Dec 07 13:10:56 109 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Sat Dec 07 13:10:56 109 PA.

Herbert is awaiting the expedition's participants patiently outside his lab in the magic district, small hand-held computer in hand, tapping away with a stylus on the screen. A Mountaineer with a trailer that is hauling a strange looking machine with huge wheels is parked very close by. Piccilo, the little goblin assistant is up on the mountaineer's roof tying down the last of the gear that will be needed for the trip. The sun is only an hour above the horizon, this being the planned time for everyone to meet.

Alex is punctual, having a built in clock and never sleeping. So the flying robot jets into the scene to hover over the parked vehicle and give his would be employer a look over. "Hi there, I'm Alex. You need some digging done?" It asks, flexing the shovel, jack hammer, and vibro pick arms

Bob emerges into the area, wearing fairly casual attire. He doesn't appear to be here as a guard, though there is a pistol in a leather holster on his right thigh. He is not wearing any visible armor of any sorts. His arrival is just a few seconds behind Leonard's. "Hello." He offers. "I'm Bob. I think I'd spoken to you about being interested in coming along to see some of the science done here? And offering mysef as a body guard of sorts, but mainly interested in helping out with the actual analysis."

Leonard lacks hoverjets and does require sleep, yet he arrives rather punctually, also. The magic district is a frequent stop, and only a brief walk from residence or business. "Morning." It isn't yet good, as his steaming cup is not yet emptied.

Rasputin comes walking into the north dregs. He is wearing his usual suit of 'out and kicking ass' body armor, weapons, grenades, and all sorts of other fun. He walks up, his helmet on a loop on the side for the moment. He walks up an extends his hand to the person organizing the event, "Greetinks, so you have assembled da goodink group here, da." He looks around. He nods to Alex, Leondard and Bob.

Herbert looks up of course, a flying robot coming in to hover overhead is not as common to go unnoticed. Piccilo ducks, hands and arms flailing over his head, being up on the truck the little goblin is taken a bit by surprise having his attention on securing the gear. With a shriek he scrambles down to the ground. Yes, he's a little skittish. Happy to see everyone show up on time, well most everyone, "Hello everyone." the scientist giving a final tap on his computer to tuck it away to its holder on his belt. "Thanks for coming. Looks like everyone I briefly chatted with. Just the big guy, Pavel. I don't see him just yet. Is everyone ready? Piccilo will show you where you can store your gear, if any." Giving a wave to the skittish goblin, "Help these people get loaded up Piccilo."

"Ready to assemble." Alex confims with a nod, slowly hovering qabout the groups perimeter. The bot doesnt get right in on the initial coversation so its hover jets dont drown it out. But they are certyainly noticeable.

"I'll carry my gear, if that's okay." Bob says with a smile. It really is basic afterall, just that pistol and what appears to be a spear slung across his back. "Where would you like me to sit for transport?" He then waves at the robot, cheerfully. "Alex." He offers. "I need to talk to you, sometime soon. Your little manuver with the plasma tank a bit back has given me some ideas."

"I already carry all of my equipment," Leonard explains. His gear is minimal, judging by his lack of bulky armor, pack, or weapons. "How deep within the Dregs will we be travelling?" Rasputin, Alex, and Bob all receive nods of acknowledgement. The lack of the large russian does not seem to be terribly distressing.

Rasputin nods slowly, "Mink good as well. Net needink. We ridink or walkink further into da Dregs."

Herbert gives a smile knowing everyone is ready to go. Anyone with gear is directed by Piccilo to the rear of the large truck where a small compartment is available. With no one needing to store anything, the little guy goes to button it up and climb up into his own spot in the vehicle. "Climb aboard anywhere you like. Piccilo will be driving." the scientist informs those inquiring, "We won't be going too far in, I really try to avoid anything East of the hospital. There is not much out there, a few buildings here and there. It will only take us roughly fifteen to twenty minutes to get there." The back compartment of the vehicle has been modified slightly to be used as a mobile laboratory. There is enough room for six average human sized beings, it is close quarters however. Only Alex is stuck to his own means of travel.

If Alex had eyeborws it might raise one. BVut it does not, still it manages to express specualtion to Bob with other body language and an "Oh?" Clearly curious.

If Bob spies Alex's body language he doesn't let on at first. "Mm, I'm considering ways of deploying them from range." He admits, as he vaults onto the vehicle and settles down. "Are you expecting any trouble, or more or less smooth sailing?" He asks idly -- not seeming concerned either way.

Leonard nods and boards the cramped rear of the vehicle. "A brief trip is always welcome. Getting there is usually not half of the fun, despite what some say." Bob's question prompts a chuckle and a glance to the being. "It's best to expect trouble in the Dregs at all times. A quiet journey is then a pleasant surprise."

Rasputin gets on board, verifies his gear, then takes a seat. "Dhough, are we providink security because net gangs would allow? Or because net gangs were asked? Or perhaps boths?"

