Jul 21 109 PA - Rescuing Lwallen's Royals

From Chronicles

July 21, 109 PA

LANDING STRIP

Early morning on a Sunday is a decent enough time for some people. The office is closed and in another place, church might be in attendance. Today at Kingsdale's landing strip civilization doesn't seem to have recognized any of these pleasantries or niceties. Aircraft come and go; fixed-wing, rotary and hovercraft. At least the sun is up and the skies are clear, there's something to be said for that. Off near the distant end of the strip in an area set a side for short-term visitors arriving via helicopter-type craft stands a man in a suit of armor, and a half-dozen people in very folksy clothing. What looks like it might be an ancient but refurbished flying machine sits nearby, its rotors drooping.

Sithik arrives at the designated meeting place appearing ready to go, rifle slung over his shoulder along with his other carried gear. A rare occasion to see him armed in such a way and without his reptilian shadow that accompanies him most places. He offers a bow of his head in greeting to those already present. A curious glance going to the craft that appears to be their transportation.

Gabriel turns to look as Sithik approaches; his helmet is off, as are his gauntlets and everything else that he can remove. Most who know him know that he hates the confines of the armor, particularly as he makes it known every time he's seen wearing it. This time is no different. A loose gauntlet gets waved in the tattooed man's direction. "Morning, Sithik," he rolls out in his Kentucky drawl. "You look... quite prepared for a hunt." The old soldier himself is armed more for combat and scouting, but it should suffice, unless something very different than expected happens. The six people standing nearby identify themselves as Lwallens - if it weren't obvious already.

Sithik offers another bow of his head to Gabriel, "I am expecting numerous strong prey having to be brought down. I've been thinking about that Spider Six group, I am having a feeling they will be working for those that kidnapped the Royal Family."

Bud comes wandering up in his Bushman armor though his helmet is under one arm. He gives a wave, "I heard there might be some work to be found today?" Bud's voice is very broken English with a heavy Spanish accent.

It's one of the six from Lwallen who speaks up first when the man in Bushman armor approaches. "If by work you my trying to find and rescue our royal family, then yes. We leave soon for the kingdom with whomever we have, fearing that waiting more time will only make it harder to find them."

Gabriel gives Bud a nod of recognition, having only met him once for conversation. "We're hunting down a family taken by people we can't guarantee did it, in an area we know little about, and with intentions unknown. I'd welcome any help, that's for sure!" Near his feet are his stacked weapons and gear for the trip, most notably being a jet pack, one sleek rifle, one battered wilderness version and a heavy pistol. He adds in the obvious part for a new fellow - "I have no idea how dangerous this might be, but.. I expect to take some hits, in a very minimalistic way of expressing it"

Sithik greets Bud with a bow of his head before turning back to Gabriel, "I have acquired some things that should help narrow down the search. I only need something belonging to the family or a photograph of them in order to find them."

Bud nods to Gabriel, "I am skilled at sneaking and shooting from a distance as well as close combat fighting." Then as he hears Sithik give his report he seems quite interested in how he is going to track with a picture.

Another one of the Lwallen speaks up, shuffling her hands around in a small pouch. A small color photograph of two adults is brought out, and held so that Sithik could take it if he so chose. "Our king and queen. We don't have a picture of the family, but we can get you anything, many things of their own personal items when we get to the Kingdom." The two are as previously described; tall, blond and blue-eyed.

Gabriel gives Bud a satisfied nod. "Sounds good then, Bud. Glad to have you along." His gaze turns to Sithik, getting back to an older topic. "The Spider Six working with them? That might not be good, if they're who you've said they are. Just six grunts?"

Sithik accepts the photo, a bow of his head in thanks to the Lwallen people, "Anything personal to them will help in finding them, the more it is cherished by that person, the better." He then turns to Gabriel and Bud with a shake of his head, "No. Three grunts, one with power armor of unknown design, and one being a tank-like 'borg. There is also a psychic, a mage, and something of unknown power. I believe to be the worst of the six."

Bud nods as the potential threats are discussed nodding along to show his interest but he remains quiet for the moment.

The Lwallens have a collective intake of breath as the tattooed man explains the tale. One of the men, a taller fellow with dark brown hair and tanned skin actually steps forward though, clearly or at least possibly the ranking authority of the little band. His eyes are curious when he asks, "You said this is the 'Spider Six'? That is... not what we have seen of them. Is it?" He looks to the others, who give him nods to support his argument, though not offering more information themselves. "No, that's not what we've seen. They're big in our kingdom, though probably small in the world."

Gabriel looks between the two men as he drops to start putting all of his gear in place, starting by hefting the jet pack. The morning is young and the day is pleasant, with an old rotary-wing craft the center of attention for six people who obviously don't belong to Kingsdale, then Gabriel assembling his armor, Sithik and a new fellow in Bushman armor.

Sithik looks to the man last spoken from the Lwallen people, "It was you folks that told me they work for whomever pays and best to avoid, as warned by those who have told me of their members. In what manner do you know this team of mercenaries if I have been given incorrect information."

Valeriya makes her way towards the aircraft from the landing strip in slightly battered Gladiator armor. Riddled with tiny dents from railgun fire it looks sturdy enough but clearly battle worn. On one shoulder perches a winged lizard comparable to a midsized bird. Over the other clings a larger snakey lizard, its body and tail trailing down her back till it coils around her thigh.

Bud settles in as the tattooed fellow that seems to be the information gatherer tries to clear up some specific details. He watches the reactions of all present as the conversation goes on. He stays quiet still, trying to get a feel for the crowd.

The Lwallen man offers some kind of explanation to Sithik. "There are six. The giant 'borg that you have mentioned, power armor as you have said, and a psychic with powers we have not seen elsewhere. But these three 'grunts' I think you are saying, are simply three men, mercenaries. Which rounds out the six of the Spider Six. At least, this is how they were when we last saw them," he admits to provide room for error.

Gabriel's gear is mostly in place now, including the two rifles and pistol, though his gauntlets and helm remain off. Looking between Sithik and the locals, he's obviously questioning what he comes out and says. "The local people who know it versus the hunter who found information. I suppose we'll have to figure out the hard facts when we get there. For now... we know that we're going into trouble." Valeriya is always a bit difficult to miss, and he lifts one of his loose gauntlets to wave in her direction as he suggests, "Maybe we should get going and make the most of the day."

Sithik gives a nod to the information provided, "Either way, they will be an issue somewhere along the route, I just have that feeling." A bow of his head in greeting to Valeriya as she arrives. With Gabriel giving the let's go, "I am ready if everyone else is."

Valeriya seems to arrive just in time for the intel on the opposition. "If at all possible, take out the psychic at range." She advises without pausing her move towards the aircraft. "Everything else will be easy."

Bud gives a nod of greeting to Valeriya as she arrives and seems ready to depart, "I am ready to go."

The Lwallens nod around, and with no further questions, board the rotary-craft. One of the younger men plays pilot, with no one apparently available to ride the second seat. The crew cabin is small, with no seats.

Gabriel nods to Valeriya's wisdom, though he can't help but ask, "How do I know which one is the psychic?" right before he puts a foot onto the skid of the helicopter then hefts his body into the small cabin. A few prayers that an ancient turbine will hold up during the journey might be appropriate, as says the look on his still un-armored face. The vehicle lifts off soon after, and makes its way southwest over the Ozarks, an uneventful trip before landing hard at a city's airfield.

traveler might encounter the carcase of an animal that has been brought down by a bobcat. 

