Patriot Arc - Celebrating Your Demise - RPLOG
From Flexible Survival
Participants
Date
11/2/2018
Log
The event will soon start. More and more civilians have arrived, from various factions and groups. It is noticeable that there is a sizable Mall rat presence, to be expected, and Prommies. A number of politicians can also be seen in the crowd, of note is Giovanni Sabella who is conversing with one of the K9 officers. No sign of Dr. Long yet.
Standing near the refreshment stall, but not really eating or drinking anything, is a rose-furred feline in a black bodycon dress. Over the dress she wears a navy woolen shrug that seems to be hand-crocheted, and there's enough gaps in the fabric that one can barely make out a leather holster. It seems like Rosi is expecting trouble at the event, if the way she glances warily at anyone going for snacks is any indication.
As she often did, when things were going on around the mall, Edel had arrived. She didn't expect anyone to make a move on Rod, but ever since that last time she made a note to be on hand just in case. Never keeping him out of sight, the tanuki was leaning on the banister of the upper level, dressed in her black and gold regal robe, stifling a yawn as she cast her gaze over the scene. It had been a while since she'd been to any kind of celebration, anyway. Could be fun.
Aaron isn't one to miss this, especially since the grand high poobah of the OWO WATS THIS has started whining about it. She'll tell him to play ball or get lost as often as it takes, and if he doesn't make an appearance here, she'll be very surprised. Or his goons, anyway. Showing up on the scene, she looks to the mall rats and K9s and tosses them a firm glance and nod of solidarity - 'I'm on your side', it seems to say.
T'was a good day to be alive! The anniversairy of Promethean Day, that is! Even though... on that day pretty much most people were dissolved into organic mush by the nanites and died a terrible, horrible death, but HEY! Transformations are a thing for the survivors, right? That's gotta be a reason to celebrate! Bah, it's like Otto's mall rat buddy used to say, if you find yourself thinking about it, stop, drop, and boogie.
The hound was ready to get his groove on, a celebratory mood taking him on this day as he gleefully makes his way to the mall in his typical style, leaping roof to roof before arriving at the entrance with a *THUD*. The hound was dressed well for the occasion, a neat leather coat, pantaloons leading into steel capped boots and an ushanka on his head. Whatever lay beneath his coat was a mystery to all, but knowing the canine, he had quite the lot of holdout weapons.
He didn't go anywhere without his throwing knives these days... and what with his recent delving into the toxic and explosive, odds are he had his grenades and aerosols somewhere on him. Thankfully, he was missing the flamethrower he toted around from time to time. Oof, could you imagine if he showed up with that thing strapped to his back? Shameful...
Wandering into the crowd, the hound nods to himself and smiles widely. "Now this is what I am talking about. Damn, Rod really put effort into this. So!" he clasps his paws and asks out loud "Where the booze at?!" Seems he was more than ready to get his lit on, he was eager as well.Anderson arrives to the party-ready lobby of the mall. He went to the trouble of getting his nice suit on as well as a pistol in a coat-holster just in case. The grey dragon in green sighs, being off to the side of the lobby when he spots... Otto? The drake recalls his name somewhere from the older RSX agent records, but Andy didn't recall meeting him. Although, he knows the guy is handy with weapons... He moves over towards the towering canine and taps him on the arm. "H-hello? Are y-you Otto the... th-the gunsmith?" stutters the Storm Dragon, wishing he didn't sound so meek this time around.
Ebreus arrives, jogging up to the mall, shortly after Otto's landing. He wears us usual clothes, a strange mix between preP-Day dress casual and leather armor with a trencch coat thrown in for style... and possibly warmth. "Hey Otto. Glad to see you could make it!" he says as they step inside. He mutters, "Can't believe Z made Debbie work today." under his breath as Otto loudly asks where the alcoholic drinks were. He snickers, "Sometime we're going to have to see who can drink more, you or Draken." in response to his question.
He then looks over the crowd and then up to the overlooks on the second floor. Taking note of the K9 security and using his thermal vision to get a sense of what obvious weapons anyone else has brought. He starts to make his way over to the concession stand when he hears a familiar voice ask after Otto. He turns to the Storm Dragon and says, "Hi Andi."
Civeaux is happy to take a break from their mind-numbingly dullard day of doing laboratory tests. Though the idea of celebrating the day everything went south (so to speak) was a little wild to them, what was a life without joy? They ditch their labcoat before proceeding to the mall, in the corduroy, with a sensible red sweater covering most of their bits of human features.
%t Entering the main corridor, they are blink in surprise at the crowd--they've only seen a veritable throng like this in the lobby of the Zephyr Building! Civeaux takes a deep breath, putting their anxieties away, and looks for a good place to stand and mingle, preferably with some of the softer looking folks. Their eyes, looking at the beverages, drawn to some refreshing sodas. They look about, to the others in the crowd, cautiously. The K9 presence here didn't look particularly vigilant, but it brought some comfort to them that they were here, and apparently relaxed. Civeaux sighs as they enjoy a sip of lemon-lime soda.
"PARTY!" a high-pitched voice cheers out as the tiny pink pegasus it belongs to rockets into the room with even tinier wings. Firecracker flies above most of the celebrations, wearing nothing as usual, as she looks this way and that with glee! She takes a few moments to watch all the people moving about, inspect the decorations put up, and sniff at the scent of food! Lots of food! "Ooooo!" she expresses giddily, practically vibrating with excitement before zipping down to one of the more treaty-looking stands to pick up a snack, even if that snack is bigger than she is. The whole time, the pegasus is wigglin' her booty to the beat of the music filling the lobby.
Lilac slithers into the mall's main concourse from the great outdoors, having arrived at the celebration in a bit of a hurry after losing track of time. "Phew.." She huffs as she catches her breath while looking about the area. The cow-lamia is garbed in a glittering blue dress, tailored especially for this occasion with the help of a friend. She sways over towards the refreshment table, looking over what's on offer as she takes the chance to glance over the other attendees, looking for a familiar face to saunter over to. She smiles on hearing Otto's name, looking over in that direction after grabbing for herself a glass of something... blue, and sweet. Tastes kinda funny.. in a nice way.
Phosphorus showed up early. It's not out of an eagerness to participate in the celebrations -- she had voiced her objections previously, on the public BBS, but she was under some obligation to guard the event, in some official capacity, after the hostile post that showed up on the system. VIP protection -was- in her job description, after all. Her clothes are plain, the panda showing up in a pair of tan trousers, a pair of matching tan combat boots, a comfortable, slightly loose grey tee, and a drab olive green canvas jacket. A rucksack is slung over her shoulders -- it's rather large, but nothing too rude. It's also tan, though appears to be a relic of some sort of military service, down to a water bladder straw that's dangling off of the support strap.
The panda decided to rely on the other K9s to chat with Giovanni, while she did a few ciruits around the celebration area to get a feel for it. There's too many entrances. There's too many places to hide. Too many angles to defend. She emits a bit of a sigh, deciding to slip into the crowd, ears perked, eyes glancing at people warily, keeping an eye and ear out for suspicious activity, or conversations that might hint at something dangerous. Business, as usual.
As more and more people filed in, some movement could be seen on the stage. A well-dressed gryphon lady stood up and waved at the crowd, "Welcome ladies, gentlemen, and all citizens. I hope you are enjoying the food." She said with a nod before looking a at a little script of paper, "Today is a hard day for many of us, but just as the nanite apocalypse took from us, it also gave us minor gifts in return. Today we are not here to celebrate that event. Instead, we are here to celebrate the rebuilding effort. How we slowly went from doomed survivors into a new civilization born from the ashes of the old. We have cried for long enough, today marks the day we dry our tears, stand up, and move into a new brighter future. Dr. Long will be coming on this stage later to talk to you more about our rebuilding efforts, but for now...enjoy the music." And with that the gryphon gets off the stage, and lets the band already on stage to begin playing.
