>>28959873
Turning to Mordecai, you speak softly and firmly. “Elder, I absolutely have to know what is on those crystals. I need to know if any of my murder is in danger from them.” Mordecai nods, clearly worried now, compared to moments ago. “We need to make some arrangements to protect my murder until you do find out what is on them; I'm assuming the worst but that doesn't mean the worst is going to happen.”

“It may take some time, but no more than a few hours. I would recommend one of the ritual rooms. At the very least it may hamper them.” Chances are slim, unfortunately.

Rechert speaks up. “What if we caulk the edges of the room. They're already circular, so that's most of the corners covered except ceiling and floor. It wouldn't take long to caulk those. A Whisper could do the ceiling.” It's actually a really good idea. A Whisper's secondary hands could easily hold a caulking gun. Viss actually looks hopeful now.

“First things first. Mordecai, I'm going to have to leave this to you. I can't risk any more of my murder. I'll get some guards here. Do you want me to inform the Elders?” He nods, absently, and you take him at his word. “Right. Come on you two. We're starting battle ops early.” You walk out, gripping the PDA that once belonged to either a half dissolved living corpse, or the disintegrated ashes of Yen Chau; Viss and Rechert are right behind you.

[Con't.]

>>28959884
Stepping outside, you pat Irren on the shoulder, and he turns around. Jakob, his tentacles waving slowly as he shifts most of his upper body to look at you with several tiny eyes, is still in Echo form, just as Holmes is still a Phantom. An eye on the side of Holmes' head twitches, so he doesn't need to look away from the hallway – which has sizable groups gathering on either side a good distance away from your people – as he looks at you.

“Holmes, contact any Elders in Tager form. Irren you radio them. There's a suspended time-window ritual in yen's room, and it may have brought something here from Beyond. It may be hunting us, so no one travels alone – buddy system only. We're relocating ourselves to one of the lesser ritual rooms. I want us to have a full loadout, full combat capacity, and a couple of caulking guns with a lot of extra caulk brought there right away. Arrange for food and water, and some cots. We'll be camping out there for at least....four hours. I'm taking Viss and Rechert there now, they may be in the most danger. Get a set of guards here to protect Elder Mordecai, and I want it done....now.” Yesterday might have been better, but totally inappropriate given your situation. “We'll be in the first available room on the right side.”

“I want to grab my PDA, Anne. There are some books that may help on it. It's not that far away, I can run over and grab it.” Rechert is looking at you calmly, relaxed under the sudden pressure of imminent doom. You glance at Viss. “I'm good,” she replies.

[] Have someone fetch Rechert's PDA.
[] Let him go, he's a Tager.
[] Get it yourself, send them to the ritual room.
[] Other: Write in.

>>28959889
> [x] Have someone fetch Rechert's PDA.
We need to get the murder to a safe place first.

We have acolytes nearby, right? Have them grab that and whatever else Rechert needs, and have them move in groups just in case.

>>28959889
[X] Other: Take Viss and Rechert and get it.

This is the men's sleeping area so it shouldn't be too far right?

>>28960048
>>28959942
Tiebreaker?

>>28960111
Lets take them with us.

Is Viss in her Tager form? If not, let her switch and look ahead, just in case.

>>28959942
>>28960048
>>28960117
[X] Other: Got with Viss and Rechert to pick up the PDA; have Viss transform.

Splitting up is not the best idea, and his room isn't very far, given you're in the men's barracks section already. You nod, and look to Irren. “Remember, no one alone, and full loadout. Oh, get a rifle for a Whisper too. No lightning guns.” While the Nazzadi seem instinctively drawn to electron spewing weapons, you've moved past that particular prejudice. You note that Viss is slightly disappointed, however. “They're kind of unpredictable in close quarters, Viss.”

“Not kind of,” mutters Rechert and you control the urge to grin.

“Viss, change up and keep an eye out for trouble. May as well keep on guard.” She nods and with the sickening sound of flesh and bone collapsing and reforming, she stands next to you, her antennae and eyes flicking in every direction. She gives the all-clear hand signal, and you head to Rechert's room.

