|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 8:15 pm
Stepping up to a small pedestal, the six foot two man in his early sixties clapped his hands loudly to get everyone's attention. When everyone's eyes were on him, he began to introduce himself. "My name is Jeremiah, you can call me Jeremy." The group was just the right size for his voice to reach when he speak loudly, so he don't need to use a megaphone. "I am a close and long time friend of Kyou's, and I am the one who organized this search party."
"According to the villagers, Kyou departed from this village heading due north. So we will be heading in the same direction." He pulled a map from one of the pockets of his hiking vest before he continued. "I've marked down seven search grids on this map." Unfolding the map, he pointed to the seven areas he marked with a blue pen. "We will be divided into seven teams, each team will have four people and we will search according to our grids, all heading north. This is so we cover as much ground as possible."
Folding the map back up again, he motioned to a pile of supplies stacked up next to a black board. "You could pick up the map - two for each team at the supplies area over there later. Along with the following to aid you in the search."
One Lightweight portable tent
Two compasses
One lighter and a box of matches
One hunting knife
One Multitool
Some Tinder
Two flashlights
A basic first aid kit
A sewing kit
Four bandanas
A few fish hooks
A survival guide for newbies
"Of course, if you brought along sufficient supplies, you could opt to drop a few things from your supplies package if you want to." Then from a utility belt on his waist, Jeremy pulled out a bright orange flare gun. "This is going to be the only way we could communicate between each team. When your team is in peril danger; when a man is down, fire a red flare and the rangers and villagers over here will come to your aid. You have six red flares, including the one already loaded in the gun, just in case. The green flare." He said the following parts more loudly as he lifted the green flare up. "Only use it when you had found Kyou!! This is important, DO NOT GO NEAR KYOU when you found him, even if he seemed like on the verge of death. WAIT FOR ME!!! I will head on over as fast as I could."
Even though he worries for Kyou's life, Jeremy also worries for the safety of the participants. He is the only one here that had went on fel hunts with Kyou before, and only he know for sure what to do if they really did found the fel essence with Kyou. Which he thinks is the most likely scenario right now.
"This is how you load the flares." Jeremy went on to demonstrate how to c**k the barrel open, taking out the red flare within and replacing it with another red one, then cocking it back in place. "To fire it, just c**k back the hammer here like this, then pull the trigger while aiming at the sky." He further demonstrated without actually pulling the trigger, then he gently clicked the hammer back.
"It's late afternoon now, only a few more hours until night. When it's dark, it's best to find somewhere to make camp. Do not wander around at night!! It's dangerous." He could not emphasize that enough in this case. Since he had already heard some stories from the villagers.
"Okay, now you can go and pick up your supplies. The team info is on the blackboard next to the supplies, you can depart into the forest when you're ready. And uhm... what else.?" Jeremy thought for a moment before speaking again. "Oh remember to bring lots of water! There's a well at the edge of the forest, you could fill up your bottles there."
"Stay safe everyone!! And God speed!"
---------------------------------------------
WHO: Melisande + Cruz + Anita + Troxel
WHERE: Kahadlok
---------------------------------------------
------
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:17 am
This was it. Melisande listened to Jeremy with wide eyes, crossing her arms across her body loosely for comfort. She would do anything to help find the Doctor, but already the Sigel wished she were back on the bus, talking and laughing with Cesc. As the older man pointed the flare gun to the sky, the Sigel winced, but no shot rang out. His capable hands thumbed the hammer back into place, and she tried to relax. The feeling vanished when he mentioned team assignments, and Pasha's eyes fixed on the distant blackboard. Cruz. Anita. Troxel. Melisande. Despite the thick military-style bolero and layered body hugging tank tops, the Muse suddenly felt cold. Why wasn't she with Cesc? Why wasn't she with...Rivener? "You'll be fine."His familiar voice was there, so close that Melisande started. She turned to see Rivener smiling down encouragingly at her, as though her very thoughts had summoned him. He reached out to give her arm a gentle squeeze, and the Muse found the strength to smile back up at him. Just like that, he'd