Strange Welcoming

Gemma seems to have become distracted by both Mon'Fargret and Mey'Luskar, but at the sound of Granite Spear's talk box she snaps out of it.

"Um, right!" she says, shaking her head. "This way!"

"Aw, flamin' bro," moans the guy on the sofa. "I can't move my hands, bro!"

"Hands are overrated," retorts the guy by the light flatly.

Gemma leads the party back down the short hallway and out the door into the night. The rain seems to have stopped, but the glow of the city reflecting off the clouds shows they are still low and ugly. There is just enough light to see the road and the shadowy silhouettes of the trees. As the party moves along southward, Pru asks a question about the layout of the place, and Gemma (who apologizes for her poor Yangae and sticks to speaking Her-galad) explains that the road they are on follows a circle going around the plantation complex, with the house as its hub. If they were to continue around, they would come to the old chapel and its garden, which Gemma says (with clear pride) she has been tending. On the opposite side of the circle are a bunch of large greenhouses. The old warehouse (which Gemma doesn't seem to like) is on the northeastern edge.

The party comes to a T-intersection, where a road curves off to head through the trees toward the inside of the circle. Gemma turns onto it, explaining that the inner woods were the nut groves of the plantation, but they've gone a bit wild. Soon the party passes through the wall of trees, and the ominous, black bulk of the house can be seen standing on a low hill in the middle of the complex. Its shape seems squarish, but it has obviously Hergoth-style towers.

A dim, flickering light can be seen on the top floor of the central tower.

"This isn't good," says Bina. "We're not welcome here!"

"Of course you're not!" replies Gemma. "They think those Eye people or whatever are attacking! But it's okay! They know..."

"I don't like it either," says Betham. "Are you sure about this?"

"Am I sure?" rails Gemma. "Of course! I mean, they're kind of suspicious, but they're alright once you get to know them. Remember, these are my people!" She increases her pace, giggling and mumbling to herself.

(I need ALT checks from everybody.)


(Positions at the end of the second exchange of the second round of combat.)

Squatters

Bina heads to one of the doors on the ground floor, one that is obviously not the entrance to one of the flats. Stopping before it, she assumes a Hergoth formal greeting pose and intones a Song of Calling. The door opens a few seconds later, but only a crack.

"Bina?" says a soft, feminine voice.

"Yes, Gemma," she replies gently. "It's me. It's alright!"

It's hard to see the figure that emerges in the dark, but she takes Bina's hands and says, "Thank the Entity! But what of...oh..."

"It's alright!" says Bina reassuringly. "Your friend isn't hurt. We had to stun him. He wouldn't stop shooting at us!"

Betham steps forward with the limp form of the shooter over his shoulder. "We need to get him inside," he says flatly.

Gemma's only reply is a few anxious-sounding breaths.

"It's alright!" insists Bina. "No one's here to harm you! In fact, we need your help!"

Gemma's psy senses can be vaguely felt probing about the party, and then focusing on the three Yangae. The pulse of fear she lets off is very tangible.

"They're not your enemies," says Bina. "My soul speaks for them."

Gemma lets out another nervous-sounding breath before she lets the party in.

Once inside, she turns on a pocket light and leads the party to a room in the very heart of the building. The air inside is stuffy and reeks of dust, mold, incense, spiced oil, and the acrid smell of unwashed bodies. Gemma says something, and a larger light within the room comes on. Then the party can see the room and her clearly.

Perhaps she was attractive before, but now her face looks worn and gaunt. Her sullen eyes don't look at all well. She is dressed in casual clothing that is rumpled and stained. Her hair is an unwashed, uncombed mess.

The youngish Hergoth man sitting next to the light doesn't look much better.

"You brought them all in?" he asks with dull annoyance as Betham and Zeton ease the stunned form onto a more or less usable sofa.

"I trust Bina," replies Gemma.

"It's not Bina I'm worried about," retorts the man, "or any other except those three." He nods in the direction of Pru, Mey'Luskar, and Mon'Fargret. "Remember? Gol'br'in said that now no Yangae can be trusted! None! Tur'as unders...well, I see he doesn't at the moment. Bugs on glass! So much for his precious gun! Now you've put us all in danger!"

Stepping forward irritably, Mey'Luskar pops off her contacts and shows her real eyes. "There!" she snaps in Her-galad. "Satisfied?"

Gemma reacts with surprise, but the man is totally unperturbed. "Very well," he says impassively. "What about the other two?"

Target, Target

All at once, Zeton jumps up from his position behind Betham and moves forward up the side of the road.

