From the Ashes of the Phoenix, Part I

This log begins the finale of the fourth story arc at OtherSpace...

Cockpit 

The stuffy odor of air that has been recycled time and time again pervades this cramped cockpit, with its amber tinted window that curves in an arc like an enigmatic smile at the front of the vessel. A slugthrower holster dangles from a lever mounted in the port bulkhead that is marked EJECT - although the word has been appended by a taped piece of paper that reads "OUT OF ORDER."

Acran cocks his head, ~I don't know how accomadating your radiation suits would be....~

Cubana shakes her head slighlty to Slaan glancing back to the viewscreen before hearing the tap of Jones cane and turning back, "Yes?" she asks.

The ship shudders as it drops out of OtherSpace.

Jones smiles, "Just wondering how things were going, and the ETA." She says mildly.

Acran continues, ~But I will try...~

Acran heads into Cabin .

Acran has left.

The ship roars and lurches as it enters OtherSpace.

Your mind wanders for a moment as the ship travels through Otherspace.

The ship shudders as it drops out of OtherSpace.

Cubana looks towards Lebeau, "ETA?"

LeBeau says, "A couple mo minudes, we ar now en da Sol system and aproaching Earth now"

LeBeau says, "Jus o'er 1500hms till we can begin our drop"

Cubana nods, "thankyou." she looks towards Jones, "Head to the aft, makesure the others collect themselves there and are ready in their rad suits. I will be speaking with them there."

Jones nods, "Of course, General." She turns to leave.

You head into Cabin .

Cabin 

This narrow cabin appears as if, at one time, it served the purpose of a commercial transport, hauling passengers from destination to destination. Beneath a thin coat of dusty off-white paint you can make out the logo of Pulsar Express Travel. All but a few of the sparingly stuffed seats have been pulled out to make room for a folding card table and some chairs. Where the seats were removed, fastening bolt fixtures remain.

Acran clicks amusedly, ~I'm not sure I understand. But good luck to you anyway.~

Jones walks in, "Head aft, gentleman, the General said to head there and start getting into the Radiation suits."

Namura hehs, "My only pirpose is to make sure no one dies on this trip."

Namura smiles, " Of course madam."

You feel the ship begin to slow.

Acran looks to Jones, ~Understood.~

Acran heads into Engineering .

Acran has left.

You head into Engineering .

Engineering 

Buckets are placed in strategic, but seemingly random, locations throughout this room, catching drips of coolant water and grease that seem to be working their way between the gaps in dark frayed tape wrapping pipes and conduits.

Gleaming amber overhead lights buzz and flicker intermittently. Something groans and rattles deep within the machinery.

Namura arrives from Cabin .

Namura has arrived.

Newt asks Mel, "I can do that?"

Acran is scrambling painfully into a radiation suit as he comes in.

You feel a slight force as the ship glides to a halt ...

Teel turns away from Yama. "Better check yer weapons an suit, Yama."

Melchior nods, "I am sure you can....you just don't know it yet....but I will teach you, ok?

Jones walks in and raises her voice to be heard, "Everyone, we are going to be on planet in a few minutes. Anyone who isn't in their radiation suits should suit up now. The General will be in to talk to us in a moment."

Melchior doublechecks to make sure his suit is on

Melchior doublechecks to make sure his suit is on securely

Snowshadow snorts. "Yeah, well, it doesn't do me any good to owe you meals if you're not around to collect, now does it? So I'm standing in front."

Namura begins fumbling with the suit and mutters a few words in an obscure language.

Newt grins heaps now, "Neat as."

Messer looks over at Jones, nodding slowly.

Snowmist sniffs and retorts intelligently, "Not."

Poe stands and puts his suit on.

Jones takes a long hard look at her cane, and sets it aside. A bit unsteady on her feet, she moves to get into her suit.

Acran finally squeezes his exoskeleton into the suit, ~I hope there is enough radiation out there to warrant this....~

Snowshadow grins. "I'd offer to race you, normally, but even if we didn't fall flat on our faces, we'd look like bloody fools running in these things."

Yama hmphs. "More budget Vannie stuff." He squirms into the radsuit's top half as he pats his harnesses and straps down for his possessions.

Melchior takes Standard Pulse Rifle - 1588.

Namura secures his suit and sighs.

Melchior picks up the rifle with a disgusted look on his face, but takes it, just in case.

Snowmist snickers, and elbows Shadow as she stands. "You left your zipper down."

Poe walks towards Jones. "Need any help?"

Allen says, "The nukes of my time could incinerate you in less than a microsecond if you were at ground zero. If you guys improved them...I figure there's probably plenty of radiation floating around in there."

Newt's suit seals up, covering him fully.

Namura hehs.

Jones looks at Poe and smiles, "A little? Haven't done this before."

Snowshadow rolls his eyes. "Y'know, I might even fall for that, if these things had zippers."

Messer looks over at Allen, apparently seeing him for the first time. "Who the heck are you?"

Melchior says, "Well someone has a geiger counter right?"

Acran nods, ~I understand Mr.....?~

Melchior says, "So we can make sure we do in fact need these suits>?"

Snowmist shrugs and cocks an eyebrow. "But you actually had to pause and think about it, neh?"

Poe nods. "It's not taht different than a space suit. Just step into the suit and zip it up.

Yama taps the suit. "I'm pretty sure these have them. And yes. They're quite, quite necessary."

Allen finishes getting his suit on. "Name's Allen. Jeff Allen. A citizen of the good ol' US of A. The US of A of 1999 that is.."

Namura says, "geiger counter? I think there isn;t any doubt about the radiation."

The ship shudders as the drop rockets engage and the ship begins its descent.

Messer blinks. "Great," is all he says.

Melchior says, "Never hurts to double check does it?"

Newt sighs, "I'll tell ya how hot it is. Sheesh...

Poe holds Jones' suit for her so she can step in with ease.

Namura looks at Allen and blinks.."DId you say....America? 1999?"

Acran nods, ~It figured prominently in Earth's history,~ the insectoid replies, ~However, my people have a bit more radiation tolerance then a standard humanoid.~

Jones steps into the suit, managing to not fall with the drop rockets engaging. She nods her thanks to Poe.

The landing struts thump against the surface.

Melchior looks to Newt

Yama bounces slightly.

Melchior says, "Stay close now.."

Messer looks down at the deck. "Honey, we're home," he says, mock cheerfully.

Allen says, "Yep. Kansas, 1999. Tho I learned my way around DC when I was trying to lobby some cash from NASA to build my ship. That's why I'm here.""