dusted off her courage. Pasha raised one hand to her temple, as though she were tucking her hair behind her ear. Her curls were loosely bound in a knot at the back of her neck, but she wasn't prettying. Instead, Pasha pulled one of the tiny flowers from her hair and tucked it under one of Rivener's straps. "Be safe." She murmured, and flattened her hand against his chest for a moment in a surprisingly affectionate gesture. She could see the other Sigels across the way, doing the same as Rivener...floating, talking, square and strong... As Rivener left her, she realized suddenly what they were doing. They were encouraging the others. They were being adults. Even Zul... Pasha's hand closed against something she wore on a chain around her neck, tucked into her tank top. There was Zul, helping, as he'd helped her. He even had a few kind words for her, and the Muse nodded silently in thanks. Her hand tightened a moment around the little hidden object before she released it, took a deep breath, and turned back to the board. Her expression had changed. The worry for Kyou was gone, as was the shock of the group assignment. Serenity kissed her features, and the Muse looked for all the world as though it was how she truly felt. Cruz was easy to spot. She remembered him from the Garden Maze, and had made a point to greet him on the bus. The other two she didn't know...she assumed Anita was the woman she'd seen with Cruz at the Maze, but the other? "Cruz?" She called as she spotted his telltale green, and the Sigel made her way towards the supply pile. She'd worn Vi's leather utility belt, which was slung slow on her waist and rested just above the hint of her future hips, so she had plenty of room to pack, but Pasha realized she'd only brought one water bottle. Jeremy's warning gave her pause, but the Muse was careful not to show it. She would be strong, like them. For them. "I'm over here!" She waved for the Frei, and also took a moment to smile at some of the Raevans she'd never met. They were certainly a colorful bunch! Surely the Doctor couldn't ignore them for long!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:39 am
The trip had been filled with dozing, tired conversation, and passing smiles. There was a lingering air of nervousness that seeped into Anita's every pore once they stepped off the bus and only part of it had to do with the humid air surrounding Kahadlok's jungle. She and Cruz both greeted a few of their friends and acquaintances on board, even reacquainting with people they hadn't spoken to for months or years. It was strangely refreshing, despite the situation, but now that things were getting underway and this man, Jeremy, was explaining the situation, the severe reality was coming crashing down.
Beside her, Cruz clung to the bag slung over his shoulder. Anita helped him tighten the strap so it hung under his arm more, rather than dangling at his nonexistent waist. She had a backpack instead, a white thin strapped wife beater, kahki shorts that stopped just below her knee, and sturdy brown hiking boots. Anita had already packed a good deal of what she thought would be essential on a trip like this; two first aid kits for herself and Cruz, so now they had a least three, two flashlights, two lighters, two boxes of matches, a whole slew of batteries, and then some decidedly less essential but no less useful items like bug spray and suntan lotion. She had already spritzed herself with both prior to the bus ride but, now that the explanation was over and they had a few minutes to themselves, she gave herself another once over. Bloodsucking bugs thought she was delicious and her fair completion burned easily.
While she took care of that, Cruz floated over to the team listings. He barely had time to read off the names before a soft, velvety voice drew his attention.
"Cruz? I'm over here!"
He smiled as soon as he caught sight of her. The croc remembered her vividly from the garden fundraiser but that had been over a year ago now and their meeting was quite short. As soon as his smile blossomed fully it shrank bank and his hands reached for his head in dismay. "Oh!" he exclaimed, grimacing animatedly. His fins fluttered anxiously and he glanced quickly to Anita, who looked confused. She hadn't caught the lovely sigel's name, but Cruz was certain they'd introduced themselves at the time!
"Sorry! Ah!" He quickly closed the distance between himself and Melisande, arms dropping to his sides in defeat though his expression was no less distressed. "Your name, I-- Sorry. So sorry." Cruz had caught sight of the longer name on the sheet but he hadn't seen this Raevan's name spelled out before and he had no idea how it was supposed to be pronounced from spelling alone. He felt absolutely terrible, forgetting the name of someone so beautiful and pleasant! His mouth closed into a pitiful pout, green eyes locked with hers.