The mall is as busy as anyone can remember. Plenty of beings mingle and celebrate with others, even the second floor is getting crowded. Some might notice a brightly coloured drone with the logo of INU floating about, looks like the press is also here to keep tabs on the event.
Anderson waves to Ebreus as he arrives, suddenly feeling very small next to the two Hellhounds. "Oh, h-hey Ebreus. J-just, um... Just w-wanted to s-say hey t-to Otto." The drake hesitates to glance around and seeing a few familiar faces among a host of unfamiliar ones, and then looks to Otto and asks, "S-so... um... d-do... Do y-you t-take commission o-orders for... um... f-for weapons? I-I h-heard y-you, erm... you're... d-doing r-really well, o-on y-your own."
Edel tips down the brim of her hat and drapes an arm lazily over her sheathed sword's hilt, before sauntering off down the stairs, into the celebration proper. She might not be part of the K9 team, but security was still her concern, as an honourary mallrat. Through the crowd she winds, fluffy tail trailing behind her, til she reaches out to try and tap Phosphorus on the shoulder. "You seem on edge. Mind the bathroom. It's an unlikely breach location."
"Eh, huh?" The hound seemed a touch distracted. His glance wanders off from the bunny girl in the distance, his impulse to talk her up halted by the sudden tap to his side. He looks over to the storm dragon, noting that he was just... well, a foot at most shorter than him. "Uhhh, heya!" the hound greets hailly, then snatches the fellow's hand and shakes it vigorously. "Welcome to the P-Day anniversairy celebration! Yes sirree! That's me! Yer... uhh... yer scent is familiar there, fella'. I can't quite place yah..."
His train of thought is once again derailed once he hears Ebreus' voice. "Eh, what? Oh, pffsh..." he waves a paw dismissively. "Draken by a mile. I know I can't hold my booze. You saw what I was like after a swig of that lamp oil gunk you made. Good stuff, but damn did it knock me the hell out." Otto chuckles into one paw and gives his friend a playful punch to the shoulder. "So uhhh... yeah! I want something to loosen up with, but I ain't gonna do nothin' too crazy or whatever."
His glance then wanders around the crowd, a sharp whistle parting his lips, "Quite the crowd, huh... look at that beauty over there." he nods at a bovine with a serpentine body. "Exotic or what? I wouldn't mind getting to know her a bit more, you know?" he casts the two a little wink, then averts his gaze over elsewhere. "Hey... isn't that..." a squint and a scrunch of the nose as he tries to discern something through the crowd. "Phosphorus? Was she a commander or... Tactics Specialist? I think? I've heard a few things about her... she's one dynamite gal." the hound snickers, then flinches and folds his ears down once he hears that shrill cry of pure joy from a very familiar source. Ah, classic Firecracker. There was no way in Hell she'd miss a party, and Otto would know. He guarded the place. The hound sighs softly, then looks back at Anderson, realizing something. "OH! Sorry! You were sayin' something, there?"
Just then, he was interrupted once AGAIN... though this time by the gryphon on the stage. Can't blame her, it was her job. Damn, she looked good. As her words flow, the hound nods aling, and once she finishes speaking "FUCK YEAH!" he roars out, one fist raised, before lowering it and laughing softly, before turning back to Anderson. "Eh, commissions? Uhh, yeah! I mean, yeah! I do. Watcha looking to have made?"Aaron decides to take this opportunity to do something she's had the chance to do on multiple occasions, but never actually undertaken. Trusting the K9s to keep watch over the event for the time being, the doe winds her way past this person and that, with the goal in mind of introducing herself in a more direct manner to the target of her search...and hopefully not the target of much, much more.
Unless stopped, she will approach Giovanni Sabella and wait close by for him to finish the conversation with the officer that currently has him occupied before introducing herself. The man has a lot of ideas that echo her own, and could conceivably be a valuable ally if she can make a connection. Partying is all well and good, but nothing will make better icing on the cake than progress toward the very thing they're celebrating.
The soda is delightfully refreshing, tingling their bitty maw with its effervescence. They see some operatives, clearly out of place in more civilianesque clothes, looming about, with their eyes on every unoccupied corridor or doorway. It was hard to miss the two hellhounds, and so Civeaux kept their distance from them, instead, sticking to the comfortable alternative of socialization--snacks and free drinks!
Out of the corner of their eye, Civeaux spots a fluttering, crimson pegasus, whom could possibly fit in their paws. They continue to look around, maintaining their anchored status at the refreshment table, on the look-out for other introverted types. All of the muscles around here put them in a relative state of unease.
Rosi glances around. Apart from a handful of people who'd shown up at the last event she went to, the cat doesn't really make out any familiar faces, and that worries her a bit. Not only that, but there's a little pink pegasus the size of a kitten flitting around the refreshment table and distracting her. There's a couple cute people in the security that she could chat with, but Rosi doesn't want to distract them from their tasks. Instead, she grabs herself a cup of punch and a few assorted nuts. If she's gonna be here the whole time...
Ebreus keeps his ears perked for signs of hostile activity as he has his visual attention on Anderson. No good reason not to be vigilant during a party that was openly condemed by the closest thing Fairhaven currently has to domestic terrorists. He raises an eyebrow as Otto seems a bit distracted, seemed odd to him as they'd both just arrived. "Yeah, that is an interesting hybrid... would certainly be fun but you know." he says with a bit of a shrug. "Phos? Yeah, she's an interesting one. Got the chance to meet her a few times." he says.
Lilac slithers over towards the middle of the concourse, drink in hand. She takes a gentle sip from it, wrinkling her nose at the sweetness. It sort of.. builds on itself. A bit cloying. Maybe this was a bad idea.. She saunters over towards the stand full of memorabilia and knick-knacks on sale, trying to be careful not to let her rather long snaketail turn into a horrific tripping hazard for other partygoers. She's quite relaxed, having no reason to expect trouble here, and busies herself with perusing the wares on sale while waiting for Otto to look less overwhelmed.
Sabella was currently speaking to an officer, while trying to ignore a certain okami reporter. Once Aaron arrived, the reporter was already being told to bother someone else by another K9 officer, while the chubby alpha husky turned around to look at Aaron. "Hello, Mrs. Aaron, I presume?" The jovial, well-dressed canine said.
Anderson is further shown to be puny next to the three next to him, only slightly relieved when Lilac moved over elsewhere. He sighs, then mumbles, "I... uh... W-well, um... I... W-well, I'm l-looking t-to... have... a v-very powerful sh-shotgun made, a-actually. I-I can g-give b-better d-details once, uh... once th-the party i-is over." The dragon then sips his drink of very plain looking club soda. "Erm... so... I-I j-just, er..." Andy trails off his words, feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the things around happening. He shrinks a bit from Otto and Ebreus and shakes his head. "S-sorry... I... I d-don't r-really, um... I d-don't do p-parties, r-really. E-even s-small ones are... h-hard..."
The hound reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small flask. He usncrews the lid and takes a drink from it. Yuck, whatever was in there was not pleasant, not if the expression on the canine's face was any indication. He puts it away and gives his head a brisk shake, whew! Damn, did his breath now smell of coffee... what was that anyway? Ground coffee beans mixed with petrol or something?
He casts Anderson a reassuring smile and pats his shoulder. "No problem. I can set ya up with a blunderbuss so powerful it'll knock a kaiju over." he casts him a wink "I suggest you load up on carbs though. Newton's third law!" he finishes saying, before turning towards his friend.
Aaron smiles amicably to Giovanni and presents a hand. "The same. And you're Mr. Giovanni Sabella, or an extremely good replica whose creator deserves some acclaim." Offering a buck-toothed grin, she waits for her hand to be shaken (returned if so) or not before lowering her hand once more. "I guess I didn't raise a big enough stink at your last gathering; I've been looking forward to contact with you. You and I seem to have some very similar ideas and goals, and I'd like to discuss how I might be able to help you realize them." Frank, straightforward, and to-the-point, that's her. Besides, if festivities will begin in earnest, it's better to get all of this out into the open now while there's time.
