Between a Roc and a hard place - RPLOG
From Flexible Survival
Participants
Date
30/5/2016
Log
As hasty as the call for volunteers was, Mike clearly looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. As he addresses the various agents gathered, he does not look happy. "Look, I ain't happy to be here, I'd much rather be doing my regular routes than dropping you off way out in the woods, but Z owns the copter, so I gotta fly where and when they ask." He ruffles through some papers on a clipboard, pulling a printout of a photograph of an absolutely huge bird. "So, I got this from the news copter's camera, and it's basically all we got to work with. As you can see, this thing is huge, and is carrying a cow in one of its talons. Normally, we'd write it off as a Kaiju attack or something, but those don't make big ass nests in trees out of the bubble." He hands the printout around, going by scale, this is definitely bigger than the copter. By looks of it, the creature is some sort of raptor.
Rihko gives Mike a small smile and nods her head. "Yes. Usually. I've heard of some kaiju-sized birds, but they tend to stay in the bubble - makes things easier." She looks over the reports, her tails curling around herself. "Well... found the nest, then? And we're just going to go... Deal With It?"
Edel pulls her hair back in a ponytail as she steps up towards Mike, nodding. "Well! Big flying things, huh," she comments, testing the string on her bow. "Well! What's our mission, then? Are we to bring it down? Or is this a recon task to find out more?" She asks, ear flicking as she smiles at Rihko. "Well, we did say we wanted to go hunting... But this isn't quite what I had in mind."
Even though she isn't the best when it comes to fighting things, Rorne joins in on the expedition to at least offer a helping hand with the medical side of things! Of course, when she approaches Mike and sees the reports and the picture, she lets out a soft sigh. "Well, this could be interesting," she mutters, shaking her head. "Also, hey Edel. Fancy seeing you here, huh?"
Zophah walks up to the group with Mike, checking her gear for an exo-bubble hunt. Promethian helmet, RSX medical vest, light intensification goggles on her forehead, flasks of who-knows-what chemical, laser cannon strapped under her arm, bow and quiver strapped on her back... "So we get to fight that? Do we know anything about it other than it's size and location?"
Joining the team, the Dusk Dragon arrives checking his equipment. Once everything is in place he walks up and joins the rest of the group but he remains silent. He knows the majority of his powers will be gone but he still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Like a monofilament katana. He watched the picture and his eyes widen a little bit. But he then assumes his calm demeanor again. This wasn't going to be a joyride of any kind.
Aranor walks in casually up to the others assembled. The rather busty breasted bird looks around for a moment before settling in on Mike. "You have a bird problem?" She looks at the photo for a moment. "Whoa, that IS a big bird." Now turning her focus elsewhere she says, "Hello everyone, everyone here to check out the bird? I hope it doesn't take all the food, I like the occasional meat every now and then. Vegetables can get a bit bland, can only cook them in so many ways. Less beef for us, harder I have to work to enjoy a nice savory treat every once in a while!"
"I feel obligated to mention that one of the farmers took a couple potshots at this... thing. Ex-army guy. Was a designated marksman in Desert Storm. Now, maybe he just missed, but I didn't see any signs of injuries when I tailed it." The gryphon coughs, ears flattening slightly. "As I said, it ain't a mutant, best anyone can tell." He gestures towards the picture. "Nest is fairly new, but empty. I got out of there after it made a dive for the copter. Naturally, I'mma be dropping you a distance from the nest, but I've got a map here for you." He pulls something else from the clipboard, an old topographic map of the area, with a large x marked in the midst of a stand of trees. He passes it to Rihko, expecting it to be passed around. "When ya'll are ready, we can head out. I'll give you a flare gun to fire when you want to be picked up. Should be visible for miles, there's two spare flares in the handle. Just point it upward and fire."
Rihko tilts her head, frowning, and her ears go flat. "... really, huh? That is bizzare. Well, then, I am ready." She nods her head, looking over the map before she passes it along.
Edel takes a peek at the map in turn before nodding and sending it down the line. "Well. I've no questions. We will see what's up out there," she says before nodding at Rorne. "Are you surprised? When it comes to matters out of the bubble, not many these days are more prepared than I. It's a given that I'd be here!" She chimes, starting for the helicopter to get settled in.
