Jul 30 108 PA - Concert TP

From Chronicles

Half the arena has been prepared for this evening's concert being performed by Rubidia. This allows 30000 seats, but only ten thousand are in attendance tonight. So the seats aren't crowded at all though the dance floor is another story. With a capacity for 5000 nearly 4000 are on their feet in front of the giant stage ready to get it down. As the performer is still in preparation light trance music is playing to give background in absence of her vocals as people arrive and make their selves comfortable. The noise of the audience is very evident, constantly contending with the current music. Distinguishing an individual voice in the seats would be difficult. Nearly impossible on the dance floor. Security wise the arena is very tight, personal weaponry is limited to small melee weapons and such weapons a tagged to show if they are used. The only reason they are allowed at all is that many enhanced denizens will be present as well so a somewhat even field makes people less nervous. Their position in the main entrance is extensive, allowing a thorough screen of everyone attending. Aside from the large main entrance are 3 emergency exits which are mechanically locked until an emergency alarm is activated. The stage for the performance is truly massive at 1000 feet across. As such the blue guitar held by a stand upon it looks rather diminutive. As do the two massive speakers behind it. Taking up the rest of the space are smaller complimenting speakers and an elaborate light system. Many components look to be in wait in the background for use in the upcoming event.

Among the crowd, Sage wanders to consider what spot appeals to her most. The scarf that goes with her gown draped lazily around her shoulders for the moment. A small smile touching her lips as she considers the set up and the people that have eagerly come to participate in the concert. Her gaze considering the stage briefly.

Bartholemew moseys on into the Arena, with only the permitted contraband as security easily realizes. Instead of sitting, he chooses to roam first, while the party builds. First stop, someplace with a beer, gotta be round here someplace. There it is, with a line from the depths of hell, but it can only get shorter from where he stands joining the mass of people slowly trudging forward as the front person falls off to go back into the main concert area.

More people means more fun right? Should be lotsa fun at this show then. Bella squeezes in with other people. She don't take up much room anyways. Then there's lookin 'round to see what's goin on.

And there are a lot of people. The sheer magnitude of them all is incapable of being beyond notice. Be it lines that will take an hour to cycle or that even the most secluded places still hold handfuls of people. The arena staff are out in force to combat this as well. Security goons and bar maids sortie out in pairs to relieve what ever stresses they can as everyone anxiously awaits the concert's beginning.

Having already snagged herself a bottled drink that she's secreted away for the moment in her handbag, Sage can only offer sympathic looks to the ones stuck in the long lines. Unlike most people, she's more concerned about things going well than being anxious for it start. She settles for the time being to settle into a particular island of peace among the throngs. Her gaze looking for familiar faces now and she'll offer waves to those that she notices. But, most are likely strangers to her.

Bartholemew waits his turn in line like the rest of the folks before him, it's not too bad, gives a guy some time to people watch, letting the masses entertain him for a bit in prelude to the real show. There's always some strange ones out at events like this, all dressed up with a gluttony for attention, and Bart is more than happy to drop a small bit of that voyeur attention into their hats to go with the chuckles of amusement to the most ridiculous of them.

Bella ain't strange. But she's thirsty. Most interesting thing she finds so far is the beer line. It's long. Makes it easy to see. She walks and slips between people to take up her spot in 't. Could wait 'til the show starts but then she might miss something. Or they could run out of beer by then.

On one of the few islands of sanity amongst the crowd, Sage stands out of the way near where she intends to stake are her spot. She greets the people she knows with smiles and waves. She's dressed up a fair bit differently than normal.

Bartholemew eventually gets his turn to place his order. Like a good soldier, he prepares, purchasing enough to fill his canteens and one for each hand before moseying on to let the next person his turn to belly up to the counter. It's heading back along the line of folks still waiting for that first refreshing beer that he spots Bella still waiting much further back in the line. "Hey!" he greets with a friendly smile. His beer sloshes as he gets bumped from behind when he stops by Bella, getting his arms a bit beer soaked, luckily its only him that ends up with beer on him. "Damn, that was a waste of two good sips."

"Hey!" Bella greets him back. Then winces at the alcohol abuse. "Damn. Guess ya oughtta not let people bump ya. Course if ya don' want that one no more..." She points a finger at the wounded beer. Maybe he needs somebody to put it out of its misery.

Erica is trying to make her way through the crowd. Her small form isn't really seen amongst all the taller people around her. She uses her strength and elbows to move through the crowd as best she can, trying to move instead of being stuck in one place.

On the stage the light music slowly grows faint until completely silent. Much of the crowd follows suite, descending from a lively clamour to a stilled mumble as lights dim and the beginning looks foreshadowed. The anticipation looks momentarily palpable, breath held in the eagerness. Such initiative is duly rewarded when a cascade of flash bulbs go off in a blinding flash sure to leave spots in ones eyes. In their wakes as the smoke clears Rubidia can be seen sparkling and illuminated at center stage, ready to begin.

Sage has staked out a place near the dance floor for the moment that the impulse takes her. Whether the seating was arranged ahead of time or mere chance is hard to say. She has settled into her seat as the number of people she recognized and attempts at conversation had dwindled. The light music bringing a smile to her lips. It isn't until Rubidia herself is visible that she pops up from her chair to give a cheer that she can only hope will be taken up by others.

Bartholemew chuckles offering her the damaged beer, "Come on. Think its startin, better go find a good spot." Once she has the beer in hand he makes his way with the crowd into the main area to look for a seat. If she follows, up to her, he only really glances back once initially to see if she does.

Bella grins some. Rescue a beer 'n save some time. She takes a gulp and follows Bart in finding a spot. Then all the flashing gets her lookin to the stage too. Looks like the fun's gettin started.

Erica manages to force herself through the crowd to a seat with a pretty good view. She is close enough to the dance floor, just in case. She stands in front of the chair as the music starts to grow faint. She lets out loud whistles and cheers as the Rubidia arrives.

