To Cure a Cabbit (Closed PS RP)

[Jak Snide]

"Then why did you come with us, hmm? We're not here for some casual sight seeing and cross-cultural experience. We've got a job to do, a task asked of us by a friend. This means we're gonna do what it takes to get it done, whether that entails getting baked in the sun, butting heads with bureaucrats or even putting ourselves at risk. Now you can either shut the hell up and come along with us or crawl back to the ship and play with your toys."

He sincerely hoped it'd be the latter. He'd been against the idea of the girl coming with them from the start and he didn't savour the idea of explaining to Purvis how he'd gotten his favourite mechanic eviscerated.

[Besyanteo]

For the first time in a while, Jeridan spoke up. His voice was very even, and calm. It would not be a streatch to say it was rather deadpan.

"While I do not share Jak's sentiments about your chosen profession, Paige, I am afraid he is right. If you are not confident of your ability to take care of yourself, it would likely be better for you to return to the ship. ... Unfortunately, what Jak has failed to observe is that we have no convenient means of sending you there."

He paused for a moment. He understood that he felt odd somehow, but he couldn't place what it was. He still felt the dizzying effects of the region's thin mana, but somehow it felt unimportant.

"In any case, there is no use in worrying about any of these things now. As you so emphatically put it earlier, we have a child to think about the welfare of."

He patted Ushyu comfortingly, though he couldn't seem to recall having picked her up. Odd, that. But not so odd that it should break his calm. Nothing should break his calm. He paused to reflect on that. Then, in a further deadpan, his eyes half lidded and emotionless:

"... Oh my. I think the local physician may have put something strange in my medication."

[Jak Snide]

"Eh?"

Great. He has enough problems dealing with this climate without crazy docs slipping him wierd herbs.

"You gonna be alright, or do we need to take you back to the doctor?"

[Besyanteo]

He shakes his head.

"I feel relatively well, considering the area. However, I find... I do not care. About anything. I am inexplicably calm about a situation that should frustrate most people, and while the murder scene was physically repulsive, I felt no emotional reaction. I believe I may have been drugged. Especially because none of these things particularly bother me. I simply can not help but notice them."

He pauses, while thinking of the events of the past few hours.

"As an aside, it has become considerably easier to concentrate. Something occurs to me. The pattern of this attack does not make sense with the knowledge we now possess. Why would the Belu attack a single farm, and raze it to the ground after killing the occupants in such a gruesome manner? They only seem to have attacked a single structure. A farm in such an organized community would cause harm, but not significant enough harm to warrant the aparent effort that went into the assault. Ergo, either the locals were storing something important here, or it was attacked by another group in hopes of implicating someone. Specifcally, the Belu or ourselves. The accounts of the local officials especially points to interference by another outside group. In short, we were followed or preceded by others from Igala."

[Kelne]

"Oh, fucking marvellous," Kelne said, not even bothering to disguise the raw venom in his voice. "If this is the sum benefit of your newfound clarity of thought, it's nowhere near worth the price." He began ticking points off on his fingers, "First, your mysterious masterminds would need to know the time of our arrival pretty damn accurately to pin anything on us, and I'm damn sure we outran word of our coming. Unless you think they have an airship, a flying carpet, or are in fact dragons? Second, they don't need to pin anything on the Belu. These people already hate and mistrust them as much as they ever will."

"Third, it obviously hasn't worked. Despite the fact that they were already predisposed to distrust us, we cleared our names on that count in two minutes flat. So far as they're concerned, it was some kind of large predator. Fourth, if somebody wanted to pin something on us or the Belu, they could simply have had suitably disguised people attack that farmhouse. It would be a hell of a lot more damning than what looks for all the world like a wild animal attack."

His tirade wound down somewhat, "Fifth and finally, nobody keeps anything of importance in a farmhouse. I will grant you that the sudden appearance of this creature just before our arrival is a rather large coincidence. And it's obviously something new here. But if it is part of some sinister scheme, I can think of one very obvious purpose it serves - a distraction." In fact, as he thought on it, this seemed like a possibility that bore examination. "A distraction from what, I couldn't tell you. But it certainly seems to have drawn the settlement's attention quite nicely."

His anger seemed to have run its course for now. Perhaps he shouldn't have directed it at Jeridan, but he already had enough of those oh-so-superior morons to tolerate without Jeridan turning into one of them. See if he let one of those doctors get their claws into him.

With an effort, he dragged his thoughts away from the topic, turning his attention towards Paige, "Paige, if you don't think you can help, that's fine. We can find you accommodation easily enough while we sort this out, and I'll be just as happy if I don't have to worry about a noncombatant in the middle of a fight."

[Besyanteo]

Jeridan paused. He didn't glower or act stunned or any other such thing, he simply stopped. Then:

"I could argue any one of those points to a fault, but you sound as though you believe you have some better idea of what happened here. We still need a starting point past 'It was an animal', as this seems to be a unique occurence to the Thalasians, so... please continue Kelne."