Rorne looks over the map, nodding. "Alrighty," she replies, adjusting her gear a moment, glancing to Zophah. "I'd honestly prefer against fighting it, if possible, really. Looking at its size, those talons will be more than deadly, especially outside of the bubble." She shrugs. "Plus we don't know what it's up to. Empty nest could mean it's preparing to lay, too, which could lead to... other complications." She sighs, shaking her head. "Edel, I'm not surprised at all. Find it funny that this is our first excursion out of the bubble together."
Zophah takes a look at the map that was passed to her, taking a moment to memorize it before passing it along. "I'm surprised something that big is outside of a bubble. It certainly would have to have been born or created inside a bubble for being unnatural. I'm going to have to take notes on this." She checks her bag for a spare notebook, making note that everything is still there before everyone leaves for the mission. "All set."
Aranor takes her turn to look at the map and reads it over. "Come to think of it, it's harder for critters inside the bubble to survive. I bet with something like that around it ran out of food in it's home ran out of food or something I wonder if we can convince it to go somewhere else? At least it's not eating people. Thing we should try and find out where it came from while we can?" She looks to the others and takes a breath. "Being out of bubble worries me, but hopefully, it won't care too much about hurting one of us."
As Mike starts the helicopter's blades spinning, he audibly mumbles something about "Not eating people yet." The flight is short, thankfully, heading towards a relatively close redwoods grove. The nest is clearly visible, stretching across the canopies of several of the huge trees. The gryphon puts down in an old parking lot, not even letting the blades spin down. As the last passenger prepares to disembark, Mike hands them the flaregun from his seat. "I'm not sticking around here, as I said before, shoot off a flare when you're ready for pickup." Based on the map, the group is about a mile's walk from the landing site, the remains of a primitive hiking trail leading towards the nest. The chopper takes off, leaving the agents alone in the quiet.
Rihko waves Mike off, then resettles her grip on her spear; when not being used for self defense, it does make an admirable walking stick as well. The catsune's tails flick, and she begins making her way towards the nest's site.
Edel waves the chopper off before stretching out and nodding at Rihko, setting off with her without so much as a glance at the others. "Oh, well. I suppose you've got a point there, Rorne. Should be an interesting experience then! Though I can't say I act much the same when I'm on assignment."
Rorne's gaze lingers on that huge nest, a little bit of something building within her... envy? Either way, she can't help but note just how huge the nest is! The bird that made it would have to be equally huge, so probably even bigger than the pictures make it look. "I have only been out of the bubble to go to other towns, really. Haven't been out of one for the sake of an excursion before." She shrugs, doing a quick once over on her gear, making sure everything is there. "And I don't think we'll be able to easily convince it to leave, either. It could very well be just a feral creature, so reasoning with it will be difficult."
Zophah shudders when they passed outside the bubble, and seems unsettled the entire trip to the location. "It never feels good when I leave a bubble. Hopefully no one gets hurt." When the chopper set down and she set out, she checked her gear again, even though it's much too late to change anything about it. At Rorne's comment Zophah adds: "I came to Fairhaven from Tahoe on foot. I've never seen anything like this before though."
Aranor hops in the chopper and watches the scene change as they fly by, tempted to jump out and try her own wings. When the bubble can be felt thinning, the temptation is brushed aside in favor of surving. As she watches the trees fly under her and sees the nest, her eyes go wide in awe. "Whoa.... that IS a big bird." Once they set down she stretches her legs as she disembarks. "If someone gets hurt, I hope my milk still helps. I brought some snacks too! My NICE is a bust without some nanites though." She takes a moment to stare, but snaps herself out of it to look to the group. "I'm Aranor by the way." She chirps. "Been a while since I've been a phoenix. I think I've met some of you, but my memory is a bit foggy."
Fortunately, the terrain is flat, and from the size of the bird in the image, no way it was getting down here, at least. Around the first bend in the trees is an old ranger station, a rusting axe stuck in the door, which has been forced open.
