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Post by Lockdown on Aug 29, 2016 1:35:18 GMT
The drive from the former Yellowjacket's campsite is relatively uneventful, the Vault-dex map providing a clear route, and Kat's knowledge steering the vehicle around possible trouble before it starts. Finally the walls of Purewater come into view. It's now coming on to early afternoon. The guards are on the alert as you approach, a pair of men this time, one wiry, the other burly. Their partners are some kind of sleepy-looking tortoise roughly taller than waist height on the burly man at the apex of its shell, while the wiry man has some kind of rough rocky quadruped with a nose horn munching placidly at a tuft of tall grass.
The burly one steps up as you come to a stop outside the gates. "Hey, ain't that Crazy Slane's Jalopy?" he's got a hand hovering near his belt, which has a metal-reinforced truncheon stuck through out.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 29, 2016 11:03:00 GMT
"Sure is." Cecil slipped a ball out of his pocket and held it up where the man could see it. "Had a run in with a critter that took a couple of chunks out of it called an 'Aron', so Amber here had to make some field repairs. I think it's what's called an 'extended bed' now? Got somebody to leave with you bunch too, 'fore we head inside."
Hopping from the back of the vehicle, he hauls Annie up by her restraints and over the side of the truck. "This here's the leader of a gang known as the Yellowjackets, figured the Mayor might want to hear there's one less issue on his plate, being a busy fellah and all. So we brought her back alive." Jerking his head back towards the car. "After we trussed Annie here up, Marissa got all jealous and wanted the same. She's with me though, name's Cecil."
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 30, 2016 1:21:16 GMT
The bulky guard takes quick custody of Annie, but both he and his companion exchange a look when Cecil indicates Marissa. Stepping forward, the skinny guard has his mon at his heels, looking at Cecil questioningly. "Um sir, if she was part of the Yellowjackets, even if you vouch for her... well we're going to have to take her into custody for questioning. The Captain doesn't much like the idea of raiders, even former ones, walking around town. She won't get the same thing that that one's due for," he gestures at Annie with contempt, "but we can't just let her in to wander around unsupervised. For all we know she could be a spy sent to scout the place out."
The bulky guard has laid the thrashing Annie over the back of his companion's mon, and is headed around to pull Marissa out of the back of the jalopy. "I'm sure if you go talk to the Captain something can be arranged, but she ain't just getting a free pass in pal."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 30, 2016 2:43:31 GMT
Christine moves over to stop the guard from pulling Marissa out. "I'm sorry, sir, but, as a doctor, I can't rightly let you take her. She was injured fairly bad, and I've been doing my best to fix her up, but if you guys take her, it could all get undone. Now, I'm sure you wouldn't want that. Besides..." She lowers her voice a bit. "Not only am I sure that you're competent enough to keep her from getting out even if she were a spy, especially with her injuries... there's no one left for her to spy for. You're looking at the last two Yellowjackets right here. The nest is gone..." Technically correct, seeing as how she figured anyone left in the woods would likely not refer to themselves as a Yellowjacket, even if they regrouped... not after hearing that that's what Annie called herself. "I'm sure that she'd be no trouble in the short time that it would take us to go see the Captain."Charm: 16
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Post by Seya on Aug 30, 2016 15:16:14 GMT
Kat rolls her eyes at Christine's attempts at stopping the guards, and adds loudly, "Patient or not, she's a crazy bitch through and through. And the town has its own smart docs--they won't let her die before they question her. Just let 'em take her or you're prolly not gettin' back in neither. Besides, recall that even their leader was disgusted by how bloodthirsty this one was. Not mentionin' the fact the bitch asked for 'Cecil's liver on a plate'." Her eyes narrowed at Marissa. "How d'you know she ain't just a sack of shit 'n lies? The guards are better prepared to deal with that decision. And don't you say the rest are harmless. Them raider gangs split and reform week by week. The rest are alive out there, sure as fuck. We didn't hurt 'em that bad, and you bet some'll be lookin' for another raider gang to join up with. Wouldn't be surprised if missy here's beau will scour the countryside lookin' for her if she gets free."After a moment, Kat hops out of the jalopy with her packs, submits to a pat-down, and heads in through the gate. "That's how I take it, anyways-- you'd be fools to try and bring her with you, and I ain't defending her in front of the captain. Got better shit to do. See you around." And she heads off into the crowd. Using Stealth; she doesn't want to be followed. This is mainly because I won't have guaranteed internet after today until the 12th or so... I'll PM you here or on Skype when I figure out what Kat's going to do.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 30, 2016 15:39:42 GMT
Cecil cocked his jaw and bit his tongue as he watched Kat stroll away. With a casual shrug, and a lot more tenderness then he handled Annie, he eased Marissa into a sitting position. "I'll stick with her for a bit Christine. Slows down what I gotta do in town a fair bit, but if this is the way they do things we need to do it that way or we just ain't gonna be welcome. Much as I hate to say it, if it's us or her, we gotta choose us. I'll keep her off that leg best I can, and chat with the Captain."
