BlazePerson

When we last left our group, Kiirga had almost finished removing the mind control device from Shamon. He resisted to the best of his ability, but was no match for the deer and her dragon. Kawai kept a close watch on the situation from the nearby destroyed radar tower. After exploring both floors of the lab, only the smaller administration building remains an unknown in the experimental compound. An inactivated humanoid android still sits upstairs.

 The afternoon has faded into a cool spring night. Clouds and rain finally blew east, but there is still the occasional rumble and flashes of blue light from the northwest. And still no sign of the rift containment device. It is evening, Friday, March 27.

Kiirga takes a deep breath, and removes her hoof from the back of Shamon's head, puffing out a short breath from her nose. "Okay... how's that?" Shamon breathes deeply, not responding. He's awake, just his head is slumped down and his body is limp. Kiirga stays quiet for a moment, watching Shamon as he re-acclimates to not having the thing working.

Shamon takes a few more breaths and then goes silent "... Should of let me blow my brains out back there.."

Kiirga smirks slightly. "Maybe. But I'm glad I didn't."

 "I'm not... Jesus, give me a shot of something already, the pains unbearable"

 "Ah. Yeah, I'll be right back." She lightly hops back up the mech and disappears inside for a few moments, before returning with a medkit held in her mouth. She places it down on the ground and rummages inside for something to help with the pain.

 Shamon moves his neck around "and let me go already, can barely breath you're gripping me so tight"

 Kiirga smiles sheepishly as she pulls out a little auto-syringe from the pack. "Yeah, had to make sure you wouldn't try to blow yourself up again." Her ears flick at the sounds... that'll have to be dealt with soon, but first, this. She jabs it into him with one hoof, then her other one gestures to the dragon, commanding it to set Shamon down.

"Pff. Not when something so important is on the line!" She grins right back at you, glad to hear you being less... insane.

 Kawai flips on the radio, " Kiirga, the tower is secured. I'm going to investigate the nexus."

 Shamon checks over himself quickly, then he turns to Kiirga with a smile "alright then, guess I'm stuck with you for now"

 Kiirga flicks an ear up towards the mech as she hears a little beeping from inside it, signalling an incoming message. She looks at Shamon, then nods at him. "Yeah, guess so! Lemme just..." She takes the medkit and climbs back up into the mech to listen to the message. She nods, and replies to Kawai, "Alright, I'll be right there with you, I just have one more thing I want to check out in here." She didn't succeed in keeping the building completely intact as she dislodged her juggernaut but it was close enough. She gingerly made sure the technician was safe when she left, putting aside a few chunks outside. Turning around she walks toward the testing ground.

 "Who is it?" Shamon asks.

Kiirga peeks her head back out of the mech. "Kawai. She's heading towards the rift. But, before you join her... you know anything about that android in there?" She nods off towards the entrance to the lab.

 Shamon scratches his head & winces "android?" He shakes his head, albeit softly

 "Hmm. Well, I'd still like you to come with me, I might need someone with CS clearance to get into it."

 "Have you got a spare gun then? Or did you get anything of mine before we left my stuff in the mud?"

   "Uhh... Not, really. But I could probably cobble something together out of the laser turret I disabled?"

Shamon rolls his eyes "sure, I guess" he reaches down to his boot and pulls the bottom of his pants up, revealing a sheath, where he pulls out a survival knife "but at least one of us came prepared~"

Kiirga chuckles softly. "That'll work, I guess?" She looks up at the catwalk, and then climbs into one of the mech's claws. "Hop on!" She gestures for Shamon to do the same. The far-off explosions continue.

Shamon follows suit, clambering up to the mechs claw.

 Kiirga raises her hoof, and as she does so, the claws of the mech raise the two up until they are at the catwalk. She hops off and onto the catwalk, then goes over to check out the disabled turret for anything she could use to make a gun out of. It's already got a laser weapon in it, so... should just need to make a way to fire it manually.

The unit was built to operate without external power, so it contains a battery for the sensor and a standard e-clip for the laser.

 Shamon moves over with her, and looks at the turret "Hey, think I need to be compensating for something?" He smirks. He looks to see if it's got a cover. "If it's got a decent cover, maybe I could have a gun shield too" Excellent. Everything she needs! She unsheathes the sword from her back and uses it to pry loose the components she needs. The turret's old casing is laying on the ground nearby where she discarded it to get at its internals. "Sure, knock yourself out." She puts her hooves on the materials and begins working them into something a bit more useful. After some tinkering the weapon looks functional, if a bit unwieldy. It shouldn't kill its operator.

 Shamon frowns and flips his knife around, and then carves a face into the shield

Nov 13 19:22:43 <MikeM> The face might scare someone

Nov 13 19:23:08 <Kiirga>      Yeah, not going for something beautiful, we've only got so much time here. A few exposed parts, but at least the places that you have to hold it are wrapped up in pieces of plating. "Here you go. This should do for a temporary weapon." She holds it up to Shamon.

Nov 13 19:24:09 * Shamon holds the carved face up to Kiirga "what do you think? How about putting it on the front of your mech, brighten it up a bit?"

Nov 13 19:25:36 * Kiirga looks at the little face and chuckles. "Cute, but I don't think it would really fit very well."

Nov 13 19:27:24 * Shamon frowns and tosses it aside, then takes the gun she is offering him. He takes in where she says to hold it, and where the trigger is "okay, okay, looks good!"

Nov 13 19:28:33 <Kiirga>      "Awesome! Let's go, then." She starts off down the hall back towards the room where she had seen the android.

Nov 13 19:29:18 * Shamon follows along, checking his gun as they go

Nov 13 19:30:24 * Kiirga pushes open the door to the android's room.

Nov 13 19:33:05 <MikeM> It is dim, the android still sits partially completed and hooked to laptops. The torso and arms are connected, but its legs lay on a nearby table.

Nov 13 19:34:21 <Shamon>      "Interesting.. You want to keep this thing?"

Nov 13 19:34:52 <Kiirga>      "There, see? What did I tell ya?" She walks up to the laptops connected to them. "Yeah, I was thinking about it. Long as I can get it to be, like... friendly. Dunno what kind of programming it has."

Nov 13 19:38:06 <Zero>  ** Looks to be locked down.

Nov 13 19:39:25 <Shamon>      "Well, hurry up and program it then"

Nov 13 19:40:06 * Kiirga hmms softly, and she places her hoof on the laptop... again with the machines made for fingers. Dang CS tech... Her hoof glows as she taps the computer with her gem powers instead, working to get into it and see what exactly this thing is.

Nov 13 19:41:42 <MikeM> The laptop is password secured.

Nov 13 19:42:09 <Kiirga>      Password secured... "Hey, you happen to know the password to this thing?"

Nov 13 19:42:44 <Shamon>      "Let me take a look" he moves over and takes a look

Nov 13 19:44:18 <MikeM> The cursor blinks

Nov 13 19:45:57 * Kiirga looks around for any password clues while Shamon does his thing

Nov 13 19:47:04 * Shamon "all right, okay, let's try.." And he types in a password he knows "Pa$$word1"

Nov 13 19:48:54 <MikeM> The cursor blinks

Nov 13 19:49:13 <MikeM> "Access denied."

Nov 13 19:51:39 <Shamon>      "Hmm.. Maybe not. Maybe.. Uhh"

Nov 13 19:53:31 <Kiirga>      "Hmm. I'm not finding anything either," She says as she rummages through drawers and things for any scrap of paper that has the password on it.

Nov 13 19:54:47 * Shamon looks at the keys for which is worn more. Perhaps that may help

Nov 13 19:55:25 <MikeM> The keys are quite worn on the home row. "F" doesn't even have a little nub anymore.

Nov 13 19:58:33 <Shamon>      "Fad, fake, fed? Hmm.. Need something to go on badly"

Nov 13 19:59:42 <Kiirga>      "Yeah... Hm." She checks one more drawer, then goes back to take a look. "Alright, I should be able to find this if I go in."

Nov 13 20:01:06 <Shamon>      "Alright, take your best shot"

Nov 13 20:03:16 * Kiirga nods, and she places her hoof on the laptop. It glows in a magenta light as she projects herself into the machine, a literal machine ghost to explore the machine and find its password.

Nov 13 20:03:59 <MikeM> After probing the various directories, you find the correct folder for the password it is "password1234"

Nov 13 20:06:51 * Kiirga wanders the machine for a short time, before finding her goal. Password. Alright, that's... a really simple one. Wow. Well, while she's in here, what sort of information can she gather about the connected android?

Nov 13 20:07:47 <MikeM> The files indicate that the android is completely programmed. All that remains is attaching its legs.

Nov 13 20:08:11 <Kiirga>      Hmm... programmed with what?

Nov 13 20:09:25 <MikeM> Specific programs include forensics, photography, research, and other such things.

Nov 13 20:09:47 <MikeM> Or not. Some may not be loaded into the android.

Nov 13 20:10:07 <Kiirga>      Interesting... She follows her way back out into the real world once more, now that she has what she came here for.

Nov 13 20:11:47 * Shamon waits patiently for her to finish

Nov 13 20:12:34 * Kiirga blinks her eyes open, and a small smirk comes to her muzzle. "Got it."

Nov 13 20:13:48 <Shamon>      "Great. Just gotta get it out now, right?"

Nov 13 20:14:05 <Kiirga>      "Mmm." She types in the password.

Nov 13 20:15:24 <MikeM> The desktop appears. The screen is cluttered with folders, but the center is clear. Right in the middle of the screen is a folder labeled, "Android."

Nov 13 20:16:09 <Kiirga>      Geez, guys. Organization, sersiously. She moves to that folder and opens it.

Nov 13 20:17:09 <MikeM> Several other folders appear, along with an executable file labeled, "Activate."

Nov 13 20:18:06 * Shamon watches silently

Nov 13 20:18:15 <Kiirga>      Well, that's convenient. What kind of folders have we got?

Nov 13 20:19:24 <MikeM> Other folders are labeled "Locomotion" "Power Supply" "Intelligence" and "Accessories"

Nov 13 20:20:37 <Kiirga>      Locomotion... not really installed right now. She opens up intelligence, curious.

Nov 13 20:23:33 <MikeM> This includes the various programs you saw before. "Computer Operation" "Intelligence" "Prowl" "Weapons" and so on.

Nov 13 20:25:02 <Kiirga>      "Cool." She would totally dive in further... but time constraints. She moves back out and runs the activate program.

Nov 13 20:25:35 <Shamon>      "Sure that's safe? Smart, even?"

Nov 13 20:25:51 <MikeM> A loading screen shows, little wheel spinning and spinning. After a minute, the android begins minor twitches.

Nov 13 20:26:12 <Kiirga>      "Nope. Worst case, it tries to kill us. Best case? New ally."

Nov 13 20:27:44 <Shamon>      "No, worst case scenario is it walks out of here and we don't" he turns his attention to the android

Nov 13 20:28:35 * Zero 's eyes open and focus on Kiirga.

Nov 13 20:28:51 * Kiirga smiles softly at the android.

Nov 13 20:29:44 * Shamon raises his brow

Nov 13 20:32:27 <Zero>  "Hello." he hmms.

Nov 13 20:32:37 <Kiirga>      "Hello."

Nov 13 20:33:57 <Zero>  "Why was I activated?"

Nov 13 20:34:53 * Kiirga thinks for a moment. "To assist us." She replies, after a brief pause.

Nov 13 20:36:28 * Zero blinks. "Assist in what?"

Nov 13 20:37:34 <Kiirga>      "For now? We are looking for information on the rift containment here."

Nov 13 20:38:43 * Shamon just watches the two, keeping quiet

Nov 13 20:41:28 <Zero>  "Hm... According to records and sensors, such a device would be at the test site."

Nov 13 20:42:04 <Kiirga>      "If we install your legs, can you lead us to this?"

Nov 13 20:44:58 <Zero>  "... Perhaps." he looks at the two of you. "Are you two new consultants for CS?"

Nov 13 20:45:29 * Kiirga looks at Shamon

Nov 13 20:46:09 * Shamon shrugs "I.. Guess so"

Nov 13 20:48:44 <Zero>  "Your hesitation suggests deceit. And considering a magic user like you would be unlikely to ally herself with CS... You're lying."

Nov 13 20:50:25 <Kiirga>      "You're right. I don't work for CS. But he does, he's a soldier. And I'm his friend."

Nov 13 20:51:37 * Zero nods. "Hired help, then. Good to know. Yes, I know where the test site is. I've never been there but I am able to navigate."

Nov 13 20:52:51 * Kiirga nods. "Alright, then. Let's just get you your legs and we'll be off. I've got a friend who'll meet us there."

Nov 13 20:53:58 * Shamon stands up, ready to help get his legs on

Nov 13 20:54:45 * Jokerboxer is now known as Kawai

Nov 13 20:55:24 <Zero>  "A... friend."

Nov 13 20:56:29 <Kiirga>      "Yes. A friend." She picks up one of the legs... (oh gosh, that's kind of heavy) then she carries it over to start installing it.

Nov 13 20:57:04 * Shamon takes the other one and helps install it

Nov 13 21:00:16 * Zero lets them install his legs, watching them very carefully.

Nov 13 21:01:17 <Kiirga>      After a minute of work, she gives the leg one more pat. "Alright, that should do. Give it a try."

Nov 13 21:02:00 <Shamon>      "All. Done over here too"

Nov 13 21:02:34 * Zero bends his legs... or tries to anyway.

Nov 13 21:07:17 <MikeM> Everything appears to work so far.

Nov 13 21:07:41 <Shamon>      "Looking good"

Nov 13 21:07:55 * Kiirga nods in agreement

Nov 13 21:09:00 * Zero shrugs. "I suppose I do. Hm..." he looks around. Any suitable clothing?

Nov 13 21:14:14 <MikeM> There is an extra white lab coat hanging on a hook near the door.

Nov 13 21:15:58 <Zero>  "Wonderful. Seems the technicians here have misplaced my clothing."

Nov 13 21:16:32 <Kiirga>      "What clothing are you looking for?"

Nov 13 21:18:00 <Shamon>      "We could help you find it"

Nov 13 21:18:35 * Zero blinks. "Typical clothing, of course. After all, how else am I supposed to blend in."

Nov 13 21:19:36 <Kiirga>      "Mmmh. Well, I don't think anything of mine would fit you."

Nov 13 21:22:27 <Zero>  "Highly unlikely.

Nov 13 21:22:35 <Shamon>      "Hold on.. Blend in?"

Nov 13 21:23:25 * Zero smirks. "That's what we were built for."

Nov 13 21:24:27 <Kiirga>      "We can find you something later. For now, I don't think it'll matter too much?"

Nov 13 21:27:23 <Zero>  "Most likely, that coat should help..."

Nov 13 21:28:23 * Kiirga nods. "It'll do for now."

Nov 13 21:29:28 <Zero>  "Considering the company I will be with, yes."

Nov 13 21:30:30 <Kiirga>      "Then shall we go?"

Nov 13 21:31:00 <Shamon>      "That sounds like a plan"

Nov 13 21:32:16 <Zero>  "Yes." he stands and retrieves the coat, pulling it on.

Nov 13 21:37:25 * Kiirga nods to the two of them, then starts off back to the garage.

Nov 13 21:39:18 * Shamon motions for Zero to follow Kiirga

Nov 13 21:42:07 * Zero follows her, smirking.

Nov 13 21:43:20 * Kiirga has a big grin on her face. Oh gosh, this is so cool. She doesn't let the others see it, though, and it's gone when she hops up onto the mech's claw and turns around to look at the others.

Nov 13 21:44:22 * Shamon climbs up onto the claw when he reaches it, slinging his makeshift weapon

Nov 13 21:44:40 * Zero smiles a little. "Nice big toy, ma'am. "

Nov 13 21:45:34 <Kiirga>      "Thank you!" She grins at the compliment. "Modified it myself."

