Mar 11 10:12:33 105 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Wed Mar 11 10:12:33 105 PA.

"Actually," Sebastien replies, pulling out a chair to take a seat, "I am looking. I've been a bit set back in that my most promising lead comes as a sort of combination aid and muscle on an ambulance service, but I currently am in need of a driver." Shamelessly grinning with a smile that wrinkles his scar, Sebastien leans back and admits, "Actually, I was hoping to poach one of your crew for the job. Surely someone must be able to drive a stick."

Dr. Kelley muses for a moment, before replying, "I don't think that you'll be able to poach anyone away from VCF. My second-in-command, the mystic Atticus, has a detective business to attend to, our mechanic, Caliopa, has her autoshop, Qur only likes the outdoors, and Zaphod is well.. Zaphod. And I have two jobs now, so I won't be taking up an ambulance service anytime soon." He sits back down, and as he does, notices Raina's reflection in the silver coffee pot in the middle of the table. "Officer Raina!" he calls, "Please come, sit!"

Sebastien's eyes rise over the good doctor, and he takes a polite moment to stare. Huh. Kitty. Giant kitty. He opens his mouth a moment, and closes it, and just smiles, peering between the two before leaning a touch closer to Kelley, asking quietly, 'Officer?' He peers up at the feline, trying to ascertain just what service she's an officer in!

Raina steps out of the elevator. Her tail swishing slowly as she reholsters a pistool at the small of her back. She glances over as her name is called, "Officer no longer. They shifted me over to the Militia."

"Oh yes, I heard that they were doing that," Kelley responds to Raina's comment, "I just didn't know if it had effected you or not. Please, pull up a chair. We're discussing the future of the VCF." To Sebastien, he says, "Raina here, previously Officer Raina of the Kingdsale Police Department, would be very useful, if she agrees to come with us." He turns and offers the felinoid a toothy grin. Spotting Kaomas, he waves him over, as well.

Sebastien ahs, and bites his lip. Ratcatcher? Making people rat out their friends? He struggles a moment to keep his damn mouth shut, finally blithely replying, "Yes!" and gathering up his glass of water for a much-needed drink. "So ah," he asks, "What is your specialty, Miss ... Raina? Is this your family name?" He rises from his seat to stick out a hand, speaking a soft 'Francois Dubois' to her as he does. Apparently oblivious to the crotchety old man, for the moment.

Kaomas enters from the dining room, picking something that looks like meat from his teeth with the blade of a small knife he apparently spilled up his sleeve or something. His gaze shifts to Kelley in time to see the wave and his path alters, bringing him to the table at which he takes a seat. The knife vanishes from his hand and he licks his teeth once more before nodding to everyone. "Raina.. Kelley.. "He says turning his mismatched gaze on Sebastien. "And you.. How's the sword and board coming?" He asks, grinning slightly, wondering if the man would recognize him out of the armor.

Kelley nods at Raina's words. "Yes, Ms. Raina, we are discussing the future of VCF. We're concerned that we may be losing two members to what the ancient NFL would have referred to as 'free agency.' As the representative of VCF, I was actually hoping to offer you some very shiny baubles and entice you to hope aboard the bandwagon." Kelley slicks his hair back, having previously been ruffled by his hood.

Kaomas looks curiously at Kelley and scratches his chin. "I've been meaning to talk to you about your little press conferance.. regarding NTI.. what about the guy who allready works for NTI? I've been a tester for about a month now.." He asks, his gaze level and even, but he's slightly annoyed.. not knowing about it.

Sebastien ahs and replies, "A pilot? So am I." He squints his eyes and bobs his head back and forth before qualifying, "In a way. Though I am perhaps a bit more specialized." His eyes twinkle, and he releases the catwoman's hand to peer aside at Kaomas. "Well. I have been practicing with the off hand,but ah..." He laughs, "Even with a small weapon instead of a shield, I'm afraid I still have to rely on Kata with that. My arms, they do not think at the same time. But I draw ever closer."

Looking directly at Kaomas, Kelley offers, "Well, that' exactly why it wasn't news, Kamoas, you've already been working there. And I don't think that anyone was singled out for special treatment except my being the voice of the VCF." He shrugs, as if that's the only reason he can and will come up with. He listens closely to the exchange between Kaomas and Sebastien, but otherwise stays out of it, turning instead his attention to Raina. Raina glances between the speakers. Her tail lightly loping around the back of a chair and pulling it out as she folds her arms. "A pilot, you said. What sepcialty? Powered armors, interdimentional craft, TW-stuff?"

Kaomas looks back at Sebastien and Raina, letting the subject drop with Kelley. "Pilot? Really.. I have some skill myself.. but I'm far more at home on the ground with a gun in my hands.. or two.. or four.." He says grinning slightly.

"Horses," Sebastien replies evenly. "Specialized, as I said. But my Sara will top a hundred and thirty miles an hour on open terrain, may fight independently, and perform much of the same target acquisition as your slightly larger vehicles." He grins. "The two bodies working together as one, it holds a certain appeal, non? Instead of just directing a robot to your whims?"

Raina settling lightly into the seat she pulled out and crosses her legs at the knee without a flash of anything more than more pant leg. "Horses? Never been on one. Something about predatory feeling an them not caring for one on their back." She glances to Kao and Kelley. "What did you have in mind? Seeing as currently my repairs and such are taken care of if it's line of duty."

Dr. Kelley turns his head to Raina "Offi- I'm sorry, Ms. Raina, I'm doing some recruiting of the Vogon Constructor Fleet - you may have seen us on the vids, recently - and we would be delighted if you would join our ranks. We could use another good warrior with us. You would, of course, get to maintain your normal job here in Kingsdale, but you would also receive substantial rewards for each successful expedition. The same deal that I have been proposing to Mr. Sebastien." Kelley coughs lightly into his hand and waves a waitress over; "Vanilla sundae, please."

The young Sebastien nods, also staying quiet to watch the two work it out. He then stands, wandering off to grab himself one of the sundaes. Must be something special in the fudge. Kaomas grins suddenly, bored apparently and having though of something to do. His gaze turns on Raina, looking vaguely at her with a bored expression on his features. Concentrating as he was taught..

