Mar 12 13:41:50 106 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Sun Mar 12 13:41:50 106 PA.

It's not as though it's an extended road trip, but any drive can feel long and dangerous when you're used to the relative safety of Kingsdale's walls (and the armored guy snoozing in the back complains a little whenever they hit a bump. Besides, he snores.). They're certainly exposed, but it could be worse. The road hasn't been maintained for ages, but it's better than nothing, and little vegetation flanks it; if anything tries to jump at them, odds are they'll see it first. The trip is largely uneventful. There are, naturally, a few critters here and there, but none of them get near the car. The first real sign of danger is when they notice the SAMAS in the sky. A perceptive individual might notice a Flying Titan first, but after that the aerial reconaissance changes to those heavier suits, if only in ones ans twos. There's no attempt to attack them, but they're apparently aware of their approach. Those SAMAS don't actually bother them at all. No, they've passed a few farms, most of them bearing signs of damage to some degree. Some more than others, with some being almost completely destroyed, while others closer to the town have suffered much less damage. These have been more or less repaired. It's at about this point, near a farmhouse, that they'll see the CS patrol. Seven Deadboys, looking as casual as one can in bulky armor and skeleton helmets.

Caliopa's main concern is the equipment, keeping the truck purring like a very large cat. Her tools are in the back, ready for any but the biggest problem, and she is out of that lovely frock for the auction, back into her normal combat pants and t-shirt, part of her armour and her heavy boots. During the journey, her hair is tied up in a high ponytail, and her sunny smile, the bright one from before the attack, appears to have resurfaced. It vanishes the moment that the SAMAS are seen, and she slows the truck, her fingers tensing on the wheel. "Joachim?" She speaks softly, the fear in her voice obvious, "Do I stop or drive on past?"

Joachim smiles at Caliopa, a steady hand moving to pat her soothingly on the shoulder, "Slow down an' pull off to the left," he says before turning 180 in the car and prodding Sebastien to wake him, but not alerting or informing the man. "Then, if they say stop, we stop," he finishes, while rolling down his window and waving at the patrol, the easy smile on his face. His Crusader armour covered mostly by his loose-hanging robe, and his bigbore shotgun held between his legs, he doesn't seem at all worried.

The young knight stirs in the back, reaching up to rub his face -- and staring at the armored hand in front of him. And the armored woman above him! Wasn't he sleeping sitting up earlier? "This is not going to smell nice when I take it off," he murmurs, and begins rolling to a seated position, blinking wide-eyed at the road. The young man stares incomprehensibly out front for several long moments, and in his blue eyes you can almost see the gears turning as he makes sense of what's happening. "Just pull over and ask if something dangerous is around," he opines. "If they want you to stop, running he roadblock will not change this."

Sage gives a helpful nudge to Sebastien to ease his progress to the other side of the back seat. "Not my problem." She murmurs to Sebastien's comment, before turning to look forward to see what the others are concerned about. She just sighs softly, but decides that there isn't much she can add to this conversation.

One of the Deadboys raises an armored hand, palm flat and turned towards the car, then holds the other hand out and gestures towards the side of the road. None of the others seem particularly edgy; although weapons are within easy reach, not a single soldier actually goes for one.

Caliopa shoots Joachim a quick, nervous smile. "Alright." She slows the truck down, easing off the accelerator, letting her coast for a bit. She turns the truck slowly to the left, letting it crawl towards the patrol. "I ain't runnin' no roadblock." She replies to Sebastien, over her shoulder. Her fingers are tight on the wheel, the fear of the Coalition no less for having a reason for being there. The deadboy's gesture doesn't help but she obeys it, pulling the truck to the side of the road, halting it but keeping the engine ticking over, the truck in gear.

"Stop entirely when we pull up to 'em" Joachim says in an easygoing manner to Caliopa, just in case the guard's message wasn't entirely clear. As the approach, he'll pop his unhelmetted head out the window, with the self-same smile. "Anythin' we should be worried about, up there?" he asks conversationally.

"Haven't heard of traders coming back from Laramy," Sebastien notes softly, not bothering to reach for his helmet. "So worst case, we all get shot. Probably take everything we have and send us into town to stay, if they want very much this secret." The young man reaches for his pack, digging through a bit until he finds his paperwork from home. Folding it over, he passes it forward to Joachim, noting, "In case they ask." It looks sort of like a passport, showing Sebastien to be a registered psychic and denizen of Devil's Gate.

Sage likely will have her helmet off at this point as well, having set it off to the side within arm's reach. She looks over to Sebastien, "Well, you're Mr. positive." She notes softly, not quite showing amusement in case the man might be right about the claim. She glances forward once more to await the news one way or the other.

The head deadboy approaches the vehicle, and after a brief delay he's followed by two of the others. They try to make it seem casual, but they no doubt make better soldiers than actors. The head 'boy when he reaches the window on the driver's side, and scans the inside silently, while the two others walk around the vehicle. "Howdy, ma'am. That's a fine vehicle you got there." He shakes his head once, eyes turning to Joachim. "No, sir. Just a quick routine check." For those that can read insignia, he's a sergeant. And if none of them are too distracted by the deadboys, they'll see two dogboys step out of the farmhouse and scamper towards the car with much less dignity than the human soldiers are displaying.

Caliopa's foot stays on the brake, her hands staying on the wheel. Her eyes look up to the mirror, giving Sage a nervous look. "Uh I ain't got papers." She whispers to Joachim before the deadboys reach them. She opens the window, letting the soldiers talk to her. Her fingers tap on the wheel, and she nibbles her lower lip. "She is a good 'un." She glances at Joachim, unaware of the dogboys.

Taking the paper prior to the Sergeant's approach, Joachim simply folds it under his hands, saying soothingly enough, "It hopefully won't be a problem," ultimately ignoring Sebastien's pessimistic outlook. But, once the man is at the window, Joachim just nods, focused on the sergeant more than any other goings on. "Y'all are doin' well, t'day, then? No big beasties or anythin' troublin' you?" he asks in his thick western accent, purely conversational small talk - but pleasant.

Sebastien, for his part, just sits back and smiles and sits back, folding his hands on his stomach and saying nothing. His eyes watch Caliopa, then Joachim, and he nods at the Sergeant and says nothing.

With little option but to sit there, Sage considers the conversation between the people in the front seat and the soldiers. Her gaze drifts a bit, content to simply listen to the conversation until some aspect of it pertains to her. A ghost of a smile is given to Cali's reflection when she notes it. Whether she notices the dog boys or not, she doesn't give much sign. There isn't exactly anything they can do about it anyway.

"Ha, no. We've chased those away, sir. The town is safe for you and your friends," the sergeant replies in a jovial tone. One dogboy heads directly to the back of the truck, where he sniffs thoroughly, but in case they're smuggling dangerous magic items or dbees, he likely doesn't find anything. The other follows the former's example, but then walks along the side of the truck until he faces the window. The driver's, of course. There's not much of an attempt to be sneaky.

Caliopa's hands are tense on the wheel, the knuckles whitening. She turns her face to return the look from the dogboy, her smile vanished entirely. Her shoulders are utterly tense, and the foot on the brake presses down urgently, as if in her mind it is the accelerator and she is escaping. "Glad to hear it is safe." Her voice is choked, the fear in her mind making it hard to maintain the routine. If Sage can read her emotions now, it is pure, unadulterated panic.