LWALLEN

The Kingdom of Lwallen is a small sovereign nation that survives on its own primarily by keeping track of the surrounding hills and local river basin, both of which are home to large animals. Animals large enough to be hunted for sport, food and sometimes captured for a gladiatorial arena. Trees are fairly bountiful toward the center of the main city, but it becomes more barren for miles around before trees once more take over the land. This central city is overlooked by a high plateau. Buildings are primarily stone structures, including the "castle" where the royal family lives and conducts government business. Although it is little more than a motte-and-bailey construct, it's enough to keep out common riff-raff and bandits. A small local airfield and riverfront port allow the animal traffickers ease of arrival and departure. The locals dress blandly, very rarely in armor, though high-powered weapons are as common as one might see in a place like Laramy. A wide variety of species are present, D-Bees and humans living side-by-side without quarrel. The small merchant industry is based off of lumber and anything that might be done with and to wood products. Small inns and other sleeping places sit near equally small restaurants that support those itinerant travelers and hunters that pass through. It is well known and quite obvious that mercenary crews pass through here on their own terms, with the local population unable to do anything about it but to clam up and make the best of it. To be fair, the small kingdom and particularly its primary city have so little to offer that plundering and pillaging is a useless endeavor, expending more resources than would be found.

Sithik quietly enjoys the uneventful trip to the Lwallen city. Once there he gets familiar with his immediate surroundings, adjusting his equipment now that he can stretch.

Valeriya's long lizard curls in her lap for the ride out to the town. The winged one still lingering on her shoulder. "Hopefully Charon can get close enough to tell us that much without excessive risk." She answers to Gabriel once seated. Beyond that she enjoys the trip in silence before disembarking take in the new setting.

Bud exits the helicopter and walks around a bit to stretch his muscles and then he puts on his helmet in preparation for this next stage.

The six Lwallens returning from Kingsdale are met happily by a crew in uniforms that might imply either a royal guard, or people who just like to dress up nicely. Sithik and Gabriel are immediately introduced, though they do suddenly realize that the specific identities of the other two are unknown to them, and they ask questions to rectify this problem.

Gabriel's armor remains as it had been, though he is now otherwise loaded for bear. After taking a few slow laps of the helicopter, he ends up near Sithik, pointing toward the literal castle in the kingdom's capital city. "Maybe we can get your personal items there."

Sithik gives a bow of his head when introduced to the Royal Guard. Gabriel gets a nod as he too looks toward the castle. "Sounds like a good start." Turning back to the guard, "Is that where they were taken from?"

"Valeriya." She answers for her introduction. "Arcane specialist." She adds for further flavor before her winged lizard leaves her shoulder for some orientation of the small town around them. Her other lizard also climbs down to walk beside her as she follows the lead of the others.

Bud holds up a hand and nods in greeting, "Bud," is all he says but his head swivels about as he seems to be absorbing everything around him.

Valeriya is greeted with almost child-like interest from the youngest of the six, a teenage girl. "Magic? Really? I love magic!" The guards are happy to greet both Valeriya and Bud, ushering them on without issue. The taller man waves to lead the Kingsdale team toward the castle. "Yes, they were taken right out from under the noses of the guards. We may be considered a backwards little kingdom, but our guards are not fools, I assure you. It took someone special to snatch the family without being heard and caught. Or simply even seen as they ran."

Gabriel listens along, but for now keeps his eyes and ears open on the city, allowing Sithik to make his own inquisition as the hunter of the group.

Sithik walks along with the guard, a nod given to the story, "Of course. I will do what I can when I see the place they were taken from, along with their personal effects." He moves closer to Valeriya, "Would you have any scrying magic available?"

Valeriya shakes her head to Sithik for the negative, but her expression remains positive. "No scrying magic no. But Charon possesses mental aptitudes to that effect." She replies before nodding a smile to the young girl. "And I'm sure magic loves you."

Bud remains towards the back of the group almost blending in despite his armor. He remains quiet so it is easy to forget about this newcomer.

With no further questions directed their way, the Lwallens continue on toward the castle. Closer it's clear that there are are bits of technology on it, but not much. The city is busy today, with people coming and going from the airport, the river facilities and even a number of larger groups of people passing through on foot.

"You guys head on up ahead," Gabriel says, slapping his gauntlets in place, though his helmet remains hooked at his waist. He nods backward. "I'm going to see if I can't find anything interesting out here. Maybe someone here saw something that can't be found in the castle. Good luck, you guys. Bud, you're welcome to come along, if you don't want to hit the castle. Not sure where your profession lies." A brief near-salute is given to the others and he slowly peels off.

Sithik gives a nod to Valeriya allowing her and the younger girl the time to get to know each other. And with Gabriel going off on his own thing he looks to Bud to see where he ends up going before deciding to question the man on his talents.

Charon descends from his orientation to land on the castle and wait for Valeriya and Sithik to catch up with the mention of need for scrying. "I'll need a personal possession and a photograph." Valeriya says to their escort on the matter. "And maybe as much as an hour undisturbed."

Bud leaves Gabriel to go off on his own and he follows the rest towards the castle. He continues to pull up the rear keeping an eye on his surroundings.

The lead man nods to Valeriya solidly. "We can give you all of that, even the privacy." After some walking to cover the distance, the drawbridge to the castle is crossed, and those from Kingsdale are led into a surprisingly ornate if not folksy reception room, with two thrones and one ornate chair to the side. "Thrones of the King and Queen, and their princess heir," the man explains. Velvet tapestries hang from stone walls that are well-lit by what may be simple magical lighting and large open portals that allow in the sunlight. There are members of the Royal Guard in attendance, all of them pleased and ready to help. Before departing to leave Valeriya in peace, he points to a wide spiral staircase. "Their living chambers are on the third level. Above that is for defense, and the second level is for governing. You're free to roam, though I don't know what you might find there."

Back in the more mundane and dirty bits of the city, Gabriel has been strolling the streets, taking in the sights and poking his nose gently into the darker corners. Those attuned to a common radio frequency would hear his soft voice, "Got a place that looks seedy enough. See if I can't fit in as a passing merc. Find anything yet?" It may be soon, but as he can't be at the castle, he can't tell. "Sithik, did you get any names from the Spider group, or just a description? Names would make my life easier."

Sithik bows his head to the guards and proceeds to look around where they are left. An answer to Gabriel when his call is heard on the radio, "The 'borg is called Herky, but that is all I know for names." While Valeriya does her thing in privacy, he makes his way to the living quarters to find the objects and photos that will be needed for his hunt.

Valeriya will simply lock herself in a room of one of the kidnapped if at all possible. Surely it will have all that her familiar Charon requires. So she goes about securing a personal item and a photo for the lizard and patiently waiting for its discovery.

With everyone wandering off in their own direction and forgetting about Bud goes about doing what he does best, find out information. He wanders off as well.

The castle is simply opened up, giving the adventurers free run of the place save for the treasury. Time is given when asked, privacy, pointing, everything but pedicures.

Gabriel has found himself a tavern with a broken fist above the door with a sign reading, 'The Six-Fingered 'Borg.' Drawing on some of his history as a spy, he's managed to grab a local draught and sit down at one of the round tables where a card game is being played. Thanks to Sithik, he's able to drop the names 'Spider Six' and 'Herky' a few times as he does a good job of losing at cards and spreading around the beer. "So what's with this family anyway? Try to tax us mercs coming through or something?"

Sithik gathers a few small items from each bedroom, hair from a hairbrush, teddy bear, photo, whatever small and easily carried with him that looks like a personal or cherished object. Once gathered, he looks for any signs of where the kidnappers may have come in or departed from. Anything that may look out of place in the location or locations where the kidnappings actually happened.

Exactly an hour later Valeriya emerges from the room with a shrug at the winged lizard on her shoulder. She heads back to the entrance, looking to regroup with the others to see what they have uncovered.

