Title: A Fallen City

Characters: Ariel Blackdiamond, Emerald Haynsworth, Katy Coloflower, Matthew Lazarus, Matt Darkthorne, Michael, Raikoo StarShard, Razorwind Cloudrun, Rick, Tassadar

Intro: This RP is part of Kalinka's background. This also took place right before Kael joined the Channelwood Freedom Fighters.



CHAPTER 1: The Danger revealed.

Ariel is hopping as fast as she can towards Channelwood. To any who might spot her ahead of time, she looks determined and even a bit worried. In any case, she doesn't look happy, that is pretty certain.

Matt is at a now apparently standard place to be seen.  The only diffrence being the chair seems to be permanently mounted at the safest angle on the roof.  Does he see Ariel ahead of time? no, he thinks he's seeing her on time, maybe a bit late, whatever.  Though he figures he might as well make sure the elevator is at ground level in case she's so exited she tries to jump up to the second level.

Matthew is on the ground near the elevator having recently finished a a series of practice sessions composed of both melee and ranged combat drills. Matthew hasn't noticed Ariel is approaching, but he has heard approaching footsteps and starts walking towards where Ariel is approaching from, but he hasn't seen Ariel just yet, but he will in a few more moments unless ariel changes her direction.

Ariel jumps right over some busheses and nearly runs into Matthew, but quickly avoides him. She screeches to a halt and looks to Matthew. "Matthew!" she says as though relieved to see him.

Matt saves himself some waiting time by abuseing his rope and grapple hook again to go straight to ground level. and blink blinks when he sees someone apparently relived to see Matthew. "Did I miss something, again?"

Matthew jumps back slightly as he first sees Ariel to make sure that the two don't collide. Matthew then notices the concern in Ariel's voice and asks, "What is the matter?" as Matthew knows that something has to be wrong for Ariel to act like this.

Ariel sighs and looks to where she came from. "It's... Robotnik. You know his influence is spreading all the time, but this is very bad. His non-robotic allies grow numerous and now a very key location belongs to him. How the pure have been corrupted by selfishness..." she closes her eyes and a tear escapes with her expression in a rather angry contortion.

Matt has given up on figureing out the many and varied stupid reasons people do unpleasant things, despite the obvious fact theyre survival chances could be even lower what with their location being known deliberatly.  "And this important place is how high on the 'very bad if someone unpleasant gets hold of it' scale?"

Matthew looks at Ariel and asks, "And what do you want me to do about them? Kill them? Or do you think it is still possible to save them from themselves?" as the tone of Matthew's voice hints at a view of 'so what else is new, and what do you expect me to do about it?'

Ariel looks to Matt. "About as bad as when Robotnik took Mobotropolis." she looks to Matthew. "I... I think killing may be the answer here. We can not afford to waste time these days, and they sit atop something very dangerous."

Matt sighs, one the one hand, killing people tends to be unpleasant buisness. on the other hand, its infinitly easier to get done than the usual things that get stabbed and trashed of late.

Matthew asks, "Is this the same place we've been before, or is this a place that if Julian gained control of, he'd gain even more power?" as Matthew is clearly concerned and shows no distain from the possibility of having to kill an unknown number of people who have who knows what for defences.

Ariel nods. "One and the same. The very same one I told you you'd be creamed... and with good reason. We are going to need more than you and I going in there and I'm afraid Katy won't have the stomach for what is needed... do you know any others?"

Matt doesn't even bother to comment on that one. I mean just LOOK at him, he's there, he's hearing the conversation, he's got the same basic outfit as the guy she's asking for help. there are some things you can't make more obvious no matter how much commentary is used.

Matthew sighs as he says, "The only other person in Channelwood that I know won't hesitate if it comes to fighting for survival when the opponents are not robotic is Matt. But I haven't told him about that lab yet. But now is as good of a time as any, since any lab where I can get a complete overhaul and some improvements... is a place that Robotnik could use to build extremely effective eleite combat forces, not to mention the other things he could use the lab for. But even the three of us would not be enough to take out that place, directly," as Matthew is rather concerned since he's not fond of hte idea of fighting dozens of robotic counterparts with a skill level comperable to his own.

Ariel strokes her chin in thought as she holds onto her spear... "This is urgent. I'll stay the night, but after that, I'll need to look elsewhere for more backup. Help me find anyone from Channelwood... ANYone willing to help."

Matt says, "Well theres only one guy I know of thats willing to try and kill, but he very very bad at it and it would be to easy an exsuce for putting a stop to that if he actually managed for once."

Matthew laughs and says, "Well Razorwind wouldn't be helpful, since he only tries to kill me, But Michael might be mature enough to handle the assignment, but I don't know if he could actually pull the trigger," as Matthew ponders the situation.

Ariel says, "Well let's find out. Only one way to find out... explain the seriousness of the situation to them all and see who volunteers."

Raikoo walks in from the forest, carrying the zanbantosai across his shoulder. "Well that's soem training done..." And no he didn't go to middletown.. Katy'd kill him if he did without permission.. @.@;

Matt says, "you mean we cant just walk up to random channelwood members and ask 'you think you could kill someone in a sensible and non-hesitant manner?' itd probably be as sudden and shocking a question, but with a more amseing reaction chance."

Matthew notices Raikoo's approach and then looks to Matt and then to Ariel and says, "Well let's find out," as Matthew walks over to Raikoo and bluntly asks, "If a large group of people became a grave danger to Mobius by siding with Robotnik's force, could you kill them without hesitation and without mercy before they killed you?"

Ariel nods, following Matthew since he is more familiar with the town.

Raikoo blinks, "Well... I don't know about killing.. but they'd definatelly have to be brought to justice that they would. THough I suppose if I had no other choice then I would." he nods.

Matt is faced with the difficulty that is finding amuseing commentary on the subject of kill or be killed... still nothing comes to mind yet.

Matthew nods and turns to Ariel and says, "Well there might be hope, for some here, but I'm not sure how effective we'll be against those people with the defences and numerical superiority they have...Are you sure we can't just use a slow but lethal poison that would result in them all getting a lehtal dose before they realize they have been poisoned? And thus they all die without firing a shot."

Ariel sighs. "Do you have the resources to create that much poison? I sure don't. And creating a disease is self-destructive since we don't have the means to contain it. Not to mention robots would be immune."

Matt asks, "Why is it that apparently more than adequatly defended complexes always get taken over, and then the origional owners have trouble with previously mentioned  innifective in practice defenses?"

Raikoo just kinda listens in, "What's going on?"

Matthew sighs and says, "I see your point, I guess slaugher-fiest it is," as Matthew then turns to Matt and says, "I don't know if they ahve been taken over or if they had simply sided with Julian out of greed. But the reason why doesn't matter as much as the fact they are a danger, and they have the 'power' to cause a heck of a lot of damage of left unchecked."

Ariel glances at Matt, "Because this time, the complex was taken over with deception, causing the ones who defend it to now work for Robotnik." she looks to Raikoo. Then to Matthew and Matt. "Who else?" she begins heading for Channelwood.

Raikoo blinks... "This can't be good." He glances around. Gotta see Katy about takeing leave to go to the Aquatic Ruins Zone and warn the ff's there..

Matt shrugs and heads off after Ariel, he wants to see the various reactions to this.

Matthew walks towards the elevator as he says, "Well I duno who we shoudl bring this to first, Michael or Katy?" as Matthew is unsure which of the two would be more receptive to the likelyhood of having to kill people.

Tim's said spoofed alts gather at the mess hall soon enough. Even Tass, who is hiding in a shadow.
Michael has also arrived at the mess hut/hall wondering what is so important that Ariel and Matthew decided to call an meeting like this, but Michael suspeccts it is somehwat important otherwise they wouldn't resort to doing this.

Ariel looks about as she explains the situation to those present. "So the question is... who can help and who is willing to kill."

Matt already told her earlier, so no real need to repeat himself now is there?

Matthew looks to Ariel and says, "This isn't some sick joke, but the current situation is grim, if Julian is able to get ahold of those resources... and that lab....Well, let's just say things would get quite ugly." as Matthew tries to dance around the fact that he was able to get a complete overhaul in the lab, since Matthew is hesitant to reveal that fact to Michael and Katy since he doesn't want to deal with the hassle it could cause right now.

Katy leans back in her seat and scrunches her face some too... "Darn." she sighs and looks down. "People... turning to Robotnik's side... without being roboticized? What kind of fools would... " she shakes her head. "I'm sorry... I have no idea if I could kill another living being. I've never done that before."

Michael sighs as he knows this is a grave situation, Michael knows that greed and desire can cause people to do some stupid things but this is one of the most serious he's heard of.. Michael says, "A part of oneself dies when one kills another living being. Like Katy, I have no clue if when push comes to shove, if I could take a life... after all we've been fighting for years to save lives, not kill them," as Michael is quite serious, but honest in his doubts despite the seriousness of the situation Ariel has brought to their attention.

Emerald looks aside, rubbing her arm. She simpley says, "Count me in. I can help." without really saying wether she can kill or not.

Ariel looks about the room. "Emerald is the only one to say definate so far... I can understand the hesitance. You could all sleep on it, but only for one night. That is all I'm willing to afford. Having backup useful enough that I'm willing to wait at all."

Matt says "Im guessing one of the end results of all this will be my generaly nice guy image seeming a bit strange when im covered in blood."

Matthew grins in a rather cold manner at Matt's comment before Matthew says to Ariel, "And what am I? Chooped liver?" as Matthew is clearly refering to the fact that he's already said he'd up.

Katy sighs, "I like that idea. I'll sleep on it and think long and hard about it."

Michael nods and says, "I agree. This mission if we accept it... will have lasting ramifications, the like of which we may not be able to guess at this time," as Michael is worried how he'd be able to live with himself if he had to kill someone. Michael then looks down at the floor for a moment before adding, "But we must also worry about the ramifications of not going on this mission... I guess this is a no win situation, either way something bad will occur...I guess we can only try to minimize the damage done."

Emerald says, "Well don't worry Katy... I'm sure things will be handled alright whoever goes." she looks at Matthew. Then Matt. Then Ariel... "I'm prepared to do what it takes." not often a person gets to see her serious, but there you go. Meanwhile... Tassadar is still quiet.

Ariel looks to Matthew. "I meant since we came in this room, but that is no big deal. And let's hope none of us are chopped liver... this mission is a rather important one and could mark the turning point of Robotnik's reign if we don't stop it."

Matt shrugs, "Well I sure would be surpised if most anything managed to dampen your generally nice guy image. A little bit after I try and figure out how you got a generaly nice guy image"

Matthew glances to Matt and replies, "But I haven't killed Razorwind yet..for me that extremely nice given the stunts he's pulled, and my history off executing those that try even one of those stunts."

Katy says, "What does Razorwind have to do with this? I'm not allowing him to go on this mission if Matthew is on the mission. It would only compromise the mission."

Michael blinks and sighs as he says to Matthew, "Not killing someone over the drop of a hat doesn't make you a nice guy," as Michael wonders why Matthew thinks that it would.

Emerald nods slowly. She doesn't care to get into this particular argument. She looks at Tassadar who is still silent, but he quietly starts to sneak over to Matt.

Ariel hasn't noticed Tassadar yet, distracted by the conversation at hand.

Matt might have glanced at Tass for a moment, or he might not have and shifted position to provide more shadows and stuff for Tass when he reaches him, and just because. who knows?

Matthew grumbles slightly, "It was more than a drop of a hat, but let's just deal with the mission at hand, getting sidetracked about Mr birdbrain isn't going to solve our problem. Since those here won't be ready to decide till tomorrow, all we can do is wait, and prepair," as Matthew stands up and walks towards the door, but stops near the doorway and turns around to lean against the wall of the hut near the doorway.

Katy nods and says, "I'll see you all in the morning." as she gets up and heads for her own hut.

Michael nods and says, "Untill then, but for now I need to contemplate the options," as like Katy, Michael stands up and heads off to his hut.

Emerald says, "You know my vote. I'll go get my equipment together... and meet you in the morning." she heads off.

Tassadar quietly waits for everyone else to leave...

Ariel hrms. "Well alright. I guess all's well. See you all in the morning."

Matt waves, "see you then," he doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Matthew watches as people leave the room as his eyes glows green for a few moments ash e ponders what gear he should take with him on the mission.

Tassadar glances about. "I didn't want to speak up while the others were around, but I want to go too."

Ariel finally notices Tass and lifts an eyebrow.

Matt says "Well it not like I could stop you or anything, but what happens if someone does notice you, slim chance that may be, or if they decide to go overboard with heat sensors?  the majority of those goins are...wait, gimme a sec," he mentaly counts off whos going so far... 3 violent nuts, 3 not in the violent nut category... "okay, so the majority isnt made up of violent maniacs going, but half of us are so far."

Matthew asks, "Who's the third violent nut?" as Matthew mutters, "I don't have multipe personalities, and I doubt you do either, so we both count as one apeice," while leaning against the wall of the mess hut.

Tassadar doesn't bother asking now that Matthew has done that for him.

Ariel is all ears also.

Matt says "Well I figure its a pretty safe bet Koo would be comeing along. and if a guy swinging around a sword as big as he is doesn't count for a violent nut, then i'll finnaly know for sure its numbers over size in the sharp object rateings."  as for worth as opposed to counting as violent types, matt and matthew would double the team size most likely.

Matthew nods and says, "Well if he goes, then  ya, but I've learned not to assume anything, so for now all we can do is wait till tomorow and see who else will be coming along on the mission."

Tassadar says, "Don't tell Katy I'm comming. She might try to stop me."

Ariel sighs. "Look... there is a good reason she would. And it may be best for you to stay behind if that is the case. Otherwise, Katy could wind up following and thus compromise the mission. Assuming she isn't comming to begin with."

Matt says "I won't tell her, but im pretty sure others would for varying reasons. Also, we probably need SOMEONE left alive on the enemy side to get information from. what are the odds of that happening if you get hurt badly?"

Matthew glares at Ariel and says in a cold and stern tone of voice, "Any do you think he should stay behind? If Tassadar wants to come, why shouldn't he, his stealth skills could be quite useful. And don't give me a 'he's too young arguement, since that doesn't fly with me, since like with inexperience as an excues one can not learn if one is prevented from having the opportunity to learn and grow."

Tassadar tries not to smile from Matthew standing up for him.

Ariel says, "Actually, the reason is that. If you are going to train someone, you start simple and work your way up. Do you think this boy has even half your skill? Cause if so, he's invited as far as I'm concerned."

Matt says "You hear that Tass? Your invited."

Matthew chuckles a bit, "Who said anything about training? Think the people of Channelwood received proper training when they were first forced out here? No they learned from surviving, survival of the fittest. And unless you know something about Tassadar that we don't why assume that he has no skill at all?"

Tassadar snerks at Matt's comment. He thinks it funny anyone would think he is half as skilled as some old man with cybernetic implants.

Ariel exclaims, "I didn't say he has no skill. But you all hang out with the kid more than I ever have... you tell me!"

Matt shrugs, "Well I guess the guy who can notice someone sneaking around's opinon of skill isn't doesnt count as telling the one that was surpised to see him. suggestions on how I should put it?"

Matthew looks to Matt and says, "Perhaps we should just let Tassadar enlighten Ariel on his own," as Matthew feels that Tassadar should be able to explain why he should be allowed to go on the mission on his own, partially since Matthew wants Tassadar to speak up for himself.

Tassadar says, "Maybe being overlander means that my age doesn't mean I have a small size type advantage. But I do know how to sneak well."

Ariel sighs. "Whatever. I'm using any help I can get. What you do is up to you. But don't count me responsible."

Matt says, "I tend to blame the ones that cause the incidents nobody wants to be responsible for myself"

Matthew looks at Ariel and simply says, "The only one responcible for Tassadar is Tassadar," as Matthew continues to lean agaisnt hte wall.

Tassadar smiles. "Alright! You guys are so spiffy!"

Ariel squirms uncomfortabley. Still not happy with the idea of a child risking his life.

Matt says, "I'm spiffy for basicaly saying, 'sure, come along on a trip where odds are high on dieing and higher on getting maimed.' i'll have to remember that one."

Matthew grins slightly and says sarcastically, "Worst case he ends up with a few cybernetic limbs. If we can take control of the lab and maintain control of that lab, I could 'repair' anyone that is alive no matter how badly damaged their body is, just as long as there isn't any brain damage and they are still breathing, I can 'rebuild' them."

Tassadar feels his arm. "I'll be fine, thanks."

Ariel nods. "That information will be useful. And I can heal too. So that makes two doctors."

Matt says "I somehow doubt we'll be getting any arm mounted plasma cannons though." Matt will be perfectly happy when he gets the right swatbot innards, and places the obvious arm mounted bits and convinent ripped out of swatbots chest power supply, ect on something convinent.

Matthew says, "I hate to burst your bubble Matt, but I doubt that will occur anytime soon, since I doublt we'll get the parts to remodel your arm to accompodate a plasma cannon in addition to your grappling hook, although I think logistically we'd have to replace the grappling hook."
Tassadar has now gone quiet.

Ariel says, "Whatever. I'm heading for bed. Night fellas."

Matt says "Didn't I just say I doubted that would happen? besides unless i wanted a shoulder the size of a beachball i dont think id fit anything too powerful on it." he waves, "Hope you sleep well, and that you can sleep at all when this is over."

Matthew nods and says, "That is true, but I don't want you getting your hopes up," before Matthew glances to Ariel and says, "Well goodnight Ariel."

Tassadar takes a step back to be behind Matt again.

Ariel nods to them and heads for bed to leave them with their conversation. All she is concerned about is having the strength to do this mission when the time comes.

Matt says "You know, if it wasn't for the fact I told you to just practice in genral, i'd say you dont really need to hide behind things when there isnt anyone that doesn't know your here."

Matthew chuckles, "Heh, well I'm going to rest up and get my gear ready so that I'll be ready to go tomorrow morning, although I suspect it won't be in the morning when we leave since we have to find out who else is going on the mission."

Tassadar blushes from Matt's comment. "It's a reflex, Matt." Then looks at Matthew and says, "Good night, Matthew."

Matt waves, "See you then, and hopefully later that day as well." he looks to Tass "Well it is a good one to have, and can't really say i havent developed those sorts of habits myself."

Matthew replies, "Good night everyone," just before he stops leaning on the wall and walks out of the door heading off towards the elevator oddly enough as Matthew is heading to Matt and Matthew's old APC to get the gear they'll be using ready before he get's some rest as well as perform a field diagnostic to make sure that he's in top shape.




CHAPTER 2: An ambushed walk.

It is a day or two since Ariel came by. She gave you a map to the city and told you to meet her there. Emerald and Michael were instructed to go with Matthew and Matt on foot while Tass went with Ariel and someone else.

Emerald is walking along in the woods, having been walking with the others for some time now and swishing her tail happily. Is she as psycho as Matt or Matthew since she is happy when about to go kill mass peoples? Or is she not focused on that? Who knows? She simpley hums a happy tune as she walks.

Matthew seems to either have no concience as he has no qualms with what he's most likely going to do as Matthew walks thought the woods at a steady pace as he doesn't want to outdistance everyone else since when your legs are twice as long, you tend to cover more distance with each step. Matthew clearly has no problems with the idea of killing a massive amount of people, and some might wonder how many people have already died by his hands, but since not even Matthew has bothered to keep track of them all... who knows.

Matt meanwhile, stopped counting a certain someones kills after he started mixing up liveing and robots numbers. though it was rather high.  He seems less blatently casual about the trip and not as cheerfull as Emerald, sticking with his genericaly calm self with a small smile on his face gig.  "So, exactly how far away is this place again?"

