On the Road

"I like talking to people," Nasoth says, a beaming smile on her currently elf-like face, "and if they can't see through to who I really am, I don't think I'm too offensive. Right?" She asks as her body transforms into a rather more ordinarily seeming human woman with wavy red hair.

OOC: Nasoth has crazy PB which in turn gives a 92% Charm/Impress roll.
 
O-Ren smiles at her friends. "Thank you for your support, everyone. Ok, with me, Nasoth in her human form, and Liza, we can defend ourselves long enough to get away if things go south, but I'm hoping to get someone reasonable to talk to about leaving Haven and us alone without hostilities breaking out. Ozug, are you going to stay here with Grond, or do you guys want to come along too? I have a feeling that no matter what I say to the leader of the Coalition troops here, things will not end well, and having you guys nearby will make me feel a lot safer."

Vaneheart Vaneheart
 
Since Vaneheart has not been on for almost a week, we will have him, Atlanta and Grond stay behind at the farm when Nasoth, Liza, and O-Ren go to take a look at the disposition of the Coalition forces and how they have their captives under control.

So, at this point, the trio of ladies are now going to be making their way to city hall. How, if at all, are you armed and armored? Is this a sneak approach, or do you openly walk up and say 'Hi'?

Silanon Silanon Psychie Psychie Esbilon Esbilon
 
O-Ren will leave the bulk of her firearms behind, taking only her pistol and the sword that the team was able to get from the hydra, and only will be wearing her lightweight body armor, not her heavier suit. Unless someone gives her a good reason not to, she is planning on approaching the city hall during the day and in the open, not trying to stealth up at all.
 
Liza Kreuzer

As the firestaff basically screams "I'm a mage! I'm a mage!" to everyone familiar with such artifacts, the mystic will heavy-heartedly leave it behind in the hands of Grond - just like her guns and quarterstaff, only bringing her trusty revolver in case she needs it. Not that that's what she would really rely on if things happen to go poorly - but in this world, it would be even more suspicious to not bring any weapon at all. Apart from that, she wears her hoody, though this time, she isn't hiding her head. Instead she does her best to get her wild hair under control in a ponytail for once, just to appear like a usual person that happens to accompany the others. Just like O-Ren, she will approach the hall openly, the stealthy part happens out of sight. For a short moment, she pauses in one of the alleys, focussing her psionic powers to mask her PPE once more. She then grabs the flute underneath her clothing - of course she brought it, how could she not - and then catches up to the others. "Let's see if they are willing to listen."
 
Nasoth has also activated her Alter Aura power to conceal her true self from those silly Coalitioners. Now she walks down the main street along with Liza and O-Ren, her long red hair flowing behind her in the wind and a loose-fitting purple dress billowing around her. She looks exceedingly carefree, smiling and whistling part of a half-forgotten tune as she looks around to take in the city.
 
The three ladies make their way to the city hall building where one of the two Coalition APCs is parked with several guards sitting out front. Their level of interest in you increases as you approach, including several of the guards noticeably flipping the safeties off of their rifles. One takes a few steps forward and barks out, "You three, move along. Nothing to see here."
 
Ozug

The ogre gaped at Nasoth for a moment after her transformation. Wow. I am never going to get used to that. She could make a killing as a poster girl. Could change into anyone's dreamboat instantly.

Upon hearing the plan, he shrugged, and said "Sounds like a risky, but decent plan. I don't have any shape-changing powers, or the ability to hide my psionics. All the prowling ability in the world wouldn't be able to hide me or Grond from the ISS, the dogboys, stalkers, and the psi-cops these guys are likely to use." He briefly glanced at Atlanta and Grond. "Probably best if us non-shape changing...uh non-subtle D-bees stay here, it would draw less direct attention from the black lobsters." He shrugged. "While I am pretty good looking, I can't pass for human with how tall and shredded I am. And Grond here is a walking horror show." He grinned toothily at Grond, and said "No offense bud. You make me look pretty by comparison."

His grin faded slightly. "Liza might be right. Could be minds to change or misdirect. I wouldn't want them to go immediately hostile upon seeing us, if there's even a chance of diplomacy, or the chance of sneaking in and getting some solid intel. People that look like normal humans have the best chance of either. And with O-Ren the cyberknight, we might actually have a good diplomatic chance." He gave O-Ren and the others a thumbs up, and grinned. "We'll be here for backup in case things go bad. We're just a radio call away. I have full faith in you ladies, but be careful anyway."