Namura says, "Now the fun starts..."

Newt nods.

Snowmist says drily, "Oh joy."

Melchior pats him on the shoulder and smiles, then waits

Snowshadow gets to his feet, taking a last check of the clasps on the suit. "Well, at least it should be interesting."

Teel simply stands and watches, her icy blue eyes more feral than ever.

Acran stands silently, albeit uncomfortably near the airlock, waiting for it to open.

Snowmist gives a small "oops" and opens up her suit just enough to retrieve her boot knife, going through some interesting contortions in doing so, before resealing it and attaching the knife's sheath to the outside of the suit, patting it familiarly.

Jones zips up her suit and moves to walk a few steps, haltingly. She frowns.

Melchior doublechecks the rifle to make sure it is in working order


 * START OF JONESY'S TAPE******

The camera begins to whir as Jones turns it on.

Engineering 

Buckets are placed in strategic, but seemingly random, locations throughout this room, catching drips of coolant water and grease that seem to be working their way between the gaps in dark frayed tape wrapping pipes and conduits.

Gleaming amber overhead lights buzz and flicker intermittently. Something groans and rattles deep within the machinery.

Newt looks for somewhere on him to put his gun

Snowshadow catches Mist's action, but rather than give her a hard time about it, does much the same thing for his baton.

Jones smiles, pleased. She continues to check over the camera.

Denick checks his suit, including the firmly duct taped grenades and pistol, and mutters, "In rimam eo..."

Yama sees Denick. "You the boss for now? Are we splitting up into squads,or are we just going to walk in one big, amusingly shootable group?"

Poe checks to make sure his suit is sealed tightly. His knife tucked into it someplace safe.

Denick looks at newt, "Hold onto it, and if your in a situation where you can run, or use that, you run as fast as you can.

Melchior says, "Will the mutants be using guns?"

Namura sighs at the word shootable..

Melchior says, "Or something more like claws?"

Denick shakes hsi head, "I just make things as easy for the general as I can, I'm not completely sure myself.

Poe says, "Claws, teeth, numbers..."

Melchior says, "It's my job to make sure he isn't in that situation....we're working together right Newt?"

Newt says, "I ain't no chicken."

Acran turns to Denick, ~Lt., do you have a scanning device? This suit is rather restricting and I don't want to wear it if I don't have to.~

Namura secures his suit and makes sure his possesions are secure for easy handling.

Denick looks, "You'll get fried like one if your not careful, listen to the mystic, and you'll probably be fine."

Cubana arrives from Cabin .

Cubana has arrived.

Denick salutes, "I think we're all ready, ma'am."

Cubana steps into the roomand through your headsets you here boom, "Attention on deck!"

Snowmist jumps and glowers at the volume.

Poe turns to Cubana and listens.

Newt growsses his arms definantly and emits a 'hrmph' sound.

Messer furrows his brow. "Jeez," he mumbles.

Teel winces at the noise, but nods. "Jeez..."

LeBeau arrives from Cabin .

LeBeau has arrived.

Namura looks at Cubana in a mix of cynicism and fright.

Melchior tries to turn the volume down

Slaan arrives from Cabin .

Slaan has arrived.

Yama streches as he stands.

Slaan steps in behind Lebeau.

Allen turns to look at Cubana.

Cubana scans the room and nods, "Excellent." the conversation entirely through the communicatios system built into the helmets, "Alright..ladies..gentlmen we're going to run a weapons check, all this means is simply you pick a partner and your partner checks your equipment ot ensure everythign is in proper order. Understood?"

Snowshadow winces, tucking his ears against his head, and makes appropriate adjustments to the volume to compensate for more sensative Demarian hearing.

Snowmist sighs and looks sidelong at Shadow, making a doleful face. "Guess I'm stuck with you, hn?"

Cubana turns towards lebeau, "First." she instructs, "Are the fittings on your radsuit. Make sure everything is locked and in place."

Acran turns to Cubana, ~General, do we have a reading on the radiation out there?~

Snowshadow starts checking his sister's suit as soon as the word is said. Like he would trust anyone else to do it if he hadn't.

Namura nods..or at least attempts to. He waves to messer.

As she speaks Cubana demonstrates by checking the various pieces of Lebeu's radsuit to ensure everything is secured.

Jones looks at Poe. "Do you mind?" She smiles.

Denick checks the sealings on his suit.

Melchior looks to Newt and checks his suit, making sure he is fully protected

Messer rolls his eyes, but walks over to Namura. "Yeah, yeah."

Cubana shakes her head slighlty in response to something, "Negative." is all she says.

Slaan turns and steps toward to buddy-check with Denick.

Yama bends down, squinting at Teel's straps.

Denick nods, and hands his pistol and rifle to slaan.

Newt tells Mel, "come down 'ere so I can check you over and stuff." Stupid tall people.

Poe turns to Jones and smiles. "I'll go first." He starts examining her suit following cubana's example

Slaan returns in kind, checking over the officer's weapons thouroughly.

Allen checks his suit carefully, and seems confident that everything is in place.

Teel automatically turns to check Yama, though she snorts, "Just makin sure you can make more money, thas'all."

Snowshadow snorts at his sister. "Yup. Until I die or you find someone that even I agree is better qualified to put up with you."

Namura looks at Messer and checks his suit.." Seems okay to me."

Messer pokes and prods at a few of Namura's fittings. "Well, ya ain't fallin' apart," he grumbles.

Slaan hands his weapons over to Denick, after Denick's have proved satisfactory.

Denick looks at the secureings on slaans, poking at some of them.

Acran nods, ~I see General. My point is I'd like to make sure I really need this suit. Its very difficult to use.~

Namura hehs.

Denick looks it over, checking the energy pack.

Jones waits until Poe is done, and in turn double checks his suit.

Yama stares at Teel for a moment. "Death by rad poisoning isn't conducive to that, no. You look alright. Me?"

Deering makes sure her suit is done up right, looking about for someone free to give her a once over.

Cubana smirks a bit, "You need it Mr. Acran." is all she says before continuing, "Alright, next you cehck weapons. Make sure pulse weapons are charged and projectile weapns are loaded and that both are in working order.

As soon as Snowshadow is done, Snowmist returns the favor. For all fickleness, she takes an inordinate amount of time to make sure everything is fastened correctly. "Ha, that'll be the day. You think it's easy making sure nobody else can stand me? I'm working hard at this, so you're stuck with me for a while."

Slaan hands back the weapons and begins quietly going over Denick's suit.

Teel nods. "Yer kosher, Yama."