Rubidia raises both arms to wave to the crowd as it cheers her arrival. Indeed for a few moments even she cannot content with the crowd before her in its enthusiasm. So at first she takes the time to give an acknowledging smile to her friend in attendance. Sage, Erica, Bart and Bella each get a nod in turn before the crowd stills enough to allow her to continue. "Good evening!"

Sage can't help but offer a smile as she notices Rubidia's acknowledgment, before looking about the place to see how the others react to the beginning. As the enthusiasm dies down, she begins to settle down into her chair for the time being.

Bartholemew is content with drinking his beer and absorbing the atmosphere now that he has found a spot with a decent view. Not that there really is a bad view in the house, but at least from here, the star is not just a speck on the stage. He offers a few hoots and hollers along with the crowd as things start to get going.

"Sure is!" Bella calls back at Rubidia. Might even get heard if the crowd ain't all yelling. She takes a sorta seat. The rail that's s'posed to keep people from falling down to the next level works good. Lets her see over other people.

Erica cheers with enthusiasm eager to see Rubidia perform. Her hands clap loudly adding to noise she is making. After the crowd starts calming down she calms down as well. She keeps on her feet, excited for the show to begin, for the first song to play.

Rubidia has never been one to keep the crowd waiting too long so the speakers kick up without further ado, realizing a strong base beat into the colossal arena. The force of sound becomes truly a wondrous thing as this immense structure begins to reverberate to the music. Rubidia takes up her guitar, working up a technical interlude to go with the base beat as the dance floor starts moving to her sound. Her inevitable voice adding to this is nearly just icing to it all, yet largely integral as she delivers her message. "My love is like foot steps in the soul, baby. I'll follow you everywhere you go, baby. The painless night has come to wake you but you will never realize; That I inspire the dreams that guide you, baby"

>Song being played: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MZmPoPvJYE

It doesn't take long for Sage to begin chair dancing in place with her body moving back and forth to the music. Her gaze drifts to the dance floor, but seems not to be enticed to dart to the dance floor. Her lips curl once more, enjoying the opening the song.

Bartholemew is not really the dancing type, he's more the head bobbin type as he gets into the sounds of music filling the arena. Maybe after a couple of canteens of beer, the dance may be drawn out of him.

Bella's a foot tapper. Dancin or head bobbin would spill her beer or make it hard to drink. Easier to watch when yer head's still too. She don't try singing along neither and just listens for now.

Erica begins getting down as she hears the beat of the music. Her hips move as she bounces about. She half closes her eyes as she concentrates on the moving beats.

"Your half a world away. But in my mind I'll whisper every single word you say. And before you sleep at night. You pray to me, your lucky star, your singing satellite." Rubidia sings, her light shining into the crowd as the sparkles, her outfit's many facets creating a myriad of bedazzling prisms in a nimbus about her. "I'll follow the winds that bring the cold, baby. I'll light a fire in your soul, baby. The lightest touch of feathers falling, my love may be invisible But I inspire the dreams that guide you baby!"

Sage's face expression brightens as the song goes on and things seem to be getting off to a good start. She keeps to her chair dancing for the time being. Of course, how long she might keep herself seated is up in the air. At least one of her staff is sitting with her in case she needs her stuff watched while she's away from her seat.

Bartholemew is quite proficient in not spilling his beer as long as no one bumps into him, head bobbin an all, he doesn't have a problem pouring the intoxicating liquid down his gullet, an the more he gets down the smoother it seems to get going down. Maybe the music has something to do with it, maybe its the huge party atmosphere, either way, he's tossing his empty cup aside for the full canteen on his belt in no time.

"So. Whatcha think?" Bella looks over at Bart. Asks him that at a quieter spot in the singing. Course she don't say if it's about the singing or the drinnking. Maybe both? One can make the other better after awhile.

Erica doesn't have any possessions that need to be left behind. She moves from where she was standing out into the dance floor. With a little more room she starts really getting down and moving to the music. Her long hair moves about her as dances.

Rubidia belts another bout of the chorus before the song begins to draw to a close. The lyrics and and she seems content to continue her masterful manipulation of her guitar to lead into the next song. Or she would if not for an abrupt cut to the sound levels. Power throughout the arena goes out suddenly and with it the music dramatically decreases. It seems to continue on its own power but not nearly powerful enough for this venue. This draws pause from Rubidia as she straightens to send a glare towards the arena technical staff. Quickly they spread out to find the cause of the problem as confusion and dissension begin to spread through the crowd. And though the lights are out Rubidia is still luminescent, the stage and dance floor are brights as day, with the surrounding seats softly lit.

Everything goes from a good start to the concert to falling apart in a matter of moments to Sage's surprise. A frown settling on her features as she glances around. With things seemingly normal around the stage with the light there, she considers things closer around her as she rises from her seat. "Hey you!" She calls out as she spots something that doesn't seem to fit with the bewilderment everyone else seems to be experiencing. She points to a particular man as she begins to move away from her own seat. Somethings odd here, but she isn't quite sure what yet.

Bartholemew gives a grin and a raise of his canteen indicating everything is A.O.K. The music is good, the beer is going down smooth, friends are near, who could ask for more. All is mellow in the state of relaxation.

Bella grins at Bart. Matches his raise with her glass. Drinks s'more. Then she's back to watching 'n listenin. Not relaxin but in a good foot-tappin' mood.

Erica spots a man that seems to be doing something he shouldn't. She quickly drops down into a crouch, and stalks over to the man she spotted. Trying not to be seen until it is too late. She tries to good a good judge of the man she is stalking towards in the weak light.