Not one to stay in one place for too long, Firecracker stuffs her cheeks with several candied nuts before spotting the rubbery wolf nearby, grabbing up a little sack of the snacks, and then zipping over in their direction to stop in a hover just about 6 inches from their face. "Hoya!" she chirps out happily, words muffled and garbled by all the food in her cheeks, bulging them out cartoonishly, "Wonna twy shome nutsh?" she offers, shaking the little baggy dangling in her hooves beneath her.
Ebreus nods when Anderson explains how they're not really a partier. "I know what you mean. Big crowds can be just plain painful sometimes." he says. He chuckles when Otto, assumedly, exaggerates how strong a shotgun he can make. "Yeah, you'll want to make sure you can handle the kick. Otto's shotties are pretty damn powerful." he says. He glances around the party once more before saying, "I think I'll grab a refreshment." and making his way over to the table and then over to Sabella and Aaron.
"I'll go and see if I can chat her up, Eb. Catch ya in a bit?" he nods to the other, before moving over towards where officer Phosphorus was. Licking his paw, the canine flattens the hairs on his chin and neck, adjusts his cuffs and collar, then moves over towards the panda. His stride is wide and his steps are slow, his usanka's earmuffs lightly flopping about as he moves over and greets her with a soft smile and a friendly. "Hello there! Security's pretty tight around here. Afraid of something?" He wasn't wrong either... that's a lot of cops and militia...
Edel earflicks and turns, looking towards Otto at his approach. "It is, isn't it? It makes you wonder if they're actually expecting something. I hope not. I would prefer to enjoy the celebration without having to fight off Mall invaders again." The tanuki brushes her fingers through her long hair, before rolling her shoulders into a shrug. "At least we've got more security this time than we did back then."
Rosi hears a little chirping from the inside pocket of her shrug as her comm unit comes to life. Who could be trying to contact her at a time like this? The cat seems annoyed as she digs a hand in for her comm and pulls it out to read the scrolling text. Whatever comes across the screen does little to ease her nerves, and she lets out a little annoyed scoff, ears pinned to her scalp.
"Better to be safe." Otto nods in response. "I admire the K9 for their work. I even considered signing on, but... my winds seem to carry me every which way and I tend to be a bit of a loose cannon. Best save myself and the honorable police force the trouble of putting up with me." he chuckles into one hand, then offers a hand towards the tanuki. "Miss...?" he quirks a brow and asks her name~
Civeaux giggles at the adorable pegasus in front of them. "S-sure!" they beam in response to their muffled offer. "I love these!", they exclaim as they paw a few into their grasp before tossing them into their own mouth. It was a nice, salty mixed patch of almonds, valencia, and even a cashew hiding amongst them. Civeaux crunches down on them, before washing it down with the soda. "Hi--I think I've seen you flying around the building before--but I'm always too busy to chat up folks. M-my name's Civeaux--but you could call me Civ!" they smiled at the little flutterer. The rest of the lobby seemed busy-busy-busy, and the security on the job was clearly not taking any chances, which filled Civ with a modicum of dread. They wonder to themselves, refocusing their attention on the free food and drink, making nice with their new nut-bearing friend.
"Lin. Edel Lin," The 'coondog woman replies, reaching out to take the hand. "I have shared your thoughts! Though these days, my time is spent outside of the city. It is a full time job, managing the tea house and family. Besidese, my time in the spotlight has passed. I do not mind letting the rising talent take the stage now. Nice to meet you, though I am not sure if I caught your name."
Sabella grins as he shakes the offered hand with his own grip. "You share my goals? That is laudable." He adds with a grin, "If you want to help me, then keep doing what you are doing. Nothing else really, unless you are willing to offer La Maison to allow some of our patrols to use it as resting place, and in turn risking the lives of your clients. Maybe, offering food for the militias. That is always helpful, an army marches on its stomach and what's not."
The panda quickly turns about at the touch against her shoulder, startled at the sudden presence. She quickly relaxes a bit, shaking her head and offering a friendly, if professional smile. "You'd think so, but a bathroom is the perfect place to armor up. You could have someone inconspicuously slip in there, get their plates and weapons ready, and before you know it..." Her voice carries a bit of humor, but, otherwise, her words are serious.
Turning to Otto, she raises an eyebrow. "Mmh. Plenty of K9s. I simply hope they can stay coordinated." Phosphorus clearly lets a few things remain unsaid, though she shifts her jacket closer to herself. "I don't believe I've met either of you, actually. Though, I don't often actually get to meet many people. You can just call me Phos, yes."
Anderson sighs, taking a moment to breathe by himself and ease up from the crowd of people and the confusion around it. At least he now has someone he can talk to about a new boomstick, just might be awkward about old business relations. The dragon shakes his head, chugging the rest of his drink and moving over to meet with the cow-snake hybrid. "Um... h-hey there. You... uh... D-do you l-like th-the party?" he asks, not sure exactly what to say.
Rosi catches a glimpse through the crowd of the man of the hour and, setting her empty plastic cup aside, makes a beeline for Mister Sabella. Through her approach she makes sure to keep her arms pressed against her sides so as not to jostle any potentially aggressive partygoers. "Excuse me, Mr. Sabella? Hi. I'm Jackie Rosewater. We met at your gala event thing last week? Briefly? The one with all the wannabe revolutionaries there?" There's a little nod of her head at Aaron, too.
Edel flashes a grin towards Phos and nods. "Oh, I know. More importantly, the sewer access provides an entrance to those cunning enough. During the last invasion, we had a goo or two try to sneak in that way. Nice to meet you, too, Phos. I do not meet many people these days, either. It's rare that I get new customers in the forest. Just the old ones."
Ebreus grins as he hears Aaron making a pitch to help Sabella with the rebuilding effort. He takes another look around, this time for angles of aproach he can't see significantly far down from his position near Sabella. After noting them he turns his attention to Mr Sabella. "Hello again mister Sabella. How've you been since the anouncement about the K9s?" he asks once there is an oppertunity.
Aaron bobs her head. "I'm open to these ideas." she assures Mr. Sabella. "The fact is, we have our own people manning the walls of the Maison - always have - and between them and your patrols, anything wanting to get inside is leaping head-first into a blender." She smirks slightly at the reference, presently too engaged in the long-overdue conversation with the gentleman before her to realize that she's being looked at. "In all seriousness, we do seem to have the same ideals, and I'd like to offer more help than just the Maison...though that's also available to you." She blinks in surprise at Ebreus and takes a half-step back, making room for him to interject.
"Charmed." Otto nods as he shakes the coondog's hand, then answers her own inquiry. "Otto. No surname, no last name. They're long lost, and I feel it'd be best they are forgotten." Letting her hand go, he cast a smile her way, and nods "One does what one loves, or what one lives by, no? You own a tea shop, you say? That sounds lovely. I can think of the perfect friend to go there with! Is it the one I've seen on my way to the mountain, by any chance?" he asks, before turning to Phosphorus.
"Really? We haven't met? Do you recall a jackal on your adventures? Well armed, devoid of mutant powers?" he asks and wags his tail behind him. "If not... you heard my name, and I already remember yours. You're hard to forget, mad skill and mad charm wrapped up on one tough exterior."
Lilac winds her snaketail into a pile of coils as she peruses the selection in front of her. She settles for an adorable K9 branded vest, clearly too small for her and meant for someone else, and a little pendant with the K9 logo which she slips on right away. She blinks at the voice next to her, and turns in place by winding one of her coils further to face Anderson. She smiles brightly, and nods. "It's quite a good party, isn't it?" She shakes her glass of blue drink. "I think I might grab a different drink next time I head over that way, this one isn't very nice." She giggles softly, then smiles before adding. "I couldn't help but notice everyone here seems a little tense, however. I'd expect something a lot more lively for a party."