Raina glances over towards Kelley. "Hmm... Define these rewards? Especially since I would not be there in an official position as Militia. Means ammo and repairs have to come from my pocket or.." She trails off as she glances down at her tail as it jumps a bit. Her eyes narrowing for some reason.

"Well, Ms. Raina," Kelley offers,"NTI would supply us with all of the replacement ammunition we require, and furthermore, any repairs to armor that we deem necessary. So suiting up is not a problem, if you can get away from your job. And speaking of your job, if you accept our proposal, I'm able to offer you a full time position at NTI in whatever field you figure you would do best at. Is that inticing?"

Raina's head cants slightly as she mulls that over. "Not sure the Militia would like me leaving them. It's one of hte reasons they didn't try to confiscate my SAM." The licks her lips slowly as her eyes focus inwards for a momanet. "Rather inticing. But I know little about the NTI corp. Or what a merc could do for them other than security. Which isn't the best use of most of my skills."

Kaomas smirks slightly as he watches Raina jump as her tail twitches. He concentrates again, eyeing her hair and ears keeping that vague look like he's day dreaming.

"Well, what kind of position do you feel that you might be cut out for, Ms. Raina?" Kelley asks in that polite, fatherly tone of his. "I've taken a senior scientist position with them for the time being, and I'll be consulting with my own business. Kaomas, here, has already been working for them as a weapons tester and designer, Yes" He looks to Kaomas for confirmation. "What's your skill set, Ms. Raina? I'm sure that they could find a suitable position for you."

Raina is about to answers when she lifts a hand to her ear and grumbles. "Pardon me, Kelley. Seems we have issues in this room." She rises smoothly, "I'll have to think about it as I do not think they have yet the job I am most suited for."

Kaomas snorts and bursts out laughing as Raina leaves. "I'm sorry.. I couldn't resist.... it was too much fun..."

"Well, I hope that you're proud of yourself, Kaomas," Kelley says with quiet dignity. "You may have just chased off the only person around here who owns her own SAMAS armor." Kelley looks grim and accepts his sundae with a frown, spooning in a measured amount as soon as it arrives." It only lasts for a moment, though, before he asks, "What do the two of you think of Katsumi and the new mage, Aoibh?"

Kaomas rolls his eyes and looks at Kelley, "She'll be back... I can talk to her, let her know what happened.. As for Katsumi.. I don't know what to think of her.. she's a decent fighter.. but.. she's a bit off.. And she stares at me alot.." He says shaking his head in rememberance. "Aoibh... seems allright, I met her the other day... Did the same trick to her that I did to Raina just a second ago.. so she came and sat at my table.. and we talked for a bit."

"Aoibh seems powerful enough, but I'm not sure that she has the maturity to handle the VCF," says Kelley. "I mean, I played a stupid trick on her a few afternoons ago, and she was ready to sizzle Sebastien here into a smouldering pile - or at least try, that is," he says in deference of Sebastien's abilities. Katsumi seems confident enough, around some people, but around me, she acts like a little girl." Which is fine, of course, but not great for combat. And if she's a stalker, like I presume, her powers wouldn't be very useful against a giant robot, unless there's something that I'm missing about psionics.

Sebastien returns, with sundae in hand! Ah, the power of chocolate. And nuts! Sebastien eats his nuts with wild abandon, nodding about Aoibh and sputtering at the mention of Katsumi. "A predator. Wild creature." He drops his sundae a little too hard on the table and leans forward on the table. "She feeds on magic. She was kicked out of the Coalition, could not cut it in the local police. Now she works a dead-end job with minimal oversight and preys on men. The only reason she wants in is access to your several casters. Inviting her will get your throat ripped out." He practically snarls at the thougb. Kaomas shrugs at Sebastiens outburst. "She'll be fine.. She won't harm anyone if I there cuz she knows that if she even tries I'll take her effing head faster than she can say ow.." He says confidently, smiling a bit to himself. He looks at Kelley and smiles. "Immatureity can be a bonus.. if handled properly.. Let me deal with her as well... and the psionics.. are usefull against everything except stronger psionics.. can't affect the mind of a robot.. but if you're strong enough.. you can throw it around easily enough.. "

Dr. Kelley mulls the words carefully, parsing them into what he thinks they're meant to mea. "I would have to disagree with you there, Mr. Sebastien. I think that she's civilized enough to keep her hunger satisfied without needing to sneak in among mages. If she was going to feed, she's had ample opportunity do to so with me." That seems to elicit a snort of laughter from the good doctor and an almost imperceptible shake of his head. This man seems very odd. A scientist? A closet mage? A weak psychic? What the hell, man?

"She has attacked me," Sebastien levels. "All it takes is a knick, a sharpened fingernal, a razorblade against open skin, and she will deny you all of your energy and leave you as weak as a mewling babe. Will you keep her under lock and key at night?" He turns to Kaomas, "Will you watch her twenty four hours a day? She is a live grenade, one with no pin, and if you drop her who knows where she will strike?"

Kaomas shakes his head vigorously. "No.. I won't.. She can't take me.. she knows that. I proved in in the ring, I had her beaten and down within two moves.. Had I followed up.. even unarmed.. I'd have killed her right then and there.. But I backed off, let her recover.. She remembers that. She's not gonna touch anyone you can be sure of that. "He says sounding confident.

"I understand you concern, Mr. Sebastien, really I do - but I also think that around me - I don't know why - she becomes submissive and open to polite suggestion, like 'don't feed on Sebastien, or I'll be mad.' However, of course, I'll weigh everyone's opinion carefully before I offer a position. If most of you feel the same way, then, of course, I wouldn't bring a problem into the fold. So Sebastien, we can count on you now, yes? If so, would you mind telling me what caliber of armor you own?" Kelley says in one large exhilation.

"Light riding armor and heavy plate," Sebastien explains, looking unconvinced. Poor fools. They know not what evil they sow. "And ah, as I said, Sara has heavy internal armor. When we find this menace I will be fighting from horseback with a sword primarily, although I also have a weapon designed to stun living opponants. May discourage a dinosaur, I think." [Public] Zoie pets Kesslan

Kaomas frowns and eyes Kelley, "Offer her membership.. she's fine.. Stalker or no.. she can't hold a candle to Zaphod, Me or even you... And you know we can use the extra firepower.. specially if we end up with our pants around our ankles again."

