Session Start: Mon Sep 26 19:09:37 2005
Session Ident: #taw
* Logging #taw to 'logs\EsperNet\#taw.20050926.log'
<Katrina`> Episode Two: Hostage
<Katrina`> Stardate: 10-581.8.15
<Katrina`> Location: PAX Station Orbitting Europa
* Warren` is in CNC with General Venerator. They seem to both be going over various reports on various planets that General Venerator hopes to visit before the year ends.
<Warren`> 6* A holovid moduel on the CNC computer is playing various channels from the colony Europa below them. It seems to be another bright, artifically sunny day on the planet.
<Warren`> <Venerator> I do not see, Captain, your reservations about visiting this particular system of planets.
<Warren`> I couldn't guarentee your safety on such primitively civilized planets. There's no telling how they would react - resources or not.
* Alicia is now known as Red_Fox
* Seraphna steps in, mostly in uniform, she's taken to tying the top part of the suit to her waist, just going in a T-Shirt. She takes a seat.
* Warren` glances at Seraphna, clearly annoyed at her lack of protocol. General Venerator just smiles at her warmly in greeting.
* Seraphna smiles back, waving a little
* Red_Fox heads inside, quietly, not really drawing much attention
<Katrina`> <General Venerator> We'll discuss it later. 6He turns to Seraphna and sees Fox slides in. "How are you two today?"
* Warren` taps his pen against the side of the table he's sitting at, turning to look out a window at the planet below them
<Seraphna> "I'm doing good! GOt three more of the shuttles all fixed up."
<Katrina`> <Venerator> That's good, that's good. As long as you're finding work to do.
<Red_Fox> "Pretty good. Been getting used to the station, myself."
<Seraphna> "I guess it's just that all the ships are so new, no one musta gone in to really look at them yet. So many redundant pieces..."
<Katrina`> <Venerator> This is a really old military station - designed back in the Earth/Ridarium War when fear was rising that the Ridariums would actually make it into the Sol system. It wasn't ever needed, since the war took place on the outer colonies, so it was just left here.
<Seraphna> "Ah, so nothin's been used yet."
<Katrina`> <Venerator> Not really. I've been getting new things brought in for our use, but the station itself is almost a decade old.
<Seraphna> "Oh... so... has the station been looked over completely?"
<Katrina`> <Venerator> By the best.
<Red_Fox> "In a way, I'm glad it's never been used."
<Seraphna> "Ah..." *seems to want to ask something, but is holding it back politely*
<Katrina`> <Venerator> You have something on your mind, Serena? 6He asks her, catching on. His diplomacy is as sharp as ever.
<Seraphna> "Well sir... I was wondering if I could have a crack at it?"
<Katrina`> <Venerator> I'd love to give you clearance to the station, but right now we need to see how you perform with the shuttles. And, it seems I received a request from Lt. Commander Durran not to touch his shuttle or designated gear without telling him first.
<Seraphna> "Alright sir... care to join me in a test flight later?"
* Warren` glances in the direction of Seraphna now that Durran was brought up.
<Katrina`> <Venerator> I'll pass for now, dear. Much too busy, I'm afraid, with other affairs. But you can ask the Lt. Commander to take you out sometime.
<Red_Fox> "What's new?"
<Seraphna> "Sure... gotta give them some time out in the black after all."
<Katrina`> <Venerator> The Captain and I have been going over possible planets to visit this year. We'll be deciding on something offical later next week and then we'll send you all your memos on your duties.
<Katrina`> 6* Venerator pauses as his communication device beeps. He politely excuses from himself from the room, leaving the two alone with the quiet Captain Warren.
* Seraphna smiles to Warren, "So... how are you?"
<Red_Fox> "Somehow, I don't think it's a holiday."
<Warren`> ... I'm good, Lieutenant.
<Seraphna> "...Anything exciting happen lately?"
* Seraphna is clearly trying to start a friendly conversation
<Katrina`> 6* The holovid begins to play some breaking news, showing a Janus Military building. The volume is too low to hear much, though, but it seems the building is surrounded by colony police.
* Seraphna looks up
<Warren`> ... Perhaps something right now. 6He eyes the holovid.
<Seraphna> "Turn the volume up..."
* Warren` grabs the volume controller, mashing it until the volume can be heard.
<Katrina`> <Holovid> It seems just thirty minutes ago a building for military employees in the downtown section was cleared out by a man waving a high powered plasma rifle. From what reports we can get, it seems he might have taken hostages on the top two floors of the building.
* Red_Fox watches intently
<Katrina`> 6* The news report just goes back to various other people who are talking about what could have happened for someone to take over a military building who's purpose is just to provide desk jobs for military people
<Seraphna> "Someone got canned?"
<Warren`> A rather drastic response. 6He says dryly.
<Seraphna> Mmmm... seen it enough with postal workers...
<Warren`> That's because they're postal workers.
<Seraphna> Still EarthGov though...
* Katrina` is now known as Venerator`
* Venerator` walks back into the room, looking all serious. He glances at the holovid, then turns down the volume
<Venerator`> I see you've heard the news of what's happening below. I just received word about it.
<Warren`> What's the situation below?
<Venerator`> It seems a former military employee who worked for the Janus branch of the military was confined to a mental instuition a few years ago due to some mental breakdown. His name is Lt. Commander Jake Roberts. He broke out of the mental institution a few days ago.
<Warren`> Tragic. I'll assume the colonial police will deal with it.
<Venerator`> Since we're the closest military outlet and the colonial police are ill-equipped to deal with it, we've been asked to negotiate with Roberts and free the hostages.
<Red_Fox> Great. Well, at least we have the negotiators
<Warren`> Excuse me, sir, but this unit is not equipped, nor designed, to deal with a hostage negotation. Your unit is composed of diplomats, not hostage negotiators.