Ozug kept himself ready in full combat kit in case the call came in. While waiting for their return, he pondered over these events. We should have established a duress word in case they get captured. Should have came up with a alternate rendezvous point in case something happened, and maybe a time interval for a quick radio-squelch check in. He sighed. Ozug, you are slipping up. Probably been sleeping too much lately. Muddies the mind. Too late now to worry about it. He felt restless, and periodically kept looking out the window of the farmhouse in case of trouble. He paced while he did so. The bio-comp, seeming to sense his growing agitation, sent soothing chemicals through him, and he calmed slightly. He returned to his thoughts. Why would the Coalition come here in a sizeable enough force to take a town, and take down Sir Talbert's crew, just for Atlanta? Seems a bit overkill for a vengeance-motivated police action. Even the black lobsters know that the wastes are dangerous for anybody, and you're going to lose a few guys patrolling them. He frowned. Might be an assumption that it's Atlanta they are after anyway. Lots of weirdos living in this town. Seems like there is something else going on here.

I hope the ladies find out more and get back safe.
 
O-Ren approaches the guard with confidence, knowing that if things were to go bad, it wouldn't be too bad for her side. Even without Ozug, Atlanta and Grond, the three ladies were more than a match for a handful of Coalition grunts. She waves her hand dismissively at his rifle. "There is no need for that. We want to talk to your commanding officer, not get into a fight with you. I am O-Ren Ichi, and these ladies are my companions. Can you please introduce us to your commander?" She offers up a winning smile, hoping to keep the whole situation from getting even more tense than it already is.
 
Liza Kreuzer

The mystic musters those ahead - by the looks of it, they are prepared to fight, as expected given the situation. Maybe more hostile than Liza has hoped, but after all, this is the coalition at work. She'd rather not think about what might have happened if Ozug or Grond would have been here as well - probably a bloodshed right here and now, pretty much the last thing anyone would want. Not that the mystic is much better off if they happen to notice her abilities; at least, she can stay half a step behind and let O-Ren take care of the talking. Intuitively, her hand reaches out for her flute, but stops halfway between chest and hips. A simple thought, accompanied by a few tunes, could grant more authority to the cyber knight; make her more trustworthy, more rememberable. And yet, it'd likely achieve the opposite of what they're here for. Thus, Liza instead simply shows her hands, as if to reassure them that she poses no threat. "Indeed, we are only here to peacefully talk about a problem of ours. No need for weapons and violence."
 
Nasoth waves at the guard and smiles widely as if they were a long lost friend. She holds her tongue for now, though, no reason for everyone to speak on top of each other, that'd just confuse the poor bipeds. Instead, she tries silently spreading a feeling of friendliness and good cheer.

OOC: Not sure if I can use Charm/Impress silently, but I'd like to try (maybe at a penalty?).
 
One guard looks to another, then they shrug. "Fine. You want the LT, you got him." He then keys his helmet microphone and speaks quickly, "Sir, we have three women out here asking to speak with you. Yes, that's them. Yes, sir." Shifting his attention to O-Ren, he says, "You may go inside the APC. Lt. Corso will meet with you there." He motions over his shoulder at the side door of the vehicle.

Inside, there are several Dog boys and a Psi-Stalker, all examining you for signs of magic and psi powers. With a nod at O-Ren, the Psi-Stalker says, "She's a minor psychic, low level powers, all consistent with a Cyber Knight." Looking at Liza, he says, "This one has more psi power, but no magic." Finally, he points at Nasoth. "This one smells funny, but I don't know what it is about her that is odd."

A woman's voice from the rear of the transport calls out, "Thank you, corporal. Send them on back. I don't expect any trouble from our guests."

Sitting at a set of displays, you find a woman with short cropped black hair in a Coalition Officer's armor suit with her helmet off. She is armed with a pistol on her hip, and a rifle is propped up next to the console. On the screens of the terminal, you can see several pictures of different people, one you recognize as Alley, your super speedy comrade-in-arms. The other photos are of a variety of men and women, including a image of Sir Talbert and his Ley Line Walker friend, Marcos.

The woman at the terminal swivels her chair around to face the three of you. With her arms crossed over her chest, she says, "I am Lt. Corso. I am very busy right now, but I can spare a few minutes of my time for you right now. What can I do for you?"
 