Betham lets out a shout as he walks his volley into the target...mainly because Zeton is moving right into his line of fire. Betham immediately terminates his barrage, but not before one of the pulses lightly grazes Zeton's shoulder.

(It kind of tickles but otherwise doesn't phase him.)

Up ahead, the maniacal shriek can be heard to end in a gurgle.

"Target nil," says Lirassa, lowering her pistol.

"I thought I got him," says Ham.

"Midbrain shock," says Betham as he moves out from cover. "He would've gone berserk. At this range, with this...mist...he probably won't be out long. We'd better move. Bina, how in the flow is your 'friend'?"

"It'll be alright," says Bina, though not quite as calmly as she'd have everyone believe.

"Right," says Betham. "They may have info we need. Let's disarm that guy and get indoors!" He immediately starts heading up the lane at a brisk trot.

(I'm going to assume that the party follows. It's still dark, but the end of the "tunnel" through the woods can be seen clearly...together with Betham's silhouette in it. Some members [especially Mey'Luskar, who refuses to run, and Dabid, who has to be coaxed out of his hiding place] slow things down. I'm going to assume Zeton follows Betham immediately. Is anyone else going to do so?)

Stand-down or Standoff?

(Map image clipped from plantation map I might show you someday...)

(For the record, the group passed through the main gate to the plantation and is still on the short [about 80m] road that cuts through the "forest wall" ringing the compound. The nearest building to the end of the road is the workers' apartments, and the shooter is hiding behind its corner. The party is currently taking cover in the trees at the edge of the "forest wall" about 30m away from the building.)

At Bina's request, Mon'Fargret keeps his aim but does not fire.

"I think you're right," says Lirassa, clicking on some kind of pistol. "It's just one sod. I got a mark. Should I toast him?"

"Someone in the building," says Bina hauntingly, her fingers on her temples. "She's afraid...so afraid...but maybe a friend..."

Another blast sears its way from the apartment, this time apparently aimed at Mon'Fargret's position. The shot is low. A baffle-effect plasma burst erupts from the pavement accompanied by an incoherent shout.

Incoming

Seeing that Betham doesn't seem to be too concerned and that there doesn't seem to be any real danger yet, Zeton quickly heads over to Betham.

"OK," he says, "whoever is here knows we are here and they aren't happy about it. It's too bad we can't emit thoughts of happiness and calm to reassure these folks we aren't here to bother them, eh?"

Zeton wipes some rain from his brow and nervously looks around into the shadows. "So, how do you recommend we approach and enter the worker flats?"

"Very carefully," replies Betham. "Trying to cut through the woods would be a very bad idea, what with all the blind baggage."

"Hey!" cries Mey'Luskar indignantly. "Who are you..."

"GET DOWN!!!!" yells Betham, giving Zeton a shove.

"NO!!!" screams Bina simultaneously as she tackles Mey'Luskar.

There is a sound like a nearby lightning strike. It is accompanied by a flash that leaves a short-lived, visible path of blue fire in the air as the very molecules of the mist are torn apart. One of the trees on the opposite side of the road erupts in flame from its trunk.

"Rakk!" barks Lirassa. "That was no laser designator!"

Someone at the Gate

The party continues to pick its way along the edge of the street next to the outer wall of the estate. The darkness and the obnoxious, misty rain are disorienting. So are the even more obnoxious weeds, overhanging branches, and occasional bit of litter.

"Wonderful city management," mutters Mey'Luskar bitterly as yet another vine catches her in the face.

"This place is way low on the list, lady," retorts Dabid. "They're still fixing up the ghettos, remember?"

Suddenly Widjgleeby halts, sniffing. "Someone there!" she hisses.

The party comes to a tense stop. There are a few ominous clicking sounds.

Ham pulls out his scanner and starts fiddling with it.

"They don't mean us any harm," says Bina. "I sense annoyance, but not hate. He's a Hergoth, and...I think he's expecting us!"

"Par'deth?" asks Pru almost eagerly.

"No," replies Bina. "It's Constable Betham. And he's alone."

Fast-Forwarding

(Heeding both the boredom of the players and his own frustration at the lack of activity, the Gamemaster pushes the "FF" button on the Vorpal Remote...)