<Venerator`> It would be hours before they could get a negotiator ready and sent out here. We're going to deal with this ourselves, Captain. I believe we can properly deal with such a situation
<Warren`> I strongly protest this action, General.
<Venerator`> Noted. Now, we need to get moving down to the colony, so Seraphna, you're the only other diplomat on duty right this second, so I'll need you to come with me to the hanger. Captain Carmichael, prepare whatever security personnel you have on board.
* Warren` sets his jaw, but says nothing more.
<Red_Fox> You'll be wanting someone nearby, with a gun, in case things go bad, right?
<Venerator`> <Venerator> It won't come to that, I assure you, Lt. Akai. We will do this peacefully. It's what our unit is designed to do. 6He moves out the door, heading for the elevator
* Seraphna follows Venerator
* Warren` stands up, punching the table once with his fist after Venerator is gone. He's clearly frustrated and displeased.
<Red_Fox> I know.. this should be the police's job..
* Warren` glances up at Fox, then lets his breath out, becoming collective again
<Warren`> Lets go. Make sure your weapons are charged up.
* Red_Fox nods.
<Red_Fox> Just what I was thinking.
* Warren` clicks his communication device.
* Red_Fox checks her weapons
<Warren`> Dragoon Alpha Ariel, are you able to participate in active duty at this point?
<Venerator`> <Venerator> Alright, Serena, lets make sure we save lives today. 6He steps into the hanger, walking over to one of the shuttles Sera has been working on.
<Ariel> <c> This unit has been prepared for active duty upon arrival.
* Seraphna nods, sticking with him, looking a bit nervous
<Warren`> Meet me in the hanger in 2 minutes, then.
<Venerator`> <Venerator> I know this is a big assignment for you to begin with, but just follow my lead. You'll never be in any danger.
* Warren` grabs his own handgun from the holster, checking the plasma rounds. 100 - a full load. He holsters his weapon, then motions for Fox to follow him out of CNC
<Seraphna> "Okay... ...this one's tested to be about 150% better after my adjustments sir." *she starts to talk mechanics to stay calm*
<Venerator`> Good.
* Red_Fox heads to the hangar, almost immediately
* Venerator` steps into the shuttle, taking co-pilot's seat as he begins to have the computer auto-prep the shuttle.
* Warren` walks across the hanger, passing Seraphna and eyeing her out of the corner of his eyes as he steps into the shuttle, taking the pilot seat.
* Seraphna takes a seat in the back, listening to the engine... which seems to be a LOT quieter then usual
* Red_Fox heads into Warren's shuttle
<Venerator`> NRP: *it was then they realize the engine was gone*
<Seraphna> NRP: "SIlly engines! All ye need is CANDY! MUWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"
<Warren`> I have very few hours of flight time logged, General, but I should be able to get us to the planet.
<Ariel> NRP: Sera's throwing away of parts will get people killed one of these times... and we're only on the first mission!
* Ariel arrives at the shuttle, and takes a seat without saying a word to the others.
<Venerator`> Hello, Ariel.
* Venerator` nods at her politely, smiling.
<Seraphna> "Hey Ari!"
* Ariel returns the nod, a little more formally.
<Red_Fox> Great to have you aboard.
* Warren` goes to push the throttle forward when nothing happens. He pauses, checking the controls again to see what was been broken.
<Red_Fox> ... something is definitely wrong
* Seraphna looks over, "Hmmm?"
* Warren` clicks his teeth together, then pulls the throttle back and pushes forward again, this time the engine powering to life
<Seraphna> "Oh yeah, sorry, little trick to it."
<Seraphna> "It'll fly a lot easier now though."
<Warren`> 6* The shuttle quietly lifts off and begins to move out the hanger
<Red_Fox> ... that worries me
* Warren` gives Fox a meaningful look that shows his agreement, but says nothing.
<Venerator`> It seems to be moving beautifully, Serena. Good job.
<Seraphna> "Thanks." ^^
* Warren` tilts the controls and sends them, slowly, carefully, and by the numbers toward the planet. It's obvious that Warren doesn't fancy himself a pilot.
<Venerator`> Alright. The colonial police of Europa have been told of our arrival. We'll be briefed when we arrive, then we'll proceed up to the two floors, where I'll initiate contact with Roberts and try to talk him into freeing the hostages.
<Venerator`> Also, it seems General Cran has been alerted and will be arriving shortly after we do.
<Seraphna> "Dad's coming...?"
<Venerator`> Yes he is.
<Red_Fox> "Lets show him just how good we are."
<Warren`> Fascinating a situation like this would bring him out to Europa.
<Red_Fox> NRP: * Everyone screws up.
* Warren` pilots the shuttle through the colonial dome and they fly over a city, designed much like an Earth city. Artifical lighting stimulates a normal Earth "day" for them.
<Venerator`> 6* The shuttle flies over the building, where helicopters are flying around it already. Warren, shakily, brings them to a landing in the street - knocking over a public mail drop off box
* Warren` pulls off his headset, sighing as he puts it on controls. He unbuckles himself and opens the door, passing everyone to step off of it.
* Seraphna follows after him
* Red_Fox steps out after Warren, breathing in deeply
* Seraphna actually fixes her uniform to look proper while she's at it
* Venerator` walks off the shuttle, glancing at everyone. They are approached by a police chief. He moves over to talk to the chief privately, leaving the others to stand at the shuttle.
* Warren` crosses his arms, standing there in silence.
* Venerator` moves back to the others.
<Venerator`> It seems we have a phone line into the room with Roberts. We can contact him down here.
* Venerator` turns and follows the police chief back toward all the cars. Warren grunts, then begins to walk after him.
* Ariel steps off the shuttle, and follows Venerator.
* Red_Fox pauses, then follows
* Venerator` begins to grab a headset, putting it on so he can talk to Roberts. A machine is set up so they can all hear the conversaton being said.