Firecracker swallows down the bulges in her cheeks, turning them into one big bulge as it travels down her throat and then disappears into her belly. "Oh! I love 'em too, Civvy! That's why I got them!" she says, giggling at her own words. "Oh yeah! And I'm Firecracker! They got lotsa tasty-lookin' things around here! Like I think I saw some cake! And popcorn! And regular corn! I don't think I saw any candycorn, but there's candy too!" The excitable little pink pegasus bounces in place as she hovers, jostling the contents of her little baggy as she does. "What's your favorite thing? Maybe they have it! They have lotsa stuff!"
"The very same!" Edel chimes with a brief wag of her tail. "The Teanuki Teahouse, at the base of the mountain. Maintained by yours truly and my family. Hotsprings, too! Food and tea, all home-made, the old fashioned way. For the most part." Sales plug done, she offers a soft chuckle. "You're welcome by any time. We'd love to receive you."
Anderson shrugs, shaking his head. "I-I-I d-don't do p-parties w-well... E-even sm-small ones are h-hard f-... for me." The dragon looks over the K9 souvenirs. "S-still, um... I... I-I th-thought t-to... to be here, i-in case... um..." he pauses, looking up at Lilac with a frown. "Y-you s-saw th-the... the th-things f-from the P-Patriot, r-right? I... I'm... w-worried that... h-he's... th-that he'd d-do something t-to here, wh-whatever it m-might be."
"Ah, a trek through the woodlands during the winter would be lovely sometime, then. I look forward to sharing a cup of tea and some good stories with you and my friend. She is a touch shy, but I feel she'll loosen up in a cozy place with a warm drink." the hound nods. "I have never really gone into the place. Tea-Nuki you say? I take it in honor of your patron, the trickster Tanuki?" he quirks a brow and flashes a playful grin "The tea isn't made with a particular bodily fluid as the secret ingredient, in it, is it?" the hound obviously jokes.
Sabella nods at Aaron before Ebreus arrives, "I have been well. Spending most of my time doing paperwork now instead of getting threatened by Commander Quincy." With a chuckle the alpha husky lightly bows his head to both individuals, "Regardless, I am afraid that I must leave now. Plenty of work to do, and as for you Aaron...you can send me a private message with what you can offer. My officers will contact you as well to arrange patrols in the surrounding area.
Lilac keeps her smile as Anderson brings up the name 'the Patriot', and the utter lack of recognition in her visage speaks volumes by itself. "The.. Patriot? I'm not sure who or what that is, I'm afraid." She smiles softly. "I wouldn't worry, at all. We're right in the heart of Fairhaven. I doubt anyone whould kick up a fuss here." She lets the sentence linger, before introducing herself properly. "My name's Lilac, by the way. It's very nice to meet you Mister...?"
Sabella grins at the working class girl introducing herself. The wide husky gives her head a pat. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rosewater. I am afrad that I have to be on my way however, please enjoy your time here. Dr. Long and I worked hard on this."
Civeaux nods at the pegasus. "N-nice to meet you, Firecracker. As a matter of fact, would you excuse me?" they ask, politely, as their eyes lock onto a few pizzas which have just been placed at the far end of the food and beverage stand. "I need me some pizza!!" they yell excitedly, waving to the pegasus, an excited, almost child-like joy on their face. Civeaux wolfs down a slice before they can even get a plate, which they then load up with another three slices, the geometry of the slices extending well over the plate's dimensions. The lab tech stifles a burp, and looks back to the others, no. Cautiously, they slink over to the armored red panda, in conversation with a vicacious looking, serpentine-bovine. "E-excuse me... officer?", he asks politely just out of earshot, not intending on interrupting them.
Ebreus nods, "Well I suppose tedium is more pleasant than Quincy." he comment, similarly amused. As he excuses himself Ebreus' ears droop slightly. "See you some other time mister Sabella." he says with a light sigh. He takes a sip of the drink he'd grabbed from the refreshments table and scans the crowd for familiar faces.
"It's been ages since I've had tea. I might have to check it out sometime." Phosphorus says, with a small bit of a smile. "Isn't the lunar new year quickly approaching, too? Perhaps you should look into hosting an open house, Ms. Lin. Could be interesting. A great chance to showcase some old-world culture, back to this world." The panda offers a quick smile, again, trying to infer a minor bit based off of the Tanuki's last name. And the fact that they're a Tanuki. Call her speciest.
"I do not recall many jackals. Or, perhaps, talking to many. Most of my missions," she says, forgoing the word adventure, "Involve less chatting. It's a bit of a concern -- a well familiar team tends to be a better operating one -- but pressing circumstances require uncommon teams."
The patronizing pat on her head leaves Rosi a little flushed with embarrassment, and her fur even pinker than normal. To nobody in particular she mutters to herself, "Geez... it's like I'm some kind of pet or something." Noticing a couple pairs of eyes on her, though, the cat composes herself and stands up straight in the crowd.
Anderson thunderously rumbles, "Anderson. A-Anderson Dansky, b-but... I-I-I... also j-just g-go by A-Andy." He itches his nose, then hesitantly looks over the figure of the lamia cow with a blush. "Erm... s-so... I... um... D-do... do y-you do a-anything in... in p-particular f-for work?" asks the dragon. "I... M-my c-current assignment i-is... uh... h-handling p-papers for RSX t-to the... the n-new government. It's... It's q-quiet w-work, b-but... I... also do... p-patrols a-around th-the city s-sometimes.""
Aaron nods to Sabella as he notes his upcoming departure. "I'll definitely be in touch." she answers. "Between the lot of us, maybe we can accomplish more, greater things." Her voice is tinged with hope, and as the alpha husky walks away, she can't quite hide a smile. Well, that happened. Not quite as well as she'd hoped, but far better than she'd feared. And now that she's accomplished one of her goals upon arriving, she can focus on another: keeping the party safe and secure, while at least enjoying the festivities somewhat.
"I hope so," Edel says, grinning. "A warm meal and drink tend to liven up anyone's spirits, if you ask me. And mostly, the name was just me being silly. I am a tanuki, you see- A priestess of the shrine, even. The teahouse... Well, I named it after that, sort of, because I like my wordplay. Tanuki. Teanuki. And no! I can safely say that absolutely no bodily fluids are used in any of our food products."
Ebreus turns his attention to Aaron as he sees Otto is already off enjoying the celebration, talking with people and such. "Hello again Aaron. You trying to work with mister Sabella as well?" he asks.
The band are finishing off another song before the drummer begins...drumming, to announce someone's arrival clearly. The gryphon quickly gets on the stage again as the crowds begin to slow down and eye the stage. "Dear citizens, our patron Doctor Sally Long has arrived, and she would like to say a couple of words." With that, the gryphon gets off the stage.
"That... sounds like a wonderul idea, actually!" the hound notes, wide-eyed as he glances between the two women. "I would SO love to mingle in a gathering like that!" he pauses for a moment, then giggles into his hand and takes his usanka off, letting his mane flow out of it and over one eye. He blows a gust of air on it to fling it off to the side, where it wouldn't be a bother.
Looking Phosphorus over, the hound sighs softly and glances off to the side. her words were... cold. Stone cold, her expression, her stance, lacking joy, as though she harbored a lot of inner demons... but that's all Otto could tell so far. She was distant, focused and devoted to her work as a guardian, so hard on the outside one could wonder if there was a softness deep down to be found.