Moving a few stray hairs to one side, unless Christine physically fights him on the matter, Cecil moves to lift Marissa from the bed of the jalopy. "You'll wanna go chat with Slane for a couple, then maybe drop in on Scrimshaw for a history lesson, show him our 101 blues and he might settle in for a chat. Got a big spider though, like the size of your head, thing gives me the willies. I'll be 'round and safe, just don't go wandering off with strangers, alright? Had enough of that for one lifetime."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 30, 2016 16:33:44 GMT
Christine inwardly winces at Kat. Not that it should have been surprising... this is her town, too, after all. Should be expected that she has roughly the same thoughts as the guards. Can't fault her for that. I'd probably be the same way concerning the Vault.
"Alright, Cecil." Of all the people to go off alone... he was admittedly probably the best amongst them to do so. "But, here, take some of these, in case." She rummages through her bag, and passes over a couple of Potion Patches. "Use those if it seems she's getting worse. ...Just try and be back tonight, okay?"
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 30, 2016 19:54:19 GMT
"If I don't at least check in by dark something probably went wrong, I'll meet you out at Kat's place though. What? Don't make that face, it's better to assume the worst and be pleasantly surprised." Leaning in, he cut the bindings on Marissa's ankles so she could walk on her own, and slid his head up between her arms so he could carry her piggyback. He was also primed for her to strangle him should she desire, with the zipties still holding her wrists together. "Alright officer, when you're ready."
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 31, 2016 18:30:24 GMT
The skinny guard frowns at the thrashing Annie and at the sedate-seeming Marissa for a moment before reaching into a pouch on his belt. His companion is clearing Kat, before letting her proceed into the settlement. Pulling out a glimmering handful of blue powder, he blows half of the handful into a suddenly alarmed-looking Marissa's face, before dashing the second half into Annie's face before the woman can squirm out of the way. They both immediately slump, their breathing slow and easy. He gives Cecil an exasperated look. "You're either incredibly naive or just stupid, letting a raider into a position of power over you like that. She could have choked the life outta you before either of us could help, or just snapped your neck. Now wait for a minute, after we give your friends a check, and clear the jalopy, you can come with us to the Captain's office to talk to her about this supposedly reformed raider. You do notice they're being at least somewhat gentler with her than they were with Annie, allowing Cecil to support her instead of just laying her on her belly like a sack of cement and aggravating her wound.
The girls and Cecil are all given very quick and professional pat downs, with the exception of Bunnie when it's seen that all she's wearing right now is a longish jacket. After a quick inspection of the rest of the jalopy's contents, the group is cleared to enter. By this point Kat has vanished into the relative bustle of the settlement.
The burly guard, looking somewhat awkward, gives Bunnie the directions to the mayor's house. "Mrs. Trehan tends to have plenty of excess clothing, so she'd probably be able to hook you up for a song. She always wants more people wearing her outfits, says that she's working on brand recognition..." he makes a bemused face as he says the term.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 31, 2016 19:14:41 GMT
"The naive and stupid don't make it up here man. Overconfident, maybe. Marissa ain't bad, she just had a shit run and got indebted to the wrong people." The teen glanced back over his shoulder at Marissa's face. He could feel her breath on his cheek, so she was just asleep? Out cold? The stuff glittered slightly in the light, and he was pretty sure he didn't want to breathe it in. Glad to have seen that little trick this way, he made mental note to wear his new acquisition should things ever go south here in Purewater.