"I wouldn't be so sure of yourself, Mr. Sebastien, " comments Dr. Kelley. "Intelligence provided by Mr. Kaomas here suggests that they're not run-of-the-mill dinosaurs, but some kind of 'demon' dinosaur. However, this is third-hand information. The only reason that I keep asking members and prospective members about their armor is that NTI provided me with several suits of 75-class armor to distribute as I saw fit. Atticus and Ms. Caliopa both accepted a suit. Kaomas, I don't recall if we've spoken about this before.. but I appreciate all of your input." Pointing a finger at Kaomas, and then waving with his empty spoon, Kelley says, "I've been training with the missiles launcher. I think that we may have an easier time of it up in Laramy."

"That is what I am afraid of," Sebastien mutters. The pants around the ankles! "Mine is heavier," Sebastien replies with a smile, "And it ah, suits my temperment. I train in it. I know how may move." Sebastien peers sideways at the doctor, and tries to suppress a grimace at the missile launcher. "Armor-piercing rounds, non?"

Kaomas raises an eyebrow and looks at Kelley. "Damn.. I work for them and I have to go through you to get my stuff.. Someone's gonna get a arse kickin for this.."He says angrily, "And what armor? If it's better than my urban then I want it.." He says looking at Kelley still.

"Just come with me, and I'll set you up with some 75-class Carapace armor, Kaomas. I imagine that they'll start paying you in the decent stuff now that they'll see you as a member of the VCF," Kelley blurts out. To Sebastien, "You know, I'm a horseman myself. I own a quarter horse named 'Lilly.' She's not bionic, and she'd never stand up to a heavy blow, but she's served me well since she was a pony. As for the missiles - he looks back and forth between the two men - Zaphod has the armor piercing, I have the high explosive plasma missiles."

Sebastien shakes his head, and runs a hand through his fuzzy hair. "Plasma missiles cause fires. Huge ones. Where nobody can stop them. It would be a tragedy, I think, if we were to fight back the robots only to be the lords of a charred desolace, non?"

Kaomas shakes his head slightly. "Armor yes.. pay no.. I'm only making two grand a week... it's enough to live on..." The mercenary says with a sigh.. being used to pulling in around a hundred grand a job... merc company in tow granted.. but still. He looks at Sebastien. "Things might catch fire.. yes.. but we're bringing a mage or two.. ones capable of putting out and controlling flames."

Kelley scoops another mouthful of vanilla sundae off of his spoon, before returning to the discussion. "I have to agree with Mr. Kaomas, Mr. Sebastien, plasma missiles are dangerous, but I'd sooner take a forest fire than allow a rampaging bot free reign of the countryside. I'll talk to Atticus and Ms. Caliopa about Katsumi, see what they think, and I'll also speak to Qur, if anyone can ever find her!" He finds himself using a spoon as a pointer, blushes slightly, mutters a very quiet, "sorry" and turns back to his sundae - catching sight of a young woman whom he has never seen before, in the reflection of the table's central coffee pot."

The lovely young woman in question strikes out on a few things. One, she might not yet be a woman, being all of 4'8. The next is that she's definitely not seen before. Her hair is a multitude of different shimmering textures and colors, while her lips curve coyly upwards. Zoie skips into the area, a true skip before she pauses. A huff of air lifts the rainbow hair from her eyes to flow backwards. She studies the people as if looking for something. Sebastien shakes his head and rises then from the table. "Well, you have your mind set. May we all hope that you are right." The young francophone pats his pockets a moment and shovels as much sundae as he can into his mouth, chewing and turning towards ... Zoie?

Kaomas turns to regard the woman that he too saw in the reflection of the glass, his eye zooming in to give Kao a closer look. Pulling back to normal he shrugs, turning back to his own conversation. "Missle launchers we have... guns and people that can use them we have.. armor and all the ammo we want.. people are what we need.. and with Aoibh.. and Katsumi.. and Sebastien here. I think VCF has it's fill... we're a group.. not an army.. we can't support an army.." He says looking at Kelley seriously.

"Excellent point, Kaomas," Kelley admits. "It's just that in the past, having a pacifist mechanic and a less-than-useful mage on the team has not been so exemplary. Perhaps if we could add two more people who know - and are willing to use - a heavy weapon, it would make up for our deficiencies."

Zoie looks around at the people gathered. Boring. Borning. Fat. Looks like they smell like cheese. Boring. Boring.. and.. oh.. the strange guy. It is actually Sebastien that draws her attention and has her walking towards the table of people. Her smile on her lips friendly and open.

Sebastien chews rapidly! He licks madly! He sucks down fudge and nuts like no man has sucked fudge and nuts before! And holding his sundae in one hand, he seeks a pocket to draw loose a familiar-looking slip of paper. Holding it up before her, Sebastien tucks it into Zoie's belt and leans close to say, "Go for it. You will like them." And then wanders out towards the door.

Kaomas eyes Seb sucking down his fudge like a man possessed and shakes his head. "Gonna get brainfreeze.." He mutters and leans back in his chair again, content to watch the people walking around.

Holding a quieting hand up to Kaomas for a brief moment, Kelley addresses the unusually shaded woman. "Miss, I haven't seen you around before. May we be of service?" He indicates Kaomas in the plural by waving a loaded spoon in his direction. Dr. Kelley sits at the table with a sundae before him, wearing buckskin leather clothing beneath a warm, hooded cloak that currently resides on the back of his chair. He seems apparently unimpressed by whatever transaction took place between Sebastien and the new woman.

Zoie flutters her long sable lashes, they dance upon her cheeks slowly as Seb offers her money into her belt. It is easy to tell that she's trying to decide to slap him or thank him; currently neither is winning out. "Yes, I shall have to try one of those things." She studies him a bit longer, inspecting him as one would a brand new alien being. Then she shakes her head and focuses on the others. "Of course you don't know me, I'm new." She smiles towards Kelley and then towards Kao. "I don't think you can help me, I'm just sort of wandering around the city."