Bud is waiting at the entrance when Valeriya comes out with a smile he greets her and says, "Looks like based on distances between rooms, I estimate that it would have taken at least four people to pull off a simultaneous grab. That is about all I could figure to this point though."

The Lwallens continue to keep their peace, not wanting to get in the way of anything that might save their royals.

Down at the tavern, Gabriel's nodding along with the conversation. "You shittin' me? Fuck! They always hire on that way, or was it good pay? Aw hell, there goes another hand. You sure no one's dealing from the bottom of the deck? No, no, I'm just kidding. Bad luck happens. But yeah, about those guys?"

Sithik seeks out the royal family's servants in order get their help in gathering objects dear to the family, explaining nothing of real value is needed, just sentimental, being as nothing is standing out to him in any of the rooms. He tries to find the ones that were on duty the time of the kidnappings.

Valeriya nods to Bud. "Matches with the intel we got earlier. We didn’t fare much better. I know the hostages are alive and well, and have been traveling for approximately two days via cargo truck through forest with intermittent breaks." She offers from her side. "Maybe Sithik and Gabriel found something more to narrow it down further."

Bud nods along while Valeriya is talking, "Did you learn anything new?"

The members of the Royal Guard on duty that night are very up front about their own failure to protect their charges. As soon as they hear that Sithik is looking for them, he is sought out to answer what they can. Naturally, not everyone is there at this particular moment in time but the whereabouts of those not currently at the castle are well known.

"So you're saying that what, she's on the rag or something? No? Well then I don't get it." Gabriel continues his chat and losing streak at the bar. "Hold on.. flying? Damn! No wonder those guys get top dollar. Surprised they aren't fucking permanent members. Hey! Look, I won a hand! Miracles do fucking happen, don't they? So you guys came in with 'em, or no?"

Sithik returns to Bud and Val once he has gathered everything, "The large windows are the common aspect of each room, most likely that is how they entered and departed." Between the picture of the king and queen, some hair from a princess' hairbrush and a favorite toy of the youngest, he should have what he needs. From the guards he asks, "Does this city have scouts that go out on patrol, perhaps those who may have come across an old camp of the Coalition group before, maybe recently, before the kidnappings?"

"Guess that answers that." Valeriya says to Bud with a shake of her head before they continue to find Sithik. She nods to his suggestions of the scouts. "Even if they didn’t, knowing their routes will let us find any gaps that may have been exploited." She offers.

Bud nods in agreement to the assertions, "Possibly Gabriel has come up with some good tidbit that will tie it all together."

"Patrols? No, only here in the city and the areas around it where the lumber gets cut. The outlying towns can call for help, but it's only for emergencies - and we don't have many emergencies around here that need a patrol," the ranking guard comments. "Sure, maybe once a year we send scouts out, but it's just to check on the state of the kingdom's holdings." He pats the energy pistol at his side - common to all the guards. "We aren't very well armed to take on any Coalition groups, so it's often better to not ask any questions and leave them to their own devices."

Gabriel does eventually make his way over the mile or two from tavern to castle, winding his way to where the rest of the crew is standing. His greeting is not formal. Instead, with a happy grin, "Okay, hold up your hand if you got milk people for information and nurse a beer at the same time." He raises his hand. "Anyone?"

Sithik gives an understanding nod to the guards looking to Val and Bud, "Shall we take a look outside, assuming they did climb from the windows, maybe we can figure out which way they may have escaped." With the old man returning he looks to Gabriel with a puzzled look, unsure of what he is talking about.

"I don’t think the people would call it milking if I did it. Leaching perhaps." Valeriya notes with a shake of her head. "What we do know is they are alive and well. Been traveling approximately two days with intermittent breaks through the forest. The vehicle is a cargo truck, should be easy to catch up to and track."

Bud just waits listening still. He seems to stand back and observe more than draw attention to himself.

Gabriel listens, then gives a nod of approval to temporary coworkers. "I guess we're all on the right track then," he begins. "I got cargo truck crossing the river and heading west about two days ago. Escorted by this 'Spider Six' group. Better info on them, too. Three guys, a ten-foot tall 'Borg built like a tank, and a suit of Flying Titan power armor. The psychic? The word is that they like her because 'she keeps the mages away.'" A glance is given to Valeriya, "So watch for that, I guess. It's good to know that they're alive. Any word on why they were grabbed?"

Sithik listens to what is said of the situation, "No one has mentioned why they were taken, but at least we have a direction to go and how long they have been traveling. We should get going. Does everyone have a way to travel?"

Valeriya raises a brow at an anti-mage psychic. "Testing that possibility alone makes this trip worth the while. Maybe it would not be prudent to eliminate her at a distance.. Or maybe even more so. My instincts are fickle, I will have a tank to disable as well..." She notes before considering the others on transport. "Depends on how far we are going.."

Bud nods indicating he does, "So long as it is not for a really long way I do yes."

The soldier looks to hunter and answers, "Yes, and fast too. Unfortunately, a jet pack isn't exactly stealthy. But otherwise I'm on foot, trained for covering ground without stopping but that doesn't mean doing it at a run. So I guess noise will be necessary. Valeriya?" Gabriel gives the mage a pleasant and contented smile. "I can handle the distance to the psychic, if someone can point her out to me. She'll never even know I'm there."

Sithik nods to everyone, "I can fly a couple hours at a time to gain ground. They have been traveling for two days, but that could be in circles for all we know. How do we want to start our search?"

"I could cover as much as 600 miles over the next twelve hours without draining myself too much. Charon will help me track as well though I don’t imagine they are doing much to cover theirs." Valeriya confirms with a nod. "Further more I can do so silently, and invisibly when we close. Charon can become completely undetectable to the psychic to single her out for you Gabriel. She will be the one on fire if all goes well."

"West," Gabriel reminds Sithik. "We hope that they headed west, then kept going west. Hell, there's a treeline near the river, maybe they followed it. Or.. they turned off somewhere, but at least we know that they left heading west. My jets can go for four hours before it's wise to give 'em time to cool down, so maybe we can spell each other, Sithik." Then, "If you feel like playing primary scout, Valeriya, sure. I just can't sneak through the sky, is all." His eyes narrow as he thinks something to himself. "And keep an eye out for another bird in the sky, apparently. Oh, and despite my bandoleer... does anyone have any explosive grenades or otherwise unstable weaponry?" He points to his own row of eight grenades, none of which anyone would identify as being physically harmful, if they knew what they were looking at.

Sithik considering the mobility capabilities of everyone and what Gabriel has to say, "Well, let's see if we can find the point they crossed to, we might be able to get a direction from there. I have heavy fragment grenades if you like."

"Stuns and blinders, hand held and for my C-5." Valeriya answers before giving a sly smirk. "And my special armor eaters." She adds, pulling a globe of fire from her satchel momentarily. "Charon can conjure these at will to dive-bomb their forces freely one the psychic is neutralized. The 'borg will be next. Aim to incapacitate, its armor will take shots at random all day."

Bud says, "I have Some frag grenades as well as some high explosive and even a plasma grenade as well. I also have a sniper rifle for taking that one shot from far away."

"Yeah, stunners and blinders here, too." Gabriel says with a nod toward the mage. He reaches out toward Valeriya with a 'gimme' hand. "Two of the fireball grenades. Tell me how to use 'em, and I promise they'll be put to good use taking out the flying power armor." Then Bud gets a grin. "Give me the high explosive, in case the fireball things don't work. As for sniper shots? Well," he frowns, "They have their place, and hopefully this will be one of them - but against men in armor, they're not terribly useful. Even with a powerful sniper weapon. But it's better than nothing. Are you outfitted for something more powerful?" His eyes search the sky as a breeze ruffles his short hair. "We should get going, use the daylight to get the lay of the land, if nothing else."

