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The woman was logical. Beautiful, smart, and logical.

"So you're more than just a looker," he quipped with a wink. Turning away, he pressed the left button again.

"Delta, this is Quinn- stay Order 01, but keep that Chinook primed up for me. Our mode of transport is in dispute right now."

"Roger, Quinn, stay order 01, chopper will land for refit and a top off and then be primed up for reissue. Delta out."

Quinn slid the comm device into a slot in his belt, then nodded outside. "Your points are both valid.

"You're right that a jeep would be easy to spot, but the point right now isn't just silence, it's sight; we want to be able to see them while keeping as stealthy as possible, which isn't possible a few thousand feet in the air sadly. But, as the lady said, there might be other ways to know what's going on.

"With this new information, my suggestion would be to drop into this city or village or what have you. Not inside, but just outside of the city, and then hoof it inside ourselves. Either that, or we fine a high and dry spot in the city to drop us on.

"A third option would be for either me or Ms. Varhetel who have experience in stealth and-or infiltration to drop in on our own, and for the other to hang back and wait for a communicae. I don't know about your record, miss, but I've done high altitude drops before.

"And of course I can always drop in my HB- hoverbike- and create a distraction for the rest of you to infiltrate. But that just may be too noisy and dramatic, if not horribly fun."

With this last suggestion Quinn grinned ear to ear. He may have aged since the last time he did this kind of thing, but fun never ages.

"Umm... well, wouldn't a jeep be easier to spot? An aerial craft could just fly above the cloud cover and be fine, wouldn't it?"

Maximos started at the top. Cecil being the last he spoke to, and first to respond. He very cheerfully answered the man.

True. Very easy to spot, but I would imagine not nearly as conspicuous. Then again, I've never seen a jeep myself...

He let his words sort of trail off, the meanings behind them obvious in and of themselves. He took a pause, and then continued.

To be honest, the advanced teams already left. And judging by the character of the individuals a part of it, I doubt our mode of entry is entirely too important.

Apples! He'd take one, steal a bite, finding something other than raw meat may do wonders to removed the red tint from his teeth, chew and swallow and then continue.

Which is to say, I dont think we're dealing with several locations, merely one with a few key points with in it and they're liable to make a...mess.

His eyes shifted to the map, then to Lucind. He didnt know much about Victor or the Shades. But logically, he felt enough to answer her question, despite is aim being for the red head.

"You said we'd be of no consequence to Victor and the shades. How sure can we be that really is so? You see, I just hope that those who've already left are fully aware everything might get extremely chaotic and...erratic."

Because...

Maximos finished a second bite.

Victor and Alpha had us all at the their mercy. In the Stadium alone if not for Rae's assistance.

And he would look up and give Rae a smile.

Athan, Myself, and Vahn, would likely be dead. Alpha could have very easily stayed after the explosion to finish us.

He gestured around the room.

And looking at the condition of those of you that survived in the forest, it doesnt truly appear you did much better. But both individuals left us...entirely.

He shook his head.

Its safe to say, we're not a threat. Or at least not perceived as one. Their eyes are on bigger things. As for information, it appears Sunstrike's informer had difficulty getting us what we already have. Our enemies have acted to keep their business quiet. It has not reached the general media, nor any of your...

He gestured to Lu and Quin, both believedly by their actions and words members of military organizations.

...Military contacts. It stands to reason then that our advanced party will not be outwardly attacked, or met with the sort of chaos that would belie the cover they are attempting to keep.

A nod, and another bite. Followed by an ear to ear smirk. Maximos having an eye that allowed him to read souls an emotions, gave him quite the amusement as he watched Quin say...

"So you're more than just a looker..."

And bit back every temptation to add on to his sentence.

Yes. She's also my girlfriend.

But didnt! No, smirked, and then shifted his glance to Lucind, his smirk growing to a full blown smile. Maximos was never, ever, a jealous man. Nor felt the need to stake his claim, as if Lu was an item not a person. It was just that the reaction on Quin's face might have been good for a laugh. Innocent of course, not mocking. And he was all for lightening a somber mood. Sad faces did not win Wars. True smiles did not either, but at least they were more pleasant.

Quin made a second radio transmission. Maximos' hand rose to the man's shoulder.

You may want to belay that just a bit.

He said, returning to his apple. Core and all, the apple was steadily vanishing.

Our advanced team just left moments ago. We would need time for them to arrive, and gather what they can, and contact us before we moved. If we moved then at all. Unless...

Well, Maximos knew nothing of jeep preparedness, or of the nature of a Chinook.

....The vehicles can infact stay ready for what could be hours. I'm sorry...I truly am poorly educated when it comes to nature of this worlds newest Steel Magic devices.

Which cycled a thought into his mind that whizzed by earlier when he mentioned the forest survivors.

Lu.

He said with a concerned look about him.

Is there anyone else that arrived with you, that isnt currently among us?

She came from rooms. Who else could be waiting?

Damion slipped in past Twitch at the first opportune moment, looking around at those gathered and smiling." Yeah...this is an army, this is what an army looks like." He sounded genuinely pleased, as if all was as it should be in his mind. And why not? Everything, aside from the chaos far away, seemed to be nice and all in order. And he had himself a new book! Didn't know what it was about, but it was new and all leathery!

Despite his facination, he'd look around for either Sunstrike or Maximos, having already dubbed either one of them a leader in their own right. And such it would be that he'd spot Maximos and amble his way over, whistling "Hey Jude" To himself, his spirits higher than they had been." Um....Maximos? Got a question for ya mate. Any specific team I need to be with?"

He had, after all, left before any definite teams had been decided, and had no idea they had Military support, although that would mean little to him in the long run. Small village never needed an army when it was just them and beasties on the island after all.

