Feb 27 11:34:29 106 PA
From Chronicles
The large garage has a small corner desk, with pieces of paper and catalogues of machine pieces on shelves against the wall. Along three od the walls, huge metal shelving units hold a variety of brown boxes, each marked with some arcane mechanics scrawl that indicates the contents. The other has a long workstation against it, and a series of hooks and shelves, upon which tools sit, in apparently random order. The workstation itself bears the weight of half a dozen dismantled machines of varying sizes. The floor is concrete, stained with oil, with patches of sand here and there. A large tub containing sand squats beside the garage doors, a shovel sticking out of the top as if someone shoved it there after use.
A row of pegs against the wall by the workstation has various coveralls, coats and other things hanging on it and a large noticeboard has a range of oil stained pieces of papers stuck to it with pins. Along the beam that runs the length of the garage, several jars have been attached with a nail through their lid. They seem to be storing small components of different sizes.
A door exits the garage, apparently allowing entrance to the upper floor by the use of a key pad.
The sun hangs high overhead, beating down on unnatural snow that sticks just long enough to impart an icy sting before running down your neck in a tiny cold rivulet. A noisy metallic sound comes from outside, sounding something like a grinding or squeaking, metal on metal in that sound that heavy things can have. A lone figure walks in, pushing along a wheelbarrow before him, laden with wooden and metal handles poking up here and there. Clad in riding leathers and a flannel shirt, Sebastien asks a grumpy-looking mechanic some questions before getting the evil eye, wandering deeper into the shop with his answer. Ah, the redheaded Angel awaits deep in her lair.
Caliopa is there, looking unangelic, her red hair pulled back into a ponytail, out of her face. That face is intent indeed and she appears to be in a deep argument with a truck, parked in the garage. She is leaning into it, her hand pressed against its side, her eyes closed, a fierce frown on her face. Her lips are moving, the whispered conversation too soft to be heard. But as Sebastien delves into her lair she steps back and a particularly unangelic word slips out, loud and clear, even as she turns. The moment when she realises she is not alone, she flushes deeply, ducking her head to cover the blush. "It weren't cooperatin'." She mumbles.
"Well Hell," Sebastien drawls in a mockery of a southern accent, "You want I should take this troublemaker would back, tune him up a little?" He eyes the truck and reaches into the wheelbarrow -- very carefully! -- and draws from it an eleven-inch knife with an odd blueish hue to the metal. He stalks towards the recalcitrant vehicle menacingly, tapping the hood with the flat of the blade. "We have ways of making you cooperate!" he threatens, peering at the windshield through narrowed eyes.
The smooth rumble of a Highwayman motorbike precedes Vixen's arrival, the machine coming to a smooth pause just outside. Vixen herself is differently clad than normal. Her catsuit replaced or covered over by a fitted set of black painted heavy combat armor. She leans back and pulls her helmet off before slipping from astride the bike, letting it rest on the kickstand. Glancing about for a moment, she turns them to step towards Cali's garage, her expression more composed than her norm. Quietly thoughtful.
The smooth rumble of a Highwayman motorbike precedes Vixen's arrival, the machine coming to a smooth pause just outside. Vixen herself is differently clad than normal. Her catsuit replaced or covered over by a fitted set of black painted heavy combat armor. She leans back and pulls her helmet off before slipping from astride the bike, letting it rest on the kickstand. Glancing about for a moment, she turns them to step towards Cali's garage, her expression more composed than her norm. Quietly thoughtful. (re)
Caliopa's blush deepens, but the giggles slowly rises. "Reckon it might be immune to threats, given what I telled it when it wouldn't do it." She turns, reaching for her cloth to rub at her hands. "You needed somethin'?" She questions, leaning against the worktop, her cheeks still flushed from Sebastien's teasing actions, the man standing beside the truck, threatening it with a knife. The arrival of the motorbike goes unheaded for a moment, the comings and going of the AIM continuous.
Sebastien lifts the knife from the hood, wagging it at the windshield before uttering, "You're getting off easy, Red, but next time she's not going to be here to save you." He offers the stubborn truck another scowl before dropping the long blade back into the wheelbarrow, wincing as the edge sinks into the thin steel below. Reaching to dust off his floppy black hat, Sebastien takes a moment to admire those rosy cheeks before uttering, "I have with me every edged weapon I own. I need some way of delivering wood or silver on target. If none of these will do what I need, then perhaps something else. But ah, I am no weaponsmith." Inside the wheelbarrow rests an alien-looking sword with a variety of nozels, a pair of chainswords, the oddly-blued dirk, and a polearm with an energy weapon running down the handle. Quite the collection.