Melchior starts trying to check his weapon, then accidently discharges it at the ceiling

Allen checks over his weapon like he knows them inside out. After a few twirls, snaps, clicks, and once-overs he seems satisified that it is operational.

Slaan whips around as a weapon goes off, dropping to one knee.

Messer throws the safety on his weapon, and it comes alive with a low hum. "Alright, this is working. What about yours?" he questions Namura.

Melchior immediately drops it and steps back

Cubana jumps as a weapon is discharged, hand moving to her own pistol and as she turns towards Melchior the pistol is pulled, "What in blazes!"

Newt startles and ducks, "OI!"

Poe points to his knife and says to Jones. "Only got the knife. You?"

Yama's face turns upward slightly as he turns around to reach for his helmet. "Does this mean i'm first up if we run out field rations?"

Snowmist immediately falls into a crouch, teeth bared, her own pistol drawn at the sudden discharge.

Messer spins around, nearly falling in the bulkiness, to look at Melchior. "Holy crap, man!"

Deering is checking her weapon over, wincing and backing away from Melcior with a frown.

Melchior is muttering "I hate weapons" softly to himself

Acran's right hand snaps towards melchior, his eyes reflecting the seem infinitely.

Jones turns to Poe, eyes widened from staring at Melchior a moment before. She shakes her head and displays the pistol. "Just this. Think it is just fine."

Snowmist shudders and looks up pleadingly at her brother. "Can I stand in front? Pleeeeaaaase?"

Cubana takes a deep, slow breath, the very model of control, "Mr. Melchior, leave the weapon." she states.

Denick backs up, and glances at it, theres a slight click, and the safety switches to on.

Allen merely shakes his head at the gun going off.

Slaan snarls and hisses quietly, turning back to finish inspeting Denick's suit.

Snowshadow grins at her. "Acting? I seem to remember you being like this even when you were a kit. But I guess I'm used to you by now, 'cause I don't think I'd want you to change." Shadow pivots, expression turning serious, pistol leveled at the source of the discharge before he even has time to realize it was just an accident.

Teel rolls her eyes, though at Yama or Melchior, it's hard to tell.

Melchior nods to Hernandez, but picks it up anyway, determine to get over his rather distrust of weapons

Cubana slowly begins to put the pistol back in her holster, "Alright, everyone checked out?" she asks through the headset.

Acran lowers his arm, ~I understand General. However, you must know that I am a good deal more tolerant of radiation than humanoids are.~

Namura checks his pistol and turns it on, nodding.."Okay..I'm all set."

Snowshadow turns back to his sister, and answers dryly, "Sure, you can stand in front. From the looks of things, you'll be safer there."

Denick nods, "Yes ma'am."

Slaan finishes Denick and gives a thumbs up.

Deering flicks off the safety on her rifle, hearing it hum to life before flicking it back off, and gives it a little kiss on the side, murmuring something quietly to it.

Denick looks at acran, "Don't risk it."

Snowmist mutters something about getting what you wish for as she brushes past her brother.

Newt cocks hsi head to one side, watching Mel. sounding amused he states, "Don't press the trigger next time."

Acran nods, ~Which is why I was hoping there was a reading on it.~

Melchior says, "I....ummm...yes.....that might be a good idea...."

Poe nods to Jones then waves to the general. "We're all set," he shouts.

Denick looks at melchior, "And keep the safety on until you need it."

Slaan thinks of a funny story about how a trainee back at the academy accidently killed a man because he didn't know how to handle his weapon properly. Oh wait...that's not funny.

Melchior says, "I agree with him, Hernandez....if we could have a readout we would be much better off in the long run..."

Deering reaches down to strap her black hilted, black bladed knife and sheath to the outside of her raditaion suit, doing finals on herself.

Cubana speaks intot he suit, "Alright, guys. Some combat advice. Keep your eyes peeled, thos eo fyou with assignments move to those positions as we disembark, the rst of you stay near the middle and watch out for yourselves. Don't throw grenades unless A) Youv'egot a clear shot and B) None of the others are int he area."

Cubana glances at melchior and ignore him continuing.

The object on Acran's wrist gives out a hum, much like a weapon powering up.

Melchior looks at Denick, "What's the safe4ty?

Snowshadow makes sure that, even if she is in front of him, it's not by much. He'll settle for a good position to cover her from.

Denick points at the little swith near the handle, it appears to be on, "That."

Cubana speaks intot he headset, "Silence ont he comm.

Melchior looks at it and flicks it

Cubana says, "When i'm speaking into the headset or orders are being issued unless information vital to the mission is being passed theres to be no talking, its distracting to the others."

Namura whispers to Messer.

Denick shakes his head, "Its off now, if you don't want that to happen again, turn it on."

Messer furrows his brow.

Messer whispers to Namura.

Deering holds the rifle off to her side, tapping on the side of the commlink, tilting the microphone a bit to a more appropriate position.

Cubana continues, "For those of you who have forgotten..assignment are...Lt. Deering and myself at point."

Melchior frowns

Melchior says, "I just don't understand it..."

Through your headset comes Cubana's voice. "Behind us Mr. Messer and Ms. teel."

Newt looks up at Mel, "Wassat?"

Messer nods in acknowledgement.

Cubana continues, "Holding the rear will be Mr. Lebeau and Mr. Yama, in front of them Private Slaan and Lt. Denick."

Melchior says, "How this weapon works"

Teel nods and peers over at Messer. "Heya, Big Bang."

Slaan nods, standing by Denick as he will for the majority of the mission.

Cubana says, "As a last note, if anything occurs to me, Mr. Lebeau and then Lt. Deering will be in charge."

Denick sighs, and walks over to Melchior, he begins explaining the basics of the safety, pulling the trigger, and firearm safety.

Deering glances around at everyone for a moment before returning to watch Cubana.

Cubana smiles slighlty through her headset, her eyes invisible behind her dark sunglasses, "I'd wish you all luck guys, but i know your skill'll be more then enough. Lets get out there..we have a dateback at the Citadel with a bottle of Ungstiri Sunrise, my treat.." she looks towards Newt, "And well...milk for the others among us."

Newt points at the muzzle, "you point this bit at what's tryin to hurt ya or ya friends." and then hepoints at the trigger, "and you squeeze that bit when you're done pointing."

Teel blinks, looking at Messer a bit more pointedly. "So, you an me, huh?"

Melchior nods

Namura sighs in relief.

Messer shrugs. "That's what she said."

Cubana motions for the door, "Form up!" is heard through the headsets as she turns and heads out.