Herbert lets everyone else climb on in and get settled before he settles himself, standing at the shotgun side hatch as he waits. He smiles with Leonard's assessment, "I don't see why anyone would be concerned with us. But it is the Dregs and you just never know." he offers to Bob. "I know nothing of how gangs work, I just don't want my gear stolen. I never asked anyone anything. That's why I hired you folks for guards. Is anyone here familiar with the gangs of the area? We are headed to the North Dregs if that helps." Just as he goes to settle in he shouts over to Alex, "You'll be alright following? We won't be going that fast. But we can go slower if you need." won't he be surprised.

Piccilo starts up the loud diesel engine, by the sound of the engine, those with skill can tell it really could use some work. There is definitely a metal on metal sound on a steady rotation. But its running. Kicking out black smoke from the exhaust, but its running.

"Oh go please dont go slower. This 20 minute trip is far lponger than it needs to be already." Alex notes before doing a quick buzz around vehicles in a demonstration of potential speed. It the retuns to talking to Bob with a shrug. They're pretty bulky, not really designed for range.. Kinda like throwing a propane tank really."

"I figured that." Bob says back to Alex. He notices the mechanical issues, but he keeps quiet about it. Mostly because it's probably none of his business. That and Automotive mechnics really aern't his interest. Not high tech enough. "Doesn't mean that it can't be done. I'm still trying to see if I can't make a portable solution that is more cost effective than a short range missile."

"So long as we arrive with the vehicle still in one piece," Leonard stifles a cough at the smoke, "I'll be content." As they begin to move, his attention turns to the weapons discussion. "Wouldn't it be simpler to just shoot foes with an existing weapon than create your own?"

Rasputin shakes his head at the talk regarding custom fire bomb type weapons. He chukles a bit to himself, "So no gang permission." He says to himself almost. "Dhough, anyone knowink dwhich gang controls dis part of da Dregs?"

Herbert gives the flying Bot a big thumbs up as he buttons up the hatch. The big truck with trailer begins to roll on down the road. "So I guess that's a no on anyone with gang knowledge? I was really hoping someone would. Oh well." still with a bit of a hopeful glance to everyone.

Piccilo grumbles to Leonard's comment of getting there, "Don't worry, this heap get there. Might need more duct tape t'git back."

"I think the north gangs are much less ruthless and barbaric than the others. I think." Alex offers with a shrug. Its something at least. "Not sure if that's feasible. Missiles aren't that expensive anyway, and you only need to fire one of those to ruin most anything it hits." Alex offers before hovering off to scout ahead and be first into gang territory. Just 2000 feet ahead of the trucks.

"I have no idea." Bob adds. "I think gangs change territory daily so." He goes quiet; listening for a moment. "You're grinding the CV joint on the right front wheel, among other things. Probably should change it soon." He settles back in his chosen seat. "The rest sounds more like . . . mm, it'll be all right." He sounds pretty sure of that as he continues on. "Anyway, where was I? That's not the point -- Leonard, I think you are? We met once. Anyway, it's the speculation and the design that makes it fun. Who cares if it never actually is used, it's the challenge that is interesting."

Leonard rolls his shoulders at several of the recent comments. "I've not been in the Dregs for some time, and he is right," a nod towards Bob. "Territory changes sides often. As far as I'm concerned, the gangs are the least worrisome of any potential problems in the Dregs." He also admits that, "Yes, design and creation can be a rewarding challenge. Far better when it proves practical, however."

Rasputin shrugs, "Da, some do, buttink some gangs are dery intrentched into dhere territory." He shrugs a bit, "Dhough, how long are you goink to be diggink? And mink surprised dhat you found anythink of value under da dregs, considerink how da dregs works."

It's a quiet ride, unless you consider the engine noise. Though there is the saving grace of it being muffled from the sealed passenger compartment. Bad for the neighborhood, not being a stealthy entrance into the Dregs. Herbert is interested in everything that is said on the gang topic, but nothing really strikes him as helpful, "I guess we will just have to see if we have anything to worry about."

Piccilo has to slow down some as they get off the main road onto the side streets. Bob gets a, yeah I know, nod. The terrain getting less road-like as the go. It's not long after getting off the main road that the group arrives at their destination.

Seeing the trucks stop Alex does a quick buzz around the perimeter to see if anyone serious is taking a serious interest before hovering in to the site to be dug. The bot turns to look to Herbert for dierection on where and how he'd like to start.

Bob is in no apparent hurry as the truck rolls to a stop, climbing down from the cab and having a brief look around. "I enjoy the concept and design phase of my vocation very much." He explains to Leonard. "I am of few pleasures, one might say, besides creating something a little bit off the wall. I do agree that practical is better, but creativity has it's place."

"A respectable hobby, don't mistake my words," Leonard replies before assuring Herbert, "I doubt that we will find anything terribly worrisome." His head turns to take in what he can see of their surroundings all the same. Rasputin gets up himself, puts on and secures his helmet into place. He then tests the mic, and speaker ssystem.

Rasputin gets up himself, puts on and secures his helmet into place. He then tests the mic, and speaker ssystem. He then steps outside of the APC and looks around. He walks around the vehicle checking out everything around it, just to get a lay of the land.