Rechert's room is nearby, as you expected, and it doesn't take him long to grab his PDA and a set of memory chips for it. To your surprise he also grabs a small needler, checks the charge and the ammo, and hands it to you. As you repeat the gestures automatically and set your finger along the guard, he locates the holster. “Yen and I signed for weapons because we were always going out of the compound to collect materials. I figured you're probably a better shot than I am.”

You hand it back to him long enough to put the holster on your belt, and thank him for the loan of the weapon. “You can have it back when we get the load-out.” Viss moves to the door and takes the lead at your gesture, and Rechert follows close by.

[Con't]

>>28960208
As you hustle them down the hall, people clear out of your ay quickly after taking a single glance at your expression. Once you get to the elevator you start breathing slowly and deeply again, calming yourself. Yourselves? It's hard to tell where you end and the symbiont begins sometimes, especially in dangerous situations like this.

“Anne?” You open one eye and look at Viss, who takes up most of the middle of the elevator. On the other hand, with her senses she can probably see in a 360 degree range. Rechert has his back to a wall, where he can keep an eye on most of the corners of the room, while you keep an eye on the ones he can't. “How likely is it that Yen put the Hounds on our scent?” Her voice is a strangely modulated, almost electronic sort of thing, quite unlike the powerful thunder of an Efreet's.

You shake your head, unsure. It depends entirely on what futures he was looking at and what he saw in them. It also depends on whether or not a hound was actually responsible for his death, in which case you're the only one in real danger, unless it somehow noticed Viss watching it through a building or two.

“It's not very likely,” Rechert comments. You open your other eye and look at him directly. “He's thumbing through his PDA files quickly. “In the few recorded cases of them attacking, it is always the sorcerer they go after, not the people he's seen or observed. It is usually because they looked too far in one direction of time or another. I'm checking the OIS files as well as the UnnaturNet boards and a few other places.”

“Try /x/ at QuatroChannel,” Viss suggests with an impish grin, earning her a glare from Rechert. Whose cheeks are coloring.

“Low class, Rechert,” you murmur, getting more giggles from Viss and a sheepish grin from Rechert.

[Con't.]

>>28960247
As the door opens, you are surprised to see Slipt in the black hall, directing a group of Society acolytes towards one of the ritual rooms. They are pushing carts loaded with cots and bedding. The Shadow notices you and walks to meet you. “Loco informed me of what is going on. We have you set up in here. The equipment you requested is still on the way, as is the food, but we'll at least have you set up. Mordecai suggests that when you all arrive, you do the caulking and then activate all the wards.” She is as emotionless and unconcerned seeming as ever, but she places a hand on your shoulder. “He is working as fast as he can.”

You also notice Widow is present, overseeing the setup of the cots and some privacy screens. At least two of the other acolytes are Tagers as well; their grace, sure motions, and careful control of their strength stands out among the humanity of the others like emergency flares in a dark sky. Slipt notices your expression, and looks at you calmly. “We're treating this matter very seriously.”

Frowning, Rechert looks around, seeing the same thing you did. “That's just going to get more people killed. You can't fight the Hounds like that.”

“We may not be blooded, but we are capable on our own,” adds Viss, her expression challenging.

>Response?

>>28960257
We appreciate their help, but they should keep back. No need for the hounds to chase after more people.

We should prepare the ritual room and the wards and be on guard, while they can monitor the situation from afar. In case these things really show up, gaining any first hand data would be invaluable. See if they have any ideas or clues on what else can we do, or if there's something else they can tell us about the Hounds.

Besides, we're Tagers too, it's about time we show what we're capable off.

>>28960257
They can have some whispers stationed and put guards on the door but we need to not risk anyone else dying. As soon as everything is delivered we can finish setting up.

Time to buckle down and go fishing for some dimensional sharks.