"I'm just glad this week is startin' to turn around a little."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 31, 2016 23:35:56 GMT
"I'd rather not assume the worst, Cecil." Christine says. "Because if we're doing that, then I'm not letting anyone out of sight. Not even you. I'm not wanting a repeat." She gives a bit of a surreptitious glance in Bunnie's direction, before turning back to the greaser and giving a bit of a dry smile. "So you'd better show up."
Turning to Amber and Bunnie, asking "So, once we return this contraption, what does everyone need to do? I'd like to arrange it that if any of us have to wander the town, it's not alone. Now, Amber, based on what I remember, I'm sure that Slane is going to want you to explain exactly what you did to his machine... So, if that's the case, while you do that, I'll go with Bunnie to get some clothes. Does that sound alright?"
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Post by Slytherclaw on Sept 1, 2016 12:48:45 GMT
"Gotta check in with the owner of this thing," Amber says, patting the wheel in front of her. "Then I'd like to check in the shops for a few things, but I'm good otherwise. I'll, uh, meet up with you at the clothing...maker?"
She pauses, tilting her head as she tries to think of the right word. Vault suits weren't exactly hand crafted.
"Be careful. I promise not to wander off with strange people," She says with small frown, glancing at Bunnie. "Um, take what you can carry, though, in case he wants this thing back already? My pokemon aren't very big, carrying stuff might be hard."
With that, after the gear is split, Amber will see them off and head to Slane's with the jalopy to answer questions and potentially turn it in until they need to beg for it again.
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Oct 13, 2018 19:33:19 GMT
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Post by David Hilm on Sept 1, 2016 21:21:36 GMT
Bunnie holds her silence at Christine's mention of avoiding a repeat, knowing it was a reference to hers and Joe's less than stellar escapades. She wasn't wrong though. And her plan wasn't a bad one, making sure everyone stays buddied with someone was practical. So what was it that bothered her about it? Amber's comment about wandering off with strange people wasn't helping, either. Before she could say something rude though, she decides to be helpful.
"Miss Maples is pretty strong. I'm sure she can help carry some stuff. And Cecil said I should head over to the mayor's wife about clothing. She seemed nice enough when we bumped into her before in any case. We should hit her up first, its as good a plan as any."
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Post by Lockdown on Sept 2, 2016 2:22:23 GMT
The trip to Slane's place was quick and uneventful from the gates. Without the early-morning to mask the lack of activity, it's clear that there's not a lot of foot traffic around this place. Once you arrived and buzzed to get the eccentric's attention, there was a small crackle from the speaker box, before a small lens slowly emerged from under a rusted protective flap. Eh, whossat? Ain't expectin' visitors... are we expecting visitors?... he says no! Blast it, need to get this in focus..." The lens whines and whirs as it slowly cranks into focus on the trio of girls. "Ah ha! Well then, a surprise is it? Wasn't exectin' ta see you back; thought I'd need to have to start getting the parts fo a new... He trails off as the camera focuses out to the maximum, locking in on the jalopy behind you. WHAT THE FLIPPIN' FUSEBOX DIDJA DO TA ME CAR?! You all heard that from inside the house...
The gate unlatches and retracts, while the man rushes outside. He's only got eyes for his jalopy, quickly wheeling it into the compound. He makes a flippant shooing motion with one hand. "Yeh can go fer now,but you lassie!" he points one finger unerringly at Amber, "You an' I'll be sittin over a cuppa after I take a look at my lovely, and you'll be tellin' me every modification you've done. Come back in a few hours, or p'raps tommorw. Unnerstand meh?" His tone is deadly serious, a far cry from the somewhat absent-minded prattle that he normally spouts.
After delivering that ultimatum, the man ignores the three of you, leaving you to awkwardly shuffle out. Eerily, the gate shuts behind you, but Slane is still visible examining the jalopy, not paying a whit of attention to his surroundings. The journey to find Mrs. Trehan is a bit more uncomfortable as you move into the busier areas of the settlement. There are more than a few double-takes at Bunnie, and a few creeps that approach initially before backing off when they get a good look at your expressions, helped along by a growl from Miss Maples.