Michael seems to the only one that is having problems with the idea of possibly having to kill living beings as he replies to Matt's question, "I don't know," as Michael knows that the needs of the many outweight those of the few and that there are 'a few' people at the place the group is headed that have made a decision that endangers 'many' people, so Michael knows that not trying to stop the few would have been the wrong thing to do.

Emerald answers, "Well according to the map, it's a few more days of traveling. Lucky us, since Ariel was so insistant about time." she grins. "Anyone else besides Ariel been to this place?"

Matthew continues walking as he says, "I've been in the area before, but I've never really encountered the people there as I avoided them since I didn't want to try and take them all on singlehandedly," as Matthew knows that he could cover the distance a lot faster if it was just him traveling alone, but then again he's not alone so he's not going to dwell on it.

Matt says, "Well at least the odds now are slightly better than some things already past. Could be very very wrong though, and that would be bad."

Michael keeps quiet for the moment as he doesn't feel like talking much since he knows what is likely to occur once everyone gets to the destination, and he doesn't relish the though of having to kill someone, even in self defense.

Emerald looks at Matt curious. "How are the odds better?"

Matthew answers, "There is strength in numbers," as Matthew keeps his answer simple and to the point as in a group there is less chance of him being surrounded and overwhelmed simply by their superior numbers.

Matt nods, "What he said pretty much."  then again, theres the fact that the extra numbers on their side might end up just being extra targets...

Michael continues to walk along with the rest of the group while glancign around trying to keep his mind off what is likely to occur in the near future as he doesn't want to dwell on the topic. Michael is clearly not comfortable with the mission, but knows it has to be done...however it is also clear that he's struggling to come to terms with what he might have to do.

Emerald listens some more... "I guess then of the four of us, Matthew and I are the only ones who have been to this place before."

Matthew glances to Emerald and asks, "Was this place once your home?" as Matthew is curious as to why Emerald would have come to this place for a visit and can't hink of one, since he doubts Emerald would need to make use of the lab that Ariel showed him there.

Matt hears this latest bit of news, and lets Matthew cover it as he says to Mike.  "You may be surpised how well not wanting to be stabbed repeatedly can motivate you when the time comes.  You'll still hate it, but you'll still be alive."

Michael replies to Matt's statement, "I'm well aware of that. But it doesn't change the fact that I do not look forward to it," as Michael feels that Matt is mearly stating the obvious.

Emerald answers Matthew. "No.. I didn't live there. Just visited the place once, years ago..." she still has that smile as always.

Matthew asks, "What brought you to that place?" as Matthew wonders why Emerald seems to be so enthusiastic about heading back to the place with the possibile intention of killing everyone living there.

Matt says "Never said you did, and I'd certainly hope none of us did either."  unless there was someone MAtthew missed. the Matt would understand enthusiasim.

Michael retorts, "Are you sure of that? Sometime I wonder if Matthew kills to live, or just lives to kill," as Michael still doesn't like how casual Matthew is about ending lives.

Emerald answers Matthew, "The place has a nice Karaoke bar I sang at. I also understand it had a nice laboratory. But mostly, I was there because I was a traveler..."

Matthew nods and finds Emerald's explaination a bit fickle, but then again Matthew isn't big on Karaoke bars so he doesn't see what Emerald's enthusaism is about, although he won't deny the existance of the lab.

Matt says "Well I guess you missed all of his pleasant comments about how hes not technically 'alive' anymore.  That and I dont think theres anyone where we're going that had to do with ripping him open and playing mad scientist. so odds are good he's only casualy about the killing to prevent the whole 'going crazy with guilt your entering a warzone and want to live.' thing.  I could be wrong though, after all whats a few years traveling with him gonna let me figure out?"

Michael doesn't respond to Matt's latest statment other than by nodding hs head as he continues his pace with the group as he wonders what the world is coming to when Freedom fighters are going to have to fight other living beings.

Emerald twitches her ears. She looks to Matthew. Then looks to Matt. She smiles. "You two are cute, you know that?"

Matthew doesn't really acknowledge Emerald's comment as since the death of his wife years ago, he's not really cared about being 'cute' or really keeping up his appearance as he sees little point in looking nice during a war.

Matt says "Its the jackets. Chicks dig the jackets.  That or the standards for cute are rather low these days."

Michael shrugs as he doesn't really have an oppinion on the matter since he doesn't look at 'other guys' and think 'man he looks cute' since Michael's just not that type of guy.

Emerald giggles. "Actually, I was thinking about your loyalty to each other."

Matthew looks confused as he doesn't see how loyalt is considered a 'cute' thing.. but more of soemthing born originally out of necessity.

Matt shrugs.  "It kinda just happened."

Michael walks along silently as he listens to the conversation which he thinks is rather pointless.

Emerald looks at Michael... "Are you ok?"

Matthew glances towards Michael but doesn't think anything is wrong, as Matthew is guessing that Michael hasn't even hunted and killed an animal for food before given Michael's attidute at the moment.

Matt has already made his commentary on the obvious current problem. but then that wont stop him from further ones later if it seems like a good idea...okay idea...just because.

Michael replies to Emerald's question, "I'm fine, given the circumstances," as Michael doesn't see anything with not liking the idea of having to kill a living being.

Emerald nods. "Me too! So Matthew... why were YOU there?"

Matthew replies, "Investigating the rumors about the laboratory," as what Matthew says is quite truthful, just omitting the part where he used the laboratory to get a complete overhaul.

Matt meanwhile, mentally adds in the last part, as it would be the sensible thing now wouldnt it?

Michael continues walking quietly as he really doesn't see any reason to say anything right now as he feels this mission is one he's going to regret, but knows he'll regret more if he doesn't go on the mission.

Emerald ponders. "Hey... I think Michael's spirits need to be lifted some. How about so-." she goes silent and stops in her tracks. Her ears perk up.

Matthew notices Emerald's sudden silence and looks around while listening to find out if a possible enemy is nearby. Matthew isn't sure what to expect, but better safe than sorry.

Matt also makes with the stopping, checks up as thats where he'd be, then makes with the generic looking at the obvious...well, obvious if you sneak up and freak out people just by doing things like run up next to them while waveing your arms around, places.

Michael stops and looks around as the rest of the group does so while wondering who or what has caused the sudden alertness as he wonders who would be looking for them at this time since no one shoudl know they are coming.

A bunch of mobians armed with high power laser rifles come out from behind the surrounding trees. Matthew might recognize them from their clothing as members of the city they are headed to. One of them says, "Freeze. You are now our prisoners. You move, you die." Not a bit of nervous tone from these guys.

Emerald is frozen in place. She isn't going to try testing their threat.

Matthew easily recognizes the mobians and eyes their laser rifles, silently wishing he had several of them in his position. Matthew knows that those rifles could easily kill him, but Matthew knows that these mobians don't know who they are messing with when they mess with him and Matt. Matthew glances to Matt for a moment and then to the armed mobians s he crosses his arms carefully so that both his hands are still visible but if he so chose he could slide his arms apart and palm several throwing daggers in each of his hands, if chose to do so.

Matt meanwhile, seems to be takeing this rather calmly as his arms hang loose by his sides while he looks to the few not convinently right in front of Matthew. only 7 of them? someone must be cutting back on ambush hordes to set up dramatic entrances numbers.

Michael sighs as he mutters, "This just isn't my day," as he looks around suspecting that Matthew's presence isn't what made them lash out like this but hasn't ruled that possiblity out yet, but Michael does make a mental note that high powered laser rifles are hard to come by and Michael knows that the group that these Mobians are part of is far more dangerous than Ariel had made clear, especially sicne Ariel didn't classify them as bieng as bloodthristy as Matthew seems to be.

The 'leader' of the 7 points a direction. "We are to escort you to the city. You were going that direction, but we are only making sure you don't pick up more reinforcements."

Emerald errs and says, "Why us? What did we do?"

Matthew answers for the would be hostagetakers, "Nothing, absolutely nothing, but they don't care, they ust want a high body count," as Matthew looks around keeping track in his mind of where all the ambushers are as Matthew assesses the situation while steping towards 'the center' of the groupto try and get a clear line of sight between himself and as many of the attackers as possible. Matthew knows that if they are taken into the city, they will most likely be tortured, and then roboticized or executed. Matthew however does not intend to let that happen, but he doesn't show any signs towards such, even in his voice as he start's calculating the optimal way to disable as many of the enemy as possibly before they can attack the group, but Matthew knows he can't stop them all before they get a shot off.

Matt would move to a more advantegous position, but he's thankfully started out that way.  On the bright side, Mike probbaly wont have to even resort to violence himself yet.

Michael glances around, clearly there is fear in his eyes, but he's not willing to surrender his freedom to traitorous fools who would side with Robotnik.

Just as the men are about to lead the four to the city, one of them looks to Matthew and gives a few hand signals pointing at himself and then the guy in front of him as he points his gun to the guy in front of him.

Emerald doesn't see the signal, but follows directions to be led for the time being.

Matthew does see the signals and grins slightly as he knows that for the moment they look at each other to see the signals, they aren't looking at him! And that is a BIG mistake as it gives Matthew the one thing he wanted, a distraction as Matthew's eyes glow red while he executes his plan. Matthew jumps up as his arms seemingly become a blur as he for a moment as he 'flails' out his arms letting lose half a dozen throwing knives at the arms of the mobians holdiugn the laser rifles knowing that with he'll most likely either hit their arms, or their weapons, or cause them to dive for cover, and any of the  reactions would give the desired result as Matthew trusts that Matt will act at the same time as Matthew also is ready to seek cover knowign that several retailtory attacks are going to come his way.

Matt gets the feeling he was right about the repaired assumption. As why else would the eyes hit red?  He's also thankfully for all...well, 4 out of 11 anyways, seen this move before, and underhand whips a sharp object from the sleeve at the one lucky guy matthew didnt attacks trigger happyness arm.  This done, he suggests the obvious to Emerald and Mike "Get down and hope your not shot full of holes." this said while two more pointys are sent at the two most likely seeming guys to not be seriously wounded.

Michael didn't see the signals either but Michael hardly knows what is going on as he simply dives for cover as he hears Matt's statement. Michael only says, "You two are crazy," as Michael suspects that Matt and Matthew just signed everyone's death warrents as Michael does not like the odds of everyone surviving this battle.

The guy who gave Matthew the signal shoots the one he indicated he was going to shoot and then gets down just as quickly.

Emerald, of course, also dives as she is told to and well... isn't much of a fighter herself.

Between Matt and Matthew, the six remaining are taken down either by loss of weapon or loss of ability to use it.

Matthew draws several more throwing daggers from the bracers on his arms as he lands while saying, "None of you know who your messing with, I recommend you surrender to me, if any of you value your lives, and the lives of your families, for when I go on the warpath... only death remains," as Matthew's eyes continue to glow red while he glances around ready to releace another volley of throwing daggers should any one of the would be attackers try to point their laser rifles at anyone.

Matt meanwhile, checks to make sure nobodys full of holes that he'd rather not have.

Michael stays on the ground wondering what the heck just happened since he's only heard one laser blast while he was fully expecting to have heard several more by now.

The most of them are motionless and scared. The new ally, however, simpley says, "I mean you no harm... but you know that."

Emerald peeks up to see what is going on only to see a bunch of bodies laying around motionless.

Matthew growls coldly, "Throw down all your weapons, slowly. Any sudden movements will be your last, do not try anything 'heroic' since there will be no one to recount your foolishness, as I have no qualms with killing all of you," as Matthew's first priority is to make sure that the wouldbe ambushers are not able to pull a stunt like the one that just occured as the 'new alley's actions have not been overlooked by Matthew, but mearly overshadowed by a higher priority for the time being.

Matt says to Mike "You can get up now you know." while heading over to help emerald up if she needs it. though she seemd to have the common sense to get down quickly, so odds are he wont have to

Michael gets back up with a clear look of, 'what the heck just happened' on his face. Michael mutters to himself, "I'd rahter not go through this situation again."

The mobians all carefully and slowly scootch away from their weapons. And those who have now-defective weapons slowly put those down. In other words, the feeling of compliance abounds.

Emerald stands and smiles at Matt. "Thank you." she looks at Michael. "Aww.. cheer up. Nobody was killed."

Matthew resheaths the throwing daggers he's holding in his right hand while keeping those in his left hand ready to use at any moment as he walks towards the pile of weapons and picks up one of the functional laser rifles in his right hand before sheathing the throwing daggers in his left hand and picking up a second laser right which he then offers to Matt as he keeps the first aims at the Mobians as he says, "We should recover the rest of the functional weapons to add to our own arsenal," matthew then says to the Mobians and says, "Now what should we do with our would be ambushers."

Matt plays retrive the sharp objects himself, and does accept the rifle offered. "Well we could ask about where controls are, where patrols and others playing sniper camper might be. thet usual stuff."

Michael says, "I think Matt is right, we need to gather more information about what is going on," as Michael looks towards the Mobians and says, W"ell I wonder if they will volunterr the information, or if Michael will have to 'coax' them into talking, which would probably be most painful."

The NPCs lay flat and say nothing. Even the new 'ally'.

Emerald looks about at the people who are on the ground and says, "A chain built from treatury is bound to have weak links. I'm sure we can get the info out of them without needing to kill any of them. I know some interrigation tactics myself.."

Matthew grins slightly and says, "Well then Emerald, try your tactics first, since I know mine would result in quite a few deaths..since I have a track record of torturing my enemies to death before we can get ALL the information out of them...after all I was built into a killing machine, not an interrigation unit."

Matt says, "Yeah, the emerald doing it first would be the best idea. As Your assumttions dont come close on that one Mike."

Michael looks at Matt and guess that Matt would know Matthew's tendencies in situations like this better, so Michael will take Matt's word for it as he nods.
The people in the surrounding area are confuseled since they too assumed what Michael assumed... Most of them don't believe Emerald knows any tactics of interrigation that will get them to talk. She looks too... sweet!

Emerald goes to one of the men and asks, "Can someone help me hold him down?"
Matthew grins as he says, "That will be no problem," while Matthew places the rifle over his shoulder via it'sshoulder strap, as Matthew walks over to that Mobian Emerald singled out and tries to hold the mobian down, without using so much force as to crush his bones, but Matthew does make it clear that he will crush the guy's bones if he has to.

Matt looks cute, innocent, and other stuff in that regard too.  But that doesnt stop him from stabbing things repeatedly if they dont stop moveing the first time.

Michael walks over to the pile of weapons and shifts through them to see which ones could be useful, and seperats out the functional weapons from thsoe that are broken, although he removes the ammo packs from the broken rifles as he rummages through the pile.

Said NPC is definately held down. Unless he were stronger than Matthew (which he isn't), he will not escape since Matthew has a good enough grip to hold down most adult overlanders much less a mobian.

Emerald untucks the guy's shirt and pulls it up to reveal his bare back. She pulls out a pin she normally uses for sewing. "Alright... now... first tell us what you knew about us and how you knew it." the guy laughs at Emerald's needle and says, "You are kidding me right?"

Matthew maintains his grip as he says, "Appearances can be deceiving, after all you jokers thought you could take us out...and look where it got you."

Matt says, "A sharp object is a sharp object..."

Michael has finished rumaging through the pile of weapons and takes with him all the functional items he can while offering the rest to Matt as he says, "Well we can't afford to leave these laying around, some kid might come around and think they are toys."

The NPC sighs. "Look.. I don't know what you think a needle is going to do, but I'm not spilling." Emerald says, "Suit yourself." and carefully places the needle in the guy's spine somewhere. Matthew might feel it, but the NPC definately feels it... as his arm goes limp from being numb. He sweatdrops. "What the? How did you make my arm go numb?!" Emerald says, "I used that needle. Next spot will be more painful than childbirth if you don't speak up."

Matthew starts laughing in a very dark manner as he has realized what Emerald is doing as Matthew is very familiar with anatomy but he's not seen this sort of thing before, but he's well aware of pressure points and how they can be used. Matthew then says, "Emerald, your full of surprises. But if this guy thinks that your needles can't get him to talk... I can always start crushing nonvital, but extremely painful parts of his body. After all he doesn't need to have any children does he?"

Matt asks, "Wouldnt he be too busy screaming in agony to answer anything then?"

Michael glances at Matthew and then at Matt and asks, "Does he just like inflicting pain upon people that he doesn't like?" as Michael is a bit worried about Matthew's mental health.

The NPC looks nervous... he already felt that he can go limp from that needle. "Alright already! We knew about you because our boss told us." Emerald asks, "Where is your boss?" she removes the needle and the guy's arm returns to normal. He answers, "Center of the city..." Emerald asks, "How did your boss know about us?" the man says, "I swear... I don't know!" Emerald looks up at Matthew. "Any more questions?"

Matthew nods as he says, "Yes who is their boss? Since I would like to be able to put a name on the future corpse. That is a good starting place, as well as details about their city's defences," as Matthew tightings his grip slightly to try and make his grip painful but not break any bones... yet.

Matt says "Razors still alive isn't he?  So he doesn have some miraculous self restraint when he needs it.  even if he would rather take care of someone thats trying to kill him."

Michael nods and says, "You do have a point there..." as Michael looks over the weapondry that they've acquired and mutters, "At this rate we'll have more weapons than we can carry if there are a few more ambush attempts against us."
The NPC struggles and winces. "I don't know much about the defences except that you need security clearance to get through and every camera is armed with lasers. Some cameras are hidden too.... and I don't know the boss's name... few people do!"

Emerald presses the needle... but nods. "It makes sense that a boss like that evil or not would want to keep his or her identity a secret."

Matthew grumbles, "If I were an evil villian, or if I simply wanted to intimidate someone, I'd let people know my name... so they'd tremble at the sound of it..." Matthew ponders for a moment and then says, "Actually I used to do that... but all those who used to really fear me are now dead typically by my own hands."

Matt says, "Well, maybe these guys odds are slightly better. unless they try something again. then i'll make sure to stand a good 10 feet back to avoid splashing"

Michael glances at Matt and asks, "What do you mean, 10 feet back to avoid 'splashing'?" but then Michael thinks he figures it out and sort of regrests asking the question as he ate recently and he doesnt' want to loose his lunch.

The NPC says, "Am I done here?"

Emerald ponders. "We'll face mostly automated defences with the addition of an army waiting in ambush once past that... we need to know a sneaky way around those mechanical defences."

Matthew doesn't let go of the guy as he asks, "What sort of information did your boss give you about us? How specific was it? And how is security clearance verified? Via scanning of a body aprt such as an eye or a handprint, verbal, or something like an ID card?"

Matt gives Mike even more info he doesnt need to know. whee!  "Just be glad he's only mentioned crushing of certain parts so far."

Michael glances at Matt and gets the 'hint' and mutters, "I didn't need to know that," as Michael shudders a bit at the mental image he has.
The NPC answers, "The boss said that there was a dangerous kangaroo who had recently stolen parts from the labs. The boss also mentioned an overlander in passing, but the cyborg thing was enough to help us identify you. Security clearance is verfied via codes AND retina scans!"

Emerald fondles the needle before looking to Michael and Matt. "Hey... ever heard of PMA? Positive Mental Attitude. First rule of survival." she smiles. "Please keep the scaring Michael to a low and the scaring enemy to a high as best you can."

Matthew chuckles, "But all we need is for these blokes to tell us the codes they have... and we can take some of their eyes. Although I'm affraid we don't have any painkillers for those who will be donating their eyes and I'm not going to clean up after Michael if he looses his lunch."