Joachim chuckles at the sergeant, "Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that. Don't think my shotgun'd do much against somethin' like that, 'cept get it angry." He says, nudging the barrel of the large shotgun in a decidedly non-hostile manner. "Glad you boys were around to help out," he says with a smile, mirroring Caliopa's sentiment, a hand moving to rest on Caliopa's shoulders, in a soothing manner.

Sometimes he just can't help himself. The young Sebastien glances across at Sage and nudges her with his knee, mentioning softly, "Now at least there are three of us who wish I had not slept in my armor." He flashes her a smile and turns his eyes back out the window. It's sort of like riding through a car wash. Everything happens just outside the window, and there's nothing you can do about it.

An innate part of her stirs when the second dog boy comes to the driver's side window, Sage's attention shifts towards it. She isn't using any of her psychic abilities, but being an empath has likely taught Sage to have an eye for certain emotion cues from body language, though. She shuts out of her mind the banter of the other people in the car, "We're only here to lend a helping hand." She says plainly, gaze directed towards the dogboy.

"No, sir. We had to bring in the big guns!" The sergeant's voice remains friendly enough, at least until he notices Caliopa and the effect the dogboy is having on her. "Back!" he barks. The dogboy doesn't look too eager to obey, sending a wary glance up at Caliopa, but just a quick one. He runs back to join the other dogboy, and when it's clear they're not finding anything, the sergeant nods. "We can always use more help. Now, don't wave those guns around too much in town -- someone's bound to take offense." His voice is friendly again. "You're free to proceed. Have a nice day."

Joachim's hand on her shoulders help a little and Caliopa manages an almost smile. The sergeant's bark at the dog makes her jump just a little, but their retreat does wonders for her, and she manages a quick smile at the man, before taking off the brake and easing away from the group, not breathing until she has accelerated away from them. "I ain't sure I can do this, I can't do this, Joachim, I ain't cut out for this." The words are a flow of absolute panic.

Joachim nods and waves at the sergeant with a, "Thank you, I won't. Have a good'un!" before starting to roll up his window as he turns to Caliopa, handing the paper back to Sebastien as he lets Caliopa have her little freak out. "There's nothin' to worry 'bout, really. They're not lookin' for any trouble, an' we certainly don't have any. Jus' try'n relax. If you want, I could drive the rest of the way. Shouldn't be too far."

Sebastien reaches forward for his documents, to retrieve them from Joachim. "No reason to be so afraid," he says softly. "We are human, so they are the good guys. Non?" He winks at Caliopa, and reaches forward to pat her once on the shoulder. "Do not worry so much. Those men are trying to defend humanity against an evil they do not understand. All they do here is say; we are happy to help Laramy, but if we are to spend untold millions until you are back on your feet, you must contribute to the draft. It is not so unreasonable for them, non? After all, we say 'we are willing to help you, but you must keep the trade lines open.' We are all here for something."

Not unmoved by her friend's plight, Sage glances over to Cali with a sympathetic look. Sage has learned over the years to control her emotions to the point over the years. She reaches forward into the front seat to place a hand gently on Cali where it would not distract her from driving. "Cali, as someone told me recently, you need to trust the people you're with..." She gives a gentle pat before letting her ability to suppress people flow into Cali. "I have great confidence in you, and if you ever think you're going to fall apart with panic... seek me out and I shall help you." With that done, she simply sits back into her seat once more. "We can do this." She concludes simply.

On their way they see another few patrols, but not one of them attempts to stop them. As such, it isn't long before they're ready to roll into town. Laramy is a pretty small town, all told. Roughly 2000 citizens, although by the look of it you should think there were more. The reason is pretty obvious: Many of the people in the streets are CS soldiers, but it's rare to see one that's armored. In fact, the only ones wearing armor seems, at first glance, to be the military police. The rest must be on leave, although they're surprisingly well behaved. Come to think of it, many of them are more attractive than you'd expect. As for the rest of the populace, they... wait, what's that? What the hell? They're not looking like something out of an Amnesty International pamphlet. Sure, they're a bit leaner than they should be, but starvation clearly hasn't set in yet. Mission's a bust, return to base. In case they stay, they will pass the Dead Dog saloon, which seems to draw a great number of CS people, as well as 'Laramy General Store', which at a glance doesn't seem to draw much business.

Where are our intrepid heroes going?

The panic does ease and Joachim's words help a little too, settling down. She shakes her head at Joachim's offer, "Gonna drive, keeps me from thinkin'." Sebastien's rational gets him a dirty look in the mirror. "You mebbe are sayin' that, I'm sayin' what can I do to help." She shakes her head, concentrating on the driving. She drives into town, slowing as she passes the businesses. "Where to, boss?" She asks Joachim lightly, her fingers tapping on the wheel.

Joachim considers for a moment, watching the town for several moments as they approach. "Well, let's pull off here, first. Clear out've the road before we get in, an' see what needs to be doin'. An' Sebastien should prob'ly get his horse, else everyone'll be wonderin' about it. It doesn't seem to be quite so bad, from here at least," he says, musing. "But, that doesn't change anythin', really. If there's somethin' they need, or somethin' we can do, well, we've got the supplies here, anyway."

Piling out, Sebastien gathers up his helmet and goes to check on Sara. "Is it that anyone else has a radio?" he wonders. "I will stay with the truck, of course. You should look into lodgings, mingle a bit. We can decide what to do with the rest in daylight." He carefully checks Sara's straps, beginning with her armor and then her saddle, making little discouraged noises. "Sooner or later," he says to her, "I will get you that new skin coat. Just another job." He pats Sara.

Sage listens the conversation about the course of action they'll be taken thoughtfully, but doesn't interrupt Joachim's comment. "Looked like one of the buildings was rather popular." She comments softly, before looking towards Sebastien. "If I wear my helmet, I have a radio built-in.

The people of the town, as well as the CS citizens, watch the truck with some degree of surprise or uncertainty. They pause to look at it as it passes, but they remain unaccosted.

Caliopa glances between the others, ending up on a questioning look to Joachim. "I can stay with the truck, bed her down a bit 'n' stuff. Got a radio in it so..." She tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, glancing over her shoulder at Sage, with a soft comment, undertones of dislike in it. "Reckon the officers like the drink."

"I'm goin' to be headin' to try'n meet with somebody who's in charge, see if I can't find somewhere that could need the supplies, anyways. An' I'd say you should prob'ly stay out of obvious armour, an' leave the helmet off," he says, glancing around. "Try not t'call too much attention." As to the talk of radios, "I've got one, outside the truck too, but if I'm in a meetin' or anythin', I'll prob'ly have it off or turned way down," he says with a slight shrug, stepping out of the car and leaving the shotgun there. "Unless one've you'd like to have it," he says, turning to everybody else.

Sebastien suggests mildly, as he sees to his horse, "Best keep it, I would think we will be better without helmets, or armor for that matter, unless with the truck. We stick out." He flashes a glance at Caliopa's suggestion of staying with the truck, but wisely says nary a word.