>>28960375
>>28960416
>We appreciate the help, but they should keep back. No need for the Hounds to chase after more people.
>They can have some Whispers stationed and put guards on the door but we need to not risk anyone else dying.

“As much as I appreciate the extra help, Rechert is right. Anyone who notices them gets eaten. We can't afford to lose anyone over this. Go ahead and put some guards and maybe some Whispers on duty though. See if you can learn anything more about the Hounds and their victims. Send it to Rechert's PDA, he can go over your data faster than anyone else here except maybe Viss. We can take care of this; we're trained for it.” You glance at the acolytes, and see they're quickly putting together something off to the side. “Whats that?”

Slipt inclines her head slightly acknowledging your confidence and your concerns. “PLASU. Portable-Latrine-And-Shower-Unit. Once they finish that we'll take our leave; it doesn't take too long and it will make life a great deal easier.” Mostly by making sure none of you have to leave or be alone for potty breaks. “You may want to use the caulking trick on that as well.” It's a good point. Of course, by that reasoning, unless the room itself keeps them out, there's no way to avoid having some sharp edges somewhere. Even the inside of an armory case wasn't safe. “I'll let everyone know.” She turns and walks to speak with Widow, and they split up to tell the acolytes.

[Con't.]

>>28960526
Rechert seems worried, though he bears it with the stoicism of a Shadow. Viss flies to the center of the room, and stands there, getting some awed looks from the Acolytes. She's undoubtedly using her senses to the best of her ability. Another delivery arrives, this time accompanied by Holmes, Irren and Jakob; Jakob has remained in his Echo form, and the non-Tager acolytes give him a wide berth and not a few stares. Echoes are not particularly common in his enclave, though they are by no means rare. While Jakob prowls the perimeter of the ritual room and Irren sets a couple of duffel-bags by the cots, Holmes walks over to you, holding out his hand.

Accepting the offering, you are handed a trio of ear-buds. The transponders used by the Eldritch Society are largely controlled by voice, and they are individually designed for comfort and so they can survive and stay in with the rigorous activities required of a Tager in the field. They are marked with tiny symbols – an eye for Watcher, a four-leaf clover for Lucky, and a trio of flames for yourself. “Everyone else is already wearing one. They suggested we get mastoid implants, but I politely turned them down.” Holmes' wry smile indicates how much he thought of that idea. Regeneration has a downside.

“Irren also picked up standard clothing for everyone from QX and they're installing a portable shower service. It won't take too long before we're set up as well as we would be upstairs.” He glances around and shakes his head. “This is some crazy stuff, boss. Not as bad as when they thought the OIS was going to raid us, but it's pretty hairy.” Holmes looks at Rechert, who is sitting on a cot and paging through the holographic displays on his PDA rapidly, pausing only to double check the occasional paragraph or leave a bright orange bookmark amidst the blue images. “What is it exactly that is going on?”

[Con't.]

>>28960537
“Later, after everything is settled. Oh, good, they brought them. Here, you can take care of something for me.” You walk past Rechert and get his attention long enough to hand him the earpiece – and make sure he puts it in – before you call out for Viss and Jakob. Holmes follows curiously, and you stop at one of the carts containing the weapons and equipment....and the two caulk dispensers. “Holmes, grab Irren and you apply this to the juncture of floor to wall. Irren is going to follow you with this, and a bucket, and scrape the wet caulking out so it's a smooth curve.” You hand Holmes a caulking gun and a handle with a ring attacked to the end. Viss and Jakob arrive and you repeat your orders, except for the target being the ceiling.

“No breaks, no missing parts. This has to be damn near perfect. You fail this, you may not live to regret it.” Jakob makes a garbled hissing noise, and you thump him on the....well, head works. “No, I don't want to have a fight with whatever it is. We'll be doing enough of that tomorrow.” Mollified, he grasps a bucket and the cutting tool and swats Viss on the.....you're not entirely sure it ~isn't~ her ass, with a tentacle.