The area that Herbert picks for his dig is a long flat area roughly a hundred yards wide and 200 yards long in a bowl in the landscape. This area is free of any dwellings, though seen coming in on the drive, just over the hills there are a few single story buildings that are not in great condition, but are suitable for being called shelter, as long as your not picky. The bleak clear skies are accentuated by the near-frigid air. Gusts of wind are an icy reminder of the time of year.

Piccilo gets right to unloading, the machine on the trailer his first priority. This gives everyone plenty of time to unload and do what they need to do.

Herbert gets out pulling out a pair of binoculars to look out over the area in front of them, tucking them away after his quick survey. Turning to the others, "Well, those of you that are security, I assume you know what you need to do. We will be scanning over this whole area, unless we are lucky and find what we are looking for in a few minutes." a not likely chuckle given. "Those of you with scientific interest, I'd like to know what your specialties are so we can better collaborate."

"And those of us here to dig?" Alex asks a bit awkwardly. Yet another one of those feel like an appliance moments. But the robot seems to take it in stride. It is what it offered to do after all.

Leonard dismounts the cramped confines once they stop. "An ...interesting venue. I expected to provide security, but I

Bob glances at Alex. Does he have any sort of empathic powers? No, not really. So he can't understand quite what Alex means directly, but he does understand what feeling like a fifth wheel is like. "I'm a mix of security and scientist. I'm a general mechanic, and more specifically a robotics scientist. I doubt that is the kind of thing you are pulling out of here, so I'm here to learn."

Leonard dismounts the cramped confines once they stop. "An ...interesting venue. I expected to provide security, but my specialties include pre-Cataclysm history, linguistics, and most matters preternatural. Not that I expect the last to be of use when dealing with ancient history."

Rasputin does have scientific interest, but today he is just hired help. He fans out a little bit, and starts to look around for places people might hide. He doesn't say much at the moment. Just says into his mic, "So, should we all be sinkink on same channel da? Just somethink simple, likink 12?" He looks back to the ground.

Herbert smiles up to Alex, "Hopefully there will be plenty of digging for you. You wouldn't happen to have Sonar built in? Or know how to use sensory equipment? You could help cover much more ground. My machine is slow, but it can find hair a mile down." a proud grin comes to his face. "You could be helpful in setting up the laser grid if nothing else. Save us alot of running down the field." Turning to Leonard, "Great, I'm sure you will come in handy should we find the library. I guess just keep an eye out for trouble for now. Bob, I guess you can keep a look out with Rasputin and Leonard."

"No radar, but I can read sensors." Alex confirms with a quick nod. indeed it looks much more eager as the list of tasks for it to do unfurls.

"Well, if Alex prefers not to I can certainly run the machinery if you need a specialist who can read sensory equipment." This much comes from Bob. "If Alex wants to do the actual digging. Otherwise, happy to keep an eye out as requested."

Rasputin shrugs and then just starts to review the area, he scouts around, looking for obvious hiding spots first. Then just starts to make a circuit about 150 yards out. Just eough to make sure he is covering the area, but also so he keeps an eye on the dig site.

Herbert happily accepts anyone willing to lend a hand in the setup. "As soon as Piccilo unloads the Sonar, he'll show you all what to do with the laser grid. I need to do a few more calculations and I'll have the start point for the grid." Then even he gets to work, opening up the back hatch to start unloading some of his equipment, starting with the surveying equipment.

Piccilo looks very strange being so small next to this large machine that he remotely guides off the trailer. It's like a big metal pet on a leash. It moves slowly, but eventually the little guy gets it parked next to the trailer. Then he goes to scramble up to the roof of the vehicle, "You catch, I give down?" he says over to Bob and the others.

Alex has lots of arms to catch with and get the truck unloaded of all the special and expensive equipment quickly. So the robot jumps right in to assist.

Bob can do that. "Sure." He says, and steps up beside the rig. He reaches up to catch what he is passed down, not ending up offering much in the way of conversation at the moment.

Rasputin just keeps looking around. He isn't finding unsual, at least not this week. He squawks his mic a little bit, as he continues to walk around the dig, "So anythink specifically you thinkink might be lookink into the dig?" He looks around

The unloading goes quickly. Herbert goes to surveying the plot of land, doing calculations on his small computer. It only takes ten more minutes after the unloading for him to have the start point, driving a stake into the ground to mark it. "Ok, Piccilo, you know what to do." And that he does, to Alex, the little guy indicates a small box for him to grab, "Take to end of field, 200 yards. Turn on, turn sensor to mine till green light. We do 5 yards till 100." his hand gestures trying to indicate an interval thing.

Alex nods, taking the small node to the laser grid without difficulty. A small spurt of thrust moves the robot 200 yards away from the green goblin where it lines up the box for the green light. "All good."

Once Bob finishes helping with the unloading, he turns to lean against the side of the truck -- having a good look around. Alex is handling the sensors, which gives him decent time to spend on actual security and the like. Being a fairly open area, he should reasonably -- in theory -- be able to see something coming.

Rasputin is almost getting a moderate workout today, as he wonders around the dig. He thinks a bit, then looks around. He ponders if he is missing out on the real work of moving stuff. He starts to look for a higher vantage point, but isn't sure there is anything stable in this region of the dregs.