Nov 13 21:50:55 * Zero utilizes his sensors to determine some of Kiirga's mech's capabilities. (Wideband Transciever, Radar Detector, Bug Detector)

Nov 13 21:52:39 <Kiirga>      It has a built in radio that you can detect, and some sort of magical system that runs through the whole thing. No bugs are detected (hopefully!), and it certainly shows up on your radar. This thing isn't exactly built for stealth.

Nov 13 21:54:51 <Zero>  "What frequencies are you using for coordination? I could tune in and communicate with your team."

Nov 13 21:57:32 <Kiirga>      "Here, come on up and I'll show you."

Nov 13 21:57:54 * Zero climbs up with her.

Nov 13 21:59:36 * Kiirga gestures her hoof down, and a dull magenta glow can be seen through her flight suit. The mech lowers the claws with its three occupants safely down to the floor of the garage, then Kiirga hops off and climbs up the mech.

Nov 13 22:02:42 <Zero>  "... Fascinating."

Nov 13 22:04:47 * Zero begins to climb a similar path, though it's a bit harder for his bipedal form.

Nov 13 22:05:43 * Shamon climbs up after them

Nov 13 22:05:46 * Kiirga waves her hoof at the hatch on the mech's back, and it hisses with a hydraulic lock before popping open. She then hops down inside, where several seats and screens are.

Nov 13 22:07:47 * Zero looks. "Should I enter?"

Nov 13 22:08:33 <Kiirga>      "You may."

Nov 13 22:09:54 * Zero enters, finding a suitable seat...

Nov 13 22:11:06 <Kiirga>      There are four seats in the mech, each for a different position. Pilot, where Kiirga is, main and secondary weapons, and communications/radar/co-pilot.

Nov 13 22:11:41 * Zero goes for the seat that appears best for a technically minded operator... which is likely Communications/Radar/Copilot

Nov 13 22:14:00 * Shamon just sits down in any seat

Nov 13 22:16:59 <Kiirga>      "Alright, let's get going then!" Her hooves glow, resting on the armrests of the pilot seat. The hatch hisses and closes, and the mech turns in place, heading off towards the rift.

Nov 13 22:18:31 * Zero starts to look through his menus to grab the communication frequencies.

Nov 13 22:26:25 <MikeM> As you leave the building, several streaks of light approach from the northwest. You can see missile and gunfire between the streaking objects.

Nov 13 22:26:48 <Zero>  "I... Hm. I don't know your names yet..." he checks the Mech's screens for radar information, using his own ping detector as well.

Nov 13 22:27:26 <Shamon>      "Name Shamon"

Nov 13 22:27:33 <Kiirga>      "And I'm Kiirga."

Nov 13 22:28:12 <Zero>  "Zero." he hmms.

Nov 13 22:32:07 * Kiirga looks ahead through the mech's screen. What's going on up there...?

Nov 13 22:34:46 <MikeM> The targets are closing on the lab with incredible speed. Around 6 miles per minute, if your sensors are correct.

Nov 13 22:38:48 <Zero>  "Kiirga, multiple high velocity targets inbound to our location."

Nov 13 22:39:11 <Kiirga>      "What are they? Missiles?"

Nov 13 22:40:48 <Shamon>      "What else could they be?"

Nov 13 22:42:44 <Zero>  "Multiple powered suits and a... very large... Dragon."

Nov 13 22:44:21 <Kiirga>      "A dragon." Her ears fold down a little.

Nov 13 22:46:13 <Zero>  "... Yes. I am tracking them with both your and my radar."

Nov 13 22:47:27 <Kiirga>      "What are they doing?"

Nov 13 22:48:03 <Zero>  "approaching very rapidly while engaged in combat... with each other, it seems."

Nov 13 22:48:19 <Zero>  "I'm also tracking smaller targets within them. Presumably missiles."

Nov 13 22:49:43 <Kiirga>      "Right... let's see if they'll just go on by."

Nov 13 22:50:29 <Zero>  "I would advise you prepare defenses."

Nov 13 22:51:05 * Kiirga nods. "Alright, Shamon, you keep an eye on weapons."

Nov 13 22:51:57 <Shamon>      "Roger, will do"

Nov 13 22:52:51 <Zero>  "What optical systems are you equipped with?"

Nov 13 22:53:21 <Kiirga>      "I can see from UV to IR."

Nov 13 22:53:37 <Zero>  "Hm... any magnification options?"

Nov 13 22:54:17 * Kiirga changes the main screen, zooming it in on the little blips that were visible on it.

Nov 13 22:56:46 * Zero tries to link the cameras to the dragon's radar signature.

Nov 13 22:58:40 * Kawai is latched onto a cube that a SAMAS is holding. They are in freefall for the earth.

Nov 13 23:03:29 <MikeM> The dragon is very close now.

Nov 13 23:03:49 <MikeM> Only a little over a mile away.

Nov 13 23:05:21 * Kawai they pull up, she veers left and right to try to shake the poor fool off.

Nov 13 23:05:26 <MikeM> This dragon looks surprisingly familiar.

Nov 13 23:06:04 <Zero>  "Friends of yours?"

Nov 13 23:06:38 <Kiirga>      "Uh, I sure hope so."

Nov 13 23:07:13 <MikeM> The box is wrested from control of the carrier.

Nov 13 23:08:16 <MikeM> Once again, the tailing suits are too slow and too far back to engage.

Nov 13 23:08:17 * Kawai once she has control she twirls in the air.

Nov 13 23:09:50 <MikeM> Suit LT fires her last two missiles.

Nov 13 23:11:58 <MikeM> The remaining gap to Novgorod goes quickly, but S1 and CPT are not far behind.

Nov 13 23:12:08 * Kawai aerial stomp!

Nov 13 23:12:46 <Zero>  "Standing by to lock on any target."

Nov 13 23:13:35 <Kiirga>      "Ooookay. That's not friends. They're shooting at my friend!" She moves in towards them a bit faster to get into range.

Nov 13 23:14:49 * Shamon prepares the weapon systems "bringing weapons online and getting them warm"

Nov 13 23:16:00 <Zero>  "Which is the friend?" he targets the suits handly.

 While Kawai is busy stomping at the SAMAS suit, a pair of suits arrives on the scene. One is larger than the other, but carries no missiles. It is S1. The other suit resembles Kawai's toy, and is called CPT.

Nov 13 23:19:10 * Kiirga marks Kawai's suit on the screen. "That one."

Nov 13 23:20:21 <Zero>  "Got it." he makes the IFF tag on his own radar as well.

 The whole fighting party is now in energy weapon/missile range of the lab. CPT and S1 are furthest away, having just arrived from the Northwest. Kawai holds the box and a SAMAS in her claws. "The Box" being the rift containment device.

Nov 13 23:28:05 * Shamon has the weapons online and prepped!

Nov 13 23:28:40 * Kiirga gets a little notification on her screen that they're in weapons range, and so does Shamon. "Alright, Shamon. Fire when ready."

Nov 13 23:28:51 <MikeM> (Just need Shamon and Kiirga's initiative and we can get this going if y'all are good with the setup.)

Nov 13 23:29:58 <Shamon>      "It suddenly occurs to me I've never used any if this before, Kiirga!"

Nov 13 23:30:30 * Zero ensures the radar tracks remain distinct and separate. He glances over at Shamon. "Kiirga, may I link in to your mech's systems directly?"

Nov 13 23:32:57 * Kiirga exhales softly. "What for?" She gestures her hoof towards the gunnery controls, and they hum to life.

Nov 13 23:34:13 <Zero>  "One, more efficient command of your radar system. Two, so I can try and aid Shamon."

Nov 13 23:34:38 <Kiirga>      "Go for it, then."

Nov 13 23:35:47 <MikeM> The CPT and S1 suits fly above the area at a speed of 250 mph.

Nov 13 23:36:05 <MikeM> Altitude varies with their maneuvers.

Nov 13 23:36:35 * Zero uses a data cable to link in, establishing a two-way link with her mech.

Nov 13 23:38:10 <Kiirga>      The system is a bit odd, certainly not run entirely off of machinery. The whole thing is rebuilt from the ground up to be able to work flawlessly with Kiirga's gem magic.

Nov 13 23:38:59 * Zero uses the somewhat more direct link to try and establish radar locks for Shamon. (Init start?)

Nov 13 23:39:23 <MikeM> Kiirga's up first.

Nov 13 23:41:28 * Kiirga moves the mech in towards the fight to get them in range. For now, nothing more.

Nov 13 23:43:49 <MikeM> The larger of the suits, S1, makes a laser run against Kawai.

Nov 13 23:44:51 <MikeM> The coherent light makes minimal impact, and S1 continues flying

Nov 13 23:45:38 <MikeM> LT, the former box carrier, fires a burst of rail gun fire at Kawai.

Nov 13 23:46:12 <MikeM> The short range helps matters.

Nov 13 23:48:35 <Shamon>      "All right, let's try some missiles, eh? Missiles are always good"

Nov 13 23:52:37 * Shamon fires some missiles after a few presses at the controls

Nov 14 00:15:17 <MikeM> As you prepare for battle, the blue light in the distance dims, and no further rumble sounds are heard. It is now fully dark.

 It is Friday, March 27. Early afternoon, and the rain continues. The party is on the western bank of the Missouri river. A destroyed spider-skull walker lays nearby, smoke rising from its shattered hull. There is no sign of survivors from either the spider or the two sky cycles. However, you have subdued the one CS soldier who was not in an armored vehicle, and he sits before you in the mud, wondering what comes next. It is a certainty that the other

 CS soldiers in Novgorod know about the attack, and are preparing for some kind of action.

Kawai scoffs, "You want him, keep him. Just make sure he is out of sight. We have work to do."
"We do. But this man helped us before, so we're letting him live."

"Put him in your dragon. Hurry."

 Kiirga picks up Shamon carefully in the claw of her dragon, and the hatch pops open with a hiss of hydraulics. She looks back from the pilot's seat at him with a sorry smile.

 Kiirga puts the kit on an open chair, then drops Shamon gently into the cockpit with her. "I know, I know." The claw returns to the ground as the hatch hisses back closed and locked.

Shamon takes the medkit and opens it up, gathering the supplies he requires

Kawai pulls up the map, "Can't lay low... So we must take the lab now. Punch a hole and run inside." The map link:  derpy.me/ayd4t ) "Or we could retreat." looks around at the activity of the base. The base is only a half mile away, but Kawai does not see any urgent activity such as flying vehicles.

 Kiirga directs the mech's head towards the base. "I don't know, I can't see anything particularly telling of them getting to worried about us."

 "How does he look?"

 Shamon is busy wrapping bandage over padding around his head, covering his right eye but leaving his left exposed

 Kiirga looks over at Shamon. "He'll live."

 Kawai zooms towards the radar tower at half speed close to the ground.

 Kiirga heads off towards the lab while Kawai does this.

As Kawai blast along at 350 mph, one foot off the ground, she encounters tall prairie dog mounds and a grove of trees. A salvo of five short range armor piercing missiles manages a hit.

Nov 06 17:56:01 <MikeM> You are now in close visual range of the airstrip.

Nov 06 17:56:12 <MikeM> Under 100 meters.

Nov 06 17:58:45 * Kawai makes a swerve right, she focuses her sights on  the door. That will be their best target. "Come on, Warhawk. These are bee stings." she consouls her Juggernaut.

Nov 06 18:06:02 * Kawai puts on the speed to barrel into the door.

Nov 06 18:07:00 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+10

Nov 06 18:07:00 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 17  <Total: 17(+10) = 27>

Nov 06 18:07:07 <Kawai> (Hit?)

Nov 06 18:07:51 <MikeM> Are you flying into the radar building?

Nov 06 18:08:10 <Kawai> (Yes. Into the doors of the radar building.)

Nov 06 18:08:24 <MikeM> Definitely a hit.

Nov 06 18:09:17 <MikeM> I can't help but think you'll take some damage from doing this, though.

Nov 06 18:09:20 <Kawai> !roll 1d6

Nov 06 18:09:20 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d6: 5  <Total: 5>

Nov 06 18:09:34 <Kawai> (60 MD)

Nov 06 18:10:15 <Kawai> (This also counts as 3 attacks per melee.)

Nov 06 18:11:48 <MikeM> The building shakes violently, and the roof is knocked off, thereby severing the power line. The radar is disabled.

Nov 06 18:12:24 <Kawai> (Can I enter?)

Nov 06 18:13:03 <MikeM> You're too big. It's not designed for juggernaut use.

Nov 06 18:13:22 <Kawai> (How big is the hole I made?)

Nov 06 18:14:19 <MikeM> The roof opening is 10' by 10'.

Nov 06 18:15:47 * Kawai stands up to make the hole bigger.

Nov 06 18:19:53 <Kawai> (What should I do for this?)

Nov 06 18:20:26 <MikeM> I don't think anything fancy is required.

Nov 06 18:22:38 <MikeM> After scraping the roof off, you see that it is only two stories, and quite small. Bits of computer hardware lie among smashed cinderblocks, and a technician struggles, pinched between two pieces of rubble.

Nov 06 18:24:26 * Kawai looks at the technician, her hand reaches out, they lift rubble off the technician.

Nov 06 18:25:03 <MikeM> The technician begs, "Please, please..." He is bleeding from several wounds.

Nov 06 18:27:03 * Kawai "Guard the door," she tells Warhawk before opening him up to exit, "You're not going to die." she tells the technician.

Nov 06 18:27:49 <MikeM> "What do you want from me? Why are you even here?"

Nov 06 18:30:27 * Kawai "Shopping." she kneals down beside the technician.

Nov 06 18:30:55 <MikeM> The technician gives you a confused look.

Nov 06 18:31:26 * Kawai looks over the technician's wounds.

Nov 06 18:32:11 <MikeM> He is bleeding from several cuts, and his left leg is bent below the knee where there is no joint.

Nov 06 18:35:25 * Kawai takes off her shirt, ripping it to make strips of cloth. She looks around for straight pieces of something hard that she could use as a splint.

Nov 06 18:36:28 <MikeM> There are several pieces of broken conduit nearby.

Nov 06 18:37:59 <MikeM> (Novgorod is not a secure area.)

Nov 06 18:39:33 <Kawai> (That will do.)

Nov 06 18:39:50 <Kawai> (I am going to roll for first aid.)

Nov 06 18:40:17 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+20

Nov 06 18:40:17 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 14  <Total: 14(+20) = 34>

Nov 06 18:41:45 <MikeM> You successfully stop the bleeding and splint his broken leg. He is still in pain, and probably will go into shock.

Nov 06 18:42:06 <MikeM> What kind of security sensors does your juggernaut ai have?

Nov 06 18:43:02 * Kawai uses the Galvanized pipes to create a splint for his leg and dress his wounds with strips from her shirt.

Nov 06 18:43:30 <Kawai> (As in a warning system? Let me check.)

Nov 06 18:46:43 <Kawai> (Sees through smoke and clouds, see the invisible, infrared and ultraviolet vision. Plus a radar life sensor thing.)

Nov 06 18:48:38 <MikeM> Might want to check your sensors. There are still CS people around.

Nov 06 18:50:37 * Kawai returns her focus from Warhawk's announcement of company to the technician, "Are you going to be alright?"

Nov 06 18:51:44 <MikeM> "I...I think so." He's a bit dirty from the shakeup, but he might be blushing.

Nov 06 18:52:48 <Kawai> (Yeah, blushing is a possiblity. I'm not wearing a bra.)

Nov 06 18:54:22 * Kawai goes light-footed up the walls and bounces off the debri as she goes to the remainer of the roof.

Nov 06 18:58:31 <Kawai> (Is there anyone left in the radar tower?)

Nov 06 18:59:11 <MikeM> A check of the radar life sensor thing shows no other movement in the rubble.

Nov 06 19:00:50 * Kawai observes the chaos outside as she sits on the lip of the ruined tower.

Nov 06 19:03:40 <MikeM> I bet Kiirga and Shamon are arriving at the lab soon.