“Hey!” She gives the Echo a glare that is quite impressive with multifaceted eyes, and Holmes chuckles into a hand. You give Viss the caulking gun and hold up her ear-piece. “Oh, thanks.” She transforms, Nazzadi body erupting out of vanishing alien flesh, and stands in front of you, holding the caulking gun in one hand. When she has fitted the ear-bud, she transforms again, Nazzadi body subsumed by alien flesh, the caulking gun held by both the smaller set of hands near her chest. She flits towards a wall, 'accidentally' sideswiping Jakob with her wings. He lets out another garbled hiss and chases her the rest of the way to the wall, but once there they both get to work.

[Con't.]

>>28960547
“I'd say we're all adjusting pretty well. Now, you want to tell me what this is all about?” Irren is on his way over, and you're glad of the momentary respite.

“Not just yet. Let's get this taken care of and we can discuss it together.” You squeeze his shoulder and he gives you an odd look, but joins Irren to do as you've ordered.

The acolytes are setting up the last of the cots and the cases containing your load-out, while a few others are setting up the latrine and shower unit. Modern tech makes living in the rough a lot more tolerable; it's actually a fairly efficient shower, a nanofactory making the water on demand and another one breaking down wastes, making the portable bathroom actually almost like a standard bathroom. Slipt is at the doorway, standing guard, while Widow is overseeing the acolytes who are finishing up the makeshift camp. It shouldn't take more than another fifteen minutes at worst.

[] Talk to Slipt.
[] Talk to Widow.
[] Talk to Rechert.
[] Other: Write in.

>>28960555
> [x] Talk to Slipt.

>>28960555
[X] Talk to Slipt.

>>28960750
>>28960622
[X] Talk to Slipt.

Walking over to where Slipt is, she glances at you, not dismissively, but in the same manner you would probably look at someone approaching your guard post – neutral with a side of indifference. Still, the hair stands up on the back of your neck and you are acutely aware that Slipt is perfectly capable of killing most of the people in this room without ever being noticed. Not you or Viss so much, but everyone else, probably. You're not certain that it is entirely her attitude of indifference that sets you on edge. It is almost like she is more than a simple predator or hunter. As though she wouldn't hesitate to kill even members of the Society if that's what was needed.

“Did you have them check the other incidents and compare them to this one.” It only makes sense to have done so.

“Yes. We put all the data on Rechert's PDA but Towern said that if you wanted to know I could tell you anything pertinent.” She turns and looks outside, her eyes flicking as she scans for potential problems. “Presuming you do....yes, there are strong possibilities that the situation here mirrors situations in other sudden deaths like the one you exper – sorry, witnessed.”

A chill runs down your spine. “So it's entirely possible there's a Hound involved.” She nods. “Do you have any experience with them?”

With a smile, she shakes her head. “No, not them. Something like them. A Shambler.” You recall Widow mentioning them to you. “Until they're fully formed, they're invincible. The Shamblers don't think or act like other sapients. It takes a ritual to call one, but sometimes they simply wander through.”

As obvious as the question is, you ask it anyways. “Did you kill it?”

[Con't.]

>>28960933
“Yes but it wasn't easy. If I hadn't used my limit weapon it probably would have won that fight. But that is one thing....when I was teleporting around it, there were points between teleports I could strike at it. The multi-dimensional structure was vulnerable to me in a way other creatures aren't. You might keep that in mind, perhaps let Rechert know.” At your nod she considers for a long moment. “I think that you and your murder are in trouble, Anne. I also think that it was not entirely your fault. I have my doubts that this is all coincidence. I haven't any proof, but I am making some inquiries.”

The thought of an Elder making inquires on your behalf is both reassuring and a little insulting. You keep the second part of that under wraps for the moment as you thank her. “I appreciate that. I truly do. You might....you might consider relating it to the attempt to rescue my mother.” While you don't hint that you believe she was being rescued from the Tagers, she agrees to do so as you go back to let Rechert know what she said.