Anita choked out a scoff of amusement at her charge's antics as she took up at the supply table where he left off, counting out the items and seeing which ones she should carry. Compared to the Raevan's names on their own, the name Harrison Troxel seemed distinctly human alongside Anita Bishop, though Troxel alone was pretty unique. She glanced around, keeping an eye on Cruz and the sigel accessorized with flowers. Though she seemed to be attempting to dress the part of a search and rescue, she still had an exceptionally dainty and fragile appearance that Anita wasn't sure what to make of. While she herself didn't have any training for this sort of thing (or most situations, to be honest), Anita was certain she had a better sense of practicality than some of the other participants in these search parties. She felt sort of bad thinking so, but it just seemed like a lot of the people and Raevans didn't understand what they were getting into when they agreed, herself included now that she was here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:37 am
This entire thing was going south in Harrison’s book. The ride was filled of nonchalant conversation, which was first enjoyable as he rattled off flight hours, things about his helicopter, how his check ride went until it morphed to the topic of survival. Trox had that unknowing ability to fill a room when he was on a topic with someone he considered closer than your average joe. Doucette was a friend and he’d be damned if anything happened to her. As the conversation thinned and tension rose, the aviator kept his line of babble to how to stay safe, what to do if injured. Anything that was quick to give a verbal class to the woman. He’d be worse for wear if anything had happened to her. After all Doucette was the only reason he was out here, to keep her safe and get her home. Before they exited his vehicle he reached over and gripped her hands, looking her straight in the eyes and said ”Remember, everything is going to be okay, stay safe, follow my lead, keep your head down,” and he meant it. But it was all too serious, everyone’s tensions had been too high so he gave her that lazy half smirk, single dimpled grin and tacked on. ”And when this is over, I’m going to covet your patio and there will be pulled pork for all.”Now they were in the largest gaggle he’s seen since ranger school, he noted from his position in the back. He was tall his vision was precise- no need to block someone else’s view. Disorganization makes his fingernails itch. The brief was short and mildly organized. However the assigned teams were something that did not make him feel comfortable. He flicked his gaze across the small crowd to find the small Irish woman, easily spotted due to her head of fiery red hair. He then looked to the board listing the names. He didn’t recognize any of the names and didn’t even try to pick out his teammates. Not until after he got his gear in order. His temper was rising and he knew he needed to simmer down and accept the situation. Embrace the suck as they used to say. He bit the inside of his cheek hard and let his eyes glaze over as they went through the pyrotechnics. He was already questioning why they were setting this search at night let alone handing under qualified civilians flare guns opposed to the roadside sticks that shot into the air before littering the ground. They were safer, durable and easier to handle. He really didn’t trust any teammate to handle that responsibility. The pilot paused and gently chided himself to remember, technically you’re a civilian now too. A qualified civilian mind you. He felt comfort in the belt holster under his shirt- holding the 9mm berretta from his job at Homeland Security. His credentials were in his pocket just in case but he doubted he’d need to show them. Not here, but he was a creature of habit. Like his watch- complete with GPS he might add. It was a swanky gift from his mother this past Christmas. ”so you can track your flights, dear. It’ll be fun!”Naw, Ma. It will be useful. Now the watch was part of his person. He licked his lips once the briefing ended and went back to his personal vehicle- taking a moment to fill his rucksack with some more ammunition. The single 30 round clip that was tucked into the holster wouldn’t be enough. It took him two minutes to gather an additional clip. 60 9mm rounds should be more than enough. Especially if he’s protecting three other people. No big bad animal could last 40 let alone 60 rounds plugged into their system. He pulled out his flashlight- the small LED he used on pre flight checks- always hanging on his flight vest- and did a small pre combat check on his gear. The rucksack contained an additional 30 round clip, two roadside flares, 2 liters of water in tall nalgenes, an ALSE [Aviation Life Saver Equipment] kit which contained iodine drops for water, flint, an intensive medical kit, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and a space blanket. He’d also brought, and bile rose in his throat from the memory, 3 classic broken down MREs. He hated how useful the military was. In addition to his classic survivor man gear he kept a smartwool undershirt for temperature drops or shock and an additional set of eye protection. Comfort first, Safety always. He grinned and hefted the pack up a little bit, testing the weight. Total the backpack weighed in near the 40 lb mark. Light. It wasn’t Ranger School or SERE-C where full battle rattle and supplies compressed his spine with 80lbs in protection and 50 lbs in gear. He remembered those hot days in the cockpit on the tarmac, waiting for someone to get shot or need air support. 