Matt says "you think the guy couldn't hear what I was implying? And I wasn't trying to scare Mike, I was trying to make him feel better by justifying some of those 'matthews a violent psycho' lines he uses."   theres just no pleaseing some people.

Michael grumbles and mutters, "Well what would you call matthew with the violence tendencies he has? It's unhealthy to fixate on killing and mutliation as much as matthew does."

The NPC says, "Don't take my eyes! Just take us there..."

Emerald leans her head in her hand. "This guy has a point. We should be moving as we ask questions now that he knows we can cause serious pain." she puts her needle away. "We should take them with us for a while, and maybe even pretend we are captured."

Matthew grumbles slightly, "And risk them escaping? Then again let them try and escape..." Matthew grins as he continues, "I'll enjoy teaching them pain the licks of which they could never imagine, and then if I'm in a good mood, I'll kill them before I start to eat them," as it is hard to tell if Matthew is simply trying to scare the prisoners into submission, or if he'll actually eat them if given the chance.

Matt says "ah, so this is why you skipped breakfast?"

Michael starts to look like he'll be visibly ill for a moment and then closes his eyes as he mutters to himself, "Katy's not going to like this," as Michael suppresses his urge to vomit at the idea of Matthew eating the mobians.

The NPC is clearly scared. Emerald says, "Don't worry. They won't escape." she smiles. "They won't even try!" ^_^ She looks to Michael. "What is Katy not going to like?"

Matthew nods to Emerald and says, "Very well, but if any one of them tries to escape... I'll make all of them suffer, as well as their families and their firends, and the families of their friends," as Matthew releaces his grip on the mobian saying, "We'll try your idea Emerald, but if things start going badly for us and we won't be to deal with having prisoners, I'll kill them before I allow them to be released."

Matt decides it wouldnt be the best idea to bring up what theyre going to do with them once everythings over.  "I somehow doubt that Katy would be in a situation any less pleasant than this by now. Just with less creepy commentary."

Michael sighs as he says, "That may be true, but still he'd object to Matthew's extreme violent attitude," Michael then walks over to Matthew and says, "Well if things don't go badly, I don't want you killign the prisoenrs just so you can have a snack, because we have otehr sources of food.Understood, no eating cooperating prisoners," as Michael knows he can't force Matthew to do anything, but hopes he might be able to convince him to at least be humane towards the prisoners as long as they don't give him reason to be otherwise.

The NPC is silent and until I say otherwise... stays that way.

Emerald smiles and continues humming a happy tune as she walks along happily. "Why oh why did she eat the fly? I may never know why..."

Matthew keeps an eye on the prisoenrs as he is wary of having prisoners walking around without being bound, but he'll give them the chance to comply, but he is quite ready to deal out pain if one of the prisoners tries anything out of line.

Matt says "I was always under the assumption the lady was really asleep with he mouth open or something. thats why. as he walks along towards the back of the fun group."

Michael sighs as he doesn't see how the conversation changed to something as off the wall as this given what it was only minutes before. However he does find it far mroe relaxing than the previous conversation topic so he's not complaining and is quite releived that the topic is no longer violent.

Emerald suddenly realises something as she looks to Matthew. "How top secret were you after you killed everyone involved?"

Matthew replies, "Very few, other than those from Channelwood, those robots in Middletown who've fought with me and survived the enounter, there is also Ariel and a mobian 'spy' named Angel who know about me. I suspect that the boss must have some connection to that mobian, if the boss is not Angel herself. As I seriously doubt that it could have been determined I was a cyborg from the items taken from the lab as I made sure all the security systems were off when Ariel and myself were working...All anyone could have realized was that Ariel and I took some components for some reason."

Matt says, "Well we did get our generic idea to head in this direction from her after the whole bloody vengance bit was finished.  So would make sense if that turned out to be the case."

Michael ponders how things will go once they get to the point whre they are supposed to meet up with the other group that is heading from Channelwood as Michael wonders if they too have been attacked.

Emerald ponders. "I wonder how they knew you were a cyborg... and I suppose they might consider Ariel more dangerous than you if they didn't know much about you, but... apparently dangerous enough to send pre-emptive squads. What do you know about Ariel?"

Matthew states, "I'll find out when I get my hands on that 'boss'. And Ariel being dangerous, most likely because of things Ariel knows.." as Matthew doesn't wish to reveal that he doesn't know what most of those things are as he knows Ariel has secrets that she holds onto dearly, but since she knew of the lab, Matthew suspects that the other secrets deal with things, or places, or people that could be just as important.

Matt only knows for sure, that odds are good sometime before this is overs someones gonna be screaming 'they only said there was ONE cyborg!'.  Though as amuseing as that would be, things would be better if this was over with before resorting to inegrated sharp objects.

Michael keeps quiet as he continues to wonder about the future as the stakes of this mission just seem to keep getting higher, and that is something that Michael doesn't like.

Emerald nods as she smiles again. "That's the spirit! It's not a matter of if, but when!"

Matthew chuckles, "Are you just picking up on that... I already consider their boss to be a corpse. It just doesn't know it's dead yet... I'll be the one to rectify that problem," as Matthew has made similar statements before, and he has been true to his word, as Matt can attest to as he's witnessed the final two years of Matthew's vengence 'mission'.

Matt swears, if Matthew ever says 'It can't rain all the time.' he's going straight back to...hmm...okay he'll just facepalm and be done with it.

Michael continues walking alone quietly until he asks, "Matt, how have you put up with Matthew's violent tendencies for so long? Hasn't he ever gone 'too far' before?"

Emerald giggles. "Ever occur to you that Matt has violent tendencies too?"

Matthew chuckles and makes the comment, "I guess Michael wonders if Matt's 'violent tendencies' are as 'strong' as mine... but I'll lete Matt answer that question."

Matt says "Havent seen him go too far yet, after all the majority of the ones ive seen him do stuff to had to to with him being ripped open and played with like an operation game minus the glowing nose. I'll let you keep guessing on my part.  And STILL no comments on the whole sewing needle into the spine thing either."

Michael rolls his eyes as he knows that he's not going to get a straight answer out of this group for some time. Michael does know that with how things are going, he figures that this mission is going to have lasting ramifications in ways that he hadn't anticipated.

Emerald smiles and nods. "And I doubt anyone will, Matt."

Matthew keeps a weary eye on the prisoners as he wonders if any of them will be desperate enough to try anything 'rash' as Matthew can't calculate their sense of fear of their boss compaired to their fear of him.

Matt just continues walking along as calm and apparently not ready to hurt things as an instants notice as ever

Michael glances around and wonders what one decision set all this in motion, and although he knows that he can't actualy do anything about the past, Michael wonders what thigns would have been like if life on Mobius hadn't gone to hell in a handbasket because of Robotnik and his tyrany.



CHAPTER 3: Empty recruiting mission.

Meanwhile; Katy, Raikoo and Tassadar were going to the Aqua Ruins to try and gather more willing people for the mission...

Raikoo leads Katy and Tassadar through a secluded path within a forest valley, leading down, down to a more wet, marshland type of enviroment. After some hikeing he leades them through a cave with a natural tunnel leading out to the region known as the Aqua Ruins Zone.  He grins as he's about to introduce his traveling companians to his homeland but he suddenly stops, eyes gone wide. When he left the ruins floated amongst the waves, mostly sunken. Bird chirped in the trees as the laughter of the villagers filled the air. But now there's just silence, as if the air itself stood still.  The water appears to be frozen as huge waves halt just at the brink of crashing down upon the ruins and the village, huts demolished by allready broken waves, the wake too suspended.

Katy looks around. "Interesting decor." she says, not sure if this is really how the place is supposed to look since she denies the possability of frozen waves of THIS nature.

Tassadar believes, however, being a child. And seems kinda creeped out, though he tries not to show it.

Raikoo gulps softly, trying to maintain his composure, "How on mobius...?" He surveys the landsscape and evven to the horizon, the farthest reaches of the zone, it's all halted.  Catiously he takes a step fowared, not realizeing the bridge leading to the villages was destroied, and falls down, only instead of being soaked in a dunking, he lands on his hands and knees on the solid water.

Katy looks down at Raikoo. "Are you alright?!" as she is more concerned with how Raikoo might have hurt himself the way he landed than she is with how this place might have frozen

Tassadar doesn't waste his breathe, he scurries and climbs down to go check on Raikoo.

Raikoo winces and sits up, shrugging off the heavy weight of his three sword, "I'm.. burised to say the least.. nothing broken I think.." he winces and kncoks on the water, "Katy, Tassadar, either of you ever see anything like this?"

Katy finally slides down to Raikoo and once there headshakes. "No... Seems like someone is playing a serious trick on you. Or someone thought it'd be funny to leave a model of a place in mid-destruction."

Tassadar just shakes his head to answer. No need for more than what was required of an answer.

Raikoo winces as he wobbles back up to his feet, his knees and wrists killing him from that fall. He does his best to shake it off, "THink Robotnik could've done this?"

Katy reaches over to take the zanbatosi. "Maybe... lemme get some of that weight off of you."

Tassadar is silent, but also reaches to put an arm around Raikoo in an attempt to help.

Raikoo smiles to the two, leaning agasitn Tassadar, "THanks.. Let's get to the village and see if we can find any survivors."

Katy drags the giant sword begind herself. Much to big to carry on her back as it is taller than she is. "Yes. Let's." she follows.

Tassadar only looks ahead and helps Koo walk as best he can.

Raikoo hobbles across the water along with the other two. With some effort and pained knees the village is reached, silent except for a faint kissssssshhh sound comeing from one of the few still in tact huts.

Katy hands the handle of the zan to Koo as she draws her slingshot. "I'll scout it out. Stay." she carefully approaches said hut.

Tassadar attempts to grab the handle of the zan before Koo does so as to keep Koo from handling such a heavy sword.

Raikoo erfs and just plops down onto the ground, looking to see if Tassadar can actually hand the weight fo the sword.  Inside the hut the kiiisssssssssssh sound continues, almost like static, a few whines and scattered syllables mixed with wiht the constant noise

Katy keeps approaching cautiously with her slingshot ready to fire as she turns corners with extreeme care.

Tassadar can handle the weight of the thing since he isn't holding it off the ground neccessarily. Part of it touching the ground and all that.

Raikoo Just rests as he gently rubs his knees, winceing some. The noise remains constant and definately stationary within that particular hut. HOwever there doesn't appear to be signs of life. No other noise aside the kisssssssshh seems to be present.. not even birds in the trees.

If Katy continues approaching at this rate, she will be in danger of becomming a charging army from Monty Python's "Quest for the Holy Grail". Katy is cautious, but there can only be so much to a house before she is at the source of the noise.

Tassadar looks to Koo concerned. "How may I help?" he whispers.

Raikoo sighs some, looking at his knees before looking to Tassadar, "Yeah do you have any healing ointment or really big band-aids?" He smiles, trying to joke a little to cheer up Tassadar a little, hopefully.  The source is reached, a communications room with a radio emmiting static. If there was anyone here, they must've left the radio on, but then with everything else frozen, why would the radio be makeing that sound?

Katy picks up the radio and heads out with it. On the way out, she attempts to use it... "Hello? Anyone there?"

Tassadar isn't amused. Instead he shakes his head and looks down as though defeated. "I'm sorry... no. I guess I can't help after all."

Raikoo winces, "Actually I could use soemthing to make the pain and swelling in my knees go down.. They took the brunt of that fall, and with that heavy thing plus two katanas.. They aren't very happy."   The radio statics in and out an ever so faint voice seemingly to respond.

Katy rushes to Raikoo. "There is someone trying to communicate!" she sounds excited. She uses it again. Only this time, she yells, "I can not make out what you are saying! I will stay put until I can hear you better!" she looks back to Koo. "This belong to anyone or do you even know?"

Tassadar just holds the zan... it's all he feels he can do to help.

Raikoo blinks at Katy, "A radio? Probally belonged to the mayor  of this village..." He looks to Tassadar, "Hey.. you want to help? Go to that white building over here, that's the hospital if I remember rightly, get something that can ease pain so I can walk.."  THe voice returns again, still only a faintest whisper but `......you.....there......cop...` can be made out.


(Lost information: Katy and Tassadar's poses.)


Raikoo nods softly. "Well I hope it's help... or atleast someone that knows what's going on.." He scoots and leans back agasitn a wall of the closest hut. "Heh even the most skilled fighter can fall flat on his face, that he can."

Katy raises an eyebrow. "True... but I hope you are not calling yourself the most skilled fighter, Raikoo. You might be in Channelwood, but..."

Tassadar, meanwhile, is searching the hospital for bandages and cleaning fluids and such...

Raikoo hehs and nods, "I know. It was just a figure of speach that it was." He smiles and reaches over to give one of Katy's ears a scritch, winceing a bit. His knees took the brunt of the weight, but his wrists still hurt too.

Katy eartwitches. "Careful there, Raikoo... relax, ok? I know you karate types like to think no pain no gain, but some cases that is not true." she reaches to take his hand and place it on his lap carefully.

Tassadar returns with a bunch of bandages, bandaids, and rubbing alcohol

Raikoo nods to KAty. Never argue wiht a female, it isn't worth getting them upset. n.n;; He smiles as he sees Tassadar, "Allright, Tassadar, you're my hero!" this time he isnt jokeing n.n;

Katy sits down also, though she yells into the radio, "Can you hear me now?!" and waits. (Good ol cell phone ads...)

Tassadar places the stuff before Koo and smiles some. "... glad to help."

Raikoo is knealing before a hut of one of his closest friends from this place, head bowed down.

Katy walks over to him. "Look... Raikoo... I know you are upset. But we really are out of time and need to go." Tassadar is nearby and not involving himself in this conversation. He just wants to be neutral as much as he can without taking sides to Robotnik

Raikoo sighs, "You go on ahead Katy. I have to stay. I've got to find some trace of them, and if I can't I still have to pay my respects.."

Katy says, "If they are dead, Raikoo, they are not going anywhere. However... there are the lives of the rest of the world that are at stake if we do not help where and when we can. We can come back after the mission."

Raikoo Sighs softly. While what she said is true, it pains him to even think about leaveing. "I have to stay... it's tradition to do so when one has lost a person dear to them... and I.. I"ve lost  many.

Katy puts her hand on Raikoo's shoulder. "We've all lost someone, Raikoo. And all we need to do to continue losing people is sit and wait. I'm going... and you are comming with me. We can return later."

Raikoo sighs, "Please.. just go on without me.. I"ll catch up after, I promise..

Katy sighs. "Fine... " she picks up a neaby thick stick and attempts to club Raikoo over the head with it from behind.

Raikoo naturally wouldn't suspect Katy of doing something like that so he gets clobbered, the fox giveing off a soft "Eeeeeeeeeeehhhh...." sound as he flumps over, knocked out cold. x.x

Katy tosses the club aside. "Tassadar... you drag the zanbatosi. I'll take Raikoo here." she grabs Raikoo and proceeds to drag him as the two head over to the city...

Raikoo is ko'ed, so yah. x.x



CHAPTER 4: Arriving at the city

Emerald sighs as she sees the city up ahead... "Oh boy... " then grins. "Looks like we got our work cut out for us! All that walking and our adventure is just beginning."

Matthew glances up at the city and says, "More like old times for me," as Matthew and Matt have done things similar to this in the past, although this time does have it's differences as he still doesn't like the idea of keeping the 'prisoners' alive and walking since he even if they do fear him, they could still do something suicidal to harm the mission as Matthew looks around at the 'captives' pondering if they will behaive or if he'll have to make an example out of one of them.

Matt shrugs, "Well, whats one more insane trip into an entire heavily armed and guarded city against you?"

Michael glances at Matt and Matthew and asks, "Don't tell me that you two are enjoying this?" as Michael is truely serious, he doesn't want to know that since he finds the situation rather appauling.

Katy walks up to the others with Raikoo in tow as she says, "Don't forget this is a particularly dangerous one." she flops Raikoo on the ground. "He should be awake any moment now..." Tassadar, of course, is quiet.

From behind Razorwind slowly walks up to Katy after following her to this city since the moment they had left. Why didn't he just join up with them and asks if he can join in? Who knows really, this bird is a mystery some time. Anyway Razorwind slowly reaches his hand out to tap Katy on the shoulder.

Raikoo sits up, a hand rubbing the back of his head as his eyes open up and glance around, "Hey Katy did you see what hit my head?" He blinks, looking around more, "Umm.. where are we?"

Emerald sees Katy show up with an uncontious Koo.. maybe THEY ran into trouble also? "What happened? Are you three ok?"

Matthew branishes his 'new' laser rifle saying, "Well we aren't exactly harmless either," but he then glances over towards Katy and Raikoo and says, "It seems like we weren't the only ones that were attacked on the way here."

Matt says to Mike, "Its only fun when the odds are insanely in your favor. So its still a maybe on that one... And wouldnt he be shot full of holes if that was the case? or did they not qualify for goons with lasers?"

Michael says, "Violence is never fun. No matter what the odds are," as he thinks this topic is getting old.

Katy sweatdrops. "Eh..." and looks over her shoulder. "What is it Tassa-oh! Razorwind... I didn't know you were following me." Tassadar never said anything about Razor landing or walking up behind Katy because, well, he is a quiet person. Katy proceeds to answer. "Well everyone... Raikoo was going to hold up everyone, but I knocked him out and dragged him here. Now at least, if he decides to abandon the mission, we will have time to complete the mission and find a new place to live since chances are Raikoo will get caught and roboticized if left alone."

Razorwind laughs a little when Katy is surprise that he was behind him and no one mentions he was there, which makes it a little more funny. "Hi Katy. I have been following you since you left and I must say I did a good job in moving undetected. I think one of you would of spot me half way but I guess I was wrong." He grins and turns his attentions to the city to get a good look at it "So why you guys here anyway? I didn't catch the story behind this mission." Razorwind turns back to Katy, waiting for a answer.

Raikoo stands up and glances at the others, rubbing the back of his head, hurt, dazed, and quite confused. ~.~

Ariel hops into the scene just then and says, "Because this city has enough significance for me to give notice. Top that with it about to fall into Robotnik's hands and that is a very bad thing."

Rick runs in with Ariel, waving to everyone once he sees them. "Hey there everyone." He slows his pace once closer and heads mostly toward Katy, then also nodding to Razorwind when he spots him. "Hey Razorwind. Long time no see."

Emerald ponders as she looks at the people talking. Looks like they may have a few extra helping hands.. and unexpectedly Michael and Katy's helping hands... even moreso, Tassadar's. But Emerald isn't going to argue about Tass. "So what's the plan?"

Matthew laughs at what Katy says as Matthew states, "Katy your spending too much time around me as that sounds like how I'd deal with a situation," as Matthew does find Katy's solution amusing as he didn't expect katy would do that, but he doesn't fault her logic at all as it is what he would have done as Matthew now glances over at Ariel and the others who have joined up as Matthew realzies that everyone who is coming is here.

Matt wonders what Katy had to hit Koo with. a truck? And oh look, Razor's here... If anything happens to him that leave him alive, guess who's probably gonna be orderd to rescue him?  He starts makeing mental preperations for be Matthews best man if that trend continues, and Katy forces him and razor to get married or something.

Michael glances at Razorwind and then at Matthew and thinks this could be ugly and says, "We have to work together on this and put aside petty differences, "If we fight amounst each other ans squabble, we will not succeed.