Sage glances over to Cali, "I reckon there's more than just officers there, but I suppose we might see soon enough." She shrugs, before giving a sigh. "Fine... you're just lucky I haven't gotten a chance to buy environmental armor yet..." She mutters as she begins to slip out of the armor to reveal one of her normal outfits. Fortunately she brought some warm clothing to go ontop of it.

Caliopa clicks the bonnet on the truck, pulling some bits and pieces out of her tool chest along with a can of oil. "Gonna just check she ain't hurtin' before I park her up right." She mumbles, her cheeks a little flushed. "Uh, we settin' out a place to sleep or we all crashin' in the truck?" She pushes a rag into her pocket, already having found a smudge of oil to brush across her cheek.

Following suit, Joachim removes his gloves, and various other overt things that make him seem particularly armoured, leaving simply a rather bulky man under a long flowing robe. Moving to the back of the truck, Joachim climbs up briefly, grabbing his backpack and pulling out his radio and clicking it on. "I'd like you guys to see'f we can find somewhere somewhat less cramped an' conspicuous than that. Should be a couple've inns or somethin', around that'd be more'n happy to see a few credits," he says, somewhat distractedly. "Just make sure you're always either in contact, or we know where you're goin' t'be. I'm not imaginin' too many issues, but y'never know," he says as he prepares to split off.

Sebastien will stay with the truck until supplies are unloaded! Yes. He finishes presently with Sara, and turns his rifle over a couple times before tucking it back into the truck, finding a nice comfy curb to sit on nearby. Someplace he can watch Caliopa work. His helmet sits beside him, and he keeps his eyes up, standing every now and again to circle the truck, getting a feel for ... the cul de sac he's parked in for the next twelve hours or so.

With familiarity with her armor, Sage is able to remove it in short order and snuggles into her warmer clothing before making sure that her hair isn't tangled into the new clothing. "Well, I can't keep in contact if I can't wear the helmet... so, I guess I'll go wander over to ask some folks and see what I can find us that inn." She comments, "Company would be welcome, though." She looks to Joachim since Cali has already said she'd stay with the truck... and... Sebastien is Sebastien.

Caliopa works on the truck for a little while, the routine maintenance work soothing her nerves, and increasing the oil smudge to skin ratio by around one hundred percent. She doesn't glance up, and sometimes she murmurs something, to herself or possibly to the truck. Finally, she steps back, giving the engine a critical look, wiping her hands on the cloths which pretty much oil covered and just smears them around. "I'm done. I guess we go find this inn then." She turns towards the others, her tools in her hand.

Finding mayor Karl Jackson won't be too difficult. They could ask anyone in the town, and they'd be able to give them directions. Alternately, they could just find the city hall... such as it is. While it's larger than most of the buildings in the town, it's not a grand building by any means. Well constructed, but with SDC materials, except for supporting beams and such. They both face a mousy secretary dressed in conservative clothes, who peers at them. "Yes? How may I help you?"

Joachim smiles warmly at the woman, backpack strapped tightly down, and his robe flowing around him. "I'm sorry t'be droppin' in on such short notice, but I was lookin' to set up a meetin' with the mayor. I'm Rev. Joachim Okkerval, an' I came on a bit've a humanitarian mission, from Kingsdale - even if it seems you're doin' surprisin'ly well without our help," he says with a slight chuckle. His smile easy and warm, he even manages to look slightly sheepish, with things not quite being so bad as to necessitate a 'humanitarian' mission.

As she walks with Joachim, Sage allows her gaze drift about as if taking note of particular things. She'll defer to Joachim when it comes to talking with people to let them know that Joachim is the one in charge. She even follows a half step back from him to put emphasis on this. She nods to his words to the woman, offering a simple smile.

"Reverand, I've been thinking of something on the way here." She adds, "While we wait." She wont interrupt the conversation for now. She offers another smile to secretary.

The woman... blinks. "Kingsdale?" She stares at Joachim as if he just grew a second head. And maybe a third one for good measure. "I'll inform the mayor, reverend." She taps the intercom on her neat desk. "Karl... mayor Jackson, there are some people here to see you. From Kingsdale."

There's a pregnant pause before the reply comes: "Send them in, Jeanette."

The secretary looks up at them. "The mayor will see you now. Through the doors." She indicates a pair of sparsely decorated, but solid oak doors.

Joachim smiles at the lady, not giving any attention to her sudden confusion and ... concern? "Thank you, kindly," he says, moving through the door and assuming Sage is in tow. Upon seeing the Mayor, he will extend his hand if at all possible, smiling warmly. "Hello," he'll start, "I'm Rev. Joachim Okkerval," he'll say, giving pause for Sage to introduce herself before continuing, "Sorry if we're interruptin' anythin'. I know it's rather sudden, an' probably unexpected."

Sage just assumes an open neutral face when it seems they wont have a moment to speak, and follows Joachim when it seems they're to be shown right in. "And, I'm Sage... his assistant." she offers by way of explanation. She considers the major, but lets Joachim do most of the talking.

The office isn't outright spartan, but the furnishings are sensible and not overly pricy. The mayor is a stout man in his fifties. Although age has taken its toll on his body, leaving him grey and balding, he remains in good shape. It's unlikely he spent his entire life behind a desk, although his calloused hands suggest it might be from labor instead of time spent in a gym or in military training. "Karl Jackson. I'm always willing to see visitors from Kingsdale. It happens so rarely." His tone is dry, but softens slightly when he gestures towards the chairs in front of his desk. "Have a seat. How can I help you, Reverend?"

Joachim smiles, dipping his head at the offered seat, seating himself, and waiting for Sage to do the same before he begins. "Well, truth be told, the word that reached Kingsdale put you in a rather graver situation 'n the one you've actually got," he says, his smile tending towards sheepish. "I'm Associate Director of the Knights of Hippocrates - it's a recently founded charitable organization in Kingsdale," he explains, "And we rather wanted to help, an' try to establish a bit of a rapport with you. We've a few supplies, if you would take them."

A mild frown skips across Sage's features, which she conceals by looking down to draw some locks of hair to her face and brushes them away with a hand as she moves to sit in one of the chairs. Once the frown has been replaced by the neutral expression once more, she looks to the mayor. She thinks back to something that happened in the garden with a man she was speaking with there. She begins to wish she could hear the man's thoughts, feeling the whispers creep into the back of her mind and tries to focus on it. Could it be that she's developing telepathically as well? She forces a smile to her lips. "We'd be glad to help with any troubles you're community is facing." She says, trying deliberately to get the man to think briefly on what might be wrong.

Karl Jackson watches Joachim. It's hard to say what goes through his mind, but it takes a while before he answers. "Has anyone seen these supplies?" His voice is subtly guarded. Sage receives a quick glance, surprised as if he'd forgotten she was there, and then he turns his full attention back to Joachim.

"Not so far as I'm aware," Joachim replies to the rather direct question, unphased. "They're fewer than we might have liked to bring, with only a single truck's worth, with a tarp thrown over the back. A fair amount of it's medical in nature. We were rather expectin' conditions to be a little worse than they are, an' didn't want to cause too much of a rush, or disturbance," he says, smiling and watching the mayor. "I'm glad to see that the reports that reached us were rather exaggerated, however."