Perhaps... "Are you on duty today, Phos? May I call you that?" he asks, offering a friendly smile and a light lean, almost akin to a bow of submission. "If not, perhaps you'd like to share a drink or two? It need not be alcoholic, I am just... curious is all, about you, as a person. Call me nosy..." he wiggles his sniffer "...but my curiosity is simply overwhelming sometimes."Lilac smiles warmly at the storm dragon, nodding. "Important work, that, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Without folks like yourself keeping things organized and flowing smoothly, the rest of us couldn't get anything done." She giggles softly. "Mm.. I suppose technically I'm still a waitress at the Mother's Milk, though I wouldn't say no to returning to active duty. I-" She pauses as the drumming begins, trying to figure out what's going on.
Anderson flinches at the announcement, glancing over to the stage, but then his mind recalls something before. The dragon turns his focus above to the balcony rails above the lobby floor of the mall, thinking that maybe there'd be someone there that wasn't supposed to.
The hound's attention is drawn away for a moment, his glance wandering to the stage, ears flicking and turning its way. Fiddlefucks... foiled again. Oh well... this should be important, so may as well pay attention, though honestly, he kept one ear on Phosphorus, the other on the stage. How? Don't ask...
Aaron gives Ebreus a quick nod. "That I am." she explains. "And I can tell you this much: if I was going to try to demoralize the people of the city and force them to join, I'd stage an attack on this party, maybe even try to take out the keynote speaker. We already know the Patriot is an immoral jackhole who's not above attacking the people he's supposedly trying to save." With that, she starts off through the crowd toward the perimeter of the event, motioning for Ebreus to follow if he looks interested in the idea. Whether or not he follows, she starts pacing around the edge of the area; she'll be able to hear Dr. Long just fine and still keep an eye out.
"I plan to," Edel says, nodding towards Phosphorus as her voice lowers in preparation. "I was going to be hosting a Chinese new year's celebration shortly. Year of the dog and all, and we're a family of dogs. It'd be remiss of us. Besides, I do so love trying to promote old world culture, lest it be forgotten." With that, she looks to the stage, ready.
Ebreus nods as Aarons suggests the same thing he was suspecting. "Yeah, a significant attack on a major celebration... it'd be prescisly the terrorist attack that'd help a group like theirs." he replies as he scans the crowd then the balconies. "Better make sure it fails should it happen."
Rosi turns her attention to the stage, lost among the throng of unfamiliar faces. A hand reaches to the bump in her shrug, and a sigh of relief when she finds it's still there. Her ears stay perked for any signs of something off, but her eyes remain fixated on the stage.
Civeaux is obviously not loud enough for the panda to hear them. Rather than awkwardly attempt, again, to engage in conversation with the officer, they turn their attention to stage, as the announcement is being made. "This should be interesting..." they mumble to themselves, half of their plate of pizza now consumed. They obliviously gawk, as they finish up eating. It'll be better than getting the Royal Guard treatment, anyhow. Civeaux discards their plate, and takes a glass of punch to in front of the stage, center-left.
With the wolf dashing off to get some pizza, Firecracker does the same! Not the pizza part, but the dashing off part! She waves Civeaux off with a "Bye bye! Have fun!" and looks around before spotting the two rather large hellhounds. She flies right on over to the larger one and lands atop his head, folding her wings to her sides and resting her nut sack on his scalp as well.
"Hi-" is about as far as she gets before the drumroll starts and she redirects her attention to the stage instead. After the griffon gives the introduction, Firecracker 'whispers' for many of the people around to hear her ask, "Who's that?"
The wait is over as a fully human female clad in a suit gets on the stage. The K9s and other security go on high alert now, looking at various angles of attack. "Hello fellow citizens!" The suited lady says in a sweet voice. "As some of you might have correctly surmised, I am Sally Long." She adds as she looks at the crowd.
"Today, I am here to thank all of you for your efforts. Recently, all of us have worked harder than ever to finally bring civilization back to our city. And our efforts have finally bore fruit. Of course, without this day, none of us will be here today doing what we are doing. So, in a way it is a tragedy, but we need to finally move on. This is what the people here are doing, moving on from the tragedy and embracing the rebirth of our civilization. Some of you might question my decision to decide and host a celebration for this day, calling me a Prommie sympathizer and not a true independent as well. I only have one answer to those people, I would rather be a Prommie sympathizer and celebrate than be a Patriot sympathizer and sulk. None of us forget what we have lost, but it has been a decade...the time for sulking is over."
Long's speech is received by a very mercurial crowd, some who clearly agree while others who seem more hesitant.Rosi listens intently to the speech.
Anderson pauses, listening to the opening statement of the surprisingly human looking Doctor Long. He sighs with relief as to hear her not try to ignore the tragedy of P-Day. The dragon then glanced over towards where Otto was and wonders if Phosphorus would agree with the doctor. All the same, Andy motions his hand towards a seat for him and Lilac to sit at, going over and waiting for the endowed lamia to join him.
Rosi listens intently to the speech. The cat looks up at the human woman with her great big eyes and sighs. Were it all so simple. Still, better that people should be trying to make a better world than just wallowing in a state of primal filth. Her eyes glaze over the crowd once again, noting a few other out of place faces. Seems she's not the only one here who isn't some Big Three bigwig or security chief.
The hound's ears were trembling ever so slightly as he listens to those words, his head tilting to the side and his eyes narrowing just a touch... Why were the police so on-edge all of a sudden. He did NOT like this. Still... he places his fingers in his maw and whistles loudly and sharply, "Well spoken!" the canine cheers and applauds, being no friend of those Old World Order folks himself. Honestly, the hound was a fence-sitter. All he really wanted was to be left in peace to live his life with his friends and loved ones in Arborwatch, but then along comes these O.W.O. cunts that wave their guns around and try to tell him how to live his life. No sir. He ain't taking no sass from them. His glance wanders back towards Phosphorus, wandering between her and Edel. "Inspiring." he comments offhandedly, then sighs a wistful sigh. "Thoughts?"
Lilac slithers over towards Anderson, although she doesn't take the proffered seat - rather, the lamia once again reclines on her coils, using them as a built-in beanbag to rest on. She claps at Long's words, and nods in agreement with them before turning to look at the storm dragon. "Well said, I think. We've come so far in the last few years.. " She chuckles. "Maybe a 'celebration' is a strong word, but still... it's true, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives on P-day by persevering and rebuilding." She smiles sadly. "Makes me wish I was a part of it all, really.."
Anderson thunderously rumbles, "I-I dunno... Maybe. At... At l-least she s-seems... respectful ab-about h-how P-Day a-actually is." The dragon slids over a little closer to Lilac from his bench seat and then stutters, "I-I... I w-was born b-before P-Day, s-so... it... It's still n-not r-really f-forgotten. W-were you b-before o-or after P-Day?"
Edel folds her arms, listening attentively. She hums on it for a few moments, before looking to Otto. "I am not sure. It's hard for me to let go of what was lost. Of what I lost. But at the same time, I do agree that it's time to move on. I have a family of my own now. Children I need to look after. I want to see them inherit a world that is not so filled with perils as what we went through, you know?"
Ebreus remains vigalent as Dr. Long gives their speach. He aplauds with Otto as Dr. Long begins her speach. As the K9s tense he begins to search the crowd then possible entry points more intently... something was going on and Ebreus would be sure to detect it. He focuses for a moment to improve his senses to detect what put them on edge.
Lilac reaches over to gently rub Anderson's shoulder. "After. I was born after P-day, and I wasn't there to see how horrible it was. But I'm clever enough to listen, and understand." She saddens, taking a deep sigh as she recalls some of the stories. "The children are the ones I mourn the most. Hearing the stories from those I've met, that's the part that always hits me the hardest." She looks at her overly blue drink wistfully, before sipping from it again. "But.. like she said, sulking.. or said a bit more tactfully, mourning will only get us so far. There's work to be done, if we're to survive and prosper. Biological imperative, and all that.."