“Found anything for me yet?” Rechert glances up at you, pausing in his rapid fire paging. “no pressure, only all our lives at stake.” Your deadpan only fools him for a moment, before he grins sheepishly. “Maybe. It looks like the Mi-Gou have had this happen to them too.” He touches the holographic bookmark, and a disturbing series of 2-D images is arrayed around his PDA. Mi-Gou corpses, a few in the same condition as the body upstairs, while some are mutilated even worse, carved into pieces in manners that do not suggest straight edged tools, or even tools at all. “In addition to NEG sorcerers being killed by them, Mi-Gou have been hit too. In fact, there aren't any groups who delved into time magics that haven't taken losses. There's nothing about T-99 of course, but there are a few OIS files that hint that Chrysalis has suffered from Hound attacks in the past too.”

[Con't]

>>28960986
“When was the most recent one, for anyone?”

He frowns. “Some years ago. It doesn't happen very often; in the course of the last twenty years it's only occurred eight times. Finding things like this leaves a pretty clear message.” You flick through some of the images, noticing some few of the Mi-Gou are still semi-alive as well. “I have been seeing rumors though. I'd like to research it a bit more before I make any comments.” That would be his symbiont-driven cautiousness coming to the fore.

[] Give me a hint.
[] Take your time, but not too much.
[] Check the PDA Viss recovered.
[] Other: Write in.

>>28961002
> [x] Take your time, but not too much.
> [x] Check the PDA Viss recovered.

>>28961002
[X] Check the PDA Viss recovered.
[X] Take your time, but not too much.

>>28961109
>>28961153
[X] Take your time, but not too much.
[X] Check the PDA Viss recovered.

“Take your time, but not too much of it. I'd like some kind of plan soon after everyone has left. We're bait here, sad to say.”

“Ugh. You're too right. I'll work as fast as I can, Anne.” He opens up another section and you see him writing a small, efficient program to help him search though the data he's been given.

Pulling out the PDA that Viss pulled out of the closet, you power it up. Password protected of course, but not biometered. Which wouldn't be impossible to get around, just difficult. Letting Rechert know you'll be right back, you go over to the carts containing the equipment and weapons you requested. A full load-out for six Tagers doesn't just include weaponry. You're more than merely soldiers: research, intelligence operations, blackmail, counter-intelligence....whatever it takes, you can do, and you can use the equipment it takes, such as the keen little PDA breaker you pull out of one of the smaller cases.

It takes a moment to hook it into the PDA, and in a few minutes it will have the password cracked and all the files available for your perusal. In the mean time you check over the situation. Your team is almost done with the caulking – it almost looks like a contest, humanoids versus Tagers, and the humanoids are losing – and the setup of the toiletry equipment is complete and tested. Widow is walking towards you, while most of the acolytes are leaving; a few are still setting up a cooking area.

“Firefly.” She greets you with a faint smile. “A Tager will be on guard outside, but Mordecai recommends you have one of your murder seal the wards once we are all gone. Radio contact will still work, and any requests you make will be taken care of.” She glances at the cases of equipment. “Though it looks like you're ahead of the game on that count, hmn?”

[Con't.]

>>28961191
“Well, we have a mission for the Elders to prep for as well. I figure, why be idle?” You smile at her, but there's so much about this woman that you're not sure about any longer.

“Good luck to you then. I hope to see you soon.” Her smile is sly and a little predatory.

>Reponse?

>>28961191
Likewise. Perhaps after we've racked up some experience we could continue our earlier chat.

>>28961258
Sounds okay with me.

>>28961207
"I hope we can meet again hopefully as equals."

I get the feeling she knows a lot more than she's saying.

>>28961277
Possibly about the entire thing with our mom, but I somehow doubt that she has any clues about this.
Now, Radessi, on the other hand, might.

>>28961277
>>28961258
>Likewise. Perhaps after we could continue our earlier chat at a later date?
>I hope we can meet again, hopefully as equals

You suppress the surge of indignation at her overt familiarity, and keep your smile calm, natural. Nazzadi facial expression saving your bacon again. “I certainly look forward to it. I really would like to continue our earlier discussion, perhaps after I've learned a few more things.” The flicker of uncertainty in her expression is milliseconds in length, but it is there. The effect is more than simply mollifying, it is galvanizing. Your symbiont is looking forward to that talk even more now, and you can't say you disagree with it.