Valeriya looks mildly surprised to see Gabriel ask for a magic grenade but complies quickly enough. "Just throw it with intent for your target to burn and it will if you hit them." She notes pulling out a globe. She then pull out a cotton thigh high stocking and puts the globe inside it. "If you are in close combat, using this means you don’t lose your globe if you miss, just swing again."

Bud shakes his head to Gabriel, "Ohh I'm sorry I misunderstood. I only have a couple not any spare grenades. I am ready to head out though."

Gabriel nods to Valeriya, but asks a question of the group. "How do you fight a tank?" The old soldier answers his own question. "Infantry doesn't fight tanks. Not even with anti-tank weapons," he grunts. "You immobilize it, which for me meant blowing off a track. In this case? A big fucking 'borg probably means... blowing off its leg. The rest of the group will continue on, I don't think they'll circle the wagons to save it while they've got a prize." He looks down at the grenade in his hand, and the sock, then asks, "Do you have another?" It's starting to approach the noon hour here in Lwallen.

Sithik responds to Gabriel, "You can pick off its head or arms which should be easier to remove than its mobility. So what it can move if it can't fight back. I have plenty of grenades, how many do you need?" then looking to everyone, "So, are we off to find the crossing?"

"I'll take of its head quickly enough, definitely quicker than taking off a leg. If we need to take off more limbs I will be open to that possibility when it happens." Valeriya notes with a shrug. "Any suggestions on preventing the prisoners from becoming hostages?"

Gabriel repeats himself. "West. We all have means to hop over the river to the other side, and perhaps you can pick up a track there, Sithik. If there's a giant 'borg walking around, and a cargo truck, maybe they'll leave tracks you could follow?" He ends on an upbeat, hopeful and questioning tone. Looking back to the hunter, he takes the initiative to begin moving toward the eastern shore of the horseshoe-shaped river bend. "If you want to go after the head, guys, go for it. But I still think that's too much of a blunt force solution." His brow arches as he walks, clearly having not considered the problem of prisoners becoming hostages. "Ummm..."

Sithik suggests as they head on their way, "I was thinking once we have them we just follow until they take a break. Try and take the important ones out first. Like the psychic and the power armor guy while out of his armor. Were you able to determine their frequency of breaks during travel?"

"Every few hours to relieve themselves." Valeriya answers with a nod. "Once we find them we can tail them till the next break. And once the psychic is down I'll make seeing the prisoners out safely priority one. You guys can make that easier by drawing their attention." She suggests fluidly. "Once the prisoners are out I'll take to the 'borg. Then I’ll consider the power armor. If you guys don’t beat me to it."

Continuing to wind through the small city and toward the river, Gabriel offers, "I can take the power armor, if Sithik can assist." He looks to the hunter. "If you can just get its attention, I can fly up behind it and slap on this fireball thing." The magic grenade that has been tied at his waist is patted so that there's no confusion. "Stick it on its head - a second one, if Valeriya thinks it's necessary - and fly away. It should be too busy worrying about that than us. At least, that's the existing plan that probably needs further development." A finger is raised. "There's a narrow place to jet across."

Sithik nods seeming to like the bit of info about the breaks. Gabe gets a nod as well to his tactic planned. "Sounds good." Turning to head the way indicated, "We should wait until the psychic is determined by Valeriya's pet. That should be the first strike."

"Well, enough talk. Let's go find our quarry." Valeriya suggests, stepping into the air as if it were completely natural before flying at head to find the crossing hinted at to the west and any trail left behind there.

Bud follows along seeming to walk out from plain sight once again. He does continue to remain silent still though.

Eventually heading west leads to the river's eastern bank, the city falling behind and leaving a rather desolate area in between. Gabriel has seated his helmet now, but his visor is up, searching for that fresh air as long as he can. "It can't be too hard to find cargo tracks and a giant 'borg, can it?" he asks rhetorically. "Not that I've ever hunted 'borg tracks in my lifetime. I'll go north along the bank." He peels off on foot, not yet taking to the sky.

Sithik launches himself into the air just as easily on Valeriya's cue, silently moving through the air westward to find the river crossing used by the cargo truck, using his view from the air to figure out logical crossing points. High-tech binoculars giving him a better view when needed.

Valeriya says, "Depends on how well traveled this crossing is." Valeriya notes as she descends upon it. Her winged lizard leaves her shoulder to leave her alone with her other as it surveys the area for its own impression. The two gathering and collaborating what they can.

Seeing the others taking to the skies Bud decides to join them. He stays close to the treeline and while in the air scanning the area with binoculars.

Gabriel continues his own march, carefully covering the northern grounds all the way to where the river starts to bend east. "Nothing yet. But it's a big space, we can't expect to be lucky and fall on top of the quarry." He continues to search, waiting to hear from the others. "Oh, I had an idea about tracking them, it's a little wild, but useful if it'd work," he comments with eyes on the ground.

Sithik lands to check out a spot near the city side of the river and after a few moments of looking around he calls over the radio, "I've found where they crossed from. Crossing the river to start searching for the landing area. Meet me there." Going back up in the air to allow himself to be seen by the others as he crosses over the river to search the other side for where they would've landed.

Identifying the tracks is easy enough once Valeriya gets close enough. "Come take a look, this is what we're looking for." Her winged lizard following them as they go into the river and around the bend. "They may have kept to the river for a bit to hide their trail. Spread out to look for their tracks on both banks." She suggests, moving to one bank herself in search of their leave of the river.

Bud flies over to where the crossing is and tries his best to assist in looking for where the trail picks up on the other side of the river.

I guarantee they didn't cross here," Gabriel says helpfully with a laugh in his voice. Sithik's information is obviously what they've been looking for, and now he saves his legs and more importantly, time, by engaging his jet pack to land near the hunter. Not actually close, for fear of obscuring tracks, but close enough. Valeriya's own insight makes him chuckle once more. His defense? "I need to re-learn this."

WESTERN WILDERNESS

The Ozark forest thins to the north but is pleasantly open, staged over some low, rolling hills that are beginning to appear. There are often large areas of land completely bereft of trees, a space north of the river that leaves only dense grasses of native high-prairie. The winds that blow out of the northwest give them a beautiful waving effect as if looking at the ocean colored green and gold. To the northwest, the hills continue their stately march, as does the forest which is unique to this region. The topography begins to dip low to the northwest, the massive ridge's dividing influence now having tapered off considerably. The patchwork of forest, hills and grasslands remains the norm far into the distance. The river itself takes a different path, moving southwest as far as can be seen by anyone at this moment.

Sithik searches around on the opposite bank of the river finding the trail's continuance. Making sure all the signs are correct he calls to the others, "Found the landing. Heading westward." He moves on foot following the tracks and signs of passage left behind by the truck and combat 'borg.

Valeriya nods, her winged lizard pointing out the clear path as well for them to continue on. Through the bush it is much clear to see, allowing her to accelerate to speed to follow the trail wherever it leads. Particularly she keeps an eye out for one of the group's first rest areas.

Bud lands near to the group and walks the path for a while while the others are tracking. At this point he readies his rifle and keeps his eyes peeled for any signs that might have been missed. Gabriel nods at the hunter's words, and finally slaps his faceplate down, sealing his armor into the advertised 'environmental' position. "West it is, then." Wilderness tracking of objects centuries from what he knows does demand the polite question, "Remember, I'm noisy in the sky, but with better eyes. You guys think I should be up there, or down here? The 'pack is pretty fast."

Sithik takes to the air again once he has the general long term path of the mercenaries. Following the obvious signs left behind he concentrates on the signs showing anything of campsites, direction changes, or the trail becoming more recent. "I wouldn't worry until we find more recent signs of their passing."