There was no ego, bitterness, or venom in his voice. He seemed genuinely curious what Kelne had to say. ... Which was more than a little creepy, considering an hour ago Kelne would have lost teeth to an outburst like that one.

[pd Rydia]

"Speaking of wonderful, and dragons, I'll need to fly soon," Dia interjected crisply. Those familiar with the Doman capital, at least, may remember that the innkeep of the Jade Dragon herself was rumored to sneak outside the city every so often to hunt. "Not immediately--I figure advance warning would be better than none at all--and all the dung is hitting the ceiling now, at any rate."

She looked over at Kelne. "I can probably go another month--maybe two. If this is likely to take longer than that, it might be a good idea to explain my situation to our...hosts, else misunderstandings arise." Like the sailors on the ship--and any number of others Dia had encountered in the past--people tended to react poorly when someone who seemed normal enough suddenly exhibited a strange ability. Like, say, summoning demons, or turning into a dragon.

[Kelne]

In some ways, Kelne would have preferred it if Jeridan had attempted to punch his face in. At least then he'd know that there was some reaching him. As it was, he might as well be one of them. How long would the drugs last? There was no knowing, and until they finally wore off, Jeridan was likely to remain a source of constant aggravation to Kelne, irregardless of whether there was merit in what he was saying.

Gods help him, dealing with the Thalsians was making him wish for those idiot minions. At least they didn't try to tell you that their reasoning was impeccable because it wasn't influenced by emotion. Granted, he wasn't entirely sure what their reasoning was based in, but still.

"Best to deal with the present situation first," he said to Dia, "I'd like to allay their fears of large predators before we reveal that you are one." A small smile played across his features at that prospect. Whatever attributes the Thalsians worried about them having, he doubted the ability to turn into dragons was one of them. "You're not going to need to hunt, are you? I doubt there's anything big enough out in the wastes, and our funds probably don't extend to buying livestock."

Jeridan hadn't been forgotten, but he was going to take a little time and a few deep breaths before talking to him again.

[Shinigori V2]

Paige stopped, and looked at Kelne, taking off her glasses and squinting at him. "Nobody keeps anything important in a farmhouse?"

She cleaned them quickly using her shirt, and put them back on. "Importance doesn't have anything to do with size and location. It's relevance. If it's important to someone, that somoene is going to want it. Are my skills very important now? Not really...Are they important for when we need to get back? Probably. So, don't go and say something wasn't important just because it was on a farm."

Oddly enough, she didn't sound mad at all. She actually sounded...Happy.

[Kelne]

"A fair point," Kelne said, "I didn't see anything out of the ordinary about the farm, but we'll ask the questions anyway. It costs us nothing, and you never know what you'll turn up."

[Jak Snide]

"In any case, let's get moving. Questions dont' answer themselves."

[Kelne]

Kelne nodded, resuming his course towards the station. He motioned for Jeridan to walk beside him, so that they could talk as they walked.

"Jeridan, do you know why I'm so angry at you?" His tone was milder now, though there was a distinct edge of irritation in it. Of course, that edge tended to come through on a regular basis.

Kelne continued, the question plainly being rhetorical, "It's because you seem to have bought the party line. That any hint of trouble in their perfect society must be down to the machinations of outside forces. You took a very limited amount of information and jumped to the conclusion that Igalans were responsible. Did you even consider the possibility that they might be dealing with one of their own?"

"You asked if I had a better picture of what was going on than you do. I don't. All any of us have at this point is speculation, pure and simple. Maybe we'll have a better understanding of things once we've asked more questions, but it's equally likely we won't know what the story is until we confront the creature itself."

[Uncle Pervy]

The whole group begins to think they are getting a feel for how the Thalsian towns are laid out. It's hard to put it into words, but there is an a pattern in how they are laid out, a simplicity hidden behind the apparent complexity that makes a sort of sense when the intuition is allowed to handle it.

As the group speaks, they reach what Kelne is certain is the EF station. Entering, they are regarded by an unfamiliar EF, who says, "We were told to expect you. Welcome."

[Kelne]

"Thank you," Kelne said, with a faint overtone of irony. It wasn't like many people were making them feel welcome lately, but he might as well maintain the forms.

"I expect you'll be able to tell us why we were asked to check in with you?" he said, deciding to go with the direct approach.

[Uncle Pervy]

"You are under suspicion for the recent events, as reported by EF-10C," says the EF, as he stands. It notable that he is a particularly tall and rather mole-ridden sort; whether it is a consequence of the mixed blood that seems common in Thalsians or not is difficult to discern. "Your willing arriving bespeaks a fair deal of the situation; the others seldom came of their own will."

His eyes seem to drawn toward the rolled papyrus in Kelne's hand as he looks over te group. "Shall we begin?"

[Kelne]

Kelne raised an eyebrow, "I was under the impression that we'd already resolved that to her satisfaction," he said. He was certainly glad the woman hadn't escorted them in at swordpoint. Appearances counted for a lot in this sort of situation.