Piccilo and Alex work on the laser grid, every 5 yards for 100 yards across the sensors are lined up. Herbert moves the Sonar machine over into place as the rest of the sensors are installed. "Bob, you said you can read sensory equipment, lemme show you how this works." moving to the side of the large machine, there is a printed display, "As the paper rolls across, you'll start seeing the different densities, will kinda look like a printed fish finder screen. As it goes, if you could walk with it and just keep an eye out for anything unusual or particularly dense."

Alex works effortlessly to get the laser grid established so the sonar machine can find the buried treasure below.

Bob listens carefully as he is instructed; nodding once or twice. "It seems simple enough, if a little bit . . " He tries to find a good word. "Archaic." He smiles though; taking the device under his arm and waiting for Alex to get enough work done that he can begin to work with what he is supposed to do.

Rasputin wanders a bit closer to the vehicle. He takes a look at the equipment, but really he seems to be inspecting the vehicle a little bit. He pokes around a little bit, of course his very short size might help with this a little bit. He doesn't say much at the moment.

Herbert chuckles at the descriptive term used, "That it is, but still very effective technology. It originally was used to study fault lines, so it can see deep into the earth. Plus I like to keep a permanent record for later study. Just keep an eye on it as you follow it." After explaining he starts the machine to begin its slow journey across the open field. He follows along to make sure all is working properly. The large wheels crush any overgrowth of weeds that may get in the way, but for the most part the ground is kinda rocky and clear. Piccilo has something else for Alex to do, waving him in when all is set up.

Alex nods and zips back over with the wave. Careful the robot skirts Bob's efforts with the antique to discover more of its kind. "What next?" It asks of the goblin.

Bob's first attempt at working the device meets with failure. "What?" He asks, looking at Piccilo suddenly. "Do . . where did you get this thing?" He looks obviously a little vexed before he puts his mind to it and spends a few minutes wandering around. It is some time before he looks up. "This . . machine, thing, what you call it, seems to be indicating that there is something dense here. Though, I trust this about as far as I can throw our vehicle." Bob grunts. "But, I don't think it's anything relevant. Looks like.... rock."

Rasputin is doing his best to stay out of the way of those that are working, as he keeps looking for things which might be trying cause issues. He looses his hand, and looks into the APC just to check out things for a moment.

Herbert takes a look at what Bob is seeing, pointing out, "See how that is all shaded there, that's the solid bedrock, we're looking in this range here. You'll see speckles of shading like this here which is just buried boulders. You can tell by the shape kind of. We are looking for something a little bit more man made looking."

Piccilo brings out a boxy device, "You can go high, you know Optics? If no, take me high? Rare chance use device."

"If a thousand feet is high enough sure." Alex says with a nodf as it accepts the device and ascends to its maximum altitude. Surely scatering dust all about on the site below as that much more thrust is required for the stationary height.

Bob listens to Herbert a bit more, nodding once or twice here and there. Boy, everyone sure is quiet today aren't they? Either way, he shields his eyes briefly from Alex's thrusting take-off. He wanders along, working the machine. "Ah, you're right." He offers to Herbert. "Look, that must be some large boulders down there somewhere, just above the bedrock. Perhaps this machine isn't so ... archaic after all."

Rasputin has poked his head into the vehicle's compartment. He apparently has found someone or something which wasn't supposed to be there. Rasputin says into his mic, and raises his fingers which are starting to get a slight glimmer, "Stoppink movink, and stoppink touchink thinks." He smiles a bit, "Or mink will be havink to cover you in nasty goo."

Herbert nod in agreement with Bob, "I think your getting it. I'll be right back." pulling out his small computer, tapping away with the stylus. Piccilo keeps his eye high on the flying Bot as it takes the picture he is seeking.

Take a picture? Alex practically has the lens cap on.. But if at first you don't succeed, try try again. So the bot takes a bit more time then may be expected up yonder. Good photos take time.

Rasputin says into his mic, "Dhough, dis is oddink, buttink someone just fell through da floor." He quickly backs out of the vehicle and looks under it to see where the thing that is melting through the floor is going. He isn't sure what to do about something like this...

As Bob works, he pauses; looking at the machine. "Hebert, why don't you come here for a moment?" He doesn't hear Rasputin, and would likely be highly concerned if he did hear him. Instead, he ends up working a bit more. Beckoning the scientist, he points. "There's an object down there, I think. Or it might be a rock, but the edges are too uniform for that. Look, it's a few feet long, and not very wide."

Herbert comes over to Bob taking his own look at the print out. A smile comes to his face, "I think its worth a look. Keep her going, I'll mark the spot. Good work." Grabbing a stake from a bucket that hangs on the machine, he hammers it in to mark the spot. Then labels it, and logs it into his computer. Unfortunately, he is too far down the line to hear Rasputin right at the moment. Piccilo however shrieks, "Ghost!" being close to the vehicle he catches sight of something that spooks him, causing him to scurry for cover.

