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Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Gama Master (GM)
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The return trip to Cedar Valley was uneventful. The horses had already been picked up, however, so it was a rather long walk back to the town. You managed to make it there during the night. Riders came out to meet you and escorted you back to the village, where Sarge had set up a meeting in the barracks. Sarge was there waiting for you when you brought Direk in with you.

Sarge was a big hulking man, with a scared face and a buzzcut. He wore green shirt and green pants with big black boots. His face looked like solid granite, he was a rock and Cedar Valley relied on him to keep the peace and stability and protect the village from all the dangers of the gamma world.

Sarge said, "I see you apprehended our flying friend. What can you tell me about him? And who is this other fellow? Is he Skeeter's lost brother?"

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 20:31, Mon 26 Feb 2007.



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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Xavier Ashe
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"Our trip was eventful...and successful," X says, picking up and building on his relationship with Sarge.  "Our friends here have been instrumental in stopping a horror from reaching us so soon.  Nevertheless, the Circle of Eight makes its way to destroy mutants.  I will let those more eloquent than I speak further.  They deserve medals for their valor and wisdom."  He looks to the other party members to explain more details to Sarge.

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Clint Beastwood
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Clint stands at attention beside his newfound friends. His lower arms are folded behind his back while his upper arms are crossed in front of his chest, holding his hat respectfully.

When Sarge speaks about him in the third person he holds his tongue, deferentially waiting to be introduced by one of his newfound friends.

When Xavier speaks, Clint takes this as his introduction. He steps forward and offers a deep bow to Sarge. Speaking with the utmost respect and composure, he addresses the man.

"Sir, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Clint Beastwood, and I am a Cowboy. My village was overrun by the Circle of Eight. Those I had sworn to protect were enslaved and mistreated. I stand before you a man without a home, but  with vengeance in his heart. If the Cirlce of Eight are coming this way, and if there is any way that I can be of use, you have me at your disposal," Clint finishes his monoluge by dropping to one knee and bowing his head again before Sarge. He waits a moment, then stands up once again, assuming his previous formal posture.

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Xavier Ashe
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X, apparently having taken a real liking to Clint since he slapped around Direk, says, "I think we should help Clint in wiping out the Circle of Eight.  If we don't, it is inevitable that they will reach us and try to wipe us out first.  A good offense is the best defense, I always say.  Plus, we'd have the advantage of surprise."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Clint Beastwood
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Clint smiles briefly at Xavier's enthusiasm, but then his look grows morose.

"The problem is pardner, they's a tough bunch. They got all sorts of weapons and vehicles like you never seen; like that flying machine. And there's lots of 'em too. We was not match for him. Unless you folks have an army, I think it's gonna be hard to stop 'em..." Clint says, almost apologetically.

"That don't mean we don't stand and fight. When they took over my town me and a small group of men attacked small groups when we could, sabotaged their caravans and things like that. We made 'em pay for awhile until we got outgunned. I was the only one what survived that last fight..." he trails off again.

"All I'm saying is that if we engage in a flat out war we better have an army. If we don't, we gotta pick our battles and fight smart. And as much as it pains me to say it...you might also want to think about taking the women and children and moving on. If they come this way, and it sounds like they will, we can do 'em harm but we probably can't stop 'em. You got to make sure the women and children are safe. These men are monsters...I'll spare you the details, but you got to make sure the women and children are safe," he finishes.

Clint looks around the room to see what impact his words had on the group.

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Redmond Jacoby
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Redmond nods slowly, and thoughtfully. "Do we know what sort of range those flyers have? We can't fight them in the air, but we can break them on the ground."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Xavier Ashe
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X says, "What do you think, Sarge?"

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Direk ()
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The flyer I had has a range of 300 km. Few vehicles in the Circle are the same. Losing the flyer actually was a pretty big loss for the Circle.

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Sarge ()
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Sarge looks to Pierce and Phebe, to see if the have anything to add.

In response to Xavier he says, "Well it's good you caught this man, maybe that buys us some time. Damn. We sure did have a good thing here in Cedar Valley, I hate to lose it all now. And moving I think is out of the question, some of us couldn't even make it out of the valley."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Clint Beastwood
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"I don't think having this man will buy us much, Sarge," explains Clint.

"He says that he was a scout. And he says that if he doesn't report back, the Circle of Eight will send a rescue party, of sorts. Which means that they'll find out about Cedar Valley, most likely. There is one option you might consider, although I can't say I cotton to it. But this is your village, and you folks need to make your decisions as best you can for those that live here," Clint says, his tone becoming deadly serious.

"If that rescue party were to find this man's body in the wreckage of that flying machine, and if they were to think he died due to a crash, then they might not have any reason to look any further for cause. Which could mean, just maybe, that they wouldn't find out about Cedar Valley. Like I said, I ain't recommending no course of action here. But you folks should know what options you got in front of you," Clint finishes, clearly having a hard time putting words to the concepts he is trying to introduce. It is clear that he finds the idea of killing the captive and staging his death as an accident wholly distasteful, but it is also clear that he feels it is his duty to give the residents of Cedar Valley a clear idea of the choices available to them. He is obviously wrestling with a number of moral issues on this matter.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Thu 26 Oct 2006.