Sage's brow creeps upwards a little, but she lets it sink back down after a moment. She glances over to Joachim, then she looks to the mayor. "If your brought your radio, reverend, I could call back to them to make sure they are behaving themselves." She offers softly, falling quiet to allow the men speak. Her expression a fixed neutral, almost forced.

The mayor nods slowly, but then more firmly as he digests what he's told. "You may wish to look up Bill Pierce. He can be found at Atkin's farm most of the time. Old Atkins lets them play soldiers in his backyard." His tone is wry again, and he's more calm when he folds his hands and looks at the two. This time, Sage gets an almost equal share of his attention. "I'm afraid I don't have much time to spare. I'm expecting some envoys from Whykin to arrive soon."

Joachim bobs his head at the time-pressure imposed. "We'll likely be in town for another day or two, as we unload, and simply relax after the long drive. I could have someone run you where we're stayin' the night, if you wanted," Joachim offers. "So long as you're willing to accept our help, we'll be more than happy to offer it," he says, the very picture of sincerity. After a brief hesitation, he asks, "And Bill Pierce should be able to help us offload, an' make sure it all gets to where it'll do the most good?"

Sage returns her attention to the mayor with a faint look of concentration on her face mixed with the neutral expression. She offers a faint smile to the Mayor, "Of course." She replies simply, looking back to Joachim before glancing back to the mayor. She doesn't say anything else.

"I will naturally consider your offer," Karl Jackson promises in a neutral, but polite tone. "I'm sure Pierce can deal with it." A small paurse. "There are a lot of visitors in my town at the moment. Let my secretary know if you have any problems finding lodgings. Have a good day." With that, he glances down at some papers at his desk.

@emit Joachim is nonplussed by the rather rude treatment - really, it doesn't even seem like he notices it. "Thank you very much for your time, I hope he'll be able t'get us sorted, an' maybe set up a recurrin' thing," is said as he rises to his feet, extending his hand. "It was a pleasure meetin' you, Mayor Jackson. Good day to you, 's well."

"Yes, thank you and good day." Sage says softly, rising from her seat. She'll simply return to following Joachim's lead.

"I hope you enjoy your stay in our little town, reverend. If you need anything, most anything can be found at Laramy General Store." The mayor looks up momentarily, but quickly returns to his papers.

With a smile, Joachim will turn to leave, pleasant, though his jaw will clench slightly as they exit the mayor's office. Passing the secretary, he'll smile, wave, and give her similar thanks and well-wishing before stepping outside and turning to Sage. "Well, that was interestin'. What d'you think?"

Caliopa sits on the step of the truck, her cheeks scarlet, shaking her head. "My bum ain't different to noone else's." She mumbles, rubbing the small smudges from each tool, avoiding looking up. "Ain't anythin' I got to do over you actin' the fool...You just do it." She points the tool at Sebastien before putting it away. "Ain't no call to be doin' it." The truck has been serviced, and the traffic is moving slowly past it. Sebastien is stood next to Cali, grinning at her, his eyes alight with teasing.

As they walk out of the mayor's offer, Sage will offer a small smile to the secretary but she doesn't say anything. "Yes, it was." She replies softly, "I hope you won't think it improper of me, but I'd like to discuss an idea with the group. I know you're the leader, though."

Joachim nods, beginning the walk back to the truck as he considers the meeting. "By all means, I'm hardly the 'leader,' I'm just the one in charge of helpin' 'em. You have any particular impressions 'bout it all? Maybe somethin' I might've missed?" he asks as they walk, coming up on the truck just as Sage is responding. Waving at Cali and Sebastien on the approach.

Sebastien nods a few times at what Caliopa says, leaning against the side of the truck. In his armor! Maybe it's MDC paint. He holds his his hands and backs away from the woman as she points the wrench at him, saying softly, "Slow down, there, Sheriff." He does glance up, looking around the area again to make a show of doing his job before peering down at the mechanic again to speak in a soft voice, "Just because there is no good reason to do a thing, does not mean it should not be done."

Caliopa's cheeks are pink and she slams the lid on her tool chest a little harder than it really needs, however sticky it can get. "Sometimes it does." She tells Sebastien, pulling the cloth from her pocket to rub at her hands, more of a nervous gesture than anything, her gaze moving towards the other two. "So, what're we doin', boss?" She asks, giving Sage a quick glance, before speaking to Joachim.

A soft chuckle comes from Joachim, "Don't be so modest." Sage says, "And, how could you have missed anything?" This time she gives him a quick significant look. "I'm sure you must be itching to get started. Shall we go back and tell the others the news?"

Sebastien doesn't say anything to that, smile unabated as he meanders away to raise a hand to the approaching pair. "Salut mes amis! You bring good tidings?" he asks, shaking the snow once more off his helmet. The young man looks entirely too amused with himself, and glances over his shoulder once at the still-steamed mechanic.

"The mind just wanders, an' one comes up with all sorts of worries. Like maybe this Bill Pierce fellah might want to play soldier on us. Pretty unlikely, prob'ly, but he was rather standoffish 'bout the whole thing," Joachim will say, closing off the conversation as he comes up, smiling at Caliopa's question. "I think we'll be grabbin' a room for the night, an' tryin' to get all that sorted, before we go see a man about droppin' this stuff off, an' then we should be free t'do whatever."

Caliopa nods at Joachim, shoving the cloth into her pocket again. "I can lock this up, nice 'n' snug, no problems." She turns to the truck, rummaging in it for the personal bag she bought, sliding its strap over her shoulder before turning to the others. "You all get your kit 'n' I'll put her to bed, snug as a bug." She smothers a yawn at that, leaning against the side of the truck, her body language tired. "Reckon I'm gonna eat, shove me in a shower, 'n' get a bit of sleep. Ain't much use over anythin' til I got done."

As they approach the others, Sage will take a moment to take a subtle look around before she walks to the side of the vehicle away that shields her from the people in the town. She'll sink down to sit and rub her temples a little. "Just keep doing whatever you're doing now." She says, "There's definitely something fishy here." She starts off, letting the others digest that first. "I'm not sure if you noticed, Joachim, but all the citizens were surprised to see us.... and the soldier boys don't particularly like us being here, but I don't think they mean any harm... yet." She says, looking to Joachim. "And, I picked up some interesting stuff from the mayor too."

"Of course they are surprised to see us," Sebastien replies, opening a door to the truck to rummage around through his own belongings. "The Coalition is isolating the town. Nobody has come in from outside in a long time. So why did they let us? And are we going to make it home?" Sebastien tilts his head to the side, and shrugs. "Perhaps we are to be made an example. Frame one of us of murder, along with the Kingsdale-based-NTI truck, and things take a new light." He quirks an eyebrow at Sage, and smiles. "I am sunshine today, non?"

Joachim goes about gathering the pieces of his armour he removed earlier and sliding them into his backpack, while simultaneously extracting a notebook and pen. His initial sentiments mirror Sebastien's, though the talk of framing, and the framing of everything in such intrigue just gets a frown and a hard look from the preacher. "Go on with your concerns," he says rather firmly, "I'd be more'n happy to hear out everythin' you have to say."