Cubana heads into Cabin .

Cubana has left.

Yama slings his rifle as he falls in with LeBeau.

Denick strides back to slaans side.

Deering heads into Cabin .

Deering has left.

Slaan heads into Cabin .

Slaan has left.

Denick heads into Cabin .

Denick has left.

Acran heads into Cabin <Kensington>.

Acran has left.

LeBeau heads into Cabin <Kensington>.

LeBeau has left.

You head into Cabin <Kensington>.

Cabin <Kensington>

This narrow cabin appears as if, at one time, it served the purpose of a commercial transport, hauling passengers from destination to destination. Beneath a thin coat of dusty off-white paint you can make out the logo of Pulsar Express Travel. All but a few of the sparingly stuffed seats have been pulled out to make room for a folding card table and some chairs. Where the seats were removed, fastening bolt fixtures remain.

Poe arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Poe has arrived.

Acran walks in, having a great deal of trouble moving freely.

Deering moves over towards the side of the door on the right, rifle up pointed towards the ceiling. She flicks the saftey off and her rifle humms to life. "General...question.", crackles through her headset.

Poe walks in and stands next to Jones, waiting to find their place in line.

Cubana moves to the front, in a matter of moments unslinging her rifle and holding it at the ready position, she pairs up with Deering nad looks across towards Deering, "Go ahead."

Deering asks, "Assuming the casualties mount, at what point do we abort the mission?"

Snowmist arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Snowmist has arrived.

Allen arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Allen has arrived.

Snowshadow arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Snowshadow has arrived.

Namura arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Namura has arrived.

Melchior arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Melchior has arrived.

Snowshadow takes Pulse Assault Rifle - 4687.

Cubana responds into the headset after a slight pause, "We don't abort the mission, Lt. If there is one individual left the mission continues. Is that understood?" her eyes move back towards the others, "Does everyone understand that?"

Snowshadow grabs an unclaimed rifle as he passes it, and slings it over his shoulder, just in case he needs a bit more firepower than the pistol provides.

Acran nods silently.

Snowmist rolls her eyes. "You gonna take a rifle when you refused my pistol?"

Duffel Bag - 1444 drops Shock Grenade - 7871.

Deering nods a bit, taking a deep breath. "Aye General. Second question..do we have a mirror or anything for checking corners?"

Allen says, "A fight to the end. I'll say one thing, you 27th century homeboys know how to party."

Cubana takes Shock Grenade - 7871.

Namura ehhs..."Sure..Hope it doesn;t come to that..."

Melchior gets the other rifle

Melchior takes Pulse Assault Rifle - 4842.

Cubana shakes her head, "negative..a mirror glints..gives your position off as well as your enemies."

Acran glances at Allen, cocking his head in confusion.

Denick nods, "Yes m'am, et in rimam imus..."

Snowshadow says, "Hey, might come in handy. The pistol would've been redundant."

Deering nods and looks back to the door. "Aye, ma'am.", steeling herself for next hour of nightmare.

Duffel Bag - 1444 drops Shock Grenade - 7883.

LeBeau takes Shock Grenade - 7883.

Namura looks around.

Melchior drops Pulse Assault Rifle - 4842.

Cubana speaks through the headset, "On the count of three we move..I've got left, Lt's got right."

Melchior takes Pulse Assault Rifle - 4842.

Duffel Bag - 1444 drops Shock Grenade - 7884.

Melchior drops Standard Pulse Rifle - 1588.

Cubana takes Shock Grenade - 7884.

Denick looks at melchior, "You and the kid stick close to me and slaan, try to warn us of anything thats coming at us."

Cubana says, "1..."

Deering looks back at the others and holds her hand up for attention.

Yama arrives from Engineering <Kensington>.

Yama has arrived.

Cubana says, "2..."

Namura says, "What about me?"

Allen cocks his weapon. "Let's rock and roll."

And finally, with an energy unmatched before, "THREE!"

Slaan is locked, cocked, and ready to rock.

Melchior turns off his safey

Cubana disembarks to the surface.

Cubana has left.

Deering disembarks to the surface.

Deering has left.

Denick disembarks to the surface.

Denick has left.

Allen disembarks to the surface.

Allen has left.

Slaan disembarks to the surface.

Slaan has left.

Melchior disembarks to the surface.

Melchior has left.

Acran scuttles out on the roof, above everyones heads.

You disembark to the surface.

The Mall <Washington D.C.: Earth>

Skeletal ruins flank this broad, flat thoroughfare that might once have been a greensward or park of some kind, beneath a bruise-colored sky. To the east stand the shattered remnants of a building with a crushed dome and steps blackened by heat. To the west, one can see the stump of a marble obelisk about 150 feet tall, surrounded by toppled metal poles. Collapsed marble blocks that might have composed the rest of the monument are scattered southwest of the stump. A broken escalator leads down into a subterranean facility of some kind.

Poe exits from the Kensington.

Poe has arrived.

Acran exits from the Kensington.

Acran has arrived.

Slaan files out at the appropriate 2nd to rear position, paired off with Denick

Cubana steps out of the vessel and immediately to the left, Rifle pointed out and scanning the area as she does with her eyes.

Yama exits from the Kensington.

Yama has arrived.

Deering watches the front and swings quickly to the right, gun out and pointed as she sweeps the 45 degrees assigned to her.

Snowshadow exits from the Kensington.

Snowshadow has arrived.

Yama hisses. "I left a grenade up there.

Snowmist exits from the Kensington.

Snowmist has arrived.

Allen says, "Whoa. Ya know, this is an improvement. Remind me to complement those Zangali on an sure fire way to get rid of stuffed shirt politicians."

Acran drops down from the ceiling of the airlock, his right arm held at 90 degrees from his body.

Yama boards the Kensington.

Yama has left.

Melchior gulps to himself and takes a breath

Melchior looks around

Denick swings his rifle to the left, covering the entire area, then he glances up.

Melchior says, "Where is Newt?"

Melchior says, "I'll be right back"

Melchior boards the Kensington.

Melchior has left.

Slaan checks to the right, as well as up and down, his back to Denick.

A hot wind swirls trash through this old park, beneath a grim sky. The ancient skyline - twisted by catastrophe - is blackened in ruin. In the shadowy outskirts of the park, shuffling, vaguely humanoid shapes can be seen. Some shuffle this way...alerted suddenly to the arrival of the freighter. As they close, you see them - pitiful humanoid creatures with extra, but clearly lifeless, heads - dangling arms, pustulent boils. Hairless and toothless, some of them drag their bony knuckles across the tainted earth.