Nov 06 19:03:57 <Kiirga>      There is a single dragon mech moving across the open space, past the small town, and towards the lab building.

Nov 06 19:04:07 <Kiirga>      (Was just thinking the same thing )

Nov 06 19:06:20 * Shamon moves over to Kiirga "what are you doing?"

Nov 06 19:07:20 <Kiirga>      "We're just here for some information. I'd really rather not have to hurt anybody else." She sighs softly. "You okay?"

Nov 06 19:07:44 <MikeM> As you approach the lab, you can see that it is surrounded by a fence topped with razor wire. There is a small gate on the eastern side, and a larger vehicle gate on the northwest edge. The lab is two stories, and there is a smaller one-story building on the northeast part of the fenced enclosure.

Nov 06 19:08:13 <MikeM> Despite all the ruckus, there does not appear to be any movement.

Nov 06 19:09:11 * Shamon sneers slightly "yeah, yeah I'm dandy" he quickly reaches behind himself and pulls out a grenade. He holds the lever and pulls the pin out "answer my question, or I'll drop it"

Nov 06 19:09:33 * Kawai falls backwards along the wall, letting her hand guide her for when she should push off. She returns to the technician's side.

Nov 06 19:11:18 * Kiirga 's ears fold down and she sighs again. Really? After she saved you? After working together before? "I just told you, Shamon. We're here for information. We're not looking to go killing any civilians or anything. Geez."

Nov 06 19:12:10 * Shamon "Just- just listen! Just listen to me, okay?!" He's clearly very agitated

Nov 06 19:12:27 <Kiirga>      "Fine, I'm listening. Talk."

Nov 06 19:13:23 * Shamon takes a few deep breaths.. "Why did you spare me? How do you know my name?"

Nov 06 19:14:17 <Kiirga>      "... Don't you remember? We worked together to pull out all those civilians from (... Milwaukie?)"

Nov 06 19:15:23 <Shamon>      "... I see. Any.. Proof of this?"

Nov 06 19:15:40 <Kiirga>      "I've got flight logs from the Eternity."

Nov 06 19:16:11 <Kawai> (Milwaukee)

Nov 06 19:16:25 <Kiirga>      (Ah, I was close)

Nov 06 19:16:50 * Shamon he puts the pin back in "I'll believe you, for now" he drops the grenade to the ground "you did know that was a smoke grenade too, right?"

Nov 06 19:18:57 * Kiirga smiles lightly. "Still had to take you seriously. So. What do you know about this lab? Any place we can hit it to get the most information and keep any injuries to a minimum?"

Nov 06 19:20:00 * Shamon folds his arms. "Show me those logs first?"

Nov 06 19:23:12 * Kiirga nods her head softly. she gestures her glowing hoof towards one of the aux screens at the comms station, and she rapidly navigates through a file tree to reach the flight logs. They display textually the flight path, the cargo (a number of refugees, their belongings, and the dragon mech you are currently riding in), and the crew for that flight. Your name is listed among the crew.

Nov 06 19:24:20 <Shamon>      "... Any proof it isn't fake?'

Nov 06 19:25:34 <Kiirga>      "Why would I fake that? When would I have had the time to have faked that?"

Nov 06 19:26:12 * Shamon he looks over the logs "fine, fine, I'll believe it.. So..."

Nov 06 19:28:00 <Kiirga>      "So. We've worked together before. I know you're more concerned about civilian safety than some DB you just met. So let's do this safely, okay?"

Nov 06 19:28:36 <Shamon>      "Okay, okay. Let's think of something"

Nov 06 19:29:59 <Kiirga>      "Anything you could tell me about the layout of the lab would help a lot. Where to get at the data cores, where to avoid to not hurt any scientists working there, that sort of thing."

Nov 06 19:30:58 <Shamon>      "Have you got a picture of the layout? It will make it easier"

Nov 06 19:32:06 * Kiirga pulls up the rudimentary image that she was given of the layout of the facility and places it on the same screen where the flight log had been displayed. "This is all I've got."

Nov 06 19:40:21 <Shamon>      "Alright. That's the lab, that there is an admin building. There's a fence around it, with a guard hut there. It might be unoccupied, I don't know. The lab itself might be guarded, I'm not sure, but there are two laser turrets inside. Also,  the scientist are either still there, or they might of been evacuated"

Nov 06 19:40:56 <Kiirga>      "Where are those laser turrets controlled from?"

Nov 06 19:42:35 <Shamon>      "There's a control room inside the lab, first floor"

Nov 06 19:42:56 <Kiirga>      "And we're gonna have to get past the turrets to get there, aren't we?"

Nov 06 19:43:56 <Shamon>      "You will"

Nov 06 19:45:38 <MikeM> As you plan the entrance, the rain slows to a light drizzle. Sunlight breaks through the clouds from the west.

Nov 06 19:45:57 <MikeM> A blue glow emanates from the western horizon as well.

Nov 06 19:47:51 <Kiirga>      "Hmm. Well, I should still be able to deal with that without much issue if I can get in close to one. So. These turrets are just inside then?"

Nov 06 19:50:07 <Shamon>      "Yes, that's correct. So, what's the plan?"

Nov 06 19:51:39 <Kiirga>      "Uhh... do these things have any AI in them?"

Nov 06 19:53:30 <Shamon>      "Yes. Standard, shoot this guy, don't shoot that guy, type of AI. They're definitely switched on now"

Nov 06 19:54:45 <Kiirga>      "Okay, so they aren't sentient then. That'll make my job much easier."

Nov 06 19:55:06 <Shamon>      "Your job?"

Nov 06 19:56:05 <Kiirga>      "I should be able to get in close and take control of one of them." She gestures with her glowing hoof, her main way of interfacing with her machines, "Then direct its fire at the other turret."

Nov 06 19:57:57 <Shamon>      "Through a floor?"

Nov 06 19:58:41 <Kiirga>      "... Are these turrets on seperate floors?"

Nov 06 19:59:02 <Shamon>      "Yes, they are"

Nov 06 19:59:44 <Kiirga>      "Ahh... hm. Well then, where are they in relation to eachother?"

Nov 06 20:00:32 <Shamon>      "Both are on the north end, if memory serves"

Nov 06 20:01:40 <Kiirga>      "Hmm... Might be better just to blast the one and get to the control room for the other." She sighs softly. "Is the data stored in this control room, as well?"

Nov 06 20:03:28 <Shamon>      "I'm.. Not sure.. Let me think"

Nov 06 20:03:34 <MikeM> A rumble sounds in the distance. It sounded like thunder, but there was no lightning.

Nov 06 20:03:59 * Kiirga frowns lightly and directs her mech's sensors in that direction.

Nov 06 20:05:59 <MikeM> Your sensors report high levels of unfocused energy and magic from the same direction as the blue glow.

Nov 06 20:07:03 <Kiirga>      "What was that?"

Nov 06 20:07:21 <Shamon>      "Uh.. I don't know?"

Nov 06 20:08:54 * Kiirga huffs softly. "Great. let's just get in there and get the data before... whatever that was does whatever it's doing."

Nov 06 20:09:16 <Shamon>      "Sounds like a plan to me"

Nov 06 20:11:09 * Kiirga pilots the mech towards the nearest entrance, not really bothering with the simple fence that surrounded the structure.

Nov 06 20:12:34 * Shamon bends down, holding his head and groaning

Nov 06 20:13:06 <MikeM> The fence falls easily under stompy dragon feet, but it becomes obvious the front door was meant for human-size entrance.

Nov 06 20:13:49 <Kiirga>      "Hey, you okay?" She looks around for any larger doors.

Nov 06 20:14:34 * Shamon leans against the wall, still groaning and holding his head

Nov 06 20:14:49 <MikeM> The back door is a large roll-up door, 20' tall and 30' wide. It is currently closed.

Nov 06 20:15:35 <Kiirga>      That'll work. She moves towards that. "Shamon?"

Nov 06 20:17:21 <Shamon>      "Wh- what?!... It's, it's nothing, I'm... Fine"

Nov 06 20:19:08 <Kiirga>      "Alright, if you say so." She arrives at the back door and digs the mech's claws in underneath the door, pushing it up along its tracks.

Nov 06 20:21:57 <MikeM> Inside is a large garage. Various tool chests and computers line the walls. There is a single door on the southern wall.  On the second floor is a catwalk, and two doors: one on the south wall, and another on the east wall, close to the rollup door.

Nov 06 20:22:39 <MikeM> The room is approximately 35' wide and 40' deep.

Nov 06 20:24:23 * Kiirga steps the mech inside and looks  around. "Any idea where these doors go?"

Nov 06 20:28:40 <Shamon>      "Nnn.. Wh-where do you think?" He takes a few steps back.. And pulls out a frag grenade

Nov 06 20:29:53 <Kiirga>      "I guess I won't know until I check them out." She looks away from the viewscreen and at Shamon. "Hey, hey, what are you doing with that?"

Nov 06 20:30:08 * Zero|Away is now known as Zero

Nov 06 20:30:25 <Shamon>      "Let, me, out"

Nov 06 20:31:13 <Kiirga>      "Calm down, man, nobody's holding you prisoner. What's wrong?"

Nov 06 20:33:08 * Shamon pulls the ring out and tosses it away "let me out, now"

Nov 06 20:33:48 * Kiirga frowns, and she gestures her hoof back towards the hatch. it hisses softly, then pops open.

Nov 06 20:35:26 * Shamon moves over to the hatch

Nov 06 20:35:47 * Kiirga quietly watches you.

Nov 06 20:36:27 * Shamon begins climbing out

Nov 06 20:38:57 * Kiirga allows him to climb out with no problem. Shamon climbs out onto the back of the mech, plated with metal scales.

Nov 06 20:39:54 * Shamon begins making his way down and off the mech

Nov 06 20:40:33 <Kiirga>      The hatch hisses and thunks back closed, and a claw of the mech reaches up to grab Shamon off of its back.

Nov 06 20:42:13 * Shamon waves the grenade about, but he can't help it if he is grabbed

Nov 06 20:43:01 * Kiirga holds him, and lifts him to be in the air in front of the mech. "What the heck, man? What are you doing?"

Nov 06 20:44:17 <Shamon>      "Let me go!"

Nov 06 20:45:13 <Kiirga>      "Yeah, yeah, I got that. You could have gotten yourself killed. Why?"

Nov 06 20:47:29 <Shamon>      "Let me go, or else!"

Nov 06 20:47:44 <Kiirga>      "Or else what?"

Nov 06 20:48:10 * Shamon lets the lever flick off the grenade!

Nov 06 20:49:19 <Kiirga>      Yeah, she kind of expected that. She plucks the grenade out of Shamon's hand with the other claw of her mech and tosses it away and out of the building.

Nov 06 20:49:37 <MikeM> *crump*

Nov 06 20:51:10 * Shamon kicks and punches, swearing at Kiirga!

Nov 06 20:51:55 <Kiirga>      "Geez man, settle down! You're just gonna hurt yourself. What's gotten into you?"

Nov 06 20:52:20 * Shamon continues regardless

Nov 06 20:55:05 * Kiirga sighs and rolls her eyes. Is this some sort of CS tech in his head making him act like this? She just lets him wear himself out a little doing this little tantrum.

Nov 06 20:56:31 * Shamon eventually does stop thrashing, but he keeps swearing at her

Nov 06 20:57:42 <Kiirga>      "Come on, Shamon. Remember me, remember working together. Whatever this is, you can fight it."

Nov 06 20:58:26 <Shamon>      "No! Get out of my head!"

Nov 06 20:58:45 <Kiirga>      "I'm not in your head, they are."

Nov 06 21:00:02 <Shamon>      "Stop lying to me!"

Nov 06 21:00:37 <Kiirga>      "I haven't lied to you. I showed you proof, and I saved your life. What more do you want?"

Nov 06 21:01:09 <Shamon>      "For you to left me go!"

Nov 06 21:01:16 <Shamon>      (Let)

Nov 06 21:01:39 <Kiirga>      "And what are you going to do if I do?"

Nov 06 21:02:05 <Shamon>      "Get away from this place"

Nov 06 21:02:24 <Kiirga>      "And go where? There's nothing else around for miles."

Nov 06 21:02:43 <Shamon>      "I don't, care!"

Nov 06 21:03:34 <Kiirga>      "Really? Not even a little bit concerned about your own wellbeing?"

Nov 06 21:04:16 <Shamon>      "No, let me go!"

Nov 06 21:05:09 <Kiirga>      "For your own sake... No. This has got to be related to that burst of magic somehow. I'm going to get the data, then I'm getting you out of here."

Nov 06 21:06:24 * Shamon begins thrashing again

Nov 06 21:07:56 <MikeM> Another rumble sounds in the distance, rattling the damaged rollup door.

Nov 06 21:08:39 * Kiirga sits the mech down and wraps the second claw around Shamon to keep him pinned in place, to keep him from hurting himself. "I'll be back soon." The hatch on the mech's back pops open, and she climbs out. She locks the mech down, then looks at Shamon from its shoulder. "Don't get yourself hurt, alright?"

Nov 06 21:09:54 * Shamon struggles, yelling swear words at Kiirga

Nov 06 21:12:39 * Kiirga rolls her eyes, then smirks. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." She hops down off the mech and peeks through the ground-floor door out of the garage and deeper into the complex.

Nov 06 21:14:14 <MikeM> Your careful peeking and sneaky hooves allow you to see the first floor:  derpy.me/v53Nu

Nov 06 21:14:50 <Kiirga>      (So that big room with the slanted wall is the garage?)

Nov 06 21:15:08 <MikeM> (Yes.)

Nov 06 21:15:29 <Kiirga>      (Is there anything in sight from where she is?)

Nov 06 21:17:22 <MikeM> At the north end of the long hall is the laser turret, and at the south end is a set of stairs going to the second floor. Directly across from your door is a short hall, and two small offices. On the east side is an office with thick looking doors which have small, reinforced windows.

Nov 06 21:18:57 * Kiirga peeks around the corner of the hall... there's the laser turret he told her about. That's gonna be hard to get close to in that position... So she, for now, opts to check the room directly across the hall from her.

Nov 06 21:20:41 <MikeM> It looks like the door opens inward. It has a handle for turning.

Nov 06 21:21:06 * Kiirga slowly opens the door and looks inside.

Nov 06 21:21:49 <MikeM> The door was blocked with an overturned desk, which was easily pushed aside. The lights are off, but a voice calls out, "Who's there?"

Nov 06 21:23:36 <Kiirga>      (I have vision of IR and UV, what do I see?)

Nov 06 21:25:20 <MikeM> It is an electronics lab. There are two workbenches inside, and you can hear one person breathing. She is hiding behind one of the benches, near the back door.

Nov 06 21:26:13 <Kiirga>      "Nobody's gonna hurt you, okay? You don't have to be scared." She says in a soft, calming tone.

Nov 06 21:26:55 <MikeM> "They said there's a lockdown, and we're to remain in place. Is it over? I heard a bunch of explosions."

Nov 06 21:28:50 <Kiirga>      "I don't know. You should probably stay where you are, though, if that's what they said. I'll go look and see if everything's safe."

Nov 06 21:30:21 <MikeM> "Ok." She peeks out from behind the desk, trying to see who's talking. "Oh."

Nov 06 21:32:35 <Kiirga>      A head framed against the light coming through the cracked-open door, probably kind of hard to identify. She makes a small smirk, and withdraws her head from the room. Well, there are still people here, she'll have to be careful.

Nov 06 21:36:27 <MikeM> Another rumble sounds in the distance.

Nov 06 21:37:58 * Kiirga moves down the hall to the other readily available door.

Nov 06 21:39:39 <MikeM> This door opens easily. There are two tables, a coffee machine, and a half-full box of donuts. No people, however.

Nov 06 21:40:47 <Kiirga>      Break room. Nothing interesting here. Hmm... She heads through this room to the door she sees on the far side and looks out through there.