Caliopa glances between the three of them, pushing her hands deeply into her pockets, her shoulders hunching a little to keep the bag on them. Sebastien's comments make her frown, and a flash of worry in her eyes in case his dark comments are possible. "Uh, mebbe you two should talk 'n' Seb 'n' I get us set up with some rooms. On account of us bein' a side show out here." She glances around, worrying her lower lip.

Sage looks to Sebastien, getting a faint smile. "Yes, he is desperate to get trade back open because of that." she says, before just speaking generally to the group. "And with that, he's concerned that someone has already seen our supplies." She glance towards Cali and nod her head. She'll try to wait for Cali to get out of easy earshot before she continues as she looks back to Joachim. "I don't think he knows how much faith to put in us, but he'd like to trust us... and, perhaps more wishful hoping that the Coalition States will pack up and go away." She shrugs to that point. "Anyway, he's cautious but he respects this Pierce guy... and he thinks doing things this way will avoid rubbing the soldier boys the wrong way... he's hoping whatever we do with this Pierce guy will work out. I'm not sure what to expect from this guy, though." She hms, "Oh, and the mayor liked you..." "One more thing... we have 3 days until the Whykin guys arrive."

"Whykin?" Sebastien asks. "This is another Coalition town, now. What is it that they would do?" He reaches to run a gauntleted hand over his stubble, scratching at the side of his face where it itches. "Not open trade. The Coalition wants this town to be alone. So. Convince Laramy that this is not so bad? Or pretend to be someone else and attack, to turn up the heat? Allow the CS to defend them, heroically?"

Joachim takes all the information in, though it doesn't disperse all of his worries, though Sebastien's thinking-out-loud is ignored for the moment. "Alright, that doesn't really change anythin' we've got to do, but it gives us a bit clearer've a timeline. An' I'm glad 'e liked me," he finishes with a grin and a chuckle. "Get the inn set up, an' everythin' all sorted. I'll stay with the truck, 'til then, an' we can go meet this Pierce guy, if nobody has any objections."

Caliopa returns in relatively short order, with a warm smile, her bag missing now. "Folks here are rightly friendly enough." She informs them quickly, "I got us a couple of rooms up at this Inn folks sent me along to. Real comfy enough. Got a real good price too." Her cheeks are pink and she indicates the way to the showers and the food and the beds!

"As long as we don't go shouting that we have supplies from the roof-tops... you're the boss." Sage says softly to keep her voice from travelling as she moves to stand up. She brushes herself off gently, and smiles to Cali when she comes back. "Good stuff." She'll move along with the others to the inn.

Just follow the mud road.

They're not harrassed by anyone at this point, although word have gotten around. People are less surprised, but more curious. And some of the off duty CS troops send them many a dirty look.

Atkin's farm can be found outside of the town; it's one of the farms closest to the forest. There is, indeed, a mud-and-gravel road leading out there. It's no doubt decent in summer, but right now it's pretty terrible. The Diplo navigates them well, however, and it doesn't take them all that long before they're pulling up to the farm, possibly with mack daddy Joachim at the wheel. They can see three dented and muddy but serviceable pickup trucks parked there, as well as a bunch of people milling about. The majority of them are armed, although there's a disgusting amount of Plastic Men and other old and low cost armors among them. Each of them are armed as well, some with MDC rifles, others with SDC shotguns or rifles. They might not notice right away, but pistols are under represented here. Any gear visible is pretty low tech -- such as the standard optics binoculars they've been watching the group with. A good twenty people, all of them looking expectantly at the Diplo.

As they approach the rather motley group, Joachim rolls down his window, giving a friendly wave. Pulling up to the where the other cars are parked, he calls, "Hallo! Nice day today!"

Comfortably seated in the passenger's seat, Sage looks around at the surrounding landscape as they drive along the mud road. "This is closer to what I'm used to... well, without all the soldier boys around." She comments softly on the trip there. When they get closer to their destination and can see what is around. She'll take Joachim's lead with weapons, which may well be left in the truck given they'd be outnumbered if a fight brought out anyway. She'll takes on the role of the assistant again that will simply trail Joachim around. Her empathic side begins to unfurl once more as they are likely soon to meet another important figure here.

There's a certain lack of discipline among the men. More of a sense of camaradie. Those armors aren't give the spit and polish you'd see among, say, CS soldiers either, although they've clearly seen use in the past. Mostly scratches from animals and monsters, however, whereas it's rare to see the remains of weapons fire. "Who th' hell are you?" one of the men asks. A big, burly man with bushy eyebrows and a plenty of lines on his face. He must be in his late fourties or so, though he's more weathered than one would expect. "Watcha want?" None of them go for their weapons.

Shifting the truck into park and killing the engine, Joachim opens the door rather freely and choosing to ignore that hostility, smiling as he steps out of the truck - his shotgun and helmet sitting in the middle of the front seat. "I'm Rev. Joachim Okkerval, and this is Miss Sage, who's been assistin' me over the past few days," Joachim begins, gesturing to wherever Sage might presently be. "Mayor Jackson directed us t'you. We were told t'be lookin' for Mr. Pierce?"

When Joachim shuts the vehicle down and gets out of the car, Sage will follow him out. She simply assumes a neutral open expression, as she moves slightly towards where Joachim will come around the vehicle. She gives a small smile to the man, "Hi." She says simply.

The man blinks once, then looks back at his boys for a while before looking back at Joachim again. "Yeh, sure, reverend." He sounds a mite ashamed there too. "Right this way, preacher." He at least manages a neutral tone, and when he finishes he turns around and heads into the farmhouse. They're no doubt expected to follow.

Since she'd be the first to be able to sniff out trouble, Sage ends up taking the lead this time around. Her gaze drifts about as she follows the man, unless the footing is troublesome. She'll probably end up switching back to being behind Joachim when they get to the man they want to talk to.

Joachim turns to Sage, hesitating for a moment to see how she reacts, Joachim follows both toward their destination. "No need for apologies," Joachim will say, lightly, "You're just bein' cautious, an' no man can be faulted for tryin' to keep himself safe." Remaining alert, but putting on an air of relaxation, he continues, teasing, "You boys keepin' out of trouble, out here?"

The man casts a look over his shoulder, sending Joachim a Look, but he doesn't comment. Instead he leads them into the farmhouse (although he first stops and carefully wipes his feet on the mat), and then through a short hallway up to a door. Inside there's a heated discussion going on, but it ends abruptly when the man knocks on the door. "Yeah?" "'S a rev'rend Okkerval t' see you, Bill." There's a pause before the door opens and two men leave. They look much the same as the ones out front, although these wear somewhat better armors. The man inside is unarmored, and he's more dressed like a 'good old boy' than a soldier, wannabe or not. "I am Bill Pierce, commanding officer of Laramy's Militia." He looks both Joachim and Sage over before he adds, "Come on in."

Joachim's expression doesn't dip, even as the man glares and doesn't respond. Letting the rest of the walk be done in silence, he dips his head as he is introduced to Pierce. "A pleasure to meet you," he says, moving to extend a hand, "Though we seem t'be interruptin' wherever we go," chuckling. "This is Miss Sage," he will add, stepping aside and waiting for response.