Katy nods. "What Michael said... look... whatever the plan is, if we split up, Razorwind can NOT go with Matthew or Matt." she looks at Ariel dead serious. Then continues, "The mission would go so sour, we may as well giftwrap the city for Robotnik."

Razorwind looks to Ariel and to Rick and nods "Yah, guess it has." Then to Michael and finally Katy "Let me work alone then. I work better that way anyway."

Raikoo blinks a bit in the direction of the city. So this is what he was forced to go to? Oh well.. he might as well help out while he's here. Besides, he'd be bored without KAty around. ^.^;;

Ariel nods. "Fine. Well I have something for you." she offers him a communicator. "I need you to get as high as you possibley can and try to use the clouds as much as possible for cover. Then use the binoculars to tell me the basic city outlay... I was unable to get it's blueprints in time." she looks to the others. "We will all need to be together until we are past the first line of security. Then we will split into 2 groups."

Rick gives a slightly nervous smile at Razorwinds comment. "Dont get to cocky Razorwind. I had to learn the hard way what happens when you go it alone out here. Dont want to see the same happen to you." Razor may not be Ricks favorite person but that doesn't mean he doesn't care what happens to the guy.


Emerald says, "That is fine... but I insist that Razorwind have someone with him once he is back on the ground. It's obvious he can't stay in the sky the whole mission..."

Matthew holds his tongue in regards to speaking his mind about razorwind as Michael is right there is something more important than Razorwind going on as Matthew says, "Well then let's get going, but first let's get the plan sorted out since attacking without a plan is a bad idea."

Matt sighs softly at Mike's comment.  Theyre the types that finish things, not start things. Usualy anyways...wait, no, bloody vengance counts as finishing...  "And im gonna wait untill we have a vauge idea on the layout of this place before offering somewhat helpfull comments."

Michael states, "I doubt that anyone is going to do anyone foolish enough to try something like attacking a city without knowing what he, or she, would be getting into," as Michael hopes that his statement is correct, but he doesn't know the future.

Katy nods. "Go on, Razorwind. Our plans seem to be hanging on you." she looks back to Tassadar and sighs... then looks to Matthew. "I suggest Tassadar stay with me on this mission."

Razorwind looks at the communicator in Ariel's hand and takes it from her "Very well. I'm off." He reaches for his pouch and pulls out his pair of binocular then spreads his wings widely and takes for the air, going higher and higher until he gets high enough to view the whole city. Razorwind presses the button on the communicator so he can talk into it and reports in "Alright, I'm high enough to view the whole city." He lifts his other arm so he can view the city through his binocular.

Ariel lowers her visor and seems distracted for a moment. But eventually says into the communicator. "Perfect. See the upper right hand corner of the city? I need you to zoom in on that as much as possible." she lifts her visor. "Meanwhile... all of us are to go this way." she begins hopping off in a direction, apparently circling the city.

Rick nods and starts to follow Ariel, and then thinks a moment before looking back to Katy. "Would you like me to come with you as well Katy? Maybe I'll be able to pay you back for what you did for me." He gives a light smile at this. "Even though Im still not very -happy- with what you did."

Emerald just follows along, not wanting to object or ask unless she has something very important come to mind

Matthew doesn't hesitate to ask, "Rick, care to fill the rest of us in on what went on between you and Katy?" as he starts to follow Ariel, and makes a guesture towards the prisoners and asks, "So what should we do with them? We naturally just can't let them go," as Matthew starst to follow Ariel.
Matt says "Well Katy seems to have knocking people out for long periods of time down."

Michael nods and says, "We could also restrain them with rope or soemthing just in case they don't stay knocked out long enough," as Michael also starts following Ariel as he looks at the prisoners and then at the laser rifle that he kept pocession of and podners how likely they are to have to deal with more patrols similarly armed..

Katy can't help but giggle from Matt's comment. She wonders where the prisoners came from to start with, but does not inturrupt the more important question.

Tassadar follows quietly as usual

Razorwind turns his view to the corner of the city like Ariel says and zooms in, keep his finger on the button so he can continue to communicate. "Alright and why am I doing this?"

Ariel smiles as she puts her visor down again. "Because I needed to see that part of town in particular. Thanks, Razorwind... come join us on the ground before the city spots you." she lifts her visor. "I took photos using the communicator he is wearing. We now have the schematics needed right here." she taps her visor. "Now then... the prisoners... I advise we tie them up and hang them upside down from a tree."

Rick blinks at Matthews question. "Hmm? Oh! Um...." He had thought Katy would have told them by now. "Well uh.....its a little embarrassing acctually." He then starts, bringing a hand up to rub the back of his head. "I.....kinda got caught."

Emerald is happily trotting over to Michael and Matt. "I trust you have some ever handy ropes?"

Matthew rolls his eyes and mutters, "Razorwind's stupidity seems to be contagious," Matthew then grumbles, "Just make sure it doesn't happen again since on this mission, there might not be anyone able to rescue yo."

Matt says ,"well, i have some incredibly sharp wires that will probably lead to their deaths from either blood loss, or falling through them in small pieces from their own body weight if we hang them upsidedown from them.... do those work? i was kinda thinking no..."

Michael nods and says, "I should have enough rope,"as he pulls out a few bundles of rope that he packed away incase something needd to be climbed.

Katy nods. "So tie them up already." she reaches for some rope herself. "While we are busy with that... any of you care to fill me in on why we have prisoners and laser rifles?"

Razorwind blinks and just shakes his head "Whatever, join you in a sec." He looks around and wonders what she met by someone spotting him. I mean he doesn't see anyone but whatever. He slowly swoops down to join the others.

Ariel holds out her hand. "The communicator please." she only loaned it really. Razor has a normal one. "Once we are inside the city, your normal communicators will not function properly. So orders are we stick together and I will give you each special communicators once we get to splitting up. Everyone ready?"

Rick frowns. "Aww come on Matthew. Lay off willya? Its embarrassing enough as it is. I did what I could but those two robots took me by surprise and arent what I'd call easy to tackle when you have to face them alone. Anyway I dont really expect anyone to come after me even if it does happen again." Rick then turns slightly toward Kary to ephasize the next word mostly to her "Alright?" Rick then turns to head over and help with tieing up the prisoners if he can.
Razorwind pages, "I didn't actually land yet but oh well" to you.

Emerald also helps with tying the prisoners, confident that someone will definately keep guns pointed. "Suffice it to say, it sounds like the ongoing Rick getting in danger and begging Katy to not rescue him."

Matthew glares at Rick for a moment as if to say 'NEVER' but he doesn't say anything to Rick as he keeps his laser rifle pointed at the prisoners. Matthew then looks back to Ariel and asks, "What makes your communicators so special?" as Matthew wonders if his hardwired internal communicator would also be useless or not since it is of higher quality than the normal communication devices that the channelwood freedom fighters.

Matt asks, "it has her name stamped on it?"

Michael keeps his eyes on the prisoners with his laser rifle pointed at them, Michale may not want to harm anyone, but he will if he has to.

Katy just facepalms having already tied up one of the prisoners. "Rick... not now."

Razorwind lands on the ground and hands the communicator back to Ariel and just watches as the others tie up the prisoners, keeping quieted for the moment.

Ariel replies as she takes the communicator. "Simple... the city blocks all communication except for a very very specific frequency. This communicator is designed to give that frequency. Without this... we will be unable to communicate between our two groups. Period. That is what is so special about them."

Rick chuckles as he hears Katy. "Oh well what do you know. I acctually got to annoy you for a change." He also basically ignores Matthews glare for the moment and instead glances to Emerald with a slight grin. "Oh hush."

Emerald giggles a bit at Rick's "Hush" comment and looks to the groggy/weary Raikoo. "You sure you are up for this mission, Koo-boy?"

Matthew says, "Well if he's not ready for the mission, he better get ready quicky, since there isn't much time left," as Matthew knows that things are probably going to get chaotic within a short period of time.

Matt doesn't think theyre going to get chaotic.  After all theyve already been ambushed and injured people with sharp objects, are gonna tie them up in a tree, and katy KO'ed koo.  Things have long since already gotten there.

Michael looks at Matthew and asks, "Must you be so pessimistic all the time?" as Matt knows that htings could go bad, but that doesn't mean that things WILL get bad.

Katy headshakes. "He's right, Michael. We don't have time. That is why I had to drag Raikoo here. I'm sure he'll forgive me once we are done the mission and have crippled Robot- excuse me... Julian's forces." she rolls her eyes. "Because... we WILL succeed. We have to." Tassadar has finished tying up yet another prisoner.

Razorwind continues to stay quiet for the moment, yawning a little "This is boring." He said quietly so no on will hear him and turns away. He decides to walk off on his own. Foolish bird he can be some times.

Raikoo glances at Katy. Pah he's allready forgiven her.. It's hard to stay mad at someone whose heart is set on doing the right thing.  "Well seems how I was dragged here,  You have my word as a member of the sekihotai dojo that I"m ready." He bows to the group, "I won't let you down, that I won't."

Ariel looks about and nods. "Fine... The moment the last prisoner is tied, knock them out. Then we go in." she looks to Razorwind. "Where are you going?"
Rick also remains quiet for the time being, helping tie up the prisoners as he listens to all the other comments made.

Emerald nods and quickly finishes tying up the prisoner who had betrayed the other prisoners. Looks like only 3 more prisoners remain partially tied.

Matthew keeps his laser weapon trained on the prisoners and says, "We can't let Razorwind go off on his own, he could compromise the mission," as Matthew wonders if Razorwind even cares about the success of the mission.

Matt says, "Maybe if we told all sorts of incredibly wrong stuff about our plans? that way when he inevitably gets captured the enemy will be get all screwed up?" of course, he knows life isnt that easy. but one can hope.

Michael keeps his weapon ready as he says to Matthew, "And we can't let you go after Razorwind to carry out that vendetta of yours against Razorwind, so don't even think about going after Razorwind."

Katy lets Ariel handle it, but answers Matt. "Or there is letting him go do what he wants and not telling him our plans at all. All he knows is we have special communicators and are splitting into two groups. By the time they capture him, it'll be too late for them." she hopes anyhow... Tassadar quietly looks towards where Razor went and ponders. He walks over to Matthew and just kinda... stands next to him. The prisoners are all tied up by now.

Razorwind stops when Ariel notice that he was leaving and sighs. Why can't he ever get away without being spotted? Oh well "I'm going off on my own. Have fun on your mission." He continues to walk off.

Raikoo walks over to Katy, watching Razorwind curiously. Geeze, he was forced to come to this mission and atleast he's going to do his best to ensure its success. o.o

Ariel folds her arms. "Razorwind, don't be silly. Now is not the time to show off how macho you are. This city happens to be one of the most well defended cities on the planet. I don't care if you are the greatest warrior around, you will need more than yourself. So unless you are going to a whole other city, stick around. We are preparing to go in." she looks to Michael. "What's this about vendettas?"

Rick steps back once they are done tieing up the prisoners, again again just listens quiestly until Ariel asks about the 'vendetta'. "Long story and I doubt you want to hear it."

Emerald says, "Suffice it to say Matthew wishes to kill Razorwind in the most literal sense of the term."

Matthew grins slightly as Razorwind's insensitivity towards the mission is a danger to the mission as he says, "Razorwind, if you go off and start acting stupid... you'll be a threat to CHannelwood that een Katy won't deny...and which is the greater evil, killing you and keeping everyone in channelwood safe, or having to move everyone in channelwood to a new location while fending off the enemy since your sutpidity compromised the location of Channelwood as your current line of action has an extremely high probability of being captured as thater are enemy patrols waiting around in ambush situations and they could snip you easily even if yuor in the air. And I seriously doubt you can take out seven people armed with deadly laser rifles on your own before you are incapacitated."

Matt shrugs, "Razor shot at his back with a crossbow while he was trying to deal with a nut throwing bombs, he tried to shoot him again when matthew voiced his obvious displeasure of being shot at, and what would happen if he did so again, and he attacked katy. thats kinda sums up why matthew wants to kill him."

Michael looks over to Ariel and let's Matt explain the situation as Michael says, "I suspect the only reason Matthew hasn't gone through with threat of killing Razorwind was due to the flak he'd get from everyone else at Channelwood...As he's had chances to kill him, but passed them up...but now Razorwind seems to be handing Matthew a situation where the reason keeping Matthew at bay no longer applies..." as Michael hates to admit it, but what Razorwind is doing is very dangerous.

Katy sighs. "Razorwind... ignore Matthew's threats. Just come on the mission for me, will ya? And I won't pair you up with Matthew, so no worries." she is trying... she really is... "And whoever knows the best KO technique, knock out the prisoners please." Tassadar from Raikoo to Matthew... to Katy. Wasn't she the one who KOed Mr Martial Arts master with big sword? He doesn't comment though.

Razorwind stops again and turns to Ariel "I don't try to prove anything. When I want to do something I do it, no reason behind it." He turns to Matthew "Shut up Matthew and get a life. A better one then the one you have now." Finally he turns to Katy and grunts "Fine, whatever." Razorwind walks back to the group, not speaking a word to anyone else right now.

Ariel has a cold look on her face. She pulls her pike to her side. "Those weapons have a stun setting. Use it." she motions at the prisoners. Then she looks towards the city. "I'll decide the two groups ahead of time so that there is no more talking inside than needed. The communicators will merely be precautionary measure." she points to Matthew. "I'm taking you and your buddy." she motions at Matt to clarify. She indicates Rick and Emerald "And you." She then says, "Tassadar, Raikoo, Michael and Razorwind will go with Katy. Everyone fine with that?"

Rick nods "Yeah, sure. Not a problem." He then responds, walking over closer to his 'group as he looks to see the others responce.

Emerald nods. "Sure." and walks to Ariel as well. She finds the KO setting on the rifle and shoots a prisoner who promptly goes uncontious.

Matthew mutters,"I don't mind," as Matthew sets his rifle to stun and fires a blast at several of the prisoners while saying, "It's effective, but I prefer the old fashoined way to stun them... since it leaves them more groggy when they wake up, but we don't have any knockout gas with us."

Matt says "...Am I the only one who remember the cliche use for rifles on prissoners?"  this mentioned as he just smacks one with the butt of his rifle. see, it really does work!

Michael also finds the stun setting on the rifle and uses it to knock out the rest of the prisoners, and Michael leaves the weapon set on stun, since he'd rather not kill anyone, but he has no qualms with stunning people as he says, "I don't mind the decision on the groups."

Katy nods. "Let's go then. Prisoners out." She hurries towards the city, anxious and remembering Ariel saying they go as soon as the prisoners are KOed. Tassadar follows since he is in Katy's group.



CHAPTER 5: Entering the city

Razorwind doesn't answer anyone and just watches as Katy runs off. He turns to Ariel for a moment and just stares at her then turns away and walks off with his group.

Ariel wonders what was with the stare. Oh well. She runs off behind Katy since the groups are not to split up until they are successfully past the first layers of defence.

Rick takes one last look about the area before heading off after the others, seeming to be somewhat deep in thought as he does so, as though somethings bothering him.

Emerald also follows. Not much to be said until Ariel explains how the heck they are supposed to sneak in.

Matthew starts off towards the city following along Ariel since she knows the city layout beter than he does, and she knows where in the city we are heading as he figures Ariel will explain everything.

Matt does the somewhat obvious, for the somewhat obvious reasons.  "Any specific goal in mind? as hunting down every single traitor and hurting them while thorough, would take a veyr long time."

Michael follows Katy since he's been assigned to her group as he wonders just what their group will have to do on it's own and he hopes it isn't to be a decoy for Ariel's group as Matt has already asked the question he would ask..

Katy is curious herself what she is to do and soon is at a spot near the gate. Which is, of course, gaurded by many gaurds from above and in front.

Razorwind continues to follow quietly, not saying anything.

Ariel, once there, hands a paper to Katy. She motions to Matthew and Matt to go in a specific direction. Then motions for Emerald to stick with her. Then motions for Rick to go to a specific direction also. Katy will soon be doing the same.

Rick only nods in responds to Ariels motions and head off toward where he was directed, doing what he can to keep low and silent as not to alert the guards.

Emerald follows Ariel when she takes her. Once there, Emerald is instructed to rewire the fusebox. Emerald looks at Ariel as if to say 'how did you know?', but says nothing as she carefully begins setting up very very minor explosives on some of the wires. Luckily, this fuse box was out of the view of the gate gaurds.

Matthew ponders how Ariel knows as much information about the Channelwood Freedom Fighters as she does, and thus is a bit on guard as Matthew's conclusion is that Ariel has spied on the group which makes Matthew wonder how much is Ariel using the group and if to Ariel the group is nothing but living tools to be discarded once the tools are no longer useful as he keeps a watchful eye on Ariel while also keeping alert as he half expects another ambush as he knwos someone informed the city guards of their approach, and he wonders if it was Ariel.

Matt's thouts are...blank?  Yeah that happens to him occasionaly.  Wait, there it goes, thoughts on why someone would leave the fusebox to the defenses AWAY from a decently protected area

Michael is also finding this to be a bit strange as he wonders why someone would build such a well guarded palce, but leave such an obvious weakness on the outside of hte wall, without even a guard to protect it, as like Matt Michael is weary of this and ponders if it is a trap and that dealing with this box will only alert the city to the group's location.

Katy erfs as she sees this and holds herself figuring Ariel still has yet to betray the FFs... so she says nothing. She stands by for further instruction. Tassadar, meanwhile, is pondering the possability of bailing as he quickly finds a hiding spot in case things get hairy right away.

Unlike the others Razorwind does not give a dang about what they are here for or if Ariel is planning on betraying us or not. All he cares about is when is it all going to be over as Razorwind is getting bored real fast. You can see Razorwind is bored with the bored look on his face "How much longer too.......whatever it is we are looking for?" He said quietly, not wanting anyone to hear him but his group.

Raikoo has the big blade of the zanbantosai hefted up onto his shoulders as he stands by Katy, eyes and ears darting around as he tries to prepare for whatever may happen.  Who knows, maybe the exposed fusebox is just there an no one thought to move it or something.. o.o

Ariel nods to Matthew's group and then darts out to charge at the gaurds directly! Why? She figures they know she is an enemy by now if those people were being sent to try and capture her.

Rick blinks, but then quickly goes to dart out and help from his position, assuming that he was directed where he was to help out with the attack from a differant angle.

Emerald doesn't know what to do. Ariel didn't indicate for EMERALD to go, so she stays behind, waiting for Ariel to give some kind of signal.

Matthew thinks that Ariel is a bit crazy to pull off a stunt like this and he moves to a better position so he can assist by acting as a sniper as his eyes glow yellow while he waits for the proper monent before he'll start picking off enemy targets one at a time.

Matt doesn't have a virtua cop style timeing/targeting circle availble to him. he does however know that the second a guy decideds to move himslef or his gun in any way, thats a good time to shoot them in the faceeer, chest with a stun shot.  Thats why his rifles aimed in theire direction anyway.

Katy watches as she also was not told to do anything... the gaurds only start to notice Matthew's firing when it's too late since they are fully distracted with Ariel. And it seems Ariel knows exactly how to move to confuse the enemy quite thoroughly. As Katy looks from Matthew to Matt to Ariel to the gaurds and back, she starts to put it together. Meanwhile, Tassadar remains hidden until further notice.

Michael readies his rifle and makes sure it's still set on stun as he knows that soon things are going to get hairy in a bad sense and he wishes Ariel has explained what was going to happen and not just run off on her own as Michael gets ready to start firing at any attackers headed their way as Michael moves to a safer location to insure he didn't get jumped from behind.