Aaron waits patiently, doing nothing but listening to the crowd, the other agents, and the reactions Dr. Long's speech gets from everyone present. Of course, she's still wary about attacks from outside; she already knows how she feels about P-Day, all that was lost, all that was gained. The good doctor's speech seems sincere enough, but it's nothing new to her, and it doesn't change the fact that vigilance...well, that's the price of freedom, after all.
"Yay celebrating and good things insteada bad things!" Firecracker cheers from atop Ebreus' head, clapping her tiny hoofsies together and ringing out her happiness! "I can't think of any days with a 'P' in them but yay anyway!"
"Civilzation finally returns. But... we're losing so much in the process." Phosphorus mutters, shaking her head slightly. She glances at Otto, then back at Edel, and lets out a bit of a soft sigh. "Much of the culture that once filled this land is being forgotten, in the process of moving on. Very little chose to remember the field of bodies that fueled what we're currently breathing, what so many of us chose to take in to themselves. Sulk might not be the word, but god, we should remember. Remember that, for every 'wonder' that these blasted nanites give us, there's millions of bodies behind it. But we're not. Too many of us... forget." She slips a hand into her pocket, grabbing some unknown object, letting her eyes shut for a moment. It's not a gun, or anything -- the pocket would be a silly place to put that.
Another exhale. Her posture straightens. Eyes open. Steady. "That's enough of that. I shouldn't comment on poltical matters." She glances around at the crowd once more, checking, noting the officers go on alert. No internal comms, on her end, of course. She let duty slip while chatting. Stupid mistake.
The jackal sighs softly and nods. "Yeah... this isn't exactly something that happens regularly, you know? The end of the world?" he tosses jokingly "But life finds a way. Even with all the nanites, the Prometheans are finding ways to rehabilitate ferals into functional and sentient people again. Oddly enough..." he raises a finger and pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. "These nanites, and what they've done to us, they're our doing, not the doing of some other species or civilization. In a way... they ARE our humanity. We're now more human than we've ever been, both in good and bad ways. Times change, and this has just been a very... VERY drastic change, is all." Otto shrugs, then looks over towards Phosphorus. "Maybe so... but one must not let the past become a ball and chain. We could remember, and we do. At least those of us who remember the age before the nanites. Anyway, I can tell you're busy, officer Phosphorus." he casts a subtle signal for her to check the second floor, a glance shot towards where the husky woman was "Perhaps we can meet sometime when you are off-duty. But for now... I believe there might be something you should tend to." he offers to her and casts her a brief, charming glance, leading into a lingering sideways, his tail whipping behind him to turn her head directly towards the woman in question.
He gives Edel a wink farewell, then moves over towards a feline some ways off. "Hello there!" he greets Rosi. "Saw you all by yourself, thought I'd introduce myself. Otto, no other names. How are you enjoying the party?"
It appears that the more positive voices among the crow have swayed things in their favor, but a minority of citizens still seem to hold onto the notion that this is a bit too much. That only seems to have emboldened Dr. Long
"There is really nothing more to say, friends. Most of us have already chosen to rebuild and thrive, because we understand that that is the only way to honor the calamities that befallen us on this day."
The crowd is still so far listening as the politician's rather short speech begins winding down.The murmuring around her starts to distract Rosi, and the cat takes one last look around before slinking back away from the stage. As she does, she runs into a group of what look to be agents of various species, and she wheels around on her heels to face them. "Oh. Hey. Sorry, I was just... it's crowded." She stammers out. "And that doctor's not really saying anything we don't already know anyway."
"Some of us haven't forgotten," Edel says, smiling at Phos. "But my children don't remember, so I teach them. That's what we should do, isn't it? Instead of lamenting that we're rebuilding, let us guide the rebuilding. Teach! That's part of why I want to hold a lunar new year festival. Spread some old world culture, encourage people to remember where we came from. It doesn't have to be exclusive with moving forward."
Aaron frowns slightly. Something is wrong here. As nice as the festival is, the esteemed Dr. Long hasn't really said anything new, been terribly effective...maybe she's just not a good public speaker? There are worse things to say about someone than 'they have no stage presence'. And yet, why would she get up on stage in that case? It's definitely weird, but she's also a bipedal sapient rabbit sooooooo maybe 'weird' is not so much of a word any more. Whatever may come, Dr. Long is beyond the doe's help, at least for the time being; she's nowhere close, unable to lend a helping voice. For a short time, she turns her attention in toward the event instead of out away from it, keeping her eyes on the crowd to see what they do. Not every threat is external, after all.
The jackal sighs softly and nods. "Yeah... this isn't exactly something that happens regularly, you know? The end of the world?" he tosses jokingly "But life finds a way. Even with all the nanites, the Prometheans are finding ways to rehabilitate ferals into functional and sentient people again. Oddly enough..." he raises a finger and pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. "These nanites, and what they've done to us, they're our doing, not the doing of some other species or civilization. In a way... they ARE our humanity. We're now more human than we've ever been, both in good and bad ways. Times change, and this has just been a very... VERY drastic change, is all." Otto shrugs, then looks over towards Phosphorus.
"Maybe so... but one must not let the past become a ball and chain. We could remember, and we do. At least those of us who remember the age before the nanites. Anyway, I can tell you're busy, officer Phosphorus." he casts a subtle signal for her to check the second floor, a glance shot towards where the husky woman was "Perhaps we can meet sometime when you are off-duty. But for now... I believe there might be something you should tend to." he offers to her and casts her a brief, charming glance, leading into a lingering sideways, his tail whipping behind him to turn her head directly towards the woman in question.
He gives Edel a wink farewell, then moves over towards a feline some ways off. "Hey, wait!" he aims to talk her up, but alas, the lady had scampered off and disappeared into the crowd. Damn it... he sighs and glances around, aiming to find her. In his lapse of attention... *oof* "Sorry..." he whines quietly as he bumps right into the bunny girl. "Klutz..." he mutters to himself, the word indended FOR himself.Ebreus hums in frustration as he can't seem to find whatever's put the K9s on edge. He looks over to one of the officers on the balcony and considers barrowing their senses for a few moments with his nanomagic. He shakes his head after a few moments of consideration, no reason to distract them. Instead he returns his attention to likely avenues of attack as Aaron scans the crowd... at least the speaker isn't the postP-Day equivalent to MLK and he can keep his attention on keeping them from harm instead of just intently listening to them. His attention is however momentatily captured by the other Hellhound, Otto, having bumped into Aaron not to far away from him.
Anderson shrugs, moving over a bit closer to Lilac and cuddling up with the cow-lamia. "Sure, s-sure... I... I th-think... m-maybe... erm... I g-guess w-we..." The dragon shakes his head, then clarifies, "Us th-that lived b-before P-Day, I-I mean... we s-still h-have a-a lot to... to g-grapple with. Even w-with t-ten years, it... It's hard f-for us t-to... r-really... g-grasp with wh-what we b-brought in. But... w-we a-are getting b-better. W-we as... as i-in... like..." He motions his hand in a circular fashion. "L-like, a-all of us. We're d-doing b-better, I think. It... W-we h-have w-ways to... to teach th-the past a-again and... and l-learn f-from it. And... I... I th-think w-we're... g-getting there." In the back of his mind, he considers trying to find Phosphorus after the party and after speaking to Otto just to at least see what parts of the past they want remembered.
Firecracker's ears flick a couple times as they pick up bits and pieces of conversation from the various people around the room, also noting the tensing atmosphere at what's supposed to be a super fun celebration party! "Geez, you people need to cheer up some more!" she comments, looking down over Ebreus' head to speak to nobody in particular. "It's supposedta be a party! Oh I know! Maybe some fireworks will help!" She hops up on all fours, prepared to kick the party into high gear with some explosive fun!