Vixen comes into the garage, swinging her helmet lightly from her fingertips, her attention shifting towards the two bodes. One expected, the other not so. "Working hard as always, Cali?" A casual grin rising, though not completely banishing that sense of composure about her actions. Catching the tail end of Seb's words, she looks towards the wheelbarrow and what contents lie on top. "Getting ready, huh?" Asked casually as she moves closer to the two, her free hand slipping into her open armored coat, snagging out her cig case.
The subsequent arrival of Leonard has little pomp, but perhaps some circumstance. Either loitering nearby, or perhaps 'popping' in on the expanse of asphalt outside, there is no vehicular announcement of his presence. The conspicuously-decorated cycle, still warm, is passed as he steps into the garage well in Vixen's wake.
Caliopa stares into the wheelbarrow, absolute incomprehension showing in her face. "You need to deliver wood or silver..." She comments slowly, her forehead wrinkling, the hand rubbing slowing. "Ain't sure what you mean, not for real..." Vixen's arrival brings the sunny smile to her face, "I was, but Sebastien here, he is talkin' over deliverin' stuff 'n' ain't makin' no sense..." This from the girl who talks to trucks and thinks they reply?
Sebastien glances aside at Vixen, and nods once. "Listen," he breathes, frowning. "What we saw at the gates, this was nothing. These were some sort of summoned undead. They fall over easily enough to a well-equipped soldier. Now, what I have seen outside this city, frozen into the mud, was something completely different." He swallows, all humor gone, and he waves over his stash disparagingly. "Your rifles, your swords, your mighty assembly of the greatest weapons a man can build, are worthless. These things are dead. They do not fear death. It takes a supernatural means to end them, which means magic, wood, silver. I need help, Caliopa. All I have are these. I need to make something silver. Or wood. Or magic."
"Yeah, he likes to talk," Vixen comments as she gives Sebastien a sidelong glance. She walks up to the wheelbarrow and casually hangs her helmet on one of the handles, freeing up both hands to handle the smokes. One extracted lightly as she listens to the talk. It's long enough for her to get her lighter and light it, leaving the cig dangling from her lips as she opines, "I got some things, but personally I'm hoping that we don't get into a fight. Way it sounds from the elf, we've done something wrong if we're fighting something. Me, I'm going to document. Cause this is the sort of thing people gotta see." There isn't much humor in her voice either, more a firm conviction.
"Silver slugs work well enough, and they're not hard to cast." Leonard notes, annoucing himself as he closes the distance to the armored smoker. His head turns to Vixen with a thin smile. "You know you don't /have/ to go..."
The red head is staring at Sebastien, the blush faded to pale, leaving freckles to stand out by themselves. "You need somethin' to fight undead." She states softly, swallowing before she speaks. "I ain't got silver lyin' around, Sebastien. Gonna take some time, I ain't sure how much..." Leonard's arrival is missed, her mind ticking over already. "I'm hopin' someone is left to look at your documents. Got a feelin', a bad feelin'. Them dreams..." She shakes her head, no humour at all in her face. Leonard's words though, that is another matter and she nods at him, her brow clearing. "That I could do." She glances questioningly at Sebastien. "Guess I could melt some down, coat the sword or somethin'."
"Must be nice, living in that dream world," Sebastien speaks to Vixen, brows raised. "Bring silver or you are dead weight. Only reason to bring you out would be to make sure you do not come back as one of them." He stares at the armored woman a moment, and shakes his head, staring down at his collection. "I have silver bullets. But ah, guns are imprecise. These enemies, most carry no weapons. If they fall you and your own, how is it you fire in that melee? Is it that you can really be sure where those bullets go? Do you want to wake the sleeping dead?" He peers back at Leonard, giving the man a smirk. "Firearms are fine. But the blade, I think, is more suited to this task."
Vixen turns when Leo announces himself, her mood lightening just a bit. Enough to give him an amused little smirk. "You know better than to say that, Leo," she states simply. She then looks towards Sebastien and tells him, quite plainly, "Fuck you, alright? I watch myself. Always have before, always will now. You don't have to, so I don't see what it matters to you anyway." She casually punts his wheelbarrow with her toe. "You carry around a load of chain weapons and we'll see who wakes the dead, genius."
Leonard exhales a sigh at her repsonse to him and winces at her retort to Sebastien. Suggestions concerning her participation no longer seem viable, or safe. "Unfortunately, I do." He then nods to Sebastien and Cali. "A blade would work, but I'm not fond of them, myself. When there is some creature that wants to make me food, dead, or undead, I'd rather be well out of arm's reach."
Caliopa glances between the two, a small frown returning as Vixen and Sebastien conflict. "None of that in here." She comments softly, giving both a look of displeasure. She puts the cloth down, giving the contents of the wheelbarrow, all of those weapons, a considering look. "I'll try, Sebastien. Ain't makin' any promises. I ain't never done that before." She scratches at her cheek, leaving a smudge of oil. "I ain't sure I can fight..." She comments softly, her face worried. Beside Sebastien's wheelbarrow, a large red truck is parked, bonnet opened.