Ariel finishes KO-ing the gate gaurds and becons to the others. "Come on in quickly! Backup is on it's way!" Apparently, the gate did not get backup while being attacked. At least... not fast enough.

Rick also helps out where he can, then looks back toward the others a moment to make sure they were coming before following along with Ariel

Emerald heard THAT signal! She quickly runs inside as per Ariel's request.

Matthew speaks up for matt to hear as he says, "Loot and scoot," as Matthew is indicating to pick up anything useful and move on as fast as possible as Matthew 'demonstrates' by picking up another laser rifle and says, "Those who don't have a weapon, quickly get one..."as Matthew nearly takes that hand that was holding the laser with the rifle, but he gets the hand to let go before it's ripped off as Matthew glances around and notices a few ammo clips and picks up several as he moves on hoping that everyone else will be wise enough to do the same as Matthew feels a lot better with a second rifle at hand and several ammo clips stored in his coat pockets.

Matt also sets himself up with the rambo style amount of guns. go him. oh look! free jumbo army knife! "This has to be my favorite part of these gigs."

Michael sees the usefullness of the 'loot and scoot' tactics and will probably comment about the name later, butr right now he's preoccupied with grabbing another laser rifle which he slings over his shoulder after setting it to stun, as a backup weapon and a few ammo clips as he takes a belt off a guard to hold the ammo clips while Michael points out a laser rifle for Katy to take off another fallen guard.

Katy does indeed grab a weapon off of one of the gaurds. Then says, "Hey Matt and Matthew... just don't hog it all. One weapon in the hands of two people is better than two weapons in the hands of one person." Not always, but she doesn't have time to get technical. Tassadar, of course, grabs a weapon as is available to him. And says nothing.

Razorwind walks up to one of the guns and picks it up and stares at it "Like I need to use one of these." He thinks for a moment before saying "Though it might come in handy. Might as well take one." After deciding to take one Razorwind quickly follows behind the others.

Raikoo just watches the others and shrugs. He's never used a gun in his life and besides why would he need on. He's got his swords to rely on.

Ariel leads the way to a building that seems to currently have nobody in it. She rushes to a door that leads to a stairway that goes down. "We are close to the spot where we split, folks. Quickly!" she rushes down the stairs.

Right! With the rush Rick had almost forgotten to pick up a weapon. That and hes been a little distracted recently. So as the suggestion is made Rick turns back to grab one but by that time most had already been scooped up. "Uh...Matt? Matthew? Michael? Someone mind tossing me one of thier extras?"

Emerald follows along as everyone goes for the stairs. She already has a gun from the ambushers, so no need for another.

Matthew replies to Katy's statment with, "Maybe for a mobian, but I'm quite capable of dual welding these two rifles with ease, it means I can take out twice as many targets in the same amount of time," as Matthew continues to move while searching for any more targets that might present themselves in Matthew's field of fire as he follows Ariel, although he's weary of Ariel's plan since she hasn't been very forthcoming with the details.

Matt can John Woo just fine.  "Am I going to find out what were going for yet?"
Michael quickly moves over to Rick and tosses Rick the spare Rifle Michael had picked up as Michael says, "Here take this one you'll need it. Just be careful with your ammo supply and it's already set on stun," before Michael heas back over to where katy's group is.

Katy replies to Matthew. "Even you can not be behind someone while also in front of them. However, two people can. Just realise this is a team effort, Matthew." Tassadar is quiet as always and keeps the gun he has while reflexingly keeping to darker and less conspicuous areas then the rest. Though still following.

Razorwind continues to follow behind listening to everyone else talk and soon speaks up himself "How about we do less talking and began blasting the enemy to pieces?"

Raikoo just follows KAty, kinda wondering how he got dragged into all this. Oh well. KAty's so nice, how could he say no to her? n.n;;

Ariel gets to a fork in the hallway and says, "There will be time enough for shooting badguys, Razorwind. Keep your pants on." she looks to Matthew. "Quick reminder, you are in charge of Matt, Emerald, and Rick. But I think it would be best if you took Tassadar with you and I go with Katy. Here are your communicators." she offers them to Matthew. "We meet on the other side of the city... you remember the place." she is referring to a spot Matthew had seen last time he was here.

Rick nods as he catches the gun from Michael. "Thanks Michael. And yeah, I know. Dont worry." He then responds as he turns to catch up with the others. Then once back with everyone, he blinks at Ariels comment. Gotta love last minute change of orders. Oh well. Rick didnt really have any problems with it.

Emerald just follows Matthew since that is the group she is with. She looks happy as usual and hums a little, but not loud.

Matthew shoulders one of the rifles so he can accept the communicators and he readies his own so he can use it in a hands free setup before he hands the rest out to Matt, Emerald, Rick, and Tassadar and then he regrips the shoulder rifle as he says, "Why do you keep changing things like this? Something feels wrong about a mission when the objectives keep changing," as Matthew will follow her orders for now, but Matthew just thinks something is a bit wrong, but Matthew then says, "Come on this way," as Matthew starts leading his group to the location Ariel spoke of.

Matt accepts his new accsesories, and put them to their proper use as he follows. "Well thats what happens when your makeing it up as you go remember?"

Michael looks over to Ariel as she joins up with Katy's group and mutters, "Any other group rearangements that need to be made?" as he's wondering why the shuffling is going on.

Katy looks to Ariel expectantly as she puts on her own communicator. "The mission is more important, but that is two distrusting people, Ariel. Care to give a brief explanation?"

Tassadar goes with Matthew quietly and puts on the communicator given to him.

Razorwind growls when he hears Ariel's comment and gets annoyed that she is coming along with our group "Whatever, when things start to get ugly you better just stay out of my way. You hear me?" He said in an angry tone as he turns away. When offered to him, Razorwind refuses to take a communicator.

Raikoo stays close to Katy, shifting the balance of his zanbantosai.

Ariel only gets slightly aggitated at Razor's comment before answering on the communicator. "I have a soft spot for children. And as you can probabley over-hear, Matthew, keeping Tassadar with Razorwind is much more dangerous for Tassadar than keeping him with you. Besides... you and I are the only ones of us who have been here, so you and I are the choice guides for leading the way through this city. I simpley forgot that detail when I originally making plans... I'm a doctor and a fighter. Not used to dealing with leadership stuff and am under alot of stress." though she says that with relative calmness.

Rick for the time being stays over all silent, just paying attention to whats going on and whats being said, but not having much to add himself at the time and so just follows Matthew.

Emerald eartwitches as soon as the communicator is on her. She pities Ariel some, but mostly looks over to Tass, Matt, Rick and Matthew with a grin. "Tassadar is safe with us, Ariel." ^_^

Matthew nods to Ariel as that is an explaination he finds acceptable as he turns back to his group and says, "Let's get moving, we got a lot of distance to cover, and not much time," as Matthew starts to lead his group towards the destination, although he's having to take a roundabout way try and avoid patrols.

Matt says, "Well the only time its a short distance with a lot of time, is when you end up haveing to fight your way through a few hundred enemies if you wanna get there. so this may be for the best." yes, still following

Michael positions thecommunicator that Ariel hands them out to everyone in the group as he mutters, "Is there anything else that you might have overlooked?" as Michael is just being cautious as there is very little about this mission he understands.

Katy just listens, though she notices Razorwind refusing to take the communicator and shrugs. His call... "So long as you stick with the group, no problemo Razor."

Tassadar gives Emerald a thumbs up. Other than that... no comments

Razorwind looks at everyone as they take a communicator and just shakes his head a little for no real reason really. He follows quietly for a moment then looks up to Katy as she speaks to him "If I get lost from the group then that will be a good thing, Katy." Razorwind slows down a bit when walking, hoping that he will get lost from the group or wait for when they aren't looking to go a different direction.

Katy is half focussed on keeping up with Ariel and half focussed on keeping an eye on Razor. "Why would that be a good thing. I don't want you dead."

Raikoo just follows the group as he did in the last pose. He keeps his swords ready, though, in case of danger. His eyes dart from one thing to another as he keeps his attention high.

Ariel says, "Razorwind... I know this city well... if you were Sonic the hedgehog, you might maybe escape. Barely. But even then it is doubtful. But it is your own funeral. If you want to die, however, do it far FAR away from the group.

Emerald says, "Matthew... do you know this particular path or is this going to be guess work?"

Matthew replies to Emerald's question, "I've been on this path once before, that is why we are going this route, I know it works and is relatively safe given the alternatives, there may be a better route, but I'm not going to risk guessing wrong," as Matthew continues on the route as he contineus to listen for anything that would indicate that a patrol is in the area.

Matt just does what he's done the other who knows how many times he's had to infiltrate heavily defended citys with Matthew. That, and makeing a note that shoot anything that moves and doesnt have a cool coat, wont work out that well this time around

Michael continues along in Katy and Ariel's group as he looks around keeping an eye out for anything that might be a problem as he wonders how long it will be before soemthing goes wrong, as he knows it is very rare for a plant to succeed without encoutnering some sort of problem that has to be dealt with, thus the only plans that can succeed are thsoe that are able to cope with unexpected difficulties and endure, and Michael hopes that the plan for this mission is such a plan.

Katy is not totally sure herself of what she is walking into. And in this situation is only leader in so far as to say "ABORT" if she suspects it is getting too pointless. Other than that, she follows.

Tassadar, meanwhile, is quiet as an ant walking on cotton.

Razorwind growls and throws his blaster to the ground "Oh, so you think just cause I'm not some freak hedgehog I can't make it out of here alive on my own? Well I will show all of you that this bird can survive without the help of team work. I did before I met the Channelwood Freedom Fighters I can continue to now." With saying that he rushes off to who knows where.



CHAPTER 6: Divide and conquer

Ariel watches Razorwind in amazement for a moment, having only met very few like that in her life. She then turns and proceeds to lead the way. Had Razor followed a little more, he'd have seen with Ariel's group a large room with a HUGE blue glowing generator of some sorts. Ariel smiles. "Here it is... " then frowns. "Crud... why was it this close to the entrance?"

Rick still just follows silently along with Matthew, keeping his eyes and ears open for any signs of trouble.

Matthew continues to lead the group towards their destination, which is still off in the distance as Matthew continues to try and weave the group around through ally ways to avoid any confrontations with the city's patrols, but Matthew spots a building that he remembers from his previous 'trip' through the area and stops the group and asks, "Okay we are near one of the major factories for the city, we could take it out as a diversion since it would draw attention towards the facotory and clear out patrols form our destination spot, but it is risky so what do you all think?" as the situation must be risky if Matthew is giving people the option and not just taking the risk.

Matt says "well, considering they already know we're on the way, dont have to worry about that tipping off the fact they got visitors.  depends on how fast we could get in and out while causeing the exsessive property damage."

Michael retrieves the laser rifle Razoriwnd oddly left behind as Michael didn't want a roaming patrol to find it as such a find would definiately draw attention as Michael straps it to his shoulder and then hurries to Ariel and asks, "What are the odds we'll see Razorwind again alive given his latest decision?" as Michael does sound concerned as he now notices the generator and mutters, "Something can't be right with such a important facility being so close to the enterence and so poorly protected... I'm sure someone as paranoid as Matthew would label this as a trap."

Katy looks to Ariel, "What? Should we push through and leave this place be, or were you happy to see this place for a very very good reason?" Meanwhile, Tassadar steps forward. "We are on a suicide mission. Time is of the essence and risk is everywhere. I volunteer."

Raikoo is slightly dazzled by the pretty lights... O.o

Ariel replies, "This place isn't a trap. That thing can NOT have been moved here so quick just as a trap.. I think the trap is ahead." she turns on her communicator, "Matthew, keep sharp. Most of the security has pulled back. We can take advantage for now, but this means they must be planning a trap for us at the core." she hurries to some controls and taps away, occasionally watching over her shoulder... soon the giant blue generator starts to move downward.

Rick thinks a moment and then looks to Matthew and shrugs. "Im for it if you think thats the best option." He then chuckles. "Anyhow, I doubt my lucks so bad as to get captured twice in a row."

Emerald looks ahead to the 'risky' place Matthew mentioned and nods in agreement to what the others decided.

Matthew looks around and says, "Okay we'll need to do this quickly since they will try to defend this place. After all the city won't last long without being able to fuel it's vehicles. However such fuel is quite flammable, so all we have to do is start a fire or an explosion and let the fuel in the building do the rest for us," as Matthew motions for hte group to follow him as he leads the group to a better location form which to launch an attack upon the building.

Matt asks, "so, do we shoot at a convinent fuel tank from a distance? or set someon on fire and hope they run into one?"

Michael looks around and says, "Hmm so what are we going to do here?" as Michael wonders just what the group is going to do here since it is likely we are going to disable the place, but how is the part that Michael doesn't know.

Katy nods, looking at Ariel. "I want to know, but whatever the case, I hope it's important." Tassadar simpley follows Matthew, gun ready.

Raikoo lowers his great sword and hmms softly, gazeing around the room curiously. "We shouldn't linger for too long you know.."

Ariel says, "This area is used as an alternate energy source. Matthew is probabley at the main power core right now. All we need do is disconnect this thing manually and they won't have backup power." she contacts Matthew via the communicator again. "Matthew... are you at a generator?"

Rick thinks a moment and then looks to Matthew. "Ah, Matthew? Just a suggestion but I may be able to take care of this if you like, and in the mean time you all can gain some distance and I'll rejoin you when Im able." Ricks duty during many of the various other missions they've been on has after all been deversions, and those deversions often envolved an explosion of some kind. So Rick figures he'd be able to take care of it. However.... "Its your choice though. Your the leader. Just giving another possible option." Rick then quiets down again as Ariel comes through on the com.

Emerald doesn't even allow Matthew the chance to answer before saying "Absolutely not!" then listens in on the com as she grabs at Rick out of reflex... communicating with body language she doesn't want him to go alone.

Matthew replies via his communicator, "We are close to it, but right now we're going to deal with the primary fuel refinery, the primary generator isn't far, and if we ignite enough of the fuel, we could do some damage to the primary generator as secondary damage, but sicne I plan on attacking both targets at once the secondary damage is only a backup. I told you that their requirement to have the generator so close to the fuel refinery may maximize output but it also presents a very vunerable target," before Matthew says, "Very well, have Emerald go with you since it is quite likely you'll have to deal with a few locks and Emerald's skill at picking locks will come in handy... there won't be any locks to deal with for the generator itself," as Matthew then goes on to explain what Emerald and Rick would have to accomplish to take out the fuel refinery.

Matt says, "and remember, explosions are always twice as large as they should be in a dramatic situation. so make sure not to singe anything imprtant off."

Michael asks, "So we'll have to time this with the other groups attacks to make sure they can't react well, won't we?" as Michael suspects that this isn't going to be easy, but once it is done that thigns wil lbe a bit easyer as all the fancy defences they can only be operated with power.

Katy taps her communicator as she smiles at Michael. "I'm starting to really really love these things." Tassadar doesn't say anything, but follows Matthew and Matt

Raikoo just stays close to Katy, wishing this was done and over with. The sooner the better, he's got more important things to do than to worry about a city of traitors.. With any luck he won't have to deal with angry spirits, curses, or anything like that due to him being dragged to a place he didn't want to go to.. >.> <.< >.>

Ariel has accessed a panel and disconnects some key wires. All the lights in the room go out. Ariel says, "Backup generator shut down. Follow me everyone." she gets up and hops off out of the room.

Rick smiles to Emerald. "Hey, calm down. I'll be alright." Rick then nods to Matthews directionsand looks back to Emerald. "And I wouldnt mind your coming along." Rick then returns his attention to Matthew "Would you like us to delay until you are in position to take out the generator?" And then Rick nods to Matt. "I know. Im not a complete dummy. Im fully aware that place is going to make one heck of an explosion when it goes off."

Emerald calms down and waits for her cue to follow Rick. "We shouldn't be splitting up more... this place is very dangerous... but whatever."

Matthew shakes his head, "No as soon as you finish I want you to join back up with the rest of the group as we'll be right over there," as Matthew points over to the generator building as Matthew continues, "Keep in touch with the communicators for more detailed specifics on our location, no need to be fancy just get the job done," as Matthew motions for the rest of the group to follow as he starts to explain how they will take out the generator.

Matt isn't exactly worried that large containers of flameable substance wont go un kablooyed. as if someone does spot them, the ensueing firefight is bound to hit something sensitive.

Michael continues on with the rest of the group he's in as he says, "Ariel care to explain the rest of the mission to us now? Such as what you plan on us doing, and how?"

Katy also follows, silent since Michael is asking the questions anyhow. :) And do I have to say again that Tassadar follows?

Raikoo naturally follows close to Katy, idly watching her tail every now and then n.n;

Ariel says, "We are going to steal some of their armament." she leads the way to another building.

Rick chuckles at Emeralds comment. "Dont worry. We'll be done and back with the others in no time. I've done this sorta thing a number of times." Rick then gives one last nod to Matthew befire starting carefully off toward the building and motioning for Emerald to follow.

Emerald's player manages to get enough of a grip to pose Emerald following Rick.

Matthew leads the rest of his group towards the generator that Ariel had wanted attacked as Matthew says, "All we have to do is a quick hit and run to take out the primary and backup safety valves and the generator will destroy itself," as Matthew turns to Matt and says, "Just like the last generator we blew before, care explain it for Tassadar?" as matthew looks around to make sure it's safe to continue on while Matt explains thigns to Tassadar before they can continue on.

Matt explains the simple yet effective method of blowing up a highly advanced, guarded by an entire city of well armed looneys, generator.

Michael looks at Ariel and asks, "So how are we going to acquire some of their armament, and what armaments are you refering to? And what are you planing on us doing with those armaments?" as Michael is not liking how Ariel keeps being vauge about what the next action will be.

Katy uses her communicator and asks, "Matthew... how is everything going on your end?" Meanwhile, Tassadar just pays attention to the ever obvious statements of Matt.

Ariel says, "How? Dunno yet. What? Tanks. Plans for use should be obvious. I plan to use them to get past the even thicker security where I am sure we would die without such equipment."

Rick made sure to make his way to the building carefully, watching for any patrols or anything else that could spot them. And then once up to the door of the building he nods to Emerald. "Care to do the honors?" He then asks, motioning to the lock and afterwords just silently keeping watch while Emerald does her thing.

Emerald plays with the door some and quickly gets it unlocked. "Be careful not to lower your gaurd Rick. This place is much more dangerous than Middletown from what I've been hearing."

Matthew replies via his communicator, "Thinks are going fine so far," as Matthew leads his group, minus Rick and Emerald around towards a drainage pipe on the outside of hte generator building that has a window near it about twenty feet up, as Matthew says, "Matt take point as we climb up the pipe, you know what to do with the window, I know you can easily reach it from the pipe."

Matt nods, "Here's hopeing nobody ever locking high up windows is still a standard thing.  Shall or do you think I should go to by the window straight from here? cause is someones close enough to it to hear me, then theyre close enough to see us from on the pipe."

Michael blinks as Ariel talks about swiping tanks and he asks, "Okay, and who will drive these tanks?" as the group continues on moving.

Katy says, "I hope Ariel is decent at driving military vehicles, cause I sure am not."

Tassadar looks up and then back to Matthew. "And where do I go?"

Rick quickly turns to head into the building once Emerald gets it unlocked, and as he does so attempts to reassure Emerald. "Dont worry Emerald. Its one thing if its just my own tail on the line. But Im not about to let anything happen to you or any of the others if theres -anything- I can do about it. So theres no chance Im lowering my guard around here." He responds with a slight smile and then heads in, first looking over the place for any possible threats before anything else.