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Liza Kreuzer

For a very short moment, the mystic holds her breath - just like any normal person would do when examined by one of the psi-stalkers. It's one thing to know with certainty that all of your magical powers are savely hidden behind a psychic shield - it's another thing to stand there and have a hunter like this one actively test your skills when it counts. More psi power, but no magic. Of course, this is the expected result, and yet it's still a relief in itself - as well as the lack of caution in regards to her psychic abilities. Maybe the presence of a cyber-knight - maybe a sign that their cause is not hopeless.

Either way, Liza steps further forward, mustering the pictures displayed on the screens. Some familiar faces, others unknown - she avoids those she actually cares about, and instead briefly looks at the others - just in case that any of them stand out to her, you never know whom you might meet in the future. "Indeed, you must be very busy, given the current circumstances. I'd assume there are many things to take care of when facing a complicated situation like this one - all the more do I appreciate your willingness to spend some of your valuable time to listen to us. I am Liza Kreuzer, companion of O-Ren Ichi, and this is Nasoth, a good friend of many. We are connected to some of those you hold captive, and arrived to learn more about your reasons to come here - as well as find an adequate solution that satisfies all involved parties of this dilemma."
 
The officer looks at the three of you for a long moment before replying. "What dilemma is that? Are you suggesting that you are willing to help us gather up these fugitives of Coalition Justice? We have many reports that Alley Orzech has been seen in your company. Having that traitor back in custody would be worth a reward."
 
Liza Kreuzer

The mystic slowly shakes her head. "If any of those I recognize on your list were actually a threat to people, no matter whether part of the coalition or not, I would be the first one to offer my aid. But as it stands, that is not the case. You plan to take those few brave souls captive who constantly fight against vampires and hydras to let this small town be a haven of peace. Just to tick off a name on your list, you are willing to seal the fate of hundreds - but the threats they are fighting will only get closer to your borders by that. Your whole presence here is a dilemma - you were sent to change things for the better, but every move of yours will make things worse."

A deep breath, granting enough of a pause to hopefully find the proper words. "And talking about Alley, the traitor as you called her - she is indeed a friend of ours. She left your territory as soon as she realized that there was no proper place for her anymore, and still insisted on helping your men and women out here whenever we got the chance to assist. She even sent letters home for the families of the fallen soldiers, just so that they knew what sadly happened. Even if I'd be willing to help you, it would be to your detriment - and I shall never betray my friends as long as these lungs still breath." Her hand reaches out for the small cross on its cord, as if to emphasize her oath.

"But that does not mean that there is no compromise that would be to everyone's advantage. See, there are other threats out there, be they Splurgoth, vampires or whatever else. They are a threat to all of us, and caused too many casualites already. As long as Haven is secure - which in particular means that its long-time guardians are free and in the best of health - at least I would be willing to tackle those common enemies. Of course, I cannot speak for the others; and neither do I know if our skills would be appreciated."
 
Nasoth takes a step forward and puts a reassuring hand on Liza's shoulder. She smiles at the commander, the pleasantest smile that anyone ever smiled, and says "please, we just want to help. Can't you work something out?"

OOC: Using that off-the-scale PB! I'll try to Charm the officer.
 
O-Ren nods in agreement. "Indeed. We have no quarrel with you or the Coalition. We just want to make sure that the lives of the people of Haven are protected with just treatment for all. In this day and age, there are many threats out there that are worth the effort to overlook our differences and unite to save all the innocents of this world, so let us all be reasonable and work together to make this better world happen."
 
The lieutenant listens to the impassioned arguments from the three of you in silence, her face betraying no emotion as she listens. Finally, she says, "I am quite willing to be reasonable, but I still have my superiors to report back to, and they expect results. If you are unwilling to hand over the fugitives that I am looking for, perhaps I need to use some slightly different persuasion techniques. Keep in mind what I can do to this town you care for so much if I don't get what I want, what I can do to the prisoners I already have in my control. If you are smart, you'll cooperate, sooner rather than later."
 
Liza Kreuzer

In contrast to the opposing lieutenant, Liza does barely try to conceal her own thoughts - her rather forced smile cannot hide the pure sadness in her eyes as she hears the words. She takes a few breaths before she answers; as the mystic speaks, there is a hint of anger in her voice, barely noticeable for those who know her well enough to hear the difference.

