arbalest began to power down, leaving it completely helpless for at least half an hour.

"Shit!" Crimson grunted as he unfastened himself from his seat, and manually opening his cockpit. He began rummaging through the cockpit for his sniper rifle.

"Just a little closer," Crimson said as a few shots missed him, barely grazing the Arm Slave. "Perfect!" Crimson smirked noticing that Du Plessis had fell for the trap.

"Activate TBS."

"Roger Temporal Burst Shield online."

To Du Plessis it would seem a large bubble had encompassed the severely damaged Arbalest, absorbing his fire. Then a split second later a large explosion rocked behind him engulfing the mech in flames and shrapnel. Even though the shield blocked off most of the fire the concussive force was still considerable rocking even Crimson's cockpit as he clenched his teeth, holding his controls tightly. After the bubble disappeared, the Arbalest began to power down, leaving it completely helpless for at least half an hour.

"Shit!" Crimson grunted as he unfastened himself from his seat, and manually opening his cockpit. He began rummaging through the cockpit for his sniper rifle.

"FUCK!"

Du Plessis's mech went up in a gout of fire, erupting and sustaining massive damage from the grenade. Shaking and rattling, the mech sustained considerable damage to its legs, causing Du Plessis to reduce his speed to a crawl at best as he began scooting along the ground, cursing Crimson for making his Venom suffer like this. He found that he had also taken damage himself; he felt blood running down the side of his face.

Du Plessis powered down his mech, took out his M1 Gauss Rifle, and then opened the cockpit. Running out into the open, he witnessed a sight he wished he could see more often--the Arbalest on the ground, powered down. Smiling, he dashed at Crimson, opening fire and screaming, "NOW I GOT YOU!"

So the tug of war began, as Nick held onto his little sprite, closing the air around her, squeezing her body tight. Like a Boa, the more she resisted, the tighter his grip got, until at long last she passed out. As she lost consciousness, Nick ran over to her. Placing his index fingers on her neck he searched frantically for a pulse.

Finally after a moment, he could feel it, bulging under her neck. Nick smiled, as he pushed back her hair from her face, trying to see who this enemy really was. “Sorry.” he told her, “Can’t let you die like that.” he told the woman who was laying nearly lifeless on the ground. Soon he got up.

Reaching back for his Ranger’s pistol, which had cooled off, he scanned the area again. No new pixies had come out just yet, although there was a strange bastard shooting up the place, that nearly hit Chris’ cat.

Nick stared at him and levied his pistol at the man. He was not jumping or jiving like the rest, instead he seemed to be running like a mad man. Nick aimed carefully and let a few shots off…

Nick stared at him and levied his pistol at the man. He was not jumping or jiving like the rest, instead he seemed to be running like a mad man. Nick aimed carefully and let a few shots off…

Du Plessis ran quickly, but several of the shots hit the angry Boer Elf, causing him to stagger somewhat. It was good he had body armor, which enabled him to survive that initial volley--but it still hurt, for there was blood now and he felt a LOT of pain, and now he knew he entered a hornet's nest. Du Plessis refused to fire at Nick, muttering, "I'll get that little shit later," as he sprayed bullets at Crimson.

On cue, several more Pixies rushed out of the jungle, moving to open fire upon the Dornalians with all their weapons at full bore. This time they focused on Nick and the front entrance--something told them Nick had powers like them, and that these were no ordinary targets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz_VKvV3cns

It was like a crack of lightning, as the boy pointed his pistol at his target. As he let loose the spray from his gun, something felt wrong. Very wrong. Nick could feel his heart racing, and his body aching. His legs quickly grew sore, his arms ached.

The air around him crackled with the sound of thunder. “What in the frak.” was all the boy could think about, as he soon found himself staring at the sky. “There is not a cloud…” he said, as he soon passed out.

Although his armor did hold, the sheer amount of bullets fired overwhelmed his shielding. The boy stood their pointing his pistol at the man chasing Crimson, but little did he know behind him was an ambush. The first shot hit him in the chest, the second and third the legs, and the fourth the right arm. His armor held, but the force was still felt.

Soon the pixies had their prize, as they watched the young Colonial Hybrid collapse, in pain, as his mind shut down, to keep from feeling the torment of their fury and hot lead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz_VKvV3cns

It was like a crack of lightning, as the boy pointed his pistol at his target. As he let loose the spray from his gun, something felt wrong. Very wrong. Nick could feel his heart racing, and his body aching. His legs quickly grew sore, his arms ached.

The air around him crackled with the sound of thunder. “What in the frak.” was all the boy could think about, as he soon found himself staring at the sky. “There is not a cloud…” he said, as he soon passed out.

Although his armor did hold, the sheer amount of bullets fired overwhelmed his shielding. The boy stood their pointing his pistol at the man chasing Crimson, but little did he know behind him was an ambush. The first shot hit him in the back, the second and third the legs, and the fourth the right arm. His armor held, but the force was still felt.

Soon the pixies had their prize, as they watched the young Colonial Hybrid collapse, in pain, as his mind shut down, to keep from feeling the torment of their fury and hot lead.

Fuzzy turned to witness the Pixies begin hauling Nick off, and muttered, "SHIT!" Opening fire with her .45, she yelled to Chris, "Chris! They got your dumb little buddy!"

Chris then stopped, and his expression turned furious. Dropping his work on the radio, he whipped out his rifle and said to Westheimer, "Take over for me." The latter tried to stop him, but Chris knew he had to help a brother out--especially as it was a fellow Colonial and a damn good kid. He rushed over the barricade set up by the Park Rangers and Voeker, as the latter shouted "CHRIS!"

Chris opened up on the Pixies, causing them to scatter and causing the one with Nick on her shoulder to run faster. Ultimately, she began to zigzag as he opened fire in bursts, then motioned to her friends to move in with a pincers manuever against Chris at rapid speed, one delivering an unexpected boot to the head from behind as he was surrounded in time by a group of four angry, beautiful women, who kept kicking and punching him, forcing him to use his best karate skills from the Academy....

Then, he realized this was a trap. Bodyslamming one of them, he ran out, only to find Nick was gone. He then muttered, "FUCK!" turning to open up on the four behind him.

Fuzzy meanwhile, realized trouble was coming....

----

Meanwhile, one of the Pixies rushed to meet The Woman, laying her quarry down in front of her. Smiling, the Pixy replied, "Milady, I have a prisoner. One of the interlopers."

The Woman smiled and poked Nick's unconcious body, and smiled. "Excellent. Even unconcious, I sense something in this one. Prep him for interrogation. YOu remember your skills against the Combination rats, yes, Sergeant?"

The one who carried Nick replied, "Yes, Milady" with glee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3xVy3LyFiY

Caprica City
Caprica

Nick walked alone along the cement side walk. The sky was blue and clear, as the boy walked next to a large fountain. The water flowed, like a gentle waterfall, spraying him slightly as he looked into the reflection pool at the base of the fountain. The air smelled slightly salty, from the near by ocean.

Nick took in a deep breath, as his nostrils filled with the air of his home. His native sun, beat down on him. Nick kneeled down, and touched the firm green grass, that was neatly cut. He took another breath, “I am home?” he asked himself. Nick stood up and looked around. Near by, there were markets, with vendors of every kind, selling anything from the newest televisions to simple blankets.

In the distance, he could hear laughter. He smiled as he looked across the park to see three kids playing a game of pyramid. Nick smiled, “My lords.” he exclaimed, “I am home.”

“And I thought you said your home was with me.” a familiar voice said to him. Nick turned around, to see a woman standing before him. Her hair was short but Blue, her skin pale like it had rarely seen the sun, and she wore a long decorative dress. Nick smiled, as he ran up to her. “Blue?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her.

She gently wrapped her arms around him, but before she could act, he pulled back slightly then kissed her lips. Gently he put his hands to her face, as he pressed his lips softly against hers. Nick pulled back and smiled at her. He watched and waited, as she in kind smiled back at him.

“I see that you had trouble staying erect again.” the voice of Blue said to him, as her face gently dropped back into it’s normal look.

Nick looked at her puzzled for a moment, as he placed his hand on her shoulder. “Oh frak, let me guess I am dreaming right?”

“When else would you see me in a dress like this?” Blue said to Nick. “Next time, when you pull your pistol out on another woman, be sure you hit your target. No use wasting your shot.”

Nick shook his head and smiled, “Yeah well at least I do not buckle under pressure.”

“You are the one that seems to pass out each time we go for re-entry.” she said back without a hitch.

Nick just laughed. He felt his spirits rise, as he stood with her. “You know there was something I want to tell you.” she said to him.

Nick looked into her violet eyes. Right now he did not care what it was. He just loved every moment of this. “What is it?”

She then smirked at him. “It will have to wait Ranger boy. You are about to wake up.”

Nick’s eyes began to flutter, for a moment, as the weight of his body came back to him. His arms and legs pounded with pain, as his back felt like it had been broken in two. He took a deep breath, but the hot moist air in the jungle seemed to further his pain. “Damn it.” he said, “Why is it I always wake up during the good part.” he said as he began to chuckle in pain.

Nick’s eyes began to flutter, for a moment, as the weight of his body came back to him. His arms and legs pounded with pain, as his back felt like it had been broken in two. He took a deep breath, but the hot moist air in the jungle seemed to further his pain. “Damn it.” he said, “Why is it I always wake up during the good part.” he said as he began to chuckle in pain.

The Sergeant then smiled and said, Canadian accent as cute and darkly charming as ever, "I can tell you had quite a dream, darling...." She then kneeled down and stared at him alluringly, saying as she, in a seductive manner began holding him up, a la the Pieta, adding in the occasional gushy, romantic hair stroke.

Then, she said with sadistic glee, "...but this is real life. And real life can be quite...."

At that, she punched him in the gut, and then dragged him up by the scruff of his neck, so they made eye contact, as she giggled evilly, "..painful." With a shake, she said with assertive force, "Come on, pretty boy. We have a lot to talk about."

The Sergeant then threw her quarry on her shoulder, proud to have messed with her prisoner somewhat, saying, "Oh, this is gonna be so much fun...I haven't had to make anyone talk in years!"

The Woman only stood there silently.
--------------------

Meanwhile, the Pixies were locked in a duel with Chris, but Chris managed to shoot one--finally, after grabbing one of the elite soldiers in an armlock and shooting her in the shins--and Fuzzy helped him take down another. However, they seemed to be rallying around Du Plessis now....Chris shouted at Crimson, saying, "CRIMSON! Watch out!" as he and Fuzzy came to help.

"I can tell you had quite a dream, darling...." She then kneeled down and stared at him alluringly, saying as she, in a seductive manner began holding him up, a la the Pieta, adding in the occasional gushy, romantic hair stroke.

Then, she said with sadistic glee, "...but this is real life. And real life can be quite...."

At that, she punched him in the gut, and then dragged him up by the scruff of his neck, so they made eye contact, as she giggled evilly, "..painful." With a shake, she said with assertive force, "Come on, pretty boy. We have a lot to talk about."

The force to the abdomen added insult to injury. Nick doubled over as his diaphragm deflated forcing the air out of his lungs. He took a deep breath, as he gasped for air for a moment. “Is that the best you got.” he gasped out. “You hit like a girl.”

He gasped again for a second and looked around. He could clearly see a new woman, standing back watching the events as they unfolded. “Let me guess you are the Pixie Queen? What is your name Tinkerbell?” he asked defiantly.

The Sergeant then threw her quarry on her shoulder, proud to have messed with her prisoner somewhat, saying, "Oh, this is gonna be so much fun...I haven't had to make anyone talk in years!"

Nick turned to the Pixie and smiled. “You know darlin. If you wanted to talk or tie me up all you had to do was ask?”

The force to the abdomen added insult to injury. Nick doubled over as his diaphragm deflated forcing the air out of his lungs. He took a deep breath, as he gasped for air for a moment. “Is that the best you got.” he gasped out. “You hit like a girl.”

He gasped again for a second and looked around. He could clearly see a new woman, standing back watching the events as they unfolded. “Let me guess you are the Pixie Queen? What is your name Tinkerbell?” he asked defiantly.

The Woman then held her fingers up, and then pointed at Nick's ears. In a matter of minutes, he would feel severe pressure, a nasty ringing, and a massive, ear splitting headache. Then, she snapped her fingers, and then the pain subsided.

"Don't do that again," she said. "I know many more punishments than that."

The Woman then sniffed the air, and ran towards the clearing....

Nick turned to the Pixie and smiled. “You know darlin. If you wanted to talk or tie me up all you had to do was ask?”

The Sergeant laughed and said, "Are you kidding me?!" as she walked to a tent where the treasure hunters and natives were. "Then I'd get no practice. And I need to keep my skills sharp--it's hard being an ex-policewoman, you know. No enemies to fight, no common rabble to punish...pushing this lot around gets old!" The treasure hunters and natives got scared at that last statement, and Nick's Force sensitivity might let him sense that more acutely than he wanted to.

She then threw him onto the dirt and she concluded with a proud Noblewoman's Laugh, "Besides, why would I normally ask a pervert like you for a good time? All you'd want is my call number and my fun bits." before leaving.

The ringing of his ears, and the dirt on his chest, began to really piss off Nick. Nick watched as Tinkerbell sniffed the air, like some rabid bitch, and ran into the woods after her prey, while the call girl pixie slowly left.

"Because of my charming wit, and smile." he replied to the Canadian. "So you were a cop. Any chance you were in LA? My partner told me of this skank of a police woman he had once as a partner, and you seem to match the description."

Nick closed his eyes, as he searched around. “What is causing Tinkerbell and the Pixie parade to leave?” he wondered as he felt out into the area, searching for what ever there was.

Gently he opened his eyes. Nick began to struggle against the hand cuffs that he was bound in. It was no secret that for cylons at least, they could snap handcuffs like they were twigs, but their children were not graced with such abundance of strength.

Nick struggled against the cuffs, pulling and tugging with all of his strength. Slowly the center link began to bend, but it was one hell of a struggle. He pulled and strained against the Metal around his wrist, until finally the center link gave way. As his hands were free, Nick waited for a moment, to see if Sargent Skank would come back and want to play. Nick gently sat back up, but kept his hands behind his back.

Crimson finally found his sniper rifle (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/GeneralZhukov3333/untitled-1.jpg) in the cockpit just in time to climb in when a hail of bullets began to hit the armored plating underneath. He readied the rifle and switched the safety off, popping up from the cockpit and aimed at the bastard charging at him. Rounds began to buzz by but Crimson kept cool and timed his shot. He fired one round at the man firing wildly, then dropped down into the cockpit. Crimson was definitely sure that he got Du Plessis but didn't know if he killed him. He took another chance, popping up with the sniper rifle and looked into the scope. He panned to the left to see the rest of his colleagues under fire by mysterious dancing girls, and saw that some of them were taking Nick away.

He fired a couple shots at the woman, trying to disable her legs but to no avail. Soon the mysterious women began to surround a wounded Du Plessis. to which he heard Chris and Fuzzy coming over to assist him. Crimson looked at his watch only to find that the Arbalest should have its power restored in about five minutes, five very long minutes of which he had to hold out against those acrobatic death machines. He opened fire on the Pixies, covering his colleagues as they tried to assist him, trying to time their very similar zigzag movements to which he performs routinely on his Arm Slave.

Nick struggled against the cuffs, pulling and tugging with all of his strength. Slowly the center link began to bend, but it was one hell of a struggle. He pulled and strained against the Metal around his wrist, until finally the center link gave way. As his hands were free, Nick waited for a moment, to see if Sargent Skank would come back and want to play. Nick gently sat back up, but kept his hands behind his back.

The Sergeant then came back, burning cigarette in hand. "Had to get a smoke. These Dornalians make good tobacco, if they don't do anything else right." Then, she suddenly threw the cigarette butt down at the floor with deadly accuracy, and laughed.