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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Pierce
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Pierce looked thoughtfully at Sarge and the others. He figured that Sarge would want a full report of everything. "As we left the valley, we were ambushed by some large spiders in the trees. They didn't seem to like food that fought back and retreated.

We Followed Direk here to a group of ancient shelters. A number of them seem to be still occupied, though by what we're not sure of. Phebe helped a family out in one, and we followed Direk here to another.

As for killing Direk and leaving his body in the wreckage, I'm not sure we can set that up in time. Anyway, I gave him my word that we wouldn't kill him, and that he'd be well treated. So as far as I'm concerned that idea is out.

If we set up a crash, the circle of eight would probably investigate the area anyway, since they were out here. That's not even considering the other villages that they'd likely find on the way.

He says that he was due in yesterday. Figure that they'll give him a day or two to be late and then start getting an expedition together. That means that they'll probably be starting to move out in a couple of days. Figure they can move 50 to 60 klicks a day. That gives us about a week if they manage to make a beeline here, probably 2 to 3 weeks if they're cautious and investigate the villages along the way, and a little longer if they fight every single one.

We should probably go and make contact with the villages along the ancient's way and warn them. I suppose that if necessary we could try to stage a crash site. Maybe if we got a hold of one or two of the spiders we could make it look like he was dragged off by them. Maybe using the grenade on any spider bodies we get. See if we can get some of their webbing and put it near the wreckage."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Sarge ()
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"Well these are some good ideas.

You say you found ancient shelters? Was there anything in them? And this family you saw, they traveled alone? Where were they from, and why were they here? I think we may need to investigate those shelters  a lot more thoroughly.

As for killing this man, I think that we shouldn't lower ourselves to the barbarism that these Circle of Eight seem to be capable of. We will fight to the last man if we have to, but we will do so with honor and dignity. The Lord is on our side, as long as we continue to follow His way.

We might still be able to use the wreckage from the crash site. If we were to move the wreckage out of the valley we could possibly avoid them discovering the village here. However, I don't know if we can muster that even if we have a few weeks, getting the wreckage up out of the crater could be impossible.

Those spiders are troublesome. We've had to deal with their kind before. They are scattered throughout the forest. The tree people seem to be able to control them, and use them for pets, but there are still plenty of wild ones. I am also still concerned about those... buggems? Insect things you fought."

Sarge turned to Clint and asked, "Do you think we could get our hands on some of the technology used by the Circle of Eight? Maybe if we had that we'd be better off."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Clint Beastwood
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Clint emits an audible sigh of relief.

"I sure am glad you folks are taking the high road. I think its the right thing to do, but you do still need to find a way to protect your women and children," he drawls. "I think removing the wreckage is a great idea, same with making it look like them spiders took him off. That's good thinking!"

He pauses a moment and reflects. "I don't reckon I'd have any means of getting my hands on any of their technology," he muses. "We got some of it by raiding their caravans and taking on small groups of them after they took over my town. But eventually, they outgunned us. We might consider sending an advance party to try to take on their scouting party. We might land us some valuable technology for us in the upcoming fights. I'd certainly be happy to lead you to 'em."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Phebe Irpeel
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Phebe watches these proceedings quietly, allowing her companions (both old and new) the opportunity to speak for themselves, and allowing Sarge to form his own impressions.

At the latest comments, however, she reaches into her gear as she responds...

"On the subject of technology, Direk tells us that he found this 'blaster' within the shelter where we found him.  It is but one weapon, but it is formidable.  I will leave it with you, to deploy as you think best."

She carefully hands Sarge the blaster.

"Concerning the shelters, we only directly explored two of the twelve shelters, although the LORD provided me with impressions from some of the others.  They are certainly worth exploring... but care will need to be taken."

"As for Direk, I too gave him my assurance that if he surrendered, he would be brought here safely, and that no harm would come to him.  So I believe we indeed do well to follow the LORD's ways in this matter, as in all things."

"Regarding the family we encountered, they told us that they are travelers from a city to the far east of here, exploring and charting the lands, and reporting back to their city what they find.  Their daughter has been contaminated by the Ancient's Curse, and I will need to visit her frequently over the next week as we seek the LORD's healing for her."

Phebe regards Sarge quietly.

"Well do I understand your concerns about any attempts at relocation, Sarge.  Yet if all efforts at concealing ourselves from this threat fail, must not we have some fallback plan of last resort?"

"Perhaps the LORD has provided an opportunity with this family.  If they know of our need, they may be willing to allow us to resettle in or near their home city.  Or their maps, which they are willing to share knowledge of with us, may reveal some other alternate location."

