Attempt to discuss Foxmind and the Survivers - RPLOG
Participants
Date
12/8/2013
Log
A rather warm Augest evening in Fairhaven, most people winding down for the day. Zypher was just switching to night crew when in through the doors comes a Demonic Fox! A few of the agents insead jump up at his bursting in, wondering what the commotion could be about. No alarms, no security, so there can't be too much to worry about.
Alkain pants as he bursts into the lobby, looking like he ran or likely flew very hard to get here quickly, "Someone... We have to help... Please..." between gasps for breath, "They're dying..." he looks very worried as he looks around the room
Acetyl makes its way through the Zephyr building, minding its own business, Iatro schlumping along at its side. Ignoring the odd looks some people gave the small nanite golem, Acetyl is just heading into the lobby to rest and hang out for a while when a Demonic Fox bursts through the doors, shouting. Both Storm Dragon and iatrogenic golem swing their heads in the direction of the noise - the former perking its ears, the latter with no ears to perk, but aware and interested regardless. "Who the what now? Slow down, buddy. Start from the top."
Walking into the room, Arano glances around - he had a long day of exercises and other combat related drills and such. The Solar Dragon's usual shine dulled by some camoflage paint and other stuff to make him less of a walking beacon. He had planned to just walk through the lobby and head home to rest when the demonic fox burst into the room - the words that REALLY caught his attetion where 'they're dying'. Blinking at the fox, the solar dragon asks, "Who is dying? What's going on?"
Finally, a chance to drop-off some paperwork! With a stack of papers clutched in his clawed fingers, Dio begins making his way for the Zephyr building. The shotgun strapped to his back occasionally jingles, papers and the cloth of his suit flopping in the warm summer wind. Now he just needs to turn these papers in and go see his wife... "Huh?" Before he was about to enter the lovely smelling lobby, he notices a fox fly on by. While it didn't seem dangerous, considering the lack of response, the lion certainly wasn't going to take his chances. Folding and stuffing the papers into his pants, Dio unstraps his shotgun and places it in his hands, pointing it down at the floor for now as he goes to see what the commotion was all about. "Hello there," he waves, slowly approaching the growing group. "Is anyone in need of assistance?"
A Kitsune is curled up on one of the couches. Rorne is sleeping there rather soundly, all curled up and comfortable, her tails draped over her to create a small, auburn ball in the corner. However, the commotion catches her attention, and she perks up slowly, yawning gently. She looks about, seeing the crowd growing, and stands up. With a slow stretch, she hops down and, slowly, wanders closer to the group. Something was going on, and she was quite curious as to what. Maybe she could offer some assistance? Hopefully with little changing on her part. Less fun if she needs to show what she prefers to look like and can stay a quad-Kitsune.
At the frantic fox calling out things, Mike comes over and looks him over, "Calm down now, who needs help, and where do they need it?" he asks looking over all the others that approch as well. "What is going on lad, slow down a bit." he says again, and a good deal of other agents join in the sentaments.
Alkain looks to the gathering of people around him and nods in relief as he takes a few more calming breaths, "The... Well, they need help... They'll need food... They're being starved..." he looks to Dio and the others and sighs, "It's the Fox Mind, I'm convinced they just want to live their own way. They don't want to hurt anyone, not really..." he looks sad and worried still
Arano scratches his head, "Fox mind... wait, is this about these packmind things which are like the borg or something... I've never encountered them in person, but explain to me WHY I would want to help them exactly?" he inquires, "Granted, I'm not even sure what they EAT, all I've learned is that they used to be people and now... aren't. But I don't know, just going based on what I heard."
Even Mike was getting in on the action! And a kitsune! Though, now was not the time for idle chit-chat and greeting. Dio lowers his shotgun a little more, but still keeps his distance away from the crowd, especially after hearing about a packmind. "Infected by the fox were you," he questions, not quite recognizing Alkain in his new form. "If they're being starved NOW, then that implies they had a good source of food earlier. What was it previously? Did they overhunt?"