Rihko seems to be, for all she cares, out on a leasuirely stroll - apparantly she gets out of the bubble enough that the effects are not throwing her off too much. She even whistles a little, although the sound dies as they find the station. Rihko sniffs at the air, then pokes around the door, looking for snares.
Edel looks up at the nest before making her way towards the station with Rihko, ears perked and attentive as she listens for any sounds that might be within. "See anything, Rihko?" She asks, trying to peek through a window, tail wagging slowly behind her.
The cabin is silent, hell, the park is silent, aside the the occasional songbird.
Rorne keeps up quite well with the group, listening to the songbirds happily. Though, when she reaches the cabin, she stops, quickly looking around it, taking care where she steps: Can't be too careful! She strides around the outside of the cabin, looking at the walls, the immediate area, looking for any supplies, anything at all, that could be anywhere around it. Though likely to find nothing, it couldn't hurt to look around, at the very least, before stepping inside.
Zophah follows in the back of the group, keeping an eye out for the beast if it ever ambushed them outside the nest. Apon reaching the looks at the axe in the door, thinking to herself the physics of applied force and strength needed to do so. Once everyone else made their checks outside the ranger station, she decided to take a look inside, making sure that nothing is wired to opening the door or stepping in. "I doubt there are traps set up, but it can't hurt to be careful."
The outside of the cabin is mostly bare, the first aid station emptied long ago. There is a shed with a shattered lock, though it mostly has rope and a few axes... Identical to the one stuck in the front door, though lacking rust. The rope appears to be nylon, with a hook at one end. Grappling hook! Inside the cabin, a cabinet has been overturned, revealing climbing belts and a dozen or so shoe spikes designed for scaling trees or telephone poles. Ought to be useful. Though, there are no harnesses in sight.
Aranor casually walks near the cabin and stays out of everyones way. Her attempts to socialize have fallen on deaf ears. She looks around curiously, casually walking inside and scanning the room for anything interesting. She takes some time, looking for various things, especially a desk or somewhere with paperwork. She hasn't seen a place like this before and perhaps papers may prove to sate her curiosity about the time before her.
There are indeed papers all over the desk. Most of them date to early February 2008, but a few are from the previous summer. Nothing about giant birds or nests. There is a receipt for climbing gear dated 20th February 2008, though. Shame the park didn't get their money's worth of the new purchase, otherwise it'd not be here for the group.
Rihko gives Edel a small shake of her head. "No, I don't. Grab the climbing gear and anything else that looks useful, then let's move on?" She watches the group for a moment, then her ear flicks and she looks back out through the forest, eyes moving up towards the canopy. "I smell it, Edel. By the way. Like a phoenix, but with less fire. ... I am very worried."
Edel nods and helps herself to the climbing gear, coiling the rope around her shoulder before looping the belts around her arm. "Well! That's an interesting thing to smell, Rihko... A bird spirit, hmmm...Building a nest. I wouldn't be worried, though. If that is the case, chances are it can be reasoned with."
Rorne approaches the other cabin, carefully slipping in, making sure to stay nice and safe as she does. Rope, grappling hook, and axes. After a bit of working at it, Rorne manages to get the rope and hook wrapped around her neck, hanging down to carry it in some way at least. With that, at least, she makes her way out, still making sure not to get out safely, not letting the rope catch on anything as she returns to the group. However, even though Rorne can smell it, she isn't noticing it, at least not yet...
Zophah keeps track that nothing useful was left behind before joining everyone else outside. She smells at the air too to check waht everyone else is getting to and realizes that she's making a big target on her with how much fertility she's advertising. "Does anyone heve a scent masker?" She double checks her own bag only to frown, she didn't make one beforehand.
Finding nothing significant from the time before p-day, Aranor walks back outside, following Edel out as she carries the gear. "Like a phoenix? Does that mean they are supernatural?" She thinks back to how she earned phoenix's favor and muses to herself for a moment. Looking to Zophah she sniffs and shakes her head. "Sorry, I didn't bring anything like that." Looking to Edel she ponders. "How are we going to climb? I've only ever read about climbing. Never actually doing it."