"When we do fall back to tail us at a safe distance." Valeriya adds, diverting from the trail a bit before turning back to follow the more sure Sithik. Indeed the tattooed man has caught every sign she has, and now held when she did not. So she decides to defer to his lead till it goes astray.

Bud stays on the ground for the moment and says over his radio, "My flight needs renewing every couple minutes. If I continue in the air my psychic reserves will delete rather quickly. Should I continue on the ground until you find them and then fly to catch up?"

The terrain continues to be a combination of river to the south, forest to the norther and rocky soil in between. However, the higher plateau looks as if it may begin to break some miles distant, if only due to changes in the wind.

"Okay, I won't worry for now. But.. let me float out another question to the group," Gabriel says over the radio to the team. "I'm the only one here flying around that looks like a mercenary coming out of Lwallen, not Superman or a derivation thereof. Maybe I should go on up ahead and see what I can see? If I lost the tracks, I'll just meander. One guy with a jet pack wouldn't look suspicious." There's a pause before he asks the party's opinion. "Would it?"

Sithik moves fast through the air, up to 90 mph. Only blasting to his maximum speed allowed to not lose the trail, but wanting to gain ground as his ability is limited in time as well, only having two hours each aerial go. He keeps attentive of the terrain ahead as that will indicate any forced changes of direction. "Get to me and I will carry you Bud. Gabriel, sounds good to me. We have two days to make up."

"Maybe not suspicious. Maybe tempting instead. A trifle bit of target practice, and potential treasure to rain down with your fall. One should not forget that our quarry is not the only thing in these woods. Any number of predator can spy us to take or share interest in our pursuit." Valeriya offers with a bit of teasing to her tone. Though Sithik's pace will leave her well behind soon enough..

Bud does not respond he just lifts into the air once more speeding at a hundred miles an hour towards Sithik.

There is a brief nod of Gabriel's helmet as he thinks. "All the better reason to be off the ground, then. I'll go ahead, see if there's anything for me to see, and hope that people sneaking around with captives don't want to draw attention to themselves with a little target practice." His jets are engaged, providing both noise and a blast of soil and debris making his liftoff far more dramatic than the others, at least from one point of view. His aerial path is almost logarithmic, rising sharply then leveling out west. Doing little to actually follow the trail, he'll soon meet and overtake the two actually doing the tracking. "If you hear me screaming, I've found something."

Sithik is easy to catch up to, not able to go the maximum speed he can go and keep sight of the trail being followed. When Bud gets within arms reach, he guides him to hang onto his back, flying piggy back ride. "Just hang on and keep your eyes open." Only being 10 miles traveled so far the trail still leads the hunter westward.

Valeriya has little to contribute for now save for effort to keep up. Sithik's need to follow the trail helps with this, letting her cut corners for a more direct route.

Bud eases onto Sithik's back and grabs ahold and lets him do the flying letting his ability drop for now. He keeps his eyes peeled but remains quiet for now.

The helpful radio report from Gabriel comes back as, "I just crossed a whole bunch of nothing. Going to try for north, assuming they didn't cross the river again. Anything else yet?"

Sithik continues following the trail in the air, crossing between two hillocks that offer a spectacular view from the air. Another ten miles has the trail turning northwest slightly, the hunter adjusting his course along with it. "The trail has turned northwest slightly." Continuing on another fifty miles along this new path until he spots something, "I think I found something. Going to check it out." Moving to what he thinks is a rest stop along the trail.

Valeriya nods to Sithik's perfect tracking score in its persistence. And feels thankful it will allow her to catch up some more. Maybe just in time for everyone to continue on their way. And after nearly two hours of flight she has to look into providing two more as well.

Bud holds on as Sithik flies for the both of them. He does keep an eye out around them trying to be a second set of eyes.

The spot where people are now gathering is small, only really large enough for something to park. Barely even a notch in the trees. The larger tracks quite obviously lead in and out.

"I'm trying to find you guys," comes Gabriel's voice. "If you see me, shout out and play LSO. This is why parents tell their children not to wander off..." A few minutes later he asks, "How fast do wheeled cargo trucks travel over this kind of terrain these days?" Now that the mission is out of the city, his facade of jovial mercenary from the tavern has mostly been dropped, his personality entirely back to business. His mind never left the job, but smiles in battle can make one look like a brave fool or just an idiot. "You should hear me soon, unless I'm wildly out of where I think I am." Indeed, perhaps ten minutes from the radio call, the classic high-pitched whine of dual jets can be heard through normal human vision.

Sithik takes some time to survey the area, kneeling here and there to give closer inspection of certain places. "There are thirteen altogether. Their path turning northward more." Looking up to the sky as the jets are heard, "You're in earshot still." Renewing his own flight capabilities signaling Bud to grab on.

"Thirteen, minus the prisoners." Valeriya points out as she rejoins them all for the leg north. "All this considered maybe I should finally learn how to drive that jump bike I own. Would surely save me some energy. Any of you know how to drive a motorcycle?"

Bud grabs ahold of Sithik when he indicates to. He is still silent having nothing to add at the moment though he is ever scanning the skies and ground around them.

Gabriel eventually makes it to ground, his faceplate popping open as soon as feet touch soil. "Thanks," is his greeting. He looks around the site, and starts to wander around, looking perhaps not for tracks, but for something else. Eventually, something draws him into the forest a little, and he waves people inside. "Look at the moss here on the tree, it's matted down, but only this spot. Some guy or an acrobatic woman took a leak here about... two days ago, I'd estimate. Maybe a little less. I guess the truck's slower than a motorcycle, but we're closing." Eventually, he walks to look to Valeriya, so you're thinking eight mercenaries on foot?" Valeriya and the two men are eventually accosted by a gentle slap on the arm. "Tracking beacons, so I don't get lost again."

Sithik replies in clarification as he takes note of what Gabriel points out, "Thirteen humanoids and the 'borg. So fourteen individuals. I would assume the Coalition woman and Spider Six are together currently." Taking to the air when Bud is all set. Following the trails lead as it turns more northward. His right arm held outward, the metallic device on his wrist coming alive as three spines protrude out and forward.

"Not a bad idea," Valeriya notes, handing her own tracking becon to Sithik before shrugging at Gabriel. "Eight makes a better spider than six. But how many there are is irrelevant if we do not catch them so let us continue."

Bud indeed does take ahold again when he is given the signal from Sithik. He is not helpful in the tracking but will at least keep his eyes out around the group in case he sees something they all miss.

Having examined a rest stop, the group of rescuers from Kingsdale continues on, with Sithik leading through hunter's eyes. Gabriel does little more than keep pace and offer some looking along the flanks now and then. Every few hours, more temporary stops are found - and for those who need the rest, some rest taken. As night falls, more than two-hundred miles have passed in great detail, with all indicators showing that they are getting closer and closer to their quarry. It's after the moon is up that Gabriel settles down in one area that Sithik points out as extremely obvious. With a different skill set, the old soldier declares, "They were here only a few hours ago." Unfortunately, there are two sets of tracks departing the area. The wheels of the cargo truck head northwest, and a set of large 'borg prints head northeast.

Sithik looks to the rest once the last rest point is found and inspected, "Being they have only left hours ago, we should rest here and recoup before moving out again. We are close, and should decide how we are going to proceed now that they have split up."

"I would call that fortunate myself. I mean why would they divide their hostages? They would not unless they knew we were following. But there is a risk that is just what has happened. But if you folks want to take an hour to rest I can discover which.." Valeriya offers with a shrug.

Bud shrugs, "I would love to be able to sneak up on them and take out a couple from a distance when things break loose. I could then close the distance to fight up close after that or just stay taking shots whichever seems the more effective. What are you all thinking?"