The Storm Dragon's frown deepens. "Okay, you've got our attention, but I meant it when I said beginning. Who exactly are they? Give us the story, from the top. Tell us what's happening, and why. We can't do much to help without knowing that." As it speaks, it keeps an eye on Iatro, the nanite golem, who is peering very curiously at all the strangers surrounding them. New people! Glancing at Arano, Acetyl adds, "You sound like you understand some of what he's saying. At least some of us do.
Acetyl adds, after a moment, "I mean, if you know why. If you don't, that's okay. But we definitely need the who, what, where, and how, at least."
A few back away at the idea of a packmind, though Mike stays near, "Come now, being starved out, how do you starve out a packmind? Where are we going, I can get us there, but not if I'm going to wind up being eaten myself." he says, tapping his paw a bit, "Come now lad, do give us the story." he says again.
Rorne stops in her tracks as she hears 'Foxmind.' She had already been to Oregon, and she was already infected. She is quite sure that she doesn't want to even tempt it. She enjoys the packmind she is in already, as it's like a second home to her. Nonetheless, she continues, stopping a bit short of the Demonic Fox as she looks them over. As long as they don't get hostile, and nothing else from any Packmind attacks, she's good. She remains completely silent, though, and only sits calmly, her tails flowing gently.
Alkain shakes his head at Arano and frowns, "Yes, the packmind and their still in a collective consciousness. I've seen it." he looks to Dio and nods at that, "Yes, Dio. It's the camp of 'survivors'," he practically growls it out, "That are starving them. They had hunting grounds but the group took it, they won't share." he looks to Ace and frowns, more "They just need food, they don't need Biomass to survive, I don't think." he looks to Mike and ponders, "It's near the survivor camp in Oregon, the one fighting the packminds."
Arano scratches his head again and says, "OK... so once again I ask - why should I help them? I mean, they used to be people, then were forced to be a part of this collective consciousness that destroys thier individual identities so far as I'm aware. I'm curious about WHY we should be saving them instead of making preperations to dance upon their collective graves... if my understanding of packminds is completely off do tell me, but for now I'm pondering looting party supplies." It's clear that the solar dragon is very unmotivated right now - perhaps due to misinformation, but for now it's clear his help - and in turn the help of his 25mm rifle - would require incentive.
Acetyl closes its eyes for a moment, rubbing at the base of its horn. After a moment, it emits a short, clipped sigh, then looks up again. "At this point, I'm getting the idea I've been left out of the loop. I've kept to my own business for the most part up until now. Can someone maybe summarize this story a bit? What exactly is a packmind, who are the survivors, and why are they killing each other?"
Looking less then impressed with the evidence so far, Mike stands with Arano and Acetyl, "Yes, if these are those mind piliging, body taking horriors I've heard about, why should we help them? You say you are convinced that they just want to just live in peace, that isn't the kind of creatures I've heard about, why should we take your word on it?" he asks, it seems Alkain has quite a bit of convincing to do.
Rorne gently shakes her head at Arano's explanation. She knew that something was off with that description. The Coyotemind didn't even attempt to destroy her mind at all, and let her go easily. Maybe, if no one else says a word about it, she'll be forced to explain. In any case, she already does empathize with the Foxmind, and, unless it involves her getting infected by them, she'd be glad to help. She stands up once more, gently approaching the Demonic Fox, whom she lightly begins to nuzzle to show that she's here for them and the Foxmind.
Dio cocks his head to the side after hearing his name. How would he know it? Perhaps he was one of the people he'd met on the Oregon mission. "Alkain?" A random guess, but the voice seemed a bit familiar from the previous times they'd met. "But regardless, that's certainly an interesting problem. I think I know of the place you speak of, sir. Perhaps the courthouse area?" The lion gives his shotgun a good once over, inspecting and preparing for any silly business. "Now what would you like us to do about it? Ask them to leave? They don't seem set on leaving. Kill them all? I'm not quite a murderer... And of course, why should I help a packmind?"