Both men spotted appear to be a bit rough around the edges. Clad in worn plate armor its clear the hail from the darker portions of the city. The men also share equipment in common. Both have neural maces on their belts and a circular device in their hands. The one near Sage is startled by her accusatory call but keeps his cool in lunging at the other concert goer ahead of him. But that same call gives the person the notice to turn, evading the attack. Opportunity missed the thug is quick to make himself scarce, running towards a large throng to get lost in and evade Sage. Down by Erica there is no call of warning and therefor no interruption the circular device is clipped around the target's neck with a solid latching sound. About the arena the noise is increasing in absence of the music. Some try to cheer to keep the feeling alive through the interruption. Some scream abruptly for reasons unknown.

When the skulker confirms her suspicion, Sage is quick into motion. One might think from her elegant gown that she'd just call out for security and hope for the best. Instead, she goes chasing after the guy in plate armor. "Stop that man!" She calls out, as she figures she likely wont be able to get the guy to stop by calling out 'stop' to him. Yep, she must be wearing flats to run normally.

Bartholemew still hasn't really noticed anything odd with the music stopping, far as he's concerned, its all part of the show, or the show will start back up quick enough. With his buzz starting to fade in, a scream is a scream at this point, nothing unusual.

Screamin ain' so odd. Maybe a big fan. Maybe spilled their beer. Maybe just one of those pairs of security 'n barmaid relievin their stress inna dark spot. Course that don't stop Bella from lookin round to try 'n see why there's screaming. She zeroes in on Sage's yellin. Since 'stop that man!' don't sound like someone havin fun. "Wha's goin on?"

Erica draws the only weapon she has on her which is a vibro knife. She springs into action to defend the man's target. She tries to use her knife to disarm the man. She looks with concern at the circular device, trying to see what it is.

The man who collared the person doesn't seem to have any objections to Erica's intersession on the strangers behalf. With a calm smile he starts backing away slowly. Meanwhile back with Sage her perpetrator has managed to disappear into the nearest throng. There is some pushing and struggle seems to happen momentarily before he is ejected from the clamor, another spectator collared in his wake. Sage's voice draws Rubidia's attention as she waits for the power issues to be resolved. Raising her hand she projects light to illuminate the area around Sage.

Despite her efforts to get on the man's tail and help security capture the man, Sage seems to be quickly thwarted by the masses that unintentionally interfere with her pursuit. She tries to hop up enough to see if she can spot the man. Then a voice calls over and she glances over to Bella. "Bella! Keep an eye out for guy's in armor that look like they come out the Dregs." She advises, keeping the words 'attack' or other words that tend to lead to panic. She takes a moment to try to look around for anything that might strike her as wrong as she lets her empathic senses unfurl. If she gets the scent again, she'll start the chase again.

Bartholemew's attention is grabbed by the light all of a sudden illuminating Sage in the crowd, in combination with Bella's attention seeming to be grabbed by some sort of activity that is not on the stage. Barely catching Sage's words to Bella, he asks Bella, "Whats going on down there?"

Erica is unsure of what to do being obviously outmatched by the person in armor. Shrugging her shoulders briefly she breaks into a run and hits the guy with a tackle.

The aggressive action is recognized by the thug and his guard goes up as his backpedaling accelerates. An unaware concert goer is unfortunate enough to wander between them at just the right moment for Erica to miss her attempted tackle. Though she may yet manage to avoid the one in her way. Regardless by the time she recovers the thug will surely be gone. Meanwhile power seems to be restored though the music does not yet resume as two more rough individuals step onto the stage. Rubidia turns to confront those who would approach her on her own stage and sees they each have a collar. One is male, one female. The male also holds a switch of some sort. He holds it as if his life depends on it.

Sage wants to hunt down the person that eluded her but the quarry seems to be elusive and has likely made his way a good distance away from her. The subtle shifting of emotions around her puzzling her a moment as the light comes on until she looks towards stage. "No... no, please no..." She says, instinctively moving towards the stage as she feels a surge of protectiveness enter her. Whether it's smart or not, soon enough she runs herself running to the stage. She doesn't understand what's going on, but somehow it's tied to what's going on stage now. She resists the urge to fling something with her telekinesis at the people on stage as something about the man's manner is disturbing.

Bartholemew looks around to get the gist of what is going on, he thought it was all part of the show, but now there are two people on the stage with Rubidia that surely don't look part of the show. Quickly he looks for the best route towards the stage, not being any real quick way, he just starts shoving his way through the crowd towards the stage shouting, "SECURITY! MAKE A HOLE!!!" in hand, he pulls a Neural Nightstick from his belt and flips it on, using it and his claim of being security as a threat to get people to move outta the way quick.

Erica tries to recover as quickly as she can. Seeing the collared people approach the stage she lets out an ugly swear. Getting to her feet she uses her strength she looks towards the collared person beside her. She looks at the collar trying to use her expertise to figure out what the collar does, and possibly disable it.

On the stage Rubidia looks to be talking with the two rough looking aggressors with collars in hand. The male makes some gestures to the device he is tightly gripping and to the crowd surrounding them. She turns away momentarily to scan the crowd as if to confirm before nodding slowly as she turns back to the pair. Then her light goes down and she looks like a normal person again as the female walks up to her to put the collar around her neck.

The significance of the conversation on stage and collaring isn't lost on Sage as she slows to a stop. Too late, she's too late. Her initial shock at the development being the only thing keeping her from screaming out in protest. When her mind wraps around the situation and how this is likely only the beginning, she looks to try to make a low profile near the stage or around the edge figuring there's bound to be enough equipment and other things for a body to hide behind.

Bartholemew fights his way through the crowd trying to get to the stage, continuing to claim being security and to clear the way with his shouts. Anyone being stubborn and in his way to his quarry is gonna get a jolt of his stun stick at this point. So far so good, it's slow going but no one has interfered with his struggle to the stage.

Erica switches through frequencies on her internal radio, trying to reach people she knows. She subvocalizes so that no one else can hear her "The collars are rigged with explosives. I bet that guy on stage has a deadman's switch." She says as she works to disarm the collar despite no one possibly hearing her.