80 lbs of body armor dragging you down while you sat… for hours. It was so bad Trox required surgery to fuse his vertebrae in his lower back. This injury still plagued him today and he would need to be cognizant of how much activity he handled. He grabbed his knife, sheathed and locked and put it in his pocket, before loading his backpack onto his shoulders. The man was smart, this wasn’t his first rodeo show- roughing it for survival to find a lost soldier. His experience lined his face and dulled his eyes under the sienna colored baseball cap advertising a rock climbing gym near his home. His outfit was purely tactical hiking clothing- complete with moisture wicking shirt, lightweight and breathable windbreaker, zip off kahkis and smart- root gripping boots. He was ready to tear through the wilderness and could only hope his teammates were competent. He wanted home, he wanted his dog, he wanted coffee and bed as soon as possible. He moved over to the small group, judging by the frei and the board he knew he was looking for two ladies and a male… both male and one of the ladies will be glowing at the middle and missing their lower bits. What did he get himself into. He peered into the group, height and eyes gaining an advantage and raised his brow. One lady, he noted as he spied Anita, and a female frei. The second Frei gave him pause. Now Trox was a modern man, an accepting man and a good man. Let’s make that clear. But there was a ponytail on Cruz, green hair pulled back and slender body meets slender wrists. He’s had practice at this and his eyes dropped immediately to the Frei’s chest. Male then… or at least male in body, Trox chided himself as he called back all the harassment briefs, the Equal Opportunity classes. He may not be male identifying and that was okay. He took a breath and trod over to the group. Trying not to take over the entire gaggle and tell them that night time search parties require different search tactics, that they should form a patrol line, know your left, know your right and comb through the jungle in a grid like pattern. But No. they were sending them willy nill- he paused. Breathed and clenched his fists. Not in charge, Trox. Just make sure your people don’t get killed. He moved up to the statistically identifying group and stopped short. Tall form hunching slightly and he gave a small but tired smile. “Sorry,” he spoke to the group at large, “I needed to grab some gear from my truck. Harrison, Troxel. Feel free to call me Trox. Has anyone grabbed equipment from the drop?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 4:07 pm
The Sigel paused in filling the pouches on her utility belt, a compass still in one hand. She straightened and tried a smile on as Cruz approached, making sure it touched her eyes. It was hard, trying to be brave, but for the Frei she would try.
"Cruz." She said his name warmly as he approached, and her pale brows pushed together in sympathy as he admitted his loss. "Don't worry! It's Melisande..." She pronounced her name slowly, and poked herself lightly in the cheek with one finger as she considered the phonetics. "Like...fella...fond. A fella you're fond of! Now you'll remember!" Without warning, she leaned in and gave Cruz a fleeting but sweet kiss on the cheek. If she recalled, he'd asked for a kiss the first time they'd met, and she'd been more than a little taken aback. There was no call for such reserve now. He'd said he'd been hungry, before...now, they needed all the strength they could get.
She flashed a smile to the Frei's guardian as she ducked back again, remembering the woman's kind explanation of Cruz's needs at the garden party. Pasha hadn't remembered the woman's name, but she remembered her face, and the list filled in the blank. "Anita." The Muse said cordially, nodding to the guardian. "I'm glad you both could come." She tucked the compass into her pouch and snapped it shut, twisting to open the one on her other 'hip.'
As she did, she found herself gazing up at the silhouette of a man. Pasha watched his fists clench and his shoulders rise, and became very still. She knew these little signs from Alain, her rather...passionate...employer. Pasha's fingers brushed her forearm, where the bruises had long since faded.
For some reason, the image of Rivener's arching wing came into her mind. Melisande tried to put a little smile back on her face, though she was certain her eyes had gone wide enough for Trox to see his own reflection in them.
"Thank you for coming, Trox. I'm Melisande." She was surprised her voice sounded as smooth and kind as it did. She found the man rather unsettling, despite his tired smile. "I packed a compass, the first aid kit, the sewing kit, and a bandana!"
Melisande still had room in her other pouch, and she patted it absently. She pitched her voice to include Anita and Cruz, smiling again for the other Raevan."I also brought a little comb, some sunblock, a toothbrush, and a pack-a-poncho, just in case! Did anyone else bring anything extra?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:24 pm
He felt bad but Melisande was very understanding. She was quick to help him and he mouthed her name along with her, just the way she pronounced it. "Mel-ah-sond. Melisande. Meli--Mel-- Mm." Cruz puffed his cheeks out. If he had hips his hands would have rested on them but, instead, he settled with clutching his bag strap and staring into space for a moment. "That's a big name." As he wondered what would be a good way to shorten it, he was caught off guard by a quick and gentle peck to his cheek.
Pasha's warm lips left a sultry tingle against his skin, the soothing act of feeding him in that single moment visibly relaxing him as he closed his eyes. The frei practically purred at her subtle floral "flavor" and he gave her a quiet thank you as she turned her attention to Anita.
She couldn't help but laugh at the dopey look on his face. "Melisande," Anita returned with a tired but genuine smile. They didn't know each other for more than a few moments but it was nice to not be in a team full of total strangers. Which was why, when their fourth member approached, she felt a bit bad for him. He didn't know anyone in their group, it seemed, and she smiled sympathetically at his introduction.