Sebastien's eyes flit down Vixen's armored body, and back up as she makes that statement, replying with a grin, "You sure you have the right equipment?" He winks, and shrugs at the chainsword comment. "I brought what I have. All of it. Only some will see use." He blinks, and frowns. "As well," he adds softly, 'What is it that a silver-plated horn for my Sara's armor might cost? To make her a unicorn?" He grins at the idea, eyes lost for a moment.
Vixen gives Cali a casual smile. "Didn't start it, but I ain't letting no one treat me like I'm useless." She then eyes Sebastien and responds to his comment, "Sure I do, in my drawer at home. Even has straps." The words spoken in straight seriousness. She then lifts her cig and, as she exhales the smoke, turns towards Leo, taking some steps towards him. "No you don't, cause I know how to keep myself outta trouble. Keep with the group, keep my head down. Help out where I can, if I can. I've been in dangerous places before. Maybe none as bad as what's coming, but that don't mean I'll be in any more danger than the rest of you big strapping guys." Her tone lightened on that whole line.
Alistair steps in through the door, carrying a grocery bag with him; he breathes out, looking a little less frozen than usual. The temperature out there is positively thawing after all! He stops for a few moments, looking about. "Oh ... hello" he says, and then he smiles wide, at Cali first, "Hi" and then the others, "Miss Vixen - and Mr. Leonard and Mr. Sebastien" as he starts to head in deeper.
"I don't doubt that at all." Her familiar fire coaxes a full smile from Leonard, and he steps to meet Vixen halfway. A finger prods her plating. "You certainly look prepared, but that doesn't mean I won't worry. It's in the manual, you know."
"I ain't havin' fightin' in here." The comment about the item with straps perplexes her and she frowns, shaking her head. "A horn?" She speaks slowly, her mind ticking away. "Look, I'll see what I can do, ain't makin' no promises, Sebastien." She nibbles on her lower lip, her forehead wrinkling. Alistair's arrival chases some of the confusion away, and her sunny smile returns. "You are real formal..." She comments softly, wrinkling her nose at him. Leonard's response brings a smile to her eyes.
"Dubois, if I must be monsieur," Sebastien corrects, before winking against at Vixen with a flash of a grin. The young man nods at the pile of weapons, and nods. "One horn. I will bring the ead and neck portion of the armor of Sara ere tonight. And ah, if it is that you can find a way to silver-plate perhaps the polearm?" he asks, pointing at it, "If not the chain swords. This would work well. Multi-purpose." He nods, and leaves the heap of them there at the shop, just in case. "I need at least one weapon ready. I will pay what you ask, I trust you do be fair, mademoiselle." Sebastien drops a credit stick in the wheelbarrow, asking, "just refund whatever is left." With that, he blows Vixen a kiss and turns to slip out.
Vixen glances down at her armor. "Just getting used to the gear again," she murmurs. "Not wearing it for a few weeks, it gets a little odd to be in it." She looks up and smiles lightly. "Got some silver knives, probably. Ain't too good with 'em, but they'll work. Got my smoke grenades, my flashbangs. I'll be fine." She glances towards Alistair and nods once to him before looking back to Leo. "You can worry if you want, but don't forget to watch your ass, Mr. Magic. Don't need no one getting mesed up cause they had eyes on me. For any reason." Her smile turning a bit sly at that. She glances at Seb as he goes, but shakes her head slightly afterward.
"Eheheh" Alistair smiles sheepishly, "I was taught to, at least a bit" he explains, making his way over to Cali, and waving at Sebastien as he makes his way out. "Au revoir monsieur!" and then, he glances at the weapons and other things about. "Hmm, I guess everyone is preparing" he comments, finally reaching Cali. He leans in to put a kiss on cheek, and then he turns to look at the others as well.
Leonard puts a hand upon Vixen's armored shoulder and nods, smile turning wry. "I'll try to watch mine less than yours. The armor should make it easier." A brow quirks at Sebastien's manner of departure, then he, took shakes his head before turning towards Cali and the arriving Alistair. "We're preparing as best we can. I hope it will be more than enough."
Caliopa picks up the credit stick, putting it safely in her pockets. Naive perhaps but practical above all else. "I'll try. No promises." She calls after the french man, shaking her head slightly, her forehead wrinkling. "I ain't a miracle worker." The last words are mumbled beneath her breath, before she returns the kiss with one of her own. "I ain't prepared." She comments quietly, leaning against the bench. "Ain't sure how."
The young man continues out, one hand raising in a final wave to call, "A bien tot!" half drowned in the noise of the machine shop. And as quickly as he came the young man is gone, having brightened the lives of all those who gathered to bask in his warming presence.