Rubidia is collared and turns away from her captors to take in the crowd. With a solemn expression she gestures for calm and quiet from the crowd. They are reluctant to give it. The crowd is outraged with a mix of confusion and betrayal at the unfolding events. But after a few minutes they do calm enough to allow Rubidia voice to be heard over the speaker system. "Everyone, please stay calm. We are being taken hostage and we will be safe so long as we do not give our captors reason to do otherwise. There are ten collars like mine on members of you throughout the arena. Each is a powerful explosive that could take out a small tank. As most of us have little or no armor I don't think further explanation is needed there. Further more, I must ask whoever is tampering with one of the collars to stop now. They are aware of it and will detonate the collar if you persist. Please everyone just stay calm and stick together, we will get through this." She implores sincerely. There is some panic to all this, many make for the emergency exits but the remain locked tight. The security forces look rather impotent with the information given, knowing that if they act many will die.

Settling in behind cover, Sage simply listens for the time being. If they were just going to start killing people, she wouldn't really be able to do anything now. She might as well try to figure out what's going on first before trying to do anything. The news is grim, but stories like this probably aren't completely uncommon.

Bartholemew rides the panic of the crowd to work his way closer but puts away the stun stick and goes to be more inconspicuous in his progress to the stage. He does his best to use the crowd to conceal his movements.

Erica swears as her attempts to disarm the bomb have apparently become discovered. Frustrated she contacts the Kingsdale Police emergency frequency and start relaying what is happening. Grinding her teeth together as she subvocalizes what is happening she moves through the crowd closer to the stage.

Rubidia looks relived by what her captors tell her and she seems to relax some. "Thank you for stopping your attack on the collar." She voices before looking back to the pair to see if they want her to say anything else. A subtle head is shaken to indicate she is merely to keep the peace until the authorities ready their demands.

Bella is quiet, or lost in the panic, or something. For awhile. When she snaps out of it, she's walking down towards the stage. "Could'n ya least waited fer the show ta be over?! Came 'ere fer a show. Not people blowin up. See that alla time."

Sage is quiet as she considers the situation with some dread at the implications of what's going on. The leader is probably one of the people on stage, unless there's a boss hidden somewhere safe calling the shots. The device in the man's hand seeming to be the main source of threat.

Bartholemew has no real trouble finally getting to the front rows of the concert area, using the panic worked well concealing his movements. Now, he looks for a way under the stage from where he is as well a for any others that may belong to this gang of thugs in the crowd that surrounds him at the moment.

Erica continues to narrate to the police, if they are interested, in what is happening. She gets as close as she can to the man with the switch, trying not to be seen as she moves. Her mind races as she tries to figure out some way she can help.

The front of the stage is solid and in plain view of the pair on the stage, so no going under there. Rubidia is close to the front as well, she gives a slight grimace to Bart at the situation before reaching out with her mind. <Have you seen Sage? Or Erica and Bella?> She asks to Bart's mind, the intrusion may be startling.

There don't seem to be many options. It's hard to plan for what could happen, but Sage realizes she may have a chance to subtly manipulate the situation. Just a nudge. Nothing overt. She tries to peek out towards where the man with the switch is located. She tries to loosen the man's emotions by sending peaceful vibes towards his emotional state.

Bartholemew shakes his head with initially a confused look as he scans the area, but having had this happen to him before he quickly thinks to himself, <Bella was with me, not now, not sure other two. Lost in confusion.> Never does he look to Rubidia, his focus is on the six men spread through the crowd and in keeping an eye on those men, finding Erica, Sage and Bella in the crowd. Slowly, trying not to get noticed, he attempts maneuvering behind the farthest out of the thugs in armor.

Erica continues to be as hidden as possible. She moves as close to the man with the switch as she can, without being seen. She waits there for some opportunity to present itself.

And a peaceful solution is what everyone wants. The leader included. He does not look to be a psychopath eager to detonate a few dozen people. Rather he looks to be a man of resolve, set on his course. Whether that course involves a lot of death today he leaves to the inhabitants of the arena. Those inhabitants are in rough shape. Hope is not something seen in many of them. Most of the are panicky, likely to jump at the slightest thing. Bart surely startles one or two but the guard he is approaching doesn't notice.

The results of her subtle tampering may or may not help, but Sage can only hope the man would hesitate a moment before throwing the trigger on the bomb. Her gaze slides to the woman with him. Her lips purse, before deciding on a course of action. To this mind, she'll try to stoke the ravenous claws of fear. Too much control is in their hands right now.

Bartholemew waits near the guard, just close enough to be able to launch an attack should it come necessary. He goes back over the crowd with his gaze, to be sure he didn't lose the other 5 guards, still hoping he may notice Bella, Sage and Erica in the crowd as well, or any other friendly face that might be able to lend a hand.

Erica stays crouched, waiting as close to the man with the switch as possible. She tries to stay out of sight, but ready to take action at a moment's notice.

The woman on the stage seems momentarily beset before she shakes her head and seems to shrug it off. Words are exchanged between her and Rubidia and the singer nods as she seems to accept the demands before turning to face the crowd again. "Everyone we need to to back away from the stage. At least two hundred feet between you and the stage from now on.. or else." She instructs with a resigned look hoping for people to comply and for her friends to help.

Bella goes quiet after her callin out. Makes her less noticeable. Maybe. She shimmies her way towards the the side instead of the front.

With people having to move again, which should be commotion enough, and the attention on the front of the stage area, Bart decides to act. He tries to covertly take down the guard by slicing his throat with his Vibro Knife before anyone can notice, and hopes the crowd won't panic and draw too much attention their way. Best case scenario, dude goes down without a hitch, worst case? Well, we don't want a worse case.