A summary of the scenes as they blip past:

• There's a bit of conversation with the two women, Vliana and Kairi (the Besteeng). It turns out that they are the frontwomen of a pop band that has been fairly active, not only in Mul'ein, but throughout the region. Apparently they are based in Ekr'in, however. (That's why Nekshi interviewed them not so long ago.) Both are outgoing, but Vliana is clearly the friendlier of the two. It's clear that she and Bina have a deep rapport that goes back. It also appears that, though they're not personally acquainted with her, the two women know who Mey'Luskar is. Vliana seems to respect her, but Kairi doesn't try very hard to mask her contempt. They're both very well acquainted with Lirassa, too, and there seems to be both tension and mutual respect between them.
• During the talk, a little light can be seen to come on over Uskua's head, and she points out that the two musicians have a small bus they use for their band. Bina then hints to Vliana that the party is hoping to do something very important, but are having some problems squaring transportation. Kairi seems ambivalent, but Vliana offers to help immediately.
• The party remains at Wirg's long enough for everyone to finish. The three suspicious men leave during this time without incident. A couple more customers come in, but no one of any significance. By the time the party gets ready to leave, both Bina and Mey'Luskar are looking a bit red around the edges from wine and cocktails.
• It is early evening when the party gathers together to leave. As it is just a week before summer, it is still daylight outside, though it is cloudy. The fact of the heavy Peace Force presence in the area is mentioned. After some deliberation and maneuvering, Wirg has the party leave through the employee exit out into the back alley. There are a couple of unsavory-looking characters back there (probably drug pushers), but they high-tail it out of there at first glimpse of the party.
• The bus arrives. It's actually not a bus but rather an old military transport van that has been retooled. The rear is designed to hold gear, while there are seats for up to eight passengers in addition to the driver. There is more than enough room for everybody. Even better, the windows are all tinted. The driver, another Ehrlathagi woman, doesn't seem happy about the arrangement, but she does what she's told.
• It is decided to head out of Mul'ein, circle around, and enter the Bousin area from the north, preferably after it has gotten a bit darker. The musicians say they hope the party can come up with a plan during that time.

(Removes finger from "FF" button...)

So...what is the party's plan?

The Dynamic Duo

Zeton continues to poke around on the networks, but nothing of any value shows itself.

Bina and Mey'Luskar try to get Pru to try the monacta herself, but the stocky Tembo is as stubborn as she is outgoing.

The rain soon eases off as abruptly as it started. The middle-aged Besteeng woman immediately leaves without a word (except to Uskua when she pays).

The Ibitonian, Zentryl, and Endihec(?) continue to chat in very low tones, leaning rather closely together over their table. Both the Zentryl and the Endihec steal occasional suspicious glances at the party, but the Ibitonian seems utterly unconcerned.

After a little while, the door opens, and in comes a couple of new customers. It's a pair of women. One of them is obviously Ehrlathagi. The other is a white-skinned Sark-type human who is most likely Besteeng. Their dress suggests at least middle class. They are chatting with each other in Yangae (with noticeable accents).

Spying the party on the way in, both women say a quiet yet attractive greeting and then suddenly halt.

The Ehrlathagi woman puts her hands on her hips, cocks her head, and says, "Nekshi! How are you doing?"

"You weren't hoping to interview us again, were you?" asks the Besteeng, crossing her arms and throwing out a hip.

"You interviewed them?" asks Lirassa, jerking a thumb in the pair's direction.

"Hi, Lirassa!" says the Besteeng a little too sweetly.

They exchange a few quick lines in Brekka while the Ehrlathagi smiles and glances around the party. Then the Ehrlathagi's smile vanishes, and with a gasp she turns toward the table where Bina, Mey'Luskar, and Pru are sitting.

"Bina?" she says, taking a step forward with surprise in her eyes. "It is you, isn't it?"

Bina grins solemnly. "It's me." Then she bows Hergoth style and says in Her-Galad, "May She smile on you, Vliana!"

Vliana echoes the gesture and adds in Her-Galad, "Why are you here...dressed like that?"

Bina taps her chest. "I got kicked out!"

Vliana gasps and says something in Ehrkiss. Then she extends her hands. Bina hesitates before touching them. Then she sighs (with a noticable sob) and closes her eyes.

"Someone you know?" asks the Besteeng woman, moving closer with a puzzled look.

"Yes," says Vliana. "Bina! She's...she was...a priestess at Erweina. She's the best!"

At the mention of the word "priestess", the Besteeng woman stiffens and moves behind Vliana.

"Now I'm...just Bina," she says with a solemn grin.

Switching back to Yangae, Vliana asks, "So what's going on? It looks like you're geared up for a camping trip or something! Anything exciting?"

"That's what I'm hoping to find out!" retorts Pru, resting her chin on her elbow.