"Yo," she gestured a greeting that wasn't quite a wave while Melisande explained what she packed. "I've already got two first aids, flash lights, yadda yadda. Grabbed a bandana for Cruz and I. Anita, by the way," she gave Trox a quick smirk, "Took the newbie book too, one of the compasses, and the multitool. I brought sunblock too, bug spray, personal crap, and a lot of water bottles, granola bars, sandwiches, and stuff. I figured there'd be at least one other human with us so you can I can share if you didn't bring your own, I don't mind."
Cruz floated over and gave Trox a quick wave, the hand quickly retreating to where Meli kissed his cheek as he smiled dumbly. "I'm good for food."
"Right, you just worry about staying hydrated." her hazel green eyes locked back onto Melisande then, smiling, "How 'bout you, Meli? What do you eat?" Anita wondered just how new to the scene Trox was, considering she'd never seen his name on the contact sheets before, even the most recent one. Either way, with the stuff left over they would need to divy up responsibilities, like the flare gun and knife. She didn't want Cruz to have either, didn't know if Melisande could handle them, and didn't have any real training in the use of either though she wasn't exactly a total stranger to weapons in the most mundane sense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:32 am
Trox was a bit amused at the delicate Raevan proudly explaining what she had grabbed. He did his best to look serious and intent on the conversation but really his brain was whirring. These people didn’t need to know just how discomforted he was that they were getting a late start. This should have been brought to the authorities a while ago. He bit his bottom lip, gaze flicking to Anita. Anita seemed a little more together than either of the Raevans but he supposed there was a reason for that. Both Cruz and Melisande, names he recalled from the board, didn’t require foot care, heavy loads – and oh yeah… he’d forgotten about the unconventional food source aspect of the Lab kids. He thought back to the rings floating on his desk and the filled bottle. He still hadn’t called in. It was a just excuse, that and he doubted anyone else would be able to meet with him. The entire lab seemed to be up at arms. He thought of the list he was handed and tried to populate names- human to Raevan and couldn’t. That wasn’t his task right now.
Right now he needed to be personable, friendly, these people weren’t his soldiers after all. He threw on half of a smile, trying hard, but it was enough to get his dimple going. He clapped his hands together; digits aligned and palms pressing together. He pointed to the elegant blonde in her bolero.
“I’m really sorry if I butcher your names,” He furrowed his brow in a sheepish look, “Meli-sandy? Wait! … you Just told, Cruz? Melisahnd? You let me know if anything starts bogging you down. I don’t know how the whole floating thing works yet.”
He turned to Anita and smiled toothily. The awkward ‘I’m trying don’t judge me’ smile that shows a slight amount of distress. He pointed his folded hands to her next. She seemed with it, she seemed strong, but once the move starts and blisters take effect, weariness sets in? The packs get heavier and movements get loud and sloppier. And sloppiness lead to injury.
“I used to be somewhat of a pack mule back in the day. Please let me know before if anything gets uncomfortable. Meaning no insult to you. Just… want to make sure everyone can still walk after this. You good on extra socks, footpowder? I have a feeling my extras won’t do you much good.”
Harrison gestured to his feet, gargantuan in his hiking boots.
“From what I’ve gathered in the situation we want to be quick. I—brought a few things. You could say I’ve done this thing before,” Granted it was by air most of the time. He dropped his ruck and pulled open the smallest pocket, pulling out a handful of chemlights. “These are military grade, does anyone disagree with having one on your back for the night? Just so it will take a few seconds to get accountability.”
He held out the yellow, green and blue foil wrappers and again gave a nervous half smile to the group. With the items outstretched he listed off the items in his ruck.
“I have food, medical kits including sutures, flashlights, extra socks, foot powder, a poncho, bungee cords, zip ties, and I think I might have a bit of semi static rope in there but… that wasn’t intentional I forgot to remove it. Water and eye-pro. I also have an extra layer incase someone gets chilly.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 7:42 am
"Or you can call me Pasha..." The Muse offered, leaning close to Cruz to speak, so as not to disturb the humans. She didn't want to confuse the Frei, but her nickname was usually the easiest for folks. It surprised her that Trox had heard her name correctly, she nodded at the large man with a silent smile as he attempted it.
When Anita asked a question about her eating habits, the Muse had the grace to blush, dropping her eyes to the trampled ground. "I...just don't like being alone. As long as I have people to talk to, I will be fine." It wasn't 100% accurate, but the Sigel had never fully gotten the hang of her own needs. Some attention, like Cesc's (and now it seemed, Riveners) was truly quality attention. After all, what good was a song no one listened to?