"Ghost? I didn't get a picture of any ghost.." Alex notes as it descends with growing curiosity. Returning the camera it hovers about the truck, cameras and sensors buzzing to find any trace of disturbance. You paged Alex with 'roll perception'

Bob nods at Herbert, still unaware of what is going on near the vehicle. Bob really does have machine-like focus. Either way, he moves in a random direction. Or is it really random? "Have another here." He comments. "What are these, anyway?"

Rasputin says into his mic, "Da, da. Mink," He reaches for a camera or something to take a picture but does't get to it in time. The thing has melted into the ground under the truck, "Dis linkely a ghost, or some sort of ether type creature." He looks around for more ghosts.

Herbert and Bob are roughly 150 yards from where the commotion at the vehicle is parked. Both still oblivious to what is going on, too preoccupied with recent findings that look promising. Piccilo however, has bolted away from the truck shrieking, "Ghost, Ghost!" The Robot photographer is coming down from its high vantage point, knowing something is going on, just not what yet. Can't really miss the screaming goblin running away from above. The dwarven Deli owner is the only one to have seen it and still keeping his wits about him. Dealing with all those hungry customers must provide a resistance to odd surprises. Pavel comes in on the scene about the halfway point between the truck and trailer, and where Bob and Herbert are working. Piccilo, the goblin, is running in his direction. Where Leonard has been is anyone's guess.

Arriving at ground level Alex hovers very still and seems to be closely monitoring its surveillance systems for the suspected area. Anything moving, thermal, or otherwise visible should be clear to the bot. But with all the other people in the vicinity things may not be as they should.

Bob is -still- preoccupied with the machine, working on it a bit more. "So what are we out here looking for anyway?" He wants to know from Herbert. The machine beeps then, indicating Bob is doing something wrong. This causes his head to come up and he looks confused. "Eh, what's going on?" The error made him notice Piccilo.

Rasputin actually does something kind of silly, he crawls under the vehicle. This isn't so hard for him, "Dhere, lookink! he is runnink through you Piccilo, right dhere!" In a moment, Rasputin gets to the other side and is pointing at something, but spoting it might be fairly difficult.

Shrieks of ghosts are now enough to break Leonard from his examination of the site and potential or confirmed promising data. "Ghosts?" A brief glimps of ...something near the vehicle is just enough to whet his curiosity. "There is something here, in fact."

Pavel has been with his girlfriend, which today meant that she was at her parents' house in Little Russia. As he's not a scholar, the big smith decided that he would be an excellent choice to play "giant protective lump of pointy and bulbous moving steel." Clad in armor and with all sorts of weapons, he's not exactly quiet. Tall and imposing? Perhaps. Wait, was it mentioned that he is also atop a charcoal horse whose head reaches to ten feet off the ground, and clad in heavy barding itself? Yeah. Must be a sturdy horse, indeed. Blagodat lets out a couple of snorts as they approach the area. Hanging from the horse is an arsenal of knives and swords, on up to his giant bludgeon, a sleek bow and what looks to be a fire extinguisher. The funny antics going on are just chalked up to not knowing why anyone would be interested in digging here anyway. Raising a big hand, he calls, "Allo!" to everyone present.

Even Herbert's attention is finally gotten, turning to see the yelling goblin coming their way, Pavel in the middle of it. He is still unaware to the scope of the trouble. "Piccilo! Stop!" he shouts as the green goblin darts across the clearing. Piccilo changes direction as Pavel comes into view, darting across the field away from him and the ghost. The little guy is pretty quick for having such short legs.

Alex finds nothing odd about the trucks and shrugs in indeffirence. "Nothing here." It says before turnign to regad the other and take in the mayhem that seems to have migrated. "If you ask me the little green man simply has an overactive imagination."

Bob stops fiddling with the machine for the moment; instead intent on figuring out what is going on. He can see the Goblin, and Rasputin and Leonard but . . nothing else. He frowns. "Everything all right?" He asks at a loud yell. "Or is the Goblin just being . . a Goblin?"

Rasputin mutters as he looks abour, "Dhere!" He points to the tire, "Net, dhere." He shakes his head, "Dis think is a ghost or somethink." He mutters, "It is meltink into da ground." He mutters, "Dhough..." He shakes his head and ponders.

"It does appear to be an entity of some sort," Leonard agrees, "thus, the incorporeality." To possibly aid his vision with things not entirely solid and potentially only half-visible, he invokes a brief incantation.

With everyone running around and acting funny, not even bothering to return his greeting, Pavel dismounts but continues to move into the area alongside his horse. At least there's another person speaking a language that he can be clear in. << Rasputin! >> he calls out in Russian. << You say there's a ghost? >> As he waits for confirmation or denial, his right hand reaches toward one of the scabbarded blades currently held on Blagodat's side, horizontal with the ground. << A problem ghost, or a good ghost? >>

The goblin is fast, but it seems he tires out quickly too, slowing down to a nervous walk, looking over his shoulder to see if anything is still chasing him. Not that there was in the first place. Herbert goes jogging out towards Piccilo to try and catch up and calm him down. Near the truck, nothing seems amiss anymore. What ever it was seems to have gone, if it was ever there in the first place.