* Seraphna listens, hoping she doesn;t screw this up somehow
<Venerator`> <Police Chief> Now, Roberts has about 18 hostages up there. We've heard shots fired, but we don't know the condition of the hostages. That building's top two floors are locked down, like Roberts knew exactly what to do to make sure we can't see inside it. We do have a vintage window point so we can see in and I have men on that roof... *he points to a roof across the street* watching him. However, he wont' go near the window.
* Warren` crosses his arms, glancing at the building, taking a silent note on that. He turns back to look at the police chief.
* Red_Fox listens
<Venerator`> I understand. Patch me through. 6He stands there as the number is dialed. The phone rings once...twice...
* Venerator` glances at the others.
<Venerator`> Leave this to me, okay? Just watch.
* Seraphna nods
<Venerator`> <Voice> Whuh..Who is this? <Venerator> This General Vennie Cartwright, Lt. Commander Roberts. I want to talk to you about what's happening here.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> I don't want to talk to you, dont' you get it?! 6His voice rises, frantic. He sounds like he's stressed and ready to snap. "I don't want to talk to anyone but him! I WANT TO TALK TO HIM!"
<Warren`> "Him"? 6He glances at the police chief, who just shrugs.
* Seraphna mouths, "Who's him?"
<Venerator`> Listen, you have to calm down and tell me who "he" is, Jake. I can't help you until you tell me. <Roberts> That bastard. I want to talk to Alexander Cran! Get me CRAN!
<Red_Fox> ...
* Seraphna sighs
* Red_Fox silently fumes
<Ariel> ...was that ment to be surprising?
<Warren`> I understand that logic. 6He says offhandedly.
<Red_Fox> Me too.. doesn't make it any easier to take.
<Venerator`> Listen, Jake, General Cran's not here right now. We can't get you him. <Roberts> Oh, you better get me Cran right now or I'll start shooting these people. I know what he did to me. I know what Cran did to my mind! I knew too much! Well, we'll see how he'll deal with his little reputation after the truth gets out ... in blood! I'd like to see him cover up the truth then
* Warren` tenses, eyeing the speakers carefully now.
<Ariel> Cran is on his way, is he not?
* Venerator` points to his watch, then indicates an hour before he arrives.
<Seraphna> "He sounds nuts to me..."
<Venerator`> The General is on his way, Roberts, but you have to give us an hour before w--- <Roberts> I don't HAVE an hour! And neither do these people. I'm going to start killing them in about 20 minutes if you don't get me Cran right now or I'll --- <Venerator> Listen, Listen...Jake...I'm a close friend of Cran's. I know a lot more about him than anyone else here. I'll tell you what. What if we talk face to face. All you have to do...is (cont)
* Red_Fox stays quiet
<Venerator`> release those hostages.
<Warren`> General! You can't POSSIBLY be considering walking up there and turning yourself over this crazed lunatic. There is no way we can protect you if you do such a rash thing.
<Red_Fox> ...
<Venerator`> <Roberts> ... I... <Venerator> *ignores Warren* Listen to me. I'm a high ranking General. They're just a bunch of hostages. It's a fair trade. Plus I know all about Cran. All about him. <Roberts> Fine. But you have five minutes to get up here, "General". 6The line goes dead.
<Seraphna> "General..."
<Warren`> You CAN'T do this, Venerator. No way. No how.
<Red_Fox> What the hell are you planning?
<Red_Fox> With all due respect, this is the craziest gambit I've ever seen.
<Venerator`> I'm going to talk him down, all of you. But I can't do that if there's eighteen lives at stake. And Alexander won't be here in time. This is the only way we can resolve this without bloodshed.
* Warren` shakes his head in disbelief.
* Venerator` turns to the police chief
<Venerator`> I'll need a wiretap so you all can listen in. 6The chief nods, moving off to get one.
<Ariel> Allow me to accompany you, sir. Convince him to take me as a second hostage.
<Venerator`> I don't think he'll go for it, Ariel. His voice indicates a high level of stress. The slightest provocation of any sort will produce him to begin shooting. If he saw you, it might just provide him the necessary push to kill the hostages.
<Red_Fox> That rules me out, too.
<Warren`> I strongly disagree. If she was with you, she could take Roberts down effortlessly. As soon as he opens the door, she could shoot him.
<Venerator`> I want to do this PEACEFULLY, Captain.
<Warren`> You have no proof he'll even release the hostages if you walked up there.
<Seraphna> "Sir... if he takes you hostage... then..." .oO(That makes me the negotiator... damnit...)
* Venerator` turns as the police chief arrives with the wiretap. He opens up his uniform jacket, pulling it off and setting it on the table. He grabs a bullet proof vest and hides the wire underneath it. He nods to the others, then hurries across the street into the building.
* Warren` grunts, turning to the speaker, where they can hear Venerator's breathing as he moves up the stairs.
<Red_Fox> ... there has to be somewhere I can hide so as to have a clear shot if things do go bad...
<Venerator`> I'm there. 6He whispers over the speakers. "Roberts, open the doors. It's me, General Cartwright." 6Sounds can be heard as the door opens - it sounds thick, as if it's reinforced. "I know you alright...Get in, Mister Hero." 6Scuffling is heard.
* Red_Fox near-whispers to Warren "If I can get in without being noticed, I might be able to get the drop on him... but it's a last resort."
* Seraphna rubs her arm nervously
<Warren`> You'd never get up there. Those top two floors are reinforced, according to the police.
<Venerator`> Release the hostages as we agreed, Roberts. <Roberts> Oh, I will alright. ... Get out, all of you! 6His voice sounds even more shakey now. Movement is heard and whimpers as people exit
<Red_Fox> All entrances sealed tightly?
<Warren`> As soon as he shuts the door again.
<Warren`> The only opening is the window. But it's 30 floors up.