Melisande unclipped her water bottle from her belt, and hefted it for the others to see. "I'll fill this up as we head in! I'm ready." She said the last with finality, and accepted one the blue chemlight from Trox. She was still fighting to still her nerves, but she had to be strong. For Cruz, and for the Doctor!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 11:30 am
Pasha. Melisande. He wasn't confused about the names themselves but how on earth did Pasha come from Melisande? Cruz continued testing both out under his breath. When Anita shortened the sigel's name to Meli he decided it was cute but he did not prefer its sound. He really liked how Melisande's full name sounded but it was big.
While Melisande vaguely explained her needs, Anita's brows lifted sympathetically. The poor girl almost sounded embarrassed. She smiled and nodded, eyes flicking to Cruz momentarily who was also looking upon the song muse with concern. "Don't worry. You won't be alone, okay?"
As Melisande floated toward the nearby well Jeremy indicated, Cruz glanced at Anita before following. He plucked gently at his lower lip with an index finger, staying quiet until they reached the well. "Is Lisande good?" he finally settled, if she was alright with him calling her that. He never quite knew why but he liked two syllable names, they just flowed right. Pasha fit that description but he couldn't wrap his head around where it came from so he decided maybe it was a more personal nickname that he probably shouldn't be using yet, especially if she didn't introduce it to him until he seemed to have some difficulty. "Your name is very pretty."
Then came the matters Trox presented. Suffice to say, Anita was surprised at his level of preparedness -- pleasantly so. Her eyes lit up curiously as he listed everything off, very attentive, and she nodded when he asked about the extra socks. Foot powder, no, but between the two of them he surely had more than enough if it became necessary. "This is perfect, thank you," Anita said, claiming the yellow chemlight for herself and the green for Cruz. She would set his pack up with it in a minute but for now she tucked both into her back pocket. It was a great idea, extremely useful in the low light and underbrush. "So you're used to this kind of thing. I don't think any of us are," Anita pointed between the three of them while Melisande was off filling her canteen, "Mind if I volunteer you for the knife and flares? I've fired a pistol before, if it comes down to it, but, if you've had training or something, that'd really go a long way."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 12:46 pm
Trox watched the two Frei’s communicate, giving Melisande a hard look while mentally repeating Pasha so he’d remember the preferred name. He smiled and took out a fourth chem light, this one was also blue, and strapped it to his rucksack. With a sigh he closed his ruck and easily hefted it onto his back. His lumbar was only partially sore from the drive. He stretched his legs and nodded looking over Anita. This would be simple; he just needed to keep a strong face and pretend it was a nature walk… a stupid nature walk at night with a high level of risk to injury.
“Don’t worry, Pasha. That’s why we’ll all have these Glowsticks on,” He gave her a sweet smile, “You look for the Glowstick and call our name and we’ll be there!”
He bit his lower lip and considered the offer. Of course he was qualified for this. Required training to be a pilot in the Army involved mild torture [mild as in sleep deprivation and a few punches to the everywhere mixed with super cramped quarters] and getting dropped at point A and expected to get to point B in 3 days… Did he mention there were dogs and people after him? He smiled and rubbed his neck. He’d done a lot more with a lot less. He was just used to luxuries like Cliff bars and camelbaks.
“I’m qualified on sidearms, I’d feel more comfortable with the pyrotechnics if you really don’t mind,” He smiled and cringed, “sorry I don’t mean any offense.”
He scratched the side of his face, lifting his khaki zip offs up to reveal a calf- a calf to which a distinctly military blade was strapped.
“However you take the knife, it’d be good to disperse essential supplies,” He dropped his pant leg again and reached to a side pocket for the 100% deet before dabbing a few drops on his body like a woman would perfume.
“I mean.” He offered the deet out to Anita and nodded to the rest of their crew so she would pass it on once she had finished, “I work in the business of medevac and have some prior service that kinda bulked up my boyscout skills… Just took a good 20 years of my life with it.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 7:42 pm
Melisande returned Anita's kind words and Troxel's reassurances with a smile, and ducked her head again as she followed the man's lead with attaching the chemlight. It would be easier if she could explain what she needed, but the intent had to be pure. She remembered, distantly, the wrong kind of attention from Rivener when they had been younger. It hadn't been comfortable for the Muse in the slightest, much less fulfilling.
Melisande busied herself filling the bottle, and glanced back up as Cruz approached. The smile was coming more naturally, now. "Lisande?" She mused, eyes crinkling a bit as she capped her canteen. "Lisande is...cute. Thank you, Cruz!"
She hadn't been given a nickname in a very long time. It felt nice, truth be told. Clipping the bottle back on her belt, pursing her lips for a moment at the way it swung and bumped against the top rung of her ribbon, Melisande fidgeted with her gear as she listened to Trox.