"There's nothing here." Alex insists rather clinically as its head scans the area again. It even does a full turn around to ensure all its cameras get a chance to verify nothing is out of place. And floats confident that nothing is.

Bob isn't so sure about that, though it really is hard to say. Instead, he steps a bit towards the truck -- fiddling with the machine again as he goes. Unfortunatly, it's still giving him quite a bit of trouble. He's at least making his way towards where the action is while he is fiddling with it though.

Rasputin shakes his head, "Dis is an odd creature. Dis has outline of armor on, da." He shakes his head and looks around the tire where he last saw it, "Somethink odd, dhough, net like normal entities mink knowink." He ponders and looks around.

Pavel's hand does make contact with the hilt and pommel of the blade he'd been reaching for. The sword is drawn, more than three feet from guard to tip and with a slight curve; almost like a sabre, but not as dramatic. The entire piece is more a work of art than a weapon, with a tapestratic image of a dramatic battle between beasts and men engraved down its flat sides. Once out, the big Russian holds it with both hands in a grip that points the tip toward the ground at his right-front. One might imagine a mighty upward sweep coming from such a stance. He moves toward the truck, nodding with his helmed head and insisting rather loudly, "Szehr is a mahn, ghost. Looks laheeke mahn, veesz ahrmohr as Rasputin says. Does noht vahnt to be seen. Bob, move! Rasputin move!" Then, "Speereht! Noht need hahrm." Diplomacy is always an option, right? Nevertheless, Pavel's big legs close the short distance rather rapidly. << Rasputin, it just walked right past you, turn around and look harder. >>

Herbert is busy trying to calm the excited goblin down. "There is no ghosts Piccilo, you have to calm down." He's at least got him from continuing his run, but still rants on about the ground being haunted, "The ghost not like here! We go, we go now! Not come back!" Near the truck nothing seems amiss to the Robot or Dwarf, nothing is visible regardless of what Pavel is saying to the contrary.

"Apparently the delusion is contagious." Alex remarks, turning towards Pavel iwth clear speculation. Still there is a lot of weird shit in the world today so the robot takes the precaution to take its energy lance in hand.

Bob takes a break from fiddling with the device. Maybe waiting for a few minutes will let something reset or something. Instead; he hears Pavel and does move -- heading towards the Russian primarily. All the while trying to wrack his brain about something that someone once told him in a bar on Phase World somewhere about someone who could do something but now he can't flippin' remember!

Rasputin shakes his head, and then gets away from the tire and begins to look down where Pavel is pointing. He looks around for whatever Pavel sees, "Net, mink seeink nothink." He ponders firing off some magic, but without a target he won't know what to hit.

Pavel doesn't seem phased by the apparent lack of belief by some. Or all. "It heard me," he says. "Looked aht me vhehn seh allo. Nov gohn behaheend trook. Szehr." He points around the direction that his ghost went, not relinquishing the grip on the sword, but rather using its tip to indicate the vector. "Deed noht trahee hoort, but ahlso deed noht trahee tahlk." With the blade in front of him like a lethal dowsing rod, he moves to follow what he saw. A bit of advice is offered as he wonders - obviously not sure - "Alex, vould szaht vehpohn mehke hoort? Trahee tahlk first." Then a little frustrated, "Vhy noht peepohl believe me? Noht seh a lie."

Herbert and Piccilo are still out in the field. The goblin becoming calmer as the scientist talks with him. The machine continues to follow its path with no one currently watching its progress. All is quiet by the truck except for Pavel still trying to get everyone to notice what he is seeing, real or not real.

"I believe you believe you saw something. But looking at the same spot i saw nothing. This is cause for speculation." Alex explains to Pavel before turning back to the truck as the ghost is depected as going there. "As for the enrgy lance, what good is drawing a weapon that wont hurt? I hope it hurts. Why did you draw your sword?" It asks of Pavel who seems to be acting rather two sided at the moment. It also takes a blinder grenade in its other hand. That cant hurt.

" . . wait, there it is." Bob says, pointing towards the back of the vehicle. "Look, he's trying to stay ahead of Pavel. Alex, how can you not see that? Don't argue it's mechanical, so am I!" He turns to step towards the truck. "It's modern armor, too. If it's a ghost, he sure hasn't been dead for very long! Wish I had thermal vision or some sort of way to see if he's just hiding on the visual spectrum."

Rasputin continues to look around, "Net, mink seeink nothinks." He grumps, and starts to get annoyed, "Dis is gettink annoyink." He starts with some sort of sensing ability. He casts Sense Evil to start...

Pavel continues forward, still following the blade but dipping the tip so that the sword is held in a less menacing manner. "Ghohst circling truck. Mehke circle, go ahround. Mehbe szeenks is eempohrtant. Ohr.. here to deeg?" He doesn't take his eyes off whatever it is that he sees, but indicates the truck itself with his elbow. "Mehbe should look under truck een ground, could be on sohmszeeng ghohst szeengk special? Ghohsts hav home, yes?" He plods along slowly, doing his best to keep his sight on the sight he sees. As for Alex, he only says, "Ghohst noht ahlvehs hurt by sehm vehpohns szaht hurt people." He certainly seems pleased when Bob finally spots it as well. "Allo, ghohst? My name Pavel, cahn tahlk?" As long as the being - whatever it is - is content to just walk, he's content to just keep following.