Hearing that people are a little confused on the situation, Dio attempts to explain. "Packminds are an interesting bunch. Different than our own nanites, the packmind nanites take over yours upon infection. Soon enough after infection, you'll join a collective conscious known as a packmind. Very dangerous. I've been on several missions to Oregon if you have any questions."
listens closely to Dio, nodding slowly. Its left hand idly plays with Iatro's anters, smoothing the bony surfaces with its fingers as if the creature were a walking worrystone. "I'm a live and let live type. But I'm not sure I'm ready to... surrender my independence. I'm willing to help anyone who's willing to make it worth my while, for what that's worth,
Arano turning to Dio - recognizing the lion from a few other excursions together in the past - he states the question that he is sure everybody else is asking, "Well... can you come up with any reason WHY we would want to help them as opposed to say... carpet bombing them into oblivion? Perhaps raiding an old nuclear stockpile and using that if we're not certain of the effectiveness of a good old-fashioned carpet bombing?"
Alkain looks to Arano and sighs, "The fox mind doesn't wipe minds, at least not in my experience, it collects them... They are all working together, I believe. So they are still in there, they just usually don't want to come out." he frowns a bit and sighs, "They were human once, just like any other feral... Why are they any different? We feed the ferals, we try to educate them. Why not these ones? Just because they are scary?" he shakes his head and sighs, "They need help, they aren't in the wrong. The survivors are." he shakes his head, "I'm almost convinced that the survivors would take all the mutants out if they could, despite what they say." he looks to Mike and frowns again, "They aren't taking minds, not anymore I think." he blinks as Rorne approaches and nuzzles him, blushing a little, "Uh... Will you help?" he nods to Dio and smiles a little, "Yes, it's Alkain, sorry..." he sighs then, "They aren't the bad guys, I'm not asking you to kill anyone, just give them some food and give them a chance to prove that they are not the bad guys."
Acetyl listens closely to Dio, nodding slowly. Its left hand idly plays with Iatro's anters, smoothing the bony surfaces with its fingers as if the creature were a walking worrystone. "I'm a live and let live type. But I'm not sure I'm ready to... surrender my independence. I'm willing to help anyone who's willing to make it worth my while, for what that's worth," Acetyl adds in a growling, almost dismissive tone. "So long as I'm gonna be around to collect my pay. And so long as they ain't... wrong." That last word comes out in a low, almost feral growl. "Who are these 'survivors'? Why do you think they'd wipe out all mutants? Sounds like people I'd want to pay a visit to regardless of this other packmind shit... if you're right about them." There's a steely glint in the storm dragon's eye now, and a subtle rumble in its voice. Reacting to its companion's shift in tone, the nanite golem shifts restlessly on its weird 'feet', a few glassy and metallic clinking sounds drifting up from its assorted 'anatomy'.
Shaking his head Mike looks over Rorne nuzzling on Alkain, and at Alkain's explenation, "Alright, lets see if we can talk since into both sides if they are willin' to talk, can't take too many supplies or we won't make it out there, but, first sign of trouble, I'm cutting out, with or without you all, can't risk Z's only chopper and their best flyer, so if you comin' get up to the roof and lets go." He says then hops into the elevator himself.
Arano shakes his head and says, "So they take minds and push them into some group consciousness? And I'm sure they walk up to you and politely ask if you'll surrender your brain to them and become just like them for the sake of the greater good or whatever..." It's very clear the solar dragon is absolutely unconvinced, "Ferals don't force you to become like them - these packminds, from the way they're described, once you're in them you're already dead. I'm sorry, but I'm not convinced, and all I've got is your word that it's fine - what are you going to offer next? To pinky-swear they're all good and helping them won't bite me in the ass?"