The contact had stated that he could make the drop here. Nothing illegal about it, but the library was still hanging back on the business proposition Bubba had offered them. Typical beaurocratic nonsense. Twisting his head to the side to pop out a nasty knot in his relatively unseen neck, the ogre steps into the building, shoulders and head dipping a bit to clear the doorframe. An oversized backpack is slung over one shoulder, and shifts slightly as he moves to the side to allow Sebastian to pass him. The others, for the moment, remain unnoticed.

"Well then," says Kelley after clearing the ice cream out of his mouth with a swallow, "welcome to Kingsdale. How long have you been in our fine city?" To Kaomas, he mutters, "Personally, I'm going to go out and try to purchase a projectile weapon - magic and energy can be blocked, projectiles - generally - can't. Better safe than sorry. My father told me that.. a very long time ago." He shlumps slightly into his chair and returns to face the strange woman. "Do you have a name, Miss?" He couldn't help but notice the Ogre come through the door, but he can't seem to find a reason to talk to him, right at the moment.

A quick glance around the room indicates that his contact is not here yet... and so, a look of annoyance crossing his face, Bubba finds a spare bit of wall, not yet choosing to trust the chairs in this establishment. A look goes around the room, and then, convinced that no one is running at him screaming about his race for the moment, he reaches into his pack, pulling out a large, leather-backed tome. This he opens to a place held by a dingy bit of red ribbon... reading the contents therein.

Intrigued by the apparently literate ogre, Dr.Kelley rises from his seat and approaches the big being with an outstretched hand and a smile on his face. He assumes that he's taller than most of the others that the ogre deals with, and can look the man in the eye. "Dr. Kelley, sir, how do you do?"

Kaomas looks at Kelley, to the exclusion of all else.. "Contact me later.. I'm going to Laramy with you..." He tells him matter of factly and stands, to leave pushing through the crowd and vanishing.

The ogre pauses in his perusal of the tome, a bushy eyebrow slowly moving upward. Not as slow is the hand that slides down to his waist as the tall man approaches him, apparently to wrap about the hilt of a large, knobbed mace. Convinced a moment later that the man doesn't appear to be a threat, he offers a toothy grin, his bleach-white tusks gleaming. "Some call me Doctor Bubba, although it's purely an honorific, I assure you." His voice is painfully low, the sound of gravel grating against itself, but shockingly without any sort of accent or stereotypical slur. He pauses a moment, and then considers, "I am well, thank you. Doctor of what, may I inquire?"

Dr. Kelley says, "Doctor of a few things; geology, primarily, then chemistry. But my focus is broad, and I have my fingers in just about everything save medicine." Apparently unruffled by the move for the mace Kelly carries on. He carries himself with confidence and a regal air of dignity and somehow manages to be humble at the same time. "And what might your area of expertise be, Doctor Bubba?"

Atticus makes his way deeper into the room, looking excitable. His face red, pushing his cloak away and pat-pattering a nonstop staccato with his palms on his thighs as he crosses the room and begins to head towards Kelley. "Doc, Doc!" he calls. "Sorry to interrupt. I had another one - vision. Have you heard yet?"

Kelley's attention is immediately broken aware from the the ogre to confront his "longtime" friend of Atticus. He looks terribly interested in what the man has to say, hurrying over, his hands clasped behind his back. "So," he poses to Atticus, "What kind of vision did you have this time." Over his shoulder, he calls, I'm sorry, Doctor Bubba, but I must pay attention to this matter immediately."

Bubba chuckles, a laugh, grating noise that seems unnatural considering the source. "Archaeology, actually. Study of things ancient and forgotten. The profession of my mother before me." He grins then, noting, "Linguistics as well, although..." Then Atticus arrives, and attention is drawn from him.

"Hi, sorry about this," Atticus offers to Bubba, waving his hand. "Well," he says as he eyes Kelley. "This time, it was powerful. Again, it hit me while I was in the shower - stone awake. I heard in the magic district on the way here there were some accidents when folks were hit with it - even regular magically trained people. Anyway ... flight. I wanted to get away. I was running down this metal hallway. I was just ... running, so fast, it was fear for my own life! I could see a green bolt of energy come right blast me, "ZIIIPPPT!" he says, slashing over his shoulder with his palm. "And it exploded when it hit the wall, BAM! And I could smell something, like burning .. something, plastic. Modern stuff. I tumbled through this small hole - I somehow knew they were too big to get in after me, but I hit my head. I hit hard and everything was all swimming," Atticus says as he leans around and around, swaying to mimic it. "The stars were moving again I saw out a window, and a booming weapon went off, almost stunning me. And I felt a vibration on the floor. And ... I thought ... halash, and malanori. and J'Kalt. And ... and I knew they had control over the lifeboats and hanger now. And that meant .. I had one more way, one more chance. And ... I began to run towards the drive room.." he trails off. He opens a notebook from his pocket, reading it. "I wrote it down." he adds lamely.

Kelley says to Atticus, "I had the same vision! I was signing off on some long-term work at the quarry, you know, so I could just consult, without having to run the business while I work for NTI. I had the same vision!" His warm brown eyes are alive with excitement. "I don't know how I had it - it must be some super-enhanced vision or something. Probably by the same people with the power to create rifts, I would conjecture at the moment." He ponders for a second, then says, "I'm no expert of flight or outer space, but this sounds like some of the ancient tomes that I've read in my wanderings. They'd refer to them as 'space ships' that traveled between the stars. This, well, it sounds like an attack on one of them!"

Kesslan slips in, having decided to come here for a half decent meal today. The same sort of thing that brings him her at least once a week if not more. Of course his typical radiation emissions follow him like an invisible cloud. Notably perhaps, that even all this time later his dress hasnt changed any. It's still clean, but it's picked up a few more rumples, a few more signs of wear. One would think he'd at least change into a new set of clothes beneath that armor once in a while. He's just about to grab a seat when he spots the presence of Dr. Kelly, who is about to have yet another interruption on his day it seems as the Pantheran makes his way over. However he comes to a stop some distance away, merely observing for now and apparently not wishing to interrupt the man's present conversation.

Leave it to the mention of books to make the ogre's ears twitch. He smiles, and approaches a bit closer. "I've not much to say on visions... I've never had that touch available to me. However... perhaps due to my relative newness to the area, I've heard naught of any visions. Is this something of a norm in this city?"