"I believe that, even as we pursue options to try evading the notice of the Circle of Eight, that we also need to seek alternatives... lest in the worst case we be left without any."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Redmond Jacoby
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Redmond isn't used to speaking up, but as Phebe stops talking, he coughs quietly. "If that family was from somewhere nearby, might be one of two things. Might be that their town is in danger, too, in which case we have to warn them... but it might be that they're from somewhere the Circle already owns. They got into the shelters, and so did Direk. We might have to be careful what we tell them, especially if we're drawing the Circle off-track."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Pierce
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[Private to Pierce: Using you to remind the party of some info...]

Pierce said, "Well, that Garth fellow said they were scouts from a town far to the east, and based on the equipment they had, they were from a very advanced town, or possibly they found it somewhere. You wouldn't take your kids traveling if you didn't have really powerful gear to protect them with. And at least the girl was some kind of psychic or mutant. So I don't think they would fit in with the whole 'kill or subjugate all the muties' theme of the Circle of Eight." Pierce sends a cold stare over to Direk.

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Sarge ()
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"We should send out scouts to the nearby towns to warn them of the Circle of Eight and see what their plans for defense are going to be. We should also try and capture or at least make sure the second scouting party from the Circle of Eight never makes it back to them.

Their next move is going to be in-force anyway, so we might as well take advantage of the extra time for them getting ready to send out a third party. I expect their third party will be much bigger, more like a small army. But if they are expanding their little 'Empire' so far and so fast they may have supply line issues to deal with, and they may not be able to move a force down.

We should talk to these people in the Ancient's shelters, and find out more about the town they come from, and see if we can enlist aid from them. If they have advanced technology they may be able to defeat the Circle of Eight. I think this is the first step, I need a group of volunteers to go back to the shelters and talk to those people some more and thoroughly investigate the rest of the shelters.

I will send scouts to the other nearby villages up north. Clint and Phebe has a good point tho, we need to start coming up with a backup plan to keep the people safe."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Phebe Irpeel
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Phebe nods quietly.

"I will already be returning to the shelters regularly over the next week to treat the girl's affliction, and the family is already favorably inclined toward me."

"And the LORD has already given me some insight into the other shelters during our last visit there."

"So I certainly volunteer..."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Clint Beastwood
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"I'll help however I can," offers Clint. "Given that I've gone up against them before, it may be best to send me along with the group going after their scouting party."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Pierce
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Pierce nodded. "Yes, we should have a backup plan. However, if the Circle of 8 forces follow the road, they'll have to pass that wooded area. If we can talk to the tree people and see if we can enlist their aid.

We definitely want to investigate the shelters. We really didn't take the time to do so, given the need to report back here. I'll go with Phebe."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Sarge ()
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Sarge looks to Redmond and Xavier to see if they have any objections before continuing.

"Fine, then. Here is our plan of action. You all will go back to the shelter and do a thorough investigation of the shelters. You can also discuss negotiations with the family you helped out. It was a very good thing you were friendly with them, they may be inclined to act as our ambassadors to their home town. Try and find out what you can about their technical level, society, everything you can. Pierce, you should be in charge of these negotations, since you are, shall we say, a real people person. I'm sure Phebe can lend a hand also, and the rest of your team can help coming up with questions. Xavier will be in charge of the exploration of the shelters. I can spare a couple of men if you want them as muscle. I do not recommend splitting up, however, it would be best for you to stick together in case you encounter any hostiles. You can never be too careful in situations like this.
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I will get Skeeter to begin analysis of this Ancient's weapon. I'll have someone interview this captive and find out as much as we can about the Circle, and hopefully come up with some backup plans for getting our people out.
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The forest people have been notoriously reclusive in the past, but Pierce, if anyone can convince them to help, you should be able to. If you feel it is safe then feel free to try and locate them on the way back from the shelters and tell them the situation. Make it clear to them that if the Circle comes to the Valley they could be in just as much danger.
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If you need to resupply in anything just see the quartermaster. Take whatever you need. I will send a man with you to stay with your horses at the base of the pass leading out of the valley. That way if you need to get back here in a hurry the horses will be available.


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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Xavier Ashe
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X says, "Good plan.  I'm in.  I'm curious to see what's in those shelters if we really dig deep."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Clint Beastwood
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Clint nods at Sarge's statement.

"It's a sound plan. Let's head back to that shelter and see what we can find. Lending us some extra men can't hurt, so long as you can spare them."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Redmond Jacoby
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Redmond nods also. "I'm not a great talker, but I can be muscle in case we run into trouble. Sounds good to me."

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Xavier Ashe
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"With your muscle and my blade, I think we'll do just fine."  X nods his swashbuckling smile as he taps his rapier.

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Phebe Irpeel
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Phebe nods at the plan, and turns to Sarge again.

"Before we turn in for the night, is there anyone who needs tending or healing?"

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Re: Act 2 Scene 5 - Mission Accomplished by Sarge ()
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"Good Good, then tomorrow you head out. I will send two with you. Phebe, I don't think there is anyone needing healing today but you can go to the hospital and ask Darla."

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