At that moment, the Sarge could sense something. She then began pacing about, saying, "Now then...what to chat about.....how about....."

She then executed a sudden Force Push, shoving Nick onto the ground by saying, "...how escaping is futile!"

Crimson finally found his sniper rifle in the cockpit just in time to climb in when a hail of bullets began to hit the armored plating underneath. He readied the rifle and switched the safety off, popping up from the cockpit and aimed at the bastard charging at him. Rounds began to buzz by but Crimson kept cool and timed his shot. He fired one round at the man firing wildly, then dropped down into the cockpit. Crimson was definitely sure that he got Du Plessis but didn't know if he killed him. He took another chance, popping up with the sniper rifle and looked into the scope. He panned to the left to see the rest of his colleagues under fire by mysterious dancing girls, and saw that some of them were taking Nick away.

He fired a couple shots at the woman, trying to disable her legs but to no avail. Soon the mysterious women began to surround a wounded Du Plessis. to which he heard Chris and Fuzzy coming over to assist him. Crimson looked at his watch only to find that the Arbalest should have its power restored in about five minutes, five very long minutes of which he had to hold out against those acrobatic death machines. He opened fire on the Pixies, covering his colleagues as they tried to assist him, trying to time their very similar zigzag movements to which he performs routinely on his Arm Slave.

Du Plessis was charging at his quarry, when he felt a sudden pain where no man wanted to feel it. He collapsed, bleeding, before staggering up from sheer adrenaline. Looking up, he gasped and raged. Crimson's shot had hit him in a very personal area. I'll leave that to the audience to figure out.

Fortunately, the Pixies had arrived, along with their leader, who glared at Du Plessis and muttered, "I'll deal with you later." Knocking him down and using rudimentary Force Heal on him, she managed to keep him living--if just barely.

Thus commenced the longest five minutes of anyone's life, for that matter. M16 fire swapped with D'Haran assault rifle fire from Chris, who eventually became angered and switched to his Black Maria. The flaklike effect of the shotgun proved useful, although it necessitated him running in closer as he opened up on the Pixies shooting at Crimson and throwing gouts of Force Lightning and fireballs at his cockpit. The firefight would go on for a bit, though Chris managed to tag another in the arm with his scatter gun and Fuzzy hit several more with a wild spray and pray, though they kept moving. It would be a bit, but for now it seemed the Rangers had the upper hand. Although The Woman was proving to be the fastest and toughest of them, getting a few kicks on Chris's head.

The Sergeant then came back, burning cigarette in hand. "Had to get a smoke. These Dornalians make good tobacco, if they don't do anything else right." Then, she suddenly threw the cigarette butt down at the floor with deadly accuracy, and laughed.

At that moment, the Sarge could sense something. She then began pacing about, saying, "Now then...what to chat about.....how about....."

She then executed a sudden Force Push, shoving Nick onto the ground by saying, "...how escaping is futile!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq6MkOJSxfc&feature=related

Nick suddenly found himself in the air, flying as free as a bird, til he came crashing back down to earth. The force was harsh, and cruel, as it slammed him on the ground. He then felt himself bounce, as he slid across the hard ground. Under the pressure, he felt his rips and chest hurt, as if he had bruised or broken something. "Mother frakker." he yelled out in pain.

Nick shook his head, as he ached in pain. “Alright bitch.” he thought to himself. With his right hand, he reached out to the Pixie, and grabbed her. “No.” Nick said as he thrust her into the air, “I believe we were talking about you being a skank and if you were from LA.” he told her coldly, as he tried with all of his muster to slam her into the ground.

Nick stood up, and then reached out to her. He held onto her body tight, as he exerted enough force to stop most people’s joints from bending. “I also believe that you were going to show some manners and offer me a smoke. It is only proper guest rules ya know.” he said to her as he smiled at the hot chick.

"Holy shit!" Crimson cursed as the cockpit was nearly engulfed in flames by a fireball. His armor had protected him from the initial heat of the embers that somehow entered into the cockpit as he popped back up and fired off a couple of rounds from his rifle to provide cover. Crimson sighed heavily and tried to control his breathing and began to follow one of the acrobats. As he started to concentrate heavily on the target, it would seem to him that time was slowing down, allowing him to see their fast zigzags' trajectory. He took the shot, the slug raced down at near lightspeed striking the woman in the head, completely obliterating it, leaving the body to slump to the ground and flinch randomly.

OOC: Some parts of this post might be a little much for those viewing this thread. Viewer discretion advised.

IC:

The Sergeant played along with Nick's act, at least until he tried to toss her onto the ground. Then, as expected, she used her powers to resist being slammed into the ground, slowing her fall and even putting herself right side up before he dragged her close. Then, the Sergeant smiled, and said, "You want a cig?"

She then lifted up a silver cigarette case, opened up the case, and then lit up all the cigarettes. The Sergeant then slammed the smoldering cancer sticks into Nick's hands and neck, rubbing them about and keeping them hot to induce maximum discomfort before letting them fall.

As she sadistically gave Nick what he wished for, she said simply, her smile becoming nasty, "I'm not from that shithole. I'm no Earthling. I'm no rabblerouser that interferes with the rightful rule of local governments and aids a group of filthy, unwashed rebels that should know to respect their betters. I'm no hamburger chomping, drink swilling, oversexed, violent thug. Fuck. You. Very. Much!"

She then spat in Nick's face to add insult to injury, and used her command of the Force to break his grip and knock him down onto the ground, before proceeding to kick him repeatedly.

-----------

The woman Crimson shot died, and before long, their commander decided to evacuate the area. The Woman motioned for her subordinates to leave, and they then began leaping out of there.

As they evacuated, one of the Pixies asked The Woman via Forcemessaging, "What of Sergeants Pilav and Arkahnidze?" The Woman turned to her and simply shook her head, going, "They will resist their interrogations. Fear not."

"And what of Du Plessis?"

The Woman then said "Leave him."

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

When they arrived in their camp, The Woman's first act was to walk to the tent where the Sgt. was, and then punched her out, saying, "Enough. We need him alive."

She then left.

“Human beings can not turn off their pain. Human beings have to suffer and endure, because they have no choice.” - Kara Thrace, Battlestar Galactica

Living in Sin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q64EtHkx0HI)

His moment of defiance, his laughter in the face of fate itself, was over as it began. Nick soon found himself on the ground yet again, suffering the wounds of the cigarettes, and the anger and tension of the woman soon laid him back to earth.

Time seemed to stand still. Each moment soon began to lose it’s significance, as Nick was assaulted again, and again. Overwhelmed, over powered, and injured, the boy took the hits. Each kick, lasting a life time, yet no less than a second.

Again he felt another kick, as soon he began to hear cracks in his chest. He could do nothing as he seemed to lay helpless as another kick hit him in the arm. Then the face.

Another kick soon landed against his head. Gently the pain began to vanish, as the boy hybrid could do nothing. All he could feel was warmth. Like the sun began to shine on him. He reached forward, as he felt his head was warm, and wet. With his left arm, Nick tried to pull himself up, only to be kicked back to the ground yet again.

As he landed, his face landed in a puddle. Nick opened his eyes as he laid on the floor, laid in a puddle of his own blood. His throat began to feel congested. He could taste his own blood in his throat. Nick gasped for air, until instinct took over and forced him to violently cough. Dark purple blood shot out of his mouth, as the boy vomited , and coughed up his own fluids, his own life.

The boy reached out again, as he tried to move. Kick, he was hit again. Nick looked out towards the exit. It was becoming unclear, as the world began to turn out of focus. He reached out again, until it went black…

The Woman saw the bloody mess that her colleague made, and sighed. She then picked up her rifle, and poked the body with it. Leaning in, and sensing the pulse, she sensed that despite her inferior's assault their prisoner was alive. She sighed, and then began waving her hand over him using Force Heal to put him back together. It wasn't out of charity, of course--to her, using Force Heal was something to keep prisoners going until they finally spoke up. But, she had the feeling that dead men didn't talk.

-----------

As this happened, the Sergeant stood outside, pulling a cigarette she hadn't wasted on the torture and began smoking. Then, the cancer stick fell from her mouth as she gasped. She knew what was going on--the telltale signs of Force Choke. As this occurred, she heard a Forcemessage from her boss as she clutched at her throat.

"You fucking do this again, and I will ensure you don't get to live, much less eat or think. We need to make him talk, not kill him!"

Then, the Choke ended, and the Sergeant fumed. It was never good to be punished, and frankly, it hurt.

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

When The Woman was finished, she then reached into her pocket, and picked up a vial of smelling salts. Waving it under Nick's nose, she said, "Wake up, soldier."

*************

Chris then cocked his shotgun and muttered, "Damn....we lost a man." He shook his head and sighed, spitting onto the ground and cursing himself. Chris hated losing a partner, and it looked like this was the case. The psychic shock was clearly visible.

Fuzzy sighed and said, "Don't knock yourself--blame the fuckin' gymnasts out there with a screw loose."

Chris shook his head and said, "I suppose you're right." He then turned to Fuzzy and asked, "What now, though? Marcus is somewhere out there, Nick's in the hands of those nutjobs, we have three prisoners, two scientists to babysit, and a damaged robot."

Fuzzy smiled and said, "Well, look. You're an ex-LAPD cop. You survived the street long enough. Get those street smarts back in gear. You've been out of it too long."

Chris sighed once more, and surveyed the results of the scrap. "Well. It looks like I'm gonna need all the street smarts I got."

Du Plessis then muttered, "Ummm...I'M RIGHT HERE!" in a pained voice.

To that, Chris shouted back, "I'm having a moment here!"

"Good day, Colonel." AL spoke up, still referring to Crimson through his former rank. The Arbalest was online yet still badly damaged from the assault.

"AL, you don't have to call me colonel anymore..." he stared at the console and shook his head, "never mind. Diagnostic report.

"Class A damage to right leg, left leg is not functioning. Class C damage to upper body. Fully functional."

"I see, is the booster still working."

"Affirmative."

"Good," Crimson looked down at the Chris, "Hey Chris, I need you guys to get away about fifty meters."

Crimson proceeded to enter the cockpit and closed it, securing himself into the seat. He began to motion the manipulators to take out the monomolecular cutter. The cutter began to hum as the chains spun, "Things could get messy," he said over the PA.

He waited when the two were a good distance away before he began amputating the two legs. A little debris and sparks began to shoot up, as he cut off the left leg then continued with the right.

"Alright Al, extend wings and initiate boosters."

"Roger, extending wings," wings began to extend out the back of the Arbalest, while the boosters began revolved around exposing themselves, "Wings extended, booster ready."

"Fire up the boosters."

The Arbalest's booster began to fire up, then slowly it began lifting into the air. Without the added weight of the legs, Crimson felt that he was able to at least fly it around like a fighter, or at the very least like a tourist on a hang glider. He began to fly around in a circle to test it out before flying off into the distance, blurting out over the radio, "I can't believe this is working!" with some excitement surfacing.

"Ahem, this is Can Opener ready to provide air support."

Caprica City
Caprica

Nick gently sat on the park bench, in the people’s park. As it was before, so it is again, the sun shined down bright on him, as he watched the children playing pyramid in the park. Nick smiled for a moment, as he watched them play.

Pyrimad is not a game for the light of heart. Nick watched them, push and shove each other, over a concrete court, as the kids fell down, scraping their arms, and cutting their elbows on the harsh ground below.

“Why do you love it here?” the young woman with Blue hair said as she sat down on the bench next to him. “You have only been here what two maybe three times in your whole life, yet each time you close your eyes you come here?”

Nick turned to her and smiled. “It is beautiful. It is what being a human is about. This place, is the essence of being a Colonial, a Caprican. Look at the people, busy playing, working, just living and loving life. How can I not love this place?” he asked her.

“Nick.” she said for a moment as she paused. “I want to tell you something.”

Nick turned to her and smiled, “Am I about to wake up again?”

She looked at him somewhat puzzled before shaking her head. “No. You do not need to be afraid.”

Nick turned to her and leaned in closer. “What in the frak are you talking about? I am not afraid.”

Blue looked at him and smiled. “Yes you are. I know what you are Nick, and Chris suspects.” she said to him. “You did what you needed to do, but you also gave yourself away. We both know there is no such thing as a psychic Colonial.”

Nick pressed down on the bench and stood up. “What are you talking about?” he asked her a bit more sternly.

She smiled at him. “You are still important to me Nick. You need to learn to see the good in you, that I have. Stop being afraid and accept who you are.”

Nick looked at her as he squinted his eyes at her. “And who am I?”

“The second of God’s generation.”

Nick stepped back. “You are not Blue.” he said as he balled up his fist. “The Abh have no gods.”

She smiled at him. “I never said I was your love.”

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

Nick coughed as the smelling salts brought him to. He took a breath, as he sucked down the hot humid air of the jungle. To his surprise, he was not dead, even more so, the boy was no longer in pain. The burn marks were gone, as he took another breath. The cracks in his chest, the taste of blood, all were erased as if it never happened, yet still the signs were all over the floor.

Nick turned over and saw the Woman. Nick sighed at the sight of her. “Hey Tink. Let me guess, you are still pissed about that whole I do not believe in fairy’s bit?”

Nick coughed as the smelling salts brought him to. He took a breath, as he sucked down the hot humid air of the jungle. To his surprise, he was not dead, even more so, the boy was no longer in pain. The burn marks were gone, as he took another breath. The cracks in his chest, the taste of blood, all were erased as if it never happened, yet still the signs were all over the floor.

Nick turned over and saw the Woman. Nick sighed at the sight of her. “Hey Tink. Let me guess, you are still pissed about that whole I do not believe in fairy’s bit?”

The Woman then frowned, and said, "Mythological beings we are not. Come along now, let's get you to nicer quarters before my accomplice decides to use you for a punching bag again."

Lifting him up relatively gently, Nick would find himself led by The Woman as she led him through the camp. She ordered people around, and then signed forms and moved to a larger tent as she spoke.

"I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Lady Edwina Gostinidza, former Captain-General in His Akrehian Majesty's Bureau for the Preservation of the Purity of Magic. Now known in the histories as...."

She then winced as she said the word, "Ustashi. Such a brutal, clumsy portmanteau. Now, thanks to your government, a poor layabout dependent on stolen goods from our estates dealt piecemeal by the so-called Cooperative Union." Edwina then continued, "Anywho, Earthling, you are our prisoner for the term until we can get to the City. It's been a long trip, and one admittedly that has incurred high expenses for our Organization."

Leading him inside her deluxe tent, she pulled a chair for the Colonial and said, "Your little group of 'Rangers' has done much damage, but it is no small loss. Those South Africans and Germans proved a poor investment. Along with that cat." She then motioned to what looked like a man in jungle camoflague, and then said, "This is my batman, Private Jorya. Jorya, deliver some tea for us. Make it hot. And snappy." The servant nodded and ran off.

She then sat back and said, "Right. I figure that as we are here, we will make your interrogation a civilized affair. Although a bivouac isn't the best, I've had to manage. It's a long way from Gostindidza Manor, after all, and Goddess knows what those Goddessless socialist thugs did to it after they took it from my family. All because I dared to work in a service that threatened to stop the Combination that rose to power."

Nick would be able to sense that this woman had a lot of power about her--and, judging by the fact she set up camp right next to a battlefield and her complaints about Socialists, probably a decidedly spoilt streak that reflected a pampered upbringing. Yet under all that privelege, he would also be able to sense a kind of malice about her, and a resentment that hated him for being, to her, a carpetbagger imposing Socialism upon her fair land.

-------

"Ahem, this is Can Opener ready to provide air support."