"Yup, he is still up stairs..." Rae was referring to the missing Mr. Yupa, knowing that Hono had left the man in a healing sleep. Or at least Rae assumed that the man was Mr. Yupa, since Hono had not seen anyone else. xp

"And we could always get to whatever that place is my way.." twisted There was something just a tad sinister to that statement as Rae threw in her mode of transportation, knowing that it would likely be Maxi's least favorite suggestion yet. "Fast and almost undetectable!"

The door to the tavern opened and in walked Stephen Lasanti. He was unusually alone this trip, and had an odd air about him, though no doubt most of the people busily chatting away wouldn't take note of him. In all honestly, the group was... rather intimidating. Sure, he recognized a handful of people, but there was still something about it that made him uncomfortable.

Still, no sense standing around like an idiot.

"Hi guys. Heard there was a party going on." he said. Before anyone could ask or chide him, he spoke again. "I saw the arena... and followed the rumors here." He was sticking his neck out pretty far at this point, so he continued to go the rest of the way. "I don't know what happened and I know that it's probably got nothing to do with me, but..."

He paused and took a deep breath. Almost there...

"It's my world too. I want to help."

Indeed, it was difficult to cover up something as dramatic as the Stadium being attacked. Outsiders were bound to notice eventually. Stephen just happened to be out of town at the time... and he was cursing the fact that he hadn't been around to help, hell, he'd barely missed whatever had happened. What drove him? Perhaps guilt. Who could say. At any rate, he was here and hoping he would be allowed to help in any way possible.

He was now at the mercy of all in attendance, at least, if they even noticed him in the first place.

"So, wait..." Cecil would start as soon as he could get in a word edgewise. "Where ever we're going, what is our objective, exactly? That would help a bit with the planning process."

Seemingly forgetful of his insecurity already, he, for the first time, noticed the map on the table and haunched over it, examining it, but unsure as to what the various symbols represented. He, at one point, managed to score a banana and was whittling away at it absentmindedly as he planned.

Though after a bit, he would realize something. "Shades? Explosions at a stadium? Exactly what is it we're dealing with, if you don't mind me asking?"

Her fumbling didn't go unnoticed by Ichigo, who could now clearly see he was mistaken from before. Even though Katie could no doubt take care of herself, flying like this must have been a first time thing for her. Ichigo was not openly friendly at the start when meeting new people, but he did have the courtesy all people should have.

He placed a hand on the back of her shoulder as she fumbled to stay her position, just to make sure she didn't throw off her balance and fall.

"You alright?" asked Ichigo, hoping that his gesture would relax the warrior. Ichigo didn't want it to be taken the wrong way, since he was pretty sure Katie could knock him right off of the dragon if she wanted to.



A single bead of sweat dripped down the back of Ichigo's head, a metaphorical "shadow" covering his goggle-clad eyes.

Well, that's reassuring...

((All of my subsequent posts will take place in Isle De Gambino))

"The Hummer will be geared up and ready for us. We should all fit. It'll get us there alright."

Excellent. Got it.

Maximos said with a nod, and a grin.

Well I suppose all we have left to do is plot, and rest up until we get word from our advanced team.

And another bite of the juicy red fruit, wiping a line of said juice from his face using the back of his hand.

"Um....Maximos?"

Hmm?

He heard his name, turning over his shoulder, as he chewed, and finally finished the bite. A smile on his features.

Yes Mr. Hedley! What can I do for you?

The Shadow said cheerily.

"Got a question for ya mate. Any specific team I need to be with?"

Mate. Tomorrow used to say that. It reminded Maximos that John was there when he first met Damion in Strata, loading boxes. The sort of fond memory, then met the actual look of the man standing before him. Only then did Maximos realize the sword and shield were missing. Damion had pinged mundane, but now pinged magical. His curiosity was raised, again even by the book in the mans hands. And he replied, with his smile spreading a bit.

Not yet Damion, but your welcome to pick a squad! At the moment it appears Sunstrike and I will be leading the two follow up teams. So far it appears I'll be taking the vampire, and Rae. And will be taking Mr. Miranda. Though it appears we havent yet decided when to arrive or how....

"And we could always get to whatever that place is my way...Fast and almost undetectable!"

Rae said it, and Maximos already felt his stomach sink and flip, and begin a various assortment of movements, all of which were greatly unpleasant. He grimaced, a hand falling to his stomach. Rae bounced. Maximos....hated teleportation of any kind. It just didnt sit right. At all. He looked at the apple, half gone and decided he'd like to keep that apple in his stomach, not on the pavement.

Or...you know...we could not. I think I'd rather take my chances in another Steel Magic Death box.

At which point he took another swing for whatever sort of substance had found its way into Sunstrike's flash to ease his stomach, rubbing his belly a bit to help even it out.

"Hi guys. Heard there was a party going on."

He knew that voice. Turning around on his heel with a look of surprise on his face he said.

Stephen? Lasanti!

He'd of course hear the man out before continuing. And then warmly wave the Platinum Blonde Warrior over to the meeting table.

Yes, of course, we need all the help we can get. Come, sit, eat. Sunstrike is about to review.

Which he then did, leaving the floor open to questions from the newly informed. The first of which was Cecil, Maximos took the opportunity to take the first question.

Well Cecil, the trick here, is that Shades are not mortal, or even human. They're more machine than man, driven by a purpose or order. And if they're anything like the Shade Lord we met, the eat life force...

He finished the apple, reaching down to grab another.

....Which if it is anything most other soul eaters means they can sense life as well. Stealth, if Sunstrike is correct, would be nearly useless regardless of our compatriots. Though under those odds it seems likely they'd be under attack, regardless of their efforts, shortly after arriving.

He rubbed his chin and shook his head not sure he liked how that sounded. But left the second question to the one in the know, Sunstrike.