Lilac smiles warmly at Anderson, her rather motherly side playing off her empathy for the storm dragon as he embraces him behind the back, pulling him in. "You know.. a lifetime ago I had a dream of going out and hunting for artifacts of the past. Of making some museum of pre P-day relics and memorabilia. I was foolish. Nanites eat everything, and what they don't eat they render unrecognizable and too fragile to handle. I.. outgrew that dream. Rebuilding is a much more realistic goal than clinging to the past and trying to preserve it."
"I've never objected to moving forward. But, Edel... It's much easier to teach a family about what was lost, then it is to teach an entire civilization. We have an education system going fairly decently, now... but, surely, you know how difficult it is to convince adults to listen. This new world is growing a culture of its own, but its going in bare. Millenia of human civilization taught modern culture about many things, about how to... well, not constantly murder each other all the time, how to teach, how to farm, how to be empthatic." Phosphorus says, to Edel, a hint of melancholy seeping into her voice. She shakes her head, and bites the little straw from her backpack, taking a drink. Not the most delicious sort of water, with that rubbery taste bleeding into the water, but it works. "We're missing that. I'm glad you're able to teach your children that, but... think of how many feral children that don't, and how many of those that managed to become un-feralized. It's staggering."
One of the agents that Rosi bumped in, shrugs. "Eh, all politicians sound the same to me." He said before looking at her, "You come here often then?" Smooth.
Dr. Long takes a sip from her glass of water as some other people in the crowd get new messages on their communits. There is some panic among people, some even try running. On the second floor, one such civilian knocks into another totally 'innocent' kemo-husky, this event leads directly to another event. Gunfire is heard and a dent is left on the stage next to Dr. Long.
"Protect the VIP!" Shouts one of the militia men as they rush towards Dr. Long, who stands there dazed. While the kemo-husky in a trenchcoat attempts to run down the stairs.Rosi hears the shots and immediately leaps into action. In one fluid motion she flares open her shrug and draws a handgun no bigger than her hand. "Get down!" She yells to the agents near her as her arms pull up into a firing stance. There's no indication of where the shots came from, but Rosi tries to keep herself calm and the safety on.
"Civilizations are made up of families. We can teach them, too. One step at a time. One person at a time. Right?" The tanuki smiles softly, up until there's a gunshot. "... There it is. Well, I'd love to continue this conversation, but it sounds like duty calls for the both of us. I hope you'll visit the tea house, if we don't speak before that." Edel takes a step back and knocks her hat back, letting it hand on its string as she sets a hand on her sword and strides off towards Rod. She had her own VIP to protect. She could trust the K9 unit to handle Long, she hoped.
Aaron narrows her eyes at the announcement, and at the assassination attempt. "Not in my fucking town, you don't." she scowls, making her exit from the scene. Wait, she's running away? On the one hand, she IS a bunny. On the other hand, anyone who knows her will have some idea as to how highly uncharacteristic that is of her. And she doesn't look frightened, she looks /pissed off/. That stride has a purpose. But what?
Ah, gunfire. Phosphorus glances off, listening in to some unseen comm. Benefits of a NICE, after all. Breathe in. Breathe out. The panda feels a bit of a smile creep into her face, as she -was- waiting for this moment. She slips her bag off her shoulders, placing it on the ground as she draws out a weapon, a compact SMG, unfolding the stock, changing the select fire lever, and cocking the weapon with a classic, HK-slap. She picks her mostly-empty rucksack back up, again, sticking it over her shoulders. Accessing K9 comms... "It's action time! I need you to convince the milita to move the VIP to backstage. Stay on guard. I'd assume fire is authorized, now, since neither Vari nor Razz is listening in. I'm going to lay down cover, but just keep moving!"
Phosphorus reaches into the left side of her jacket, removing a standard cover smoke grenade and tossing at the stage, edging through the crowd to the largest entrance to the mall, knocking over a food table to use as cover, resting her firearm atop, and at the ready, watching for hostiles.
There it was... like clockwork. For pete's sake, why can't there be one party, just ONE party where somehing didn't get to go terribly wrong?! Growling under his breath, Otto stampedes through the crowd, pushing and shoving the people aside as he runs to intercept the bitch that'd made a very bad mistake to rain on his paradel He had drawn a knife, a poisonous one at that, primed to be thrown with one hand. In his other he helf a small ice blue glass-like grenade, ready to be thrown. Once he meets the husky at the bottom of the stairs, he snarls at her and blocks her way. "Don't make me hurt you." he warns with a vicious growl and a stare that could pierce armor.
Anderson yelps at the gunshot. Already?! The dragon had suspcions that this would happen, but never did he think he'd be right! The dragon's first action is to grab Lilac by her arms and lead her to the door. "G-go! Go, y-you need t-to b-be out of h-here! I-it isn't safe!" he rumbles. Andy's mind was already racing with really wishing he had better equipment than his dinky pistol. Still, there's a sniper on the loose now.
The smoke grenade gives Rosi the perfect chance to make her escape. With her pistol held to the ground she ushers the other agents toward the door, turning her head around to make sure that the shooter's not lining up another shot or anything. Hopefully the doors haven't been barred either... It's time to let the professionals handle this.
Ebreus hearing the shot ring out and seeing a suspect fleeing to be pursued by Otto decides to dart up the stairs. Bounding forward first on two legs then on all fours once he reaches the stairs he manages a quick ascent and raises to his 11ft standing hight, eyes glowing read with his infernal IR vision, and scans the second floor. He spots the glow of heat from the barrel of the recently fired, and quickly abandoned, rifle in a moment then darts his attention from warm body to warm body... everyone on the second floor trying to find someome else who may be a suspect but there are only K9s... non of them even seem suspicious, pity too a K9 disgize when performing an assasination would've been interesting. He keeps fully alert as he texts Otto, 'Catch her?'
Firecracker looks around to everyone panicking, running this way and that as they chase or flee. "Or maybe everyone will run if they hear a big loud bang noise instead," she comments to herself, opting to not fire off a bunch of fireworks. She plops back down onto her rump as Ebreus runs towards his target, just along for the ride. She reaches into her baggy with a forehoof and pops another few nuts into her mouth to start chewing away as everyone else leaps into action. "Sho water we lookin' fo'?" she questions through a mouth full of nuts, looking around for whatever she's supposed to be finding!
Lilac startles on hearing the crack of the gunshot, but before she can formulate a proper reaction the storm dragon next to her is already pulling at her arm, trying to get her ot move. She goes along, her coils unwinding like an anchor's chain as she slithers next to Anderson. It's only after a few seconds that she blinks, and asks. "What's happening?" Long gone are the former scout's rapid reactions and keen mind, it seems. "W-wait, was that a gun? Is anyone hurt?" She asks hurriedly as she looks around. Her eyes are on all the other civilians, the others running away and clambering all over each other to get to the exit. "We have to help them if they're hurt!"
The carnage is further exacerbated as the big hounds barge across the mall. Causing more panic as the K9s and militias attempt to keep the peace and escort people slowly to safety.
The Kemo-husky lady is suddenly trapped as Otto reaches the stairs, Aaron not a meter away. The husky then whimpers and raises her hands. "For the republic!" She says in a noticeably less passionate tone.
Ebreus and Firecracker are on the top floor, where the crowds are being held from rushing down the stairs by the officers stationed there. On the floor, they have spotted an RSX rifle"Was it a lone operator?" Edel muses to herself, as she takes up a position with the Mall Rats. She couldn't let harm come to her valued trade partners. And the Republic? That's the word she heard, right? It's kind of hard to tell with all the noise, even with doggo ears. And what was that about the Patriot taking east Fairhaven? That wouldn't be a problem for her getting home, hopefully.
Aaron looks the husky lady in the eyes and shakes her head. "Everything you just did flies in the face of what the republic stood for." she answers, arms folded over her chest. "There could be nothing more more un-American. You've been played by someone who doesn't give a damn about America, Columbia, or anything else other than himself in charge. Now turn around and plant those palms high on the wall, or my friend here might get stabby." She jerks a thumb toward Otto - convenient arrival, that - and adds, "NOW."