"I'm about as ready as I'll ever be.. whenever this goes down," Vixen states, turning a bit to face the other two as Leo puts an arm over her shoulder. She doesn't seem to mind it in the least. "Though after what was in those dreams.. who can say they're fully prepared with a straight face? " She gives her shoulders a subtle roll. "But someone has to record this. A chance like this don't come around but once. If we're lucky." She then eyes Leo and adds, "If you manage to get distracted by me where we're going, I guess that's about the ultimate compliment." Softly amused by her grin.
"OOOh" Alistair nods his head slowly, looking from Leonard to the weapons. "Did the Elf tell what sort of weapons would be needed?" he asks, and looks to Caliopa then. "Do you want to go?" he asks quietly, his brows hiking up a touch with curiosity, and a bit of worry also. "They were asking for details of who'd like to join, and, I knew you said you wanted to help so I told them where to find you in case you wanted."
Leonard's hand remains where it is as he shakes his head to Alistair. "Not specifically, but I know enough of undead in general to be prepared." A sidelong glance to Vixen follows. "Just remember to keep at least one eye out for yourself and not the perfect shot. I will drown you in compliments and build up the pedestal afterwards."
"I ain't a fighter." Caliopa's words are spoken softly, her gaze on the wheelbarrow full of weapons. "I want to help but there ain't much I can do, not for real..." Her forehead is wrinkled as she steps away from the others, moving to her workbench, her back to them. She picks up a tool, cleaning it slowly, the movements automatic, a quick smile to the pair of lovebirds.
"You got skills," Vixen tells Cali. "Just like everyone else. By the looks, there'll be enough fighters to go around. But not enough of us, so someone has to step into the hole. If we're going into a place like this place, like he said, might be machines to work with." She nods her head once and then looks towards Leo. "Part of camera work is knowing what's going on around you so you can find the perfect shot. So part of that will be watching out for trouble. Plus I have an ear for sounds, so I'll probably hear anything coming before you lot do."
Alistair tilts his head a little; he glances at the other two for a moment, then he follows Cali, and he tries to slowly hug her from the back, and slip his chin onto her shoulder; he speaks quietly: "It isn't like I'd like to see you go into danger, but that is your choice" he offers, "Nor should you think you aren't useful. We're supposed to get in and out of there quick-like and stealthy. I don't think anyone else could deal with potentially useful machines down there like you could."
"Good. Then by watching you, I'll know when to duck." Leonard chuckles softly and gives Vixen's shoulder a pat before his hand returns to his side. "As dangeous as it might be, I'd rather have more around than just a bunch of big men with big guns. As she said, skills are useful. Anyone can pull a trigger if they have to." Cali's smile is returned in attempt at reassurance.
Caliopa doesn't respond to Vixen's comments reaching for something on the desktop. "Uh, I kinda finished that design piece I was workin' on." She speaks generally, turning to give Alistair a half smile. "Machines?" She questions Alistair, sidelined by his comments for a moment. Then she shakes her head, holding out a small grenade, made from mdc material, filled with water.
Vixen rolls her eyes slightly at Leo and gives him a playful push in the side. She then lifts her cig for a draw as she steps forward, retaking her helmet from the handle of the wheelbarrow. "Yeah, go tell that idiot that. Such a goddamn ass," she comments with a hint of peevishness. Though that vanishes when Cali mentions 'that design'. Her interest piqued, she drops her helmet into the wheelbarrow and steps over quickly, reaching out at once to snag that grenade. She eyeballs it for a moment, then grins broadly. "This is fucking awesome, Cali." She glances towards the other woman and nods. "Way better than my little jury rig job. You test it out yet? Maybe we can make some for the trip.. how long does it take?" The questions rattled off in quick succession before she pauses and looks from the device towards Cali. Mood improved for sure.
"Mmhmm" Alistair smiles to her, and then he steps back to give her a bit of space, biting his lip. His gaze follows to the grenade, his brows hiking up a touch. "Oooh" he murmurs, and then he quiets down as the conversation topic seems to shift to the greande.
Leonard wobbles with mild exagerration at the shove, then follows the sudden shift of interest to Cali and her latest creation. After stepping closer for a better look, he remains mildly confused. "What is it, exactly?" He is the 'bang it on something hard if it doesn't work' type when it comes to advanced technology, although it must be worthwhile considering Vixen's interest... and it doesn't even have straps.
"I tested it. It works. I'll try get some made for the trip, sent a note askin' for some holy water." Caliopa replies to Vixen first, a flush of pride rising in her cheeks, a smile twitching the corners of her mouth for a moment at Leonard's question and she answers, possibly more fully than he could ever have wanted. "See, you put the holy water in here, twist on the pressure valve, 'n' toss it hard at them. This piece here, it breaks the pressure valve open, 'n' sprays the water over anythin' close to it." She holds it out, pointing at the pieces as she speaks. "Then, you twist that, repressure it, refill it, 'n' you're good to go..."