Erica backs away slowly as it appears she is noticed by the guy with the switch. She continues to move away slowly as she subvocalizes what is happening in the arena. Her teeth ground together in frustration as she moves away.

Sage grimaces slightly as she hears the order to back away from the stage and can't help but know that its probably her meddling that caused it. Of course, what she was thinking without having support and coordination there escapes her now. She may be tempted to mind play a little more, but she doesn't want to take the chance of getting discovered and causing the deaths of so many. No brilliant inspiration comes as she considers her options. She simply tries to slip out of her hiding spot. There is one card she has to play, though, as she begins to move away from the stage. "Why don't you just tell me what you want?" She asks towards the man with the switch, "We both know that you can get what you want without anyone having to die."

Bella keeps on slinkin and movin through people. Some of them are movin too so maybe she won't be so easy to spot. She's aiming for the left and front, least as the people on the stage would see it. Maybe people'll get tired of waiting to see if they get blown up. A panic'd help her.

After the brief struggle, the ultra sharp blade of Bart's Vibro Knife cuts deeply into the guard's throat where he then brings the man to the ground and quickly says only loud enough for the immediate area concert goers, "Gather round! Gather round me!" urging the crowd to keep him concealed.

As most everyone is moving away one of the thugs takes note of Bella moving towards the stage in the confusion. He draws his neuromace and makes to confront her. "Back up." He orders firmly, his voice drawing the notice of tow others. Meanwhile Bart's thug goes down with only slight struggle. But now there is a body to to contend with and the crowd does not seem keen to keeping close to such dooming evidence. One will have to act fast.

Rubidia is also sent away from the stage, the limits of her capabilities similarly unknown. She seems to lighten at this development, now she can find her friends.

Erica keeps slowly backing away as she subvocalizes to the police. Her eyes dart back, and forth as she looks at an opening for her to do something. Hiding seems like it isn't working, so she moves more openly now.

Sage's gaze studies the switch as best she can as she wanders, not phased that her comment went unheeded. Perhaps it can ferment when things settle down. She isn't quite sure what to do now that the cards have been further stacked into the hostage taker's hands. She simply retreats for the time being. She won't linger at the edge of the 200 feet range. Instead, she just looks to reclaim her handbag if possible.

"Fack." It ain' real loud. Just a li'l curse. Bella don' like getting spotted. Course she ain' real good't orders neither. She eyes the thug comin closer. "Nope. Wanna get a good look. Came 'ere fer a show ya know." Bella eyes the weapon too. "Don' wanna go swingin that 'round. Might getcha hurt." She gets a little louder. Points out some obvious stuff. "Ya know. Yer all pretty fackin stupid. There's like four of ya 'n like ten billion of us. So ya gotta coupla bombs. So what? Whatcha gonna do bout the other eight billion't're left after alla yer bombs're gone?"

Bartholemew drags the body and stuffs the guard between some rows of seats in hopes no one will notice that matters. after that he slinks off toward the next guard to await his opportunity.

Erica tries to use the crowd to hide from sight. She tries to sneak off to one of the sides. She keeps low so she can hide in the shadows as she tries to do her best to get to the man with the infernal switch. She keeps talking to the police as she tells them what is happening as best she can.

In all the confusion Rubidia only knows where her friends were before it all. So with that in mind she moves towards where Sage was sitting before it all. Her mind open to try and find her quicker. Meanwhile the guard molesting Bella doesn't take kindly to her resistance or the effect her logic is having on those around her. He take a swing at her with the neuro mace as the other two join him.

The guard Bart stashed remains stashed long enough for Bart to escape cleanly but not much longer. Another is soon upon the bled out body in alarm. The jig could be up, or he could be next...

Erica tries to use the chaos that Bart caused to her advantage. She tries to move as quickly as possible, while still trying to remain hidden. Her vibroknife is drawn, but laid against the inside of her arm in a reverse grip. She moves as close as she can, hopefully within striking distance. She radios the police her plan. "I might be able to grab the switch, hold it closed while I cut off the man's hand."

One sensing thoughts from Sage will likely sense someone worrying more about the singer than herself. When there's no resistance getting to her seat and by extension the handbag, they also help make her one of the more dangerous people in the room whether they realize it or not. Go to a sketchy neighbourhood, carry some protection. Unfortunately, her vibroknife is more subtle to carry in a bag than a neural mace. Of course, there might be one laying around now. When she spots Rubidia coming over, her expression shifts to a look of concern.

Bella don't really duck much when the guy swings at her. Almost forgets to put her arms up even. "Ow. Hey! Jus wanna getta good look't things..." Then there's his two buddies comin ta join in. More the messier?

Bartholemew goes for the covert kill once again before the guard can raise the alarm. Can't let this go bad yet, still got an attempt on the big guy he's working towards. Goin for the throat, his blade lashes out in malice with arms of comfort ready to lay him down to his eternal rest.

And the second guard goes done even faster that the first eliminating the chance of detection for the moment as the remaining guards are in other sections of the arena. Three surround Bella though look uncertain of what to do as the first mace hit on her seems to do nothing at all. Three more swings to verify the phenomena at least as Erica closes back in on the stage. Rubidia smiles calmly at Sage to indicate a serenity unbecoming of the situation. To show why she gestures to the actions of the others and its riling effect on the crowd. <If we can turn this around..> she begins to imply to Sage's mind, already moving quickly to return to the stage.

Erica continues to use the distraction that others are causing to sneak up to the edge of the stage. She looks to see how close she is to the man with the switch. Her subvocal conversation with the police seems to be frustrating her. She does her best to get on the stage and uses the edge and shadows to move within striking distance

"Ow. Ain'tcha all big 'n tough! Ow. Beatin onna li'l girl!" Bella is ya know. S'why she's wearin a li'l skirt 'n a tight shirt. She don't do much when she's gettin beat on. Just scrunches down and holds her arms up. "Four on one ain' fair. Still more'a us ya shitheads!" Bella don't shut up easy when she don't wanna shut up.