Ariel nods. "I know how. As for the other tanks, I suspect Matthew will be able to drive one." she contacts Matthew on her communicator. "Matthew. When you are done, meet me in the armament. If I do not answer you when you get there and ask me to answer, abort mission."

Emerald giggles and smiles. "I believe you then." and follows Rick.

Matthew replies, "Which ever is easier for you Matt," before matthew says, "I'll carry you up the pipe since I want the three of us to stay together before Matthew replies via his communicator, "Understood," as he kneals down to make it easier for Tassadar to climb onto his back so he can carry Tassadar up the pipe."

Matt makes use of the less violent but oh so much more fun bionic commando move at his disposal, the claw gripping a bit above and to the left of the window, so in case someone is looking, there wont be an obvious cable, and target in a coat instantly in view.  So up he goes, rifle in free hand, spare on the back, blah blah he carefully looks through the edge of the window already.

Michael nods and says, "But how many of us can fit into a single tank? Will we have enough 'drivers'?" as Michael is soemwhat tired of asking questions, but he knows that the questions have to be asked since it would be rather bad if a shortage of drivers was only realzied once it was too late.

Katy looks at Ariel expectantly. Tass, of course, climbs onto Matthew's back. 

Ariel sighs. "We will just have to try, Michael. Lucky us, these are no ordinary tanks, but they operate the same. We'll see when we get..." she opens the doors and sees a ton of military stuff including tanks. "...there... wow. those tanks ARE bigger than I thought."

Rick frowns as he spots some guards in the building, then mumbles "Shoot." before quickly grabing Emerald and pulling her over behind some fuel barrels where he hopes they will remain unseen. He doubts it would be very smart to start any sort of firefight, even just using stun blasts, in this place. Once behind the barrels, Rick looks to Emerald again. "Keep an eye out and make sure noone sees us but try to avoid any shooting if you can. I'll do my best to work quickly." Rick then quickly but quietly (as hes able anyhow) begins to rig the barrels they are next to so he can set them on fire and cause them to blow, but in a way so he can delay the explosion long enough for him and Emerald to get out and get some distance before it does blow.

Emerald sits still, being vewwy vewwy quiet.

Matthew makes sure that Tassadar's grip is tight and secure as Matthewlet's the laser rifles hang from hisshoulders thanks to their shoulder straps as Matthew needs to use both hands to scale the pipe while keeping his body weight as clsoe to hte pipe as possible to prevent the weight of Matthew and Tassadar from pulling the pipe away from the building, and it isn't long before Matthew is at the level of the window waiing for Matt to clear the immediate area on the other side of hte window before Matthew can enter through the window since right now he's unable to use a weapon to defend himself.

Matt enters through the convinently unlocked, unguarded, placed right near a convinent pipe, window.  nobody to shoot in sight or heard...darn?  he motions for Matthew to make with his entrance, and goes into 'blast any idiot that decides to enter from a normal entrance' mode.

Michael looks around at all the military stuff in the armary and says, "We can't allow this stuff to be sued by Robotnik's forces...no matter what," as Michael doesn't even want to think what Matthew will do when he sees all this stuff... hwoever he thinks that summing it up as a 'happy-happy-joy-joy dance would be an understantment.

Katy looks surprised for the first time in a long time. Her jaw gaping open... all these... weapons. She looks at Ariel and then Michael... "Woah..." she grins. "When do I get to try one?"

Tassadar simpley holds on tightly, ankles and arms locked. He will not let go until told to.

Ariel simpley answers Michael (before Katy spoke) "That's the idea." then after Katy says her thing, Ariel says, "Now." and hops to the nearest tank. "I will give you all a quick crash-course on using one of these tanks."

Rick finishes getting the tank rigged and then turns his attention back to Emerald. "Okay, I could use your help here. Im ready to ignite, but we're going to need to start running the moment I do. I need you to watch the guards and let me know when the guards have turned thier attention away and you think its safe to run for the door. I'll light it once you give the word so immediately start running after you do."

Emerald holds up her hand and watches for the right time. Then throws her hand down quickly and runs.

Matthew easily makes his way from the pipe to the window and through it as he mutters softly as he kneels down, "Tassadar you can get off my back now," as Matthew regrips his laser rifles and looks around and over to Matt, "This is almost too easy, I guess they put all their eggs into one basket, and fortunately we play by different rules."

Matt says, "...why god, why did you have to say its almost too easy? now were gonna have to try and convince a certain fat mad scientist to go on the slim fast plan or something equally insane and impossible."

Michael looks at Ariel and asks, "So you think we'll all be able to pilot this things? how many people does it take to operate one of these tanks?" as Michael walks over to a Tank and ponders how the heck he's going to operate something this big on his own.

Katy just takes the cue to hop on in and check out the controls. "I always dreamed of being in one of these..." Meanwhile, Tass obeys and hops off Matthew. 
Ariel answers Michael. "It should take three to operate. So since Razorwind left, I guess we can evenly have 3 tanks between the nine of us that are left."

Rick ignites the moment Emerald gives her signal and is right behind her a moment later. Once out of the building, Rick waits until he thinks they are a good enough distance away before signaling for Emerald to follow him as he ducks behind some cover. And its only a few moments later when..... *BOOOOOOM*

Emerald says, "Come in, Matthew... did you hear that?"

Matthew replies via his communicator, "Ya I heard the explosion and we're almost done here. Carefully make your way to the position near the generator where I said to meet up with us, we'll be there shortly," as Matthew then says to Matt and Tassadar, "Let's do this quickly we don't have much time."

Matt says, "run and shoot anything that moves that I dont like, gotcha."

Michael hopes into the same tank that katy has hte driver's postion inwith Michael sitting in the navigator's seat as he looks at all the control screens and says, "I hope when Ariel said crash course, she didn't mean it literally since I'd hate to see what would happen if we crashed on of these."

Katy is like a kid in a candy store. Then Ariel gets in and quickly points to the most common/basic readings and controls to each of them. She has Raikoo just... sit. Katy tries and behold! She is able to drive a little. Though relies on Michael for navigating.

Tassadar has his gun ready and keeps Matthew and Matt covered while they have him also covered. It's what allies do...

Rick waits until the dust has cleared before bringing his head up toto look overthier handiwork and giving out a quick whistle when he does. "That did it!" Rick then looks around a bit to make sure the coast was clear before looking back to Emerald. "Come on, we better get going." And as he starts off he also decides just to make sure. "You alright?"

Emerald nodnods. "Sure! Let's hurry!" she runs to where Matthew indicated. "Remind me when this is all over to give everyone a big hug."

Matthew quickly leads Matt and Tassadar to where they need to get to as the nearby explosion has pretty much cleared out much of the guards as matthew can hear that they have gone running off to try and deal with the fuel refinery that just went up in smoke as Matthew mutters, "Timing is everything soon they will realize that was jsut a diversion to take out the generator, Matt be quick I'll cover you," as Matthew takes up a defensive position not far from the controls 
Matt will need to use to sabotage the now mostly deserted generator facility.

Matt nods,  "Speed it is then." and he fires his claw to a hunk of unimportant scenery by the controls. "Behold the wonders of my boinic arm. free zip-line ride!" this said, free zip line ride commences, and he skids to a halt by the controls as his claw releases its grip and goes back to its place on his arm...hey, sonics not the only one who can abuse his sneakers. "Now, onto destructive button pressing." wow, look at him go.

Michael is starting to figure out the basics behind how the navigation conceol for the tanks operate mostly due to Ariel's instructions on how the concels operate.

Katy grins as she drives the thing... Ariel contacts Matthew, giving him the coordinates in relation to Matthew's position. And Tassadar, well, just does as he's told.

Raikoo looks around, hrmming softly, waiting for Katy to tell him something to do, aside from just staying by her. HIs sword remains ready in case the group runs into resistance

Rick for the time just heads quietly toward the point Matthew told him to meet up, making sure to watch for and avoid anyone heading back toward the supply depot they just blew .

Emerald follows Rick, of course, and soon she and Rick are at the meeting point. "I hope Matthew makes it here soon."

Matthew waits for Matt to finish mashing buttons before he says, "Let's get moving, Matt come on we need to get going before someone comes to try and figure out what is going on...I pity that person when this place blows up," as Matthew leads Matt and Tassadar back to the window and looks out the window and sees Rick and Emerald. Matthew uses his communicator to radio, "Okay the generator is sabotaged, we'll be joining up at the armory in a short while," as Matthew motions for Matt to join up with Emerald and Rick as Matthew kneels down and says, "I'll carry you down, com on," as he motions for Tassadar to grab onto Matthew's back once again.

Matt doesnt exactly have to be told that following along ready to shoot people that get in the way of running from the impending explosion is a good idea.

Michael looks over some of the controls and asks via his communicator, "I wonder how long till they notice that some of their tanks are no long under their control?"

Katy nods and also uses her communicator. "The sooner you can get here to the armory, Matthew, the better." she looks at Michael. "Probabley best we keep this tank in the armory until Matthew gets here so we won't have stranded tanks, but a group." Meanwhile, Tassadar climbs on Matthew's back, no questions asked. He holds as tight as before.

Raikoo just wonders at what kind of a twisted mind would even make tanks.. aside from the obvious villain buuuut yeah.  "Is it me or has this been a too quiet of an operation?"

Ariel nods. "Raikoo is right. Even if they pulled all their resources back, there should have been more resistance."

Emerald waves also, smiling and excited. Then uses her communicator. "Matthew is on his way. He's got his hands full, though, so I thought I'd tell you for him."

Matthew says, "Tassadar, you may want to close your eyes, " As Matthew jumps through the window and then falls to the ground feet first with his legs bent at the knees to act as shock absorbers as he kneels down and steadies himself as he lands before saying, "You can let go of me now," as Matthew wodners whehter Matt will also jump the short distance to the ground, or jsut use his grapling hook to lowerhimself to the ground.

Matt opts for the jumping.  This may seem like a bad idea, but the fact he hits by the top of the pipe feet first, then slides down the side of it some before dropping the rest of the way helps take care of that large drop landing impact problem.  "lets hear it for the practical use of style."

Michael uses the communicator as he says, "Well it seems like Matthew's group will be here shortly," as he waits in the navigator's seat for Matthew's group to arrive.

Katy stops the tank and waits. Tassadar closes his eye when Matthew said to since he is in obey mode. Then gets off and opens his eyes, ready to follow.

Raikoo's in obey mode as well, following KAty's orders, ready to help out in whatever way he can.





CHAPTER 7: Regroup and scewer

Ariel uses her communicator to ask, "Matthew... I assume you know how to use a tank?"

Rick is just about to say something to Matthew and Matt when he hears Ariels question over the radio and quickly turns his attention to that. "Tank? What about a tank?"

Emerald says, "Oh boy! I think Ariel found us a tanky!"

Matthew starts to lead his group towards the armory as he replies to Ariel's question via his communicator, "Depends on the type of tank, most likely I'll be able to pilot a tank, and I suspect Matt will be able to as well if the drive system isn't too diferent from the vehicles he and I are used to."

Matt says "Hey Tass, wanna man the gun? as you dont have to exactly hit the target with a tank cannon, so why not?"  why cant all role models be like Matt?

Michael continues to wait for Matthew's group to arrive as he wonders what we will be needing tankes for... since the tanks are anything but subtle.

Katy doesn't want to sit still... she looks to Raikoo. "Raikoo... do me a favor and go to the main doors of the armory and keep an eye out for things. Matthew, if you see him, and enemies if you see them. K? And when Matthew shows up, pull back to this tank."

Meanwhile, Tassadar can't help but smile and nod. "Yeah... you bet!"

Raikoo bows and nods to KAty, "Allright." He hefts the zanbantosai back on his shoulders and heads out to the main doors of the armory, grinning as he keeps watch for Matthew and enemies.

Ariel hops out also, though she is busy getting the tanks prepared for online-ishness.

Rick chuckles "Well lets go. I wouldnt mind trying one out if theres one to spare.: Rick then starts toward the armory."

Emerald follows, of course, and spots Raikoo up ahead. She waves to him.

Matthew uses his communicator to report, "The Armory is in sight," as Matthew looks around to lead his group into the Armory as he's pondering why this is so easy as he suspects it is because everyone in the city is either prepairing an ambush as they know where the intruders must be heading, or they are on damage control duty and dealing with the damage done from the sabotaging that has gone on.

Matt says, "this is gonna be sweet, or were going to wish we had something bigger than tanks..."

Michael wonders how long it wil ltake for everyone else to get into a tank and for us all to get rolling on with the mission.

Katy wonders that as well as she peeks her head up out of the tank to look over to where Raikoo is, only to see that Matthew and friends are at the door. 
Tassadar, once he sees the tanks, is very very happy. He wishes he had things like these when those SWATbots chased him around.

Raikoo grins as he sees Matthew, "Great. SO far so good. Let's get the tanks all activated and get out of here.." He grins and returns to Katy's tank, soon takeing his position next to her.

Ariel leads Matthew to the next tank. Then takes Matt to yet another. "Alright... there are nine of us left. We lost Razorwind earlier. So... three tanks, three people each. I will stay with Katy's tank since she and Mike are new to this. I'll give Raikoo to you and Tassadar. Rick and Emerald can go with Matt. All good and well?"

Bummer. Rick wanted to try and drive one. Oh well, no biggie. "Yeah sure. Im game."

Matt Says "works for me, and since i'll seem to be driveing by default." as he heads into the tank and the appropriate seat, "which one of you wants to play with the guns?"

Emerald nods and goes to hug Rick's arm. "Yay! I'm with Rick and Matt!"

Matthew grins slightly as he sees the tanks, but the grin seems to get large as he hears that Razorwind 'got lost'... and then points to an empty one and says, "Been a while since I've been able to dirve anything with any decent armaments on it," as Matthew quickly hopes into the driver's seat and looks over the controls. Matthew then uses his communciator and says, "I'll be able to operate this tanke without any problems, it's similar to several of the tanks Overlanders used during the last war," as Matthew does a check to make sure the tank is operational before he uses his communicator to says, "Okay Raikoo, I know you dislike guns compaird to your blades, so why don't you take the navigator's seat, and let Tassadar take the gunner position."

Michael waits till everyone else is ready in their positions before he asks, "Okay so what now? Other than we move out, how do we keep from being attacked by whatever they use to destroy more heavily armored vehicicles which I guess these tanks would qualify as."

Katy nods as she is beginning to set the tank to forward mode and uses her communicator, "That's what I wunna know too." Of course, Tassadar is thrilled. His life has always been about running away and hiding. But now... NOW he can use a tank!

Raikoo wanted to be with KAty.. Oh well. Teamwork's still important if he ever wants to get back to the Aqua Ruins Zone.. He nods to Matthew and gets to his station, 'Navigation online." Not that he knows how to navigate a tank.. neither does he know how to drive one.. n.n;

Ariel hops into the Katy tank and says via comm.. "Matthew, don't forget to give Raikoo a very quick crash course. And Michael... this whole mission is risky. I told you all the risks... we just happen to have bigger guns now. So as to how to avoid their anti-tank equipment, that is why I activated the other tanks. They are set to follow us, making it appear like we are a larger army than we really are. Also making it less likely for them to hit the right target."

Rick thinks a moment before he starts toward the tank he was assigned to, looking back to Matt and Emerald as he does so. "I guess I can take the gunnery station if you would rather navigate Emerald."

Emerald thumbs up and hops in. "Roger, Rick!" and bounces in her seat some.

Matthew is able to operate the tank, not necessarily like a pro, but he'll manage as he starts moving the tank to fall into formation with the two other tanks as he uses his communicator to ask, "Okay Ariel, I think it's about time you said how we are going to accomplish the rest of the mission from these tanks as I doubt random destruction is what your wanting us to accomplish and these tanks aren't exactly surgical tools and one doesn't operate with sledgehammers," before Matthew starts explaining to Tassadar and Raikoo general information about typical tanks that seems to apply for this type of tank based on what he knwos about the system used for the driver in hopes to educate them on how to work there positions since it isn't like theses tanks came with an onboard tutorial.

Matt explains the wonderfuly simple concept of, aim the gun, pull the trigger. and, that glowing dot on the screen is us.  He either knows full well how to properly handle the driveing, or doesnt care cause not many things when hit by a tank cause the tank problems.

Michael wonders how dangerous thigns are going to be since the group had to swipe three tankes for this part of the mission, and Michael wonders if the taking of hte tanks was planened in advance, or jsut a last moment decision since it seemd plausible at the time, and to put Michael's questions at ease MIhcael asks in to his communicator, "Ariel, did you plan on us swiping some tanks before we got to the city, or did you just decide on that after we got into the city?"

Katy uses her communicator to say, "Whatever we do, we gotta do it fast. I'm sure these people are only growing in defences as we speak."

Tassadar quietly, but happily, sits in the point and shoot spot of the tank he is in. Happy days for him!

Raikoo listens as he's told about navigation.. he blinks and stares at whatever tanks have for naigation as he sits.

Ariel uses her communicator as she takes her own tank through the doors along with many remote tanks that she has pre-programmed to follow her tank. "The current plan is to charge at the center building. It is disguised as a prison, but in actuality, it is where the city's nuclear reactor is. Once that is on meltdown, this city is as good as gone." she then says, "The fuse box outside the city is designed to set off alarms in an area near between the center of the city and the gates we came through. So Emerald can activate the line cutters now. And Michael? I had *hoped* we could get these tanks, but I didn't thikn we would be so lucky. So... everyone on your toes and hope they don't know that we know what we know."

Rick doesnt have any comments himself at the time, to busy getting himself set up that the gunnery station in his tank as well as listening to all the other comments. It isnt to long however that Rick gets the hang of the turret controls and is ready for whatever action may be coming thier way, or they're coming at.

Emerald pulls out a remote control and presses the button on it with a grin. "Kabang!" she says excitedly. Meanwhile, just outside the city, an earlier seen fuse box fizzles some as the wires are cut.

Matthew simple focuses on driving the tank to where he has to get it while saying into the communicator, "So how likely are we going to be dealing with portable antitank weapons? such as armor peircing rockets?" as Matthew is a bit concerned with teh possibility of these tanks becoming mobile death traps if the enemy has a battery of armor pericing rockets or anti-tanks weapons ready to use on the tanks.

Matt says, "I'd say guaranteed, considering how life tends to get unpleasant after strings of good luck that include avoiding further patrols, and finding a ton of unused tanks."

Michael speaks up, "Do these tanks have any defense mechanisms to protect them, otehr than heavy armor?" as Michael wodners if using these tanks are a good idea if they aren't safe.

Katy ponders as she then asks, "Better yet... the question is this: Are our chances better in the tanks than out of them? I doubt Ariel would have us using a squardron of tanks otherwise."

Tassadar listens to the conversation, but only gives a smile as he checks out the various controls in front of him.

Raikoo sits back and waits to help out in the way navigators can, not that he knows much about that. n.n;

Ariel answers, "The alternative is having anti-tank missiles fired at us when we are outside the the tanks. At least this way, we have diversions and a way to break through the walls. I never said we would live through this. I warned you all this would be suicide. But I am trying my best with what I know about this city to assure the mission succeeds wether we live or not."

Rick nods. "Exactly. Sides, even in the chance that we could manage to get through everything without these tanks, do you really want to run from a meltdown on foot? I dont know about everything else but I'd rather have the treads to keeps us going quickly, the armor to help protect us, and the big guns to help back us up. So I say quit gripin and keep drivin."