Vixen grins at Cali and breaks it down in simple terms. "It's a water balloon. Without the crappy ass balloon." She tosses it up into the air and catches it lightly. "A water grenade.. or holy water, if you can score some." She looks between the two guys, then tosses the grenade to Alistair in a high arc. "Had an idea for it a little while ago.. ran afoul of some vampires once. Got me thinking and made a little scrawl of something like this. But nothing that good. Cali improved it, now it's ready for prime time. And just in time." She seems well pleased with that as she looks back to Cali. "How much for it? Gotta think of a price point.. even after this mess is done, that could be a serious commodity for us to sell. Bet a lot of people will want some of 'em." Oh yes, her mood is on the high.
Alistair smiles at Cali, watching her explain how the grenade works. he barely notices the grenade out of the corner of his eye, makes a 'Wah!' sound as he reaches out to grab it, and takes a couple steps backward doing so. He blinks at Vixen, then he looks at Cali, and then to the grenade, trying the things Cali showed ... it IS filled with water, right?
Leonard's brows arch at the the explanation from the ladies, his face revealing the fact that he is quite impressed. "Fascinating... and it could be very useful. Tamiril might be able to help with the water, given his divine path." After a wide, complimenting smile to Cali and a soft laugh at Alistair's catch, he promptly leans in to plant a peck on Vixen's cheek. "And you think the pedestal would be too tall..." A swat is considered, but it would lose most of its effect, or break his hand.
Caliopa gives the question some thought, her mind ticking over the costs of making that single one. "Well, cost me five hundred credits to make it. But that was tryin' stuff, different pieces 'n' all. Reckon it'd be around eighty a piece, give or take some." She is frowning, her thoughts serious. "I'll try to put some together for the fight. I ain't real good at fightin' but I mebbe can help them that can." The grenade is definitely full of water, innocuous looking. Leonard's compliment brings a blush to her cheeks and she retreats to the workstation.
There's a 'fwoosh', and Alistair blinks at the thing. Wet. His cheeks color, and he takes a breath as he then tries to reset the thing quietly, managing only a sheepish glance to the others for a moment. He starts to bring it to the bench while working on it, biting his lower lip.
Vixen grins at Cali and nods. "Maybe 500 a pop.. that seems a bit low, though," she muses, already considering the right place to put the price tag. Tough to balance avariciousness and fairness. She blinks when Leo comes to peck her cheek, turning her head towards him with a casual grin. "I just brought the idea, Cali made it happen," she states simply. "But if I could get a handful of them, that'd up my power. I know how to throw. And I won't have to worry about friendly fire either," she adds. "That must makes it all the more sweet." She glances towards Alistair when he sets the one in his hand off. She snorts, then laughs out loud, the sound free of care and full of a light amusement. "Best teach your boy how to work it before he takes any into action." she notes amid the show of mirth.
Leonard nods at the wise and modest explanation, although any immediate response is lost in laughter at Alistair's drenching.
Caliopa frowns, her forehead wrinkling and she opens her mouth to speak, as Alistair sets off the prototype. Her smile widens, a giggle rising to her lips, as she holds out her hand for it. "I ain't sure we ought to set it so high. Folks, they need them now..." Caliopa's heart speaks, not her brain, no avariciousness here. "I'll make a few, see what I can get made." She offers Alistair a towel, her brown eyes warm for him.
Alistair hands the grenade back to Cali, smiling sheepishly. "But it looks like it will help a lot" a deeper blush, because the rest of that is 'if some dork doesn't set them off accidentally'; he takes the towel and returns a warm smile to her. As he dries his face off, he mouths 'love you' to her, towel more or less making it so it's only visible to her.
"Five hundred ain't that much for mercs, Cali. And that is the sort that's gunna buy 'em mostly," Vixen notes. "Heck, I could buy a mess of 'em and my savings ain't that huge. Though I don't think we'd be charging for what we take to the fight. That wouldn't be the right sort of thing to do. Me, I need a little more capital. This would be a nice little bump up, make sure I keep some steady funds for emergencies."
"I wouldn't mind owning a few, just in case." Leonard offers. "They could be effective against more than undead. If you do make more, later, I'll gladly take some." He thumbs to Vixen with a mild smirk. "I'd even pay her prices."
Caliopa turns back to the worktop, collecting the tools for her next job. "I got to get on if we ain't doin' it with more than one. Gonna get the truck off the list, 'n' then Sebastien's things if I can... then these." She is already lost in work when she finishes talking, the truck in her sights, her mind on the job. Almost, you could think the others weren't there anymore.