As Widow follows the acolytes out, Slipt glances in once last time, and then shuts and seals the door. While Widow Tagers are no more spiders than Whispers are bugs, you can't shake the creepy feeling that Widow herself gives off; secretive and clever, indeed. You're actually getting used to Slipt. Well, more used to her, she still makes you feel like you're on a hit list. Though that could be knowing a Hound might be after you. A soft ping alerts you to the fact that the PDA has been decrypted and is now accessible.

[Con't.]

>>28961387
Pulling it out you quickly determine that this is Lopert's PDA – not surprising, you're one of the few people who doesn't carry one around constantly and Yen's is probably ash – and that by and large he wasn't doing anything unusual with it. Diary, study notes for various classes and operation training, bank account (nothing unusual there), some personal pictures, new girlfriend it looks like, some emails which are also fairly recent. Emails or Diary are a good place to start, but it looks like the caulking is finished, and the Tagers have become Viss and Jakob again, while everyone but Rechert is headed towards....well, you.

Time to decide what the hell you're doing next.

[] Discuss the situation.
[] Tell the murder about Yen.
[] Get armed and outfitted.
[] Other: Write in.
>A numerical order can be applied. Specify f you're going to (not) tell them about his death.

>>28961404
Discuss the situation while we get armed and outfitted. Doing something proactively familiar will probably help while we introduce everyone to the fact that we may be being hunted by the Hounds.

And... I do think we need to tell them the truth about Yen, but let's hold that off until Rechert is finished with his research.

>>28961404
Discuss the situation while getting armed and outfitted.
Did we caulk those new things we just installed in here, just in case?

>>28961429
Maybe, but after we finish preparing ourselves. Lets first see how the team handles the situation - we need them in their peak condition now, and having them go after each other or panic could prove fatal.

>>28961429
>>28961481
[X] Get armed and outfitted + Discuss the situation.

With everyone now in human form, it is something of a shock to realize you are all in basic black semi-formal wear; you've just come from a funeral, and in such a short amount of time been plunged into what may as well be a fight for your lives. “First things first. Everyone armored and armed. I want us all battle ready. Sidearms at least – rifles can remain stowed. Except you, Viss, I want you to take a heavy rifle of some sort – NOT a lightning gun! – and see if you can transform with it in reverse. I want you to carry it in your Whisper form.” The idea apparently hadn't occurred to her, and she nods, despite the admonition to leave the lightning guns alone. “That goes for you too Irren. I'd hate to see what a lightning strike might do in a place like this.” Not the room per se, but the ritual room has crystals, metal circles and symbols in the floors and ceilings, and other chancy objects. Not that bullets won't be a problem, but lightning is unpredictable at the best of times.

You have an advantage over the others – your physical form is reinforced by your symbiont. The others are not so lucky. Still, some light armor can't hurt you any, and Irren pulls the two duffel-bags he set on the floor. “Basic blacks, but they're our sizes. QX keeps a good database on us all.” Changing is quick and to the point, and no one is body shy; the risk of being out of one-anothers' sight is foremost on the minds of you and the two youngest.

[Con't.]

>>28961723
As you finish suiting up and buckling the armor, your eyes drift over the array of sidearms available to you. Before, you could never use a heavy pistol. Not only because the weight was prohibative, but because the recoil was just too powerful for you to keep any sort of accuracy. Now, however....you grin, deciding on something between heavy and medium. The machine pistol you pick up is an automatic weapon. You couldn't fire it at full auto before, and even bursts made your aim terrible, but with the strength you have now, you could easily keep the weapon steady at full automatic. Four extra clips tucked into cargo pants and two more in your belt makes for an exceedingly nasty surprise from a delicate Nazzadi. Your aikuchi tucked along your back – they even included a proper sheath for it, those thoughtful fellows – and you're as well armed and armored as you can get.