Rorne gives a simple nod to Alkain when he asks if she's here to help. She gently licks at his fur, a warm smile on her vulpine muzzle, relaxing greatly as he explains. Hopefully, that'll be enough for the people watching. Still, her ears focus backwards, listening intently to what they say, also listening carefully for anything that could be considered hostile. She was going to follow them, probably to Oregon. However, she's going to remain very vigilant, and will escape if trouble starts. She doesn't want to leave the Coyotemind one bit. She stops, however, and looks at Arano. She sighs, and approaches him slowly, her head tilted. "Not all Packminds do that, you know," she tells him smoothly and directly. "Coyotemind, and I'm quite sure Foxmind is the same, don't destroy the mind of those they acquire. They don't 'die' in either, and they tend to remain themselves." She stares at him rather resolute, definitely trying to convince him to change his opinion, at least slightly.
"Try to imagine it from our side if you will," Dio returns, shaking his head. "The packmind are a scary bunch, and I've never seen them do any GOOD. Who's to say you're not pulling us in for more delicious food? That's just the implication though, not my true thoughts."
For emphasis, Dio cocks his shotgun, releasing a satisfying CHK-CHK sound and aiming it at Alkain. "I'll go and talk to them and see what I can do. But if you show any signs of turning us over, I'm executing you right then and there. No warning." Unless attacked, the lion wouldn't be foolish enough to fire a weapon in the lobby, and he soon lowers his weapon. "All the packminds could die for all I care. But you, sir, I shall assist. Please understand my position."
Alkain shakes his head at Ace and frowns, "They won't, not unless you want to stay with them, that's the deal they made with me." he sighs a bit and frowns, "I don't know who they are exactly, or why they are so hostile. The Fox Mind only attacked because they wouldn't share food." he looks sad a bit, "I think they'd like to because of how ignorant and petty they are. I don't know if they really would though." he nods to Mike and sighs in relief, "Thank you." he frowns at Arano and shakes his head, "No, they don't take. I was offered protection from the Wolf Mind and I took it, They let my go because I didn't want to join. I'm not dead am I?" he shakes his head and frowns, "If you don't want to help, I can't force you. But would you really let others die because of a common misconception?" he looks to Rorne and gives her a hug as she says she'll help, "Thank you!" he nods at that and looks to the others, "They don't destroy, they actually preserve the minds they do have. It's more a community." he blinks at Dio as he has a shotgun pointed at him and gulps a bit but nods, "Th-Thanks... I wouldn't turn you over, unless you actually wanted it... Probably not even then really."
Arano was only moderately surprised by Rorne's comments, but what the real clincher really was actually the lion, with a groan he says, "Fine, but only because I've fought with Dio here before and I trust him at my back... besides, at least half my friends would kill me if they knew I let him rush off to deal with a packmind without being there to cover him when I could have. But I still expect compensation for this - bullets ain't cheap afterall - AND I'll need something up front before I set one foot on the chopper," he was letting a mercenary side show, but fuck it - he was risking his neck for something he didn't believe in: so he was gonna get paid regardless.
Acetyl crosses its arms over its chest. Surrounded by all the larger mutants, it shifts a bit, as if feeling it looks faintly ridiculous. Then it growls,
Acetyl rainily rataplans, "fine. Let's get going."
"Very well..." Dio gestures the barrel of his shotgun towards Alkain, though not quite directly at him. "Let's get going. You'll be in front of the group at all times. Never leave our sight. I'll follow behind you." The lion waves his shotgun to get Alkain moving towards the roof as he prepares to move in behind him. "Also you'll owe me a favor. As soon as things turn sour, we're heading back, mission complete or no." He looks towards Arano and smiles, giving him a minor wave despite the severity of the situation. "Glad you're coming along sir. Let's get moving."