The ghost or what ever is seen circles around the truck coming back up on Rasputin and actually stepping right through the dwarf. Once behind the deli owner, it appears where all can see, right behind Rasputin as he is looking ahead. "BOO!" it shouts, then can't help but laugh at the situation. Still it remains translucent and see through. The goblin points and shrieks at Herbert, "There! Still here! It eat soul, must leave."

"See what?" Alex is forced to ask as Bob joins the rankis of the questionable sanity. Leaving Alex in a defnite yet short lived minority until the ghost makes its grand appearance. To which the robot is still speculative. "Ghost hmm? Looks like a wacko with special powers to me." It notes, its tone clearly unimpressed as it holds the blinder ready to throw.

Rasputin casts a simple spell to be able to See The Invisible and turns around, of course he can see the darn thing now. He steps back, "Stoj." He blinks, "Whatink are you?" his voice has a bit of an exclimation in his voice, his hand on his hip pistol.

Bob's metallic brow narrows as he sees the 'ghost' move behind Rasputin. Pausing thoughtfully, he then begins to approach the other directly with a purposeful stride. "Boo?" He says, back. Okay, so he feels retarded doing it but one never knows. He doesn't have a whole of experience with the supernatural.

'Boo?' Really? Pavel was expecting better than that. Okay, no he wasn't, he's a simply guy who was probably pleased that the ghost just went, 'boo.' The moving lump of chainmail and plates that is a blacksmith moves closer, suggesting to Alex that there's no reason to be rude to potential whackos with special powers. His blade is kept where it was, ready but not entirley pointing at the specter as he meets up to Rasputin's side. "Allo," he attempts again. "Vhaht doing heer? Ahr vee een sze veh?"

Herbert is able to keep the goblin calm enough to stay put for now, but he comes over now that the ghost can be seen and is not appearing hostile at the moment. Which in fact is true, it laughs despite not scaring the dwarven mage. An extra giggle going to the hand on the pistol move, "Relax." the ghostly figure says. "Just having a bit of fun before I warn you. You folks can't be here, I was sent to tell you to go." it says this to no one person in particular, its gaze drifting from one to another.

"Warn us?" Alex inquires with renewed curiosity. "Sent by who? As that is remarkably generous for a gang member to warn us that enforcers are coming to extract what value they can from our presence. You must be from a different faction yes?"

Bob frowns, the levity of the others 'warning' seeming to annoy him or the like. "And you were sent by whom to tell us that?" He asks. "Actually, let's clear something up right now." He gestures to Herbert. "You want to come here and talk to this guy? Why don't you tell us what we found, too. I'm sure it's all a 'misunderstanding' and we can clear it up."

Rasputin takes another half step back, he begins to look around the area again. Warnings usually have an bad habit in which people end up attacking afterwards. He doesn't have to ask what the warning is about, as several have already done that of course.

With nothing useful to add and having no idea what has or has not been found, Pavel just maintains his chosen assignment - protector - and keeps his eyes out for other dangers, sword ready but with its point resting with butterfly lightness on the ground for now. Every now and then the light catches the engravings on the blade and causes it to almost twinkle. In fact, even his armor does that. It's nice to make your own stuff. Nothing tastes betters than your own homemade brownies, and the theory is the same.

Herbert comes up just to hear Alex's comment of being warned, "Being warned of what?" not catching the beginning of this conversation. The ghost goes on to explain, "Listen folks. I'm just the messenger and it's not all too important who sent me, just that I am here. You can take my advice and pack up and go, or bad things might happen from beings unseen. We don't want to cause any harm, but we will destroy your equipment if need be. If that doesn't work, then I'm afraid things could get worse. People could get hurt. Up to you really." his tone has that air of non-caring of what choice they make. Just passing along a friendly message that is not all that friendly.

Alex nods to the messenger and turns t6o its employer. "Well there you have it. Your warning. What do you want to do?" The robot asks, clearly not about to start a war in the dregs if it is not desired by any party.

Bob keeps his hand upraised. "So." He says to the messenger. "Why don't you be more clear about it and tell us why we can't be here. I mean, if you're interested in preventing harm to yourself since obviously we're going to fight back if it comes to that, why don't you just be upfront and tell us what's going on?" He attempts to elbow Herbert semi-gently. "So, what are we looking for that these folks are upset by it? You want us to come back and work with you, right? Well, he says otherwise. Give us a reason, or some information. One of you is going to have to say something convincing."

Rasputin pulls back another few steps, and with his Sense Evil and See the Invisible on, he scans the area again. No need for him to ask the same questions being asked. He pulls out his infrared capable binoculars. He starts to scan the crater.