Nov 06 21:42:00 <MikeM> From here you can see the underside of the stairs and part of the entrance door. The halls are wide enough for two people to comfortably walk side by side.

Nov 06 21:43:38 <Kiirga>      And walking out that way will bring her into the firing arc of the turret... probably best to go check those upper catwalks in the garage, so she heads back to there.

Nov 06 21:45:59 <MikeM> While there are no stairs, it is a hop, skip, and jump from the dragon to the catwalk. Which door do you enter? The door on the east wall, or the door on the south wall?

Nov 06 21:47:02 <Kiirga>      After a quick climb up her mech and a little scamper up the railing, she lands on the catwalk. Two doors... Let's check the south first.

Nov 06 21:47:29 <MikeM> Good choice. A quick peek reveals  derpy.me/L4crK

Nov 06 21:48:19 <MikeM> Another laser turret on the north end, two small offices, an open area, and the stairs.

Nov 06 21:49:56 <Kiirga>      (When you say north end, is that in that little alcove there?)

Nov 06 21:51:00 <MikeM> (Yes, the turret is positioned so it can fire down the hall and onto the stairs.

Nov 06 21:51:03 <MikeM> )

Nov 06 21:52:46 <Kiirga>      And there's the second one. Might be able to get close enough to that one through the other door... but first, let's check the room that's not guarded by it.

Nov 06 21:54:31 <MikeM> This door opens easily. Inside is what appears to be a mostly-assembled humanoid android. The sleeping bot is hooked to several laptops.

Nov 06 21:55:38 <MikeM> Its legs lay on a table, but the arms and head are attached to the torso.

Nov 06 21:56:00 <Kiirga>      Oooh, now THAT'S interesting. She steps inside and cautiously approaches the partial android.

Nov 06 21:57:44 <MikeM> It does not move.

Nov 06 21:58:29 * Kiirga approaches to within five feet of the robot and examines it. (Should I roll robot mechanics?)

Nov 06 22:00:05 <MikeM> (I'm not exactly sure of its design or components, as it's not my design. It won't be functional right now.)

Nov 06 22:00:55 <Kiirga>      (So no use in doing a telemechanics on it, then.)

Nov 06 22:02:04 <MikeM> (Not tonight. Hopefully in the near future.)

Nov 06 22:04:50 <Kiirga>      Definitely something she'll want to come check back in on after she's cleared the building... don't really have time for a telemechanics spell right now. She leaves the thing be, and heads out of the room. She takes a deep breath... okay. Here we go. She steps out into the firing range of the turret just long enough to draw its attention, then darts back behind the cover of the wall.

Nov 06 22:06:32 <MikeM> The turret fires a burst in your direction, singeing the walls with laser blasts.

Nov 06 22:08:54 * Kiirga ducks back into the garage while it's shooting at the wall, and rushes its position from the eastern door, hopefully before it can turn to face her. Her hoof glows as she gets in close to it, and she uses a combination of her gem magic and telemechanics to access the machine like she would one of her own.

Nov 06 22:11:23 <MikeM> !roll 1d20

Nov 06 22:11:23 <GameServ>    MikeM rolled 1d20: 12  <Total: 12>

Nov 06 22:11:38 <MikeM> !roll 2d6

Nov 06 22:11:38 <GameServ>    MikeM rolled 2d6: 2 4  <Total: 6>

Nov 06 22:12:06 <MikeM> The laser turret gets off one shot before your powers take control, but you stop further bursts.

Nov 06 22:13:50 * Kiirga takes a deep breath, then chuckles softly. That could have gone much worse. She pries the turret's casing open with her sword and makes short work of disabling it permanently.

Nov 06 22:16:04 <MikeM> The smell of a little burnt fur lingers in the air as you complete your work.

Nov 06 22:18:25 * Kiirga wipes off the singed parts of her fur as she finishes, frowning lightly. Guh, she hates when that happens, but that's the danger of working with magic and machines sometimes. But now she has easy access to the remaining room on this floor, which she makes use of now.

Nov 06 22:20:09 <MikeM> This room is full of servers on the north and east wall. The west wall has a long desk with three workstations. Along the south wall is a printer and a telephone.

Nov 06 22:20:22 <MikeM> Still no people.

Nov 06 22:22:15 <Kiirga>      Servers! Perfect. Now she can get at the data she needs. She makes a quick check of the room, finds no people, and takes up a position at a workstation, obviously not designed for hooves. She places one to it anyway and works through the machine to determine what kind of information is stored on these servers.

Nov 06 22:25:17 <MikeM> Your search reveals information about things you've seen, and things you've suspected. There are several directories referencing "rift," "containment," and "D-Bees," as well as some for robotics, and another which is called "Operation Pasternak."

Nov 06 22:26:55 <Kiirga>      Lots of good stuff on here... She is a little worried by this 'Operation Pasternak', though, and takes a look at that.

Nov 06 22:28:24 <MikeM> You find spreadsheets with data about various crystals, experiments on radio transmission and ISP, and diagrams of human anatomy. Several files contain x-ray images of heads.

Nov 06 22:29:04 <MikeM> There are also lengthy essays of psychological experiments.

Nov 06 22:29:53 * Kiirga reads through this... and her eyes slowly widen up. This must be what that magic outside was. That must be why Shamon was going nuts around it. Maybe even why he didn't remember her? She looks through these for any references to him.

Nov 06 22:31:16 <MikeM> The newest files are dated from this week, and the subject is only identified as "Patient S."

Nov 06 22:31:47 * Kiirga takes a look at these, then.

Nov 06 22:33:28 <MikeM> The reports are short, and speak of success in memory enhancement and device performance. Patient S. is now dependable and a model citizen.

Nov 06 22:34:35 <Kiirga>      Memory enhancement. Right. She looks through the files for schematics on this device and the method through which they had suppressed his memories.

Nov 06 22:36:59 <MikeM> Several x-rays show an object in the head, beneath the patient's skin. There are also plans for some kind of crystal device worn by the patient.

Nov 06 22:39:13 <Kiirga>      Beneath the skin... Ugh. If she can find one of these things not implanted, she could figure out how to turn it off and safely remove it... She looks now for references to where these devices might be stored.

Nov 06 22:40:23 <MikeM> You find information about a lab in Chi-town, but nothing here.

Nov 06 22:42:17 <Kiirga>      Nothing here? Hm. She's gonna have to figure it out on the one he has, then... that's gonna be fuuuuuun. For now, she grabs the servers' data cores and brings them back to the mech.

Nov 06 22:47:31 <MikeM> A flash of blue light illuminates the bay, soon followed by rumbling.

Nov 06 22:49:13 * Kiirga places the server cores in the mech, and checks on Shamon

Nov 06 22:49:37 * Shamon isn't moving or speaking

Nov 06 22:49:53 <Kiirga>      "Hey. You fall asleep up there?"

Nov 06 22:50:08 * Shamon doesn't respond

Nov 06 22:52:04 <Kiirga>      "HEY." She says louder, and taps her flight suit-covered hoof against his foot.

Nov 06 22:52:26 * Shamon looks at her, staying quiet

Nov 06 22:52:39 <Kiirga>      "You still feeling all crazy?"

Nov 06 22:52:56 <Shamon>      "..."

Nov 06 22:54:06 <Kiirga>      "Oooookay then. Well, from what I've found? Sounds like they stuck something in your head that's messing with you, and I think these bursts are just making you worse."

Nov 06 22:54:56 <Shamon>      "Yeah, right, whatever"

Nov 06 22:55:39 <Kiirga>      "Yeah. You heard of something called 'Operation Pasternak'?"

Nov 06 22:55:53 <Shamon>      ".. No"

Nov 06 22:56:46 <Kiirga>      "Figures. Point is, they were experimenting with radio waves and ISP. Running some kind of psychological experiments on people."

Nov 06 22:57:35 * Shamon shakes his head "that's crazy talk. Leave me alone, you're crazy"

Nov 06 22:58:28 <Kiirga>      "I have proof. I took some data cores that have their logs, their reports, x-rays of people's heads with these things in them."

Nov 06 22:58:48 <Shamon>      "I'll believe it when I see it"

Nov 06 23:00:01 <Kiirga>      "Fine." She climbs up into the mech and grabs a couple cores... yeah, this is the one. She loads it into one of the mobile screens and takes it with her to show it to Shamon.

Nov 06 23:01:59 <Shamon>      "How do I know you haven't faked this? You were in there a long time"

Nov 06 23:02:35 <Kiirga>      "I've got more. A lot more. More than I could have possibly faked in that time."

Nov 06 23:03:17 <Shamon>      "I don't believe it, you're making this all up!"

Nov 06 23:04:42 <Kiirga>      "Why would I come here, risk my life fighting off all these CS troops and this freaking laser turret..." She rubs the singed spot on her flight suit. "All to mess with your head?"

Nov 06 23:05:56 <Shamon>      "Because.. Because... Because, you're after something else! I'm just caught in the middle, and you're using me to help!"

Nov 06 23:07:16 <Kiirga>      "I already have what I came for." She wiggles the data pad towards you. "... though there was a cool robot in there that caught my interest too. Maybe I should grab that while I'm here." She shakes her head. "Anyway. I had no idea you were going to be here."

Nov 06 23:08:28 <Shamon>      "I just happened to be, and we're here now! Just let be go, and I'll be on my way"

Nov 06 23:09:27 <Kiirga>      "You really want to go, even with the possibility that the people you're working for stuck some sort of memory altering thing in your head?"

Nov 06 23:10:27 <Shamon>      "Something you seem to know an awful lot about. Perhaps you put it on me!"

Nov 06 23:12:10 <Kiirga>      "I only know what I read in a few reports. I really don't know much more than I've told you, I'd have to look through more of these files myself."

Nov 06 23:12:37 <Shamon>      "Well I don't believe you, and that's that!"

Nov 06 23:14:03 <Kiirga>      "And why not? Is it because I'm not human? Just because I happen to be on this world through circumstances outside of my control?"

Nov 06 23:14:38 * Shamon closes his eyes and ignores her

Nov 06 23:15:19 <Kiirga>      "That seems like a pretty crappy reason to not listen to someone. Especially if they're saying something this important."

Nov 06 23:15:48 * Shamon continues to ignore her

Nov 06 23:17:19 <Kiirga>      "You know, I thought it was pretty cool of you to ignore that and help me save all those civilians before. You didn't care then about what I looked like."

Nov 06 23:18:38 <Shamon>      "I'll say it once, and once only. I don't care. Nothing you say will change my mind"

Nov 06 23:19:58 <Kiirga>      "Mmhmm." She raises a hoof towards the mech's forelimbs, and her hoof can be seen glowing through her jumpsuit. The arms lower you down, and she inspects your head for where this device might have been implanted.

Nov 06 23:22:00 * Shamon has bandages wrapped around his head, and he struggles anyway

Nov 06 23:22:48 <Kiirga>      "Oh, hold still. I just want to find this thing." She recalls from the images where they had implanted the device, and looks around there.

Nov 06 23:23:19 <MikeM> There is a small scar on the back of Shamon's head. He's a soldier though, and it's a rough business.

Nov 06 23:23:43 <Shamon>      "Get away from me, you.. Freak!"

Nov 06 23:25:07 <Kiirga>      "Shhh. Just hold still." She pokes around there to see if she can feel anything under his skin.

Nov 06 23:27:42 <MikeM> Some kind of small lump is detectable. It's no bigger than a pea.

Nov 06 23:29:32 <Shamon>      "Get off! Don't touch me!"

Nov 06 23:29:45 <Kiirga>      "Ah, there you are. You feel that right there?"

Nov 06 23:30:18 <Shamon>      "What, the thing you planted?!"

Nov 06 23:32:22 * Kiirga rolls her eyes. "Yes, obviously I planted it so I could tell you all about it." Her voice is dripping with sarcasm. "Now hold still. This might hurt a bit." She unsheathes her sword and carefully makes a small incision with its tip, just on top of the little device.

Nov 06 23:34:16 * Shamon screams and tries to move away

Nov 06 23:35:50 <Kiirga>      Not very far to move while you're held by a giant robot. "Geez. It's just a little cut, calm down." She looks inside, just beneath his skin.

Nov 06 23:36:34 <MikeM> There it is! A little nodule, some very fine wires. Nothing much to look at, really.

Nov 06 23:38:41 * Shamon struggles in his bonds and swears at Kiirga

Nov 06 23:40:16 <Kiirga>      "Okay... Here we go." She gently places her hoof over the cut and her hoof glows once again, her telemechanics kicking in to give her a complete understanding of how this operates - its schematics and operation knowledge become known to her.

Nov 06 23:40:43 * Shamon keeps on swearing

Nov 06 23:40:52 <MikeM> (Whew. I thought you were just going to pop it out.)

Nov 06 23:41:11 <Kiirga>      (No way, not without doing this first.)

Nov 06 23:41:47 <MikeM> The device is not booby-trapped, but it's not clear how his brain will be effected if the device is removed.

Nov 06 23:44:33 <Kiirga>      "Hmm..." She looks through the schematics revealed to her, working on how to restore how his mind was before this thing was stuck in it.

Nov 06 23:45:51 * Shamon keeps saying inappropriate things to Kiirga

Nov 06 23:47:47 <MikeM> There was a line in one of the psych reports about confused memories after removal of the implant. The patient did not die, however.

Nov 06 23:54:13 <Kiirga>      A lack of death is good, but still... His memories are already confused. She's still hesitant to just take it out, though. "Geez, would you settle down? I'm trying to help you here."

Nov 07 00:01:01 <Shamon>      "Just leave me alone all ready!"

Nov 07 00:02:09 <Kiirga>      "Not while this thing is messing with your head." She sighs softly... And starts working on getting the parts of this thing that was altering his personality and supressing his memories turned off.

Nov 07 00:04:07 <MikeM> The device loses functionality.

 It is midmorning, and the bug has been successfully reinstalled on the radio, but now you can record and decode its signals. It is Friday, March 27, 101 PA. The sky is partly cloudy, with a threat of rain from the west. From Aubergine to Novgorod is another 170 km of unpaved roads and trails, and you are leaving the 'populated' area of civilization. Neither Pancho nor Lefty have been sighted this morning. Grizelda lands next to the truck and looks around. "We leaving today or what? I'd like to not fly in the rain."

 "Where are your friends, gryphon?" Kawai calls out.

 "I don't know. Probably sleeping." She picks her teeth with a talon.

     "Well, they're supposed to be driving, so..." Kiirga muses.

 "Please fetch them for us."

Grizelda is gone for a few minutes, and returns with the other two.  Pancho says, "Whew. I slept like a log. Let's go." He hops up in the truck, makes sure everyone is ready, and pulls out of the lot. Lefty follows in the atv. Kawai waves them over before disappearing into her Juggernaut. She turns on her radio opening a line to Kiirga's dragon and the truck's Compu. Kiirga hangs out in the dragon for the time being, waiting around and watching through the dragon's eyes.

 "Can you hear me?" Kawai asks.

      "I read you loud and clear."

 "Let's move out."

      "Let's," she agrees. The dragon remains still and silent, under the tarp on the back of the truck as they head off down the road. All is well for the first 20 minutes. However, as Pancho navigates a particularly rough stretch and crests a hill, they see a roadblock ahead.

 "What do we have here?"

There is a string of razor wire across the road, and an armored jeep sits to the side. They can see one person behind the gun on top of the jeep, and two on the ground. They all wear power armor, but one of them is not wearing a helmet. She looks familiar.

"Don't touch anything." she removes herself from her Juggernaut, "It is probably rigged. Does anyone have pliers?"

 "Probably a CS roadblock... I'll lay low in here with Surry, just in case."

 The power armor and jeep are not CS designs, as far as Kiirga can tell. Kiirga watches through her dragon's eyes... Hmm... Maybe it's not CS... but who else would be out here? This was supposed to be the road to a CS base, right?