Cubana curses into the headset, "Alright, lets establish this now. *EVERYONE* moves together. There will be no going back for ANYONE."

Jones swallows hard, but dutifully touches a few buttons on her camera, recording.

Deering says over the Intercom, "Targets."

Acran nods curyly in response, his mult-faceted eyes focusing on one of the shadowy form.

Cubana calls into the headsets, "Contacts at 12 o'clock. Fan out, stay with your partner and find cover. Form a semi cricle."

Slaan watches the mutants with a cold glare, watching and taking careful aim, should any of them get too close.

Denick swings his rifle back forward, his safety switches off on its own, and his trains his rifle on the approachign figures.

Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist.

Cubana steps forwards with Deering, rifle pointed forward.

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Deering steps sideways over towards Cubana, gun held up as she advances with her.

HEADSET: Melchior - We have a situation on board the ship....

LeBeau exits from the Kensington.

LeBeau has arrived.

Acran takes a position to the edge of this said semicircle.

Denick motions slaan to the right, taking cover behind a large piece of a steel girder.

Cubana keeps the weapons forward towards the mutants. At the forward point of the semicircle.

Allen says, "And here come the party crashers..."

Cubana crackles into the headset, "Report, what is the situation on board the vessel?"

Slaan nods and joins behind the girder, scanning his weapon systematically across his view.

The creatures - there seem to be about a dozen of them, closing in a rough circle - stop at about thirty feet away when they seem to notice the weapons.

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

HEADSET: Teel - Teel growls, "Messer's one of /them/!"

Deering goes to a knee for now, aiming at one of the particularly nasty looking mutants, holding her fire.

LeBeau stops part way down the ramp readying his ssult rifle

Denick motions with his rifle trying to indicate to them to leave.

Slaan picks a target and draws a bead...

Cubana remains in a crouched position, weapn at the ready, "Keep your eyes peeled...if they get within weapons range, fire."

Jones very slowly moves to cover, steps careful for the rubble, but keeping her attention focused on the mutants.

Acran turns rapidly towards the airlock, glancing questioningly at Cubana as he hears the words on the headset.

Snowshadow leaves the pistol holstered for a backup weapon should the rifle fail. He moves beside Mist as if this is the most natural thing in the world he could be doing. No soldiers, they, but clearly not so unused to high-risk situations, either. He levels the rifle, waiting for the right moment to fire.

LeBeau says, "General can yu hold dem, 'll see wha es going on enside"

Poe stays close to Jones, eying the mutants.

Snowmist flicks off the safety as she holds her pistol at the ready, not taking aim yet.

Cubana nods, "Move Lebeau, keep down....they shouldnt' have weapons but we don't know."

LeBeau boards the Kensington.

LeBeau has left.

One of the mutants, who stands about four feet tall and is roughly child shaped, with three arms and a gimpy leg, shuffles toward group. Clad in stained rags, the childish creature does not appear to be armed.

Denick says in a faint, slow voice, "I'll try to ask them to leave..."

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Then talk quick Lt, any closer and i shoot."

Slaan nods once in reply, keeping his weapon trained on the most available targets.

Allen keeps his weapon at the ready.

Deering breaths a quick breath through her nose and utters a low curse through the headset.

Denick stares at the child, slightly vacantly.

Yama exits from the Kensington.

Yama has arrived.

Jones shakes her head slowly, the camera whirring, focused in now on the child.

Acran replies in reference to Deering's statement, ~Perhaps subliminal suggestion might help....~

The mutant child stops about twenty five feet from the group and shouts against the wind: "Why are you here?"

Cubana doesn't move eyes peeled on the figure moving towards her, the slack pulled out of her trigger, "Respond Lt. The rest of us can not speak through our suits."

Melchior exits from the Kensington.

Melchior has arrived.

Melchior boards the Kensington.

Melchior has left.

Denick responds to the child, --We're in search of something, please don't interfior.--

Snowmist's lips thin, eyes narrowing, as she unconsciously moves to Shadow's side, ready to cover his back if need be.

A mutant child stands about 25 feet from the group, standing between the group and a downward sloping tunnel of some kind.

Messer exits from the Kensington.

Messer has arrived.

Namura exits from the Kensington.

Namura has arrived.

The group is collected into a semi-circle eyes and weapons trained on the child like figure standing 25 feet from them.

Teel exits from the Kensington.

Teel has arrived.

The mutant child turns its attention toward Denick. "What do you seek?"

Denick is staring vacantly at the child.

Slaan glances about and listens for any sign of an ambush...any sign at all.

Deering takes a quick look to the sides, and off towards the rear.

Denick responds, --A great evil.--

Messer ducks out of the Kensington, his rifle at the ready.

Melchior exits from the Kensington.

Melchior has arrived.

Newt exits from the Kensington.

Newt has arrived.

LeBeau exits from the Kensington.

LeBeau has arrived.

Melchior comes out with Newt

Yama mutters into his com. "Mayhaps we don't inform them we're here to destroy their probable buddy?"

Teel pairs up with Messer, blaster ready, eyes scanning.

The group is collected into a semi-circle eyes and weapons trained on the child like figure standing 25 feet from them.

Denick is staring vacantly at the child.

The mutant child steps closer, to about twenty feet, focused on Denick, tilting its head curiously. "A great evil? Where were you, so long ago, when our ancestors suffered because of a great evil? Where are you now, when we are imprisoned here, lepers?"

Slaan is giving some attention to things other than the obvious, scanning for any sign of ambush.

Deering is kneeled at the front of an armed semi-circle, Cubana beside her.

Denick says, "I don't think they would be friends with it."

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Silence Mr. Yama, the Lt's handlign it." all the meanwhile she keeps her weapon trained ont he child.

LeBeau again comes down the ramp unshouldering his assult rifle and takes a high aim at the on comming mutants as he moves to the rest of the group

Snowshadow starts to move into the gesture, providing a better scope of vision and firing arc for the two Demarians, but pauses when he catches his action, because he's part of a group much larger than two, and he can't allow himself some of his usual reactions for the good of the group.

Denick says, "Maybe you should tell me what to say, ma'am, I'm not the best diplomat..."

Newt cocks his head tot he side and just watches the kid, weapon not pointed at it.

Messer brings his weapon to bear on the mutant, although his eyes wander, taking in the carnage surrounding him.

Melchior then lowers his weapon, walking slowly out towards the child, moving slowly

Namura follows suit with Slaan and looks around.

Cubana calls angrily, "Hold your position, Mystic!"