Eventually you find yourselves in front of a floral-painted mailbox. After knocking, you hear muffled footsteps, before Cindy Trehan opens the door, looking surprised. "Well hello again ladies. My it's good to see you all, I'd heard such terrible..." she trails off as she sees Bunnie's state of dress, and her face softens in a flash of understanding. "Right, all of you please come in, we can talk inside." She opens the door to allow all of you entrance.
Cecil's journey to the Guard command post was rather bumpy, and there were a number of odd looks from rubber-neckers as the uncomfortably flinty hide of the mon he was riding rubbed up against sensitive places. Neither Marissa nor Annie woke at all during the transport though, so that was a small comfort you supposed. When you arrive, the two women are taken into a series of cells in an attached building and restrained. You however are led to Commander Guitteriaz' office. She doesn't look quite as glad to see you as the last time you were here. Feels almost like all those times you got dragged into Skrub's office by security really.
"So, I have you to thank for dumping this headache in my lap Mr. DeLoria?" She sighs and rubs at the bridge of her nose, gesturing the guard that'd escorted you in away with her free hand. Once the door shuts, she fixes you with a stern look. "Can you please explain to me what exactly is going on here? Why are you bringing prisoners, raiders no less, back to my settlement for me to deal with? More than that, why are you talking about vouching for a former raider? What's the play here kid, I really do not have time for this."
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Post by David Hilm on Sept 2, 2016 2:47:34 GMT
While walking through town and seeing Miss Maples being protective of her, Bunnie can't help but smileven to herself. However the gazes of the various men, intent obvious in their eyes and grins, does wear on her.
As they get to Cindy's she is happy to be able to get inside and wastes no time stepping through the door when prompted.
"Cindy, I could use a favor."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Sept 2, 2016 2:54:23 GMT
"Well, if you want it straight and to the point." Cecil sat up a little straighter, slid his hands into his waist pockets and crossed his legs in front of him. Was it time to get it out and around that they were from a Vault? "I made a promise to Kat that I'd keep her close, instead of taking her help, cutting and running. One of the girls I travel with is a damn fine medic, but a bleeding heart. Kat wanted to end every last one of'em, but I know if she went out of her way to do that and Christine found out... well, wouldn't be heaven or earth I could move to keep anyone happy. Convinced Kat to let Annie live long enough for you lot to mete out justice."
Cecil didn't fidget under the scrutiny, if anything this environ was all too familiar to him. "As for Marissa... it's complicated. My ma' didn't raise no killer, and Christine patched up her leg. Apparently she spent most of her adult life in a brothel caravan, and Annie liberated her, but she doesn't really give two shits about any of that. Readily gave up their hoard spot, has been pretty cooperative, and ain't tried to hurt nobody after we got her away from their nutjob leader. Was going to see about setting her up with Lucien if I'm honest, get her work and a place to stay if nothing else. Comes to it, if she can't stay, let me know. I'll walk her out myself."
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Post by Slytherclaw on Sept 3, 2016 19:11:30 GMT
Amber follows along quietly, frowning back at Slane's a few times as they march off. She's frowning mightily, brow furrowed in thought. She thinks, with a bit of surprise, that she might actually be a little offended. Worried he might not let them take the car again, sure (she doesn't want to imagine having to find some of the rarer parts to build one of her own, even if she thinks she miiiiggght be able to do it with enough time and supplies), but also a bit sour at the implications she'd done something to hurt it, rather than improved it!
She doesn't break out of her thoughts until she hears Cindy's voice. She stays quiet, letting Bunnie do her thing--it's not like Amber's ever really cared about clothing, beyond the number of pockets it's got to hold stuff.
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Post by Lockdown on Sept 5, 2016 23:12:51 GMT
Cindy nods, looking curious but also very sympathetic, ushering all three of you ladies in. "Well darling, I'll see what I can do for you. I can guess what kind of favor you need, but first, let me at least get you something to wear for a fitting." She leads the three of you through her home, upstairs to what appears to be a seamstresses' workshop. There's a mannequin in one corner with an outfit in Vault-jumpsuit blue kept together by pins, as well as several other outfits in half-completed stages. One even looks like a variant of the outfit that Bunnie had been wearing not even two days ago, albeit sized up for Cindy's own somewhat more robust figure.