"We have ro.....some issues," Atticus offers to Bubba. "Some problems and stuff. Doc knows all about it," he says. 'You must have magical ability or psychic ability, doc," he tells Kelley. "we should talk about that later on. It's possible some ability you have is really psychic or magical in nature. We can explore that. So you saw it too. That's pretty cool. It really felt like an attack," he adds, and offers to Bubba, "People have been having visions - psychic sorts, now magic - for a few weeks."

"And unfortunately, we still have little to go on, except that we assume it has something to do with the giant bots that VCF as been attacking. That, and that there's some special agent, presumably on the loose in Kingsdale." Kelley stops for a moment a continues, "Atticus, stop me if I get this wrong, but so far all we really have is intense anger toward humans, aliens with big round eyes, lots of scenes in outer space, and we're attempting to find some kind of correlation between the giant bots and the demonic dinosaurs meneacing the city at the moment. But visions aren't much to go on - at least no these visions. I doubt that anyone in Kingsdale has any experience with outer space. I imagine that I may well be the most dimensionally traveled, and yet I have not been to this place. It is very distrubting.

Bubba nods, "About space battles, from what you've said so far." He grins, and then slides the tome he had in-hand into his pack. "The answer, perhaps, may lie in the past. Often such things are... especially when magic is concerned. But that would be my own bias speaking, considering my relative lack of knowledge in this current difficulty." He pauses, "Has anyone gathered stories of these visions you speak of, from the multiple possible points of view? Perhaps they shouldn't be considered of their own."

Atticus nods, "That's pretty much it. I mean, we know that something is opening up," he drops his voice, 'Rifts, technologically. We know what the robots and dinosaurs may be tied in. we know that grey, large eyed small aliens are enemies of these other aliens we've seen. We know they have skeletal robots. We know they have space travel and they love killing humans and these grey aliens a lot. we know they sent someone here, an agent. We know they seem to recognize the race of Officer Raina. And the visions are all the same point of view," he offers.

It's only at this point that the Pantheran seems to dare to interrupt the conversation "Serris-jal yotorshir." "Appologies for interruption." his translator chimes in, working to translate the rest as well "Warrior not have direct experience working amongs stars, but Atorian Empire clan have many ships, build space station above homeworld. Many pantheran join Atorian military, Spirit Warrior was to be part of Atorian Empire clan military too. Have some knowledge of if help Human."

"No, no, we are fairly certain that this comes from the near past - at least, *these* visions are from the near past, we think. We've been analyzing them from every possible magical and scholastic angle, including the local library." He is cut off by his dosimeter and looks up to notice the big cat. "Please," he says honestly, "if you have any information which might be useful, share it with us. We have been going over the facts like crazy and going nowhere. What is the Atorian Empire? Were they at war with anyone? With anything that has been seen in the recent visions?"

Atticus waves to a table, "I totally need some tea, and I think the Doc here needs a sundae. Would you like something to eat or drink?" Atticus asks Kesslan politely, pulling out chairs and smiling at Bubba, "Or you, sir?" he asks as well. "can I get you anything?"

Kesslan ear twitches "Warrior not know who all Atorian fight. Atorian have many many world. Fight much to expand Empire. Come to other planets like Sirev offer help and trade deal. Then break trade deal. Enslave many Pantheran. Atorian Empire have many race under clan control. Have many star boats. Know some detail of, mostly hear of, some see picture in training, some explanation. Training not finished, interrupted by war on Sirev. Spirit Warrior is willing to share with human if wish." Kesslan says via his translator. Granted the process is long and drawn out, not to mention there's little doubt the translator isnt quite as eloquently spoken as he is. It's likely not even using the proper arangement of words given the way the Pantheran's words are stressed in some points, not in others and so on. But at least it gets the job done in it's mechanical tone.

Bubba raises a brow, "Officer whom?" He feels much the fish out of water. A rather large fish. "Steak, uncooked, is more my idea of a dessert, to be honest." A large grin is offered then, as he checks the proffered seat for its strength. Assured of its strength, he sits, looking at the others once more. "I do not know what my own research can offer, although I do have access to the city library, as well as my own research tomes. If given a description of each of the visions, I can certainly offer my own abilities to the trial at hand. Perhaps an... inhuman mindset could offer a separate way to review the information." @emit %r%t"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt, Kelley says, as he explains the vision to him." "Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt, Kelley says, as he explains the vision to him." Kelley drags Atticus over to the table and sits him down, ordering another sundae from a passing waitress. So now the two leading members of VCF are having visions now? I hope that never comes up during a firefight." To Bubba, he says, "Yes, I've explored the library as well, but have yet to find anything of use. But perhaps more importantly, Kesslan, are you from one of the Three Galaxies? I *was* there many, many years ago, but things were peaceful then.." he allows his voice ot trail off, silently demanding more information from the big cat.

"Some steak rare - oh, two of those, I think Mister Kesslan eats that too. And some tea, please. Sugar and lemon," Atticus orders. He drops into a seat, getting comfortable, and props his chin up on his arms. He listens to the Doc and panther man talk, looking over at Bubba too from time to time.

Kesslan's ears flatten back slightly as he thinks, his head tilting down a little in the process, eyes narrowing. "Sound like maybe missile or grenades used, energy weapon too. Much like this place weapon. If like Atorian weapon though much better, stronger. More energy, less crude. Not know without see." his tail gives a slight twitch "Star boat for sure though.. life boat known also as escape pod sometime. Jettison from main ship when damaged. Keep emergency supply and if military weapon too incase main ship go down. Life pod like tiny star boat, made to make for nearest plannet in emergency or stay for pickup from other big star boat. Drive room where engine are, very big as understood. Some ship big as Kingsdale, other smaller." his ears swivel up slighlty..

"Not know of Three Galaxies. Only hear of Atorian Empire. Atorian have many many world, over greater skull's worth. Hear some of other power only by name. Something called Far. Other call TGE, TMC. Big enemy in Niamese. Other exist too but Spirit Warrior know not of these thing. Not see stars."

Bubba looks over at the Panteran for a moment, a slight grin crossing his face. Then looking back at the others, "Please, if only to assuage my own curiosity, and give me something I can chew on for a while..." He pulls out a thin strip of paper. "My contact information. I would love to get my hands on transcripts of these visions." The rest he doesn't respond to, the concepts and names foreign to him... and usually easier to learn about by inference of the others.