Deering rumbles through the scratchy comm, "Ask her if she knows where the great evil is."

Denick replies --We seek an evil thats a threat to all of us, even greater then what happened to you or your ancestors."

Melchior stops when he reaches the front of the group, putting the rifle down on the ground

The mutant child smiles - the rough approximation of it, a toothless smile - "Greater than what happened to us? Arrogance...such arrogance."

Snowmist shakes her head in frustration, not used to having to hold back when all her instincts screamed for action.

Melchior whispers into the com, "Hernandez....I have been raised and trained to be a diplomat...please, allow me.

Cubana curses, "Mystic, follow orders or you'll find yourself not completing this trip. Lt. Denick is covering it."

Yama mouths lah-de-dah to LeBeau as the conversation ensues.

Denick looks at cubana, "Let him ma'am, he's probably a lot more trained in this then I am.."

Cubana speaks into the comm, "You've already started a conversation, get behind us and prompt him if you wish, but stay down."

The mutant child looks toward Cubana. "You seek the Hiver."

Slaan glances over as the mystic makes a play to wrest control of the mission out of the hands of others.

Melchior says, "Thank you for the vote of confidence Denick."

LeBeau glances past the child and towards the surrounding rubble and debri as if looking for any hidden resistance

Yama taps his com, making eye contact with LeBeau.

Cubana's attenstion sems to move from Melchior to the child, the weapon reaminign where it is, not moving a muscle, "Tell him we are."

Namura ignores the petty arguing, looking at any signs of immenent danger.

Deering murmurs into the Intercom, "Stay sharp folks."

Denick sends, seeming tired already, --Yes.--

Slaan continues scanning for hostilities.

The mutant child regards each member of the group in turn, finally bringing its filmy gray eyes back to Denick. "As the old man and the soldiers sought the Hiver."

Acran sends to the group, ~If he cannot convince them, perhaps I may help.~

LeBeau looks back to Yama

Newt mutters, "Weird kid."

Teel glances about, watching Messer's back.

Allen says, "Sounds like we were beat to it..."

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Gentlmen, if they do not wish to help us, there are far too many here for u to 'convince' them. They are not a collective. Better we find wehre we stand now."

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Melchior sends out his own message, "Greetings, my child...."

Poe shudders a bit at the mention of the "old man".



Melchior stops, noding to the child

Melchior says, "As you wish..."

Melchior stiffens

Cubana's weapon now seems to be trained onMelchior for anyone looking.

Deering keeps her gun on the child as Cubana turns hers to Melchior.

Messer's grip on his weapon tightens a bit, and he scans the horizon, three hundred sixty degrees around.

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Namura readies his rifle, looking.

The mutant child turns its attention back to Cubana. "The old man and the soldiers came here, seeking the Hiver. I think the old man made it. The soldiers...did not. But we did not kill them."

Snowshadow isn't about to lower his weapon, and his ears are perked up and forward, or they would be if it weren't for the confining helmet.

Slaan just keeps scanning. He never evened twitched at the mystic's command, but just kept a constant sweep running.

Cubana asks intot he headset, taking for granted it will be relayed, "Who did?"

Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist.

Acran sends to the child, ~Then who did?~

The mutant child speaks three simple words: "The Legion."

Erm. that's two.

Or, ya know, two simple words

Denick sends, --Who are they?--

Three consonants. Good try though.

Acran cocks his head at this, but allows Denick to take back the floor.

Messer raises his eyebrows, and looks questioningly at Teel.

The mutant child turns toward Denick. "Warriors. Deadly. Quite acclimated to this atmosphere. They guard the Hiver."

Allen says, "Figures. We travel all this way and we get to fight the mutated Secret Service."

Denick replies, --Do you know how many they number, and how well they are armed?--

Cubana can be heard smirkign a bit into the headset.

Cubana addds, "And if they have any weaknesses."

Slaan's back spines try to flare, pressing uncomfortably against his rad suit.

Teel murmurs, "Have to watch your back and keep you safe, Messer. You're my wingman, yeah?"

Denick sends, --And if they have weaknesses.--

Melchior says, "Even if we destroyed this Legion we would not be able to destroy the hiver"

Yama shifts in his suit. "Any information they have is likely suspect. These guys might well be kept in food by said legion. And someone take kookboy aside and explain to him what's going on.

The mutant child shakes its head. "I cannot tell you how many there are - but they are armed by outsiders."

Denick frowns...

Messer chuckles quietly. "Yeah," he replies to Teel. "Just don't go pullin' nothin' on me while I'm not lookin'."

Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist.

Yama taps his com again.

Yama whispers to Teel.

Cubana speaks intot he headset, "Kookboy is dead in about two seconds..and for their information we'll trust it for now. The Nalls are probably arming this..Legion."

LeBeau says, "Can yu tell us jus where day ar locaded, an jus where da Ri'kammi es kept?""

Acran turns to Cubana, ~How do you know?~

Newt gives the weirdo-kid a wave kinda.

Teel whispers to Yama.

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Denick sends, --Where is it?--

Deering grumbles. "Great."

Poe just stays near Jones, eyes on the child, everyonce and a while his gaze shifts to the reporter.

Cubana speaks into the headset, "We have reason to believe The Nalls where workign with Breunhalt and that Breunhalt was working with the Hiver. So it only goes to figure the Nalls would be working with them as well."

Jones shifts her weight, leaning against a larger piece of debries as she waits and records.

The mutant child points across the Potomac River, toward a large structure that seems to be angled with five sides. "The Hiver you seek is there." The child then points at the tunnel behind it. "The only way to get to the Hiver is through there. And that is where the Legion dwell." The child looks back to Cubana. "What are Nalls?"

Acran clacks in annoyance, the first sound he makes, coming over the comms.

LeBeau adds on to Cubana's statment "An if no da Nalls den Fagin"

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Explain what nalls are to him."

Messer draws a breath, following the child's gesture with his eyes.

Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist.

Yama says, "And if they have guns, it's moot where they came from. Can we get a move-on here?"

Newt looks up at Mel and says, "How come?" over the comms.

Denick tells the child, --Large intelligent lizards, almost man sized.--

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Actually they are short, about 4 feet tall

Cubana ignores Melchior, "Mr. Melchior, that leaves no question. Do that again and your dead."

The child shakes its head. "These outsiders are like you."

Melchior speaks into his com, "I have an idea on how we could possibly take this legion and not have any of us hurt

Cubana says a bit exasperated, "Go."

Melchior says, "Thank you"

Acran turns silently to Melchior.