Chris replied, "Excellent. Can Opener, see if you can scan the treeline and find Nick. And if you can't do that, then bail out Marcus. We need to get him away from his German friends and back with us, so we can get to that damned City."

--------

Then, a message.

"Milady, spotters have located an enemy flyer. Recommend we get moving," said the man over the radio.

"In a moment. Order the camp to break down; I will take care of my own." She then got up and said, "No one has time for civilized comforts anymore. Your barbarian friends have seen to that. Go on, help me put this tent away. May as well put you to use."

She then said, staring at him evilly and addressing him with aristocratic contempt, "I'm watching you, Earthling. Don't mess my tent up. It has items more valuable than anything you can possibly imagine, and it has a very harsh taskmaster within."

Nick walked next to her, sensing her hate, feeling her anger towards “the godless socialist.” Several times she called him “Earthling.”, and it did not take any sensing to know that she associated him with the godless heathens as she would put it of Earth SSR.

Nick sighed, as Tinkerbell ranted. He just sat quietly and listened to her. After all Marcus said, Adapt and Overcome. If there was no way he could escape at the moment, he might as well learn all he could. Each word out of her mouth was something of intel for the enemy.

Nick shook his head, as he tried to repress his own hate for her, and for her pixie brigade. Such emotions would not serve him well right now, although he was quickly learning the sins of humanity, and was even slightly beginning to sympathize with the cylons.

“Listen lady.” Nick said as she continued her anti earth doctrine. First of all your group the… Utshashi… you might as well have said you were the frakking Pixie Parade. I do not know anything about you, alright. I am from Caprica, not Earth. I have no damn clue what in the hell the Dornies did to you, and to be honest, right now I do not give a frak, after what your Commander-in-Bitch did to me.” he said out in anger, as he sat down and she asked for some tea.

He just looked at her, staring her in the eyes as she sat down all prim and proper, like a damn officer. Nick glared at her, and although he sensed a great power from her, he was no longer afraid. Then a man came in, and said something about an enemy flyer. Nick smiled at the thought as his spirit rose, although he still stayed silent.

Then as the Lady of the fairies began to direct him. Nick hated the thought of helping this queen hoe but he might be able to leave something behind to help out his crew. Slowly he began to help take down the tent. As he did he knew he had to leave something behind, something that would show that he was there. Gently, he took off his Colonial dogtags, and dropped it on the ground, when one of the task masters was not looking as he helped to roll up the tent.

As he was done, he walked up to “the woman.” He resented her existence, for her piss poor manners, and Cain-isk style interrogation. Still though, he knew that he should make the most of it, til the Sojourne, or Crimson found him. “Tell me Lady.” he said trying to strike up some conversation. “Which goddess do you worship? Hera, Athena, Dianna, Hebe?” he said trying to be friendly, going through the Pantheon that he knew existed.

As he was done, he walked up to “the woman.” He resented her existence, for her piss poor manners, and Cain-isk style interrogation. Still though, he knew that he should make the most of it, til the Sojourne, or Crimson found him. “Tell me Lady.” he said trying to strike up some conversation. “Which goddess do you worship? Hera, Athena, Dianna, Hebe?” he said trying to be friendly, going through the Pantheon that he knew existed.

Lady Edwina replied, "None of those Communist falsehoods." She glared at him for invoking the name of another religion's deities in her presence--and evidently ignored his protest that he was from Caprica, not Earth. Then, she continued, putting away her chair and collapsing it into a small box and speaking with a sigh, "We worship a real Goddess. Linh-Mina. Only the most High are permitted to speak Her name. A Socialist thug with your false gods wouldn't understand." Her tone indicated she considered herself, by virtue of her tea, her "batman" and her status, that she was one of those Most High.

She then poked Nick with the Force, and said, "Faster, now. We have no time to waste!"

Once finished, the group began to move, and The Sergeant from earlier came to Lady Edwina's side. She smiled and clapped her hands together as she saw Nick, saying, "Well well well! It's our Prisoner!" At that, Edwina sighed and said, "Not now. Ensure he causes no trouble."

She then pulled out an archaic looking marshal's baton, and then motioned to the other Pixies and the assembled porters and workers, "Come now! We march! On to glory!" Then, she waved her hands, pointed her baton to a side trail, and the Pixies moved.

Not that their train would be hard to miss.....

The grenade caused the Mercenaries to scatter, as the sniper he shot at was taken out as he attempted to flee before the explosion hit. The grenade did its job, damaging several mercenaries in the legs and causing no small amount of grief in the rest of the ranks.

However, there was plenty of fight left in the Elves. Kruger came out of cover, firing at Marcus and proclaiming as he cocked his rifle, "As do we, Herr Ranger!" On cue, the Germans leveled their rifles and returned fire, adding a hail of bullets to the air as they attempted one last time to stop this madman, rushing out of the bush and towards the man who gave them so much grief. THe men with Lancers revved their chainsaw bayonets, the men with grenade launchers loaded them, and those who were almost out of ammo for their rifles came with Dual Pistols.

OOC: This seems to have gotten a little ahead of me...

IC:

Marcus hit the dirt and covered his head as best he could as the hail of bullets rained down all around him. Dirt, wood, and vegetation all kicked back into his face from the constant fire. Suddenly there was an explosion some ways down the hill. It had to have been his mines getting set off.

There was no real way of knowing if they were dead or simply knocked out. Not that he had many options left. The Ranger popped up with his assault rifle ready and let loose with a stream of micro bullets. Eventually the weapon overheated and he had to toss it down and bust out his shotgun and pistol.

Marcus went in with both guns blazing and sending bits of shrapnel everywhere. The generally reserved Ranger turned into the one man l33t Leroy Jenkins army.

Crimson began to get the hang of piloting the Arbalest like a fighter, as if he was piloting his old Saber. Earlier he picked up his dropped shotcannon and positioned it at the chest of the mech. He began to dropped down just above the treeline, allowing AL to begin scanning for them. It took a few minutes of scanning when AL began to alert Crimson.

"Friendly soldier detected. Confirmed identity to be, Ranger Marcus."

"Looks like hes having some sort of trouble, lets give him an assist."

Crimson climbed high then swooped down towards where Marcus was. AL began to lock on to hostile infantry for Crimson as he unleashed the head-mounted chainguns and shotcannon on them, a fury to be reckoned with. As Crimson made his pass, he radioed Marcus, "Marcus, Nick's been captured. Hurry up and kill those son of bitches and help me out."

Crimson continued on flying high into the air for a wider view of the forest. For a few more moments he spotted nothing, then he came upon a small clearing that was barely noticeable. AL zoomed in, magnified once, twice, thrice. Then Crimson spotted something unusual, it was Nick. He looked a bit pissed, as a woman behind him was talking. Crimson activated the ECS, and dived down parallel with the pass. Crimson ordered AL to lock on to targets behind and ahead of Nick's position, as he hoped it would cause some confusion and possibly let Nick get way. His chainguns roared as his shotcannon blasted, taking out soft and hard targets combined lighting up the entire trail. Crimson then pulled up and began to reposition himself and line up for another strafe.

OOC: Apologies for that. After this, the action will calm down enough to allow Marcus to get up to speed.

IC:

Marcus's return banzai attack was suspected, and the Germans fired back as two of their ranks were taken down in the assault and a lot more injured severely. What they did not expect was a sudden assault from Crimson, whose assault flushed the Germans out of cover, and proceeded to do a lot more damage to them by throwing a few into Marcus's path.

Kruger was now officially worried. The situation was degenerating into chaos, and he needed to be extricated, fast. He immediately began calling for reinforcements.

The South Africans proved uncooperative, Fuzzy and the gang having eluded them for now and their search in the jungle trails still ongoing, though Crimson would have spotted them about to get close--if unintentionally so--to the Park Ranger station. And as for Lady Edwina....

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

Lady Edwina called for her forces to duck and ride out the assault, and a wave of Force Walls blocked a lot of shots--although the native porters and some of the treasure hunters got hit. With a typical aristocratic disregard, Lady Edwina ignored their plight and ordered her forces to send up clouds of Force Lightning to deal with this new threat.

Then, the radio.

"Mayday, mayday, this is Butcher One! Request assistance! Under fire from enemy forces!"

At this, Lady Edwina became angry. Didn't she hire these people because they were the best? Well, no matter--it just proved that if you wanted a job done, you had to do it yourself. And frankly, these vaunted Elven assasins had failed miserably.

"It's time to cut our losses," she thought to herself. With a sigh, Lady Edwina reached her hand in front of her, and squeezed.

----------

Marcus would then see Kruger stumble out into the open, clutching at his throat. As Kruger battled for life, he could only hear an angry Forcemessage.

"You wasted our money. You didn't kill them. Our contract is terminated as of now."

The Germans then lowered their arms as they gasped at the sight, Kruger flailing about and eventually clutching onto Marcus, screaming weakly, "He-elp!" Eventually, he slumped down, falling dead from asphyxiation.

The Germans immediately frowned, and then began grumbling.

One screamed in German, "Impaitent bitch!"

Another replied with, "Uncalled for! Totally uncalled for!"

At that, they threw down their guns and bowed on their knees with hands up.

One man walked up to Marcus and said, imitating his friends, "Herr Ranger, it seems our employer has broken her contract. We therefore, by the standards of our Code, surrender ourselves unto you and prepare to offer our guns in assistance."

---------

Hammer Six, the Savage moving out in the woods, detected trouble at the position of the Germans he was assigned to guard. He had a sense that something was going on....and then began to move in, the sound of the mech's feet going "clomp," "clomp" through the jungle.

The German offering to surrender then sighed and said, "Herr Ranger, one moment." Raising his comms, he then said, "Hammer Six, this is Second Lieutnant Volksmann. You are released from your duties of escorting us. Return to your group."

A reply of, "Are you sure?" came over the radio.

"Yes. Cease operations."

A pause emerged, and then the man on the radio said, "Nope, I think you faggots are betraying us. Fucking skrik vir niks! I'll spill you like common papsak!"

The signal cut out, and then the German said with worry, "You may want to contact your friend in that robot suit. A giant robot is coming."

OOC: Skrik vir niks--"scared for nothing" in Afrikaans/South African English
papsak--"box of wine" in South African English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJWYOlFIf7U

Plums of dirt shot out of the grounds, as the trees around the party began to be mowed down, like they were nothing but blades of grass. The torrent from the skies, burned down on the small caravan, blazing it’s gift of death and pain to the wayward party below.

Nick looked up to the sky, as the streaks of fire, and dirt spirts shot up all around him. His heart raced, as the boy watched the ultimate battle of tech vs, magic. Lightning shot in the sky, as metal slammed into the ground.

The air filled with the smell of blood, and echoes of hell with the screams of the wounded. Nick watched helplessly, as he saw the natives and treasure hunters, the pawns of the Queen Pixie, were being slammed down in the fury of Crimson’s mech.

Nick took a step back as he watched Tinkerbell and the Commander in Bitch, fighting with all their might, against the inevitable.

Nick held out his hand, at the Commander in Bitch. With all of his force that he could muster, backed up by the anger of his abuse, he lashed out at the Sargent. He formed a proverbial 2 x 4 and her with everything he could muster, slamming it in the back of her skull.

He could not help but to feel glee at the hit. A smile creased his lips as he smacked the bitch with everything that he had in him. “That is what you get you crab infested whore.” he thought to himself.

Then he ran. He ran as fast as he could. Although he did not know anything about magic super speed, the boy ran as fast as the hybrid could, which was faster than most people. His heart continued to pound, as he took deeper breaths, but the boy continued to run. The branches smacking him in the face, the leaves irritating his skin, he knew he had to leave and fast. The boy then pushed himself harder, as his shirt began to soak with sweat.

Each step he took, though the leaves on the ground rustled, as the boy jumped over the large ground vines, and exposed roots in the jungle floor. He did not really know which way he was running, but he knew he had to escape if there was any chance of seeing his buds again. Each step he took, each leap and jump, soon took him one step closer to freedom. He never looked back.

Marcus waved a thanks and salute to Crimson as he flew overhead to bring the prolonged fight to an abrupt end. The slight reprieve was interrupted by a stumbling Kruger who was clutching at his throat. For a moment Marcus had no idea what was going on, then it dawned on him that someone was choking him.

From some distance away, someone was either using magic or the Force to kill the elf. When the man slumped to the ground, Marcus felt for a pulse but there was no reason to. The man was quite dead.

If that wasn't enough for surprises, the assassins he had been fighting suddenly up and surrendered. It was one man escorting a handful of previously hostile people.

Marcus kept his shotgun and pistol trained on them. He pointed one man out and told him to run and grab his sniper rifle and helmet that he had used as bait. Once the man was back, he nudged the assassin back in line. "For now, you are all considered prisoners. Throw your weapons down in a pile and be ready for transport. If you are of some value to us, then perhaps we can negotiate. Otherwise, keep your hands up."

The Ranger then brought up his wrist communicator and turned to the side. "Max. I could use the Sanjura down here. I have a handful of prisoners that need to be placed into holding cells until we know what to do with them."

"Righto. We're in bound with guards getting ready to receive."

It wasn't long before the familiar roar of the Sanjura's engines was heard overhead and a few ropes fell from the sky along with a number of armed guards descending to collect the prisoners and their weapons.

Marcus kept his shotgun and pistol trained on them. He pointed one man out and told him to run and grab his sniper rifle and helmet that he had used as bait. Once the man was back, he nudged the assassin back in line. "For now, you are all considered prisoners. Throw your weapons down in a pile and be ready for transport. If you are of some value to us, then perhaps we can negotiate. Otherwise, keep your hands up....

"Righto. We're in bound with guards getting ready to receive."

It wasn't long before the familiar roar of the Sanjura's engines was heard overhead and a few ropes fell from the sky along with a number of armed guards descending to collect the prisoners and their weapons.

It was then that Hammer Six, the Savage AS unit about to attempt an assault, decided to back off. He recognized that the vessel in front of him was huge, and decidedly better armed than he. He thus retreated, delivering the news to his comrades.

The Germans then breathed a sigh of relief, and willingly boarded the Sanjura. The man who offered to surrender said, "Trust us, Herr Ranger. You will find reason to use us."

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

Speaking of South Africans, Du Plessis's second was attempting to contact his boss, but was unable to get an answer.

"Sir, come in! Hammer One! Come in!"

With that, Veldkornet De Klerk issued an all call to his men.

"Alright, you lot. The Commandant has gone missing! This means we have to go find him! He may be a miserable cuss, but he holds your miserable paychecks and he knows where to find the good shit! So let's fucking get to it!"

A general grumbling emerged, and then De Klerk rallied the stray Savages.

"Now, his last known location was near a Park Ranger station! Which we happen to be near! And, our benefactors are near there! So, let's go!"

With that, a general clomping and tromping of mecha began storming throughout the jungle....they would rejoice--those Germans were out of the way, and now they could be the winners...

Each step he took, though the leaves on the ground rustled, as the boy jumped over the large ground vines, and exposed roots in the jungle floor. He did not really know which way he was running, but he knew he had to escape if there was any chance of seeing his buds again. Each step he took, each leap and jump, soon took him one step closer to freedom. He never looked back.

..but it wouldn't reach the convoy. It would be tied up with a little business. Namely, dealing with a Sergeant Sadist with a nasty headwound and a Lady Edwina/Pixie Queen who detected her prisoner making a break.

Lady Edwina held her hand out, and said, "Stay here, Sergeant. You'll just kill him." Edwina then began dashing after her quarry, Forcemessaging to Nick, "Don't run. You won't like it when we catch you." To emphasize her point, she began making him really itchy.

When the mecha came close, the Sergeant-Sadist replied to their presence Forcemessaging, "Well, well well....late to the party as always."

De Klerk had the sense that did not bode well.
--------------------------

As this occurred, Du Plessis was scooped up by Fuzzy, who gave him a smile and said, "Huh. Well whaddya know? Elves are pretty!"