Rorne smiles and nods, going silent once more as she turns towards the elevator. She goes silent once more, padding over somewhat quickly, her tails joyfully flowing behind her. She enters, goes to the back corner, and sits there, her head tilted as she watches everyone. She'll probably talk to Dio on the way there. She's quite sure he'd be willing to watch her back as well, given that she was there during that proposal. Plus, from what she has heard, he knows those she cares about, like Angus. She giggles lightly at the thought, no longer as afraid of showing her real self at this point.
As people come up to the roof, they find the chopper alrady spinning, ready to go, "Took you all long enough, come on, lets go, what are we waiting on?" he asks as she gets the final preperations for take off ready.
Alkain looks at Arano as he heads for the elevator and nods at that, "I can't pay much... But I'll pay what I can." he winces at the shotgun and sighs, "Dio, that's not needed... But I'll take point, would probably be best anyway... They know me." he frowns a bit and nods, "Alright then." he looks to Rorne curiously as he hops onto the chopper
Arano sighs and follows along with the group - at least he was already in his combat uniform, he grumbles a bit, "The check better clear..." he remarks as he follows along, returning dio's greetings at least. He could technically fly up on his own, but he'd follow along with the group just to be on the safe side. He also wondered why that kitsune's voice sounded so very familiar... "Anyway - just make sure your fox mind friends know that I'm packing the equivilant of light artillery in this here rifle in case they try anything," He doesn't bother responding to Mike figuring that is best left to the others for now.
"Please understand," Dio returns, still keeping his shotgun trained. "We're the ones helping out and I would wish to help increase my chances of survival as best as possible." Following behind Alkain, he makes it to the roof and into the chopper. "And you don't owe me any money. You owe me a favor." The lion clangs his hand on metal, signaling to Mike. "Alright, I think we're ready to hop back in that hell hole."
Rorne hops into the helicopter, and she quickly begins to look about, sniffing somewhat wildly. She finds a medkit, which she pushes gently a couple times, and then returns to looking at the helicopter. Turns out choppers weren't made to allow for quadrupedal folk to fly in easily, so she places herself in whatever seating is available, doing her best to be secured in there, although unsure. If needed, she'll drop the quadrupedal act quickly and sit normally, but she, at the moment, prefers being like this. Hopefully, this'll do for now.
As they reach the roof, Acetyl keeps its own peace, just listening to the others, one ear turned toward them at all times. Then they get to the roof, and Iatro, spotting the noisy helicopter, immediately balks, tossing its skull-head like a scared horse. Acetyl sighs heavily. Pausing before the chopper, Acetyl bends down and lifts Iatro in its arms, very carefully, to avoid being poked by a syringe or scalpel jutting out at a weird angle from the creature's imperfectly fused 'flesh'. The nanite golem drops its skeletal lower jaw and a bandage roll unfurls, in a bizarre parody of a panting, happy dog. Shaking its head, Ace mutters something both fond and disparaging about the golem under its breath. Then it hops into the aircraft.
Alkain nods to Arano and sighs, "I will, they are likely in no condition to fight much anyway..." he shakes his head at Dio and frowns, "We aren't even in Oregon yet, you are making me nervous!" he sighs though and nods, "And yes, I owe you a favor, but I owe him." he motions to Arano, "Money for this." he looks to Ace as he brings the creature abord and tilts his head curiously at it, but then looks elsewhere
The flight out there is very uneventful, Mike knowing how to handle the chopper, and how to avoid gryphons and such on the way out. When they get there, they land on the grass and weed covered landing area, Mike leaving the chopper running, "Alright boys and lasses, lets see what you all do, again, at the first sign of trouble we will be leaving." he says blades slowing only enough to let people out.
As soon as the helicopter hits the ground Arano is out the door with rifle in hand, he keeps his head low mostly to avoid the spinning blades as he sweeps the area - clearly expecting an ambush and ready to rain hot death on anything that he doesn't like the look of.
Another trip down in Oregon. Why did he even keep coming back here? Perhaps it was for the thrills he desired deep down inside. Regardless, they were here. "Alright sir, get out and get in front," he demands, waving his shotgun at Alkain again. "Now, you said we should give them a source of food. Do you have any ideas in the matter? I'm afraid I don't know how to feed an entire... Well you know."