Atticus makes room on the table as the waitress approaches - some raw steak for Bubba, raw meat for Kesslan and the sundae for Kelley, tea for Atticus. And the elf appears to have a whole process - lemon slice squeezed just so, exact amount of stirs, packets shaken a certain number of times, the right corner ripped, stirred just so, and so on - paying great attention to it. "I can help give you copies of my notes," he offers to Bubba.

So you don't know anything about your homeworld being attacked? Do you know anything about a race of spacefaring humans?," Kelley asks Kesslan. "This could be a breakthrough, if I could just tie them together. Perhaps Doctor Bubba and I can hash things out." Then, "You should probably talk to Mr. Atticus first about the visions, then the two of us can go over the details." His thought is interrupted by his dosimeter going off again, so instead of continuing a broken thought, he digs into his vanilla sundae with gusto.

Kesslan gives his head a slight shake, ignoring the food for the time being, though he does take a seat at the table this time instead of simply standing there. "Human keep tell warrior that Atorian not Human, Human not Atorian. Warrior not see much difference, only no female here try tell what to do all time. Atorian female consider superior to male in Atorian clan. Think male only good for low task. Warrior not see this here so clan must be different. Sirev only attack by Atorian in way. Start war of clans, some fight for some against. Pantheran not want to be slave of Atorian. Atorian not honourable, not honor deal. Atorian take more than offered, give not what promised and take many spell weaver off world. Take many pantheran into military. Atorian deal with pantheran grand council, grand council deal with pantheran clans. Atorian not use many robot, use power armor, fighter craft, star craft, other races. Cheaper than robot."

Bubba just shakes his head, currently out of his element. Grabbing the bloody bit of steak, he downs half of it in a single bite. "I will admit that much of this is well too much Greek for me. Give me faeries and dragons and mythology any day." The steak is put down, and a pad of paper now comes from his pack, which he begins to write on quickly.

"What is a spell weaver, Kesslan?" Kelley asks. "And just how many other races were the Atorians using hte pantheran clans to attack? Because one of the visions referred to former-Officer Raina as 'species six' - or, I should say, that's how I interpreted it. Could her race have been at war with the Atorians? Perhaps also important - do you know what an Atorian looks like?"

Atticus hands over some notes to Bubba to process, "And Cali - my girl and one of our team members - and Katsumi, a co worker, and others all had the same vision," he adds.

"What is a spell weaver, Kesslan?" Kelley asks. "And just how many other races were the Atorians using the pantheran clans to attack? Because one of the visions referred to former-Officer Raina as 'species six' - or, I should say, that's how I interpreted it. Could her race have been at war with the Atorians? Perhaps also important - do you know what an Atorian looks like? Also, you said that you had 'a big enemy in Niamese'. What does that mean, precisely?"

"Warrior think you not understand. Atorian not directly attack Pantheran. Atorian come, promise many thing to Pantheran, say help pantheran travel stars, learn new things. See new worlds. In exchange Pantherans to give Atorians land to build many many factories and energy plants. Atorian use these to build more war ships and other things, cause much polution on energy worlds. But this not problem for Pantheran, atmosphere allready poison to most race, Human, Atorian, Mantella all not safe without suit. Only Thropo and Pantheran safe without suit on Sirev. But Atorian take more than offered, give nothing promised. Only keep say all will be fine." Finally the presence of the meat drives him to pick it up and bite a big chunk off, tearing at it like one might expect a lion to, biting it a few times before swallowing the chunk almost whole "Not see other not pantheran like Raina before. Untill meet Raina, Kesslan never see other not Pantheran that look some what like pantheran." Raina has connected.

"In other words," comes the grating words of Bubba, "General Kyrk broke the Primary Directive and gave big toys to the primitive peoples, well before their society had evolved to a point where this information was useful." The remainder of the steak is tossed down his gullet. "So his people were thrown into a war they knew nothing of, and used as pawns. That's what I get out of it, at least."

"More like just extracted from them, rather than giving them big toys," comments Kelley. "I wish that someone knew that the Atorians looked like. It might not solve the puzzle, but it might just put another nail into it," Kelley says, mixing his metaphors. "Do you have any idea from your travels, Kesslan, about big-headed, gray, bulbous-eyed aliens at war with anyone?"

Kesslan pauses a few moments in thought before speaking "Sound maybe like Mantella. See few once, very mean. Look like big lizzard, have big eye and speak funny. Thorpo also not so nice but at least Thorpo understand honor. Mantella more like barbarian, but still work for Atorian. Atorian give Mantella good weapon, armor. Mantella fight for Atorian clan. Kesslan think maybe Atorian clan wish Pantheran to be like Thropo and Mantella, but Pantherans more civilized."

Raina steps off the elevator again shrugging into her flight jacket again. Her tail flicking almosty in agitation as she scans the room she's entering. A slight cant developing as she studies the room, then enters the rest of hte way with a sigh.

"Kesslan, can you give us any more information about the society in your dimension slash galaxy? How did you get here?" asks Kelley, pumping the cat for information while trying to be polite at the same time. He realizes that for once, he's not in the company of humans, and surprisingly, it seems to make him feel... better.

An odd (if you can call it odd in this city) assemblage is currently at a table near the entrance... an Ogre dressed oddly human, the Pantheran, And Dr. Kelley. The ogre offers a wide, toothy grin, "Were they green, I'd say perhaps this was connected with ancient myths about a race of beings that routinely abducted and experimented on people from this world. The description is somewhat interesting in its similarity. Large, bulbous heads, oversized eyes. Are they described as having almost no nose and thin lips?"

"Mantella have big head.. big eyes." Kesslan says, hands going out slightly to try to show the head's dimensions, one that's fairly large and broad. "Big mouth. Eat meat like Pantheran, and yes green mostly." he pauses then to take another bite out of the meat before him, tearing at it like the predator he is before answering Kelly's question "Spell weavers open door to world. Spirit Warrior go through with spell weaver and others to explore world, see if help for Pantherans to be found. Spell weaver with Kesslan and others ment to open way back but all dead." Kelley is clearly surprised by Kesslan's admission that he's a dimensional traveler, too. "Did the Mantella have any special dislike for the ones you called 'barbarians'?", Kelley asks briefly, stirring his coffee and taking another scoop of sundae.