Du Plessis glared at Fuzzy, and said, "Fuck you, degenerate half-caste."

Fuzzy then pinched his wrists, making him wince, saying, "You kiss your mother with that mouth? Let's get you inside." With that, she carried him fireman style into the Park Ranger's station, as the Boer sighed at being someone else's prisoner. No, not just that. A prisoner of a gentegata--a people some Boer Elves considered a rather unfortunate example of uitlander immorality.

Chris cocked his shotgun and said, "Load up that Landi, Fuzzy. We need to find our lost kid." He then buzzed Crimson, saying, "Can Opener, what's the status on our latchkey kid?"

Crimson finished another sortie on the trail before being forced off by lightning from the ground. "Well this is familiar," he gritted, referencing to the forcestorm he narrowly survived a few years ago. He peeled off and turned into the trail again, AL alerting that Nick ran off into the woods, just as Crimson had hoped he would do. He pulled off his attack and began to follow Nick, until he noticed something else was following him, a woman.

"That boy is a woman magnet..." he said to himself, flying the Arbalest above Nick and the woman. Once he was in range he was about to shoot at the woman chasing him trying to give Nick some more distance, when he received a message.

"Can Opener, what's the status on our latchkey kid?"

He radioed back, "He's escaping through the woods after my initial strafe. He has a woman, giving pursuit. Looks like that leader from the acrobatic death machines, AL is relaying the coordinates on your PDA as we speak."

"Warning! Enemy Arm Slaves detected. Heading: west.

"Aw shit! I'll give Nick some cover, just get your ass over here." he cut off the radio, and swooped the Arbalest in, unleashing his chainguns in front of the woman.

He radioed back, "He's escaping through the woods after my initial strafe. He has a woman, giving pursuit. Looks like that leader from the acrobatic death machines, AL is relaying the coordinates on your PDA as we speak."

"Warning! Enemy Arm Slaves detected. Heading: west.

"Aw shit! I'll give Nick some cover, just get your ass over here." he cut off the radio, and swooped the Arbalest in, unleashing his chainguns in front of the woman.

Chris then nodded and looked at his PDA. Sure enough, it was active, broadcasting Nick's location. Chris then turned to Fuzzy and said, "Ready the Landi, Fuzz!"

Fuzzy poked her head out of a window and said, "Yeah, I gotcha." Motioning to the Park Rangers to take care of Du Plessis and the two downed Pixies outside, Fuzzy ran out with her newly acquired M16 and cocked it.

One of the Park Rangers then said, "Wait!" This got the attention of the two Rangers. The Park Ranger then motioned to a garage, and said, "Lemme get a new vehicle for ye. Your motor's prolly low on fuel."

As they waited, a monstrous VROOOM! could be heard, and on cue a Casspir APC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casspir)stormed out of the garage attached to the Territorial Ranger Station and parked next to the two. The Park Ranger got out and said, "She's all yours. Least I can do. Drives like a regular auto!" The man then ran off.

Shrugging, Fuzzy got into the Casspir's oversized front cab, and buckled up. As she did so, she turned to Chris and put on a couple of sunglasses super-cool like, and asked, "This shit just got real?"

Chris then replied briefly, in pure Hollywood fashion as he got onboard, "Yes. It just did."

They then got into the auto and drove into the woods at high speed, following the trails on Chris's PDA to get to Nick's location. Fuzzy found that the man was right. The Casspir handled a LOT better on these roads than her Landi. It also was not so much an SUV, as it was a massive truck of doom.

And Lady Edwina noticed it out of the corner of her eye, muttering, "Shit," as Fuzzy drove closer and honked.

Thunder roared, cracking with the fury of Zeus, as Nick ran as fast as he could move. He never looked back to see Crimson launching a fury of metal and fire towards the woman who was hunting him. He never saw the large explosions, and the plumes of smoke and dirt, but he knew he was there, as AL and Crimson did their best to save him.

Nick ran harder, as hard as he could. He took a deep breath as he ran.

D’Hara
Three Weeks ago

“You beat your old record Nick.”

Nick looked up and saw Sargent Johnson in front of him. His chest was aching and his stomach was in knots. He bent over, as he gasped for air.

“Your time in the 6 mile run was Eleven minutes and forty-five seconds.” Johnson spoke to the boy as he looked at the paper report.

Nick nodded, as he bent over. His stomach began to heave, as his mouth began to spray the contents of his last lunch.

Johnson shook his head. “Boy I do not give a damn what the others want, I want better. Now get your sorry ass up that hill now, and give me fifty.”

In the Jungle.

Nick’s body began to itch, as small bumps like the hives began to break out. His skin began to move, he felt like he was covered in mosquitoes after running through a patch of Ivy. It was irritating at hell. He wanted to stop, he wanted to scratch, but he could not. He gritted his teeth in the pain and aggravation as he ran towards the road.

As he saw the clearing, Nick decided to break into his roll over minutes. He reached out to his pursuer. He saw in his head, a phone. Reaching out with his index finger, Nick began to dial 1-800- NO- PIXIE. Waiting a moment for the lady on the other end of the phone to answer, Nick sent the message. “I am sorry, the tea was good, but I gotta go. I just do not think this is working out. We had some great times Edwina, but I think we should just be friends.” he said with a snarky attitude.

As he finished the message, Nick could feel salvation, in the form of a Fuzzball, and his partner. He felt relief, as he took off towards the road. His chest heavy, his stomach in knots, his legs feeling like rubber, he knew that he only had to keep this up a little longer. Just a few more moments til salvation, or damnation.

In the Jungle.

Nick’s body began to itch, as small bumps like the hives began to break out. His skin began to move, he felt like he was covered in mosquitoes after running through a patch of Ivy. It was irritating at hell. He wanted to stop, he wanted to scratch, but he could not. He gritted his teeth in the pain and aggravation as he ran towards the road.

As he saw the clearing, Nick decided to break into his roll over minutes. He reached out to his pursuer. He saw in his head, a phone. Reaching out with his index finger, Nick began to dial 1-800- NO- PIXIE. Waiting a moment for the lady on the other end of the phone to answer, Nick sent the message. “I am sorry, the tea was good, but I gotta go. I just do not think this is working out. We had some great times Edwina, but I think we should just be friends.” he said with a snarky attitude.

As he finished the message, Nick could feel salvation, in the form of a Fuzzball, and his partner. He felt relief, as he took off towards the road. His chest heavy, his stomach in knots, his legs feeling like rubber, he knew that he only had to keep this up a little longer. Just a few more moments til salvation, or damnation.

Edwina paused, owing to Crimson's shots, rolling behind some cover as the massive Casspir APC passed by. She then heard the snarky reply, whereupon she fumed and muttered to herself, "Fucking brat." Then, she kicked the ground in front of her, and fumed. Never in her life, not since the seizure of her family's estate, had anyone been so rude. It gave her more incentive to get to the City before these infidels could.

A Forcemessage then came to her; it was the Sergeant.

"He got away, didn't he? Worthless shit. You shoulda let me chase him!"

Edwina replied in her own way, "No. Go on, I'll catch up." She then began skulking back into the jungle, using Force speed to get moving.

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

The Casspir fishtailed and parked near Nick. Then, Chris lept out of the chair and then opened up the backdoor, motioning for the kid to, "Get in!"

As Nick got in, he then muttered, "Jesus. What the hell happened to you?" He looked at Nick, and got the sneaking suspicion--even without the benefit of the Force--that something happened to him in that camp.

Fuzzy then gunned the engine as Chris closed the door, and sped off to the Station.

---------

De Klerk's men soon began directing fire skyward, and knew they were under attack by some sort of flyer--then one man spotted who it was.

"It's that damn robot the Commandant was chasing!"

De Klerk then replied, "Excellent. Double rations of whiskey and extra cash for the man who kills him!"

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

As all this occurred....Voeker and Westheimer witnessed one of the two Pixies waking up.

Voeker then held a gun to said Pixie's head, and said, "Start talking. Who the hell wants to kill us, and how close are we to the city?"

The Pixie smiled. "Like I'd tell you either, infidel. You'd soil it with your Communist filth!"

Westheimer then looked at a map he kept in his pocket, and noted, "Well....if you can't answer that, then how far are the Middle Reaches? What about the forests!?"

One of the Park Rangers said, "I can answer that. You go a few kilometers to the north, the jungle starts going into forest. Wet as Goddess-damned wet can be, but it's a forest not a jungle. The Middle Reaches...."

The Pixie interjected with, "Not far to go," smiling with a crass laugh. "It's from here that most casualties result, you know, from all those expeditions."

The Park Ranger said, suddenly stiffening, "Ex-exactly! Which is why we can't let any of you pass this station! After this, it becomes too dangerous. Usually, folks who go in there don't come out, or come out crazy--crazy I tells ya! Babblin' about winged angels and stuff.....and spiders big as a man....."

Voeker replied, "We know. We were supposed to organize an expedition into these areas before it was interrupted!"

The Park Ranger then said, "You're Doctor Voeker and Doctor Westheimer!? I dunno why you're even alive! You've got all kinds of death warrants from all sortsa wackos!"

The Pixie said, "He's right, you know. You infidels brought this upon yourselves."

Westheimer then replied with, "But only the most Holy are supposed to enter the City, so the mythos goes. Then how come you get to enter?!"

The Pixie replied, "Because we are the True Believers of the Goddess, who do not seek to reduce her power to mere steam and metal. Her City of Steel is beyond these things. It is strength. It is power beyond your comprehension! You don't deserve it!"

Voeker then said, "We'll see about that."

Nick looked out to the road and saw his freedom riding up on him, and it was a damn good thing. His legs were beginning to feel like jelly, as he gasped for air. Never before had he sprinted this long, this hard, and through such terrain. He gasped again, as Chris jumped out and threw the door open for the him.

Nick didn’t take any chances, as he leaped inside the Casspir. His clothes were covered in his blood, which didn’t have a chance to dry. His arms, and neck, even his mouth from the vomiting, were covered in his red vitae. Nick tried to speak, but he was too worn out. He just laid in the back seat gasping for air.

Then he heard fuzzy peel away. Nick laid down and closed his eyes. He was tired, and hurt like hell. The seat seemed soft, and comfortable. His eyes began to feel heavy, as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Voeker communicated with Chris on his PDA, saying, "Chris, get over here. We have some info for you to dissect." The voice crackled on the PDA, as Chris attended to his second, making sure that blood wasn't his. Voeker's repeated replied caused him to pick up the PDA and say, "Good. But we still need Marcus!"

---------

Edwina, meanwhile, leaned against a tree to rest. Wiping the sweat off her brow with a monogrammed handkerchief, she sighed, muttering, "Filthy" as she put it back. All this prancing about was a far cry from her old job in the secret police--then again, that life of easy prey, luxury and peace was over now. Now, it seemed she had to work for her supper.

In particular, she wanted to chase that van. How to stop it?

Then, she got up, and began walking, peering as the Casspir moved closer to the clearing again. At that, she then decided to follow slightly, skulking carefully and using Force Conceal.

Crimson began to swoop down, dodging enemy fire in a series of banks and rolled, before stabilizing and strafing the Savages with his shotcannon. Blasting away one of them, and disabling another. He climbed high into the air and began to bank right, and made his way towards the rest of his group. He began to fly overhead and passed the Casspir acting as a forward scout and escort for them towards the Park Ranger station. Even though AL was actively scanning the entire area, the AI didn't spot the woman due to the Force Conceal, unaware that she was close behind.

Crimson began to swoop down, dodging enemy fire in a series of banks and rolled, before stabilizing and strafing the Savages with his shotcannon. Blasting away one of them, and disabling another. He climbed high into the air and began to bank right, and made his way towards the rest of his group. He began to fly overhead and passed the Casspir acting as a forward scout and escort for them towards the Park Ranger station. Even though AL was actively scanning the entire area, the AI didn't spot the woman due to the Force Conceal, unaware that she was close behind.

The Savages ducked back into cover, and then held their fire, waiting for Crimson to make another pass. However, De Klerk noted their man traveled away, in order to escort something.

De Klerk then asked, "You lot! What's he doing over there!?"

One of the Savages replied, "Picking up something moving to the clearing. It's a vehicle of some sort. Whatever it is, our man's deemed it important!"

"Hammer Five, Eight, Ten, Four and Seven! Scout ahead, prepare to fetch that damn thing from the left. We'll wait here."

"Roger."

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

The Casspir APC finally parked in the Park Ranger Station's lot, and Nick was ferried inside by Chris, who asked, "What's the trouble?"

Voeker replied, "Not so much trouble, as it is information. We're not too far from the City, but it's been told we're to expect trouble."

"If its from one of our Acrobats, I'm not scared."

Nick’s head was pounding, like a jackhammer as Chris jostled him awake. Reaching up with his blood covered hands, Nick gently rubbed his eyes. The sun was shining, as a ray hit his newly awakened eyes.

“What is going on, can’t a man get a nap on this planet.” he asked groggy and grumpy as hell about being woken up. Reaching down to the edge of the seat he pushed himself up. Looking at Chris, then at the Fuzzball, Nick could not help but to crack a smile. “Well I am glad this is not a dream.” he said.

Nick looked down at himself. The blood from the abuse and the crushed organs seemed to be dry, although he still looked like he went through hell.

"What's the trouble?" Chris asked him.

Nick hung his head low for a moment then shook his head. “Women problems.” he replied as he reached up to the hand bar at the top of the roof. Nick slowly got out of the Van.

Once he got out, his legs began to ache as if his muscles were on fire. He took a step, and his entire body felt like it weighed three hundred pounds. He took another, as he stumbled for a moment.

He took another step, as he tried to ignore the pain. Step by step, although his body fought him every step of the way, he moved inside the ranger station.

As he walked in, he noticed the two pixies. Nick was outraged when he saw them. His anger burned like a wild fire, as he reached down to where his pistol was. Noticing it was missing, he looked at Chris. “Give me your gun.” he demanded. “Now!”

As he walked in, he noticed the two pixies. Nick was outraged when he saw them. His anger burned like a wild fire, as he reached down to where his pistol was. Noticing it was missing, he looked at Chris. “Give me your gun.” he demanded. “Now!”

Fuzzy sighed and said, "Relax, kid." Walking up to one of the Pixies, she showed off her new prize and said, "I took this from her. Although the other one....now that you mentioned it....."

Fuzzy then sniffed the air, and then snatched the Unconcious Pixie's M16 and ammo webbing, removing them rather clumsily and tossing the whole setup to Nick. "Merry Christmas, Nicky," she said. "I'll even throw in a few magazines to go with that new toy of yours."

The Pixie who was awake, meanwhile, scoffed and muttered, "Communist thieves. Take what you want. You won't take my dignity, for sure!" To that, Erich, who had been subordinated to one of the Park Rangers to help defend the station, shouted, "We get it!"

Chris nodded in assent. "So, what about those dangers, Doc?"

Westheimer spoke.

"One of the Park Rangers said from here on, in a few kilometers it becomes temperate rainforest--like in the Pacific Northwest. Conifers and things, but not jungle. Our ever pleasant guest, meanwhile, says there's danger and the Reaches. And judging by the rep of the Middle Reaches....well.."

"What are these Middle Reaches, Doc? Some of us haven't taken an Archaeology class since community college," Chris replied with a confused tone.

"Well, as they say, they're a stretch of conifer forests situated in some rather rugged terrain. I have a map. I'm sure they taught you how to read that." Westheimer was in no mood for BS, and it showed as he was eager to explain. Unfolding the map, he said, "See here. We go from this station, further onwards.....and eventually to where....let's see....." He then began scrounging around in his pocket for some momentos.