<Red_Fox> That makes things difficult, but not impossible.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> That bastard fucked with my mind because of his dirty black ops. Well, now I'm going to fuck him back. 6The door begins to shut again and suddenly the wiretap cuts out, as if the second the door shut, it cut out.
<Warren`> Damn. We lost him.
<Red_Fox> ... so, do we wait, or should I try to get to the window?
<Warren`> The window leads directly into the room. If you go near that window and Roberts saw you, he'd blast you.
<Seraphna> "Come on Dad... get here..."
<Red_Fox> Then we wait.
<Venerator`> <Police Chief> My vintage point men say they see movement in the room. They think Roberts is tying your General up now.
<Red_Fox> I don't like this, though... the helplessness... the not even knowing...
* Xanatos`Durran has joined #taw
<Warren`> This isn't good. Listen, if we could drill a hole in the window, we could possibly reestablish communication.
<Ariel> The window is... *pauses* glass, is it not?
<Warren`> I'd assume so. But it has to have some interference with our communication.
<Red_Fox> Shouldn't be hard to get a hole in it.. the problem is not being seen
<Seraphna> "...GIve it some time..."
<Red_Fox> Or heard.
<Seraphna> "We don't know if he's letting the other hostages go or not yet."
<Seraphna> "Either way, he'll make contact again."
<Ariel> One would assume that a crystaline substance such as that would still react to vibrations enough to use with an optical listening device.
<Warren`> Pardon me, Lt. Cran, but the second the General removed himself from the playing field, it became my job to lead this operation.
<Red_Fox> Great. Do we have one?
<Seraphna> "Negotiations aren;t over yet sir..."
<Venerator`> 6* Suddenly, 8 people come out of the building. Only eight out of the 18 hostages.
<Seraphna> "See."
<Red_Fox> ... well, it's a start...
<Warren`> Chief, I want a listening device now. 6The police chief moves away at his order.
* Ari` has joined #taw
* Dias-SLeep is now known as Slasher
* Ariel has quit IRC (Killed (NickServ (GHOST command used by Ari`)))
* Ari` is now known as Ariel
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Ariel
<Warren`> Alright, Lt. Akai, I want you to move yourself up to the building across the street and aim the listening device across the way at the window. Then report back to me what's happening
* Warren` grabs the device from the chief when he arrives, holding it out to Akai
<Seraphna> "Hopefully he's talking him out of releasing the rest."
* Red_Fox takes the device, and heads over
<Red_Fox> NRP: <Warren> See? Traitor!
<Warren`> A nice thought, but the reality is we don't know anything, Lieutenant. And now we're going to find out and deal with the situation our way.
<Ariel> There may not be any other hostages.
<Ariel> The man is obviously quite unstable.
* Warren` taps his comm unit with Fox
<Warren`> Are you on the roof yet?
* Red_Fox gets into position, sets up the device, and then uses her comm to report
<Red_Fox> <Comm> Ready.
<Seraphna> "Very true... but your own point, we don't know anything... if you go charging in there, you could cost the General his life."
<Venerator`> <Device> <Roberts' Voice> You're no better than Cran! You think I don't know you're bugged?! I oughta shoot you right now. Shoot his best friend. I think that's what I'll do. YOU'RE ALL SCREWING WITH ME! I'M TIRED OF IT! I KNOW ALL YOUR DIRTY SECRETS!
<Venerator`> 6* Sadly, Fox cannot make visual confirmation with Roberts. She can only sees Venerator, tied and gagged on the floor.
<Warren`> What's the situation up there, Fox?
<Red_Fox> <Comm> I can't see Roberts, but I can hear the conversation.. he knows about the tap, and he's pretty pissed.
<Warren`> Dammit. We need to take him out. The General failed, we need to save his life.
<Seraphna> ...
<Venerator`> 6* A gun presses against Venerator's head, but Robert's arm is the only thing seen. He backs off, ranting more about making a statement and all of Cran's secrets being revealed. Venerator sits there calmly
<Warren`> We need to get him to the window somehow.
<Red_Fox> <Comm> I can see his arm, but nothing else...
<Seraphna> Please, wait for him to contact us again, he's not going to shoot his only assurance of being heard."
<Warren`> I'll take your suggestion into consideration.
<Warren`> Fox, how good is your sniping skills? Could you shoot him across the street for a kill shot if we get him in front of the window?
<Red_Fox> I'd need a clear shot, but I think I can manage that.
* Warren` glances at Ariel
<Warren`> The chances of him just pacing in front of the window are slim. If we could talk him into standing in front of the window...
* Seraphna looks about for some kind of route, some way to get negotiations open
<Venerator`> 6* The headset to call the phone is there.
<Seraphna> "Let me do it."
* Warren` glances at Seraphna
<Seraphna> "I'm the daughter of the person he wants."
<Seraphna> "I might be the only person besides him who can even speak to him."
<Warren`> There's a good chance he'd demand you speak to him face to face.
<Seraphna> "It's a chance, like the big one you're taking."
<Seraphna> "Let's at least try."
<Warren`> Fine. Make the call.
* Seraphna gets on the headset
<Ariel> If he has no other hostages...
<Warren`> I'm beginning to think the other 10 hostages aren't there for whatever reason. Akai should have heard sounds from them.
<Venerator`> <Chief> Shall I dial? 6He asks Sera.
<Seraphna> "Yes."
<Venerator`> 6* The phone begins to rings.
<Warren`> Alright, Fox, can you see any other hostages?
<Ariel> Prehaps they are held elsewhere. If Lt.Cran can... *stops as the phone rings*
* Warren` walks away so his voice doesn't bleed through on the headset.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> What is it?!?!? THIS BETTER BE YOU ALEXANDER
<Seraphna> "I'm Cran. Serena Cran."
<Venerator`> 6* Silence.
<Seraphna> "My father is on his way, let's talk okay?"