Sage's pace is relaxed and easy as she follows the man to the farmhouse, and will wipe her own feet on the mat as well. She'll move slightly off to the side to allow Joachim to obtain a prominent position when they are greated. She hears the voices, instincts already telling her that something important might be learned... if she can find the right person or mind. She quickly focuses on the man identifying himself as Bill Pierce. Once more, she wishes she could hear the man's thoughts and begins to focus on the whispers once they begin to form in the back of her head. She isn't sure if she'll be too late at this point. "Hi." She says simply once more, waiting to follow the group into the building.

"You're the people from Kingsdale. What the Hell do you want?" Bill Pierce demands before adding a quick, "'Scuse my french, reverend." The 'office' is pretty sparsely decorated. Wooden furniture, and a map on one wall with colored pins. There's an old but decent radio in one end of the room, and a table with some papers and various useful but inexpensive gear. Bill is wearing a belt with an older Wilks pistol holstered at his side, Western style. He's a fairly big man, much like his men, but he seems more alert and in better overall shape. He could be a retired headhunter or mercenary, or maybe he's just one of those guys.

Joachim chuckles at the outburst, and the quick apology, "No offense taken. Shall we sit?" he will ask, nonplussed at the lack of hospitality. If a seat is then offered, it shall be taken - if not (regardless of how rude the man may be), he will simply stand before continuing: "As I explained to Mayor Jackson, I am Assistant Director to a recently founded charitable group, Knights of Hippocrates. I realize that prob'ly doesn't mean a whole lot t'you out here, but we've been havin' a lot of reports come through about the conditions over here." Hesitating a moment, with a sheepish smile, "Now, most of 'em have gravely exaggerated how things actually are, but, since we've brought a truck of supplies - food and medical - to aid y'all, I see no reason why it not go to whatever good it might. Mayor Jackson told us that you would be the man to see to make sure they went to good use." The last sentence is said with a subtle tinge of flattery, but nothing lavish.

Letting Joachim lead the meeting, Sage allows her gaze to run quickly over the office. Her attention will remain mostly on Bill with a glance every so often towards Joachim. "I just hope we haven't come at a bad time." She adds quietly, as if trying to delicately recognize that the anger hasn't gone completely unnoticed. Her other intention to see if she could draw any thoughts about what passed earlier back to the forefront before they are filed away again.

Bill Pierce gestures towards two chairs. He stares at Joachim as he speaks, and although his muscles are tense, he does seem to listen carefully. "Took you long enough. Thought Kingsdale had forgotten we existed." He reaches up and rubs the back of his neck. Frustrated. "We have jack and shit in the way of food. Medical supplies is a little better. The skull boys let our supplies run out. We had to ask before they offered any." He narrows his eyes, and his tone is full of revulsion when he continues. "Not that they gave us much. They like it that we have to keep asking them. We could use any supplies you've brought, but we sure as h... we have to keep them hidden." He caught himself that time; angry or not, he doesn't seem to like the idea of swearing in front of Joachim.

Joachim takes it all in, nodding. "I'm afraid I only recently came to the city, myself - and as I said we are a rather recent organization. I can't tell y'why nobody else took the initiative to help, though I am truly sorry that things have progressed such," he says, sincerely apologetic for all of Kingsdale. "The supplies are all in the back of the truck that we drove here, an' while I realize it's just a drop in an ocean of what's needed, we weren't sure what kind've reception we'd be gettin'. If you want, we can do what we can to supply more."

Sage tilts her head slightly as she studies the man as he speaks, pursing her lips. She looks between the two men, considering the words that are exchanged. She thinks back to conversations she had with people on her own agendas back in Kingsdale. "Supplies may be a drop in the bucket... but, they could be used to set up something self-sustaining with the right supplies." She comments faintly, before deciding to fall silent once more.

Pierce looks from Joachim to Sage and back again. "Like I said, we need supplies. The Coalition has us by the... where they want us. Sons of..." He trails off for a moment, but then decides to finish. "Sons of bitches. Sorry about that, reverend, but they sure as hell are. We can't get through the winter without some help, but no man should have to take hand outs from the devil."

Joachim smiles once more as Sage comments, dipping his head a moment as Pierce makes his comments. "We will do what we can, though as you say, there are more than a few obstacles to us bein' able to do it all unhampered." After a few moments of thinking, he nods to himself, "As Miss Sage has brought up, we will be attemptin' to supply more than just stop-gap boxes of food an' supplies, though it will likely be bit harder t'keep secret. We want t'help you try'n get a string of self-sustainin' greenhouses up. An' though I would've liked to bring a woman who had the expertise to get it all started this trip... the situation demanded that she not come." His gaze remains focused rather intently on Pierce for a few moments before he drops it. "But, you know the situation far better than I. What would be most helpful?"

Sage glances towards Joachim when he says something about another woman having the needed expertise. "I have helped a community successful harvest crops for years." She notes softly, her hand raising to brush against a beaded strand that has a special significance to her. She decides to probe Joachim later about who this other woman would be, but settles herself to look between the two men for now.

Pierce remains silent as he processes all that. "We need our food stores replenished, but the Coalition can't get news of that. I hear the town mechanics are running a bit low on parts. Our supplies are pretty low all around... old Lenth is just about ready to close down his store." He scratches his stubbled cheek lightly. "At any rate, you can't set up jack with the Coalition here."

Joachim nods. "We'll attempt to supply all that you ask, though we are rather limited in our movements, as I'm sure you're well aware. We only just came through, an' already everybody's well aware of our presence, an' rather suspicious to boot." He shakes his head, a moment before reiterating, "But yes, we will supply what support we might, both materially and with skilled labour."

Sage doesn't seem to be put off that she is just chipping in the odd conversation, as she seems to have other things on her mind as well. "I don't suppose you may have any ideas in that regard..." She says, trying to keep a hint of humor in her voice so that the man might think of options yet may not suggest an exterme one. Her prompting comes after the last comment by the man seated across from him. Her attention focused on him and whatever thoughts may cross his mind.

Pierce frowns thoughtfully. He's silent for a few minutes as he considers the situation. "They'll know about it unless we meet up in the forest. They ain't gonna stop you from coming. Pretty sure about that. We need something to win the folks in town over again. They've warmed up to the deadboys real well. Had some friction when they chased away Old Man Scales and his grandkids. Was a mighty poor thing. Was worse with Jed the cow boy. Damned shame about him. Was real handy in the fields." While he rambles a bit, he retains a thoughtful look, mulling it all over.

Joachim simply sits, giving the man time to think. As he so does, he begins letting his eyes wander around the room, waiting patiently.

Sage purses her lips as she considers the words that the man says and the thoughts that she senses as well. She takes a moment to glance around the room, before focusing on Pierce once more. "I don't suppose you have a map..." She prompts softly, "Might be able to figure out a few things."

Pierce indicates the map on the wall with all its colored pins. "Up there, miss. Only way I can think of to get the supplies through without the deadboys knowing about it is through the forest. Wouldn't go there myself... the place is crawling with raptors." He looks back at Joachim, gauging him carefully. "Been hoping for some juicers, though Old Billy would prove a match for them."

As the talk turns toward juicers, Joachim's attention is brought back to the fore. "Old Billy?" he asks, his eyebrows furrowing. "And the juicers would be to... clear out the raptors?" He seems very... focused on this point.