Emerald says, "Look, everyone!" and apparently, a ton of soldiers off in the distance, complete with vehicles and such are headed towards the city gates and away from the center. "It seems to have worked at least a little bit. Whatever warning we set off is pulling some of their reinforcements away!"

Matthew would look, but he's wanting to stay focused on driving and his view from the driver's seat is ather limited anyways, which is why the tank has a navigator. Matthew instead says, "Well I hope it will draw them off long enough for us to get the job done."

Matt says "Do we shoot now, of should I try to run some over on the way in?"
Michael suggests, "How about we don't and make it look liek we are part of the city's defences moving into a position to protect the city near it's core, that way they won't start attacking now, since if we tip our hand to earily it will give them time to formulate a coutnerattack."

Katy says, "Matt... we don't want to be noticed by them. We must avoid as much trouble as possible.... Thanks, Michael."

Tassadar thinks to himself there is always next time, Matt. But says nothing. What? It's his nature!

Raikoo just sits back, listening to the others and wtching the moniters, "How long untill we exit this city anyway?"

Ariel says, "Hopefully in no longer than forty minutes. We have GOT to act quick!" and with that, Katy's tank makes it to the prison wall...


Rick chuckles "Lets just take it one step at a time Raikoo. First lets worry about taking out that reactor, -then- you can worry all you like about how long it'll take us to get out of here."

Emerald says, "If it is any normal nuclear reactor, meltdown time should give about ten minutes before ground zero becomes actively hazardous. After that, we better be well on our way or we are as good as gone."

Matthew states, "Actually in these tanks we'll have a bit longer... as long as the seals on these tanks are not damaged, the radiation won't harm us. That is if these tanks have similar seals to what the tanks in the Overlander Military had in refards to non conventional weaposn to prevent contamination from biological, chemical or even nuclear attacks. I'm more worried about a nuclear explosion blowing us to bits."

Matt says, "its not everyday I get to blow up a whole city, and not have anyone i know angry about it."

Michael seems uneasy about what is going to be done to this city, but he knows that it must be done as he asks, "Any guess on how many of the inhabitants of this city that will survive what we are going to do?"

Katy makes no comment as she drives the tank to ram right through the prison wall, only for Michael to see on his screen the uncontious form of Razorwind! The other tanks, of course, are smashing other spots of the building.

Tassadar says nothing. Heck... why bother? Sure he has comments of his own, but he loves staying mysterious in addition to the fact he is shy and quiet by nature.

Ariel says, "I'm guessing you don't want to know the answer to that, Michael. So let's drop the questions we have no control over the outcome of the answers to." she doesn't yet notice the Razorwind on Michael's screen.

Rick also doesnt care to dwell much on that question. For the time hes justbeen trying to look at this mission just like most others (except a tad more dangerous) in which they just had to take out and installation and thats that. Doesnt really like to consider the lives lost. So for now he just concentrates on looking through his scope for any possible targets he may need to blast as they burst through the walls.

Emerald uses her communicator to say, "I'd be singing a song appropriate for the occasion if not for the fact we have to focus now and have very little time." she looks over to Matt as his tank crashes through another wall. "What do you see? Is this where we blast away yet?"

Matthew concentrates on driving his tank to where it has to go as he says, "How much longer till we reach our destination? Since I think we're a little pressed for time since I'm sure our running through walls will attract some unwanted attention."

Matt asks, "and how fast can these things 180?"

Michael ponders what Katy is going to do about Razorwind, but Michael is having to be careful to not use his communicator as he knows that Matthew would probably try to drive over Razorwind or something, but unless Katy decides to do somethign there is little that can be done.

Katy notes the indication and stops her tank before quietly woving to the top and opening it in order to exit. Ariel notes what is on Mike's screen and facepalms. (This is not Ariel's pose, I'm just posing Ariel here to hurry things). She whispers, "Katy, he is probabley dead." Katy answers, "I'm not leaving him." and she hops out to grab Razorwind.

Tassadar watches as the tank he is in also smashes through a wall or two... then there are hallways. He awaits orders to shoot stuff, but otherwise has nothing to say.

Ariel continues to guide Matthew and Matt as she says, "You should find a hallway soon after you crsh through two sets of walls. Follow the hallway by turning left."

Rick doesnt have much to say or do at the moment. Just makes sure to keep a sharp eye out and his trigger finger ready in case trouble happens to just pop up out of nowhere.

Emerald says, "And it should be obvious that this tank has smashed through two walls, so you don't need a navigator to tell you that, Matt." she grins over at him. "Left! Like Ariel said."

Matthew makes the necessary coure adjustments at the appropriate times as he asks via his communicator, "Does anyone notice any enemys trying to close in on our position? I dislike driving blind, and I don't want to drive into an ambush." However Matthew does know that at least with the route beign taken anti-tank mines are not an issue as those aren't easy to set up on the inside of buildings.

Matt makes his turn, and can't exactly run over razor without hitting katy as well, so goes straight for the proper path without any blood stain makeing detours.

Michael watches what Katy is doing and hopes that katy's kindness doesn't backfire on her and everyone else...but Michael also wonders where Katry is going to put Razoriwnd as the tanks only seat 3.

Katy places Razorwind on her lap and is just barely able to fit that way as she looks over Razorwind's uncontiouos form to steer. she starts up the tank again and follows the others.

Tassadar is quiet as always. But hey... at least his player is getting good at finding different ways of saying that.

Ariel continues to direct them down the hall before they are met with resistance at last! Many people with bazookas and and laser rifles!

"Hello!" Rick doesnt bother waiting for the order to fire, as soon as he sees the groop he takes only a second to aim before pulling the trigger. He doesnt much feel like waiting around and letting the guys shoot holes into thier tanks before someone does give the order.

Emerald, of course, lets Matt know what is going on. "Enemies with bazookas and laser rifles dead ahead!"

Matthew doesn't need for his navigator to inform him of the enemies in front of the tank as he's able to see one of them even with the limited view of outside hte tank from the driver's position as he calls out, "Tassadar, shoot the targers infront of us, withwhatever weapondry you feel is appropraite," as Matthew increaes his speed slightly as he has only one effective weapon he can wield and that is using the tank to squash anyone who doesn't get out of the way.

Matt says "thats nice, now could you please shoot them a lot? shouldnt this thing has smaller by comparison machine guns or something for the onese rick misses? if not just go for what he's doing."  he keeps driveing. not much room to manuver in a hall, and kind of hard for a tank to dodge like that anyways.

Michael notices the enemies up ahead on his screens and informs the others in the tank about them and suggests that appropraite measures be taken.
Matthew pages, "Hmm I know michael posed... I wrote and entered it... but it hasdnh't shown up on michael's window yet, although I see it in Matthew's... thsi is strange." to you.

Katy speeds up, like Matthew did, while Ariel takes the guns and begins firing on the people ahead.

Tassadar doesn't have to be told twice as he quickly aims and shoots at the enemies of Matthew's tank! He still succeeds in saying nothing, however, as he kinda holds his breathe.

Ariel says, "When we get past this wave, there should be a hallway to our right! Keep an eye out, we don't want to pass it!"

Rick does what he can to take out the group in front of them with what he has available. And what he couldnt take out? Well Rick doubts they would be much of a problem anymore after the tank passes (over) them.

Emerald says, "I'm navigating, Matt. I can't shoot."

Matthew knows that there must be a hallway up ahead and grumbles out loud into his communicator, "Well if we don't want to miss the hallway, and we want to avoid dealing with this wave, then why not just cut a corner!" as Matthew turns the tank to the right quite a bit early to go through the wall hoping that the walls will provide cover form any attack by the enemies as Matthew waits to break into the hallway upon which time he can turn to stay in the hallway.

Matt says, "...couldnt we have just skipped halls and plwed straight to where we were going?"

Michael replies, "I suspect doing that might damage the tanks after all plowing through a wall or two can't be god for a tank. So if fewer walls can be plowed through, less damage to the tank? Or am I mistaken? I don't know much about tanks," as Michael is making an educated guess on the matter.

Katy blinks... crazy though that manuver seemed, it was actually a good idea. Especially since Matthew was going ahead to test it first.

Tassadar continues to fire at the people despite the cover. Why relent? He fires whoever and however he can.

Ariel communicates, "Good thinking. But as Michael just stated, be careful not to overdo that or we won't have transportation out of this explosion zone."

Rick chuckles as he listens to the chatter, while in the mean time still putting most of his concentration on looking around. And while Rick doesnt have the trigger finger Tass seems to have, Rick still doesnt hesitate much to blast anything he considers a possible threat.

Emerald keeps to her job, which is to pay attention to the screen and readings in front of her. She helps guide Matt as he drives. :)

Matthew makes the proper directional adjustments to stay in the hallway once his tank reaches it as he says, "I know, and driving through walls also slows us down, and you did say we had to get thsi done as fast as possible, which mean the les we have to push our way through walls the faster we can go, but it takes longer to deal with a wave of enemies than to push our way through a wall or two."

Matt says "Wouldn't it be easier to shoot holes in the walls with our oveszied cannons at hand?" as he follows, not to mention adds to the path of destruction

Michael says, in a tone that is clearlly not one of confidience in the validity of his statment, "I duno, I guess it might be related to a limited ammo supply and we don't know how much ammo we'll need to use and also, if we use the ammo to blast holes in walls, what happens if we end up causing the building to collapse on the tanks? That might slow us down significantly."

"Like blasting the walls would be much different than crashing through them as far as supporting a building is concerned... but let's just follow the hole Matthew made and defend as best we can!" Katy says as she drives through the hole Matthew made.

Tassadar, on the other hand, is doing a decent job at keeping Matthew clear of enemies for the most part. Seems he is decent with weapons to have picked up on it so quick.

Raikoo navigates.. not much else seems how he's the navigator.. n.n;

Ariel says on her communicator, "We are getting there. I will need you all to cover me when I get out and get to the controls that will start the meltdown."

"Gotcha Ariel, I'll do what I can." Rick gives quickly in responce, but besides that just continues to keep his eye out and blast any hostle targets.

Emerald says, "That should be comparitively simple since we have so many tanks." and sure enough, the tanks are following quite nicely.

Matthew wishes that the drivers of these tanks also had access to the firing controls of some of hte guns, so that Matthew could do mroe than move the tank around as Matthew says, "I'll do what I can, but the there is little I can do as a driver."

Matt says "Well he just summed up what I was gonna way nicely."  though he does turn the tank back around while saying this, to make the whole drive away hopeing to avoid death by nuke 30 seconds easier.

Michael keeps his eyes on the navigator screens as he is careful to report any enemy activity he spots to the tank's gunner as he also says, "I think they may be onto what we are trying to do, but then again they could just be angry that we are plowing through their city with their own tanks."

Katy adds, "Manuvering is what us drivers can do. We can form a barrier around those controls."

Tassadar doesn't say a word on the matter since he isn't the driver. But he knows he was going to shoot enemies either way, so...

Raikoo is just the navigator doing.. navigator things.. yeah..  >.>





CHAPTER 8: Meltdown

As soon as the tanks all enter the main room, it becomes obvious since the place is huge. And Ariel waits for the others to cover her before she hops out and heads for the controls.

Rick calls down to Matt once in position "Hey Matt, you're probably better at using big guns like this so you want to take my place while I jump up top and give Ariel extra cover with my rifle?" Of course Rick still keeps a carefull eye out until his question is answered.

Emerald nods, "That makes alot of sense..." she then uses her communicator. "Once we are in park, we should all man guns and use our laser rifles to cover Ariel."

Matthew speaks into his communicator, "With one alteration, navigators should stay at here posts, if they detect a danger to the tanks, they need to be able to order the drivers to stop firing rifles nad get back to driving the tanks," as Matthew gets ready to do his imitation of a gun turrent with his laser rifles from the driver's hatch.

Matt asks, "I'd think you'd have a better chance hitting things with the cannon compared to  a rifle, that, and im closer to the hatch anyways so less elbowing ang other unpleasantness as we try to get back in and drive off." this said, he makes a sensible request as he makes like his partner in crime...what, you think for a second blowing up a city would be considred leagal?

Michael doesn't mind the suggestion of keeping an eye on the nagivator screens as Michael says into his communicator, "That actually makes a lot of sense, it would help to avoid nasty surprises from our enemy."

Katy says, "Agreed." into her communicator as her tank comes to a stop and Ariel hops out. Luckily... Michael is the navigator in that tank, so Katy is free to peek out and shoot. "Hopefully, this will all be over soon."

Tassadar, meanwhile, needs not comment since he is already on weapons. He just fires away!

Raikoo just yawns and stares at navigations.. if it were up to him he'd be out there with his zanbantosai.. actually if he had it his way he wouldn't even be here too begin with, he'd still be safe at the aqua ruins zone.

Ariel hops out of Katy's tank and rushes to the controls. Taps a few buttons and tries her best to stay focused despite all the sounds of fighting about her.. about a minute later, she rushes to Katy's tank and says into her communicator, "Alright everyone, time to get outta here." and with that, she hops into Katy's tank.

Rick however has no real control over that at the moment, just has to keep covering everyone until Matt gets back down to his seat and gets them going.

Emerald stays put as per Matthew's good idea. Though it seems it is just as well since Ariel doesn't take long at all. "Ariel? Are you sure the meltdown isn't reversable?"

Matthew quickly 'retreats' back through the driver's hatch and resumes his duties as the tank driver as he says, "Now time is of the essence, everyone make sure the hatches are closed and sealed, that will buy us more time," as Matthew starts to drive his tank as fast as he can get the tank away from what he suspects will be ground zero shortly.

Matt procedes to hide like a frightened little school girl, or retereat, however you prefer to put it, into his tanks and does what countless others in many an actin movie have done before him, if on a larger scale.

Michael doesn't have to do much other than continue reporting on the enemy's movements as he just hopes that the tanks can make it to a safe distance before this area becomes ininhabitable.

Katy quickly gets a move on as soon Ariel is in. Ariel, of course, seals the lid before manning the guns again. Katy says, "No time for that now, Emerald, let's just get out of here." Though Ariel reassures, "I made it impossible to shut off."

Tassadar glances at Matthew briefly before shrugging and continuing the job he's gotten so used to already.

Raikoo does.. um stuff with the navigation equipment.. >.> <.< >.>;;

Ariel continues to explain directions to everyone via comm system. It is not long before they are all outside again and thus... met with anti-tank missles just as everyone feared. But the fallout alarm is going off now, and that soon gives way to... no more weapon fire. People trying to escape? Definately.

"Ho boy!" Rick quickly lets out as he spots the anti-tank weapons, then quickly aims to try and take out what he could, and hope whatever is fired either misses, doesnt hit hard enough to disable the tanks or hurt anyone inside, or hit one of the nearby 'dummy tanks'.

Emerald manages to get Matt plenty of warning to ward off the ones headed for the Matt tank at least. But she can only watch out for her tank as the missled destroy some of the remote tanks.

Matthew tries to evade as many of the anti-tank weapons fire as possible by driving at the tanks' top speed while moving in a seemingly random zigzag pattern while using the comminicator to relay that if any of the tanks have any smocke grenade lanchers to use them to create a smoke screen to make it harder for anyone to track the tanks as Matthew activates the last of his tank's smoke lanchers to try an screen to try and hide the movements of his tank.

Matt runs over a poor innocent shrubbery in the action of swerveing to the side to avoid explosive death.  Its familiy would thirst for revenge if they could move and think coherently, but they cant...and they just got blown up by anti tank missles.

Michael just tries to do his best at reporting all the anti-tank weapondry beign fired at the tanks as best he can as he hopes that his warnings are earily enough to allow evasive manuvers.

Katy does her best to do a similar zig-zag reutine as Ariel fired smoke grenades. "Oh my... how much time now?"

Tassadar obeys and fires some smoke grenades also. They work well as they begin to cover the tanks nicely.

Raikoo keeps an eye on radar and the onboard mapping systems, makeing sur ethe path is clear. o.o

Ariel says, "8 minutes and counting, everyone. We have 8 minutes. And I can assure you, these tanks are just fast enough to get us to a distance where we will be safe... though the tanks still won't be useful once the blast is through."

Rick listens to what is said and then nods. "Then I guess in about 7 and a half minutes or so we should all get ready to brace ourselves right?"

Emerald says, "I guess so." as she tries her best to guide Matt.

Matthew speaks into his communicator, "Hmm think any of the internal components of the tanks will be salvageable? If we could salvage the passave senser equipment we could make Channelwood a bit mroe secure by estabishing an early warning system. That and I wouldn't mind beign able to get one of the start motors and the core air filtering block out of one of these tanks," as Matthew keeps his tank running at top speed to cover as much distance as possible as he knwos that the tank will absorb most of the shockwave, and that most of the external components might be fried, but the internal components should be relatively unaffected.

Matt just wants to canibalize some plateing for a cool shield, but thats him. He then erks and says  "Uh, Emmy, you're not going to be mad for the sudden unpleasant demise, and repeated squashings form our decoys of mr.Squirell (will never be able to properly spell that) will you?"

Michael thinks that Matthew might be onto something if they could salvage something from the tanks that could benefit Channelwood, however he'll pass on judgement till after the shockwave and everyone is able to determine what can be salvaged and what can't be.

Katy says, "Roger that. Glad you are able to think of that even as we are striving to escape our doom."

Razorwind whispers, "You can log on my muck and talk to Raikoo with me if you want" to you.

Tassadar has no comment? Wow! What a surprise! And once again, his player finds a way of posing that in a new and interesting fasion.

Raikoo continues to do his task. He'll be rather happy once this whole thing is done and over with.

Ariel soon finds they are nearing the exit of the city on the opposite side of where they came in. "We'll be safe once on the other side of the city walls." of course, this is on the last half minute. "Buckle up everyone. The ride is about to get real rough."

All Rick can really do at the time is buckle up and brace himself. Practically all other dangers are long gone so theres little need for him to be manning the gun anymore.

Emerald does the same as she keeps an eye on the navigation junk, though she accidentally pinches herself on the buckle. "Ow!" and grabs her hand. "Darn biting buckle..."

Matthew continues to drive the tank like a bat out of hell as he alternates hands on the driving controls while he buckles himself in as he knwos this is going to be rough and he hopes that Ariel hasn't miscalculated the blast strenght.

Matt had buckled up for safety before they had even left the city, and he's not worried if Ariel miscalulated. Cause if she did he'll be to busy getting vaporised to notice.

Michael is glade he buckled himself in a while back as he breaces for the inevitable as he continues to look at the navigation screens and  just waits as he knwos that there is nothing mroe he can do at this time.

Katy is buckled in and now just buckling her fear for what is about to happen as her tank swoops to the other side of the city wall.

Tassadar stops messing with the guns and cuckles himself in. He may love the guns, but he is not stupid.

Raikoo keeps a stern eye on the radar.. So far so good.. no enimies in range...

Ariel is buckled in also and... "3... 2... 1... be ready every-" and just then a HUGE blammo is felt as the ground quakes. The EMP given off by said blast shuts off the tanks... and the following punch smashes the city walls, causing them to fall on the tanks. But believe you me... that is much better than if one were on the opposite side of the wall.

Rick rides out the blast the best he can and when everything is over he shakes his head and comments "Well that was fun." Before looking down to the others. "Emerald? Matt? You two alright?" First making sure they were okay, as even if someone in the other tanks was not alright, at the moment theres little Rick can do about it.

Emerald was shaken a bit much and is uncontious. Seems her laser rifle musta knocked her on the head.