Snowshadow speaks over the headset, "How about we send a recon team into the tunnel while everyone is out here chatting. I'm volunteering."

Yama whispers to LeBeau.

Melchior starts walking back to the group

Yama waves a hand. "Seconded."

Snowmist says, "And if he goes, naturally I'm there.""

The child stands in place and says, "We leave you now, if you wish to proceed. You have been warned." The child turns and walks toward its companions.

Denick nods, "I agree, if the mutes obgect, then thats their problem."

Cubana shakes her head, "Negative. No point in reconning right now."

Allen says, "At least these Washingtonians have gotten a lot more cordial.."

Jones murmurs, "Well, we can't stand out here forever."

Yama says, "I doubt all of these genetic deviants are as friendly as this docile one."

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Point will walk in, when we're assured there's no traps set to go off the rest come in, fact is there's going to be mutants in there...and there's no going aroudn them."

Deering lifts her gun a little from the retreating child now, getting up from her knee.

Poe says, "The thing is living under the Pentagon. Allan, wasn't there like a fortress under the Pentagon building? Designed to protect against radiation and such..."

LeBeau speaks into his comm "General I sugges we ged moving, if da mutands know dat we ar here den a goo bed says dis legion does to. An staning aroun here jus gives dem mo time to ged ready fo us

Cubana stands slowly and moves her head to apparently look at Deering and nods once before beginning to step towards the hole, weapon moving off the child as she walks past Melchior, "Stay close behidn and keep your weapons pointed on that kid until we're sure they'r enot a threat."

Snowshadow rolls his eyes, though Mist is probably the only one that would catch the gesture through the visor. "I hunt things. It's what I do. I'll _look_ for traps, if you like."

Messer lowers his weapon only slightly.

Melchior "accidently" brushes against Cubana as she passes

Cubana steps on either side of the hole and motions 1...2....3 with her fingers.

Cubana heads into Metro Terminal <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Cubana has left.

You head into Metro Terminal <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Metro Terminal <Washington D.C.: Earth>

Pale purple light from the unearthly sky above grants meager illumination in this cavernous underground chamber, which is littered with bones and skulls of victims of the holocaust that destroyed the city. A rut carved in the granite holds the tracks that once carried subway cars throughout the metropolitan area. A broken escalator leads up.

Cubana stops when she is abotu 25 feet fromt he mutant.

Yama snorts at the mutant. "Trash."

Melchior raises his weapon at Slaan, "I wouldn't, my friend.."

Acran arrives from The Mall <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Acran has arrived.

Deering stops and watches her side, eyes wide and glancing around.

Messer moves to one 'wing' of the semicircle, training his weapon on the mutant.

Snowmist snorts. "First he's a pacifist, now he's a violent pacifist..."

Slaan turns and levels his weapon on the mystic...

Denick sends, --Stay back, we don't mean you any harm, do not interfior.--

Newt comes down and steps into something that went crack. He lookes down and YEEEWS, "I stepped in someone." he quickly removes his foot.

The mutant against the wall drops to the ground, hugging its three knees with one clawed arm and weeps, "Don't hurt me..."

Snowshadow takes a position in the circle that gives him the best chance to cover Mist when things hit the fan, as he expects them to.

Namura stays back and looks at Jones to make sure she;s allright.

Yama blanches at Melchior, and swings his rifle around.

Melchior says, "I have made a decision....I intend to protect the innocent lives here from you bloodthirsty idiots"

Cubana has her weapon aimed at the mutant already, "Mystic, make yourself helpful and scan him to see his intent."

Deering growls in the coms, "Situation, ma'am."

Melchior says, "So long as you don't hurt an innocent on purpose, you'll be ok"

Yama nods. "Splendid. Permission to fire?"

Slaan speaks into the headset, "General, the mystic is currently deciding to be a bit too aggressive for my liking, consssidering hiss earlier misshap."

Cubana says, "Before you become the first casualty of these bloodthirsty idiots."

Messer looks back at Melchior, then to the mutant. "Dag nammit."

Melchior nods, scanning the mutant, seeking his true intent

Acran clatters along the wall, his right arm held out in front of him.

Jones nods to Namura. She is fine. Just not always moving very fast.

Cubana speaks into the headset, "maintain comm silence, if the order to shoot the mystic is issued it will be i issueing it."

Teel stays at the other side of the wing from Messer, keeping an eye on any attacks on him.

Allen mutters, "Ironic. Killed by infighting in the very place that touted united we stand, separate we fall, or some crap like that.."

Slaan nods and ignores the mystic, scanning the area again.

Yama taps his com.

Melchior kneels beside the mutant, slowly holding out a hand to him to signify he means no harm

Deering flares her nose, keeping her side of the tunnel under cover, deciding not to look back.

Melchior says, "It is alright.....I will not hurt you..."

LeBeau pulls up the rear and looking back towards the tunnel then came in to make sure nothing is trying to trap them in

The mutant reaches out to grab Melchior's arm.

Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist.

Cubana speaks into the headset again, "Let him learn his lessont he hardway..." is all she says softly.

Cubana keeps her weapon trained ont he mutant and Melchior.

Messer's grip tightens on the rifle, but he doesn't fire - yet.

Slaan keeps up his duty of scanning the perimeter.

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Melchior telepathically sends to the group, ~Back me up...if he attacks kill him but if he does not he could prove to be a valuable asset~

Melchior doesn't move away when the mutant tries to grab for his arm

Slaan shakes his head slightly...

Teel gives Cubana an odd little look.

Newt's too busy looking about to keep his mind on his job.

Deering keeps quiet, eyes roaming about the place as the tension mounts.

Allen looks to Cubana. "You sure have some strange idea of a combat unit these days, lady."

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Belay that, follow my orders only."

Acran moves to the ceiling of the tunnel, gripping easily to the grooved surface.

The mutant takes the arm and brings the hand toward his nasal openings, sniffing.

Denick still keeps rifle pointed at the ground, but seems ready to snap it up and fire.

Melchior smiles softly, "It is alright....we're friends....we aren't here to hurt you...."

Poe keeps his position next to Jones, watching the situation.

Snowshadow whispers to Snowmist.

The mutant glances up at Melchior with watery gray eyes, blank without irises. "F...friends?"

Jones pans the camera around the tunnel, before zooming in on Melchior and the mutant again.

Melchior nods

Melchior says, "Yes...we are friends....you have nothing to fear from us..."

Yama hrumphs, tapping once more.

The mutant smiles, exposing razor sharp fangs, opens its mouth and then clamps down on the Mystic's gloved hand.