Alistair leans back a bit, folding up the towel and tilting his head a little. The girl's pretty busy today! He bites his lip and sets towel - and the back he's holding - down on the edge of the worktop where it won't be a bother to him, and he watches Cali for a few moments before turning to Vixen and Leo. "I think I could maybe buy ... one."
Vixen nods at Cali, seeming used to how she is. Enough so that she doesn't question or try and bother the other woman once she's 'focused'. "Don't worry about buying them for now," she notes. "If she gets any made, they're open use on where we're going. Figure it can't get much better for a live field test after all." She grins idly at that, seeming well pleased as she draws on her cig again, taking the time to hold and luxuriously let the smoke flow slowly from her nostrils. Her mind working quietly on the possibilities.
Leonard leaves Cali to her work and thoughts, lifting a brow to Vixen. He can easily picture the wheels turning behind her eyes, having seen brief glimpses of such in the past. "I'd offer a credit for your thoughts, but they're worth more than that. If you've any plans for the trip, I'd love to hear them." He chuckles. "Your little scribblings might just make all the difference."
"That is true. Cali is a good person" Alistair replies with a smile, taking off his jacket - it's a bit wet. Finding a place to hang it on, he stretches a little and turns to the other two here, listening for a few moment. "No one has a real plan yet. We don't even have a map" he points out. "I brought snacks, would either of you like something?"
Vixen blinks from her thoughts, glancing towards Leo. "Huh? Oh, nothing.. just considering how to market 'em. Maybe my next PDD can have shots of the things working. A little plug on the air and some place to sell 'em. Here maybe. I bet Cali could use the extra press for her place too." S he grins lightly, liking the sound of that. Alistair's offer gets a shake of her head. "I'm fine, man. And my only plan is to stick close to you all and film everything that I see."
"I'll make sure not to stumble over anything, then," is noted with a slight grin to Vixen. "since you do all the editing yourself. Which reminds me that I still need to pick up the last one." Leonard shakes his head to decline Alistair's offer, but the note of a map provokes some thoughts of his own. "Thank you, but no... Maybe I should speak to Tamiril, learn more of this world beforehand. Some of use could attempt a brief visit ahead of time and make a map, as it were."
Alistair hmms softly and looks into the bag to pick out something to snack on - he does just that, turning about and leaning against the worktop. "So long as you are not observed ... scouting is prelude to invasion" he smiles, quieting down as he starts to eat.
Vixen shakes her head slightly. "Yeah, I'd ask him first if I were you. Sounds like a bad idea to me, though. One false move and we don't got no surprise yet. I bet that this enemy guy has already heard something is going down, cause the word they put out wasn't subtle. But the enemy don't know where we're going yet. Or when." She glances between the two. "Unless he's holding out on us, but unless there was a mole at the meeting seems a reasonable enough set of assumptions to me."
Leonard rolls his shoulders and concedes the point. "You are both right, of course. We will just need make do with what we have. I will still speak with him, though. There might be some reference in the library, and that would not tip our hand."
"It would help if he was to say which world that is. He said it is like this one. I wonder if that was literal or comparative" Alistair muses after a few moments of munching. He smiles and hmms softly. "A lot of people are probably going. It will be interesting."
"You're asking the wrong person," Vixen notes to Alistair. "If it was literal though, this could get pretty damn freaky," she murmurs, a soft shiver coming. But she shakes out of it and turns, going back to the wheelbarrow to pick out her helmet. "I'll let you boys talk it over. You guys like that kinda strategy stuff, right?" She draws her cig from her lips with one last plume of smoke before she carefully stubs it out against an armored finger, then slips the remains into her coat. Waste not, want not.
"I don't doubt it will be interesting, but I'm not certain which he meant." Leonard shrugs his shoulders to Alistair, then looks to Vixen as she retrieves her helm. "Not too freakish, I hope. If you're headed home, there's a note under your door waiting for you." A smile follows. Better now than later, given the looming circumstances.
"Strategy stuff?" Alistair dips his chin down a little, his expression one of those rare serious ones. "I just want people to not get hurt" he explains quietly, "So best look out for any details there might be, that's all" he smiles.
Vixen pauses near the entrance to the place, looking back over her shoulder. "Nothing wrong with that. Just not really my bag. You boys have fun now." She pauses, then a sly little grin comes to her as she adds, "Just not too much fun." Whatever she's got in her mind remaining so as she slips on her helmet, still locking it into place as she steps out of the garage.
Leonard follows Vixen's departure with his gaze before turning it back to Alistair. "Have you had any of the visions? I've heard that many have had premonitions of their arrival, or our future trip. You might know more than you think." After the inquiry, he adds, "I don't want anyone to be hurt, either."
"I have had them" says Alistair, nodding his head slowly. He sets the snack down, moving towards the door after Vixen leaves to make sure it's closed properly. "Don't want Cali to get a cold" he smiles, and stands on his way back to the bench. "The visions are ... well. Who knows if they are a true premonition. For an entire city to have the same one, that is perhaps a little odd" he explains.