As the group approaches the area beneath the nest, they come across a skeleton. Or rather, a large pile of them. Mostly bovine, but impossible to be certain there were no former mutants amongst the bleached bones. Something was hungry, for sure. There's a 'woosh' noise far above, and the group can feel the creature's gaze upon them. The avian's head is looking over the side of the nest, having spotted them.
"Life a phoenix. Yea, not an Agent, but I would bet on it being a Visitor. ... or a god. Ugh, I hope not, that would be breaking so many rules... and even if it's just a Visitor, it's something I've never tasted before," Rihko replies, giving Aranor a nod. "Which is what worries me, Edel." She peers up at the giant bird in the tree far above, then raises a hand and waves at it. May as well be polite. "Mind if we come up?!"
"What? That you haven't tasted it?" Edel asks, peering at Rihko and turning her eyes up to the nest. "Huh. And I climb the mountain behind my house all the time. A tree can't be much harder," she says, setting the climbing belts and other gear down, waiting to hear how it responds to Rihko's question.
Rorne first looks over the skeletons, head turning as she looks them over. Yep, definitely bovine, though no irregularities, either. Either way, when she hears the whooshing, she glances up pretty quick, noticing the avian. So that's the bird that built such a huge nest! At the very least, it wasn't coming after them... yet! Either way, she doesn't really say much, just looking up at the large bird curiously.
Zophah looks up at the beast staring down at them, making note of its face, the shape of the beak, the feather color, anything that could tell the kind of bird it was. She read plenty of books, even one on exotic birds once, and quite a few on ancient supernaturals considering that some of them exist now.
Aranor tilts her head to Rihko. "Rules? There are rules for those kinds of critters?" She misses the sound made by the creature, but as everyone looks up and addresses it she turns her head to see it looking at them in return. She blinks a bit, astounded by it's size, then chirps happily. "Hi!" She looks thrilled to see such a critter and watches it back after Rihko asks it for permission.
There's a loud almost screeching noise, followed by a roaring crash. One of the huge redwoods has fallen over, clearing enough room in the canopy for the avian to land in front of the group. The giant avian watches the agents, standing on top of the fallen tree, quietly staring.
Rihko eyes the roc, then crosses her arms. Her ears perk, and her tails slwoly swish back and forth. "Thanks. Nice of you to come down." She inclines her head. "Welcome to Fairhaven, I suppose? New arrival?"
Edel lowers her bow, letting it hang at her side while her ears perk. "Hello, yes," she says, waving at the large bird. "This is much better than us coming up there. Ahem. Who're you, again?"
Rorne blinks a couple times, looking up at the large bird. At least this was easier than them climbing all the way up! However, her brain has been working for a bit, and she lets out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "When a bird nests, they tend to do it for a specific reason, especially if they're alone," she mutters, looking up at the nest, and then to the large avian, simply taking mental notes, feathers fluffing up just a little in a sort of relaxation.
Zophah keeps an eye on the beast, noting the predatorial beak and talons. She takes a mental note of it's wing span, general size, the speed it came down to them... Everything that could help them if it came to a fight. But as long as it doesn't attack, and no one does anything stupid, she won't have to draw her weapons. On another note however, she observes the majestic nature of such a large bird. If nothing goes wrong she may even be able to sketch a portrait of it.
Aranor watches the large bird and admires it's size and stature. She takes a breath as she reads the body language of the creature and addresses him properly. "Hey there, I'm Aranor. I come from a city nearby. We were wondering how you are doing. See, the livestock you've been munching on are shared by a lot of people in our city so we're just concerned about a few more cows than normal being gobbled up. I see that you are one to be respected so I was wondering if there wasn't something we could do to help the both of us out." She gives the giant bird a polite smile and desperately hopes theres no misunderstanding that places her or the group on the birds 'things to eat' list.
The bird blinks, then speaks, the voice harsh and shrill. "Hrmph, you hatchlings can't even take to the air without your metal wings. Yet you come to raid my nest. I am the Roc, mightiest of the raptors." The roc moves forward, eyes focused upon Rorne, Aranor and Zophah. "I see you three have met my cousin, the phoenix. Perhaps there is more to you than I thought. But still! Why do you come here, to my home?" There is a hint of annoyance, and anger in the bird's voice, its eyes scrutinizing each person.