“All right. The situation that you know of is that we're under a potential threat. Yen may have done something spectacularly stupid, and as a result he may have accidentally called down a Hound of Tindalos. Unfortunately we don't know if it hasn't targeted any of us. He seems to have been very interested in Viss and Rechert, which means they may be under scrutiny. I'm another candidate.”

“Question.” You gesture for Holmes to ask.

“Is this about what you found in his room?”

[Con't.]

>>28961730
“Yes. Some kind of time-window. Yen's roommate got himself caught by a Hound, and it's probably one of the worst ways to go I’ve seen yet.” Not a soul doubts your claim, though Viss looks a little put off by the reminder. “So basically, we're isolating ourselves from the Enclave, not hiding from the Hounds, though that reminds me. Viss, Rechert, see if you can't activate the wards.”

“I can assist them,” offers Irren, to your surprise.

“Go ahead, but after you get your weapons.” You're secretly pleased; you've got a wider variety of talents in your murder than most people ever get assigned. The thought that immediately follows is how much of that was intentional.

Tucking Lopert's PDA in the reinforced holster on your left hip, you glance at the others. Viss transforming back from being a Whisper, and then she transforms into a Whisper – and has a sleek looking sniper-styleed railgun held in her central arms. She transforms back and grins rubbing her hands together in anticipation. In fact, everyone except Jakob looks antsy, ready to fight. Jakob looks controlled, calm; but then, he's been a soldier for much longer than any of you. He's been in the War, and it shows, even over the predatory nature of his Tager. He, like Holmes, selected a heavy pistol, though Irren has selected two lighter ones – one a tazer, the other a medium needle pistol. Jakob also adds a a pistol grip combat shotgun, and loads up on alternate types of ammo; Holmes picks out a gauss-machine gun, while Rechert and Viss both have selected light pistols only.

[Con't.]

>>28961741
Everyone is carrying knives of varying lengths and styles you expect. It is with a measure of pride you notice no one picked up one of those damn katanas half the acolytes prefer. Irren does add a sword cane to his outfit, but then, in civilian clothing he actually looks like he deserves one, and the composite exterior is tough enough to be used as a weapon on its own.

As the others activate the wards, you motion Holmes and Jakob close. “I'm thinking if it goes after anyone, it will be either myself or Viss. She's your priority. Not just because she's the youngest, but because she's an absolute necessity for the other mission.”

“And you have no doubt you can cope with anything,” Jakob comments with a grin.

“I received some special training from Towern. I'm pretty confident I can cope.” Taking an Elder down with zero experience might have been luck, but you tend to doubt it. “You two take the caulk guns and seal off the PLASU, I'll get the food out.” They do as you bid and you open up a couple of coolers – not only sandwiches and fruit, but water and cold coffee. There's a box of instant coffee boxes, self heating, and you grab a few of those as you set out the food for everyone.

The sensation of the wards being activated irritates you for a few seconds, but then the absolute stillness of the room around you is somewhat reassuring. Then everyone is on their way back to you, not a couple looking happy that dinner, no matter how simple it is, is being served.

[Con't.]

File: 1387462173836.jpg-(197 KB, 1000x647, p19.jpg)

197 KB JPG

>>28961753
You don't see any particular need for formality at the moment; you pull a cot out and sit on it, while Rechert pulls another one a little closer. He and Irren sit on it, while Holmes leans against one of the equipment carts and Jakob sits down seiza style, to your surprise. Unsurprisingly, Viss takes a seat on the edge of the cot you're sitting on, and hugs her knees, watching you attentively. No one starts to eat, though Holmes breaks open his water.

“So....we may or may not be the target of a supernatural hit-man from Beyond, and then there's the mission the Elders want us on.” Jakob sums it up nicely.