The composure Sage feels from the other woman gives her worry a pause as she looks around the place. No, things aren't exactly under control anymore. Still there is the trump card of the switch. She slips her hand into the bag to grasp the knife, though. Then she begins to move along a similar path. << Have a plan? >> She asks the other woman simply.

With another guard dispatched and the status quo of no Boom Booms gives Bart the chance to look for the other guards in the crowd. As three are playing with Bella, he looks for the fourth guard in the crowd after stashing the near headless body with his buddy where they can sit the rest of this out on the bench.’

<<If you can keep the switch from going off I'll motivate the masses.>> Rubidia explains to Sage before her fast strides take her out of range of mental communication. Nearing the stage again she'll likely be noticed by the guards as well. Though the chaos can hide many things tonight.

The man on the stage looks away from the chaos enveloping his men with a shake of his head and looks right into Erica's eye. Bad move. Immediately he moves to push a button on the detonator.

Erica is spotted again. She growls as it is obvious to her there is nothing she can do. She moves back away a little bit as she grinds her teeth in frustration. Swearing under her breath she makes her way back towards the crowd.

From her earlier study of the remote, Sage has an idea of how things can go down. Something out of her earlier foray coming in handy. She notices the developing situation and she takes a breath to let out a loud shout. "EVERYONE WITH A BOMB, GO HUG ONE OF THE GUARDS. THEY KILL ONE OF YOU, YOU TAKE ONE OF THEM!"

Bella finally gets tired of getting beat on. Just not like the thugs are hopin. She drops an arm. Just so she can grab at one of the maces they're smacking her with. "Knock it off!"

Bartholemew continues to try and move unnoticed in the crowd, staying close to the bodies for the moment until he can find that fourth guard in the crowd. Remembering there are bombs out here and he's not wearing nothing more than a Brannigan's overcoat for protection, he keeps his eye out for those wearing the collars as he looks for that guard.

Erica stays at the edge of the crowd, continuing to talk to the police over her subvocal radio. She keeps looking around trying to figure out what is happening.

Two guards are moving towards Rubidia, who doesn't seem to care that they've noticed her advance. Another three are beating on Bella, oblivious that she seems rather impervious. Three more are spread out among the crowd elsewhere, trying to keep tabs on the crowd. Rubidia alights, causing the guards closing on her to shield their eyes momentarily as she looks to the man on stage, about to press the button. Beams shoot from her eyes at his, bright enough to burn an optics camera. Also of note is her pace. She is extremely fast, 44 feet per second fast. She's ascending the stage and will be upon those two shortly.

The man with the detonator shrieks as he makes eye contact with the beauty that cannot be seen. The reason for her namesake now burned into his corneas as he flails and stumbles. At this his compatriot looks rather worried about the collar she still carries, throwing it away into the crowd.

Briefly Sage is tempted to push the bomb towards the man with the switch but that might prove to be disastrous if it turned into the lucky button. She simply focuses her attention on the remote, ready to snatch with her mind the moment that it might drop from the man's hand. She got a good look at the remote closer and thinks she knows how it needs to be gripped...

Bella ain't doin good at grippin. She tried to get one of the neuro maces but that didn't really work. This time's different. Bella goes for simple and just stands alla way up. Gives one of the guys a push if she has to. Just to get him outta her way so she can walk at the stage. That's what she wanted to watch anyways.

Erica notices Rubidia make a run for the button man after blinding him. She tells the police what happened as she breaks in to a sprint towards the man with the detonator. She runs as fast as she can trying to assist Rubidia.

Bartholemew chooses his next target and makes his way around the back of the closest guard to his position still just watching over the crowd. A lot is going on right now, hopefully it's enough cover to enable another sneaky kill. If the bombs are gonna go off, he's gonna be damn sure he takes as many of them with him he can, and right now he's got a score of two.

Rubidia is beside the leader now, but gives pause. He seems to be aware the things have turned for the worse and is threatening to drop the remote. That would be bad. So much so that his lieutenant no longer likes this scheme and decides to get out now. About the crowd people are still confused and scared but a rising number are starting to cheer, especially since Rubidia retook the stage. Collared members have moved on the guards beating Bella and are pulling them off of them.

When the detonator doesn't drop right away, Sage allows herself to move towards the stage it seems like all heck is breaking loose now that she can probably get in close enough to use some of her other abilities. She does keep a close eye on the detonator, though.

Hooray for that. Bella don't gotta say 'Ow' no more. She ain' runnin super duper fast like Rubidia. But she's still goin for the stage. "Oughtta jus' give up 'fore ya get hurt more." He can't see but maybe he can still listen.

Bartholemew doesn't bother stashing this guy, he just lunges at the second guard that was going for Ms. Lite Bright. Knife brandished looking to draw more blood from these non-professional two-bit terrorists.

Erica continues to run off after the leader. She sprints as fast as she can, trying to get to him before he decides to use the detonator. She tries to get into a position where she can tackle him, or get the detonator away.

Whether just by fluke or good luck for everyone holding a collar Erica's tackle does not connect with the blinded leader. He is still threatening to drop the remote if his demands are not met but seems to realize that would kill him as well at this point. Meanwhile Rubidia looks to Erica in shock. "You trying to get us all killed? Chill already, he can't do anything right now so let's let up a bit to play him out and see what develops." She insists, hoping things will develop in their favor.

Sage nearly falters when she sees Erica try to tackle the guy with the remote, but it seems that someone has a cruel sense of humour when the woman seems to stumble in her attempt. She makes her way as quick as she can before coming under control. "Let me try talking with him." She suggests, before she reaches out to try to touch the man's mind once more. This time, trying to instill a sense of trust.