 Kawai just noticed the people in the trees so she returns to her Juggernaut, "I'll shake them out." removes the tarp. Opens up the loudspeaker, "We see you. Surrender peacefully."

 Shireen laughs and responds, "Surrender? Noo, come out and talk. We just have some questions." The other person on the ground moves a few paces away from Shireen and the jeep.

Kawai moves her Juggernaut towards the jeep, "Lay down your weapons and come out where we all can see you. Then I will show myself."

 Shireen looks at the other two and nods. Jeep guy gets out and removes his helmet, and the third person puts down his rocket launcher and also removes his helmet. The rocket launcher guy says, "We don't want trouble."

 Kawai slides out of her mech, smiles at Shireen, "It is good to see you. Does this mean you are up for that sparing match?"

 Surreal_Nightmares whispers to Kiirga, "We need them to unload their weapons. We don't want them to be ready if they fight."

 Kiirga watches her screen quietly... Huh. Some friend of Kawai's? She moves her hoof away from the weapons controls and smiles lightly... Well, she'll still stay quiet for now. "Kawai seems to know them, that's good enough for me."

 Shireen shakes her head. "Afraid I'll have to take a rain check. We're on duty now."

 "Which brings up our questions. We're part of the Regional Task Force to Prevent Needless Deaths. We just want to know some things so you might not get killed out there."

 "That is considerate of you."

 "Can your friends come out, too? We'd like to see them."

Kiirga nods. She puts the headset down over the armrest of her pilot's seat, and hops out of it. She puts a hoof to the hatch and the crystals in it glow. The hatch hisses with the opening of the hydraulic locks, and pops open. She peeks her head up and out, most of her obscured by the pilot's suit she was wearing.

 The shorter man next to Shireen waves at Kiirga. "Hello." He's not so drunk anymore.

 Kiirga climbs out of the mech and stands on its back, giving Surreal_Nightmares the space she needs to climb out, too.

 Surreal_Nightmares climbs out after Kiirga, shutting the hatch with a hind leg. She blinks as natural light greets her eyes, her fur looking a bit ruffled.

The tall man next to Shireen says, "Great, great. My name is Jerna. Like Shireen said, we're here to make sure travelers are safe. We do that by inspecting their equipment and making logs of where they're going, how long they'll be gone, and who to contact in case of emergencies. We've reduced needless deaths by 20% thanks to this system."

 "May I please see identification?

 Jerna points to a gold-painted star on the chest of his power armor. In the middle of the star is written "Security." "Will this work?"

 "It will do."

Jerna replies, "Thanks. So, about your destination?"

 "Mt. Helens."

 "Hmm. Ok. And how long will you be in Mt. Helens?"

 "A week."

 The smaller man keeps a close eye on the ungulates. "And who can we contact if there's an emergency?"

 Kawai fishes a business card from her pocket, "These are my employers." gives the card to Shireen.

 Shireen shows the card to Jerna before replying, "Tolkeen military?" She gives the three of you a long look before pocketing the card.

Jerna clears his throat, "Great. Now we just need to do a safety inspection of your vehicle and cargo."

 Kawai looks up at Kiirga, "Keep an eye on him."

 Kiirga nods. Of course.

Jerna steps forward for Kawai to lead him through the inspection. Kawai points to Kiirga. Kiirga waves down from atop the mech. Jerna climbs ups and inspects the mechs. "Lots of heavy weaponry here. What are you doing in Mt. Helens?"  The mechs seem to be in good condition. The dragon has been heavily modified to be controlled by the crystal magic that Kiirga can channel through her hooves. "They look good. Shouldn't have any problems that you can't deal with. But why so heavily armed? Is Tolkeen expanding?"

 "We are on assignment. Can't discuss the details."

 Shireen says, "Too bad. I do hope you stop here again after you're done out there." Jerna, satisfied with the inspection, hops down and goes to the other man. They move the razor wire from the road and go back to their helmets.

Kawai smiles, "You have my number now. Why not give me a call. My private number is on the back."

The shorter man waves again to Kiirga and Surry and says, "Be safe."

 Shireen smiles and replies, "I'll look you up sometime."

Surreal_Nightmares nods. "You too." She turns to Kiirga with a grin. "I thought that it was some kind of sneak attack," she says with a chuckle.

 "Don't take too long." Kawai studies Shireen's reaction to their dialog.

Kiirga nods and smiles. "You too." She watches down at them, chuckling softly. Yeah... she thought that, too.

 Shireen smiles in a friendly but professional way as their business is concluded.

 Kawai hops into her mech and gives Shireen a curt wave before she vanishes inside.

 Kiirga does much the same, before slipping down into her dragon and beckoning Surry to do the same.

 Pancho is ready to go whenever.

 Surreal_Nightmares drops down after Kiirga, quickly settling into a seat.

 Kawai hovers onto the truckbed, "日付を持っています！"

 Kiirga pulls the hatch back closed, and with a small glow of her hoof, it locks back into place. She sits into her seat, and gently grasps the tarp in the dragon's claw, pulling it back over her tank.

 The three guards put their helmets back on and resume the positions they had when you arrived, but keep their guns in a non-threatening way.

 "Lefty, I'm ready to go." pulls the tarp over them.

 Lefty relays the message to Pancho, who starts the truck and drives off. The guards grow smaller in your sensors, and eventually become too distant to detect. Another 30 km down the road, and the threatening skies open up. It is raining heavily, and the temperature drops ten degrees. Luckily, though, there are no monster attacks or breakdowns. The Missouri river grows ever closer. Pancho calls over Compu, "Hey, what's the plan anyway? Am I just driving up to this gate?"

 "Pull over once you see the town. We plan to walk in. Give it about a mile. Right, Kiirga?"

    "Sounds good to me."

 Kawai waits for them to stop. "Stop on the East side."

 Pancho stops on the east side of the river. A rather rickety looking pontoon bridge is the only means to cross the deep and fast-moving water. "I think I see something over there."

 Kiirga perks an ear up. "Are we there?"

 Lightning flashes. Grizelda lands next to the truck and might be the saddest looking creature you've seen. Soggy.

 "What do you see?"

 Pancho replies over Compu, "Looks like a gate. Can't see much in this rain, though.”

 Kiirga pulls up the map on an auxilliary screen inside the mech and looks at it. "Hmm... this map says that should be the guardhouse."

 Kawai ponders for a good few minutes. Once her plan is complete she makes her announcement over their radio, "Take us further away."

 While Kiirga is looking at the map on her screen, the radar alert sounds. Kiirga's attention immediately diverts over to the navigation console.

 Pancho begins backing up the truck.

 "Let's go 5 miles at least."

 Two sky cycles appear in the rainy sky. They fly fast circles above the group, from a distance of 5 km.

  "Uh, guys? I think we've been spotted."

 An amplified voice calls from the western bank of the river. "Exit your vehicles. Do not move anything except your persons. You will be destroyed if you fail to follow instructions." Pancho bails from the truck and follows Grizelda to a puddle free area 20 meters in front of the truck.  Lefty abandons her atv and joins her compadres.
Kawai primes up Warhawk's wings.

 Kawai whooshes after the sky cycles, tackling the one unlucky enough to be closest. The sky cycles see her coming one kilometer away, and dodges her lunge. The second sky cycle takes aim at Kawai with plasma missile and scores a hit.

Surry prods Kiirga, "Hey, is there any way I can help? My gun is still locked in the truck and I can't get it."

"Alright, Surry, here we go!" The mech's motors start humming to life mere moments after Kawai's attack, but, since the bikes are still out of firing range, she stays in position. "Yeah, yeah, take up position in the secondary gunner's seat, you can work the secondary weapon systems."

Surry smirks as she imagines herself shooting Kawai's Iron Juggernaut mouth... She shakes it off and selects the unknown spiderskull walker, quickly acquiring a firing solution. She prepares to shoot the barrage of four AP missiles again. "I swear to God, these missiles are my drug," she says to no one in particular as she fires them. The missiles dig into foul creation.

 Surry smacks her lips and flopsies her ears before selecting the same target and same arms to attack with. She launches her missiles in a barrage of four. Again. Kiirga startles a bit from the loud impact to the front legs of her mech. The damage readout said that that one actually did a bit of damage, too. "Oooh..." She frowns, and, with her sights still set upon the walker, and her hoof glows a little brighter with its commands to the machine. The mouth glows once more, the light sharply defining the many sharp teeth within it for a moment before that light lances out against the walker that had damaged her tank.

 The pilot, noticing his altitude, decides against jumping out just yet. He waits for another opportunity.

Oct 22 23:46:28 <MikeM> Kawai's go at the spider, then.

Oct 22 23:47:09 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+2

Oct 22 23:47:09 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 14  <Total: 14(+2) = 16>

Oct 22 23:47:35 <Kawai> (Is that good enough to get a grip on the driver?)

Oct 22 23:48:08 <Kawai> (I'm digging  in with my claws to gain the grip.)

Oct 22 23:48:31 <MikeM> You successfully grasp the pilot

Oct 22 23:49:03 * Kawai tosses the driver away to who knows where. (Strike?)

Oct 22 23:49:41 <MikeM> Nah. He's out of the fight now.

Oct 22 23:49:47 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 22 23:49:47 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 2  <Total: 2(+15) = 17>

Oct 22 23:50:16 <MikeM> The throw was a long one. The pilot will be napping for some time after that landing.

Oct 22 23:50:21 <Kawai> (Cool! That should be my turn. Driver is dead. Onto better targets.)

Oct 22 23:51:07 <MikeM> Surry's attack

Oct 22 23:53:01 * Surreal_Nightmares sighs at the damage reports the monitors around her bring up. "Dear God, just freakin' die!" she exclaims at the walker. She shows what she means by firing four plasma missiles at it.

Oct 22 23:53:10 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d6*10

Oct 22 23:53:11 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d6: 3  <Total: 3(*10) = 30>

Oct 22 23:53:15 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d20

Oct 22 23:53:15 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d20: 16  <Total: 16>

Oct 22 23:54:55 <MikeM> The missiles all impact this time, and a laser turret is no longer functional.

Oct 23 00:02:09 * Kawai zooms down after the Spider Walker. It is a full on body blow.

Oct 23 00:03:22 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:03:22 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 17  <Total: 17(+15) = 32>

Oct 23 00:03:41 <MikeM> The 28 ton machine is knocked sideways.

Oct 23 00:03:42 <Kawai> (Flying power block counts as three actions.)

Oct 23 00:04:03 <Kawai> !roll 1d6

Oct 23 00:04:03 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d6: 2  <Total: 2>

Oct 23 00:04:36 <Kawai> (30.)

Oct 23 00:05:43 <MikeM> The crew inside feels the damage, and loads more ammo.

Oct 23 00:06:07 <MikeM> Three attacks down.

Oct 23 00:07:21 * Kawai tears into the machine with both claws trying to create an opening.

Oct 23 00:07:40 * Kawai punches first.

Oct 23 00:07:55 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:07:55 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 6  <Total: 6(+15) = 21>

Oct 23 00:07:59 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:07:59 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 10  <Total: 10(+15) = 25>

Oct 23 00:08:10 <Kawai> (Both punches hit?)

Oct 23 00:08:21 <MikeM> (Yup)

Oct 23 00:08:38 <Kawai> (Those punches are one attack since I have paired weapons.)

Oct 23 00:08:48 <MikeM> The machine is well armored, and capable of withstanding intense abuse.

Oct 23 00:08:51 <Kawai> !roll 6d6

Oct 23 00:08:51 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 6d6: 5 3 6 2 4 6  <Total: 26>

Oct 23 00:08:54 <Kawai> !roll 6d6

Oct 23 00:08:54 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 6d6: 1 1 6 1 3 1  <Total: 13>

Oct 23 00:10:46 * Kawai slams both fists into it as hard as they can. (Twin power punch)

Oct 23 00:10:49 <MikeM> The hits do damage the armor, however. The machine loses use of another leg, so it now only has four operable limbs.

Oct 23 00:10:56 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:10:56 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 10  <Total: 10(+15) = 25>

Oct 23 00:10:59 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:10:59 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 8  <Total: 8(+15) = 23>

Oct 23 00:11:26 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 00:11:26 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 2 3  <Total: 5>

Oct 23 00:11:28 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 00:11:29 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 1 4  <Total: 5>

Oct 23 00:11:55 <Kawai> (100 total and that used up two actions.)

Oct 23 00:12:21 <MikeM> More damage from the smashing. The lower laser turret is broken, and some of the outer armor is torn.

Oct 23 00:13:09 <MikeM> Everyone re-roll initiative

Oct 23 00:13:15 <MikeM> !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:13:16 <GameServ>    MikeM rolled 1d20: 4  <Total: 4>

Oct 23 00:13:34 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:13:34 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d20: 15  <Total: 15>

Oct 23 00:13:39 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+2

Oct 23 00:13:39 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 20  <Total: 20(+2) = 22>

Oct 23 00:14:11 <Shamon>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:14:11 <GameServ>    Shamon rolled 1d20: 15  <Total: 15>

Oct 23 00:16:50 <Kiirga>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:16:51 <GameServ>    Kiirga rolled 1d20: 14  <Total: 14>

Oct 23 00:18:33 <MikeM> The order is Kawai, Surry, Shamon, Kiirga, and the spider.

Oct 23 00:18:51 <Kawai> (Twin power punch.)

Oct 23 00:19:00 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:19:00 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 14  <Total: 14(+15) = 29>

Oct 23 00:19:04 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 00:19:04 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 9  <Total: 9(+15) = 24>

Oct 23 00:19:14 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 00:19:14 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 4 1  <Total: 5>

Oct 23 00:19:16 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 00:19:16 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 3 2  <Total: 5>

Oct 23 00:19:55 <Kawai> (100 more MD to the side of the Spiderwalker.)

Oct 23 00:20:36 <MikeM> The armor becomes more dented and broken with each hit. You can now see the internal crew capsule through some gaps.

Oct 23 00:21:38 <Kawai> (I almost forgot something.)

Oct 23 00:21:58 <Kawai> !roll 4d6

Oct 23 00:21:58 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 4d6: 5 4 5 1  <Total: 15>

Oct 23 00:22:11 <Kawai> (Body heals 15 MD)

Oct 23 00:24:37 <Surreal_Nightmares>      (Who's still alive?)

Oct 23 00:25:08 <MikeM> The current enemies are Shamon and the spider skull

Oct 23 00:27:12 <MikeM> The spider skull has rail gun which still works, and Shamon has one.

Oct 23 00:31:12 <MikeM> You're up, Surreal_Nightmares

Oct 23 00:42:47 <Surreal_Nightmares>      (Woops.)

Oct 23 00:43:13 * Surreal_Nightmares sighs and fires her plasma missiles again, at the spider. "Boom?"

Oct 23 00:43:17 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d6*10

Oct 23 00:43:17 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d6: 5  <Total: 5(*10) = 50>

Oct 23 00:43:22 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:43:22 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d20: 3  <Total: 3>

Oct 23 00:43:49 <MikeM> Bust. The missiles fly wide, and one of them impacts uncomfortably close to Shamon

Oct 23 00:44:29 <MikeM> Whose turn it is now

Oct 23 00:46:24 * Shamon trying to get me now, eh? Take this! He opens up on Kiirga's mech with his rail gun!

Oct 23 00:46:29 <Shamon>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:46:30 <GameServ>    Shamon rolled 1d20: 5  <Total: 5>

Oct 23 00:46:45 <Shamon>      !roll 1d6*10

Oct 23 00:46:46 <GameServ>    Shamon rolled 1d6: 4  <Total: 4(*10) = 40>

Oct 23 00:47:32 <MikeM> The burst strikes many areas of the dragon, but causes minimal damage.

Oct 23 00:48:32 <MikeM> Will Kiirga's next action put our poor spider out of its misery?

Oct 23 00:48:44 <Kiirga>      hopefully!