The Pixie laughed. "Clumsy oaf. You mean first where the Singing Tree is, then the Valkyries' Nest, then the City itself? For a famous Communist infidel, you sure don't know shit."

At that, Erich lept up and said, "I said, 'We get it!'" Genug!" He then slapped the Pixie and then went back to his post. Everyone in the room stopped for a moment, and didn't say a word before Erich said, "I don't respond well to bullies. I hate bullies!"

Chris nervously replied with a simple, "Duly noted."

Voeker then said, "Then the Singing Tree, Nest, and then the City it is....trouble is...." She then began looking into her PDA, mumbling.....

---------

As this occurred, Edwina, still Force Concealed, opted to try something. Noting the Casspir's roof, she then climbed on, found some parts of it that proved sturdy, if crude grips, and held on tight, pulling out a little gauze with the Force and deftly tying herself on. She would wait as long as possible, until the infidels came out to go to the City. In the meantime, she lay flat on its surface, taking the time to rest and contemplate a few things whilst in Force Conceal.

Marcus had the guards hoist the new prisoners up into the Sanjura along with their weapons without much else to say. The Ranger attached the harness to his own body and jerked the cord. It wasn't long before he was flying high above the trees and being pulled into the ship.

Marcus got on his comm link and yelled out for Max as the ship pulled away. "Locate the rest of the team and get me back to them. This fight isn't over until the mission is complete."

"Workin' on it boss."

The Sanjura turned on its axis and sped off towards where Max could best locate the vehicles that were still hopefully caring the Rangers.

Marcus had the guards hoist the new prisoners up into the Sanjura along with their weapons without much else to say. The Ranger attached the harness to his own body and jerked the cord. It wasn't long before he was flying high above the trees and being pulled into the ship.

Marcus got on his comm link and yelled out for Max as the ship pulled away. "Locate the rest of the team and get me back to them. This fight isn't over until the mission is complete."

"Workin' on it boss."

The Sanjura turned on its axis and sped off towards where Max could best locate the vehicles that were still hopefully caring the Rangers.

For the Sanjura, the location of the other Rangers would prove easily found. Chris's morse code signal was still beeping, and if that didn't work, his PDA still could be reached. However, there was one problem. The group of robots engaging Crimson was moving closer to the complex, and it would behoove them to act against them ASAP.

Chris saw this well enough on his PDA, and said, "Sanjura, this is Chris. We're alright down here, but hte situation has become more complicated. The enemy's giant robots have moved closer to us, Nick was captured and then we recaptured him, and I think the enemy's also got a unit of crazy Acrobats who can shoot and trash talk about how difficult the road is ahead. At least they give directions. Watch yourselves. Over."

Chris's call came over the Sanjura's speakers. Max cranked on the throttle and sent the ship speeding towards the closest set of giant robots that needed dealing with. These were the moments that Max lived for. The Sanjura's gun ports opened and set of plasma batteries and pulse cannons came out. Large rounds loaded into the MAC guns and were ready to go.

It wasn't long before his scanners picked up the source of the fighting. The ship screamed in dishing out a layer of fire and light speed kinetic rounds. Perhaps it was overkill to use ship grade weaponry on robots and ground vehicles, but Max sure wasn't complaining as he smiled as he felt the ship rock with every successful shot.

Marcus came over Max's personal comm link. "I know you're enjoying this a little too much."

Max took a moment to pause. "How do you figure?"

"I can smell the burning jungle and napalm all the way up here. You want to leave some of the jungle for the rest of the world?"

The pilot eased back on the fire from the guns and climbed higher into the air. "You just have to ruin my fun."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3xVy3LyFiY

Nick held the rifle in his hand, the light weight black rifle. This gun was one he was more familiar with, an older version of the rifle now used mostly by the Colonial Fleet. Turning it to it’s side, he pulled back the chamber to see if a bullet was in it. It was only a second, as he noticed the brass cylinder inside, indicative of a live round.

Nick watched, and listened as the party interrogated the pixie. She was a smart ass, and not in the way that he enjoyed. He rolled his eyes as she talked about how hard everything would be, how the party would soon die, and how self righteous she was.

Nick grinned at her, suppressing the urge to smack her, as Erich didn’t do, along with the urge to kill her.

“Listen you gods damn reject from a Broadway show.” Nick started off his rant. “Do you really think that you are so righteous for Linh-Mina, to take notice?” He knew using the name of her goddess would invoke a reaction, he was hoping for one. An excuse for him to lay her out in a pool of blood.

“I really hate to tell this to you, but Linh-Mina doesn’t give a frak about you. She never has.” Nick continued pushing and provoking. He leaned in closer to her, and gave her the classic Nick playful smile.

“Now the way I see it, we have more gods than you do, so I think we are a little more qualified in knowing them. The gods do not always come through with their promises. Who knows why, they are gods after all. Now do you think that some supreme being up in some cloud somewhere, who created that city, and possibly the universe actually cares about you?” Nick said as he shook his head at the pixie. He let out a slight chuckle as he looked at her. “No, I think Linh-Mina, has better things to do. You are nothing to her. You never have been, you, your people are nothing more than dolls to her. She will not protect you, that is obvious since you are here, and she could give a damn about your soul.”

Nick then put his hands on his knees as he lifted himself up. Walking over towards Fuzzy, he reached in her back pocket and pulled out her pack of smokes and a lighter. “May I?” he asked her, as he light two.

Nick then walked back towards the captive Vegas show girl. He with his right hand, gave her one of the two smokes. “The truth stings doesn’t it. Look at your planet. I mean if she actually gave a frak about you, and your people, then why did she let the thirteenth colony walk over you like she did. Lady Edwina would still be running this planet, and the evil communist forces of the lost tribe of Kobol would have run away with their tails between their legs.”

He turned to Fuzzy, “No offense.”

He then looked back at the captured woman. “Now we can do this one of two ways. One, you can be a captive, a prisoner of some long dead war, an unsung hero who died out here in the jungle. Just another statistic, of many who ventured out here. At least though you will know if I am right, or if Linh-Mina actually gives a shit about some wanna be ballerina who is on the rag."

Nick reached up to his mouth and took another drag off his smoke. “Or you can choose to actually be productive. Now we both know that you do not have much intel. I mean hell at your paygrade I doubt they tell you anything. I will offer you this, freedom. You help the Doctor here with his final calculation to the city, and when we leave, you will be free to do with your life what you want. Although if you want to know my opinion, you should seek employment in Vegas, you would be one hell of a show girl.” he said as he raised his eyebrows.

As he finished, Nick felt something out in the jungle... something familiar. He could not locate it, but he knew someone was out there... The feeling was dark, angry, and damn powerful. Nick closed his eyes, as he felt some unseen presence. The feeling of dread continued to wash over him, and it seemed to becoming from outside. Nick got up and looked out the window, clutching onto the M-16.

As he peered out, he could see the Sojourne firing on the giant robots of death. “No.” he said “That is not it.” The feeling was too familiar, too recent... too new... “Frak, Damn it Tinkerbell.” he said.

With that Nick decided to learn the newest trick he had observed in the pixie camp. He reached into his roll over minutes again and text a general signal out into the jungle. “Lady Edwina. I get the feeling you are following me. Please tell me you are not stalking me. Last girl that did that was a crazy bitch, and I do not wanna demean our experience like that. Please, I have a girlfriend, so stop stalking me. What we had I will remember forever, but it is time to let go.”

Nick could only hope that the anger from such a commoner trash talking to a noble would cause her anger to grow, and allow her to make a mistake.

The South Africans now came under heavy ship fire, and knew this was too much for them to handle. At that, De Klerk declared, "Fall back and regroup. We do not have enough heavy weapons to stop the enemy, especially as they have introduced heavy ordinance. Wait until a future time!"

With that, the South Africans began breaking off into the woods, leaving behind several wrecked mecha as they did so. The Pixie Train wouldn't be getting any heavy support for a bit.

As for the convoy itself, the Pixies were forced into a mad rush. Trucks were destroyed, native porters were scattered and treasure hunters were forced into a panic. The best the Pixies could muster were a few Force Concealment fields and some clouds of Force Lightning, to muddy the waters as they tried to get themselves away and to their goal.

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

Lady Edwina heard the irate Forcemessage, and knew she had been spotted. But she wouldn't give herself away. She hadn't led her small band of aristocratic urban fighters under the guidance of the Organization hiding from the predations of Communist thugs because she was a pantywaist.

She said nothing in reply, and continued to latch onto the Casspir's roof, cloaked.

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

The Pixie inside, meanwhile, was given another inducement to surrender. That was the irate rambling of a delirious Du Plessis, who mumbled, "Just take the little bastard's advice.....you sick bitch......you uitlanders like getting off of pain, you sick lot......"

The Pixie said, "Shut up. The Commander was wrong to hire you."

"Well....we were wrong to agree to the contract. We were promised victory, and then what? You people fucked it up. If its one thing I don't deal with, it's people like you who give me headaches. Surrender, and I may consider myself under contract still."

The Pixie fumed and said, "Fine." She then extended her hands out and said, "I surrender."

Chris said, dragging her up, "Then good. You can start by helping us navigate."

The Arbalest flew by the ranger station, hovered slowly down to the ground and leaned back its arms to support the main body. Crimson's face was flooded with sweat, even though there was climate control performing constant maneuvers and such he had experience quite a workout. He took out his canteen and drank from it, hydrating his body with more precious fluids to better perform his job, at least that's what his instructor told him. He wiped his brow and looked on the display screen to check on something unusual, not noticing a certain someone on the Casspir, and sighed with relief on the thought that he could at least rest a few, while the group does their business.

A large crowd was cheering as what appears to be some sort of concert event was taking place. As the band began to play music a massive light show ensued showering the sky and crowd with various light effects and colors making quite a spectacular sight. The music was driving the fans crazy as it began playing, the band getting into the rhythm, jamming out to their tune. The drums began to emit a light of their own as each of them was played. There on the stage can be seen the lead singer as she began to dance to the music, finally walking forward and began to sing her song. As she began to walk a little more forward ahead of the lights her face was becoming more visible.

Suddenly an alarm rang through, as Crimson got up from resting. "What the hell was I dreaming about?"

He looked over at his display as his colleagues began to come out of the station. He switched all systems on, lifted off the ground, and flew high into the air.

Little did Crimson know, his dream was not a mere flight of fancy. Somewhere naught but several tens of kilometers inside rugged terrain and hellish jungles, and increasingly troublesome ruins, lay the fabled City that the Rangers had gone through so many hijinks, shots, and blood for. And inside said City, was the Goddess of Lady Edwina and her ilk. And even in Her dormancy, the Goddess Linh-Mina did send out the occasional signal every now and then, pinging the world, which looked so hazy and unknown and mysterious and foggy around Her, for a contact. It seemed She found one. Someone who seemed familiar to Her. Alas, being dormant, She could do nothing more than send a few more signals before She slipped back into dormancy, to try and reach whoever that familiar somebody was.

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

As the Rangers exited the Park Ranger Station to flag down the Sanjura, Chris and Fuzzy got hit with similar visions of being onstage, in front of a cheering crowd. The visions faded as quickly as they came, and Chris and Fuzzy looked at each other strangely.

They asked all at once, "Did you jus-" pointing at one another. The look on their faces suggested they had in fact seen the same vision, and thus Fuzzy said, shocked, "This is too wierd."

Chris replied with, "No kidding." He then turned to Erich; the elf asked them, "What happened?"

Chris said, "I had a vision for a moment, like I was on a stage of some sort."

Erich said, frowning skeptically, "I am afraid I haven't seen anything of the sort..."

Chris then shook his head and said, "Nevermind. Let's just flag down the Sanjura and get moving."

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

Lady Edwina, hidden in Force Concealment, also experienced the Vision. She smiled as she saw the same one as Chris, Fuzzy and Crimson--and possibly the others. It was a sign of the Goddess indeed, and a sign that they were probably getting close. After all, the survivors of previous expeditions had reported such things at the beginning of their encounters in earnest.....

OOC: Translation--you all should be seeing visions similar to that of Chris, Fuzzy and Crimson. Act accordingly. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxKPJTE3WSI

The Stage was set, the music was thumping, like the sound of a heart beat, as the roar of the crowd went wild. It was chaotic, as Nick found himself surrounded by a lot of people he had never seen before. He reached down, and took a drag, as the bass began to play.

“What in the hell is this?” Nick asked as he looked around. Then in a flash it was gone. Nick found himself, still leaning down at the pixie offering her a smoke off one of Fuzzies stolen cigarette.

Nick stood up, and looked around the room. He noticed Chris and Fuzzy speaking, about something of a vision.

“Alright.” Nick said as he took another drag off the cigarette. “What did you put in these?” he asked as he walked up to Fuzzy, as he ran off after her and Chris unamused that he was just dosed without knowing. “You could have warned me that you spiked the smokes.” he said not at all amused by the trippy things that just happened.

As Chris mentioned that they should wave down the Sojourne, Nick nodded.

“Alright.” Nick said as he took another drag off the cigarette. “What did you put in these?” he asked as he walked up to Fuzzy, as he ran off after her and Chris unamused that he was just dosed without knowing. “You could have warned me that you spiked the smokes.” he said not at all amused by the trippy things that just happened.

As Chris mentioned that they should wave down the Sojourne, Nick nodded.

Fuzzy frowned with the reply of, "I don't dope my cigarettes." She then crossed her arms and said, "And those better not even be mine. I don't let people bum smokes off of me without my say-so."

Chris shook his head, and said, "Let's move, people."

Max spotted Chris and the rest on his visual scanners as they were flagging him down. The pilot cranked on the throttles and pushed the ship to hover over their position. Once Max had everything under control, he sent the ship in its descent.

Marcus looked down at the jungle floor to make sure they had plenty of room. As they descended, Marcus was hit with the vision. He shook the image from his mind as quickly as it passed and scratched his head. "I must have jungle fever or something. The kid getting a standing ovation? I must have died and gone to hell or some perversion of it."

Max spotted Chris and the rest on his visual scanners as they were flagging him down. The pilot cranked on the throttles and pushed the ship to hover over their position. Once Max had everything under control, he sent the ship in its descent.

Marcus looked down at the jungle floor to make sure they had plenty of room. As they descended, Marcus was hit with the vision. He shook the image from his mind as quickly as it passed and scratched his head. "I must have jungle fever or something. The kid getting a standing ovation? I must have died and gone to hell or some perversion of it."

Chris replied as he stepped onboard, "I had that vision too, Marcus." He then pointed to Fuzzy as he said, "So did she." It was obvious that they had picked up the tail end of the conversation, at least. As they walked into the ship, Fuzzy smiled at Marcus and said, "I know some friends down in Compton if you're into that." She then poked him and giggled, evidently misinterpreting the "jungle fever" part of the sentence as something else entirely.

Chris then radioed to Nick and the Doctors, "Let's go! We ain't got all day! Bring the prisoners, we gotta keep them away from their little buddies." He then turned to Marcus and said, "Marc, we got the coordinates of the City. It's not far from here, naught but several kilometers away from here. Problem being, some of our captives referred to it as the spot where the crazy things begin. One of them's real snotty. I think we can get one of the cops who stowed away with us to ensure she helps us navigate, instead of hurting us."

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

As they were jawing away, Lady Edwina saw their vessel. She lept off, and still hidden in Force Conceal, she quickly ran towards it, and attempted to slip past Marcus and the others to get inside, waiting for an opportune moment to do so....

“Alright.” Nick said over the radio, as he gripped the new M-16. As he walked towards the shed, it became obvious that the good doctors had heard the message, as they were walking out with a pistol in hand, and the prisoners in front of them.

“Alright boys and girls.” Nick said to them as he took the last drag off fuzzy’s stolen smoke, “Time to go for a ride. Now please play nice, or we will have to send you to time out. And if you drop the soap, that is your ass not mine.” he told them, with his best imitation Sargent Johnson voice that he could muster.