Bubba frowns a bit as Kelley seems to ignore his question, but shrugs it off, looking instead to the nearly indecipherable Kesslan. And as he does so... another figure comes into his view, the contact he came here initially to see. A clearing of his throat, and the ogre stands, "I believe I must ask forgiveness. I have a seller who finally got here. Claims he has some books I've been dying to get my hands on..."

"Mantella barbarians. Like fight, give no mercy, Mantella blood crazy." Kesslan clarifies. "Atorian clan give Mantella clans weapons, armor, Mantella fight for self and Atorian Empire. Mantella not have honor. Mantella only care about Mantella. Pantheran care about Pantheran but also Pantheran clans wish make peace with star races. Pantheran treat Atorian offer with Honor but Atorian clan deciee Pantheran clans. Thropo only ones with honor that Spirit Warrior has met but Thropo serve Atorian becuase Atorian save Thropo from self war. Thropo almost kill all Thropo in big self war. Ruin Thropo homeworld. Spirit Warrior does not understand why Atorian clan honor bargain with Thropo and Mantella but not Pantheran. Maybe only because Pantheran clans want only to see and explore, not fight if no need. Mantella want only fight, Thropo want only fight. I think pantheran would fight for Atorian if Atorian had honored bargain and not lie to Pantherans. "

"Of course, Doctor Bubba, good luck with your deal. Thank you Kesslan, this is all very fascinatin." He turns around to watch the ogre leave, then turns back to Kesslan. "Did you know of anyone beside a Spell Weaver who could create a dimensional hole without need for a ley line or nexus?" Kelley asks excitedly, slapping his dosimeter as the damn thing goes off again."

Raina returns yet again. She almost appears uncomfortable to be out of her usual rough-it outfitting. She reaches dwn to adjust her pistol, only to find it's not there and sighs as she strides out from the elevator towards her usual table. Bubba chuckles, "Nodding. If it's true, I've got at least a night's reading with it." He then walks away from the table, over to a rather seedy-looking human. Kesslan shakes his head "Only know of spell weavers who can do such. Very few left on Sirev, Atorian and others come to Sirev, offer experienced spell weavers much in return for their ability. Seem such is very rare among star races but some Pantherans guided by spirits and can do these things. Others stay on Sirev, train new spell weavers."

"How curious," Kelley says. "I do wonder how these aliens have harnessed the power, of, apparently, machinery to create these dimensional gateways. But thank you, Kesslan, for all of your assistance. Unless you have anything more to say, I suppose I will take my leave of you."

Kesslan makes an oddly catlike sound, his ears perking up "Kesslan did come over with question in mind. Spoke with one called Zaphod down at weapon range week ago, warrior had forgotten but was reminded by news story. Said you and he were looking for capable fighters. Kesslan cappable fighter, need work if any come up. Kesslan not find work and must still eat yes?"

Kellely is somewhat taken aback by the cat's request. Not because he has anything against D-Bees, just that he wouldn't have expected a felinoid to be asking for one - especially a radioactive felinoid. "Well, we are looking for capable fighters, Kesslan. Have you heard about the VCF? You might have seen us on the vids?"

"Have seen some yes. Not entire sure what all about but Kesslan not really care. Kesslan just need work, not many willing to give work to Spirit Warrior due to.. problems with language and radiation. Not many belive when Kesslan say take longer exposure than few hour or day. Kesslan still realize it problem but Kesslan can not do anything without money to buy better armor that would protect non pantheran from radiation."

Raina's lips quirk slightly as she works at freeing a lock of her hair from the tail to dangle it infront of her.

Kelley considers for a moment, and says, "You're certainly welcome to come along with the VCF as a warrior - we're currently fighting the mega-bot and demon dinosaur problem. I can promise you that if you help us defeat them - one at a time - then I'll guarantee you a piece of the loot in terms of credits, if you like. I have some more permanent positions available right now, but I would rather see you in action first, make sure that you're a team player, and the like, before I recommend you to a permanent posting. However, I promise that I will hold on of those slots open for you until I get to see you in action." Kelley looks down at the table for a moment before saying, "Please understand, I'm not questioning your abilities at all, but if NewTech is going to continue to give me the latitude that they've show me so far, then it would be against *my* job not to fully vet everyone whom I recomend to them. I hope that you understand."

"Kesslan understand. Kesslan not Spirit Warrior of your clan. Kesslan not even comfortable asking, Kesslan belong to other clan but I am stuck here. Without way home must do something to survive and find way back home. Is hope to bring back something of help to Grand Council as is mission. Even knowledge of Human clan customs useful as maybe Pantherans seek honourable dealings with human clans if human clans prove honourable." Kesslan explains. Raina has reconnected.

"That might be more difficult than you may expect, Kesslan. Humans are broken up into *many* subclans. There is no single clan that you could deal with. And the state of affairs right now, on the planet, well.. there are many people outside of Kingsdale who don't look on D-Bees with a kind eye."

Raina offers softly form her seat, "There are several subclans that prefer to shoot non-humans on sight, then ask questions of the corpses. Fractured clans would be a good term." Kesslan nods "This is allready understood. Many clans on Sirev as well. Not all pantheran agree but Grand Council represent all, make decisions for good of all Pantherans. Some help better than none yes? If enough help is found then Pantherans can be free of Atorians. Even if this cost Pantherans homeworld it better than being slave without choice."

"Yes, I can imagine that," says Kelley, drumming his fingers on the table while he thinks. "If the time ever comes that we can assist you, Kesslan, I'm sure that there will be some of us around to do just that." He rests his head down on his palms. I just wish that I understood these visions. That's just it, though. I don't understand what the visions are showing me, and therefore, I have no idea what their connection is with these attacking 'bots. They just seem to be getting bigger and bigger, and that can't be a good thing. I'm no psychic, so I'm not used to even *seeing* these kinds of things, let alone parsing them.