Rihko tilts her head to the side as she listens to the bird, her ears perking; her tails slowly go still. "... *the* Roc?" she asks, her tone carefully neutral. She sniffs at the air again. "We did not come to raid your nest, but to find what is stealing our cattle. And to see to it that they are left alone. May we come to an amenable agreement?"
Edel nods at Rihko, nudging her glasses up her muzzle and smils. "What she said. We're not here to take anything, simply to try to see to it that what is ours is not being taken."
Rorne blinks a couple times, and then shrugs, nodding to the Roc. "I tend to identify myself as a Phoenix, no matter what form I take," she replies. "As for our presence, raiding your nest was not even considered." She does take a couple steps closer, looking over the Roc. "Merely see what was taking the cattle, as well as see what attacked the 'metal bird.'" She softly huffs. "And I'd be more than happy to be able to fly without those 'metal wings.'"
Zophah eases a bit, now that she knows the Roc is intelligent. She had nothing more to add to what was already said, so she kept still. None the less, the idea of a new supernatural excited her, and she even got to be part of the welcoming crew! There will be a lot of research to be done when everyone gets back.
Aranor frowns and shrinks a bit, not only having been apparently ignored, but her currently useless wings pointed out to her. She sighs and picks herself back up. "I'm hoping we could come to peaceable terms here. While I would admit that I am beneath you, I hope that we can exchange services with one another to help the both of us out? To... be honest. It's great to see you. You're like an inspiration to me. Even though I just say you today. You can fly! Anywhere you want even! That's awesome! I wish I could do something like that." She shuffles a bit in place. "Errr.... I mean, It's a humbling experience to meet one such as you."
"Last I was in your world, I reached a, let's call it an understanding, with your king. I may take my choice of livestock, no more than once a week. And you don't get eaten. Mind, you only had pointy sticks. Not that your fancy bangsticks do any better." The roc laughs, then returns to its previously serious composure. "That agreement was in perpetuity. You don't get to renege on a contract because two or three thousand years have passed."
Rihko narrows her eyes at the giant turkey and rests a hand on her hips, her other still gripping the hilt of her spear as she leans against it. One of her ears flicks. She does not seem to particularly care for this reply.
"We do, actually," Edel says, frowning. "We are altering the terms of the agreement in light of recent world changing events. At least here. You can fetch your cattle elsewhere and we'd not have any problem, I think. Otherwise, you may have a bit of an issue with the other 'higher powers' that would stand in your way."
Rorne nods and also shrugs. "Last time you were in our world, humans were humans. If you take a look now, well," she looks around at the rest of the party, "you'll notice that we, at least in appearance, aren't exactly human. Time isn't the only thing that has changed, so has at least this entire region." She looks up at the Roc. "As Edel said, a renegotiation of the terms of said agreement are probably best for both parties. There are, shall we say, multiple 'kings' that won't particularly like how it stands now."
Zophah now has something to speak up for. But dealing with a superior opponent in legal matters, especailly one that doesn't have the same wants as us, will be a challenge. "A contract lasts as long as it's keepers uphold it. The 'king' you bargained with no longer holds power here. A new agreement is needed, and a choice of livestock once a week is no longer a sustainable choice."
Aranor is worried that Rihko and Edel are starting to get trigger happy. She looks their way, then back to Roc, but with Zophah and Rorne making her points for her, and probably actually being heard she stands still and watches casually as those around her tempt to negotiate. A strange point comes to mind and she decides to pose a question to him. "Uhh, excuse me, sir? You wouldn't happen to know if the ones you were munching on were actually cows, were you? Some of our people aren't exactly human looking like Rorne says, some of them don't even have their minds. Could you be certain you haven't accidentally broken the agreement anyway?"
"What, you mean this isn't Persia?" There's a good ten or so seconds of silence before the bird speaks again. "I'mma give those jerkwads back home a piece of my mind when I get back." The bird grumbles, looking around. "Explains why these trees are so much bigger. And the ocean's in the wrong direction." The Roc sighs. "Ok, you have a fair point about the different kings. Bring me something to eat every week or so, and your new king or queen or whatever comes out here to discuss an arrangement. The people that don't have their minds, they ate all the deer and elk and stuff that should be around here."