Gabriel looks around at the gathered crowd. "Well, I could use a break. It's been a full day in the air, and we're getting close. No reason to rush off in one direction or the other without knowing why. I'll cool my jets, as the saying goes - though it wasn't literal for me." As he makes himself comfortable on a nearby rock, his gauntlets and helmet are removed. "Hell, darkness might even help. What can you do, Val?"

Sithik give a bow of his head to Valeriya, "Do what you can. We can decide after we have that information." Then moves to meditate to regain what energy and rest he can muster, finding himself a place among the trees to do so, so not to be in the common lines of site.

Valeriya nods and leads her winged lizard to one side to find a spot for him to rest for a bit. Her snakey lizard climbing down from her back to guard the companion in this and Valeriya watching them both.

Bud finds a spot to the side and out of the way and out of sight to rest while he waits for the mage to do her thing.

The old soldier rests and enjoys the night air while everyone else gathers their own relaxation. This time, Gabriel doesn't even whistle to relax though, watching Valeriya and her animal fall into a trance followed by a barely-visible snakey thread being emitted. After twenty minutes have passed, he follows it along by one-hundred feet or so before walking back to the safety of the common group. Finally, a whisper. "What's it doing?"

Sithik silently continues his meditation and rejuvenation, in a trance of his own. He must build his mystical strength to continue forward in the hunt.

"Reconnaissance." Valeriya answers to Gabriel. Though ten minutes later she is frowning at the result as her pet awakens looks to her to inform her on what it found. "We have an issue. Our quarry has split. The truck continues with the adult prisoners fifty miles to the north. But the 'borg has taken the children down a different path alone. Attack either and we could be out of reach to save the others as hostages. Unless we split as well."

Bud pays attention as Valeriya tell what she has seen he gathers in closer to the group to await what the plan will be and see how best he can fit in.

Gabriel looks over to the quiet man who's been along, offering him an encouragingly drawled, "Speak up, my friend. I know you've seen things that Sithik and I haven't seen." A small blade of grass is raised to poke between his teeth as he thinks. "Well, I'd say women and children first, which means the kids win out. Maybe the 'borg alone wouldn't be as dangerous as if it was with the rest of the group. How many people were there with the king and queen?" He seems to leave the worry of the issue of losing half the group for another moment.

Sithik remains in his meditative trance, not making any indication of even hearing what has been said so far.

"Eight all together. Four in robes, which is odd. Three in armor, and a driver, also in armor." Valeriya answers with a nod to Gabriel. "Yes factors I’m hoping will give me the edge I need against the 'borg so you may freely attack the truck. I can stop time momentarily to free the children from it. Then I will dispatch it as you attack the truck. And Charon will go with you to identify the psychic and protect the prisoners." She explains, her tone sounding quite decided.

Bud smiles as the plan comes together, "What is the plan of attack? Hand to hand or from a distance?"

Sithik still in his meditative pose, replies, "I was going to suggest I take on the Borg, but either way is good." Inhaling deeply and exhaling back into silence.

"I'm, ok with that if you have a means to ensure the children will not come to harm in doing so. I know I'll be pulling a few tricks out of my hat to do so." Valeriya notes to Sithik with a nod.

Bud shrugs, "If you all would like me to take on the 'borg I am willing as well."

Sithik replies again, "I have nothing special that will prevent harm to them. This goes for the truck as well though." A deep inhale and exhale, "I have a better chance to sneak up on the Borg to keep combat close and away from the children." Breathing into silence again.

Gabriel finally breaks his silence to say, I'm not sure we should break up. That's a lot of people versus three of us, even if you can handle the 'borg, Val. But I'm thinking perhaps we need to focus on the truck. If it's really the head royals, I'd guess - only a guess - that they're going to wherever this Rahm woman's base is. If they get there?" He shrugs. "I don't think we'd get 'em out of a Coalition base. Not easily."

"Then don’t let them get there. I will radio when it's safe to attack the truck." Valeriya answers before simply disappearing. As she implied before her flying lizard remains to help. But the long snakey one darts off into the woods.

Bud shrugs as Valeriya disappears, "Well I guess that leaves us to go after the truck. I can attempt to sneak up on it and take out one or two of them to get the whole thing started. Or what would you like me to do?"

Speaking into the darkness, Gabriel offers a bit of ancient wisdom. "You divide the enemy, not yourself. Then pick them apart one by one. Unless the 'borg is going to disappear into the trees or something, we should all hit that truck, fast and hard with everything we have." He sounds as decisive as Valeriya goes about her own plan. "Blow the engine, kill the mercenaries. We leave and only have two charges to deal with, not three. Plus, no crying children to give us away. If you can stop a 'borg, you can help stop a truck." He asks Bud, "How fast can you take out an armored man?"

Sithik opens his eyes as Valeriya takes off on her own. "I thought we were taking some time to rest before continuing the chase? I guess not. Same plan as before, Gabriel takes out the power armor, Bud take down the psychic, I'll take on the rest until you both can flank them?"

Bud looks to Gabriel first and says, "Depends on how strong their mind is but usually fairly quickly. And then once I get close I can stand toe to toe with power armor." Then looking to Sithik with a smile, "Or yes I can stay at a distance and snipe the psychic when Valeriya's flying pet identifies him. Just let me know what you all would like me to do."

Invisible Valeriya does not waste any time in her pursuit of the Borg. She draws her silver dagger, muttering a phrase to transform it into a sword of ice as she flies down the path. "At least this way I don’t have to worry about some anti-magic psychic." She notes to herself before making a phrase for strength, ready for her target.

"I haven't heard anything about the power armor," Gabriel observes. Then as there's some silence, he grunts unhappily and semi-angrily, "Bitch isn't even here anymore, is she?" He sighs. "Well, Sithik if you could lead on? It'll be harder to follow at night, I guess, but give me a direction in the air, and we'll see if we can't find a good position.

THE NORTHEAST TRAIL

About thirty miles northeast of the camp and trail split, the massively huge 'borg named Herky is trudging his way slowly onward. At the moment he's in a bit of a canyon with one-hundred yards of clearance on either side, the basket of hooded people on his back. The skies are clear but dark, only the moon for illumination which makes things difficult for people without something to help seeing at night. Giant feet trudge ever toward whatever destination it has in mind.

Valeriya closes behind invisibly and time stops for her to cut away the basket with a single swing of her frost blade. Then one energy field covers it, and another before time resumes for but a moment. The 'borg is slow to react to the weight off its back though so time stops again. A Blinder is set to go off in its face when it resumes and Valeriya takes one of her stockings with a fire globe before moving to face the 'borg head-on as armor covers her body. Time starts and stops one more time as Val comes up to full speed and adheres the 'borg to the ground.

Herky is definitely surprised, with having a burst of bright lasers going off in its face and feet being stuck to the ground it doesn't even seem to notice - or at least care - about the absence of the basket. This of course assumes that it noticed the change in weight in the first place. Blind and stuck, it calls out a string of foul words, enraged and simply firing its rail gun randomly ahead of itself in a reflexive maneuver.

A 'borg so big and so doomed. "Safe to attack the truck now." Valeriya states over the radio. She is not phased by the blind firing. At arm's reach she is quick to swing her fire globe at that very arm. The size of the creation will surely require one for each limb. So she pulls another.

The first fireball explodes on the 'borg's arm. It roars angrily, but doesn't seem otherwise impressed.

Despite the flame on its arm and the temporarily blinded optics, Herky doesn't seem to have overly much trouble getting a random bead on the moving Valeriya. Though it needs to twist around, the big and strange jackhammer attachment is thrust twice in her direction as the 'borg's vocalizer falls silent to focus on staying alive.