Pavel's eyes are not happy with Alex and Bob's forceful negotiation, that much is clear. However, the words that he bothers to speak in between watching for trouble do go to the image of the man. Something that heretofore has gone unasked, "Ahr you ghohst, ohr ohnly cahn be eeveesible?" in a genuinely curious tone. That's some basic information that might be useful. When Rasputin starts to back away, he taps a little button on a small machine the size of deck of cards laying at his left wrist.

Herbert steps forward after the nudging from Bob, "Sir, please, perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement? We are not here to start any trouble. We are here for scientific purposes only." This appears to intrigue the ghostly man, "Oh? What kind of scientific purpose?" he doesn't seem to be worried about any threat mentioned or implied. Herbert goes on to explain, "We are here on a cultural expedition to find a library. Not the kind that would interest magicians, but the kind that brings cultural knowledge. We really don't mean to cause any trouble."

As negotiations continue relativley peacfully Alex takes it upon itself to ascend and give the surrounding 4000 feet of dregs a quick scan. Looking for the unseen assailants ealier mentioned.

At this point, Bob begins to talk. Pavel may realize that there is a method to the metallic man's madness. (Say that three times fast) "So, look." He says to the Ghost. "If he's looking for a cultural library, what's the big deal? Perhaps some agreement can be made with your, uh, friends and comrades for mutual sharing and profit for everyone." He glances between the Ghost and Herbert. "Or . . " He asks the Ghost. "Is there more to it than that? Let's figure this out and give peace a chance, huh?"

Rasputin isn't so hot on the idea with something that is 'ghost' like, brings warnings, and not so veiled threats. He contineus to scan for anything which might be trying to sneak up on the small group, he clicks his mic and flips over to a channel which was previously used by Alex and him, maybe he still has it programmed? "Alex, you seeink anythink up dhere? Mink net likink dis."

Pavel looks down at the little box on his wrist, then back to the man. "Ahr you ghohst? Dohs have nehm?" Yeah, he doesn't have much of anything intellectual to add on a matter to which he knows nothing.

The ghostly figure looks to Bob calmly, "I'm sure we can arrange something, but for today, you all must go. I cannot negotiate for now, out of my control for the time being. If you would like to request permission, one of you can arrange a meeting. I only need an address to meet you at another time." Herbert jumps in with the offer to chat later, "I think that will be fine sir. You can meet me at my lab at a time convenient for you." he looks to the rest of his hired crew, "We can come back. I think we should take his generosity and make the trip another time. I can't take the chance he is not bluffing and I would hate to see any of you hurt over this."

Alex nods aws its returns from its quick and inconclusive sweep. "Sounds like a sound plan. Another venture where conflict is less likely or even removed is better than one where it is certain." The robot agrees and positions to help with the packing immediately.

"I also approve of this, like Alex." He gestures then, with his hands in a peaceful manner. "Tell you what." He says. "I suppose I've helped keep this non-violent. Why don't you let me know when and where you will meet, and I'll bring along a couple of my friends here and we'll all sit down and be party at the table discussions? It should help keep everything civil, and maybe we can even suggest a few ideas."

Pavel lets out a shrill but brief whistle, and Blagodat quickly trots over to his side. The smith doesn't mount up, though. He just stays where he is, with that one pretty sword, watching as everyone else goes about what they were doing. Bob's suggestion of further negotiations? He looks a little bored at that. Still, he can't help but press forward with his own investigation. "Ahr you ghohst, ohr pehrsohn vho look laheek ghohst?"

Rasputin looks and listens to the conversation, and then looks around a bit. He doesn't like extortion really but it isn't his gig, so he just says nothing and keeps a keen eye out for possible backstabbing to add to the extortion.

The ghost gives a content nod to both Herbert and Bob. A glance going around to all, "In three days time I will come to the lab to make the arrangements. It makes no difference to me if you all are there or it is just the doctor here." Herbert smiles with the peaceful conclusion, "Thank you for understanding. We will pack up immediately and go." The ghost returning another nod before he turns to leave, going the way of Pavel's direction, to which he says, "I am very much alive. You will not find me to be of the undead." letting him chew on that as he moves off. Unless someone is going to stop him.

Alex is already helping get the truck loaded and ready to leave. Alls well that ends well.

Bob nods to the ghost, and then goes back to helping to load as well. He has some questions for the Doctor, but that will come later.

Pavel pats Blagodat's shoulders, cooing in Russian as the non-ghost ghost passes by.

Rasputin shakes his head, and stands guard as the others pack things up. He mutters in Russian something about, 'I said it was a good idea to get permission, but then he also says he dis likes being pushed off by 'ghosts' It is all in Russian of course, but he just stand watch and tries to get as many details about this vanishing figure as he can.

Herbert is happy with the way things turn out. "Sorry folks. I wish we could've found what we came for, but at least we have another shot. You will all still get paid for your service, so don't worry about that. Let's just get packed up and out of here. I can pay you back at the lab." then turns to the almost forgotten goblin, still out in the field. "Come on Piccilo, its gone now." the poor wretched creature still huddling on the ground out in the middle of the field. "Lemme go out there and get him moving. He scares easy, but is a phenomenal mechanic. If you all could pick up all the sensors for the laser grid while I get Piccilo to get the machine."