Rihko gives the roc a small smile. "No. This is not Persia." She inclines her head. "We will have someone come to negotiate. It is always better to be on positive terms with the neighbors, after all."
Edel nods curtly. "Not Persia at all. This is North America," she says simply before folding her hands in front of her. "But if you want to negotiate with someone, very well. We'll see if we can't find someone to fit the bill."
"Though, in all honesty," Rorne begins, "getting one of the kings to negotiate directly with you will be difficult." She looks over the Roc. "There are a lot of dangers, and they'd prefer against making themselves easy targets. You'll talk to a representative of sorts." She looks over the group, and chuckles. "Though we already are as such in a way... I am certain we can figure out an arrangement where you can be satisfied and we can still maintain our populace."
Zophah sighs a bit, relaxing now that more pleasant conversations are being done. She takes out her notebook and begins taking notes on the interaction, even starting a few sketches of the Roc like a proper journal should. Once she gets back she'll have to make copies for the different factions of course, but it's much easier inside a bubble to do so.
Aranor looks to the others, then to the Roc and smiles. "Persia? What's that? Where's that?" She squirms in place a bit and thinks for a moment. "I... well... I was wondering. What's it like to fly? Like.... fly proper? I can only fly in the bubble. I haven't been out in the world and flew. Is it nice? Have you been to see lots of places? Maybe you could teach me to fly like you do?" She chirps, giddy at the idea of true flight. "I... think you're great." She puffs up her feathers a bit as she blushes and lowers her head.
The question catches the bird by surprise. "You remind me of Daedalus, and his son, but you don't have wax holding your wings together." One of the roc's wings scoops Aranor up, the roc's form changing a bit, more resembling a giant birdman. "You know why you can't fly yet? You haven't fledged, your feathers are too small, and You need to lose a fair bit of weight. Maybe once this agreement gets worked out, we'll see about getting you in the skies." The roc turns the phoenix over once, looks over hir, and sets Aranor back down. "Yes, I can definitely work with that. But you'll need some changes. In any case, you head back to your city, or wherever, and bring food next time!"
With this, the roc takes off from the ground, and returns to the giant nest. Though it does shout at the group once more. "And next time, land your bird in the nest, no reason to skitter around the forest floor!"
Rihko watches the roc take off, still frowning. "It shouldn't be able to do this," she mutters, then lokos at Aranor, studying them for a moment before she smiles. "Flying is great. I recommend it!"
Edel scratches at her cheek and glances around the group. "Well then. Shall we call for our extraction? No sense staying around out here if we don't need to."
Rorne steps over to Rihko, nodding. "Though I do agree, it also deserves to be stated that he could be a very valuable ally and asset, if needed that is." She looks to Edel, giving a quick little nod. "Of course, step a bit away so we don't have to worry about setting anything on fire, and then call in for extraction."
Zophah finishes up her sketches and puts her notebook away, satisfied that no one got hurt. "I guess we should hike back to the L.Z. first. I don't think firing a flare this close to the Roc will be good for us or Mike." Double checking her things Zophah brushes herself off and waits for the rest of the group to get ready to leave.
Aranor looks to Roc as she's picked up, her eyes widen in surprise. She smiles to Roc and blushes some more and nods along to everything he says. "Okay, I'll be sure to find you again so you can help get me in shape." She says with a hopeful tone. All too soon she is placed on her own two feet again as the Roc gets ready to leave. She waves to Roc as he leaves though. When he leaves her sight she turns around as happy as she can be and returns to the group, happily chirping and cooing to herself.
The walk back to the parking lot is uneventful, and the ranger cabin is basically the same as the group left it. A flare later, the sound of the helicopter blades becomes audible, and Mike soon arrives, visibly relieved that everybody is in one piece. "Well, at least none of ya'll got eaten or anything. Guess I owe Ian lunch." The return flight is uneventful, though Mike is visibly unnerved when he hears that the roc wants him to land in the nest next time.