Oct 23 00:51:02 * Kiirga snorts towards the spider. Looks to be on its last legs after Kawai's onslaught. Let's finish this one off, why don't we? She charges the main cannon one more time, and another blast of plasma pours fourth from its mouth to attack the spider.

Oct 23 00:51:07 <Kiirga>      !roll 1d20+12

Oct 23 00:51:07 <GameServ>    Kiirga rolled 1d20: 20  <Total: 20(+12) = 32>

Oct 23 00:51:16 <Kiirga>      (Ooh. Is that a crit?)

Oct 23 00:51:28 <Kawai> (It is!)

Oct 23 00:51:43 <Kiirga>      !roll 1d4*10

Oct 23 00:51:43 <GameServ>    Kiirga rolled 1d4: 2  <Total: 2(*10) = 20>

Oct 23 00:51:48 <MikeM> (Double damage!)

Oct 23 00:53:33 <MikeM> Kiirga's plasma pours through a gap in the outer shell and reduces the inner armor to critical levels. The remaining rail gun is no longer capable of burst fire.

Oct 23 00:54:22 <MikeM> The spider targets Kiirga's dragon leg again.

Oct 23 00:54:25 <MikeM> !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:54:26 <GameServ>    MikeM rolled 1d20: 19  <Total: 19>

Oct 23 00:54:48 <MikeM> !roll 1d4

Oct 23 00:54:48 <GameServ>    MikeM rolled 1d4: 3  <Total: 3>

Oct 23 00:55:04 <MikeM> It is a strike, but not very dangerous.

Oct 23 00:55:16 <MikeM> Back to Kawai

Oct 23 00:55:46 * Kawai breathes fire into the hole Warhawk made.

Oct 23 00:56:07 <Kawai> !roll 1d20

Oct 23 00:56:07 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 9  <Total: 9>

Oct 23 00:56:19 <Kawai> +6 I guess

Oct 23 00:56:27 <Kawai> Hit?

Oct 23 00:56:52 <MikeM> A good amount of the fire pours into the hole

Oct 23 00:57:13 <Kawai> !roll 6d6

Oct 23 00:57:13 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 6d6: 1 1 2 2 3 4  <Total: 13>

Oct 23 00:57:50 <Kawai> 13 mD

Oct 23 00:58:36 <MikeM> The armor is further damaged. Environmental control systems have failed. The crew is no doubt very hot.

Oct 23 00:59:25 <MikeM> Surreal_Nightmares' missiles might have better luck this time.

Oct 23 01:01:26 * Surreal_Nightmares facedesks and fires her missiles again, all plasma, all four. "Damn you, just... damn it!"

Oct 23 01:01:30 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d6*10

Oct 23 01:01:30 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d6: 6  <Total: 6(*10) = 60>

Oct 23 01:01:35 <Surreal_Nightmares>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 01:01:35 <GameServ>    Surreal_Nightmares rolled 1d20: 20  <Total: 20>

Oct 23 01:02:52 <MikeM> Like a latter-day Robin Hood, Surry's missiles all impact at the same point. The resulting explosion completely obliterates the Spider-Skull Walker.

Oct 23 01:05:15 <MikeM> The battle has no doubt been reported to command at Novgorod.

Oct 23 01:05:34 <MikeM> And Shamon has the next action.

Oct 23 01:06:39 * Shamon extends his knuckle blades and moves to engage Kawai in hand to hand combat!

Oct 23 01:12:12 <Shamon>      !roll 1d20

Oct 23 01:12:12 <GameServ>    Shamon rolled 1d20: 12  <Total: 12>

Oct 23 01:12:24 <Shamon>      !roll 1d4

Oct 23 01:12:24 <GameServ>    Shamon rolled 1d4: 3  <Total: 3>

Oct 23 01:12:30 <Shamon>      !roll 1d6

Oct 23 01:12:31 <GameServ>    Shamon rolled 1d6: 6  <Total: 6>

Oct 23 01:12:39 <Shamon>      (Woo)

Oct 23 01:13:14 <MikeM> (Are you still flying, Kawai?)

Oct 23 01:13:42 <Kawai> (Heavens no. I fought that Spiderwalker on the ground)

Oct 23 01:14:33 <MikeM> The punch strikes the armor, but succeeds only in wiping some dirt off its surface.

Oct 23 01:15:13 <Kawai> (SDC?)

Oct 23 01:16:22 <MikeM> (Yeah. It's just a punch.)

Oct 23 01:17:41 * Kawai rears up, Warhawk's clawed feet pound the ground as they face Shamon, towering over him at 30 feet. Boom! goes a backhand on Shamon.

Oct 23 01:17:53 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 01:17:53 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 14  <Total: 14(+15) = 29>

Oct 23 01:18:05 <Kawai> (Does I hit the Shamon?)

Oct 23 01:18:14 <MikeM> Definitely a hit

Oct 23 01:18:31 * Shamon (dodge it, totes :v)

Oct 23 01:18:53 <Kawai> !roll 6d4

Oct 23 01:18:53 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 6d4: 4 3 3 2 1 4  <Total: 17>

Oct 23 01:19:34 <Kawai> (Back hands are less than normal punch.)

Oct 23 01:19:44 <MikeM> The impact of the backhand knocks shamon down. His ears ring.

Oct 23 01:20:44 <MikeM> Any action from Kiirga?

Oct 23 01:20:46 * Shamon is on his back now

Oct 23 01:23:33 <Kawai> (That was my turn.)

Oct 23 01:24:07 <MikeM> (noted)

Oct 23 01:24:47 * Kiirga sees Kawai taking on the remaining guard, and starts bringing in the tank on the two, if she sees her friend in need of some assistance. But, as usual, she seems to be holding her own quite well in hand-to-hand.

Oct 23 01:26:11 <MikeM> (Does Shamon continue to fight?)

Oct 23 01:26:58 * Shamon slowly climbs back to his feet and levels his railgun at Kawai

Oct 23 01:28:57 <Kiirga>      Gun! She moves in faster, running at Shamon from the side while he's got his attention on Kawai, meaning to tackle him to the ground with her mech's sheer weight.

Oct 23 01:29:33 <Kawai> (Don't you guys have to cross that bridge?)

Oct 23 01:30:11 <MikeM> The pontoon bridge is approximately 50 meters long

Oct 23 01:30:27 <Kiirga>      (Oh, right ._.)

Oct 23 01:31:15 * Shamon aims his rockets at Kiirga now too, hearing them moving so quickly.

Oct 23 01:34:52 <MikeM> I think you're up then, Kawai

Oct 23 01:36:03 * Kawai because he is so low he is in leg range. Lifts a single leg and shoves.

Oct 23 01:36:19 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+15

Oct 23 01:36:19 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 5  <Total: 5(+15) = 20>

Oct 23 01:36:31 <MikeM> Full body-foot contact

Oct 23 01:37:02 <Kawai> !roll 6d6

Oct 23 01:37:03 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 6d6: 1 5 5 3 2 2  <Total: 18>

Oct 23 01:37:25 <MikeM> The shove knocks Shamon over, and he loses grip on the rail gun and rocket launcher

Oct 23 01:38:11 <MikeM> Kiirga's just arriving from dashing across the bridge.

Oct 23 01:40:04 * Shamon is knocked down again. Something gets knocked loose, and his systems go down. Rebooting...

Oct 23 01:41:37 * Kiirga slows down. Yeah, Kawai is  taking care of it just fine. But she will take the opportunity to put the mech's leg down on Shamon's arm and pin it down.

Oct 23 01:42:10 <MikeM> He is suitably restrained

Oct 23 01:42:51 <Kawai> (Who's turn is it?)

Oct 23 01:43:14 <MikeM> Yours.

Oct 23 01:43:53 <Changeling_Nightmares>   (Floof.)

Oct 23 01:43:57 * Kawai goes over the the soldier and stomps on it's head.

Oct 23 01:44:17 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+12

Oct 23 01:44:17 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 9  <Total: 9(+12) = 21>

Oct 23 01:44:27 <MikeM> That's also 4 actions for everyone, except for Surry, who has one left.

Oct 23 01:44:47 <MikeM> Your foot connects with the armored head

Oct 23 01:44:50 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 01:44:50 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 3 4  <Total: 7>

Oct 23 01:45:42 <MikeM> The damage is significant, but the helmet holds.

Oct 23 01:47:10 <MikeM> 6 attacks left.

Oct 23 01:47:23 * Shamon screams, and claws weakly at the helmet

Oct 23 01:47:34 <Kawai> (My turns?)

Oct 23 01:47:39 <MikeM> (Yup)

Oct 23 01:48:04 * Kawai stomps again to stop the screaming.

Oct 23 01:48:11 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 01:48:11 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 1 1  <Total: 2>

Oct 23 01:48:39 <Kawai> And again...

Oct 23 01:48:51 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 01:48:51 <MikeM> The helmet might be damaged if your foot connects

Oct 23 01:48:51 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 2 2  <Total: 4>

Oct 23 01:50:14 <Kawai> (Not going to be stopped?)

Oct 23 01:50:42 <MikeM> (Shamon could parry to reduce damage.)

Oct 23 01:50:48 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 01:50:48 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 3 3  <Total: 6>

Oct 23 01:51:13 * Surreal_Nightmares (Surreal_Nig@Cutest.Floofy.Changeling.Batpone) has joined

Oct 23 01:51:15 <MikeM> But you still have to roll for a hit

Oct 23 01:51:32 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+12

Oct 23 01:51:33 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 13  <Total: 13(+12) = 25>

Oct 23 01:51:35 * Shamon raises his arm up over himself. No, please!

Oct 23 01:52:13 <MikeM> The helmet is more and more damaged by Kawai's stomping. It begins to crack.

Oct 23 01:52:27 <Kawai> !roll 1d20+12

Oct 23 01:52:27 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 1d20: 16  <Total: 16(+12) = 28>

Oct 23 01:53:12 <MikeM> It won't last much longer

Oct 23 01:53:14 <Kawai> !roll 2d4

Oct 23 01:53:14 <GameServ>    Kawai rolled 2d4: 3 1  <Total: 4>

Oct 23 01:53:47 <Kawai> (I was using called shots. Those take up an extra action.)

Oct 23 01:54:27 * Changeling_Nightmares has quit (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)

Oct 23 01:55:11 <MikeM> (Are you surrendering, Shamon?)

Oct 23 02:00:22 * Shamon reaches over weakly and pulls his body up until his armor is vertical, then he ejects out, getting launched a few feet away. He curls up, cradling his face, before rolling to his back and drawing his pistol, firing shots that punctuate his sentence "just, kill, me, already!" He stops firing, waiting to see the response

Oct 23 02:02:10 * Kiirga 's mech follows the motion of Shamon as he ejects from the mech, and she blinks. Oh, shoot, she recognizes him. "Shamon...?"

Oct 23 02:03:44 * Kawai advances on Shamon.

Oct 23 02:04:41 * Surreal_Nightmares keeps her favorite missile launcher trained on Shamon. She keys the mic, speaking into it, "Stand down, unload the pistol and drop it to the ground."

Oct 23 02:06:08 * Shamon narrows his eyes. This is how it ends? He chuckles, coughs, then softly whispers "C'est la vie" and puts the muzzle of the gun to his temple

Oct 23 02:08:05 <Kiirga>      "Whoa, hey!" She bats the gun away from Shamon's temple with a claw of her mech, then holds that same claw up between Kawai and Shamon. "I'll vouch for this one. He's good."

Oct 23 02:08:46 * Kawai examines their surroundings.

Oct 23 02:08:48 * Surreal_Nightmares cracks her jaw before keying the mic again. "I swear to God if you pulled that trigger, I would go to hell and beat your sorry ass until you have some sense into you!"

Oct 23 02:12:15 * Shamon lies there, looking between the two. He's seen much better days.

It is now midmorning, Thursday, March 26, 101 PA. Bright and sunny. The perfect day to continue a trip in a now fully charged and bug free truck. Only 220 km to Westerton.

 derpy.me/tivfk Map

Kiirga packs herself up into the mech in the back, so she won't attract attention with her own body.

 Kawai radios Kiirga through Compu, "You don't need to hide right now. Won't you be more comfortable in the truck?"

 Surry is standing outside the truck, watching a cloud pass over a hill. It resembles a rabbit.

   "Well... I guess. But is there room up there for all of us?"

 She sees the truck has a bench seat in the front, and a second row bench seat behind that. It was designed for several occupants. Surry sighs. She turns to the group. "Guys, how far are we from our endpoint?"   derpy.me/yj72j Kawai to Kiirga, "There is plenty of room up here, " to Surry, "About 200 kilometers. Why?"

 Kiirga peeks her head out of the mech. "..." oh, fine. She supposes it shouldn't be a problem.

   "I'm just bored... And restless, I guess," she says.

 "We are leaving in a minute."

 Once everyone is in the cab and buckled in, Kawai drives out of the parking lot and heads west out of town. Everything is running smoothly. They travel along a rough but paved highway. Scenery changes from woods, hills, and lakes to a more open grassland. Bison and antelope can be seen on the ground, and several very large birds fly lazy circles in the thermals created by the sun's heat. It's almost going too well.

As they approached a slight rise in the road. At the top Kawai can see the road turns to the left. Surry is curled up into a tiny ball in her seat, sleeping. She purrs softly in her sleep. As the truck approaches the curve, Surry sees a shiny spot in the distance in her dream. It's probably a weather balloon, which is like a party balloon, only much bigger. Cake is yummy. Kiirga notices that the road is getting bumpier. Bet it's those dashed lines on the map after Westerton mean the road isn't paved at all. Kawai sees a discolored patch in the road. It really looks like someone recently dug something right in the middle of the road. There's also a discernable dig mark running off the road, like someone's hiding a wire. The spot is getting closer as she drives but there's a large ditch on each side of the road. Great drainage. Sensing danger Kawai stops the truck.

 Surry starts to salivate, her physical body drooling while her dream one starts to fly towards the cake! In the dream, she tackles the cake, absolutely demolishing it! In the physical world, her wings and ears twitch while small mewls escaped her mouth. Surry growls playfully, unaware of what is happening.

 A shadow passes over the truck. One of the large birds? Kiirga tenses for a moment as the truck is stopped. "What is it?" An energy blast strikes the left side of the truck, just above the wheel.

   drive.google.com/file/d/0BzkbO… 

 Kawai yells out, "Surry, get down!" rushes out of the door and to the side of the truck. she looks up to identify the source of the blast. Kiirga ducks down, startled by the sudden impact to the side of the truck. Surry is woken up by the shot! She rolls to the floor of the truck, still curled up into a ball. Her breathing is uncontrolled and fast, the mare's body producing adrenaline. They hear a shout from the south side of the road, the same side as the driver's side. "We don't want to kill you, we just want your stuff. Let's make it easy for everyone." The voice is a man's, and he sounds very calm.

Kawai chuckles at this, walks around the front with her hands above her head, "Is that all?"
 The man stays hidden while he responds. "Yeah. Give us what's on the back of the truck. You can leave with the truck and your lives."

   'Oh, screw, that.' Kiirga thinks. She stays where she is, though, low and out of sight. Let Kawai distract them first...

 "A person can't give something to their shadow."

 "Come on down and I'll show you what we got."

 The man waits a second before replying, "Shadows are not dangerous for all. Tell your friends to get out of the truck and move 20 meters in front of it. No funny business."

 Surry whispers to anyone listening, "I don't think I can do anything from my position. Maybe try using magic to distract them?"

Kawai walks towards the back where Warhawk sleeps, "I only have one friend with me. That's the pilot of the other mech." jumps onto the bed and grabs the tarp, "Let me know when you are ready to see our stuff."

 The ambusher stands up. He is about 100 meters away, and carries a pulse rifle. As he walks closer, you can see he's wearing armor. He holds his weapon at the ready and looks at you suspiciously.

 "Only one other?" He briefly looks north and continues walking towards the truck.

"Yes. That's Surry."  

 He stops several running paces short of the truck. "Well, tell 'Surry' to get out." He points forward of the truck. "And both of you wait up there."