Even blind the 'borg is dangerous at close range. But Valeriya is wagering she is more dangerous not blind. So far the wager is correct as she parries the massive jackhammer. She then proceeds to light that limb on fire before drawing another globe.

With someone still close enough to hit, the 'borg sticks with the arm attachment for now, the muzzle of the railgun ready, but unused. Twice more he strikes out at the unseen mage.

So, that didn't work. The big living robot turns its railgun in Valeriya's direction, still otherwise silent. As silent as a big beast of metal armor and weapons can be.

Valeriya grins as she sees the blind shot going very wide well in advance and decides to counter simultaneously so the 'borg can't defend as her last globe is swung at its head.

Something dramatically malfunctions with the 'borg's rail gun, but it's only a momentary blip, the electronics clearly coming right back. The arms are burning, but not dramatically. Not good for the 'borg, but nothing nearly close to incapacitating it. Still, the smack on the head of a new grenade gets its attention so that once more it swaps to the jackhammer, lunging as far as it can at its unseen foe.

Sooner or later the 'borg had to get lucky and hit her right? Not that the hit seems to change her Gladiator armor at all. Not that the 'borg can see that. Still the jackhammer has proven to be the most deadly of its weapons so far. So her sword of ice lashes out twice to remove it.

The hit feels good, the hit back doesn't. Herky's arm looks nearly half gone, but still very functional. Rather than try using the jackhammer again and worry about a malfunction, it simply uses the railgun in Valeriya's direction.

Another hit, this time sending a barrage a shrapnel that her armor takes without pause. Still it is less than the jackhammer managed so she keeps her priorities and slashes at that twice more.

The next hit from the unseen blade causes serious damage to the arm. The jackhammer is probably still serviceable, but won't take many more hits like that before it falls off.

After a bit more burning, the jackhammer arm is mush and slag.

One arm down. One to go. Valeriya shifts for two slashes at the railgun with an effortless midair cartwheel.

The next two slashes against the 'borg's supposedly good arm don't keep it in the 'good' category for very long. Though technically still attached, the arm is hanging by a few hydraulic hoses and pistons, with the hand completely unable to even grip the projectile weapon any longer. Seeing as how he's also stuck to the ground and his head continues to burn, Herky is now reduced to using harsh language, something that he readily proves he's quite adept at using.

The children saved, Valeriya will leave the 'borg to its fate as it stands. Gathering the basket to take them back and hopefully find the rescuers of their parents.

THE NORTHWEST TRAIL

Sithik gets up from his place of meditation and prepares to move out. "Gabriel, can you carry Bud. This way I can move ahead off thermals." Activating his flight and sight abilities as he checks the trail of the truck one last time to be sure of direction.

Bud looks to Sithik and Gabriel, "How far away are they? If it is not very far I can fly myself." He looks to them both waiting to hear the answer.

Gabriel fastens his faceplate and waves Bud over. "I think Val said about fifty miles. We're going to have to hug, not piggy-back, Bud. Unless your balls can take a jet blast without being ground off." He looks to Sithik, waiting for the other man to lead. "We'll be right behind you, I've got thermals built in, so it won't be a problem."

Sithik takes off in the direction the truck headed off to. Using thermal imaging to track the hunter will find it difficult for some reason. He goes as quickly as he can without losing the trail or Gabriel and Bud.

Bud grabs ahold of Gabriel as best he can and readies himself for the upcoming battle.

Giving Bud a bear hug, Gabriel grasps him beneath the arms and slowly lifts off. Eventually, they reach a speed that easily keeps pace with Sithik, his own scopes following the hunter and his own signature - including the 'pack - largely masked. "See anything, Sithik? How're you doing, Bud? Sorry, no in-flight movie."

Sithik continues tracking along the trail. "I have them, 10 miles ahead. You move to where you need to be to take your shots, I'm heading as close in as I can get before striking." Moving in towards the target, but off from the noisy jet pack.

Hearing that they are getting close Bud lets go of Gabriel and starts off on his own in the direction Sithik indicated.

Gabriel acknowledges the call over the radio, and peels off from the direct route, keeping the location of his slapped-on beacons documented so that his speedy 'pack takes him around in front of the truck by about five miles. As he hovers in the air, "I can land and hit them from the trees, try to blow out the engine and stop them dead. More useful than shooting armored men who we haven’t identified, right?" He starts to lower himself to the ground, anticipating a positive reply.

Sithik moves in directly from behind, flying low below any treeline, "Take care of it," is the only reply Gabriel gets as the hunter goes into stalking mode to get as close as he can before striking.

Bud goes to top speed and prowls his way towards the rear of the truck as well. He also is trying to get as close as possible before striking.

Gabriel lands and rolls slowly into a position behind a boulder somewhat central to the current line of travel. The sleek rifle is unlimbered from the left side of his pack, and all of its own optics and enhancements are brought online. He whispers - as if someone could hear - "I've got the engine, whenever you guys give the word. After that, if there's no good ID on anyone else, I'll fly over and pop a Blinder. Tell me when you guys are in position, I'll shoot, you can jump." The airwaves then shut crisply silent.

Sithik stalks his way toward the moving vehicle. Once at the point of being able to dart in, he unshoulders his rifle and readies for the strike looking for the psychic's aura, "Take your shot."

Gabriel lines up for the easy shot, bracing his rifle against the stone. Unfortunately, just as he pulls the trigger, a piece of the boulder breaks away, causing his single beam to fire wildly off into the darkness. If there's something good to come from this, he'd had the noise makers removed, and his position is likely still secure, particularly if no one was expecting an attack. A simple, "Dammit," is uttered over the radio.

Sithik takes a shot with his rifle in an attempt to knock out the rear tire, but misses his attempt not accounting for the terrain bumps and divots. The shot sailing by the vehicle quite obvious.

Bud flies in on the sly, staying undetected if possible. Unseen to anyone else his eyes lock on a random figure in Crusader armor.

Sithik's blast did unfortunately get everyone's attention and riled them up like ants, but at least there's one man in the Crusader armor fallen over and wiggling like he's rolling around on a carpet of puppies and kittens. Gabriel isn't cute this time, just pulling the trigger of his rifle lined up on the engine, sending a pulse of laser light through the grill and holing the pistons. The truck rolls to a stop, and people start to disembark, including the four robed people, who throw off the robes to reveal Coalition-issue armor unlike the common infantry gear. Gabriel calls the obvious, "Truck's down. I'll see about the driver."

Sithik failing his first attack, moves in and instead tosses two stun grenades into the bed of the truck.

One of the armor-clad men who may be presumed to be the mercenaries rolls out of the way of the grenades and off of the truck completely. He is quickly followed by one of the de-robed Coalition men, both of whom need a moment to get their bearings.

The happy-puppy-kitty man just stays where he is. He was probably stunned by the flash as well, but it really doesn't matter to him. He's in a better place, where the rivers are chocolate, the air is clear and the women are loose.

With those from Kingsdale having taken their shots, the remaining Coalition troops similarly roll out as their companions did, taking a moment to steady themselves rather than directly firing back. A mercenary caught in one of Sithik's grenades falls out of the truck, stunned and essentially out of the fight.

Up in the cab, there is a slight commotion, and a figure clad in Gladiator armor steps out carrying an old L-20 that most people in North America would recognize. Since Sithik is an obvious target, a burst is fired. Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of a sight issue, so it might not be such a good shot as during the day.

From his position, Gabriel's best shot is the driver, back to him and firing at Sithik. "Got the shooter, Sithik. You move along," he says before sighting on the person's back and pulling the trigger.

Sithik dodges the shot coming in at him as he moves in to make a grab for the two royal family members and fly off with them.