<Venerator`> <Roberts> I know all about you, Serena. All about you. 6He laughs, his voice even more erratic. "I'm one of your daddies."
* Red_Fox looks for the other hostages, wondering if they're there
<Warren`> GM: *she sees no sign of any other hostages right now*
* Seraphna quirks an eyebrow
* Warren` turns at that, eyeing the speaker.
<Red_Fox> No sign of any hostages... any plans?
<Seraphna> "I'm sure you do Roberts, but let's talk about this... are you sure this is the best way to be heard?"
<Warren`> Hold for now.
<Red_Fox> Roger.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> Oh, I have what I want right now. I want you up here, little Serena. I want to meet you face to face.
<Seraphna> "Last person to do that ended up tied and gagged Roberts, they're nto gonna let that happen unless we can get some asurance."
<Venerator`> <Roberts> NO INSURANCE. I WANT TO MEET YOU FACE TO FACN OW OR I BLOW YOUR GENERAL'S FACE OFF
* Warren` walks back over, looking grim now.
<Seraphna> "Roberts, you do that, you lose your chance at my Father, you know that."
<Venerator`> <Roberts> I don't want your father now. I want to see my little girl. And you got 5 minutes to get up here before I kill him. 6He hangs up
* Seraphna sighs
<Seraphna> "You've got five minutes to get a plan in action."
<Warren`> This man is insane. If you go up there, you'll add one more hostage to his list.
<Seraphna> "I need someone to come up with me."
<Warren`> If I'm right, that room's secured. He'll know if you bring someone.
<Seraphna> "We're not going to hide it, he never said a thing about me coming alone."
<Warren`> It's a risky game. Do you really want to piss him off by having someone else there?
<Ariel> I volunteer.
* Warren` turns to Ariel
<Warren`> I say we send Ariel up as you.
* Seraphna looks over confused
* Ariel looks confused as well
<Seraphna> "But if he knows me, how will that work?"
<Warren`> There's no way a man in a mental institution has ever seen you
<Warren`> He probably thinks any girl is his daughter.
* Seraphna looks down
<Seraphna> "I can't say for sure sir."
<Seraphna> "He very well could know me."
* Warren` sighs, running a hand through his hair
<Warren`> Say we send both of you up. We could lose Venerator if he gets angry.
<Warren`> The only other option would be... 6He trails off.
<Ariel> We have little time to debate.
<Warren`> The last option would be to send Sera up alone, and have her lead him to the window so Akai can kill him.
<Ariel> He has declared we have little more than 4 minutes remaining before he shoots.
<Seraphna> "I'm going."
<Warren`> Alright. Understand. Get him over to the window
<Seraphna> "I'm not having a General on my list of failures on my first mission."
<Seraphna> "I will."
<Warren`> Give her a vest. 6He tells the cop.
<Venerator`> 6* The police chief grabs a vest, holding it out to Sera.
<Ariel> Have you aquired plans to that building?
<Venerator`> <Chief> The Janus military won't release them - on Cran's orders.
<Venerator`> <Chief> He just told us the top two floors are secured and unbreachable.
<Ariel> Nothing is unbreachible.
* Seraphna nods, more to herself then anyone else
<Seraphna> "If my father built it, it is."
<Warren`> You better hurry, Lieutenant. It'll be a long run up the stairs.
* Seraphna heads up
* Warren` presses a hand to his comm.
<Warren`> Akai. The second you get a shot, take it.
<Ariel> ...your father has built many thing. Not all have lasted until today.
<Red_Fox> Got it.
<Venerator`> 6* When Sera reaches the top two floors, she'll see re-inforced titanium walls and a door. A camera is over the door, staring down at her position.
* Red_Fox gets ready, aiming as best she can right now
<Warren`> Ariel. Head into the building also
* Seraphna puts out her hands to show she's unarmed
<Warren`> Stay far enough back that you aren't spotted.
<Warren`> If something happens, I want you to do anything you can to bust in and take him out.
* Ariel nods and quickly proceeds to the building, actively looking for any surveilance measures.
<Venerator`> 6* The reinforced door begins to open up and Roberts pokes his head out at her. He's a man in his forties, his brown hair already balding. His face is covered in sweat and his eyes are glazed.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> Get in here.
* Seraphna steps in
<Venerator`> 6* The building is full of cameras - most seem to be just doing their normal functions
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts hits a button, closing the door. He presses the rifle against Sera's chest. "Yes, look at you...so beautifully made...you're perfect...a perfect little girl."
* Venerator` is tied up off to the side, visible from the window on the south side of the room. He eyes Sera, watching her carefully.
* Seraphna stares down at the gun, "...I try my best..."
<Warren`> Akai, what's being said up there/
<Red_Fox> Kinda creepy, actually. He's going on about how perfect she is
<Venerator`> <Roberts> I helped your dad, you know. I helped him. 6He breathes heavily. "He did things to me...horrible things so I would forget. I didn't."
<Warren`> He's obviously insane, then.
<Red_Fox> One thing I don't get. 'Beautifully made'?
<Seraphna> "Okay... okay..."
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts lowers the gun, putting a hand on her face. "Perfect. You couldn't tell the difference."
<Seraphna> "Tell the difference?"
<Red_Fox> More half-rants about the 'horrible things Cran put him through'.. and more about him thinking she's artificial.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> Of course. You're evolved. You're beyond them all!
* Ariel doesn't stop for the first few, as Roberts cannot possibly be back to the monitor yet, but then starts to weave around their field of vision on her way up.
<Red_Fox> 'Evolved'? Obviously he doesn't think Sera's human.
<Seraphna> "Okay... I'm evolved."
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts waves the rifle at Venerator. "And now they'll all see it! WON'T YOU ALL?" 6He jabs the gun at him.
<Warren`> What is he going on about...
* Seraphna backs slowly towards the window
<Venerator`> 6* Sera comes into sight of Fox.