 Surreal_Nightmares lays down, just waiting for the man.

 "Surry, please be a deer and show the man your pretty face."

 Surry smirks at Kawai's words. The rings around her hooves glow with power for a moment. The power exits the rings in the form of shining particles that wrap around the mare's dorm, transforming her into a deer! She puts on a dumb animal face and trots out, sniffing the air curiously.

 The man laughs. "What is this? Some kind of joke? That's the pilot?"

Surry flicks her ears and turns her head towards the man. She holds the position for a few moments before lowering her head to sniff at the ground. Kawai pulls down the tarps and tosses it over the other side, "She built one that fits her anatomy." 'I hope Kiirga can use that as cover.' And down goes the tarp over the open door. Perfect. Kiirga sneaks out under it and towards her dragon mech, while they're busy off on the other side looking at the uncovered Warhawk.

 "Whatever. You two wait up there. And don't try anything funny. Just wait and this will all be over quick."

 Kawai walks to her Juggernaut and slaps its leg, "This is mine. He's a beaut."

 Surry trots over to Kawai, feigning curiosity. She sniffs the woman before nibbling in her ears. "What's the plan?" she whispers.

Kawai pats Surry head, "I call him Warhawk." slaps Warhawk's leg again.

 The man points his gun at Kawai. "Move to the front now. I don't care about names."

 Kawai rubs Warhawk's leg, "Are you sure you want to take him away from me and tear his body apart?"

Kawai sees the man turn his selector lever from safe to fire. "I'm sure. Move now."

 Well, still no sign Kiirga's been seen... so she silently climbs into the hatch on the dragon while Kawai continues distracting the man.

Surry moves over to the man,  sniffing him.

Kawai shrugs then walks to the front of the truck.

 "Surry, come." Surry moves back over to Kawai. She nuzzles the woman.

The man safes his rifle and pulls the tarp from the truck.

 "Well well. Now just gotta figure out how to get them off..." The man yells, "Lefty!"

 Kiirga is already in the mech, and the hatch is closed. She's running the mech in silent startup mode, for now.

 Another figure stands up in the distance, slightly behind the truck. "On the way, Pancho."

 "Well now, is it only the two of you?"

Pancho spits back, "Shutup, lady. Just be quiet and wait."

 Lefty jogs up and whistles. "Nice haul. Let's get them unloaded quick. I think I can fly them enough to get them into the field." Lefty climbs on the truck and goes to open the hatch of the dragon. "It's locked."

Pancho looks at Kawai and the deer. "Open it up."

 Surry nibbles on a random area of her body, feigning an itch. She perks her ears, ready to jump into action

   No kidding, it's locked. Kiirga gets a warning that someone is trying to open the hatch, and smirks. Showtime. Her mech suddenly swipes upwards with a forelimb to grab, but not yet to injure. If we can get out of this without bloodshed, all the better.

Kawai walks over to Warhawk. *** Warhawk grabs at Pancho

 Surry waits for Lefty to come help his friend. Her muscles tense, ready to tackle.

 Pancho avoids the grabbing warhawk, and is now angry.

 Just after the Warhawk grabs at Pancho, Surry hears a horrible screech and rustle of feathers before she is grabbed in the powerful talons of a gryphon.

 The gryphon yells out, "Let's just hold it right here!"

 Surry flails and screeches in surprise and fear! She squirms in the gryphon's terrible grip.

Kiirga's upward swipe took Lefty completely by surprise. The would-be thief finds herself in the clutches of Kiirga's mechanical hand.

 When she sees Surry being taken by the griffin she curses, "Ahoka!" then hurries into her Iron Juggernaut.

 Kiirga raises the mech up onto its hindlegs, looking down on Lefty through her dragon's eyes. A speaker hidden inside the head speaks up, "You really thought this was a good idea? Get out of here, before someone gets hurt."

Pancho points his pulse rifle at the truck and yells out, "Alright! Everyone just hold still a minute!"

 He calls to the gryphon, "Grizelda, you hold tight, but not too tight."

 Kawai with a woosh she takes off after the gryphon.

 The gryphon's talons get tighter around the squirming deer.

When Kawai gets near her with her Dragon Iron Juggernaut, "Hand over my friend." she holds out her claws.

 Grizelda looks to Pancho for an answer.

 Surry continues to flail and thrash, trying to give the gryphon a hard time and also to reinforce the illusion of her being a regular deer.

 Lefty is pointing her rifle at the dragon. Pancho thinks for a minute. "What are y'all doing with a truck, anyway? Give us that, and we'll let you go on your way." He stomps a foot and spits while waiting for your answer.

 "We can do that. The truck is yours. Just hand over my friend."

 Lefty replies, "Let me go first. Then you all fly off a bit, and we'll let your deer go."

 Pancho adds, "Yeah."

 "Or I can take my friend back by force and you'll be down a gryphon. Let my friend go first then we'll walk away." Kawai causes Warhawk's mouth to open on the gryphon.

 Pancho climbs into the truck. "Let Lefty go first."

 Kiirga glances towards Kawai.

Surry continues to thrash, but in a way so that she can bound over to Kawai. Surry feels a drop of what could only be drool hit the top of her furry head.

 Kawai reaches for Surry, going so far as to lay a claw on her neck, "Lefty... move your scrawny ass."

 Grizelda whispers, "Keep struggling." causing Surry to shriek.

  Kiirga sighs, and lets Lefty out of her grip. Lefty climbs off the dragon and into the cab of the truck.

Pancho calls out to Grizelda, "Ok, Grizzy, let her go." Grizelda releases the squishy deer and flies into a holding pattern one hundred meters above the truck. She screeches in disgust. Surry bounds over to hide behind Kawai, huddling close. Kawai turns and holds Surry close to the chest as Pancho starts the truck. Surry nuzzles Kawai. Her head turns to watch the truck. Pancho looks back to watch the dragon unload. Kiirga steps the mech off the back of the truck with a little grumble. 'They kind of needed that truck.' Kiirga thinks begrudgingly to herself as she watches the truck backs up the road for 200 meters and turns down a small path. Grizelda keeps an eye on the proceedings from above. She screeches once more at the afternoon sky before gliding away.

Kawai sets Surry down, "I'll be quick." jets off after the truck.  Surry pops back into her pony form after being set down. 
"Buh..." Her voice trails off as she watches Kawai go after the truck, "But... Damn it." Kiirga smirks lightly, watching Kawai. She's ready to provide long-range fire support if needed.

 Grizelda sees Kawai's approach and calls out a warning to the two below. 

There isn't anywhere to hide, so Pancho and Lefty bail out of the truck and take up firing positions. 

 Kawai, with an aire of confidence "Whoa, whoa. Put away your pea shooters. I want to make a final condition." swoops down in front of the truck.

 Pancho, eyeing Kawai over his rifle sights, replies, "What?"

 "Give us a lift to Novgorod."

 Pancho says, "Novgorod? Where the heck's that?"

 "It is west of here. About 200 km."

 He looks at Warhawk and then away at the dragon. "Who are you, anyway? This whole thing's weird. But we can keep the truck?"

 Lefty chimes in, "I don't trust 'em, Pancho. This group's trouble."

 "You can keep the truck, it is a rental, but only after you take us to Novgorod."

 Pancho examines the truck before responding, "Ok. But I hope you didn't have to put down much of a deposit, because you won't be getting it back." They climb back into the truck and head back to the initial ambush site.

 Grizelda lands in front of Surry, "What happened to you?"

 Surry scratches her head. "Um... I can change into other people and objects?" she asks with a grin.

 Lefty climbs out of the cab. "I'm riding my quad. No room in there for everyone." She runs off into the grass and retrieves an enclosed atv. She mounts her rifle on a pintle on the roof before rejoining the group.

 "Ah, no need for us to be in the cab together. We'll stay in our mechs."

 Everyone is loaded, once again, onto the truck. Lefty is parked to one side of the truck, ready to follow. Grizelda circles overhead, eyeing the two quadrupeds. Pancho looks to Kawai, "Rock paper scissors for driver?"

 "You take it."

 "Sweet."

 Pancho starts the convoy west while humming some unknown, but undoubtedly cheesy, song.

 "Next town's Westerton. We stopping there?"

 "If we can I want to go straight to Novgorod."

 "I have never heard of that. Furthest west we go is Aubergine, and that's a pretty rough road. Past that is monsters and demons. Grizelda came from further west, and she didn't like it."

 "We'll protect you."

 "Heh. I suppose you're armed for it. Well, we'll give it a shot."

 Pancho continues to drive as the shadows grow longer. Westerton appears in the windshield. Another frontier town, no doubt. He passes through the town. People don't pay much attention as they drive through. There are a couple of large six-legged mammals walking alongside the road, but nobody seems scared of them.

 It is just past dark as the group leaves the town and continue west. Two kilometers past the town's edge, the pavement stops and the road turns into gravel and compacted dirt. Kiirga quietly listens and watches from her mech. She does nothing other than mess around with the mech, idly tinkering and making sure everything is ready to go.

 "Only another three hours or so until Aubergine. We should be there by midnight, if something doesn't come up between here and there."

 "Thanks for the heads up."

 The voyage goes on. Bumpy, dusty. Sometimes shadows pass in front of the headlights, and once there is a loud thump and a bump, but nothing stops the truck.

Surry suckles on her own hoof as she sleeps in the backseat of the cab. As midnight approaches, the dim lights of a town can be seen in the distance. "That's it. Look, I'm beat. I need to rest if you want me driving into some unknown place. Grizelda needs to rest and eat. What say we stop for a while here?"

 "Sounds good. We'll pay for the rooms."

 "Whew. That'll be great." The town is small, and there is only one inn. Pancho parks the truck outside, Lefty pulling up next to it. Grizelda lands and looks quite tired. Kawai goes to the Inn to pay for two rooms. One for them and the other for Surry and herself. The innkeeper is inside, and there are surprisingly several people in the lounge as you enter. They all watch you closely. The innkeeper hands you two keys after swiping your card.

 "We have a truck we need charged. Is that extra?" As Kawai entered the inn, a patron stumbled out and made his way over to the truck. He stared for a moment before approaching and examining the tarp.

The innkeeper replies, "Big truck? Yeah, that's 15 credits." Kawai pays the fee quickly.

The innkeeper points to the lounge and says, "Breakfast there in the morning. Lunch and dinner if you're staying longer."
Kawai hands over the key to Lefty, "Rest up and we'll see you in the morning."

 The drunk lifts up the tarp and eyes the cargo before going over to Lefty and Grizelda. He pesters them for food from the rations they are eating. Surry snorts awake, and exits the truck. She spots the drunk, watching him carefully. She notices that he didn't take anything. The drunk moves on behind the inn. 

 Pancho and Lefty head upstairs. Grizelda flies off, but is surely close by.

 Surry walks around the area, inspecting everything, just in case there's someone trying to hide from them. Kawai waves over Surry, "You're rooming with me." Surry inspects a random bush for a few moments before deeming it as safe and trotting to Kawai.

 Ok. The drunk is nowhere to be seen. You did see the edge of a tail sticking out of a shadow, but that's probably Grizelda. You also saw some guy with black braided hair walking from the inn to a house.

 Surry leans against Kawai. "So, where's our room?" As Kawai takes them to their room.

 Kawai was lucky enough to get eastern-facing windows, and thin curtains. Dawn's first light casts the room in a glow as day approaches. Surry is curled up under a pillow, the pillow a warm blanket for her. She is still asleep.

 When Kawai gets to the door on the way to a sunbath, she sees a folded piece of paper has been slipped between the gap of the door and floor. She picks up the odd paper and reads it. The letter reads, "Meet me downstairs at 8. Be careful. Jarrod. Kawai "Hm!" pockets the note before heading outside to stretch. Kawai goes through her morning routine of grooming and a workout which she does by Warhawk. So she can watch the lobby while she is powering up.

 Clouds threaten from the western horizon, but the day is still sunny enough. There are other early risers out and about, starting their routines.

Surry rolls around on the bed in her sleep. The pillow falls off of her, preventing her from rolling to the center to the bed. She rolls off of the bed and onto the floor, head impacting the ground first and giving her a jolt. "Huh-wah!?" she exclaims with a slurred voice. She blinks, clearing the sleep from her eyes. "What... just happened?" she asks herself. Surry massages the area of impact on her head with a hoof. She grimaces, but decides to explore the hotel to give her something to do.

An attractive, very fit brunette woman approaches during a long stretch.

 Kawai smiles at her as she works her waist. 

 "Mind if I join you?" she asks.

 Kawai stops for a moment to check the time, "I don't mind at all."

 The woman begins a Tai Chi routine

 Kawai raises an eyebrow, "Tai Chi?"

  The woman answers without pausing her movements, "Yes. You know it?"

 "I studied a different path."

 "And both paths led here."

 She stops and introduces herself. "I'm Shireen. You're new. Staying long?"

"I'm passing through, Shireen."

 "Going anywhere exciting? Merchants on business, perhaps?"

 There is a knock at the door of the room where Surry and Kiirga are staying.

 "I actually have to meet someone. It was nice meeting you. Maybe next time we could spare. I miss having a regular opponent."

 Shireen smiles and bows with hands pressed lightly together. "I would like that. Very much, I think." Kawai returns the bow before jogging off to the lobby.

 Surry peeps through the peephole on the door. "Yes?" It is a tall man, broad shouldered and thick necked. 
"Breakfast is being served, ma'am."

  "Thank you for letting me know!" she says, not letting the man know that the room is for two. Surry waits for the man at the door to leave, not willing to trust him. She is suspicious of this hotel and its inhabitants...he man in the hall leaves. Surry can hear his footsteps get softer as he descends the stairs.

 As Kawai enters the lounge a tall man--at least 6'3"--with long, black, braided hair waves discreetly at her. He has pale skin which may or may not have a light green tint to it. He sits at a table on the back wall, and there is a small dog seated on the floor next to him. The tops of his ears are hidden beneath his pulled back hair.

 Kawai takes the seat opposite the man so she will face him, "Good morning."

 He smiles and passes her a cup of hot tea. "Good morning. I am Jarrod Kennsmere, a friend of Maxton's. He said you would be visiting this way soon. Glad to see you made it safely."

Kawai accepts the cup of tea to be polite, "It has been a pleasant journey so far. Was Maxton worried about us?"

 Jarrod replies, "It is a long way from Tolkeen, and there is not much in the way of police presence. Except here. I believe there are CS agents here, since it is the last town before Novgorod."

 Surry exits the room as the man retreats. She locks it and makes her way to the lobby.

 He continues, "I also have an updated map for you. We have an agent in Novgorod. He owns the market. Justin his his name."

 Jarrod passes Kawai a folded paper. goo.gl/photos/Me7DG9Z4cYjSWooa…

 "We're not being obvious. If anything we look like Mercs. We even hired some to drive us the rest of the way. Getting to Novgorod will be easy an you give us a new name and our contact. Thank you." pockets the map.

 "Hired drivers, eh? Interesting choice. I hope you can trust them."

 Surry enters the lobby and sees Jarrod and Kawai sitting at a table. She walks over, ears perked.

"Don't need to."

 Jarrod smiles. "Good. Call us if you need anything."

 "Yes. Tell me about your group."

 "My group? Well, I'm just a small part. We are friends of citizens of the worlds. All worlds. We just want peaceful relations for everyone."

Kawai can see out of the corner of her eye Shireen as she finishes her Tai Chi and gives the truck a final once-over before jogging away.

"You keep saying that. Give me a name."

Surry sits on her haunches, still listening. "What's going on?" she asks.

 "A name? Friends of Magic, I suppose. I use magic myself."

 Kawai looks between the two, sighs dismayed, "Thanks. Have a nice day."

 Jarrod holds a piece of bacon above the dog, who begins a spritely dance. "You too. Continue to be safe, and cautious."

 Kawai stands up causing the chair to skeech against the floor, "Surry, we're leaving. We need to have a meeting."