“Single file line, and no slowing down or bitchin.” he said as he held the M-16 towards the prisoners.

As they boarded the Sojourne, Several other of the crew that Nick could never remember their damn names took over and escorted the prisoners to their new lodgings.

With a defiant smile, he looked over at Marc, who looked like he had just wrestled a pig in the mud, and although he didn’t need it, he light the last stolen smoke as he entered the ship. “Good to see you man.” he said as he slapped Marcus on the shoulder in a friendly way, like sportsmen do before or after a game. Although Nick would never admit it, he was glad to see Marcus was alright.

As Nick smiled at Marcus, he could not shake the feeling, even in the Sojourne, that the woman was near. He could not see her, hell he had no clue where in the hell she was... but he knew something was off. At least if it was any of the pixie brigade, it was Tinkerbell instead of commando bitch.

“Alright.” Nick said over the radio, as he gripped the new M-16. As he walked towards the shed, it became obvious that the good doctors had heard the message, as they were walking out with a pistol in hand, and the prisoners in front of them.

“Alright boys and girls.” Nick said to them as he took the last drag off fuzzy’s stolen smoke, “Time to go for a ride. Now please play nice, or we will have to send you to time out. And if you drop the soap, that is your ass not mine.” he told them, with his best imitation Sargent Johnson voice that he could muster.

“Single file line, and no slowing down or bitchin.” he said as he held the M-16 towards the prisoners.

The two policemen from Sanitphap, and Erich, promptly took custody of the prisoners and stood guard over them. Nerd Cop mused, "Never knew I'd have to pull Corrections duty. Ah well, stranger things have happened."

Chris then went up to Nerd and Erich and said, "Boys, I want you to monitor this one especially," pointing at the recalcitrant woman who had previously offered data. "She's gonna be our Navigator to the City. Don't rough her up."

He then left, and the others nodded, turning to look at the Navigator. Nerd Cop promptly said, "So, you come here often?" To that, the Navigator smiled and said, "No. I don't indulge in Communist bullshit."

To that, Erich replied with a roll of his eyes and a sigh, as well as a "Very funny. I forgot to laugh."



As Nick smiled at Marcus, he could not shake the feeling, even in the Sojourne, that the woman was near. He could not see her, hell he had no clue where in the hell she was... but he knew something was off. At least if it was any of the pixie brigade, it was Tinkerbell instead of commando bitch.

Lady Edwina snuck behind a computer console, and then, when no one was looking, ran into a broom closet. Closing the door, she temporarily decloaked and breathed, taking a drink of water and eating a ration bar before recloaking.

Crimson flew up higher into the sky until it was on the Sanjura's right flank, escorting them. The AS was operating decently even though its legs had been cut off, it still has uses which would excite the Ganoxian R&D researchers as Crimson shares the information from this battle with them. Crimson looked at his display, checking sensors for any enemies on the ground. Suddenly AL began to alert Crimson to an anomaly.

"Unknown lifesign detected."

"Where? I don't see anything." he looked around at his displays. AL pulled up a screen to show exactly where the lifesign was detected. "Location has been confirmed to be on the S.S. Sanjura."

Crimson watched as there was a red dot designated where the lifesign was, along with blue dots designating friendly and orange dots for the two prisoners. Suddenly the dot disappeared, "Where the hell did it go?!"

"Unknown, lifesign has disappeared."

"Alright, relay this information to Chris, let him know we have a stowaway."

"Roger!"

Crimson began to keep up his watch for the lifesign as well as for the Pixie Brigade's traveling circus.

It had been one hell of a morning for Nick, as finally he had a chance to breathe. Prisoners seemed to have turned friendly, in a matter of hours as was the case with Erich, beautiful women had beaten him, tortured him, nearly killed him, then healed him up and offered him tea. He survived a nuke, and a run through the jungle, being chased by a woman who tried to give him a case of the hives, and all before 2 pm.

So it was probably no surprise to anyone when he excused himself from the hanger bay to take a shower. His clothes were still soiled with dried blood and bile from his treatment, mixed with dry sweat from his run, and the smell of smoke. He knew, although so far no one had said a word, that he reeked of something between a morgue, and a trash dump.

Tired and sore, Nick walked away, after the Nerd Cop and the turn coat Erich took the pixie from his charge. He reached up to his mouth, with his half smoked cigarette, and took a drag, as he walked towards his room, then the shower.

As he did, he thought of the day. “Damn today was a day that was defiantly not in the brochure.” he thought to himself as he walked in to his quarters. Grabbing a fresh cigarette, he reached into his sock drawer and grabbed his bottle of Ambrosia. Unscrewing the top, he began to gulp down the sweet yet strong liquor, like a marathon runner drinks water after a long race.

Gently he felt the ship rise, as it climbed higher into the air. Yet no matter how much higher it seemed to get, he could not shake the feeling.... Tink was near.

“What is going on?” he wondered, “Damn girl must have done something to me. There is no way in hell that she is still near unless she grew wings, or got on the ship. Nah my brain must be screwed up. Just need a shower.”

Twenty minutes later, Nick was dressed, and sitting in his room. Sitting back alone, curled up with his bottle and pack of Marlboro, the feeling seemed to be getting stronger...

“What in the hell was this?” he kept thinking to himself as he took another swig off the bottle. The nagging feeling, would not let go, as it buried it's talons deep into his head. It called to him taunting him... come find me. Half buzzed, finally he gave up. ‘Frak it, she is on the ship.” he said as he got up flustered and half buzzed. Nick walked over to his drawer and pulled out his Colonial Issue pistol. Pulling the chamber back, he loaded a round into the chamber. “Alright, you wanna play, lets play. Nick began to wander the halls, with a pistol in his right hand. “Come out come out where ever you are, you frakkin fairy.” Nick said, as he wandered the hall, opening several doors he felt the presence could be coming from.

Marcus shook his head at Fuzzy's remark. He had no idea what she talking about nor did he have any desire to investigate the matter further. The Ranger simply gestured for her to hurry on then moved off.

Not attuned to anything mystical like magic or the force, Marcus was completely unaware of someone trying to sneak by. Marcus quickly headed back up to where Max was piloting and gave him the directions from Chris. Once finished, he headed back to the platform that overlooked the holographic map and studied their current projection.

Marcus shook his head at Fuzzy's remark. He had no idea what she talking about nor did he have any desire to investigate the matter further. The Ranger simply gestured for her to hurry on then moved off.

Not attuned to anything mystical like magic or the force, Marcus was completely unaware of someone trying to sneak by. Marcus quickly headed back up to where Max was piloting and gave him the directions from Chris. Once finished, he headed back to the platform that overlooked the holographic map and studied their current projection.

Chris walked about, then went up to Nerd Cop, whom was watching the Navigator with Erich. He then poked Nerd in the shoulder, and said simply, "Yo. Let's go, man. Bring the Navigator with you, we need to help these guys out."

Nerd Cop then nodded, and Erich and his new buddy opened the cell and dragged her out. Sullenly, she was carried into the room with the Holographic Map. At the same time, the Doctors were called in, and before long, all were assembled.

Chris said to Marcus promptly, "Alright, Marc. This here, is your Navigator. She's gonna corroborate Westheimer and Voeker's testimony." Turning to the Navigator, Chris asked, "Right. Our course correct? Answer correctly, and we may be nice."

The Navigator looked at the map, and thought for a moment about manipulating things. However, Erich jabbed a pistol into her side, and Nerd Cop had a wrist hold on her, and both said, "No funny moves." At that, the Navigator said with a sigh, "Yes. Though I would correct it slightly to the east, and add another waypoint to the north. You're just short."


“What in the hell was this?” he kept thinking to himself as he took another swig off the bottle. The nagging feeling, would not let go, as it buried it's talons deep into his head. It called to him taunting him... come find me. Half buzzed, finally he gave up. ‘Frak it, she is on the ship.” he said as he got up flustered and half buzzed. Nick walked over to his drawer and pulled out his Colonial Issue pistol. Pulling the chamber back, he loaded a round into the chamber. “Alright, you wanna play, lets play. Nick began to wander the halls, with a pistol in his right hand. “Come out come out where ever you are, you frakkin fairy.” Nick said, as he wandered the hall, opening several doors he felt the presence could be coming from.

Lady Edwina knew she had been spotted, and immediately pulled out a knife. That brat was pretty capable in the ways of the Force, she had to admit. However, so were certain members of the Combination, and later the People's Acolytes. They hadn't quite stopped her.

She darted out of a room in the hall where Nick had visited, and dashed into a washroom. Entering one of the stalls, she decloaked, and tried to think. Where was he now? And...was that one of her comrades? Yes, it was, pressganged into helping the Communists find the City, so their grubby Socialist fingers could defile it. She did nothing yet, only figuring how to solve the situation. She eventually decided to make a distraction. Sensing someone was near, she exited the stall and decided to use Force Domination on the opponent. Fortunately, it was but a tech, one of the Dornalian hangerson who had joined when Chris and the like scored big in Mythrandir. Stiffening up like a zombie, he was then directed to seek out Nick, and interfere with his business peacefully.

He must have looked like a lunatic roaming the halls of the Sojourne. Ambrosia on his breath, walking up and down the hall, pistol in hand, searching empty rooms, and putting his ear to the wall.

As he did, he listened quietly. The hum of the engines roaring, the sound of the air moving through the vents, and the overwhelming feeling that she was here. But where, where in the frak was she hiding.

As he listened, he gripped his pistol tighter. “Where are you?” he asked as he listened to the wall. Then as she decloaked, he heard her. He could hear her heart beating, her deep breaths, her stress. He could feel her, as if she was just before him, and she was in distress. She knew he was after her.

Grabbing his pistol, he walked towards her. Decloaked he knew where she was, then as he turned the corner some guy stood before him...

The mindcontrolled flunkie then got up into Nick's face, and began pestering him with questions. Lady Edwina began thinking of them and, inserting them into the zombie-flunkie's mind, used them to increasingly make Nick uncomfortable, delivered in rapid-fire order and with lots of spit. Just in case Nick opted to flee, the zombie-flunkie would be shifted about and about to block his path, like a good basketball player.

"So....Nick....I just had a question. What's your favorite food!? What's your favorite pair of socks?! What's your favorite band?!" And so on.

It was needless to say that Nick really was not in the mood to be chatted up, as the Dornie approached him. Nick was on the hunt, trying to find the source of aggravation that had gripped him so tight, and now, when he was so close, this damn guy came up to him.

“So.... Nick, I had a question.”

Nick tried to brush him off, as he walked to the left, only to have the man jump in front of him.

“What is your favorite food?”

“Listen, I do not have time for this.” Nick said as he reached up to the man’s shoulder and tried to nudge him out of the way.

“What is your favorite pair of socks?”

Nick took a step back as he looked at the Dornie. “Dude, what the frak? Are you alright or something, you need to get to the doc. Now get out of my way, please.” he said very aggrivated by this guys’ questioning.

“What is your favorite band?”

“Lynard Skynard, now get out of my face.” Nick said as he shoved the man much harder this time as he tried to walk past him.

Dispite the shove he walked up in front of Nick again, “What is your favorite drink?”

Nick really began to get angry at the Dornie as he continued to try to get by him. “Dude, alright, I am not into this shit. I am not into dude’s, and really you are creeping me out. I got something important to do, so get the frak out of my way.” Nick yelled at the Dornie.

“What is your favorite restaurant?”

Nick’s anger grew uncontrollable, as Nick balled up his fist and made a swing at the Dornie, with as much speed and power behind it as he could. “Get the frak out of my way.” he yelled again, as his fist flew towards the Dornie’s jaw.

Nick’s anger grew uncontrollable, as Nick balled up his fist and made a swing at the Dornie, with as much speed and power behind it as he could. “Get the frak out of my way.” he yelled again, as his fist flew towards the Dornie’s jaw.

The man flew back, falling down in pain as he rubbed his jaw. He then got back up, Lady Edwina jerking him awake and using some sort of Force Heal to fix the man's jaw. He then got back up and resumed agitating Nick.

"That wasn't nice. What about your favorite pants? Favorite movie? Favorite quote from a movie? Come on, man, help me out here...."

Of course, Lady Edwina didn't know Nick was part-Cylon, so she didn't know her move wasn't going to work all that well, given what the last event was. Still....Lady Edwina wasn't going to give up, and in fact prepared to do other things to get in his way as well.

“Dude.” Nick yelled at the Dornie, “Cut it the frak out, what are you some kinda stalker or some shit?” he said as the man got back in his face. Then the strangest thing happened.... the jaw of the man healed on sight, right before his eyes. Nick’s eyes narrowed as he watched the man’s jaw heal.... “Oh you bitch.” Nick said.

Nick reached out at the man, grabbing his shirt. With a quick motion, he grabbed the Dornie and tossed him to the other side of the hall. Nick didn’t wait to see where he went, as Nick began to run down the hall, towards the place he felt her presence coming from. “Alright hoe, it is on.”

Nick reached out at the man, grabbing his shirt. With a quick motion, he grabbed the Dornie and tossed him to the other side of the hall. Nick didn’t wait to see where he went, as Nick began to run down the hall, towards the place he felt her presence coming from. “Alright hoe, it is on.”

Lady Edwina, at that point, began moving quickly to avoid her opponent. She began running into another hallway, deep into the areas where the Dornalians tended to hang out. Pulling out a small knife, she ducked into another storage area. Decloaking temporarily, she searched herself for a weapon, and found a pistol and a knife. Not much, but it would have to do until she could recharge....

He could feel his target, as he ran down the hallway, her scent was in the air. Nick could feel her, hiding away, as if drawn to her by some unseen force. He was getting excited, as his feet pounded against the metal floor. Soon he would find her, soon he would be able to escape this overwhelming feeling he had of dread, of her being in his home.

Then as soon as he got close, she was gone. Like mist against the morning sun, she vanished into thin air. “What in the hell was going on?” he wondered as he walked in pistol first into the storage room that she was hiding in. He peered around the small room, and saw nothing, no one. What kind of witchcraft was this?

Nick turned around sharply, his pistol never leaving his aim, as he looked back out in the hallway. He could not figure out what in the hell was going on. Was he going insane? Did they mess up his mind? Then he felt her again, near the crew quarters common room. He could feel that she was close, too close. “Bitch, this is getting old.” he said in frustration, as he began to run again, towards the section of the ship he dubbed, “Dornie Town.”

The Dornies in this section must have thought that the Colonial had gone mad, as he dashed down to their area, pistol in hand, brushing past them in a fury. As he came to where he could feel her again, Nick stopped and levied his pistol. Slowly walking up to the door, he gently turned the knob, then ducked to the side.

Lady Edwina now knew she was caught. She sensed it was that runt from earlier, the one who had blasphemed against Linh-Mina and had dared to insult her.

"That little shit.....we meet again," she thought, irritated that her opponent was back to hunt her. Too tired to recloak, she pulled out her knife and waited for the right moment. She sensed he was around the door, waiting for her to come out. Holding the knife blade down, and twirling it occasionally, she then picked up a box and threw it out into the hall, shouting in a Forcemessage to Nick, "Come out, Commie!"

With that, she dashed out, and lept towards Nick, coming at him with the knife.....

Nick’s step to the side worked perfectly, as the crazy lady charged him. Nick could not for the life of him figure out why she was this stupid to come on the ship, or why now when she was surrounded and had no chance of escape she choose to fight. It was not like she could shoot and stab her way through the entire crew. Stupid bitch.

As she leaped towards him, and he had stepped to the side Nick held up his elbow, and slammed it towards her throat.

After the attack, Nick jumped back, and levied his pistol at her head. “I am not a commie, why can’t you get that through your stupid, inbred, fanatical, stalker's thick head. I am not from earth you crazy bitch.” he said as he pointed his gun at her.