* Red_Fox gets ready
<Red_Fox> NRP: <Fox> *shoots Sera*
<Venerator`> <Roberts> YOU WILL SEE NOW! YOU WILL SEE THE PERFECTION. YOU WILL ALL SEE THE PLAN! 6He whirls around, marching towards Sera. He stops just out of the line of fire from the window. One more step...
<Venerator`> <Roberts> Give daddy a hug.
<Red_Fox> ... 'Daddy'?
<Red_Fox> Weirdo.
<Warren`> Ariel. You need to hurry. I think it's about to go down any second.
* Seraphna puts her arms out, "O-Okay."
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts takes another step forward.
<Ariel> <c> ETA, 12 seconds.
* Red_Fox fires the moment Roberts is in sight
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts is caught in the arm, spinning around as he hits the ground. At that moment, ARiel would notice explosives set on the walls, hidden perfectly
<Warren`> Is the target down?
<Red_Fox> ... down but not out...
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts gags in pain, brushing open his coat he's wearing. He's got a detonator under his clothes. He reaches for it
<Venerator`> <Roberts> They will all see your power...
* Red_Fox tries to shoot somewhere more lethal
<Seraphna> "Don't!"
<Ariel> <c> We have a problem!
<Red_Fox> Shit...
<Venerator`> 6* The shot hits Roberts in the backside, causing him to roll out of sight, leaving a blood trail. He gasps in pain, trying to grab the detonator, covering it blood. He's breathing erratically.
<Warren`> What's the problem?
<Red_Fox> He's got a detonator...
<Warren`> A detonator? Dammit. Can you see him now? Ariel, he has a detonator.
<Red_Fox> He's out of sight
* Seraphna pounces at him, attempting to pin him, her eyes blank, "No..."
<Ariel> <c> I had surmised as much. I can see the explosives.
<Warren`> Fox can't take him out. You ahve to get in there now.
<Venerator`> <Roberts> That's it...that's my girl... 6He bleeds a bloody smile.
<Venerator`> 6* A helicopter arrives and General Cran leans out of it, holding on, his white trenchcoat whippign in the wind.
<Venerator`> ... 6Cuts the restraints holding him, pulling them off and removing his gag
<Venerator`> Serena, look out.
* Seraphna is trying to keep him from getting at the detonator
<Seraphna> "Get... detonator..."
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts strains, his heart pumping out vital blood. He's dying.
* Ariel analyses the door way, then starts firing at whatever she decides is the easiest way in.
* Venerator` rushes forward, about to grab the detonator when the wall explodes from Ariel's shots
<Warren`> What is going up there?
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts is hit by debris in the head, slumping over and falling unconscious
<Seraphna> NRP: Warren> What you say!!!???
* Warren` glances up as the helicopter lands and Cran steps off of it.
* Seraphna gets the detonator, holding it
* Seraphna looks at it blankly
<Venerator`> NRP: *Sera pushes it because it's a device.*
* Venerator` coughs on some smoke, holding out his hand
<Venerator`> Hand it over, Serena. It's over.
<Seraphna> "Over..."
* Ariel steps inside, quickly surveying the scene. She seems to relax, as Roberts is down.
<Venerator`> 6* Roberts' vitals go flat. He's dead.
* Seraphna blinks, and shakes her head
<Slasher> NRP: *Sera tinkers with it, making it set off the explosives quicker*
* Seraphna looks at the detonator, then at Vernie
* Seraphna hands him it shakily
* Venerator` takes the detonator, stepping back. He shakes his head.
<Venerator`> Such a mess...
<Venerator`> *End*
Session Close: Tue Sep 27 00:00:00 2005

<Venerator`> Episode Two Continuation Session
<Venerator`> Time: Moments after the first part
<Venerator`> Location: Street
<Venerator`> 6* As Ariel, Seraphna, and Venerator arrive on the street from the building, which is now crawling with colonial cops, they would see General Cran talking to a bunch of cameras, telling reporters about what happened. Warren and Red Fox are off to the side, near the police van
* Seraphna looks dazed, a bit confused, trying not to give away the fact that she blanked out again
* Ariel looks... professional, as always. She is quite aware of Seraphna's dazed state, and has taken up the role of escourting her.
* Warren` talks into his headset, glancing over at them. He grabs Venerator by the arm, leading him off to the side to whisper to him in low tones about something. Probably telling him about his complete lack of support for what Venerator did
<Seraphna> "Are you okay Ari..?"
* Red_Fox looks over to Warren and Venerator, then Ariel and Seraphna
* Ariel takes a moment to realize that it was she that was being addressed, and slowly turns to Seraphna, "Besides a slight energy expenditure, I was completely uneffected by these events."
* Red_Fox heads over towards the latter pair after a second
<Red_Fox> "Good work you two.."
<Seraphna> "G-Good.."
* Venerator` rejoins everyone with Warren trailing behind him
<Venerator`> Good work, everyone. You all did exceptionally well under the circumstances.
<Red_Fox> "Thankyou sir."
* Ariel bows her head.
<Venerator`> 6* General Cran finishes with the reporters, moving over to join them all. "I'm sorry this misfortunate event got you all caught up into it."
* Seraphna smiles to her father
<Venerator`> Alexander. It's good to see you doing well. <General Cran> Thank you, Vennie. Was anyone hurt in this....debacle?
* Ariel looks to Cran, and her expression goes even more expressionless than normal.
* Red_Fox looks over to Ariel, but says nothing
<Venerator`> 6* General Cran is watching Ariel out of the corner of his eyes, the only sign he's noting her. As he looks Seraphna over, he checks her eyes out, ignoring Ariel now. "How are you, Serena?"
<Seraphna> "I'm doing fine Dad... though it was a bit of a close call."