"I could probably scout it out." Sage says softly, not really trying to sound boastful in the least. She raises to her feet to go over to the map to study the options it presents. "Are you thinking of having the greenhouses in the forest as well?" She studies the forest area, looking for what seems the best path that could be taken through the forest.

Pierce nods. "If the Coalition goes, the dinosaurs return. I don't think they could handle Old Billy... the biggest, meanest T-Rex you'd care to think of. The old bastard did damn near half the damage to the farms himself. The deadboys haven't put him down. I dunno if they can't or don't want to. They chase him away whenever he shows up." He blinks and looks over at Sage as she derails his mental train. "Greenhouses wouldn't last in the forest. It's always been mean."

Joachim nods once more. "We'll see what we can do about gettin' some people to help keep the forest clear, for meetings. I can't promise anythin' to do with juicers, or the lack, but I'll do what I can to help, and get more people to help. If the forest's the best place to meet, then we can set up a designated area, and perhaps a schedule."

Sage nods faintly to the man's words, "Then the best spot for them would probably be ... here..." She taps a section of land that seems to be suitable for their purposes, before she purses her lips as she considers the forest. "Fighting raptors in the forest might be the most... stealth of things." She comments, glancing towards the man. "If this... Old Billy was somehow brought to meet some of these raptors, do you suppose that may scare 'em off a bit?" She's just full of strange questions.

Pierce nods slowly. He isn't completely sold on the idea, but he's willing to go with it for now. "If you could chase the raptors away it'd solve a buncha problems. I wouldn't tangle with Old Billy. He's a mean... he's mean and smart. I don't doubt he could chase the raptors away from an area for a while, but they'd be back soon, and he might turn the tables on you." He smiles faintly, not sounding too hopeful when he asks, "Don't suppose you could put him down for us?"

Joachim considers briefly, "I'm afraid that I can't give you any promises of that kind. This was, and remains to be a humanitarian mission, and while we would be happy to rid you of any number of dinosaurs, large and small... it's not somethin' that we're designed to do. When I get back t'Kingsdale, I'll make inquiries, an' see if we can't help, but by ourselves..." Joachim's smile is truly apologetic. "We'll do what we can, an' I promise you I'll try'n get as many people involved in this. But, 'specially with the Coalition here..." he shrugs, helplessly before rallying, "Let us take small steps, first. We'll unload the supplies, an' get things readied for further trips. An' perhaps, in time, we'll take care of Ol' Billy for you."

Sage turns around from the map, "Hm... I think I may have an idea, but I'll need Old Billy to do it." Yes, it seems like a ridiculous plan is about to be formed. "If I understand correctly, any new supplies have to be hidden... and we don't have the ability to fight off the dinosaurs right now." She pauses, "I'm sure that the soldier boys would be more than happy to see us drive off with our supplies... but, if the raptors could be scared off for a bit, we might be able to drop them off in the forest... set a timeline so that you guy can pick them up before the raptors come back... and we can work out plans from there."

Pierce shakes his head. "Ain't gonna send you to your deaths. Ain't going to do that to no man, and especially no preacher." The man sighs and rises to his full, not unimpressive height. "Let's get the stuff unloaded. My boys will..." He trails off and turns to stare at Sage. "...I'd rather deal with a hundred raptors than Old Billy. That bastard is *mean*."

Joachim turns to Sage, considering. "There's plenty of time for plannin' things out, an' gettin' it ready, later," he says, not casting any particular aspersions on the plan so much as indicating that now's not the time for that. Turning back to Bill, he nods. "If you have any spare maps, or anythin' that might be helpful, we'd be glad to take 'em. We'll run what supplies we might, an' I promise everythin' I can do to help you will be done."

Sage nods slowly to Pierce, "Very well." She then looks to Joachim, "And, my apologies... this your show." She quiets down once more, before she goes back to study the map. If it seems like the conversation will be drawing to a close and having them leave, she'll drift accordingly.

Pierce nods. "Yeah, I've got a map in my truck." He'll lead them outside, and then have a bunch of his boys help unload the truck. When they're done, he hands over a folded up map of Laramy and the surrounding area. Decent quality, although the forest section isn't very detailed. "Here. We'll deal with the supplies." There's a pause before he adds, "Been good meeting you. Hope to see you again."

Joachim takes it, nodding. "We'll be back through. An'... is there a way to get through to here, without goin' through all the Coalition soldiers?" This seems to be the last thing he's really concerned about, for the moment, overseeing the unloading and making sure that his things aren't accidentally unloaded with the supplies.

With the main component of their task accomplished, Sage remains silent through the last bit. She'll just wait for the people to be done and climb into the vehicle afterward.

"Just through the forest, reverend." And with that, they can drive back to find out which part of Caliopa Sebastien is fawning about at the moment.The town becomes dark. The electricity is out. While some people, and the light industries, have emergency generators, it's nowhere near enough to supply the town at large. Thankfully, everyone's friend, the CS, might be willing to help. Lt. Simon Crowell is reputedly considering driving in an APC and using its generator to power the town, but, well, "...Usually we only do that sort of thing for affiliates...." as he's told the mayor.

Bural, the town's head techie, is willing to see and listen to Caliopa. More than willing. He's even more willing to show her the generator. It's standing there in its dedicated room, looking very non-functional. It must have caught on fire at least briefly, judging by the soot on the machine and the surrounding area. The model itself is pretty old, but rather powerful too. Likely scavenged from somewhere when they founded Laramy. "So that's it," Bural, a chubby guy in his fifties with greasy overalls, tells her. "I can't fix it. I simply don't have the parts."

Caliopa's face is serious, but she gives the machine a look of sympathy, "She is a right beautiful one 'n' all..." She murmurs, brushing her fingertips across the machine's side. "Mind if I take a look in her? I ain't one for doin' work in public, makes me right nervous..." She gives him an embarrassed grin, her cheeks pink as she glances back at the others. She swallows nervously, making an effort to trust the others to have her back as she presses a hand against the machine's panels and closes her eyes. She stands still, her expression blank for a few long minutes.

Bural, the town's head techie, is willing to see and listen to Caliopa. More than willing. He's even more willing to show her the generator. It's standing there in its dedicated room, looking very non-functional. It must have caught on fire at least briefly, judging by the soot on the machine and the surrounding area. The model itself is pretty old, but rather powerful too. Likely scavenged from somewhere when they founded Laramy. "So that's it," Bural, a chubby guy in his fifties with greasy overalls, tells her. "I can't fix it. I simply don't have the parts."

Caliopa's face is serious, but she gives the machine a look of sympathy, "She is a right beautiful one 'n' all..." She murmurs, brushing her fingertips across the machine's side. "Mind if I take a look in her? I ain't one for doin' work in public, makes me right nervous..." She gives him an embarrassed grin, her cheeks pink as she glances back at the others. She swallows nervously, making an effort to trust the others to have her back as she presses a hand against the machine's panels and closes her eyes. She stands still, her expression blank for a few long minutes.

Joachim is standing well away from the actual work, and the machine, letting Caliopa work. Really, he's just here on the off chance that something comes up, or he might be able to help. Moral support and uselessness, go!