The Circle is Complaint

Uskua starts to head off to take care of Mon'Fargret's order, but she is stopped by Bina, who orders a glass of wine. Mey'Luskar teases her about it and then orders a cocktail.

"I think that'll do it for now," says La'Brissa with a sigh of satisfaction. She glances at her Bolgan companion and adds, "You can let your whiskers hang now. We're going."

The Bolgan thanks her hastily and hops out of her chair.

La'Brissa starts to put her tablet and art supplies away and then thinks better of it. Taking a cautious step toward Bina and Mey'Luskar, she asks modestly, "Do you want to see it?"

Mey'Luskar glances at Bina with horror.

"Only if it's finished," replies Bina with a grin. "You know!"

La'Brissa chuckles. "Right. 'Hr'vòyna-män.' (Incomplete state.) Got it."

"I hope I can see it when it's done," adds Bina.

"I hope I get a chance to show it to you!" replies La'Brissa as she folds up her drawing tablet.

"Well, I don't care so much about hr'vòyna-män," puts in the Besteeng woman. "Do you mind?"

Blushing (and failing to hide her discomfort), La'Brissa shows her the picture.

"Well, isn't that special?" comments the Besteeng woman. "I hope to see it hanging somewhere! Maybe even here!"

Bozz's little companion, who has been watching with intense curiosity, approaches. When La'Brissa slams the tablet shut warily, he bows in elaborate Yangae fashion and says in polite language, "If it pleases the lady, one wishes to see the work of art."

La'Brissa eyes him with disbelief and then shows him the picture with a (rather awkward-sounding) polite reply.

He studies it with furrowed brows. Then he hums dismissively and says, "There is...some ability, certainly, but I do not see why this would be special."

"No, you probably wouldn't," retorts the Besteeng woman with mock sweetness over La'Brissa's gasp. Pointing at the picture, she adds, "This one is with the Scarlet Revival. Perhaps you've heard of them?"

"Um, no," replies the newcomer. "I am familiar with the Scarlet Order, but..."

"Even redder!" replies the Besteeng woman with a wide smile.

The newcomer is dumbfounded. "But...then...why is she...?"

The Besteeng smiles even wider. "Now you begin to see!"

As she says this, the sky, which had been darkening much too quickly for the hour, loses its patience. Rain begins to pelt against the windows on one side of the building.

"Oh, roots and sod!" moans La'Brissa. "Why do the Herg...goth...um...?" She glances at Bina anxiously.

"The Yangae authority always kept the weather under control," observes Mey'Luskar, still chewing on her monacta. "Or so I'm told."

"But the weather is the breath of the planet," retorts Bina melodically. "Pray, let her live!"

The newcomer shifts his wary gaze between the picture and the actual pair. Then he says something in an unfamiliar language.

"You see?" clucks the Besteeng woman.

"There's more," says the Bolgan impatiently. She points a claw at Bina. "That one's a priestess!"

The newcomer's dark eyes widen to their limit.

Bina takes a mouthful of her food, taps on her unadorned chest, and says with difficulty, "No, I'm not!"

"She is!" whines the Bolgan. "I've seen her before! Lady, can we go now?"

"That's very interesting," retorts the newcomer in a low voice. He hands the tablet back to La'Brissa and slinks back to his group.

Just then the front door bangs open, and someone comes in in a flurry of soggy griping. Lirassa soon comes into view bearing her pack, a mass of soaked tresses, and a lot of ill will. Cursing in Brekka, she heads straight for Ham's table and plops herself wetly into a seat.

With a wail, the Bolgan immediately bolts out of the pub.

"So now she leaves me the bill," mutters La'Brissa between gestures of annoyance.

Steam Flash

Responding to Zeton's suggestion, Ham surreptitiously pulls out his scanner and starts to fiddle with it under the table.

Just as he's about to engage it, there is a loud, booming Yangae, "Oh, really?" from the direction of the three newcomers. The massive Zentryl stands and dusts off his arms dramatically, then turns and approaches the party. There is a wide smile on his face and fire in his eyes as he levels his gaze on Ham and crosses his arms.

"Ybandya!" he says with saccharine sweetness, leaning toward Ham. "Yany thok-mobar tu-roko tcok-jus-thok-ij tu-gar. Tu-margh-jakijny?"

(I'll e-mail El Tigrez the translation of the Biton.)

"That's right, Bozz," says the Atlan-type humanoid in Yangae with a very wimpy-sounding voice as he moves behind his much-larger companion. "He's up to something! What's he got under the table?"