Rorne had managed to find out that there were modifications to the chopper to allow a mutant such as herself to reside onboard easily, and she used such to make herself comfortable. She also remained silent the entire way, oddly, and kept her eyes closed as they went along. When they land, she quickly moves to snatch the medkit in her muzzle, and then jumps off the helicopter. She glances about, her ears deafened to any other sounds by the blades, but her nose and eyes working the surroundings, searching for anything that was... out of place. She doesn't think she'll be able to find anything, but that doesn't stop her from searching.
In the distance the courthouse still looms, imposing and surrounded in iron. Thoughs who look sharp could see various guards walking around the upper and outer parts of they yard. Not much seems to have changed about this place.
Alkain grabs a pack of food as he hops off when directed, "Alright, thanks... I don't expect any resistance from the Fox Mind though..." he looks at Dio and shakes his head, "We can try to find them a new hunting ground, but I don't know how successful that would be... And how many times must I say that though don't feed on people. At least, not any more than we do." he looks around as he searches for any presence of the Fox Mind, hoping they aren't too late
The storm dragon notices the demonic fox's glance at Iatro, but only meets the other's eye with a stern sort of 'what are you looking at' sort of expression, until the other looks away. Then it minded its own business for the rest of the flight... albeit somewhat ungracefully. Acetyl did not appreciate aircraft much, not when it could be flying on its own two wings. This shows in its restless wing-shifting, tusk-baring scowl, and constant worrystone-rubbing of the golem's antlers. It's first out except for Arano, leaping out the very instant such is possible, the weird golem at its heels. Moving aside, it stretches its wings out, flapping them a couple of times in the manner of someone stretching stiff legs. Then it looks around, sniffing at the air cautiously before moving back toward the others. The weird little golem trots along, dog-sized and doglike yet obscenely not a dog at all. "So what are we doin', folks? Who or what'm I killing today?" That was probably a joke, to judge by the storm dragon's expression, but there's an odd sparkle to its eyes that makes the statement a little... awkwardly in earnest.
Arano continues to scan the treeline, picking out guards near the courthouse but otherwise keeping his eyes out. Glancing over in that direction he asks, "Who stays there?" weapon still at the ready. With Alkain's... he'll refer to it as whining... he aims sighs and says, "Right, because the word of a stranger was sufficient when half the world didn't want to murder you or rape you... actually, I was a soldier in the army... come to think of it, half the world probably DID want to kill me even before P-day... that's a sobering thought,"
With the shotgun still pointed at Alkain, Dio hops out the helicopter along with the rest of the group, keeping the butt to his shoulder and ready to fire. "I hope you don't think I'm a mean person," he says sincerly, despite the threatening image he was presenting with his firearm. "But should we be meeting your fox friends here? If the courthouse over there detects an attack, we'll have a firefight on our hands." He looks around to the other group members and relaxes his stance a little. "Hopefully we don't have to kill anything, if we're lucky."
More movement over inside the gates of the courthouse, seems something was going on, though what exactly is anyones guess, they they are scurrying quite a bit!
Rorne nods at Dio, keeping the strap of the medkit in her mouth. She knew how to hold it to make sure nothing would get damaged. She doesn't want any sort of fight to begin, especially because she isn't really capable of ranged combat. She'd have to get up close with whatever attacks, and that would mean she'd be at risk of infection. She doesn't want that at all, and thus she is a bit tense, always ready to jump at a moment's notice. However, with what was going on, and the role she'd probably play, she stays in about the middle of the group. No sense in being the only person with medical training if you get injured and can't utilize it effectively.
Looking out at the courthouse and the sudden commotion, Arano levels his rifle in that direction and then turns to the group and asks, "Guys? Isn't that something we should be worried about?" He keeps his weapon trained but finger straight and off the trigger - didn't want to start a firefight unless it became absolutely necessary.