So much for him just giving up. Too bad Erica missed him too. But Bella guesses Rubidia's gotta point. Seein as she's gotta collar 'n all. Speakin 'a that. She never got one fer herself. Was the one the lady tossed out though. She looks 'round for it. Jewelry that goes boom's extra pretty.

Bartholemew is not letting up on this guy, what the hell, bossman can't see whats goin on anyways. He's only got one choice, die. "Take me hostage you sunofa. Do you know who I am? No? Three of your buddies just found out the hard way, guess your gonna be the fourth." Intimidation as he goes once again to slice the guy up.

Erica can't seem to do anything right. She backs off letting the star of the concert take charge.

Indeed there seems to be a momentary stalemate as the leader starts regaining his sight. Sure, almost all of his guards are down with the rest of the collared hostages closing on the one fighting Bart. His lieutenant has left him. But he still has the detonator. So now what? KDPD is offering credits and transport, no armor. Should he take it? He pauses with indecision as he glares at the lip Rubidia, unable to see past her light. <<Can anyone disarm collars?>> She asks mentally to those with her. Indeed so long as she can hold him under his own threats they might be able to.

Bella's thinkin of one way they can maybe find out if somebody can undo the collars. If she can find the one. "Quit steppin all over the place. Where'd it go? Want one too." She's lookin at the floor. Talkin just to the people round where she thinks the thing went flyin. Cause she don't wanna feel left out. 'R somethin.

Sage wanders slowly with no quick movements as she approaches the scene on the stage, "What do you want?" She asks the man, having never heard the list of demands that were being offered earlier. "You can tell me." She adds, before she focuses on the detonator. There isn't much she could offer him even if he trusted her, that likely doesn't make him stupid. With a pointed look, she tries something that had been tempting earlier. She tries to wrap a telekinetic grip to keep the detonator's switch from being triggered. If she could somehow grip it without involving the man's hand, it would be ideal but if she has to hold the hand there, it'll do just as well.

Erica doesn't know who put the voice in her head, but she decides to answer it anyhow. "Yes I can." She calls out loud enough to be hopefully heard by whoever was talking. Her fists clench at her sides, ready to act at a moment's notice if need be.

Bartholemew lunges again before the crowd can take hold of him, this guy is gonna get stuck if it's the last thing he ever does. Menacingly he says to his enemy, "You can't hold out too much longer punk. See all this blood? It's all your buddies. All that's left of em. Last chance to run."

Rubidia nods and lets her light down as Sage takes the mans attention. "I want to go to Whykin. I want to be on the winning side. And I want to be well off when I'm there. A million credits and a set of KDPD swat armor." He demands to Sage, suddenly looking hopeful that she might have the influence to make it happen.

"Why'd ya have ta throw it so hard? Why'd alla ya have ta walk round all over it?" Bella's complainin. Still lookin too. Hope nobody else picked it up and put it on. She decided she wants it. Kinda makes it hers. A bazillion people in the place was good before. Now it just sucks. The jerks tryin ta take over shoulda brought one fer ev'rybody.

<< Get to work. >> Sage speaks briefly into Erica's mind, before drifting to Rubidia's mind. << If I'm right, he can't drop it now. >> Big IF. Her attention holds steady on the man and the detonator, otherwise. She nods fractionally, "Of course." She replies, "I trust someone has a radio that I can make the arrangements on?"

One more down, so Bart looks for more of these buggers. Moving to also be out of any blast area, "Get up on stage and circle the guy." he says to the people with collars nearby as he goes to find other guards that may be lingering instead of running like hell.

Erica starts moving off quickly. She rushes off to people with the collars, and does her best to start disarming some of them. "I have a radio." She says to Sage as she starts working on a collar. <<The police are in position. They will not give him the armor that he wants.>> She thinks in case anyone is listening

<<If noted.>> Rubidia thinks in reply to Sage, clearly not eager to put it to the test unless necessary. "I have a radio in my headset." She volunteers, taking it off to offer to Sage. Though a momentary glance is given at Erica's revelation of the KDPD she leaves it to Sage for the moment.

Bella finally finds it. Was hiding under somebody's beer. She takes both. Since it was alotta trouble. One's gulped from. Other's twirled a li'l in her hand. Now she heads back for the stage. And holding a grin too. Yep. She's got ideas.

Sage takes the headset from the Rubidia with focus maintained on the man and detonator. She doesn't pay much mind to the channel its on. "Hey... yeah, I just spoke with the leader... he says he wants a million credits, travel to Whykin and some swat armor..." She speaks out, before making a loud intaking noise and looking back to the man. "Not so sure about the armor part... swat guys don't seem to be budging on that one... got some captured Coalition armor or one of those nifty NTI models, though." She's just trying to distract the man for now.

Bartholemew continues to move through the crowd looking for remnants of the terrorists in the crowd, putting some more distance between the gathered concentration of collars by the stage. Thirsty from all the fightin, he pulls his canteen to take a long gulp of warm beer. As he passes people he tells em, "Start calmly heading for the main exit, pass it on."

The exits are still barred, and the guards have been completely eliminated by the crowd. They are not dead, but a good neuromace beating will make them wish they were. The leader consider Sage's offer, looking truly interested. "What type of CS armor?" He asks warily.

Erica continues to talk to the police over her own radio. Her thoughts plain to see. She moves to find someone with a collar and works to disable it as quickly as she can. "Please all the collars over here." She says to any people in collars that she sees.

"Old style." Sage replies as if it explains everything - she leaves out the part about it being armor that she owns, "You'll fit in better with that in Whykin than you would in Kingsdale armor too." She mentions, before holding one of her hands against the headset. "Might take a little time to get the full million too..." She adds, "Think they want you to release some hostages first on good faith."

Now it's time for Bella to go back to tryin'a be sneaky. Looks like it's just the guy on stage now. And he's got Sage and Rubidia ta look at. So she tries to go 'round some. But still go for the stage. She don't count for Erica lookin fer collars. Not really. She ain' wearin it.