Pyrotechnics? Medvac? Boyscout? The Sigel had no idea what the man was talking about, but wasn't sure she'd like the definitions if she asked. Instead, she dabbed the moisture from her fingertips gingerly on the sleeve of her short jacket, and spoke once the group fell silent.
"I can help us stay on course?" She offered, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. Her little drop earrings glittered like dew, totally unsuited to the adventure at hand, but she hadn't thought of that when she'd been dressing. "I have a compass, and if you need, I can always take a peek above the trees."
To demonstrate, the Muse unfurled and closed her wings again gracefully, and rose a few extra feet into the air. Her wings were more powerful than most suspected...it was just habit to keep them tucked close, like a sunning songbird. She smiled down at Cruz, and sank slowly back to her usual 'height.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 8:57 pm
Anita hung on to Troxel's every word as he ran through his explanation. She was visibly tired but even the slight bags under her eyes didn't make her seem any less attentive. Her brows lifted at his sidearm qualification and she nodded quickly. "I could honestly give two shits, as far as offense goes," Anita assured him as she peeked back at the two Raevans before heading back to the table to grab the flare gun and hunting knife. She handed the gun to Trox when he showed off his own blade and Anita made an expression of distinct approval.
"If you're sure," she shrugged, examining the knife in its provided holster once the flares were handed off. Her attention was then quickly snatched up by the offer of more bug spray and her eyes practically rolled back with appreciation. Anita barely huffed out a 'thank you' before she did a double take to his occupation, among other qualifications. "No s**t? Well, if you weren't team leader already you damn sure are now." Something about this being a Lab sponsored search and rescue told the pit in Anita's stomach that Melisande was intended to be the leader, as the oldest Raevan in their group, but considering how Troxel was trained for years in this sort of thing, or at least similar, it wouldn't make any sense for him not to be. "Hope you're not opposed."
The frei smiled at Melisande when she agreed to the nickname. Cruz watched with contented curiosity while she clipped the bottle to her belt and they floated back over. He wasn't exactly listening to Troxel and Anita's conversation but it seemed like Meli either wasn't following or wasn't interested. Some of the deet was applied to him as well but he huffed through his nose and crinkled his nostrils a bit until he got used to the strong scent.
"Did you get one from the table or did you bring it?" Anita asked, though it may have not been heard as Melisande began her demonstration. Her lips pursed, impressed, and she watched the display with interest. Cruz didn't take his eyes off her, smiling wide in return to her own, flashing his teeth with excitement. Once she was back down, Anita nodded, grinned, then waved Cruz over to clip on his chemlight while she did the same to her pack. "Alright, we should probably head in before it gets dark. Trox is going to be leading us, if that's fine," Anita glanced over at him for quick confirmation before continuing, "We shouldn't leave each other's sight and the glowsticks'll help with that, like he said. Melisande can help us navigate," she smiled and nodded to the sigel, "And Cruz, if you can, try to keep a look out for any critters we don't want sneaking up on us, like snakes and stuff."
Cruz nodded enthusiastically, reaching a gentle hand over and clasping it softly around Melisande's without looking away from his guardian. "Okay, we ready to head in? Any last minute prep?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:33 pm
Troxel shouldn't have opened his mouth, discomfort crept over his shoulders and down his arms like a weight. Team leader meant responsible. Again, for everyone's life. It was a heavy weight for Harrison, mentally. He supposed it was not only unavoidable- not to say Anita was incompetent but more that regardless of who was leading- if anyone was injured or lost he'd blame himself. He chewed his cheek, outwardly throwing a soft smile and a casual shrug. He wanted to appear as submissive as he could.
"I mean, I'd say we're all team leaders?" He cringed. That sounded a bit more hippy than he was intending. "Not to sound all 'participation badge', but if someone starts doing something dangerous- you stop them. If you see something someone misses, you say something. Everyone watch out for each other and right now focus on going in to find a camp. Traveling at night is st-dangerous."
The aviator mentally got off his soap box and looked about sheepishly, focusing instead on Meli's formidable display of aeronautics. He nodded- impressed and scratched the back of his neck. That was definitely an advantage.
"Awesome, Pasha," he smiled- acting that much softer towards the Sigel, "aerial views are very important and very handy. Also if something happens down there you can zoom in the air and spin your chemlight. It's a technique for landing helicopters if there's no smoke or panels."