“Now do yourself a favor and shut the frak up. You can’t escape, we are in the air, and you are surrounded by rangers. You can’t kill us all, so just sit back, and I will get you some tea and we can finish our talk.” he said trying to defuse the situation, and shouting loud enough that hopefully some of the Dornies would get a clue and signal Marcus or Chris.

Nick’s step to the side worked perfectly, as the crazy lady charged him. Nick could not for the life of him figure out why she was this stupid to come on the ship, or why now when she was surrounded and had no chance of escape she choose to fight. It was not like she could shoot and stab her way through the entire crew. Stupid bitch.

As she leaped towards him, and he had stepped to the side Nick held up his elbow, and slammed it towards her throat.

After the attack, Nick jumped back, and levied his pistol at her head. “I am not a commie, why can’t you get that through your stupid, inbred, fanatical, stalker's thick head. I am not from earth you crazy bitch.” he said as he pointed his gun at her.

“Now do yourself a favor and shut the frak up. You can’t escape, we are in the air, and you are surrounded by rangers. You can’t kill us all, so just sit back, and I will get you some tea and we can finish our talk.” he said trying to defuse the situation, and shouting loud enough that hopefully some of the Dornies would get a clue and signal Marcus or Chris.

But, Edwina being Edwina, rolled with the punches as any good boxer would do; the throat attack didn't faze her all that much. She had learned a few things in her time in as a paramilitary secret policewoman, and an armed fugitive, and as an aristocrat with the time to hire a personal trainer. though not Cylonpowered like Nick was, she knew where to hit someone.

Edwina promptly grabbed Nick's arm and twisted it as she pulled down, executing a sweep kick with her leg at the same time and applying some Force Push to try and force him down. As this occurred, she then used her command of the Force to wiggle and fling the gun out of Nick's hand, slamming it across the hall.

Naturally, this was bound to attract attention, and one techie mumbled, "Holy jesus!" before running off, screaming, "Guys! There's a fuckin' fight going on...."

Like a cat that was cornered, Lady Edwana, turned around and assaulted Nick with a fury of attacks all at once. She moved quickly, much faster than anyone Nick had squared off before in this type of situation. Up until now, it was either “Dancing” on Galactica, aka boxing, or a random bar fight for him, but this... this was a different game all together.

Nick tried to react, as she grabbed his arm. Nick took his arm and ripped it out of her hands, but that was the fatal flaw. As his body pulled away, she then launched a fury of attacks that would further his unbalance. She swept his legs away, as she pushed him with her unseen hand to the ground.

Nick barely had time to know what happened, as gravity took it’s toll, and he simply fell to the metal bulkhead below. It was quite the wake up call as he landed hard against the ships floor.

Nick took his pistol, and tried to levy it at her, but then soon found the gun flying from his hand. That bitch was quick.

Nick laid there his back on the floor, unarmed, against this hurricane. So what could he do? He did what came naturally to him. He laughed, and laughed hard. “Damn Tink.” Nick said as he laid there on the floor. “I didn’t know you had such a hard on for me.” With that, Nick pulled his leg up, and kicked for her knee cap, as hard as he could. Then raising his hand at her for the eventual side step, or jump that he knew was about to happen, like her, he reached out to her, and attempted to throw her back off him.

Nick laid there his back on the floor, unarmed, against this hurricane. So what could he do? He did what came naturally to him. He laughed, and laughed hard. “Damn Tink.” Nick said as he laid there on the floor. “I didn’t know you had such a hard on for me.” With that, Nick pulled his leg up, and kicked for her knee cap, as hard as he could. Then raising his hand at her for the eventual side step, or jump that he knew was about to happen, like her, he reached out to her, and attempted to throw her back off him.

Taking the attack to the knee, Edwina winced--if only for a little. Being proudly aristocratic and such, she refused to show much in the way of pain, although internally, it hurt a lot to take that assault to the knee caps cold. Then, came Nick's attempt to shove her off. In reply, Edwina grabbed one of his arms, and then proceeded to shift the full force of her weight onto him by grabbing the leg in a bearhug and executing a body slam onto Nick, her elbow aimed at his solar plexus. As she threw her weight down, she said with a sneer, "It's just business, kid."

As this occurred, the scared techie eventually got the attention of Chris, who was on duty. The techie eventually found him badgering the Navigator and Marcus, and he then said to both, "Dudes, there's this totally freaky chick attacking Nick in the halls. Y'all gotta do something!"

Chris walked about, then went up to Nerd Cop, whom was watching the Navigator with Erich. He then poked Nerd in the shoulder, and said simply, "Yo. Let's go, man. Bring the Navigator with you, we need to help these guys out."

Nerd Cop then nodded, and Erich and his new buddy opened the cell and dragged her out. Sullenly, she was carried into the room with the Holographic Map. At the same time, the Doctors were called in, and before long, all were assembled.

Chris said to Marcus promptly, "Alright, Marc. This here, is your Navigator. She's gonna corroborate Westheimer and Voeker's testimony." Turning to the Navigator, Chris asked, "Right. Our course correct? Answer correctly, and we may be nice."

The Navigator looked at the map, and thought for a moment about manipulating things. However, Erich jabbed a pistol into her side, and Nerd Cop had a wrist hold on her, and both said, "No funny moves." At that, the Navigator said with a sigh, "Yes. Though I would correct it slightly to the east, and add another waypoint to the north. You're just short."

Marcus looked from the woman to Max down the hall. "He's the pilot so you keep him on the proper course. Max! Did you hear that?"

"The whole ship heard you boss. Adjusting course now. We'll be over our destination in no time."

Pleased everything was going well, he signaled for two D'Harans to come over and stand guard around their new captive. Didn't hurt in being extra cautious. "Now if you excuse me, I need to check on the rest of my men."

Marcus left the bridge and took a stroll through the ship's interior checking on the status of the overall crew. It wasn't long though before he turned a corner and heard a ruckus in the halls. He hurried and found Nick fist fighting with some woman.

Not one to waste or time or be subtle in some cases, Marcus drew his pistol and fired a warning shot off to the side in the hall. It did no real damage to the ship though it left a nice scar in the metal wall as the light mass round embedded itself into its new metallic home.

"Alright, I don't know who the broad is but I'm not in the mood today. Get the fuck against the wall and don't move unless you want to be removed of that lump three feet above your ass. The only one that gets to beat on the kid is me."

"Alright, I don't know who the broad is but I'm not in the mood today. Get the fuck against the wall and don't move unless you want to be removed of that lump three feet above your ass. The only one that gets to beat on the kid is me."

Lady Edwina mumbled, "Not now, I'm busy." She then looked up, and spotted Marcus. Frowning, she then mumbled, "I suppose you're his father? Well, that proves my theory right. Communists are abusive thugs--only a brute could raise a brute." Irony over, Edwina proceeded to jerk Nick up by the arm, whereupon the boy executed a sweep kick, utilizing the full force of his half-Cylon powers to trip her up. She promptly staggered, letting him sucker punch her and fling her against a wall a second later.

Within seconds, Edwina let out a horrid scream, as she flung Nick with the full fury of Force Throw, sending the 6'2" heavyweight into the D'Haran as she began to run off, giving both of them the middle finger.

Nick collided with Marcus and sent the older Ranger to the ground but Marcus was not to be thwarted so easily. He managed to roll out from under Nick and squeeze off three shots in the fleeing woman's direction. Whether or not he actually hit the woman was irrelevant now. The ship was not so large that she could easily hide, especially with a number of D'Haran marines on board.

Marcus pushed Nick up so that he could get from underneath him. "Do you fancy the crazy ones or something? Is this how you normally communicate with the opposite sex?

By the way, you need to lose some weight."

Nick’s move against Tinkerbell caused quite a shock as he flew through the air. He knew that women were sensitive in the breasts, so when he reached down, and twisted Edwana’s nipples hard, that it would be akin to a kick in the nuts for men.

Even then though, he didn’t expect to be flung through the air like a rag doll in a pit bulls mouth. The next half a second was a blur, until he felt himself hitting something much softer than the metal bulkhead or floor.

What ever it was that he hit began to move, as Nick looked up at the scene unfolding. Marcus got up and fired three new shots, towards the now quasi violated and very pissed off Lady Edwana.

With one knee down, Nick pulled himself up quickly to hear Marcus rant at him.

“When did you start caring about the women in my life?” Nick asked as he ran over towards the fallen pistol of his. Reaching down he picked it up. “You want grand kids or something old man? You wanna get that crazy bitch, or sit around here and have the talk like regular folk?”

Marcus’s expression never changed, as he and Nick went after Edwana. “When did this dysfunctional family ever resemble anything of normalcy?” Marcus asked in his dry way.

Nick ran along side Marcus, as the chase continued, "You don't remember Tajuana I take it. You had a blast at the donkey show..."

Edwina ducked and avoided the shots, but as she tried to run away, she could sense indeed that people were coming. The security personnel, the angry Dornalian Rangers closing in.....that unexpected purple nurple fron Nick she only now realized occurred.....a lot of things went down at once, and she knew that going back to cloak wasn't going to cut it.

But, she certainly wasn't going to cooperate either with the Rangers. Finding the snide New York Armorer in the Rangers' ranks that had bailed out Chris in the last job, she tripped him up and grabbed him, holding a pistol to his head and saying, "I'll shoot him! Back off!"

-------

Chris then, hearing the commotion, decided to act. Leaving the Nerd Cop and Erich in charge, he ran through the halls to the scene. Pulling out his pistol, he leveled it as he said, "Okay, lady. I dunno what your problem is, but you let him go, and you do so now! There are very mean men with guns onboard this ship, and they don't like cranky people with guns messing everythng up for the rest of us!"

Nick rounded the corner with Marcus next to him to the stand off situation in the hall. Edwana was there in the middle, with a pistol to the New Yorker’s head, while Chris levied his pistol at her.

Nick pulled his pistol up at the Lady, and aimed carefully at her head. Reaching back, he clicked off the main chambered round, to the second barrel, the higher power round usually reserved for cylon centurions. Carefully Nick aimed it at her head, as he placed his finger on the trigger.

“Alright Edwana.” Nick said clearly. “Enough is enough, seriously. Look we are not going to go all Sargent bitch on you. Put the gun down, and we will give you some nice quarters, much nicer than that tent you left me in. You can take a nap, get some food? You do remember what real food is like, not the crap back in the camp.” he said to her in a much calmer tone.

“Now let the man go. If you pull that trigger, I promise you, I will make that S&M chick seem like the girl next door. You are not getting off this boat alright. It is not happening, not anytime soon. Now if you still want to have that tea with me, we can, just but that gun down. Cause I swear to gods, if you pull that trigger, we are going to frak you up so hard, you will be begging for the communist thugs as you call them to take you away. Whad’ya say Tink? Tea sounds good doesn’t it?”

Chris then looked at Nick, and then nodded. Outwardly, he didn't say much. Inwardly, he was laughing. It seemed the job caused Nick to absorb a lot of bravado, and Chris's steady diet of Hollywood movies probably had something to do with it. Well, at least he wasn't actually doing stupid shit like Chris had done last job.

Chris then leveled his pistol at Edwina and then said, embellishing the facts in a calm, stern voice he used when talking down people, "He means it. I've seen him crack skulls before. My little buddy is a bad motherfucker to mess with. And so am I. You want a Communist Brute? Well, go ahead. Shoot. You'll get a good-cop-bad-cop special, with all the asskickings on the side for free."

Edwina narrowed her eyes and said, "You can't do it. I can sense it."

Chris knew Edwina's command of the Force--if that was what she shared with her goons--would ensure she could read his mind. But, they would also ensure she could easily break out, or prolong this grudge match. So why wasn't she using them? He had a hunch--Edwina was scared of something, or saving them up for a good moment, or she was plumb tired--she certainly looked it. Either way, he had to end this ASAP, before she got any funny ideas.

"Bullshit. You're bluffing! You may have hocus pocus, but I've got years of police experience. And said years of police experience say you're lying more than a sick man on a hospital gurney. If anything, you're weighing your options right now, and you're tired. I can tell, trust me. Now, considering that if we're here, imagine the goon squads that are coming to finish this. They won't be so nice to you as we'll be if you put down your gun and put your hands behind your head."

Edwina paused. Chris continued with, "I'm not bullshitting. Go ahead. As they tell every Jedi, search your feelings, you know it to be true."

Edwina paused again, and searched her Force sense. Yeah, she could sense hs thoughts. Admittedly, he was bullshitting her. Well, about the little details of Nick's brutality. She could tell Nick was definetly troublesome from the scuffle. Now, his handler, Chris...the name came to her in the sense....yes, she could tell he was indeed a Communist Brute, an enforcer of some sort for them at one time. Were it not for the fact she was too tired to use any higher Force powers than mindreading, she would flay him right then and there alive. Ed had little paitence for Reds, but Chris knew that.

She then could also sense that the security services were coming, both aurally, with the clitterclatter of feet, and through the Force.

"Hear that? That's security coming. I can tell you've only one pistol, some good kung fu skills, and maybe a knife. Knowing the management, they've equipped their security with much more than that. I wouldn't take your chances, even with whatever Hocus Pocus you got. After all, all those friends of yours--I assume by the uppercrust accent you might be an old aristocrat from the Hajarran regime--in the secret police were taken down by angry mobs with rifles and molotov cocktails, and your buddies had all the powers in the world.

Wanna make their mistake?"

Another pause, agonizingly long. Finally, Edwina dropped her pistol, and raied her hands up. Chris motioned for Nick to follow, and said, "Nick, help me restrain her."

(OOC: Done with the permission of ND.)

Nick nodded, as he kept his gun trained on the woman who had given him more headaches than a bottle of ambrosia on a Saturday night. He stared at her, watching her every move, as his gun stayed trained on her. He could see her breath, the flaring of her nostrils, as her chest rose up and down from her breaths.

He watched her as he took notice, of even a tiny droplet of sweat that began to form on her cheek. Nick’s finger stayed at the edge of the trigger, as the cold steel called to him, to put her out of her misery. Nick stayed quiet as he took a step closer, and the New Yorker moved away. “Crazy fucking bitch.” the New Yorker said as he spit at her, then walked away briskly.

Chris also kept his gun trained as he walked over to the now kneeling Lady Edwana. “Alright.” he told her, his gun never leaving it’s target, “On the floor. Keep your hands behind your head, and spread your legs.”

Lady Edwana knew what he intended to do. Damn Communist thug, dared to attempt to defile her person, and rub his hands on her with the piss poor excuse of searching for weapons. Defiantly she stayed upright. “Fuck you, you red pig.” she said to him. “It will be a cold day in hell before I let a communist pig like you touch me, you brute.” she said her words screaming out in terror. She was already defiled once today in the rumble with Nick, and there was no way in hell she was going to let herself be violated again, especially by some over sexed, over drugged, immoral thug.

Nick stayed his hand as he watched his partner go at her. His eyes locked on her, as he watched Chris handle the situation. Chris just looked at her then smiled. “Alright have it your way.” he said as he looked at Nick and motioned with him to come on over. “Nick you search her.” Chris said to his little buddy.

“Like hell I am going to let that pervert anywhere near me.” She protested. Chris smiled at her, “But Lady, he is not a commie. Just a poor colonial, the little sister you know. Granted he will enjoy it far more than I would. After all I am a professional, but we all know how aggressive our Colonials sisters are.”

Nick watched the events play out and smiled. “I am not that aggressive.” Nick said to Chris playing along. “I just wanna be through, ya know. I think though we should do a strip search.” he said to Chris.