“Rechert is doing some research and I have some to do as well. More importantly, I think we're as safe as we can be at the moment. With the wards up, the only Whisper we have to worry about peeping on us is in the room-” “Hey!” “-and I'm pretty sure this isn't some kind of assassination attempt, just, really bad luck on our part.” You look at your Murder, and despite their anticipation, there is no doubt or fear in them. Jakob is twitching in place a little, but Echoes are hunters by nature, and he's just eager to eat something worthwhile. “If by chance I am wrong, you'll be the first to hear about it, I promise you that. We're in this together, and I'm done with my people dying.”

Viss doesn't even let a muscle twitch, despite what she knows.

“Now, as far as a battle plan....”

[] The Basics: Viss and you towards the middle, Rechert on research, the men to cover you.
[] Plans of String: Gather in the middle, set up watches, and just be wary.
[] Solid Planning: Use some of the crates and carts as hard cover for the men, position them around the room in a triangle. You, Viss and Rechert in the center, behind more cover. That gives kill zones and prevents surprises, as well as some defenses.
[] Other: Write in.

TO BE CONTINUED....

>Plans will be taken into account. To be continued tomorrow, 2:30 am Friday.

>>28961860
> [x] Solid Planning: Use some of the crates and carts as hard cover for the men, position them around the room in a triangle. You, Viss and Rechert in the center, behind more cover. That gives kill zones and prevents surprises, as well as some defenses.
Prepare, but don't overprepare.

Side note, did we use that caulk stuff on the crates and supplies? Those things could prove to be death traps if they can show up behind our cover.

>>28961860
You will be receiving an equipment list, and I'll be on for a short while longer if you have questions.

Thank you for reading and playing.

>>28961906
Yes, they've been checked over by Holmes and Jakob. In theory nothing should be able to get in anyways, because of all the other wards and the sealing of the room's corners. But you were careful.

>>28961860
Maybe we should try leaving any objects with sharp angles all in one side of the room, which could form a kind of kill zone for any Hound that takes the easy path in. Other than that we need to learn if their acid spit is more effective against flesh than it is against metal, because if so we could then set up a little circle barricade in the center for the men to fire from.

I do think that we should try to avoid melee if at all possible, focusing fire on one target at a time with Firefly as main tank. It'll hurt, but we have the best regeneration on the team as well as the best armor and damage capability.

But watches are a good idea, though I don't have any good ideas on how to set them.

>>28961930
Well, at least now they can't pop up behind our cover. Also what >>28961939 said - create a kill zone using objects with sharp edges in one corner of the room.

Is there a limit to from where they can show up? They can't suddenly pop out from a gun barrel or something?

>>28961963
Any angle of >210 degrees. Thos prohibids them from emerging from obtuse angles, as well as outer edges of corners. It is worth noting the carts have cylindrical frames, meaning all the angles are too wide for the Hounds to get through. The intersection of objects is also not effective - a box on the floor forms an angle, bit it's not an actual angle formed by a single solid object.

No, no gun barrel jumps.

EQUIPMENT: PDA belonging to Lopert, Society earbud communicator, PDA Hotbox password breaker, composite aikuchi knife, Light Tager combat suit (armor 1/1), MP-6A1 Heckler Koch and Sig Automatic Machine Pistol (loaded), 6 spare magazines for same, permit for same, Personal ID and credit meter, OIS identification and permits and badge for one Anne Heche (those bastards), two changes of clothes, a reinforced duffel-bag, 10 paper cups, a box of breath mints, and a traveling toothbrush. You also have a OIS White Coat Uniform and Personal Armor, though it's packed currently.

Other requests will be filled as possible - you did request a FULL load-out.

>>28961939
Well, looking at what's left of Yen's roommate, their acidic spit is probably more potent against flesh than metal.
As for the melee part, if what Slipt has told us can apply to these things as well, we might need to turn to Tagers to have a shot against them.

>>28962109
That really was kind of a given, but no reason not to soften them up with hardware.

Also it helped relieve tension and anticipation while we told our murder "well, we're in a box where the monsters are going to come eat us so everyone else has a chance at surviving."