He moved over to the sigel, reaching into his side picked and pulling out a whistle and untied his chemlight. He held the rope and threaded the 'eye' of the chemlight head and pushed it down towards the whistle- thing a quick knot to secure it. The pilot stepped back and began to spin the chemlight on the end like a rotor blade.
"See how it makes a big circle of light? Blow the whistle and spin this above the trees- especially if we use a flare. It'll help them pinpoint us."
He dismantled the makeshift landing signal and handed the whistle to Melisande. He hoped he was still within bounds here and cautiously glanced over to Anita to see the flare gun offered. He took the additional pyrotechnic and returned his chemlight to his pack and slid both flaregun and rounds into his cargo pocket, long torso folded as he added the finishing touches to his outfit- pantlegs cinched around his boots and belt holster tightened. Anita and the two Raevans didn't need to see that he was packing heat quite yet. Or ever, in an ideal world. Trox pulled himself back upright and locked eyes with Anita.
"Yeah, I'll head in a few meters and y'all follow after," he gazed across the group before pointing at Anita with a full flat hand (command hand or knife hand pointing- as called in the army), " I have a 5 hr. energy if you need it but I have a feeling we'll find camp before that. Stay alert."
The aviator turned towards the woodline and began his approach. Hand moving to his left pocket and pulling out lime lensed firing range eye protection and slipped them on- placing the strap along the back of his head. He was a pilot- his livelihood depended on his eyes. As he stepped into the brush he noted that, due to the glasses the contrast of the green around him was accentuated, everything seemed brighter than it should, and that was good. After 10 meters into the wood line be paused and looked over his shoulder to see his group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 9:02 am
Just at the threshold of the forest, a group of children from the village was seeing them off, some of them obviously gushing at the Sigel. But they did not follow, as they are still fearful of what lays within the forest.
The first stretch of the forest was still pretty harmless and uneventful. There were tracks everywhere, from when the villagers enter and exit. There were even scratches on the trees where they mark their routes. As you move in further, you came across a small patch of herb garden that still looked decently tended to. But to your horror, right behind a few large lemongrass bushes laid a fresh grave with some ornate stones decorating it. Whoever it was, they died within the month, as the dirt was still loose and nothing had grown around it yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:23 pm
Melisande shook her head when Anita asked if she'd brought her own compass, trying not to wince at the woman's use of language. She hadn't known what to expect as she'd packed, and only risked a quick trip back to Vi's shop to prepare. The compass was from the pile of supplies, and she accepted a few quick dabs of the repellant as well, despite the way it offended.
She tried to follow what Troxel was saying as she tightened her little utility belt, but Melisande was having a hard time visualizing it. "Spin my chemlight?" Thankfully, the man demonstrated, and the Sigel brightened visibly. "Got it! I can do that!"
Cruz took her hand gently, and Melisande smiled over at the Frei, though she wasn't one to usually accept such a gesture. It wasn't about her, she kept reminding herself. She had to do everything she could to help find Kyou! If that meant keeping her party happy, or well-fed, the Sigel would do it. Pasha gave his hand a little squeeze, and glanced back at the rest of the departing groups one last time.
They looked like flowers, she decided. Her fellow Raevans, whether she knew them or not, stood out like stars among the field of humans. They were so bright, so colorful...so delicate. Worry twisted inside her as she remembered how badly injured Laz had been in the Lab. How final Zul's judgement had been. Delicate...and dangerous. Would they all make it back out?
Melisande swallowed against the tightness in her throat, and faced the forest.
She didn't have time to dwell on her worries for long. The village children met them at the edge of the forest, and Melisande let her hand slip from the Frei's as she bowed lower to meet them. "Hello! Careful, oh, hi! And thank you!" Pasha accepted a little orange wildflower one of the children offered her, and beamed her thanks. "Thank you!" She repeated, and waved, still following her party into the forest.
The children didn't follow any further, and the Sigel felt a chill as she watched their smiles fade. They were afraid...but what were they afraid of? What if the Doctor wasn't simply lost? What if something had happened to him?
She pulled up short at the sight of the grave with the others. To see something so suddenly, after worrying for the lost Doctor, made her rune feel like it had plummeted. Pasha's breath caught as she stared at the freshly turned dirt. The sweet smell of herbs in the warm air was suddenly cloying, and she looked at the wilting wildflower in her hand with uncertainty.
Had the flower been for her, after all?
She reached out, tentatively, and let the blossom fall. It twirled slightly before landing upon the open mound, orange petals bright against the soil. Melisande murmured a blessing too soft to hear, closing her eyes for just a moment, before continuing on. A grave at the beginning of a journey...not a good omen, even the Muse knew.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