<Venerator`> <General Cran> I would assume so. I suppose you all deserve to know what that was about. It's a tragedy, really. Here... 6He pulls out a disk, walking over to the police holovids. He inserts it into one of the playing devices.
* Red_Fox stays silent, taking in the scene, looking even more uncertain of things now
<Ariel> *simply* "Roberts was very much interested in her. And very vocal on the subject. She played a key role in the operation."
* Red_Fox watches the holovid intently
* Seraphna watches, looking happy to have Cran around, probably the polar opposite of everyone there but Venerator <.<
<Warren`> ....
* Warren` watches Cran like he's a snake
<Venerator`> <General Cran> Rogers was a sick man. His daughter died about seven years ago. He was working on a highly classified experiment for the military...we were attempting to make a weapon that would cause people to hallucinate, thus rendering them incapable of fighting.
<Venerator`> 6* The holovid plays, showing Roberts helping to build a giant canister which looks like it holds a gas type substance. Suddenly, Roberts makes a mistake, breaking one of the pipes and the gas begins to fill the room, trapping Roberts in there with him as he falls
<Venerator`> <General Cran> He took more of the hallucingen that was ever intended for anyone. It destroyed his mind. He became fixated on the experiment and the fact of his recently deceased daughter. No doubt he transferred his feelings to you, Serena.
* Venerator` watches, silent for the most part as he watches the video. This type of warfare isn't new to him, but he doesn't approve.
<Seraphna> "So that's why he thought I was his kid..."
* Red_Fox has quit IRC (Ping timeout)
<Venerator`> <General Cran> I'm afraid so.
<Venerator`> 6* Cran removes the disk from the holovid player, pocketing it into his white trench coat, turning to look at all of them.
<Venerator`> A tragedy.
<Venerator`> What became of the project
<Venerator`> <General Cran> I had it shut down, naturally, after this incident. It was too dangerous.
<Seraphna> "Well that all makes sense..."
<Warren`> Urrn.
<Venerator`> <General Cran> Yes. We'll clean up here now that I have my men around. 6He motions to another man off to the side, surveying the building. Captain Spade, the right hand man of the Janus military branch, and second only to Cran.
<Venerator`> Well, we should go, then. Come on everyone. See you around, Alexander. 6He turns, leading them in the direction of the shuttle.
* Seraphna quickly goes to ask her father a question before they go
<Venerator`> <General Cran> Good luck with your PAX. 6He says, almost insultingly. Then, he turns and walks off in the direction of Spade.
<Venerator`> 6* Cran turns to look at Sera, sensing her approach.
<Seraphna> "Dad! On sec?"
<Venerator`> 6* Spade regards Sera now that they're in close proximity.
* Seraphna smiles politely to Spade and nods to him
<Venerator`> <Spade> Lady Cran.
* Seraphna whispers some question to Cran, that the other PAX members can't hear
* Venerator` walks into the shuttle, moving to the co-pilot seat.
* Warren` stops at the shuttle, glancing at Sera and Cran talking privately.
<Venerator`> <General Cran> Of course not. 6He pats her on the shoulder. "Just carry on."
* Seraphna smiles, relieved
<Seraphna> "Okay, thanks!"
* Seraphna smiles to them both
<Warren`> ...
<Seraphna> "I'll see you later!"
* Seraphna rushes back over
<Seraphna> "Sorry for the hold up Sir."
* Warren` merely waves her onto the shuttle.
* Warren` glances at Dragoon Alpha Ariel now, waiting for her.
* Ariel wordlessly boards the shuttle, and takes her seat
* Warren` steps on, closing the door. He moves over to the pilot seat, sitting down and trying to start it back up.
<Seraphna> "You okay Ari? You look less... well you look."
* Venerator` jerks the controls a few times, trying to get the engine to accept the feed. After three tries, it powers up, purring softly. He pushes the controls forward, moving down the street and into the air.
<Ariel> "I am... fine."
* Venerator` glances back at Sera and Ariel
<Venerator`> You two performed wonderfully, though putting your lives in danger like that was reckless. Still .. I owe you two.
* Warren` lifts them up into the atmosphere.
* Seraphna smiles to Venerator, "It was no problem..."
<Ariel> "I simply preformed my designated duty."
<Venerator`> I just wish we could have talked some sense into Roberts. But, if his mind was really gone....there was no reasoning.
* Warren` shakily lands them in the hanger with a thump and a bang.
<Venerator`> NRP: *It was then they realized Red Fox was left behind.*
<Venerator`> Well, everyone's free to seek whatever off duty activities they wish. 6He stands up and walks off the shuttle, heading for the hallway
* Warren` unbuckles himself slowly, getting out of his seat.
* Seraphna gets up and stretches, yawning
<Seraphna> "Well... that was enough stress for one day..."
<Ariel> "It was an... interesting day." *steps off of the shuttle, and pauses*
* Warren` walks off the shuttle, moving through the hanger, ignoring the mechanics.
<Venerator`> NRP: *Ariel and Sera look at each other. Music plays*
* Seraphna looks over at Ariel, "Something wrong?"
* Ariel glances over to Sera, "There is nothing abnormal that you should be troubled with."
<Seraphna> "You sure?"
* Ariel simply nods
* Venerator` exits the hanger, moving to the elevators.
<Venerator`> NRP: Warren did that
<Ariel> "Enjoy your free time, lieutenant."
* Ariel starts towards her quarters
* Seraphna wanders about, too restless to go do anything useful
<Venerator`> Sesssssion Eeeeends

* Seraphna haeads of Ari
<DeathStar> NRP: ... you did what?!
* Seraphna heads Ari off before she gets to her quarters <.<
* Ariel pauses, regarding Seraphna uncertainly.
<Seraphna> "...What's wrong Ari?"
<Ariel> "That question is based on the assumption that something is wrong."
<Seraphna> "Well I can tell somethings broke, but you're the first machine that I've ever had to wrestle the answer out of as to what..."