"We are aware of the situation, lieutenant - the question is not what your options are, but whether or not the coalition is great enough to know more ways than just threats and murder. Or, to be even more precise, whether you are notable enough to make a difference in this never-ending, human tradegy - or if you are like a stubborn hydra, fighting until you reach a limit where brute force is not enough any longer. Every being, be it human, mage or beast or something in-between, can make a choice within its life, at one point or another. For those who truly wish a change, there are always different options. So when you say that you'd want to be reasonable, and that it's only the orders holding you back - then you're either lying to us, or yourself, since there are other ways to proceed. You do not need to leave your country or travel to the other side of the world, like some of us did - a simple order would be enough. Alley is not a threat to your country - neither these civilians, nor their protectors are. They only become one when someone decides to threaten the peaceful life they're trying to live."

Liza takes another, longer pause, grabbing her flute to calm herself down before she can make things even worse. "But things have happened, and pretty much noone will ever be able to manipulate time. If things turn out as you seem to imply, those superiors at home might call you a hero, and give you another task to do. But those outside of the coalition might call it the massacre of Haven. Whenever they'll hear the name Corso, they'll spit out, and prey that the Splurgoth will claim your head. You speak as if you had nothing to lose, and everything to gain; as if you and your men were invulnerable, and the coalition's reign already decided. But there are many out there that are uncertain, mercenaries and the like. I'd count myself to that group as well, though likely not for much longer. We all want to live in peace at some point, and each little showing here and there destroys more of our hope. At one point, the final straw might be reached - and both sides will pay too much blood that day to call themselves the victors. It's on us to find a better way, to earn a brighter future."

At the very end, there is no anger left - just the very same enthusiasm that caused her to stand here in the first place. Only that defeat seems unavoidable this time - the mystic turns towards the others, hoping that they can find convincing words where she herself runs against a wall of unwillingness to change things for the better.
 
O-Ren gives the Lieutenant a hard look. In a quiet voice, she asks, "Are you sure you wish to take such a hard line on this? We don't have to be enemies; but it sounds like you are doing everything in your power to make us your opponents. Lets be reasonable, please."
 
"Also," Nasoth chips in with a smile that is far too predatory to really fit the pleasant young woman's face she is currently showing to the officer, "not all of us particularly want to live in peace. It's easier for you to deal with the ones who do."
 
The lieutenant's eyes narrow at the veiled threat from Nasoth. "I believe that we are done talking. Sergeant! Escort these women out. I have work to do." She turns back to her terminal, dismissing you from her notice.

From the call of the officer, a pair of large figures in armor come walking up to you, motioning towards the exit of the APC. "Time to go, ladies."
 
O-Ren lets out a disappointed sigh. "If that's the way you wish to act, so be it. I must say that I am sad at your lack of compromise. Very well. We do not wish to overstay our welcome." She turns to follow the two soldiers to the exit in silence. We will have to tell Ozug what has happened here today. This may end up with a fight between us and this Lieutenant, and if so, I want all the firepower to deal with them that I can get. Keep the collateral damage down to a minimum.

Once outside and away from the troops, the Cyber Knight uses her radio to call the ogre. "We have unfortunate news. This lieutenant is not willing to compromise with us, and I am afraid that we may have to resort to more drastic measures to get the prisoners out of lock-up."

Vaneheart Vaneheart
 
Ozug

Roused from his contemplations by the sudden radio call, the ogre listened to the message with a little excitement, but at the same time disappointment. That was resolved rather too quickly. So much for diplomacy. He normally enjoyed the anticipation of violence, and had no love for the Coalition, save for Alley. But he worried about the prisoners, the innocents in Haven, and the collateral damage. He suddenly smirked. Look at me, for once I would have liked to avoid bloodshed. Whatever sunshine and goodie-twinkle-dust Liza carries around must be rubbing off on me. He considered further. Conflicts are different when it's your own home, or a place you care about, or the lives of people you care about are at stake. Yeah, attachments are a weakness, but you push someone hard enough through those, and killing suddenly becomes real easy for them.

Ozug returned the radio call. "Roger that." He paused and glanced around at Atlanta and Grond, for confirmation that they were also listening. He readied his rifle, then responded "Do you require extraction or evac? How would you like us to proceed?" He suddenly added "If they are not overtly attacking, they may instead try to track you, follow you, or may have placed bugs or...psi hexes or something on you. Be alert. Might not be a good idea to meet back here, even if they are flushing you to us. We should consider an alternate location, if possible, or meet halfway, if necessary."

He suddenly wished Alley were around to properly secure the Misfit's communication channels from eavesdropping.
 
"Does this mean we're gonna fight them?" The dragon asks once they're out of earshot. "And if we are, shouldn't we have started then? She wasn't wearing a helmet, I could have popped her head like an overripe grape," she adds with a chuckle.
 

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