Kesslan frowns, his ears dipping down once more "Kesslan not see these visions but from description is of fighting yes? I know not why am labled Spirit Warrior for is only once very recently Kesslan have spirit speak to him. Before not even really belive. But Elders say Kesslan is Spirit Warrior so such he must be. Belief of Spirit touched that spirit visions offer clues to thing like crime, fortell potential future or other. Perhaps vision is to tell that war like vision show soon come here. Good spirit warn us from area where bad spirit hurt Caliopa. Maybe visions from good spirits telling those most spirit touched that other bad things happen soon?"

Yes, perhaps. Kesslan. I wish that my spirits would explain things to me. Or anyone who'd be willing to retell it! But perhaps the visions are of things yet to come, not those that are happening, or those which have passed. It's just so hard to know, and for someone like me, who is into science, not magic, it's especially troubling to be unable to make a connection." He pauses for a scoop of melting sundae, and asks, "Yes, where is this place that hurt Miss Caliopa? Do you know what happened? I haven't found anyone yet who is able to tell me."

"Is is Dregtown. Old place of refuse. Spirit tell us to leave, that it not safe. Kid decide to leave and so we leave. Kesslan see no sign that spirit had hurt Caliopa, only learned later. Kesslan assume this where bad spirit from but not know for sure. Caliopa not injured or act unnatural at time. Spirit warrior training was neveer properly finished, even so did not deal with such thing. This sort of thing spellweaver or other more spirit touched would deal with back on Sirev. I have not fought enough to know why I am labled spirit warrior. Perhaps with experience these things I could do. Or maybe some other thing, not know."

Kelley shivers inwardly, and says, "We'll leave that for other people to deal with, for the time being. I've got enough trouble with the dinosaurs and robots." Then, pointedly, "I'm not a warrior by nature, Kesslan, but will you accept taking orders from me?"

"Trade is for Kesslan to fight for Kelly, Kelly in return pay Kesslan with native trade goods, food or other acceptable form yes? Then honor demand for me to meet rules of bargain then must follow orders from those deal is made. Custom is for deal made and honored, if either one not happy later with deal then can give notice to other, maybe rework deal untill both happy, if not no loss of honor in deciding not to continue deal so long as both know deal no longer good."

With a light chuckle and the translator's verbocity, Kelley raises his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, Kesslan, I understand, and you have my word that you will be nicely compensated in monetary credit units for your service. Have you met any of the other members of VCF? I think that you met Mr. Atticus a few minutes ago, and apparently you know *of* at least, Miss Caliopa. The others consist of myself, the headhunter Kaomas, the MOM conversion Zaphod, and finally, the elemental fusionist, Qur. Though it has been some time since I have seen myself or heard word of Ms. Qur's activities. I'm sure that you'll make an excellent addition to the family. What do you fight with? Heavy weapons? Swords? I'm just curious so that I know how the order of battle will go."

"Kesslan fight with all weapons. Have rifle and pistols, knife and claws and teeth. Most training with energy weapon and similar. Not so familar with older weapon. Know heavy weapon and weapon system. Spirit warrior once Atorian Skyclaw, fight with claw mates in paw from Sky Bike. Spirit warrior have yet to see weapon not able to use or fix. Maybe this is spirit gift, but not know for sure. Warrior even learns to ride horse thanks to not clanned not pantheran."

"That's an excellent, resume, Kesslan. It sounds like it will be pretty easy to fit you in," Kelley says with a purposefully non-toothy grin, taking his que from all of those biology texts that he read so long ago. "Is there anything else that you'd like to know about me? Or the VCF as a whole? Or just as friend? I can offer you all three."

Kesslan earflicks "Only wish to know details of deal. What is expected of Kesslan and what Kesslan get in return. All else not really matter, warrior not expect to know all detail. Not allways good for all detail to be known, Warrior understand this. If terms agreeable both accept and Kesslan will honor his side of deal so long as other side honor theirs."

"Well, here is the agreement that I can give you - and keep in mind, this is the exact same deal that the rest of VCF gets - for every robot carcass of robot model that we've already seen, I can give you 25,000credits. For every robot carcass of a *new* robot model, I can offer you 100,000credits. And for every successful mission, your armor and weapons, should they be damaged, will be either fixed or replaced, and all ammunition refunded. It's really a surprisingly good deal, I hope you'll agree. It's more than ten times what I would usually make in a month, and that's for the normal bots. Is this acceptable to you?"

Those ears perk straight up "This deal true offered to Kesslan?" there's no mistaking his supprised, no doubt having expected a far less lucrative deal. Afterall many would consider him cheap and expendable labour at best. Others simply would exploit his lack of knowledge of local customs, laws and the attached value of items. But he's hardly stupid, only realistic about what his usual expectations should be. "If so then yes. Kesslan would

"These are the exact terms of the deal offered to me, so yes, they're the deal truly offered to you. And I'm glad that you accept, because it will be a real asset to you have you with us," Kelley says, rising and offering his hand across the table, hoping that the big cat will understand and take a chunk out of it with his fangs.

Kesslan stands as well since it only seems polite, though when the hand is offered to him he just sort of looks at it. "Human custom of some sort?" he asks obviously a little confused as to what he's expected to do.

"Well, perhaps not human custom, but a custom of my people," Kelley says, gently grasping the cat's forearm near the elbow, and waiting for Kesslan to return the favor.

Kesslan isnt quite sure what to do but he at least mimic's Kelley's response. It's likely due to the radiation he emits but his touch is a little warmer than most. Of course it could be also an effect of all the fur bundled under clothes and armor as well. But even his hand is a little hot, the palm rough rather than smooth like a human's. The whole thing seems to actually draw a great deal of intrest from the feline as he takes an obvious close interest in what is going on.

Kelley gently shakes the cat's arm up and down a few times and then releases his grasp, remaining standing. "I think that I'd best be headed out, Kesslan. I expect to be seeing more of you in the coming days. Hopefully, VCF will be making a sortie to Laramy this weekend. I'll contact you when preparations are final. It has been nice speaking with you, Kesslan," he says, as his dosimiter warns him again, and again, he slaps it silent. "Good day to you, Kesslan."

Kesslan nods to Kelly "If wish to find me sooner, life in dregs. Have trailer. Not hard to find. Have not human numbers on it." he says, releasing the grip in kind. "If not there easy enough to leave message."

"Then I will stay in contact with you, Kesslan. And thank you again for joining us. Now, I truly must go." He smiles and departs.