Leonard nods, returning the smile. "They can't be coincidence, so I am willing to take them as something more. A message, warning... something intentional. I did not arrive here until Tamiril and his companions and am curious of anything that might be relevent. As much as we can, I'd prefer we left with some knowledge of what we're stepping into."
"They are not coincidence, but what they are is aproblem" Alistair smiles, shrugging faintly. "Tamiril has a piece of something that attacked us - that big thing" he explains. "Perhaps that will help ... and yes, I am curious also. The ... apparitions are not all familiar."
"I did, I don't know if Cali wants to go" Alistair replies, just short of saying more; he stops, but his expression is worried. He picks up the snack again and starts eating. "It is a predicament, this thing" he murmurs, and continues to eat.
"It is..." Leonard nods. "but with any luck, it will be over soon enough. If you should learn of anything more beforehand, I would like to hear of it. I will try to speak with Tamiril or one of the others, attempt some research. Good luck in your preparations." He turns from Alistair to allow him to eat, and tend to his own needs. With a chuckle, he adds, "Don't let her work /too/ hard, though."
"Okay" Alistair smiles, "Hopefuly he will be a little less mysterious" a frown, then, "This thing we're going to get, a lot of people might want for it" he comments, and hms softly, looking back up. "Thank you, and you too ... oh" he blushes, and looks to Cali, then back to Leonard, "She will be fine, if I interrupt her it might be dangerous for me" he smiles.
Leonard chuckles. "We'll see... and I certainly understand that. Don't come between a woman and her work." Although he does wish he could get away with it, himself.
"Something like that" Alistair nods his head, smiling sheepishly. "Are you heading out then?" he starts to move towards the door, to check its closed well after. "I suppose, they will not be the only ones who will
Walking into the garage in a casual stroll Tirzah keeps a cautious eye. Understandable given audience she got at her last visit and the recent tensions with the owner. After a bit of trepidation she stops before entering further. "Hello? Alistair?" She asks, her tone curious and shy.
"I thought I might..." Leonard startles slightly at the door opening before he can reach it, until it admits Tirzah. "Evening, Tirzah."
Alistair looks to the door quickly as well. "Oh" he starts a moment, "Hello Miss Tirzah" he greets with a smile. Caliopa is absorbed in her work, apparently doing things here and there right now. "How are you?" he inquires, tilting his head a little.
Tirzah nods, not appearing to interested in seeing Caliopa, which is odd considering its her garage. "I'm well, if a little apprehensive about our upcoming trip, yourself?" She asks, enduring the initial preamble.
"Worried?" says Alistair, his brows hiking up a touch, though it isn't an expression of surprise. "I suppose, since we don't really know much of anything" he smiles faintly, exhaling, a bit of worry crossing his expression.
Leonard quirks a brow at Tirzah, as well. "You seemed eager enough to volunteer. We were just discussing our lack of knowledge. It looks to be a mostly blind trip, unfortunately."
Tirzah shrugs, giving a slight nod. "More specifically we don't know much about all who are coming and their capabilities." She notes as she follows Alistair in from the entrance. "I'm not too worried about the environment, or the enemies if I know who I'm fighting with." She explains, giving Alistair an appraising look.
Alistair's head turns to look at Leo for a moment, nodding, then back to Tirzah. "That is just a small part of the puzzle but I guess it's ... something we can do" he comments, heading farther in now, back to his snack! "I can shoot things and I can use a sword" he smiles, shrugging his shoulders slightly.
Tirzah gives Alistair a curious look. "Thats all?" She asks, clearly she expected a bit longer of a resume.
"Not even knowing who will go makes it even more difficult." Leonard agrees, but with a sigh. "I really do hate such spontaneity. As soon as the few are chosen, they will likely depart, with no time for much but hope and prayer."
As the evening begins to develop, Sage has decided to head over to the garage to visit her flatmate. She isn't quite sure what the other woman may have planned for herself. Opening the door and slipping inside to get out of the winter air, she pauses shortly after the door to look around.
Alistair blinks his eyes at Tirzah and blushes. He stops eating, too. "Not good enough?" he asks, biting his lip. "Umm .. I have my own armor ... and guns and sword?" he tries again. He glances to Leo again and frowns faintly.
Tirzah shakes her head, looking like she thinks this may be painful. "And you've used them all before I assume? How much? Whats you biggest combat accomplishment?" She asks in rapid succession, no mercy.
Leonard exhales a sigh and looks to Tirzah pointedly. "Leave him alone. No reason to tease him... Or is this the sort of tact that you've been stammering apologies for, afterwards?"
Alistair blinks his eyes again. Who turned on the spotlight? He pauses for a few moments, frowning faintly, "Taking down that necromancer" he comments, "Of course, that was a team effort" a smile there, and a shrug. "I've used them all enough to be profficient."