Lady Edwana looked at the two in horror. They took her planet, they took her freedom, and now they were joking around about defiling her body, as they wanted to defile her goddess. Such heathens. “I pray goddess smite them” she thought to herself. However she knew at the moment, until her prayer would be answered she had to comply with one of the two evils. One was a communist pig, a brute by birth, the other, a communist wanna be with the social grace of a rabid dog. She glared at the pair as she finally laid down on the floor. “Alright pig.” she said.

Chris nodded, “Glad you are finally able to see the light. You coming over Nick?” He said as he tossed Nick some plastic cords. “Cuff her will ya, while I make sure she doesn’t have any more surprises for us.”

“Oh this woman is full of surprises.” Nick said as he caught the cords and walked over to Edwana. As Chris began to pat her down, Nick tied her hands together behind her back. Leaning over to her Nick whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry Tink. Just business.” he said. Pulling away from her he gave her a wink. Once all weapons were disposed of, and her hands and feet both were secure, Chris and Nick picked her up and walked towards Marcus. “Where do you wanna put her old man?” Nick asked Marcus.

ooc: Just catching up.

IC:
Nick ran along side Marcus, as the chase continued, "You don't remember Tajuana I take it. You had a blast at the donkey show..."

Marcus looked at Nick with mock confusion. "I thought you said that was a rodeo. I kept wondering why the saddles were on wrong..."

They turned the corner together catching sight of Edwina once more. "Seriously, is it so much for me to want you to settle down with someone respectable? You know, the whole children thing is all I ask for. If nothing else, it will give me a few minutes to myself for some peace and quiet."

When Edwina tripped up the New Yorker, both Nick and Marcus drew their sidearms as they tried talking her down. Eventually the woman relented though not quite willingly. About that time, the massive marines from D'Hara made their way onto the scene fully decked out in their armor (think Gears in Gears of War) with Lancer rifles in their hands.

Marcus looked from Edwina to the D'Harans then simply shrugged. "Take her to one of the holding cells and lock her up. If she tries to run, break her legs."

The two men nodded their understanding and clamped their hands on her shoulders. How small she looked standing between those men that were nearly twice Marcus's size. Such faces didn't leave the imagination to pleasant thoughts as to what they could do to her if they were ever given the chance. Though Marcus knew that D'Harans were not those type of soldiers, still it was useful having that image.

Marcus looked from Edwina to the D'Harans then simply shrugged. "Take her to one of the holding cells and lock her up. If she tries to run, break her legs."

The two men nodded their understanding and clamped their hands on her shoulders. How small she looked standing between those men that were nearly twice Marcus's size. Such faces didn't leave the imagination to pleasant thoughts as to what they could do to her if they were ever given the chance. Though Marcus knew that D'Harans were not those type of soldiers, still it was useful having that image.

Edwina sighed, and rolled her eyes as the D'harans took her away. She could only be heard mumbling, "Damn Reds." She then took the time to snarkily insult a D'haran Lancer, muttering, "So, how many fingers have you people lost on those things?"

-------

Chris then picked up Edwina's knife, and said, "Woo. Lady like her knows how to pick her armaments." Twirling it amateurishly, he narrowly missed dropping it on the ground, before grabbing it by the handle and putting it back into its holster.

"Woo. Too close." He then picked up her other gear, and said, "Right. Let's get this shit somewhere safe. Anybody know the rules on evidence?"

Nick shook his head as the guards took the crazy ho away, then let out a smile. He felt relieved to be finally free of the wench. She had somehow followed him to this ship, and constantly tried to get in his way. As he thought of it, he was just glad the frakked up stalker was behind bars for once.

Nick took his pistol, and finally when she was out of sight lowered it. Tink was full of surprises, and if she had the chance, he knew she would bust free. But finally when she was gone, stuck behind the iron bars of the Sojourne he was able to relax.

“Rules of evidence?” he asked Chris then turned to Marcus with a dumb founded look. “Um... isn’t that what you ignore when you toss someone out the airlock?” he asked as he shrugged. Turning back to Marcus, Nick smiled, “I mean hell I was a mechanic, and Marcus here... well he has always been a dick. How do you think I know anything about the law?”

Nick then turned to Marcus, “What I thought you liked the woman I was with? You seemed to think Blue is respectable. And seriously please don’t mention kids again, kinda makes things socially awkward. I mean I just became legal, and frak if I wanna deal with that right now.”

Nick then made a mental note, “Next time Blue came to visit, keep her away from Marcus.” Damn if he wanted her getting any ideas.

“Rules of evidence?” he asked Chris then turned to Marcus with a dumb founded look. “Um... isn’t that what you ignore when you toss someone out the airlock?” he asked as he shrugged. Turning back to Marcus, Nick smiled, “I mean hell I was a mechanic, and Marcus here... well he has always been a dick. How do you think I know anything about the law?”

Nick then turned to Marcus, “What I thought you liked the woman I was with? You seemed to think Blue is respectable. And seriously please don’t mention kids again, kinda makes things socially awkward. I mean I just became legal, and frak if I wanna deal with that right now.”

Nick then made a mental note, “Next time Blue came to visit, keep her away from Marcus.” Damn if he wanted her getting any ideas.


Chris shrugged, and then put the knife into his belt. It was too good to let slip, and it was actually nicely made. Almost too good for a guerilla, for it was actually kinda shiny--then again, Edwina's ilk weren't standard issue Che Guevara-types who hid in jungles and grew their hair long, forsaking material culture. The pistol itself, however, was rather mundane. A captured M1 Railpistol, presumably a copy made on Hajarra for some local police force. That he wouldn't need, unless it was for spare parts.

He then nodded as Nick got into his tiff, and replied, "Yeah, Marc. I mean, shit. That's one reason I only just got re-used to Fuzz again. It's like, she wanted kids....I wanted to hold off....shit got crazy."

"Evidence eh? Let's just put in one of the storage lockers until we finish this mission. I don't know the Dornalian rules for caring for the stuff so let's just set it aside. Don't want to ruin anything that could keep the girl locked up."

Marcus had some of the guards gather up Edwina's belongings and take it down to the main hangar bay where the rest of the extra storage lockers were kept. The Ranger turned around just as the other two started voicing their fears about children.

"Who said I didn't like your girl? All I'm saying is that you seem to get the urge to run around with a psycho every now and then. A fling like that could kill you, either by Blue's blaster or the crazy broad your running around with.

Perhaps it's just because I'm so old, but you consider yourself mature enough to smoke and drink. Why not have children while you're at it and the make the whole cycle complete? Smoking and drinking that much is not going to help your health either by the way.

You two act like kids will be the death of who you are. I mean granted a five year old kick kick Nick's ass but come on Chris. You can't tell me you haven't thought about having children since then."

The companions talked back and forth and debated their ideas though all in good fun as the Sanjura brought them closer to their destination.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB5OgidhfLQ

The friendly banter was the best sign that could have happened to the strange group. To most watching, they might think the rangers hated each other, the way they threw insults at each other, but for at least Nick, it was a sign that all was well.

“Come on pop.” Nick said mildly amused at Tinkerbell’s assertion that Marcus was his dad, “It is a cool knife. I say let Chris keep it. Besides she won’t be jailed for wanting to be crocodile Dun dee.”

"Who said I didn't like your girl? All I'm saying is that you seem to get the urge to run around with a psycho every now and then. A fling like that could kill you, either by Blue's blaster or the crazy broad your running around with.”

Nick took a gulp at the thought. “Probably the former.” Nick said with a smile. “She knows how to hit her mark, and bring you to her knees if she wants.” he said as he let out a small smile. “And what does smoking and drinking have to do with being mature? I thought it was just something you do to chill. Speaking of which.” he said as he pulled out a cigarette, and light it in front of Marcus. “These things won’t kill me...” he said speaking the truth more than he knew.

Then as Marcus defended the notion of children, Nick shook his head for a moment. Quickly taking a puff, he stayed silent for a moment, as he pondered how to reply. Then it hit him.

“You are just saying that cause your grand kids are grown.” Nick said to him with a half cocked smile. “Have you been watching Chris’ collection of Star Trek the Next Generation. Does this look like the Enterprise, with a bunch of rug rats running around?” he asked the pair. Then he shrugged, “Alright if that is what you want. Chris, looks like we got our orders. GO grab Fuzzy, and next weekend I will catch a shuttle to Blue’s ship. Any luck this time next year, Max will be trippin in the CIC over toys.”

He then took another drag. “Yup it will be good, we can get a babysitter on the ship, a Blue haired hybrid, and a cat eared baby, crying at night. How sound proof is this ship?”

Chris then removed the knife and said, "Meh. Guess I'll put it away so the authorities can take a look at it. A shame, really." He then examined the knife as he shrugged and then went to put it back. As this occurred, Marcus confronted him, and Nick replied. Chris shuddered and said, "Whiny kids like that....that's why I told Fuzzy I didn't want kids. But no, she's all like, 'You're just married to your job, stupid,' and that's what broke it upafter several arguments." Sighing, he continued, "I mean, I wasn't ready....still don't think I am for kids. I mean, shoot--it's a big job, being a dad. Looking at all those failures on the job made me wonder if I was cut out."

He then shrugged and said, "We'd better go and check on navigation. Let's not tell Fuzzy we talked shop about this stuff--okay? It might get her started all over again. I dunno what's it with gatas, they wanna punch you and cuss at you, but if they love you, they'll wanna settle down and be the ones in charge....Jesus...."

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

As this occurred, the Sanjura flew over the jungles, and would move closer to the City of Steel. In the jungles below, something would begin to stir....little drones resembling the Sputnik probe would begin to move about, scanning the skies above, reporting to an unknown master. And, in bunkers overgrown with vines and weeds, spiderlike constructs scooting across the ground would begin to silently observe the Sanjura. Whoever or whatever controlled these things wasn't going to act yet. But if the sanjura looked hostile, more would be ready....

OOC: With Abh's blessings.

IC:

The Sanjura, with directions given by The Navigator, would eventually appear over a clearing in the jungles. Well, not so much a clearing as a spot where there was less vegetation and animal life to ruin people's days.

On any and all viewscreens, the image of what looked like a hill with some overgrown vegetation would be obvious. But, one look at said hill, and it was clear that this hill used to be something else--a dome of some sort, now resembling a giant Jungle Gym with weeds on it. Time had worn away the glass fixtures, the shielding, and left only the superstructure and buildings below, but it was there. If that wasn't enough, there was the rusted remnant of what looked like a comms tower to drive the point home.

It was...the City.

And down below, Max would be able to pick up some activity......

It was all too amusing to Nick, as the trio walked towards the navigator, as the pixie was now called. Nick was slightly annoyed, but he noticed that Marcus just wanted a reaction out of the pair, which Chris was giving him in ample supply.

Nick just smiled, as he walked along the pair, and as Chris made it clear he wanted to stop the conversation. “It is cool bro.” Nick said as he put his hand on Chris’s shoulder for a second. “You know I did over hear fuzzy talk to one of the Dornie women. You know that woman the red head, with the strange southern Caprican accent, I think you call it an Irish accent. She mentioned that she was not on the pill anymore.” he said with a slight smile.

Turning to Marcus, he gave him a wiry smile, still highly amused at the happenings of the last two minutes. “So when are you going to interrogate Tinkerbell?” he asked her as he became a bit more serious. “If that crazy ass woman has worshiped the city, I am sure she knows something of what is in it.

Then as they walked down the long metal halls, Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out another smoke. Lighting it up, he breathed in the fumes. Slowly he relaxed, “It has been one hell of a day.”

(Crappy post I know but hey at least it moves something along)

Max brought the ship in over the ruined city. Thrusters fired and flared up a cloud of dust that had covered the civilization for who knows how long. Scanners pounded away at the surroundings trying to get a read on anything down below.

A loud ping came back letting Max know that something was down there but there was no telling what. He flipped on the comm switch.

"Rangers to the bridge. Rangers to the bridge."

Marcus stopped short as he heard the message. He slapped Nick on the back of the shoulder. "Day ain't over yet. Come on."

When they reached the bridge, Max cued them on what was going on down below. He brought up the scenic view of the city in its ruined state then brought up the scans next to the picture.

"We've arrived at our coordinates. Now can someone tell me what the hell that is?"

Chris immediately sprinted to the Bridge, and along the way, called Westheimer and Voeker on his PDA, saying, "Guys, get over here. You're gonna wanna see this." He then called Nerd Cop, and said, "Hey, douchefag--get that bint outta lockdown and drag her ass over here. Now."

On the bridge, the two scientists witnessed the sight of the City on the viewscreen. Westheimer then began jumping up and down for joy, saying, "Yes! It's the City! I knew it, I knew it! It was a cityship!"

Voeker, a bit more skeptical, simply stated, "Looks like some ruins. We'd have to go down there to make sure it was a ship once...."

The Navigator and Lady Edwina merely looked at the city, in awe. Was this it? The prize they had sought? Surely, there had to be something more....

Then, Max's question--and a prompt answer in the form of what looked like rusted flying probes. Seeming to move about, they bore an old resemblance to that legendary Soviet satelite, Sputnik. One of the probes could be seen turning to the Sanjura, then speeding off. They were keeping their distance from the ship, but clearly watching it.

At that, Edwina mumbled, in Old Hajarran, "The Sentinels....Watchers....The Ones Who Watch."

As the call went out, Nick became a bit more serious, well at least he shut his mouth, as he ran after Marcus and Chris to the bridge. As the doors opened, he looked out on the television to see the old city now laid in ruins.

His eyes gently focused on the ruins of the old city, the broken glass, now covered by vines, the ruins that were nothing more than the bones of the once great city or ship. Nick was not that impressed, unlike it seemed everyone else as he looked upon the husk of the once vibrant place.

It only reminded him, of Caprica city, just after the Coredian/Cylon attacks. The streets were burned, the glass shattered, only the steel and concrete frames still existed. Had other nations not come together to aid the Colonies, Caprica too would have looked like this.

Nick crossed his arms as he looked on out at the city. It seemed dead and ruined to him, nothing but the vines, and the bugs and animals that now inhabited it. “Who in the hell would want to find such a useless corpse? And why in the hell did Tinkerbell, and the pixie, who both just walked in the room give a crap about it? Man these people are weird as frak.” he thought to himself.

Just then, he noticed the strange spiders, or spudnick looking things, keeping their distance. As Tinkerbell spoke her strange words, Nick didn’t have anywhere near the same reaction. His heart sunk once more as he watched them scanning the ship. “More robots?” he asked slightly agitated. He looked down, as he tried to remain calm. Crossing his arms, he shook his head. “Always more robots.”

Turning to the doctors, and ignoring the psycho ballerinas from hell, Nick walked over to them. “Alright, we are here, now what do we do?”

Dr. Voeker immediately said, "Well, we need to get a team down there, and begin searching the ruins for any evidence of our Cityship Theory. As I said, from here, we can only see ruins and for all we know it could be ruins. Hence, the need for closer examination."

Westheimer, meanwhile, then went up to Max, and asked, "Max, was it? How powerful are your scanners? I'm used to having a full contingent of diggers when I'm performing excavations, but considering the circumstances I don't think it would be prudent to call the outside world for a willing bunch of undergrads eager to help unearth the find of a lifetime."

Marcus nodded when he heard that they were gonna have to get down there and get their hands dirty again. He lifted his Ranger clyuno and began talking with someone down in the hangar bay.

"Get the Mako ready for drop.....yeah I want it fully armed and ready to roll. Never know what's going to be down there waiting for us."

Westheimer, meanwhile, then went up to Max, and asked, "Max, was it? How powerful are your scanners? I'm used to having a full contingent of diggers when I'm performing excavations, but considering the circumstances I don't think it would be prudent to call the outside world for a willing bunch of undergrads eager to help unearth the find of a lifetime."

Max smirked at the question. "Put us over today's newspaper and these babies will pull up the highlights from the very first Super Bowl game."