"Yeah, yeah... come to a peace rally where folks celebrate the rebuilding of society and improving of living conditions to murder an innocent woman. Fucking amazing ideals you've been fed there, bitch." Otto growls as he moves in to shove the woman against the wall and kick her legs apart, then brace her arms behind her and press the blade against the back of her neck, just to make sure she doesn't pull a fast one. "Give me one reason to use this and you'll be pumped full of so many poisons that you'll wish you were dead." he warns, still weary of what these lone wolves were capable of. He'd been played the fool last time he barked orders and showed mercy, but not again... no sir. "Not taking any chances with you."
Anderson stops part way to the door with Lilac as it seems everything is slowing down and getting calm. He eases up and, spotting some of the various civilians trampled in the panic, nods to Lilac. "A-alright... I'll... I-I'll s-see if... if I c-can... h-help w-with th-the others." The dragon gives the cow-lamia a brief hug and flies up to the second story to get a look-around on the situation there.
After a few more moments of searching the second floor Ebreus returns his attention to the only remaining suspect, the kemo-husky caught by Otto and Aaron caught. As Otto appears to be on the verge of killing their suspect he chimes in telepathically, 'Good job catching them. Hopefully she knows something.' He walks over to the rifle, "Found their weapon." he says aloud, in case the K9s hadn't in all of the comotion.
*Munch munch munch* goes the mixed sugary nuts in Firecracker's mouth as she see some weird things going on. "Huh, dash funneh... Nah wike 'haha' funneh buh wike weir funneh," she comments, then swallowing down a gulp of sweet and salty goodness before continuing. "I didn't know all those people in the fancy clothes up here could run away so fast! Oh wait! Maybe they were never here in the first place and I just imagined them! Oh double wait! Maybe I imagined this whole party!" She leans down over Ebreus' face and shouts out, "Quick! What's my favorite thing?!"
Lilac watches as Anderson flies away to the second floor. She feels helpless to affect the situation around her, and simply finds somewhere to stay put at while watching the proceedings. She looks about, trying to make sense of what's happened. She's going to have to ask some questions after all this is done..
Phosphorus waits quietly, listening into the chatter on her comms. Her gun remains pointed towards the door, barrel steady, unwavering, as she waits for the battle to come to her. She has the advantage, defending a site. May as well not throw it away. "Can I get a sitrep?" The panda says, into her comms, waiting for the other K9s to respond. "Is the VIP secure?"
"Ok, hands off the suspect, big guy." The K9 officer who was running after the suspect tells Otto. "She is under K9 custody." Another officer also arrives at that scene with a shrug, "Officer Pomie told me Minutemen are crazy. This one seem to be about to piss herself." The other officer says with a chuckle.
Upstairs, three K9 officers close in on Ebreus and grab the rifle, "Well, this is going into evidence." one of them mutters. "What's this about fancy clothed people?" Another officer asks.
Down stairs, it seems that Dr. Long is away from the scene, and Phosphorus is informed of that. The situation have calmed down a bit, and people are slightly shuffling out.Aaron nods once she sees that the K9s have the situation well in hand, and then - as soon as is reasonably plausible - hauls ass up the stairs toward the roof! Once there, she looks around as quickly as she can, trying to spot some indicator of abandoned gear, recent footsteps, or other possible venues of escape.
The capture of the woman downstairs was easy. Super easy. TOO easy.
If nothing is spotted, she works her way down floor by floor, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. After all, WHAT IF...the kemo husky was just a lure, and the real shooter was getting away?The hound nods and releases the suspect. "All yours. Honestly, I think she's lucky you folks are so humane. If it were me running the interrogations to follow, I'd aim for the kneecaps." he growls and clenches his fists so tightly that his knuckles audibly pop. With a swift sleight of hand, the throwing knife in his hand disappears up his sleeve, the frost grenade fading somewhere under his coat. He sighs softly and shakes his head. "As if I needed more reasons to hate these Patriot types." he growls deeply. Seems there was some deep pent up anger there... something more than just the grunts of a pissed off party goer? "I hope you guys are all over the building. This bitch might have had an accomplice." he warns the officers and crosses his arms.
Ebreus looks at the tiny pegasus as she pops down in front of his face, "Sex." he answers her then brushes her out of his face as he looks over to the officers, "Of course it is. There's not much that would be more evidence." he says then looking to the other officer he continues, "She probably means the Zephyr delegation. They escaped impressively quickly, don't you think?" He takes a breath as he sees Aaron making for the roof. "If you'll excuse me I'm going to sweep the area for more evidence." he says and moves to join her on the roof.
Anderson spots the bunny guard rushing up the stairs. Not wanting to be left behind and thinking maybe there's a bigger threat, he continues flying upward towards the roof with the Gun Bunny. The dragon lands at the stairs and joins up behind her. "H-hey. N-need help f-from me?" he asks automatically.
"Phew! Not just imagining everything then! But that's a good guess cause I like that a lot!" Firecracker giggles before hearing Otto's words. "The Patriots guys? You mean the guys that made that announcement thingy that got everyone all scared and running around and bumping into people so they can't be all steady and do things carefully? Those guys?" Firecracker asks, fake stumbling atop Ebreus' head as she speaks. "Cause someone dropped a plate of food cause them!"
Lilac waffles between moving away and staying around to see this through. No doubt all the cops and security here would be interrogating -everyone-, and last thing she wants is to be tracked down to her room at the Mother's Milk by a tired K9 on the beat. She opts to stay, trying not to look too unnerved by this situation for the benefit of the other civilians here.
Right. They're not coming. Phosphorus stands back up, clicking her fire selector back to safety, drawing the bolt back to eject the chambered round, taking the time to put the round back into the magazine. She glances at the mess of food that flipping over the table created. Oh well! It was necessary. Besides, appetites were probably rather quite dampened after that mess. "Right. Get the evidence, and I'd recommend grabbing whoever seems to have been an accomplice. Would someone write down the gun's serial number? We can see if it matches RSX's inventory."
Things seemed to be getting resolved, now, at least. The danger had, perhaps passed. For now. Edel pulls her hat back onto her head and lifts her shoulder in a shrug. "Catch you later," she says, nodding towards the mall rats as she made for an exit. She had to go see what ruckus was being caused in the east.
The officers on the second floor raise a brow. "The Zephyr delegation already left? Put that in the report." One of them says as they collect the gun.
Down stairs, the suspect is handcuffed and is escorted out of the scene by a couple of K9 officers. All in all, it appears that the situation has calmed down and people are leaving in droves. Looks like nothing happened here except make people feel even more depressed. One wonders what is happening in the eastern part of the city.
"It's a mystery right? Oh I got it!" Firecracker proclaims happily, hopping off Ebreus' head and taking her nuts with her as she zips over to the husky girl being taken away. She flies backwards just a few inches in front of her as she speaks, testing out her theory. "I got it! Those Zephyr guys left early cause they knew that you were gunna shoot that gun that's an RSX gun and people were gunna be all suspicious about it being an RSX gun and then they'd think you were actually the Patriot guys but actually it was the Zephyr guys all along and the Patriot guys messed it up by making that announcement thingy right when you were gunna shoot so then someone bumped ya and you missed and mystery solved! Right right right?!" At this point, the tiny pegasus is pressing her excited little face into the husky girl's, nodding rapidly as she looks for confirmation to her solution.
"Eh... this is above my pay grade." Otto shrugs as he peers at Firecracker. "God damn it..." he covers his face with one hand and wanders off, feeling more depressed than anything now. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, as they say... He picks up his comm and texts Ebreus that he'll meet him back at Arborwatch... but for now, the hound just steps away, likely to find solave at th bottom of a shot glass.