With the voices engaged in conversation, Sage will wander towards the familiar voices. She takes note of her flatmate engaged in her own trance-like abilities and decides to leave the woman be. When she notices the other people, she considers them all thoughtfully with her gaze resting on Tirzah a little longer than the others. "Hey..." She says simply.
Tirzah smirks and gives a nod to Leonard, not appearing to be bothered much by her tact or lack there of this time. "Yes that was the case, before.." She trails off before nodding to Alistair at his reply, appearing pleased with proficient. "Thats good to hear but I think your missing what I'm looking to hear. My fault i'm used to dealing with mercs who will tell me this shit for hours unless I tell them to shut up." She replies before giving a warm smile to Sage. "Hey hun."
Seemingly as satisfied at her cessation as Tirzah is with Alistair's reply, Leonard gives a nod and smile of greeting to Sage. "Evening, Sage. I'll let you intervene on his behalf should she grill him again. I'd best see what I can discover of our destination before everyone leaves for it." A motion is made to Alistair and Tirzah, repsectively, and he moves for the door.
"Maybe what you want to hear isn't something that you will hear from me" says Alistair matter-of-factly, looking a little apologetic. "Hello miss Sage" he smiles and waves at sage; he looks to Leo as well, giving him a thankful look, and then waving at the man, "Good night Mr. Leonard. Have fun" he smiles.
"Diplomatic as ever, Tirzah." Sage says with a little humour in her tone, knowing that the redhead would never be accused of such in most circles. She offers her partner a smile in return, even if there's mild concern on her features. Her gaze drifts to Leonard and nods faintly to the man. "Take care." She says simply, before looking over to Alistair. A small smile on her lips, before acknowledging him with a nod. Then she turns her attention to Tirzah and begins to wander towards the woman.
Tirzah shrugs at both Alistair and Leonard not looking too worried. Still looking at Sage she smirks. "I had a bit of a realization after when you told me about accepting the way I think. Feels better. But I shouldnt let myself get sidetracked." She notes before turning back to Alistair. "Actually what I was hoping for was an idea of what strengths I or anyone else can look to you for. We may be counting on you at some point after all."
"Shooting things and hitting things with a sword" Alistair replies once more, shrugging his shoulders a touch. "And I'm small - I guess I can move around places. I can climb and stuff" he smiles, and starts to munch on his snack once more.
"Ah..." Sage replies with a faint amused smile, "Of course, thinking and doing can be two different things." She replies, before she pushes back one of her sleeves to reveal a piece of jewelry with silver colour ring pendant. She works at the fastening, "I suppose since you'll likely find someway to be on that quest to another world... you may need this..." She says, only partially hiding her concern over the matter.
Tirzah looks panicked as Sage starts fingering the clasp. "Wait, what are you doing?" She asks in a very worried tone as she reaches to stop Sage and look her in the eyes. "I wont need that. It's yours now. No mater where I go, you keep that, you keep me. And I'll come back for air." She swears faithfully. Alistair exhales, his gaze shifting from Tirzah and Sage now as he blushes faintly and continues working on his snack. Ahh, free, at least for the moment!
With her gaze directed down to the clasp, Sage doesn't notice the panicked look on Tirzah's face. The tone gets her attention as she looks up to the other woman. She makes no effort to prevent Tirzah from stopping her. She simply looks into the other woman's eyes, before stepping in close to embrace the other woman in a hug.
Tirzah hugs Sage tightly, taken up in the moment. "Everything I have Sage, I share with you. It is all yours as well as mine. Should something happen to me, it all goes to you." She concludes, smiling warmly at Sage. "I had intended to tell you as much at a more personal setting, but oh well." She says with a shrug before turning back to Alistair. "So you're just fodder then? A meat shield like any other merc. Nothing special at all to your name?" She asks blandly, looking like she doubts that is really the case.
"No, I don't do this for money" Alistair distinguishes himself there, shrugging his shoulders a touch. "What else could you possibly wish to hear? I can read a map, and probably make one. I know my monsters - huhm, and I can research things. And so on ... " he adds, then, "Do not knock skill that takes a lifetime to develop, it does not go over well."
With the quiet intensity of her emotions, Sage holds the redhead tightly as well while the hug lasts. She doesn't look terribly thrilled that everything the other woman owns would be her's if Tirzah failed to return. "Then, perhaps you shouldn't stay away too long, lest I get the urge to auction it all off." Her smile is weak and her eyes show soft emotion despite her idle threat, before she seems to pause to collect herself. She nods softly to the woman's comment about wishing for a more personal setting but gives a little shrug. She does give the woman a gentle poke when she goes back to harrassing the man, though. "He could be as good as explaining things as you are at teaching." She tries to tease the woman.