Alkain shrugs at Ace at that look and shakes his head, "We aren't here to kill, we are here to provide relief." he shakes his head at Arano and looks to the courthouse, "That's the survivor camp..." he frowns at the camp and looks to the forest, "They've set up traps in the hunting grounds, I can't see any trace of the Fox Mind..." he looks back to Arano at the thought and shakes his head, "Indeed." he sighs at Dio and shakes his head as he trudges for the woods, "The might be around here..." as Arano levels his weapon at the courthouse and shakes his head
Acetyl looks around instantly at Arano's statement, muzzle curling into a snarl. "Son of a bitch. Damn right it is." Immediately, its hands drop to the two knives hanging from its belt, though it doesn't draw right away. "They see us and they're not happy about it. We need a plan, or we need tactics, pronto. One or the other."
Dio looks over at the courthouse, becoming increasingly worried about the situation, as evident by the slight snarl on his brutish face. "I believe this may have been a poor choice. They could've been preparing for this." The lion follows behind Alkain and of course still keeps his shotgun raised. "If they knew we were coming, it would be a lovely chance for them to ambush more of your fox fellows, would it not?"
Arano glancing over towards the treelines, he looks to the others and says - "I vote we go to the forest, it provides cover, masks our movement... and nothing bad EVER happens in the woods," he concludes somewhat sardonically before looking to that direction and already beginning to move off that way, before stopping to ask, "And... we did remember to bring radios to communicate with the helicopter here right?"
Move movement, it seems they are getting ready for something, but what is anyones guess still, not close enough to see anything spacific. As Alkain gets closer and closer to the tree line though, a loud alarm from the courthouse! The gates open wide and out come quite a few men on foot!
Alkain looks at the others and stops in his tracks as he shakes his head, "We shouldn't worry about... Them..." the alarm goes off and he growls to himself, "For fucks sake... Really?" he walks over to the others and sighs, "Damnit... I didn't think they'd go this far..."
Rorne digs her paws into the ground, preparing to get ready to move quickly. Even she lets out a light growl, which is muffled by the medkit in her mouth. She gets down, her tails following suit, and she is already preparing for a fight. Her tails move a bit, and she looks over at Arano, whom she bolts after suddenly, doing her best to give herself some cover from the possible coming assault. She doesn't conceal herself, however, only moving quickly to get herself some cover. She really needs to get some way to strike from a distance, seriously. Also... Mike said he'd leave at the first sign of trouble, and this was indeed a sign. This might end poorly.
The storm dragon's tail lashes restlessly, and its wings half-unfurl in an instinctive reaction to potential danger. "Normally, I'd agree with the forest plan, but -- fuckballs, look at that! That really pissed them off," Acetyl comments almost jocularly as the alarm goes off and armed men start pouring out.
Acetyl rainily rataplans, "Forest seems to be a no."
Dio taps his ear at Arano's comment. "We should be able to use our communicators I believe. Hope you didn't leave it at home," he teases, trying to break the tension just a little bit in the rich environment of such. His leonine ears perk at the alarm, immediately snapping his head to view the mobiles. "Yeah, just ignore them," he says in a sarcastic voice. "I have half a mind to pull back right now. If I don't hear from your fox friends soon, I'm heading back to the chopper."
Arano glances over at the incoming individuals, "I don't know who they are, or if they are friendly or not, but I DO know that the treeline is a much safer place to be than standing out in the open. If they decide to shoot at us, we're screwed standing out here - at least in the treeline if they turn hostile we have a chance of surviving."
Alkain sighs as he motions to the others, "Let's head to the chopper, if they attack, we can escape..." he looks hesitant to do it though, "And if we can, we'll talk to them if possible, I didn't exactly leave on good terms last time, but they didn't attack." he shakes his head at Arano and frowns, "No, the forest has traps in it, and I don't know where they are."