One of the Coalition members comes up with its rifle raised, targeting Bud. Because flying people are creepy.

Bud changes course and starts to close the distance between him and the man pointing a rifle at him. He concentrates on the man for a moment but otherwise stays airborne.

Being shot in the back with a very high-power rifle that nearly drills its way to your skin would get anyone's attention. The person in Gladiator armor spins to fire off a completely un-aimed snap-shot before diving into the cab once more.

Another Coalition soldier gets around to raising his rifle, now to fire on Sithik, a closer and more obvious target than Bud. Two pulses lance toward the tattooed man.

Joining in to converge fire on something useful to keep their prize from escaping, the remaining soldier raises his identical rifle, firing again at Sithik.

Having no clear shots at anyone, Gabriel quickly gets to his feet and winds his rifle's sling around his arm so that he can't drop it. Two stun grenades are removed from his bandoleer. "I'm going for the cab, unless someone has as better idea. Gimme a second." His jets engage, and he's off toward the melee.

Sithik won't leave without both of the royals. Using himself as a human shield, he takes the brunt of any fire coming their way as he makes sure he has a hold of both before even thinking of taking off again.

The man that Bud had been confronting slowly falls to his knees, hugging himself all over like someone in a comfortably warm shower. He'll probably be enjoying that for a while, even if armored hands aren't the same as touching flesh.

Bud continues to circle in closer concentrating on one of the men shooting at Sithik next.

Another man goes down simply, a major operation becoming a complete cakewalk.

The Gladiator-clad individual throws itself out of the back window and toward where Sithik is gathering the royals, impassive mask looking at the man on the way down. "You're not looking well, fellow. Got one of those vomiting, arthritic illness that's been going around," comes eventually from external speakers.

The remaining Coalition-clad man continues to pound away at Sithik's magical armor.

As he passes overhead, Gabriel can see the person dive out the back of the cab. The grenades are simply dropped as his rifle comes around to target the person, as a wounded target is a good target. The weapon's trigger is nursed twice from one-hundred feet off the ground.

The two pulses rattle over the remaining bits of armor, punching neat holes in it like a sewing machine. Whoever is inside, is dead.

Bud flies down towards the last guy standing firing at the royal family and tackles him.

Sithik pays no mind to the psychic in front of him, instead grabbing hold of the second Royal. "I have your children, come!" he commands as he takes off into the air with both in his supernatural grasp.

The last man standing ends up the last man on his back, pinned in place by Bud. However, he has managed to keep hold of his rifle, which he now fires at his attacker's chest from mere inches away.

Valeriya has their children in truth. Unhooded but still carried by basket to make things easy. They've flown from their rescue from the 'borg to the trail where she left the group all of a sudden. Maybe not the best way, but the right way to save them.

Seeing the tackle and subsequent double-whack of laser fire, Gabriel turns his weapon from the holed dead person to the fighting live person, taking careful aim to put a shot onto the Coalition armor, and not onto the nearby Bud.

Bud moves over and kicks at the man that is on the ground trying to shoot him.

Sithik launches straight up and back towards the way they came from as fast as he can until out of rifle range. "I need one of you to take the radio on my belt and hold it up to where I can talk into it." Hoping one of the royals will act coherent and sensible.

If the royals were in the mood to help, their hands are bound and their eyes are covered. They simply continue to squirm. Being told that a man grabbing them has their children isn't very reassuring in any way.

The man on the ground takes the kick with a grunt and rolls backwards, away from his attacker. He comes up on one knee and fires again at Bud. Maybe he's not a boring grunt.

Gabriel takes another shot at the man, not needing the careful aim as before.

The two pulses bite into the man, hard. His armor is barely intact, and his rifle slumps to the ground as if he's attempting surrender.

Sithik realizes his predicament and simply gets out of rifle range before landing with the pair in the woods so he can make his call. "I have the King and Queen safe. The power armor is on the way."

On the ground, a wheezing sounds comes from external speakers as the hands are splayed wide. "Okay, you got me."

The scene of the ambush is actually humorous. Only two people are dead, the rest of them are wandering around stunned or in what in other cases might be nearly a drug-haze dreamland. The group has gathered a few miles from the site, so that when clearer heads of the stunned prevail, they aren't around. The king and queen have been unbound in the trees, with Sithik standing over them. Bud and Gabriel have just joined them. Otherwise, the night is as it had been when the group split roughly an hour ago.

"Your Highness," Gabriel says to the woman, his faceplate off. "I think we've gotten everything safe. We need to get you back to Lwallen." He looks to his comrades. "Everybody okay and ready to move?"

Valeriya returns with a basket of children. Like a stork from days of old she lands to deliver her bundle to rejoin with their parents momentarily. As they do she sees to her own reunion. "Everyone ok?

Sithik is fine for a while, but as the group gathers and Gabriel and Val begin asking if everyone is ok, the hunter doubles over in pain. Pain that quickly brings him to his knees groaning in agony. The royals, all five of whom have luckily escaped unharmed do cluster up again as one of their saviors doubles over. The queen suggests, "Perhaps if we get back to the city, we can find medicine?"

Bud rushes over to Sithik laying his hands on him and concentrating.

Valeriya blinks as Sithik doubles over in pain all of a sudden. Her expression is clear in showing she finds that rather odd.

Gabriel keeps his distance, not knowing anything about medicine. "Not good. Not good if we want to get back before something comes looking for a truck that went missing."

Sithik writhes in agony on the ground, arms curled inward, legs pulled up into his chest, twitching violently.

Bud stays over Sithik and concentrates for a little bit longer before he says, "This will only help for a couple minutes. I do not have enough in mental reserves to heal you right now. But that should help for a little while."

Gabriel looks around, rubbing his hands in frustration. "Okay. We came in with four. Now we've got three, one injured and five passengers. Maybe.. one or two of us go back to the city with the king or queen, rent a truck and then bring everyone back?"

"Then grab a royal and move." Valeriya suggests as she leans down to help Sithik get up. She'll carry him if need be but she surely hopes it's not. "Kids in the basket," she orders, her familiar returning to view to take up that basket in an unusual show of strength.

Gabriel gives a nod as he sees what Valeriya is doing, and snaps his faceplate back in place. "C'mon, Bud, I'll carry you. I think Val has everyone else." With open and receptive arms, he's ready to leave.

Bud gets back into position with Gabriel for the ride back to town.

Sithik is relieved temporarily by the help provided by Bud, "Just get the family out of here. Bud, you stay with me. I will fly us as far as I can take us before it runs out. Then rest up and heal me."

Gabriel simply stuffs the royals unceremoniously in the basket along with their kids. "Stay there, please." After everyone has been grabbed, stuffed and held, Gabriel and Valeriya lift off and head back from whence they came. Valeriya with the sick Sithik and the royal family, the old soldier with Bud. Stops along the way are necessary, but now that the direction is known, the trip passes more quickly. Eventually, Lwallen comes into view as the new day dawns.

The kingdom's citizens are elated to see that their genuinely loved leaders have been returned to them, and the royals themselves are grateful, offering all four rescuers a permanent and guaranteed secure place to rest, should they ever pass this way again. Bud, with the assistance of local healers are able to cure Sithik of his affliction roughly a day after the party returns to the city. Not that it was a good time, with the tattooed man in pain, vomiting, soiling himself and generally able to do nothing. Various questions have gone unanswered for now, such as why they were kidnapped in the first place? How exactly were they taken? Did Rahm have anything to do with it? What was the mercenary agreement? What's Herky up to? Any number of similar inquiries could be made. The treasury is opened up, with each rescuer being paid the promised amount in credits. When the party is rested and feels up to it, the battered old helicopter returns them to Kingsdale, a grateful kingdom left behind.