"Still, if you need to get things down on the record, that's fine. We'll have a few questions for you as well, actually, since we've been contracted to deal with the situation," he extended the parchment for the man's inspection.

[Uncle Pervy]

The EF takes the papyrus and unrolls it. He scans it, and his rising eyebrows show his surprise. He then looks at the seal closely. "It seems the need for questioning has been precluded." he says, handing the scroll back to Kelne.

[pd Rydia]

"You're not going to need to hunt, are you? I doubt there's anything big enough out in the wastes, and our funds probably don't extend to buying livestock."

Dia shook her head with only the slightest frown showing, opening her mouth to say something--but nothing came. Instead, a sort of mortified expression spread across her face while Paige had her chance to interject into the conversation.

She smothered the expression quickly, but the almost cheery disposition she had displayed moments earlier was gone, and she followed the group to the EF outpost in silence.

[Besyanteo]

Jeridan said nothing. Dia's reaction should be remark enough on Kelne's flawed and hypocritical logic. Besides, the man was stressed and overly emotional. How could he be expected to understand anything?

Yes, stand and follow in Silence, jsut for a while longer...

[Kelne]

"If you say so," Kelne said. He could certainly live without the questioning. "So, what can you tell us about the attack?" It was a fairly open question, since he wanted to get an overview from their perspective before he started fishing for more information.

[Uncle Pervy]

"What we know is limited," answers the EF. "We know that something has attacked Dwelling 549. We know that there was a fire. We know that one body was pulled away and partially devoured. We have not seen signs of the boddy being drug over the ground, but it was found away from the dwelling. The rest of the bodies were charred beyond recognition, identifying them was difficult."

He pauses for a moment. "We suspect a large predator was involved. The fire's origins are a mystery, we believe it was due to a lamp being knocked over during the attack. It is believed that the predator carried away the body of its victim, deposited it away from the fire and ate until it sensed that people were coming, then fled."

[Jak Snide]

"Well, there was magic involved, I could sense that much. The mark was faint, but it was there. It could be that the fire was magical in nature, though I doubt you have any beats with magical abilities in this land."

[Uncle Pervy]

"Yes, there was magic detected," says the Guard. "We are not certain if it was the work of the predator, or of FR-10AJS. FR-10AJS had a small talent for preservation magic, which was invaluable for our stores. The idea of an animal with magical ability is unheard of. I presume such does exist in your lands?"

[Jak Snide]

"That they do. Is it possible that such a creature may have been imported by others from our lands?"

[Uncle Pervy]

"It is possible," says the EF. One imagines he wants to shrug.

[Kelne]

Kelne nodded, "I presume this is the first such incident, but have there been any other unusual happenings lately? Livestock disappearances, that kind of thing?" That was a thought. He reflected, trying to recall if there had been any signs of livestock around the farm. If the creature was bypassing other food sources in order to attack people, that certainly wouldn't bode well.

[Uncle Pervy]

"Nothing unusual was reported," says the EF. "There is no loss of cattle, nor any injuries or sightings. It had been very peaceful until last night."

[Jak Snide]

"Can you tell us about the FR and his family? Is there anyone, either inside or outside this community that might have wanted him dead?"

[Uncle Pervy]

"To my knowledge," he says, "none of them had any rivals in the Settlement, even if anyone were capable of such. I am unsure abut contacts out of town. It seems unlikely."

[Kelne]

"And there was nothing unusual associated with the farm?" Kelne asked. Not that he expected there would be, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Uncle Pervy]

The guard simply shakes his head.

[Kelne]

Well, it certainly sounded as if the choice of target was random. As for the motivation, that might be an entirely different story.

"Aside from increasing the guard, what precautions have you taken against a repeat occurrence?" he asked. He figured they probably would have pulled people in from the outlying farms, which would suit his plan quite nicely.

[Uncle Pervy]

"The night watch will be a full compliment," says the EF. "Lights will be placed to provide greater illumination. Those in the outermost farms will be brought in, until we are satified that we can patrol effectively. Other measures are being considered by EF-10."

[Kelne]

Kelne nodded, "I think that's about it from me. Does anyone else have any questions?"

[Besyanteo]

It would appear that Jeridan did not have any questions at this time.

[Jak Snide]

Jak had none either, simply wanting to get moving. He'd done more than enough talking with these people for one day.

[Uncle Pervy]

"If there is nothing else," says the EF, "I shall return to my task."

Edited by: Uncle Pervy  at: 1/3/06 23:12

[Jak Snide]

"I think that's it. Kelne, if there's nothing else, shall we get going?"

[Kelne]

"I'd say so," Kelne said, "We'll leave you to your work."

He led the way out, considering. All things considered, his initial idea seemed the best course of action. Granted, it was simple, but simplicity was sometimes a virtue.

"I think the straightforward approach is best here," he said, "Set up camp in one of the outlying farms, and see whether anything takes the bait."

[Jak Snide]

"Beats wandering around the desert, even with that carpet of yours."