Hearing the exits are still barred, Bart decides to go get one open somehow. First he has to check it out though so he quickly heads towards the nearest exit. Maybe he can cut the door off its hinges with his Vibro Knife.

The man nods, considering the options. "If that armor's brought in I'll let some go and not before." He agrees, can't go wrong with new armor after all. Then he looks at Bella, sulking towards the stage, collar in hand. "What's she up to?"

Erica fails to disarm the collar. She scowls and swears under her breath as she tries again. She keeps asking for everyone with collars to come to her. Hopefully that will minimize the damage if the collars go off.

With the man agreeing in principle to letting people go in exchange for the armor, Sage only has her little charade to go on. "...Hear that? He said he'd exchange..." She comments, before flicking her mental abilities to Rubidia. << Is Erica making any progress? >> She asks mentally, << Might have to call in the cops if not. >> She likely can only hold the trigger hand in place for so long, after all.

So much for sneaky. Bella turns to just walk right at the li'l party on stage. "Bringin ya a present." She holds up the cup. "Wanna beer?" The collar gets hid behind her best she can. He prolly wants the beer way more anyways.

Bartholemew continues for the exit to check the situation they are dealing with, working his way through the crowd that has collected near the exit from the first panic and escape attempt.

"To hell with you all then!" the leader exclaims swinging the detonator arm to pitch the device at Bella as he realizes it's all a ruse. Of course when his hand does not let go he gets rather pale at the realization. Rubidia just shakes her head, walking away from the soon to be dead terrorist.

Erica lets out a slight sound as she disarms and removes one collar. <Got one of them> She thinks in case someone is listening in. She moves to another collar and starts getting to work.

The course of events that take place are certainly surprising, but Sage does have the relief of having the detonator held fast against the being released. It would easy at this time to just dispose of him like Bart had done to many of the other thugs. Unfortunately, she's far too principled to do that. However, punching him to take out out a little of her earlier anxiety certainly couldn't hurt. Maybe she'll even get lucky and knock him out.

Bella flinches. A li'l. Then it don' work. She smirks. "Nice try slick." Then she's hoppin up onto the stage. Movin pretty quick now. "Here. Think this's yers." And she goes to give him the collar back. With a swing. In the face.

Bartholemew just keeps with his plan, get that door open. Hopefully the others are getting through to this two-bit wannabe. Pushing through the mass of people, finally getting through, he checks out the exit to see what he can do in getting it open.

The leader looks rather at a loss momentarily surely one of them will finish him now. But none have. The skinny girl tried, just grazed him but still she hit much harder than he expected. Rubidia turns back around and looks rather fed up with it all. Skirting back towards him with her amazing speed she lights up before punching at his face with all her might and anger at her ruined show.

Erica keeps working on those collars while she swears under her breath. "Fucking shit." She says as she keeps gathering people around her trying to create a safe blast zone.

And the punch connects, as if Bella's hit a dazed him to prevent his avoidance its truly square and the performers fist enters the mans face and pushes through until it hits the backside of the helmet. The corpse then crumples to the ground off her bloody fist, dead. In the wake of this event much goes better, Erica successfully disarms all the bombs wile the detonator is taken up by another. Bart makes it to the door in time to see the rescue crew cutting through.

Then, all of a sudden, its all over. Sage pauses at the sudden impact that turns the guy's face into ... mush. A glance towards the singer with a mildly surprised look, but her own hand was reaching for her vibroblade as it was. She recovers quickly enough to take hold of the detonator for when she can take it fully under her own power. Her gown may well be splattered by the proximity, but it hardly matters now. She takes a breath and lets it out. "Erica, just call the police in now. We should have as much time as we need now.

Erica tells the police that everything is taken care of as the detonator is taken care of and all the collars are disabled. Her string of curses finally stop as she manages to get the last collar off of one of the people. She talks to the police as they come in telling them what she knows of the explosives.

Bartholemew smiles, glad to see the cavalry arriving. "BOUT TIME YOU GUYS WERE GETTIN TA WORK." he shouts through the door at the rescue workers. Take it how ya will. Now that this is taken care of, time ta get back down to tha stage. Guessin that the bodies were left untouched cause all the gore and blood, he makes his way past them to check what might be on the morons. Being this can be leisurely, he pulls out the canteen again and goes back to sippin warm beer. He paid for it, its gonna be drank.

Bella weren't planning on the guy getting an arm up. Then she blinks. Not cause his face got turned into chunky salsa. But by what. "What the fack?!" Rubidia was all glittery 'n stuff before. But this is just a li'l bit up from that. Like blinding blazing. And here she was all used to it being mostly dark. She puts an arm up. Shield her eyes. Bella backs up too. Right off the edge of the stage.

Rubidia offers her clean arm to Sage as her lights go down. Ok perhaps less offering and more collapsing onto Sage's shoulder as they weight of the night hits her fully. Though Sage may be in no better condition to bear it. The authorities then step in, taking all the evidence and equipment as authorities do. But it's not all thankless work. The Arena staff step up to each of those who assisted in the liberation, offering twenty thousand credits in thanks.

Sage keeps a hold on the detonator switch until its either taken from her or she's told that the explosives are all harmless now. Having Rubidia leans against her does that the effect of her hand tightening reflexively while she does her best to support the other woman. She does slip her other arm around the woman. "I'm sorry it turned out like this." She comments, but mentally she simply sends her feelings - the killing not having changed them.

Bartholemew takes the time to say goodbye to everyone, "It's been fun, sorry it didn't turn out like ya planned though, great light show. I'm gonna head out unless ya still need security, then I'll stick around a bit longer."

Bella gets up off the floor and eyes the other girls up on the stage. There's no more blazing glory but she still backs up. Into the crowds of people. Ones that're prolly goin for the door. She just goes on with 'em.