Sagacious Jade wanders out of the increasingly dim light, holding...well, a torch. Where he got it, who knows. Perhaps there was a pitchfork and torches going out of business sale somewhere on the way. either way, it's much easier to walk in the dark with one, and once he'd questioned around a bit, he was pointed this direction for where the power generator was. Figuring it wouldn't hurt to ask if he could help, here he is. He hmms and pauses, peering inside a bit. "Hello?"

Unlike Cali, Sage is rather clueless when it comes to machines. She'll hold a light or something useful for the woman. "Let me know if you find anything suspicious." She says, "But, hopefully its just... broken down."

Caliopa drops her hand, opening her eyes and blinking. A moment to catch her balance and she is talking to Bural quickly, "She ain't well at all, reckon she needs some parts replacin' but it is possible that I can fix up a piece of it. If you got a replacement voltage regulator, I can mess with the panel 'n' see if I can't get a few more days from it." She glances over at Sage, shaking her head, "Ain't anythin' dodgy, mostly age 'n' lovin' she needs."

"Ain't no gawkers coming in here. 'Cept yer friends," Bural promises. He sounds rather down. Probably understandably so. "I don't have a voltage regulator. Wish that I did."

Sagacious Jade steps in curiously, wandering over to peer at the proceedings. Gawking, if you will.

Caliopa looks thoughtful, glancing as two of her friends slip off. "Reckon... if you got a copper coil, 'n' some other bits, I could mebbe make somethin' up that would carry her a few days, 'til I get home, 'n' send you a new one?" She gives the machine a thoughtful look, turning back to turn up her sleeves and dive in. "Jade, you reckon you can get me them bits from the truck? I bought some transistors, 'n' the like... box marked bits..."

"Yeah, I have a copper coil," Bural notes while he scratches his cheek. "I'll get it. Anything else you need, missy?" He's eager enough to help, although he isn't getting his hopes up just yet.

Sagacious Jade hmms, scratching his scruffy beard a bit. "Bits? The bits. Yes. I remember seeing them. One moment." He heads back out and returns with a small box of parts after a bit, carrying them over.

"Um, thanks Jade." Caliopa comments with a quick smile, using the screwdriver she did carry with her to start dismantling the machine, pulling parts out and putting them into a methodological pile, a system in place already in her head. She begins pulling parts out of the box, working to assemble something that looks more like a possessed electronic monster than anything useful. "Alright..." She murmurs, her voice levelled to talk to the machine and to herself as she wiggles into a position, half in and half out, replacing the voltage regulator with the monster.

Sagacious Jade watches with interest. "Hmmm..." He has enough mechanical knowhow to at least offer parts at appropriate moments, but other than that he seemes moderately entranced by the construction taking place.

Meanwhile, Bural heads off to fetch the copper coil. It takes him a bit longer than JAde to return with it, however, and he blinks when he sees the techno-monstrosity Caliopa has cobbled together. That's... something. Yeah, he's pretty sure that's something, all right. "Err." He holds out the copper coil wordlessly.

She takes the coil, giving him an absent smile, her mind so very much on the job. "Thanks..." She wiggles a little more to reach the bit she needs, stretching out to reach. She holds her screwdriver across her mouth, the word mumbled around it. "Reckon it'll do..." She squirms out again, reaching for the panel, her forehead wrinkled in concentration. "Think that'd hold for a few days, 'n' I can send a real one from home, won't be a bother. You got someone that can put it in for you?" She asks Bural without looking up, intent on her work.

Sagacious Jade glances at Bural, raising a a brow curiously.

Bural nods quickly. "Oh, sure, I can do that. No problem at all." He watches Caliopa with fascination. Horrified fascination, to be sure. He can tell that every individual thing Caliopa does is done right, but when put together... one must wonder if her creation doesn't rise and walks out to horrify people until it's hit in the head by a burning mill. Well, something like that anyway.

She is intent on the panel now, her words meant purely for the machine itself, soft words of encouragement as she clicks the panel into place. "Reckon that might do it..." She doesn't sound certain, as she steps back, glancing over at Jade, her nerves returning. "Um, try cranking her up..."

Sagacious Jade ponders, then steps back a bit, letting Bural get it working. "It looks quite good.." he says thoughfully. "At least for a temporary patch..."

Bural steps in, then, and throws the switch, as it were. It's actually more complicated than that, and involves adjusting things and such, but it doesn't change how nervous he seems prior to actually cranking it up. It works, and they're suddenly given delicious electricity in all the many little homes. "It worked. I mean... err, thanks, missy. I reckon we owe you big time."

Caliopa rubs her hands against her trousers, trying to remove the oil from them. "Uh, it ain't a bother. Jus' ain't right to leave folks when you can do a piece to help them." She frowns, mentally making a list, "I've got some other pieces to send over when I get home, so I'll add that to the list, 'n' a new panel too. Make sure you ain't likely to break down again."

Sagacious Jade offers Cali a hankerchief. Relatively clean! Or at least, not used. He tilts his head. "Interesting that the CS would not offer a similar replacement part. One would think it would make people more well-disposed towards them." he muses thoughfully.

Bural looks Caliopa up and down again. It's a pleasant enough affair, of course. Since he isn't french, he stops doing it before long. "That's dam... darned decent of you, missy. It's been hard getting new parts." He sounds grateful too, sure enough. "If there's anything you need, lemme know."

She takes the handkerchief with a warm smile, rubbing her hands with it, trying to remove the worst of the oil. She lets Jade handle the conversation, aware her skills with machines far outweigh her skills with people. The looking over makes her blush, deeply and she looks away, confusion reigning. "Uh, it ain't a bother." The glance at Jade is an appeal for help.

Jade somewhat casually steps between Bural and Caliopa, giving her a moment to recover. "Will you be able to maintain the generator if we can aquire the parts for you? Perhaps a backup of some sort is in order."

Bural nods quickly. "For sure. Keeping it running is no problem... been doin' that for years. If I'd had the parts, I could've fixed it myself." At least he's now focusing on Jade, rather than the naughty little lady that may or may not be in need of a spanking. He glances over at the generator again, shaking his head after a moment. "I still can't believe that worked."

She bends her head, letting the strands of hair fall over her face. She works on removing the oil, rubbing at her hands, thankful for the moment to catch herself. The first real work she has done since the accident and it has to be a major job... "Jus' a matter of gettin' the flow right for ..." The words are mumbled softly from behind Jade, a nice safe place to be.

Sagacious Jade nods thoughfully. "Caliopa is very skilled..." he says simply, beaming at Bural. "And generous to donate the part needed to you. We are most grateful we could help." There will BE no spankings!

"Yeah, she is." Bural finds himself drawn to Jade's smiling face. Not in a good way. Just unable to look away. "Lissen, I'll be out in front. Let you guys, ah, get things... I'll be out in front." He sidles out of the room, putting every more ground between him and Jade.

Caliopa watches him leave, before stepping up to touch Jade lightly on the shoulder. "Uh, I ain't clear on what is happenin' but we best get movin'. Joachim said there was them folks comin', 'n' I got four days to get that part here before they lose it again."

Sagacious Jade glances at Caliopa, scratching his stubbly chin again. "Mmmm...yes. We should probably go find them. If they were to find trouble, it would be a shame to miss out." He grins, then nods to Bural. "Four days then. It should last."

Tags: caliopa, joachim, laramy tp, sage, sebastien