<Ariel> "I am operating at optimal efficiency. I am not 'broken'."
<Seraphna> "That's not what I mean..."
<Seraphna> "Look... I can tell something's on your mind... you might not be used to this... but I'm interested in hearing it."
<Ariel> "There is nothing for you to concern yourself over."
<Seraphna> "Ari... you can tell me... I know you're a sentient being, which means you're capable of hiding things..."
<Ariel> "I have no reason to 'hide things'."
<Seraphna> "Your attitude changed the moment you laid eyes on my Dad..."
<DeathStar> NRP: I think everyone's attitude changed the moment they saw your dad
<Seraphna> NRP: <.< Remember what she takes the most notice of
* Ariel pauses, "I am not often in the presence of a person of such deemed importance."
<Seraphna> "...Venerator is around almost all the time..."
<DeathStar> NRP: *meanwhile* <Venerator> Mmmm, hentai.
<Ariel> "That is a different matter."
* Dias-Engine steps out of his living quarters, brushing his hair back, wearing normal clothes since he's off-duty.
* Dias-Engine is now known as Slasher
* Slasher steps out of his living quarters, brushing his hair back, wearing normal clothes since he's off-duty.
* Slasher begins walking down the hallway, tapping through his Datapad as he walks, his head pretty much glued to it
<Seraphna> "Why's that...?"
* Slasher turns around a hallway and slams right into Seraphna's backside.
* Slasher takes a few steps back, and looks at her, a displeased look on his face.
<Ariel> "...."
<Seraphna> "Eeep!"
* Seraphna turns round, and blushes, "Oh... hiya... sorry about that."
<Slasher> ...*quirks his eyebrow* Not a very logical place to stop...
* Seraphna looksa t the rest of the wide open hallway space, "I guess so... sorry."
<Slasher> I'm guessing the mission went well?
<Ariel> Within exceptible limits.
* Slasher crosses his arms, holding his Datapad under his arm.
<Slasher> Some crazy guy correct?
<Ariel> Allegidly affected by hallucinagens
<Slasher> What a shame.
* Seraphna nods, "We managed to talk him into sniping range... sadly... negotiations with him failed..."
<Slasher> Who took the shot?
<Seraphna> "Fox."
<DeathStar> NRP: Snaaaaake!
<Slasher> Who did the negotiating?
<Seraphna> "The general got the hostages out... then I had to negotiate for him..."
<Slasher> From the sounds of it, you're lucky you're alive.
<Seraphna> "Seems that way... but the guy was dillusional and thought I was his kid."
<Ariel> I am not certain the man had any intentions of harming Lt.Cran
<Slasher> Sounds like a nut-case.
<Seraphna> "Not anymore..." *sighs*
<Seraphna> "I've never seen someone die like that... cept in the movies."
<Slasher> Then you're in the wrong job.
<Seraphna> "I'm just unused to it."
<Seraphna> "Not shaken up by that. More shaken up by the things that nutcase was saying."
<Slasher> If he was a nutcase, I wouldn't pay any attention to what he said.
<Ariel> It was quite unlike Col.Roberts to see him that way.
* Seraphna has quit IRC (Read error: Connection reset by peer)
* Seraphna has joined #taw
<Slasher> You knew him?
* Seraphna looks at Ariel curiously
<Ariel> I had met him.
<Ariel> Before he took up working on psychological agents, apparently.
<Slasher> Hallucinogens can cause such a thing. I wouldn't fret much about what he said. *his Datapad beeps and he looks at it*
<Seraphna> "...Where did you meet him?"
<Slasher> Hmmm...This run in has caused me to be late for work-out...I must be on my way. *steps to the side of Sera and Ariel and walks past them*
<Ariel> It was many years ago.
* Seraphna has quit IRC (Read error: Connection reset by peer)
* Seraphna has joined #taw
<Seraphna> "...Yes but where...? He's always been hasn't he?"
<Ariel> Always been what?
<Seraphna> "Assigned to Janus."
<Ariel> My meeting with him predated the existance of Janus.
* Ariel casually adds, "He was working on the production and development of the Dragoons at the time."
<Seraphna> "He worked on the Dragoons?'
* Slasher is now known as Slasher-Sleep
* Ariel simply nods, "It must have been quite a carreer change to take up the study of chemical warfare."
<Seraphna> "Maybe part of teh reason he snapped was fromt eh stress of the change?"
<Seraphna> "I mean... after the Dragoons, he had to find something right?"
<DeathStar> NRP: H before E there
<Seraphna> NRP: The Typo Demon strikes!
<Ariel> Psychology is not my area of expertise.
<Seraphna> "...So you ARE able to Theorise things."
Session Close: Thu Sep 29 00:00:01 2005

Session Start: Thu Sep 29 00:00:01 2005
Session Ident: #taw
<Ariel> He did not strike me as a man who would loose his sanity over merely being assigned to a new job.
<DeathStar> NRP: I think it was the hallucination drugs that did it
<Ariel> NRP: That wasn't what she asked =P
<Seraphna> "Well... there was his dead daughter..."
<Ariel> Prehaps.
<DeathStar> 6* A technician walks by them, humming
* Seraphna sighs softly
<Seraphna> "...Wanna go do something?"
<Ariel> Do... something?
<Seraphna> "Yeah... hang out, go play a game, get some food, watch TV... you know, something."
<Ariel> I suppose I would have little reason to object.
<Seraphna> "Good! Let's go watch a movie, I brought a few with me."
<DeathStar> 6* Warren leaps in and shoots Ariel, then rolls out
<DeathStar> NRP: That wasn't a real RP message, BTW. :P
<Ariel> NRP: ROFLMAO!
* Seraphna leads Ari off to go watch a movie, talking to her, hopefully with her animatedly, more questions and thougths
<DeathStar> Session Ends
Session Close: Thu Sep 29 00:24:32 2005