Cubana speaks into the headset, "Teel, you've got the shot if he tries anything. The rest of you stand ready to back her."

Snowmist whispers to Snowshadow.

Cubana calls the order to fire to Teel.

Melchior cries out in pain, trying to get his hand away

Slaan has never lowered his weapon, he ignores the coming firefight, devoting all his attention to scanning for hostiles. Well...other hostiles.

Denick raises his rifle and fires at the shoulder away from the mystic in one motion.

Namura stays near Jones, looking around as well.

The mutant's teeth tear through the glove, digging into flesh and exposing Melchior to radiation...and whatever else the mutant has in its mouth.

Teel sighs, and is about to fire, when Denick shoots. She lowers her weapon.

Yama leans to the side of the wall before squeezing a shot off at the pair, jockeying for a clear LOS.

Cubana calls again, "Hold your fire! Everyone but Teel, hold your fire!"

Snowshadow mutters, "Don't suppose anyone brought a patch for the suits? If he's got a puncture, it's not gonna be pretty."

Denick lets go of the trigger.

Quinn arrives from The Mall <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Quinn has arrived.

Slaan follows orders and keeps scanning.

Cubana curses, "Damn idiot..almost deserves this." she says as she keeps her weapon pointed, "Teel keep your target, one shot may not take them out."

Melchior winces in pain

Messer growls lowly, his finger quivering over the trigger.

Snowmist twitches at the sudden movements, just barely restraining herself from aiming, settling herself firmly against her brother's back.

Melchior says, "A small price to pay for trying to help a fellow sentient being..."

The mutant continues digging in.

Teel raises her weapon again, training it on the mutant, and firing.

Cubana says, "Fire again, Teel."

Cubana says, "Shoot to kill."

Melchior cries out again, still trying to get his hand away

The teeth - coupled with Melchior's yanking motion - sever his thumb and index finger as the mutant is struck in the chest by the blast from Teel's gun.

Cubana glances to her left to see who's there, "Mr. lebeau, you've got next shot if this doens't bring it down."

Snowshadow doesn't stop himself from moving into the gesture this time. He stands back to back with Mist, weapon at ready. If it alters the formation somewhat, so be it.

Deering continues to just watch her side of the tunnel.

Poe mutters an obscenity "Somebody needs to get him back to the ship before he's completly flooded with radiation."

The mutant sags to the floor of the subway tunnel, dead it seems, the fingers in his mouth.

Melchior winces at the pain, trying to use his psionics to lessen the pain

Cubana calls as she spots Snowshadow, "Shadow, Mist, hold your positions and get down!"

Denick says, "Seal your arm opening now mystic."

Slaan just continues following orders, not breaking his concentration as he scans.

Yama nods to Teel. "She can amputate. Let's keep going."

Cubana calls into the headset, "Negative, we continue, no evacs."

Quinn steps down, moving to the closest of the wounded.

LeBeau spins his rifle to point it at the mutant and fireing off another shot aimed at its head

Snowmist doesn't argue with the first sensible order she's heard in a long time and crouches, still keeping contact with her brother.

Melchior blinks back the pain, trying to stand and get back up to the surface

Cubana speaks intot the headset, "Mystic, check if the creature is truly dead."

LeBeau looks up after firing "Jus to be sur, di no wan id knawing on anyone else as we when by"

Cubana adds, "No one approach until we're sure the mutant is dead."

Teel soberly lowers her weapon. "Rather be huntin Fagin."

The blast from LeBeau's weapon disintegrates the head - and the fingers.

Denick gestures for the mystic to come towards him.

Deering cant help but say thrpugh the Com, "Looks like you made a freind, Mystic."

Melchior uses his right hand, aiming his weapon at the mutant's head and pulling the trigger

The head is gone, Melchior

Newt looks back at all the commotion and mutters, 'oh s***'. and points his gun at the mutie jsut as Teel fires. He lowers it and then watches what's going on. oh boy.

Melchior says, "It's dead...now get me some help..."

Messer exclaims, "JeeEEEEZ!"

Melchior blinks back the pain, stumbling into Quinn

Cubana stands, "Alright...we're moving..Mr. namura fall out and care for Melchior, make sure he keeps the pace."

Namura says, "got it"

Denick hurries towards the mystic, pulling off the roll of duct tape he slapped onto his suit.

Cubana calls without inflection, "Private Quinn pass him on to Mr. namura, we're moving."

Acran calmly continues clicking his way along the ceiling.

Cubana says, "Everyone hold your positions, we can't manage to break formation for every casualty, "We're continuing, next firefight he can be taken care of by the doc.""

Denick hands it to namura, "As soon as your finished, seal the opening as best you can."

Cubana stands and begins stepping forward slowly weapon at the ready.

Namura nods

Melchior looks at Namura

Yama taps his foot. "Note we haven't actually been in a firefight. Ready to proceed."

Messer looks over at Teel. "Nice shot. Better him than me, eh?" he teases.

Slaan moves forward, retaining formation in pace with Cubana.

Deering kicks off a bone from her foot, moving along with Cubana.

Messer creeps forward with the formation.

Melchior says, "Seal it off now.....I can try and help it when I get back to the ship..."

Cubana repeats as she edges forward in the tunnel, "I will not repeat this, maintain comm silence."

Denick strides forwards again, getting back in formation.

Jones shifts the weight of the camera, moving forward again.

Namura nods and seals the opening with the duct tape.

Melchior looks around for Newt

Cubana holds up one finger...then two..finally three as she steps forward intot he larger opening.

Cubana heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Cubana has left.

Teel silently falls back to her position next to Messer.

Yamappl

Deering heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Deering has left.

Poe walks forward, not leaving Jones' side.

Snowmist catches Shadow's eye before moving with them.

Slaan stays to the right of Denick in the semi-circle, maintaing the buddy system

Acran heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Acran has left.

Yama stays a little ahead of LeBeau.

Slaan heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Slaan has left.

Yama heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Yama has left.

Messer heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Messer has left.

Poe heads into Metro Tunnel <Washington D.C.: Earth>.

Poe has left.

Metro Terminal <Washington D.C.: Earth>

Pale purple light from the unearthly sky above grants meager illumination in this cavernous underground chamber, which is littered with bones and skulls of victims of the holocaust that destroyed the city. A rut carved in the granite holds the tracks that once carried subway cars throughout the metropolitan area. A broken escalator leads up.

Namura nods and motions Mel to follow

Continued in From the Ashes of the Phoenix, Part II