Kawai heads out to the Dragon.

   "Alright, then." She follows Kawai.

 A kid is sitting on Kiirga's mech

 Kawai "Excuse me." she addresses the kid.

 The kid looks over "yeah?"

 Kiirga gets a little beeping alert in her mech. She rubs her head and groans softly... ugh, what is it? She raises her head to look at the alert. "... proximity alert..." She grumbles softly and sits up to go get whoever it is on her mech.

 "Off."

 The kid blinks "Is it yours? I cleaned both. Is that one yours? Can I have some credits?"

Surry blinks. "I'm going to inspect our stuff..." She goes off to do so.

 Kiirga opens up the hatch on the dragon's back and looks out at the kid on it. "..." It's just a freaking kid. Oh my gosh...

 "Off." she repeats this time with a more stern tone.

 He looks over to Kiirga, blinking again

 Kiirga stares at him, more annoyed than anything.

 The drunk from last night stumble up again. "Jimmy, you know I told you not to be messing with people's stuff. Quit bothering the nice ladies!" He whacks Jimmy on the ear and drags him away.

Surry can't find any marks signifying any tampering with the truck or the mechs. She returns to Kawai's side. "Please, get off the vehicle," she says to the kid in a light, friendly tone. "I'll... I'll give you a ride?"

 "Don't."

Surry shrugs. "Alright."

 The drunk eyes the three and grins. "You girls have a good morning." Then gives a little salute.

 Kiirga takes a deep breath. Well, that problem took care of itself. She looks at the other two. "Morning..."

 Kawai looks around now not seeing anyone, including Shireen, she leaps to Kiirga's side, "We need to have a meeting."

 Kiirga nods quietly and rubs her eyes.

 "Inside please." she points downward.

 Kiirga sits herself down in the pilot's seat, and pushes aside the balled-up flight suit she had laid her head on. "What's up?" The group gets themselves situated inside.

 "Surry, close the hatch."

She sighs as she has to go back down. She closes the hatch and returns to her previous position.

 Kawai pulls out the map, "Maxton sent someone."

 Kiirga sighs and rubs her head... "And?"

"We are to meet a Justin."

   "When? Where? About what?"

 "He owns a shop."

Surry   "... What? A shop? Where's it located?" she asks after listening.

 Kawai points to the general store on the map.

 The map: goo.gl/photos/dRo4HWbVALq1dQH2…

   "So in Novgorod."

 "I did not get a name for the group. I hope our military has a better chance on them. That's all."

   "Alright then. No more extra little details?" Surry asks.

 Kawai shakes her head, "He said Friends of magic but that's bogus. But he did tell me they have a ranking system."

   "Hmm. What are we supposed to meet him for?"

 "I think Maxton doesn't trust us."

Surry nods. "That would make sense."

   "Well, he did bug the car."

 "Speaking of the bug. Do you think you can put it back in?"

   "Shouldn't be hard. It's just plugging in three cables."

 "Then route information to us. I want a ear on it too."

   "Alright... I should be able to do that."

 Kawai gives a thumbs up.

 Kiirga picks up the bug from its place sitting next to the comms center. "... gonna have to do... yeah, because of those screws... I can do that." The hoof holding it glows as she uses her telemechanical skills to alter its transmitting frequency. Kiirga lays a hoof over the bug and enters a deep trance state. Seconds pass, and she begins reciting a 256 bit string of zeros and ones. Luckily, Compu hears her voice and records the numbers for future use. Compu thinks after recording the numbers. "This is much faster than what would have happened. I can decode what is sent from the encryption unit." Kiirga blinks her eyes as she finishes her retrieval of the encryption code and pulls back into herself. She shakes her head, and withdraws her hoof from the encryption unit. "Thank you, Compu."

 "I am happy to be of service."

Kiirga pets Compu's head, then looks to Surry and Kawai. "It should be good to be put back in place, now. It'll send to us, and we can decrypt it."

Surry nods. "Alright then. Mind if I check what kind of weapon I was given?" she asks.

 Kiirga nods. "I'm gonna head up to the cab and install this while you do that." She climbs out and goes about taking apart the bare minimum of the dashboard she needs to power the bug, then puts it all back together and plugs it into the radio like it was before.

Surry trots up to the mech and busies herself with finding her gun while Kiirga reinstalls the bug. Once she finds her gun, she whistles as the sleek, polished metal shines in the light. She holds it easily, standing on her hind legs with the gun held in her forelegs. She looks down the sights and notes that they're configured correctly. It looks like everything is ready to go.

 At the conclusion of last week's session, the group was loaded on the truck and ready to leave Tolkeen for Novgorod. The group will be leaving the Domain of Man and into the wilderness. Most of humanity in Rifts Earth is in a geographic band which is generally as wide as Texas and Louisiana, but is slanted to the northeast and encompasses Minnesota through the Appalachian mountain range. Outside of that band, there are many sorts of beings and animals, even Vampires and giant insects, which travelers may cross. Past the Appalachians persists glaciers that mark the planet's new ice age. It is probably for this lack of human observers that the CS decided to build a research station so far west. The lands out here are generally flat grassland that gives clear line of sight in all direction.

 Kawai glances at Kiirga, "I do not usually traverse this way."

 Changeling_Nightmares watches various life forms interact with each other through the window of the truck. "Wow..." she says as a hawk swipes up another bird.

 It is 650 km to Novgorod, and you find the truck has a max speed on paved roads of 130 km/h. Kawai goes 65 km/h to be safe.

 The area around Tolkeen is familiar. The group has seen it from the ground and air over their time living in the city. As they continue west, things change. Trees get smaller and the lakes become less numerous. Things quickly develop into a rhythm as they travel. There isn't much to see other than the occasional passing vehicle.

 Kawai notices that the vehicle battery charge is depleting much faster than it should. There is no way they make it to Novgorod at this rate of discharge. Kawai pulls over the truck to investigate.

Tihan flicks an ear as they come to a stop... but she remains in the mech, in case they need quick access to combat, or she needs to stay hidden.

 Kawai uses Compu to contact Kiirga, "We have a problem. We might have to jump start the truck. Want to take a look?"

 Tihan gestures a hoof at the comms station as it beeps at her, and puts her headset on. "What's up?"

"The truck ran out of power."

   "What? This thing should have had more than enough power to get us there! I guess you want me to take a look at it?"

 "That would be helpful."

 "Yeah, alright. I'll be right out there." She shuts down the comms, and pops the hatch to climb out of the mech and down to the truck.

 Kawai pops the hood for her if that is still a thing. She can feel  a lot of heat coming off the battery.

"Hmm. Well, something's sure draining this thing, it's hotter than it should be." She looks around for what could be causing this drain.

Surry scratches an ear at the predicament. "Any way we can use, I dunno, magic to power the thing? Or maybe piggyback off of another power source?" She is riding in the truck's cabin.

 "We could use the mechs. I have a feeling they are what drained the battery."

Kiirga pokes and prods at the batteries for several minutes. An inadvertent contact between your tools and a terminal send up quite an arc, and singe a bit of insulation. The battery power meter goes from 40% to 35%. This causes Kiirga to flinch back from it and quickly withdraws her tools. Okay, it's not there apparently. Kiirga goes back in once she's sure the thing isn't going to zap her again. After studying the wires and mechanics for several minutes, and consulting with her teammates, she make another attempt. This one goes much better. No singed hooves or burnt batteries. In fact, the power meter goes back up to 40%. She somehow increased the efficiency of the system. There is enough juice to get to Valderama and maybe even Westerton for a full recharge.
 Kiirga pulls back out and wipes a bit of engine grease off of her suit on a rag. "Alright, that should do it. There was a short down in there, and I cleaned up a bit of inefficient wiring while I was in there." She shuts the hood and puts all her tools back away.

 "Could we give it a jump or does it need to be replaced?"

  "Nah, it's all good now. We'll just need to recharge in the next town."

 "How long will that take?"

"Depends on the charging station, really."

 "That's fine. Let's keep going."

 "But, really shouldn't be more than a few hours." She nods in agreement, and starts climbing back up and into the mech.

 Kawai glances at her and once she is in her mech she drives to Valderama.

 Valderama is a short drive from where they broke down. As they enter the town, they notice that it is like other towns away from big cities. Something for most everyone, but not much else. The inhabitants are mostly humans, but there are a few D-Bees going about their business, too.

 Kiirga watches through the mech's eyes as they come into town. Not just humans here... so it's safe for her to be out. Good.

Kawai sees a motel next to a general store and the sheriff's office. Kawai parks. "How does this look to you, Kiirga?"

Kiirga points the cameras towards the motel.

Kawai gets out of the truck but leaves it running for her. She is not the most knowledgeable when it comes to technology but she hopes keeping it running like this helps. After slamming the truck door she makes a bee-line towards the motel owner.

Chase, the motel owner, "Hello, and welcome to Valderama. What can I do for you?"

"How much for a room?"

 "For one night? How many people?"

"Three."

 "That'll be 68 credits." He looks outside and eyes the truck for a second. "And another 20 if you want to recharge your equipment. Free muffins and coffee in the morning, if that's your thing."

"Fair enough." Kawai pulls out her card, "Let's do this."

 Chase plugs the card into the reader and hands it back to you. "Room 208. Don't make a bunch of noise after 11."

 "Why?"

 Chase looks at Kawai funny. " We like quiet nights here in Valderama."

 "Of course. Thought it was strange you would empathize that."

Chase passes Kawai three room cards. "Call the front desk if you need anything."
 Kawai bows then goes to the room.

 The night passes uneventfully. The next morning, you find that the truck is fully recharged and not a smoking hulk.

 Kawai got up early to lay over the hood of the truck like a model, to bask in the sun.

 Kiirga stretches out as she wakes up and climbs out of bed, a little after Kawai left. She goes out to meet back up with her, and watches her curiously. As she approaches, she asks, "What are you doing up there?"

Kawai eyes the doe, "What does it look like?" spreads her legs to get a better look at her.

 "Laying on the roof of the truck. When there's a perfectly comfortable bed that we paid for back in the room."

"Just let me know when you are ready to go."

 "Just need to turn our room keys back in, and make sure the truck's all charged up."

 Kawai fishes out her key from her back pocket then holds it out lazily in an outstretched hand while her other hand raises her shirt up to her bra.

 Kiirga chuckles softly at her friend, and takes the key from her palm. "You're gonna get the guys all riled up doing that, y'know," she says with a hint of a smirk at the edge of her muzzle. Someone whistles a catcall nearby.

Kawai shoots the man a look, "Maybe I should kill him." The man walks faster to wherever he's going.

 Kiirga snrks softly. "Only if he makes a move on you. I'm gonna go check the room one more time, make sure we aren't leaving anything behind. Stay out of trouble~" She trots back to the room and does as she said.

Kawai grins, her gaze returning to the heavens.

 Kiirga spends a couple minutes looking through the room, and, assuming she finds nothing else of theirs there, she returns to the desk and gives them back the key cards.

Jenny, Chase's wife, is at the desk. "I hope you all enjoyed your stay. Do come back."

"Thank you. Have a nice day!" She leaves, joining back up with Kawai

 Kawai rolls off the truck, splaying her legs as she does so. She stands by the driver door feeling more energized.

 Kiirga steps on out into the sunlight with Kawai, her crystalline hooves both refracting and reflecting the morning sun to create a beautiful pattern on the ground around them. "You ready, then?"

Kawai opens the door and plants a leg inside, "Are you?"

 "Yep!"

 Kawai enters and starts up the truck, "Thought you wanted to give it a look over."

"Can't do that until you've turned it on and got the battery display up. How's it look?"

 Kawai gives all the instruments and radios in the truck a thorough examination. Everything looks fine, if a bit used. She also notices that the radio microphone is plugged into a small box which is then plugged into the radio, instead of the usual direct connection. "Do you think this is stolen?" picks up the microphone before giving the box a poke. The box is roughly the size of a deck of playing cards, and made of metal. It does not respond to her poke.

 That's... not a response to her question. She walks over around to the door Kawai is at. "Stolen? Why do you say that?"

 "Just a hunch. The dash gave an all clear." tries to remove the small box, "Does this look right to you?"

 Kiirga looks up to the little box. "Um... a bit unusual. Maybe it's an adapter for the cables?" Kiirga quickly discerns that the cables going in and coming out are the same.

 Kawai opens the other door, "Have a better look."

Kiirga nods, and walks around to the other side to climb up in and get a closer look at it.

Kiirga notices that there is a small wire coming out of the back of the box and going into the dashboard. "Hmm." She scoots in and along and looks at that. Interesting... Now she wants to know where that cable goes. "I think I'm gonna take a look inside this dashboard."

Kawai steps out of the cab, "Need anything?" Kawai, being unneeded,  goes over to an empty space in the parking lot to stretch facing away from the street.

Kiirga diligently disassembles the dashboard and follow the wire into a large bundle. It proceeds through the firewall, and you trace it to a fuse block. The wire is a power source for the box. 'Okay, that's simple enough. It's power for the thing. So what does it need power for?' she thinks to herself.  'Could be storing the microphone data. Or even transmitting it elsewhere. Or it could be harmlessly modulating it to make it a readable signal by the radio systems. But, if it is the last one, there's an easy way to test it. Just plug in the microphone directly and make sure it still works.'   So... She's gonna need to get back in the mech and use its radio, and have Kawai call her with the box not plugged in. "Hey, Kawai, I need you help with something!" She calls over to the stretching girl in the parking lot.

 "Oh?" walks over slowly, "Did you figure it out?"

   "I want to test a theory. Hopefully it's just benign, but... Anyway. I need you to call me on the radio, without the box plugged in."

 Kawai slides onto the seat, "I can do that. Tell me when."

Kiirga climbs back to the mech. "Give me a few seconds, then go." She slips down inside and pulls the headset over her ears.

 Kawai sets the radio to Kiirga's Dragon, "Testing... testing..."

 "Well, that settles that. It's working. Alright, shut it off." She climbs back out of the mech to rejoin Kawai in the cab of the truck.

Kawai switches it off, "Want me to pull it out?"

"Not yet. Just shut off the truck, I want to take a look inside."

 Kawai turns off the truck as she is told, "I had a bugged apartment once."

  "Oh, fun. What'd you do about that?" She asks as she starts carefully opening up the casing.

"I did not have a lot of electronics during that time so it was an easy find. It was in the phone they gave me. We found it and tossed it."

 As Kiirga disassembles the device, she strips out two of the six screws which hold the lid on. If an attempt to pry the lid off could risk further damage to what is inside. Kiirga mutters under her breath, "Stupid, lousy screws..." Well, whatever's inside, it's not something she wants working anyways. Probably. She sighs, and puts her hoof to it, and the crystals in it glow as she attempts an interface with it. She senses that inside the box is a digital voice recorder, digital compass, and accelerometer. Such a system could be used for tracking movement, direction, speed, and recording voices. She also determined that the device was set to transmit recordings of activities every morning at 2 AM. Kiirga withdraws her hoof and humphs. "Yeah. That's a bug alright. It's also tracking our location." 

"Could it have messed with the battery?"

"Maybe. It is definitely draining some power to do its job."

 "Can you trace it back?"

 "It's only recording, I didn't see any transmitter in there."

 Kawai reaches over to the box, "No sense in keeping this then, " pulls it out with some vigorous tugs. She hands the bug to Kiirga.

"Yeah. It's transmitting back to the guys we accepted this mission from." She frowns slightly at it.

"Did it give you an idea whom we are dealing with?"

 "Not really. It's just recording and transmitting data, there's not a whole lot to it."

 "Well, now you have a souvenir."

 "Yep. If we ever need a bug, I guess I could modify it to transmit data to us."

 "Do you need to do anything else before we go?"

 "... put the dashboard back together."

Kawai shrugs, she goes back to her spot in the parking lot to stretch. Kiirga goes about returning the dashboard to working order while Kawai stretches.