There's also a changing screen, and an overstuffed pillow, on which her canine companion is lolling. She looks... very different, her fur dyed in shades of blue along the ears, tail and forehead, with some small black accents. Overall the style is reminiscent of a crown or helmet. The beast opens one eye, before snorting curiously, getting up to sniff Miss Maples.
Cindy is ignoring the byplay of the mon, throwing open a pair of double doors to reveal the largest closet any of you have ever seen, completely stocked with a wide array of clothing in all imaginable styles. Moving quickly though her collection, Cindy produces a modest shift and a pair of small shorts, directing Bunnie to behind a changing screen, before the woman gestures to the other two to sit down on available seats. "Now, I've heard all sorts of rumors darlings, but please, can you tell me what happened?"
The Commander gives Cecil an incredulous look for several long moments, before massaging the bridge of her nose. "So to summarize, your crew managed to fight and beat a whole raider crew, but couldn't bring yourselves to finish them off thanks to the objections of one member. So you let them all go alive I'm assuming, and decided that a sob story and the fact that she'd turned so easily on her former comrades was enough reason to use one of the survivors as a bargaining chip... Damn but you've adapted faster to being topside than I ever did kiddo." She laughs softly as her Emolga swoops down to rest on her cheek, nuzzling against her before chittering playfully at Cecil.
"That being said, I can't just let a Raider roam around, even one leashed by Lucien. I'll need at least a day or two to interrogate and observe her. I've got a few ways to make sure someone is really telling me the truth. If she checks out... well she's technically still your prisoner." She sighs again, leaning back in her chair and stroking her partne's fur absently. "I'm sure you've got questions," she says in a somewhat teasing manner.
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Post by David Hilm on Sept 5, 2016 23:45:56 GMT
Bunnie inhales sharply. She hadn't even told Christie and Amber what hado gone down, not entirely, in any case. She'd have to tell them eventually though, so now was as good a time as any. "Joe, one of my friends, and I had gotten word we could find the... Equipment we needed for back home. It was a trap, obviously. The Genechildren were taking advantage of us both really knowing any better and ran off with us. They doped us up with something, I couldn't tell you what it was but it left us, or me at least, dazed but aware of what they planned to do." She takes a deep breath, considering leaving it there. But christ, it actually felt good to put this out there finally. And Christy and Amber deserved to know what these sick bastards were doing to people. She spoke to everyone, but looked at her friends directly, holding back tears with all her strength. "They smashed our dexes, to start. Then released our Pokemon and smashed their Pokeballs. I think it removed the thing from them that makes them compliant, when they did? It's the only explanation I can think of. One of the Genechildren, a woman, proceeded to.. Stimulate me. Once I was 'ready' they led my Pokemon to me, the males. Doug and Gary. In front of everyone. It's why I didn't use them against the Yellow Jackets, I didn't know what would happen."
Bunnie forces herself not to vomit as she continues, crying openly. "I.. I don't know what happened to Joe. They were feeding him. Just forcing food into him, so much it made his stomach look like it were gonna explode. He was with me right before you found me, but he's lost now and I don't know what to do for him. It's why I won't let his Grimer get tossed away, I want to save it in case we find him." Bunnie wraps Kat's jacket around herself, a small part of her hopes she doesn't stain the material with her tears. Such a dumb thought to have right now. Why is she worried about that when the Genechildren are still out there, doing the same things they did to her to everyone else they come across. To people who weren't lucky enough to have people out looking for them. Bunnie stays quiet, hoping someone else will break the silence with anything.
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Post by DataNinja on Sept 6, 2016 0:11:13 GMT
Christine looks on in horror as Bunnie relates her experience. She knew that things had happened... but she never thought that it was this bad. "I'm... I'm sorry, Bunnie." Is all she manages to stammer. "I never imagined..." She takes a breath. "Just... let me know if there's anything I can do."
These people... how can they live with themselves? Christine wonders. What has to break inside of you in order to make you want to do this?
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