Matthew was shaken up a bit is is otherwise fine, as Matthew notices all the controls are dead and realzies that unlike the cybernetics that both he and Matt have, these tanks must not have had a log of EM shielding to protect the vunerable electronics as Mattehw punches  dead control panel while waying, "usless peice of junk," causign a small dent on it before he checks his laser rifles and realzies they are also both dead as Matthew mutters,"It figures...easy come, easy go...what a rip they definately don't build them like they used to," as Matthew unbuckles himself and opens the driver's hate as he begins to think wht might he be able to salvage as he realzies that the hatch might make a nice shield for Matt if he wanted it.

Matt would check on how his fellow passengers are doing, but the fact Rick's asking questions and Emmy's not saying jack gives him a good clue already.

Michael groans as he looks around as he was shanken up pretty bad as he looks around and notices that the consoles are all dead as he asks, "Is everyone okay?"

Katy grits her teeth, trying not to groan or anything. Tough girl and all that. She slaps herself a few times. "Well... seems I'm ok. Ariel? You ok?" she looks towards the others.

Tassadar opens his eyes and looks to Matthew. He checks his own laser rifel... yup... dead. Darn. He looks back to Matthew and then to Raikoo, just checking on them as he prepares to unbuckle. Though he quite clearly is in partial shock.

Raikoo is out cold, haveing been k-oed by the shock with his face meeting the radar screen up close and personal

Ariel unfolds her wings slightly as she looks around. Then says, "I'm ok.. I'm going outside to check on the others. Here... everyone, take one of these." she offers a pill to Katy and a pill to Michael before swallowing one herself and then exiting the tank. She spots Matthew and waves to him. "Matthew! Everyone ok over on your end?!" she begins hopping to him.

Course its not really helping Rick much that Matt doesnt seem to be answering -or- doing anything, but he does see movement, which he guesses means Matt was indeed at least okay. Rick then quickly goes to unstrap himself and head over to check on Emerald, and as he does so calls over to Matt. "Matt, if your alright then why dont you see if you cant get out and check on the others. I'll take care of Emerald." Rick then at least trys to see if he can wake Emerald up, if not he guesses he'll just have to carry her out.

Emerald is out cold. No waking her for now. >.<

Matthew opens the hatch and looks around as he says, "Well at least the tanks absorbed most of the shock from that blast that reached out this far as Matthew stands up through the hatch and looks around."

Matt nods, "That does seem like the sensible thing to do." he just leaves the gun behind as he unbuckles himself and heads out of the tank to do the obvious

Michael unbuckles himself and opens the hatch and stands up slowly as he looks around while muttering, "I hope I never have to go through that again." He takes the pill offered to him.

Katy takes the pill and swallows it. Don't question the doc. She then exits, with Razorwind in tow. Luckily, she is a strong gal and is able to drag him out.

Tassadar carefully begins to drag Raikoo out of the tank and erfs... Talk about your tough tasks for a little boy. But dragging isn't too much.

Raikoo groans softly as he's brought out of the tank.  Atleast he isn't wearing lead-weighted training clothes

Ariel nods and hands a pill to Matthew before going to Tass and handing him a pill also. "Swallow these pills. It will defend against any radiation poisoning. You might feel nausious, but it beats the alternative." She gives Tass another to feed Koo and hops off to look for Matt. "Matt?" she pulls some more pills, preparing to feed those three also.

Seems an unconcious is being brought out of every tank. Rick carefully brings Emerald out, being carefull as he cmes up the hatch, not wanting to knock Emeralds head any more or anything, and once out he just jumps down off the tank carrying Emerald to have a look around and see whats going on.

Emerald stays uncontious for the time being, but thankfully, she doesn't weigh too much. :)

Matthew accepts the pill from Ariel and recognizes it as a pill to deal with radiation as he's seen similar pills before, even before Ariel says what it is fore, as he doesn't want to risk radiation sickness later. Matthew then notices Katy carrying Razorwind and Matthew speaks up, "Katy, when did you find Razorwind's corpse? And why drag it around?" as Matthew doesn't know why Katy would have saved Razorwind, so he's hoping that she's just carrying around his corpse to bury it at channelwood.

Matt blinks, who knew fallouts representation of these things as small, green, and with x's etched in them was so accurate? he swallows his and asks, "Can I chop off his head and drive a stake through his heart to make sure?"

Michael looks around and hopes that the slight nausious feeling he has is no where near as bad as the alternative, but he knows little about what radiation can do to someone. Just then he heards Matthew's voice and realizes that he's spotted Razorwind and Michael frowns as he suspects things are going to get ugly.

Katy speaks up, "He isn't dead. He never is..." she looks down at him. "I found him on the way to the center."

Tassadar is, low and behold, quiet. Crud, who expected that? That is probabley going to draw as much attention as Matt's comment.

Raikoo shakes his head as he comes to, "Pills?" He blinks and swallows his pill

Ariel nods and says, "Alright everyone... now that we took our pills, the uncontious should be taken to Channelwood right away while the rest of us try to salvage parts."

Rick sighs as he sees and hears whats going on between Katy and Matthew. "Not now Matthew, lets just get away from the city alright? And maybe you should help Tass with Raikoo or something hmm? Your alot stronger than the kid."

Emerald slowly opens her eyes... "Mmm... " she looks up at the one holding her. Rick! "Oh hi Rick... you ok...?"

Matthew looks to Rick and says, "Well since everyone in the city should be dead, now is the perfect time," as Matthew hops down to the ground and starts walking towards Katy and Razorwind as Matthew says, "That nitwit is a danger, and taking him back to Channelwood is a bad idea since he's a menance that needs to be eliminated!" as Matthew is definately still mad about Razorwind having attacked him in the past...

Matt says, "And about that anti-vampire method, either I get to start bothering razor about the cliff again, or I stake him while your all argueing with Matthew. seems fair, as he's alreadt cheated death twice."

Michael looks at Matthew and then at Matt as as Michael says, "This is not good, come on guys can't we just deal with this later in a safer location?" as Michael doesn't think now is a good time for this, but Michael knows that this confrontation is inevitable.

Katy stands defencively with her back to Matthew as she holds Razorwind in her arms and watches Matthew over her shoulder. "What Mike said... besides... what makes you so upset this time? What did he do that made you decide now is the time to go falcon hunting?"

Tassadar is checking for ways to make the laser weapon work, but headshakes realising it is pointless. So he watches the spectacle in fascination.

Raikoo falls back uncontious after he swallows his pill.

Ariel says, "I'd like to know how this is important enough for a delay as well. I am not fond of the guy, but why kill him?"

Rick rolls his eyes at the comments made, but isnt really able to respond before Emerald wakes up. Once she does, Rick looks back down at her and gives her a slight concerned smile as he carefully goes to let her down. "-Im- fine. But are -you- okay?"

Emerald smiles.. "Peachy..." she is still a bit woozy, but starts to come to. Ariel hands Emerald a pill and explains what it is for. Emerald nods and takes it.

Matthew looks at Katy and says, "It's simply military tactics, strike an enemy when the opportunity arises since doing otherwise would mean that the enemy will do the same to you, thus it's deal with Razorwind, before he's someday able to deal with me. And given how beat up he looks, I doubt he can fly off like a coward right now, thus he'll have to deal with the mess he's gotten himself into with his previous actions," as Matthew stops about 5 feet away from Katy and Razorwind as Matthew adds, "After all, Razorwind is a threat to Channelwood, do you want to wait till his actions destroy Channelwood before I deal with him?"

Matt asks, "You're asking why someone whos tried to kill him, attacked you, ect ect is a problem and why it should be dealt with? you didnt wear your seatbelt did you?"

Michael looks at Matthew and Matt and says, "Will you two knock it off for now? This isn't the time nor the place to deal with your stupid vendettas," as Michael ponders how best to defuse the situation that is forming.
Katy says, "I am only asking what is different this time, Matt... and it seems Matthew is only saying that Razorwind being weak right now is all that is different." she looks back to Matthew. "But he doesn't mean harm to Channelwood... really..."

Tassadar doesn't say a thing. Duh.

Ariel says, "He'll die a slow painful death if he isn't awakened soon anyhow. Since he needs to be contious to take this pill."

Rick nods to Emerald and stays where he is in case she still needs some support or something, but then returns his attention to the topic at hand. "Katys right. Agreed Razor can be a pain in the neck at times but we've known him alot longer than you two have and I can say with much certainty that hes not about to betray Channelwood. He hates Robotnic just as much as any of us do and I doubt Razors about to do him any favors. Now lets get out of here. Everyone in the city may be dead, however I dont know about you but I really would like to get away from this radiation ASAP."

Finally at last Razorwind eyes slowly open up but he said nothing. In fact he does not know where he is right now or who he is cause he is too week to even remember how to do anything at the moment. He will probably return to normal once he gets his full strength back.

Emerald watches as Rick, Katy and Michael try to stand up for Razorwind.

Matthew glares at Katy as his eyes glow green while he says, "And if he doesn't 'mean' to harm those that reside in Channelwood, then why he heck did he abandon the group he as assigned to?" as Matthew then notices that Razorwind has regained consciousness and then Matthew adds, "My guess is that he did it to try and save his own butt since that is all he seems to care about. But since the birdbrain is awake, why not let him answer for himself? And if I am right that he doesn't care whether we live or die, then I suggest not giving him a pill and just let him die the death he diserves? as it would be a much kinder fate than what I'd give him otherwise."

Matt asks, "uh, I kinda asked a question. should I take the lack of answer as an okay to go ahead and play vampire killer?"

Michael sighs and says to Matt, "No it's not," Michael then turns to Mathew and says, "Matthew, it's not safe here, at least put this off till we are a safe distance from the city where we don't have to worry about if we'll end up glowing in the drk if we stay still to long." as Michael just wants to get out of here as he doubts anything from the tanks ould be salvaged anyways, not to mention how the heck would such parts be carried away.

Katy notices Razorwind is awake and quickly asks Ariel for a pill. "Matthew... splitting from the group to save your own butt? That is insane... he'd have been safer with us. No... he just wanted to be macho. That's all. And I think this last stunt might have healed him of a need to try and prove how tough he is."

Tassadar, of course, is quiet. Though he looks at Matt curiously as he wonders what Matt is talking about.

Ariel hands Katy a pill and says, "Michael is right. These pills last 24 hours. Not a week. We going or not?"

Rick sighs. "I dont care if the pills last a year, I would prefer not to stick around here any longer than we have to. So lets go already."

Emerald comes to. "Woah... wait... we survived a nuclear holocaust? That's a first for me..." she blinks. Then looks to Matthew as she gets to her own feet. "Katy accepted you into the fold, Matthew. Despite Razorwind. You have done a great job so far in not killing Razorwind. Why stop now?"

Matthew unclips the shoulder straps for the two laser rifles that are now useelss so that they fall to the ground as Matthew says, "I doubt anything can solve Razorwind's problem, his limited intellect is to feeble to comprehend a world where he's not at the center of it, so why protect Razorwind even though he has attacked you in the past and will probably attack you again in the future?" Matthew then turns to Ariel and says, "24 hours is plenty of time," as Matthew knows he can get himself to the minimum safe distance quite a lot faster than the rest of the group since he's capable of outdistancing everyone else, except perhaps Ariel. Mattehw then turns to Emerald and says, "Because Razorwind keeps proving with greater ease how much of a threat he is to Channelwood... and are you telling me htat I should not do my job and let such a threat continue to exist? Next you know you'll be welcoming Robotnik's forces into CHannelwood in hopes that a peace treaty could be reached and you won't realzied it was a dumb thing to try till your about to be roboticized."

Matt says, "Well, that being said, How the holy walzting *were sorry, but this word is not availible on this muck* did razor survive falling off that cliff questioning is now back in buisness."

Michael blinks and doesn't really know how to answer Matt's question as Michael would like to know that answer regarding the cliff as well... but Michael says, "Now is not the time, we need to get out of here, how about we places this situation on hold till we reach a safe distance from the city where we don't have to worry about a timelimit before we glow in the dark."

Katy asks, "I agree. Michael is not saying we have to go all the way back to Channelwood, since we don't have to. Can we continue it then?"

Tassadar looks to Matt weird once again. He can't help but comment at this point. "You just saw him survive a city Ariel claimed Sonic couldn't survive plus a nuclear holocaust and some cliff fall is concerning you?"

Matt is so proud of that kid

Ariel blinks... then looks to Matthew and Matt. "Well... I gave out the pills. Thank you all for your help. I have buisness to attend to, like making sure everyone at Channelwood is ok. If, by some miracle, you all decide to hold onto this loose cannon, I'll do my best to heal him at Channelwood. See ya." she turns to hop in the direction of Channelwood with Raikoo in arms.

Rick doubts anything he says is going to change the opinions around here much and as hes already expressed he has no desire to stick around the area so after making sure Emerald didnt need any more help he starts out after Ariel. "Wait up. Im with ya."

Emerald grabs at Rick's sleeve. "Hey! Don't abandon Katy..." she leans in to whisper in Rick's ear so nobody else can hear. "With Matthew like this... Katy might be in danger."

Matthew walks over and picks up Raikoo's 'huge sword' with one hand and wields it as if it was a mear longsword despite it's weight as he says, "Matt if your still thinking about getting a shield, one of the hatches off a tank should be the appropriate size, just pull out the sidepins and it should come off freely, we can alter it to be the proper shape and give it the necessary padding later. But I want you to get to a safe distance, as I covering the necessary distance will most likely take longer for you than it would for me so head on out with Ariel and the others," Matthew then points the sword he's holding towards Katy and Razorwind and says, "If it will shut Michael up, then fine we can move to the minimum safe distance before we deal with the menace that is Razorwind, and worst case from Raikoo's point of view will mean that he will just have to clean the blood and chunks of flesh off his sword," as Matthew keeps his eyes on Razorwind.

Matt loots the top of a tank. free heavy blunt object, score!  He won't be surpised if the special effects display from highlander occurs after Razor gets his head lopped off sooner or later.

Michael walks over to Katy and mutters, "Well at least he's now willing to let us move to a safer location... that should give us soem mroe time to figure out how to defuse this situation without blood bieng shed," as Michael waits for Katy to start movign with Razorwind before he heads off anywhere.

Katy tries to feed the pill to Razor. "Swallow this..." then proceeds to carefully drag Razor with her as she walks with Michael...

Tassadar follows Matt and gets himself a blunt object also. What he intends to do with it... remains to be seen.

Rick sighs. He doubts that. Even at the moment, Rick doesnt think Matthew would go so far as to possibly harm Katy in order to get to Razor. But then again...*shrug*. Whatever the case, should Ariel look back Rick just motions for her to move on before just silently waiting for the others to move out before following along.

Razorwind does not know what the pill he being given is but he tries to swallow it anyway as best as he can. After he does he looks up to Katy for a moment then slowly goes unconscious again.

Emerald sticks with Rick and attempts to tug him closer to Katy and Michael as she smiles and begins to hum a happy tune again.

Matthew holds Raikoo's huge sword in one hand, and readies the 'paintball' machine-gun in the other as Matthew walks behind Katy and Michael as Razorwind is dragged along as Matthew waits will they are all far enough from ground zero to be safe before he says, "Okay this is a safe distance, now we deal with the suicidal Razorwind before he takes all of Channelwood down with him when he decides to pull another suicidal stunt."

Matt is starting to wonder if this is going anywhere, or if he's gonna have to wait to kill razor himself if he attacks him again.

Michael is glad that they have now gotten to a safe distance, but grumbles as Matthew doesn't let up on his threats regarding Razoriwnd as Mathew says, "Why don't you give Razorwind a chance to change for the better? After what he's been through it's highly unlikely that he'll try and pull another stunt like some of the crazy things he's done in the past."

Katy says, "Michael has a point. Razor is so dazed and battered... he might be a changed man when he wakes. Heck... he might have amnesia."

Tassadar sticks with Matt while holding onto his own slab of metal.

Rick gives a quick reassuring smile to Emerald to try and reassure her that everything was going to be fine. Then when they are at the safe distance and Matthew makes his comment, Rick frowns. "Just knock it off will you Matthew? We already told you Razors not going to betray Channelwood and hes out of commision right now so I doubt hes going to be hurting anyone for a while. Anyway, hasnt enough people died today? Not satisfied with the death toll? Gotta get one more kill in?"

Emerald says, "We could see how Razorwind acts as he recovers. It's not like he'll heal over night."

Matthew keeps his eyes on Razorwind as he says to Rick, "After the hell I've been through and the number of people I've already killed, do you really think I'm going to drop my guard and let some pissant birdbrain stab me in the back?" Matthew then says to Emerald, "Amnesia can be faked. Razorwind is a danger that must be eliminated. and there is no way to prove that he is no logner gangerous, I have already given him a chance in the past and he threw it back in my face...so why should I show him mercy now when in the past mercy was never shown to me or my friends?"

Matt says, "yeah, you did kind of have to rely on a complete stranger.  And we have large heavy objects to bash him over the head with to aid in real amnesia.  and if he tries it he's gonna find himself missing a spine on his way over to you if im around."

Michael sighs and says, "Matthew, I don't care about your past, but no matter what it is you don't have the right to just kill someone simply because that person has made a few mistakes," as Michael tries to speak up in Razorwind's defense... but Michael knows he's not going to be able to defuse this situation on his own as he knows that Matthew is as stubborn as Razorwind is macho at the most inopportune times.

Katy asks, "So because mercy was not shown to you, that makes it ok to be merciless? Would that not make you just like the people who made you?"

Tassadar is just watching as he stands next to Matt.

Rick nods. "Anyhow you two, I believe the ultimate decision here belongs to Katy. She is the leader here. And I think shes made her choice pretty clear, in actions if not words. Plus even if you two dont agree with the decision I think you'll find all the rest of Channelwood supports her. And if you two dont like that well....I dont think anyones forcing you to stick around. So you can leave or stick around and deal with it."

Emerald decides Rick and Katy have both made good enough points.

Matthew's eyes glow yellow as he says with a hint of anger in his voice, "I've already shown mercy to Razorwind, I could have killed him previously and I spared his life, or did you forget the time I could have decaptiated Razorwind with a rope dagger?... And with his chance he throws it away by endangering everyone living in channelwood including Matt...My mercy has it limits asthe saying goes, 'trick me once shame on you, trick me twice shame on me,'" Matthew then turns to Rick and says, "Well if Matt and I have to move on after dispatching Razorwind, then so be it, we've left other places that were not safe, and later on those who stayed behind ended up as victims when Robotnik's foces took advantage of something we warned them about, but at least this time, we would have eliminated the vunerablity," as Matthew seems to not like being compared to those that ruined his life and this is clear by the tone in Matthew's voice that if Katy continues to try and compare him to those who ruined his life... Katy could wind up with a very angry cyborg on her hands.

Matt says, "i'll be sure to remember that kind of logic if matthew ever tries to kill someone else here multiple times. and hold you to it"

Michael sighs as he thinks that this situation has already gotten out of hand, and there doesn't seem to be an obvious way to defuse the situation as he says, "And what would it take to convince you to show mercy to Razorwind once more?" as Michael expects the answer of 'it ain't going to happen', but you never know.
Matthew pages, "The scary thing is that Matthew sees what he is doing as in the best interestest for channelwood... shows you how warped his point of view is." to you and Matt.

Katy says, "Again... I second what Emerald said. We see what Razorwind is like during recovery. If nothing else, he has proven to be honest. Why would he fake amnesia? Last time you had him pinned and at your mercy, he stubbornly refused to apologise and only had a macho contest with you."