[http://pastebin.com/hwdNyj5g]
[19:07:56] * Oxford changes topic to 'Maths Study Group meeting moved: 4:30 pm, in the bomb shelter. See you there!'
[19:13:24] <~Oxford> As class lets out for the day, they meet up on the commons, under the old oak tree.
[19:14:22] * Elsa is wearing her coat, these wings are mightily inconvenient now, moreso during the summer. "Well, I'm glad I won't really burn this tree down by accident anymore."
[19:14:45] * Joslyn sighs as she flops on the ground, a bit overclocked even with magical help.
[19:16:31] <Caitlin> Caitlin's hands hands were loaded with textbooks up until a moment ago, however they've already been placed on the ground in a circle around her. No time to slack, she's feverishly studying already and taking notes.
[19:18:12] * Elsa 's brain is almost burning up from all this information she's been trying to cram into her head. All she really wants to do is to go up and fly but she can't because she can't let the major find out. "Is it always this hard?" She sas puzzling over a math problem.
[19:20:13] <Joslyn> "It's just a little much, having science and math and history…at least Westfield ought to let us pass through history."
[19:21:23] <Caitlin> "Do you need assistance?" Caitlin offers politely, but she doesn't look up from her work unless someone actually does need her help. Her voice is definitely sounding distracted even while she spouts DEEP philosophy, "History is the most important subject, Joslyn, I'd take it even if I didn't have to. You can't forget what's been done by the people before us." Just keep working.
[19:23:22] * Elsa has not much problem in history but math is kinda hard. "You know what would be great? Having a machine that could do math problems for you." She says scribbling what is obviously the wrong answer on her sheet of paper.
[19:23:40] <~Oxford> There is a cool breeze through the yard, but the sky above is a bright, cloudless blue. Small groups of girls are spread about on the grass, studying.
[19:24:02] <Joslyn> "I know, I know…but I need like five hours for math, six for bio, and four for Grammar. That leaves me eight hours to sleep and 20 minutes per meal."
[19:24:34] <Joslyn> "there just isn't enough time in a day - and if there's an attack…"
[19:26:10] <Elsa> "I hope theres one the day of the tests, at least it would give us more time." She says sounding defeated.
[19:26:59] <Caitlin> "If I have to, I'll just sleep a little less. It's hard, but grades are important."
[19:28:00] <Joslyn> "I dunno, and frankly I'd rather them not."
[19:28:30] <~Oxford> The math exam will cover algebra up through quadratics. Science has been focused on basic biology, with an eye towards practical anatomy. Westfield's history course is Albaean History, with an aim towards their relation to current events.
[19:33:40] * Elsa throws a bunch of papers in the air and sits whith her arms and legs crossed, "I give up, I won't learn any of this for tomorrow."
[19:33:41] * Joslyn looks up at the sky, a bit bored. "okay…so x equals negative-b minus the square root of a-squared minus 4-ac…all over two-a?"
[19:36:15] <~Oxford> Caitlin has stumbled across an obscure term in her history text. 'The 1645 Council of Machavia'…hm. The book's glossary proves unhelpful.
[19:37:04] <Joslyn> "Screw it, I'm with you Els. I'll just bullshit my way through again - it worked for the entrance exam, right?"
[19:38:04] <Caitlin> Hmmm. Caitlin reads over it a few times… Can it really not mean much of anything to her? That's unusual and frustrating to Caitlin. "Does this mean anything to either of you? …Council of Machavia? 1645."
[19:38:47] <Elsa> "It worked for me….never heard of it." She lies on her back against the grass and looks up at the sky.
[19:39:27] <Joslyn> "Wasn't that where they decided what books to put in the bible or something?"
[19:40:40] <~Oxford> The history textbook is targetted at the 12-16 demographic, and skims over many important topics. Westfield has complained about its lack of detail before, saying that much better information could be found in the weighty reference tomes in the library.
[19:42:05] <Caitlin> Hmm, go straight to Westfield or delve into the depths of the library? Hard choice. Caitlin struggles to get all her studying supplies and books together, "I'm going to go to the library for research."
[19:43:28] <Joslyn> "I suppose I may as well come with - can't really do much worse, right?"
[19:44:54] <Elsa> "I'll see is I can absorb some info while you study, my head hurts enough that I don't even want to face a book for at least a month, ugh"
[19:45:55] <Joslyn> "Try to not burn down the library, okay?"
[19:46:20] <Caitlin> "What's that? Oh, yes, the library is wonderful for studying." No, she's not listening at all. Caitlin's got a mission; just letting this go would slowly kill her inside. With her stuff all crammed together in her arms, she gets moving towards the library.
[19:46:36] <Elsa> "I got it all under control, I aint gonna burn nothing down." She complains
[19:47:23] <~Oxford> It's only a short walk to the library. Beneath the high, vaulted ceiling rest row upon row of shelves, some high enough to need a ladder. The higher-circulation books are in shorter, more accessible rows toward the front.
[19:49:27] * Joslyn heads over to an unoccupied table and breaks out a journal, scribbling some random stuff.
[19:51:22] * Elsa sits down on a chair at the same table and rests her head and stares as Caitling goes get an ever growing stack of books.
[19:52:17] <Caitlin> Caitlin dumps off her stuff at the table, too. Time for some library navigation, looking for one of the bigger books that would likely deal with Machavian history in the scope of several hundred years.
[19:53:24] <Caitlin> Really, one on the 1600s would be perfect, but as long as its time period covers 1645 and might have anything to do with the Council of Machavia, it's getting added.
[19:54:38] <~Oxford> She very quickly acquires enough books to fill a small wheelbarrow. Though fairly obscure, the Council seems to have generated a large volume of scholarly work.
[19:55:49] <Joslyn> "…it's almost like she doesn't realize they're effectively pass/fail finals…" Joslyn mutters to Elsa.
[19:56:39] * Elsa stares, as if the sight of the massive amount of books is making her tired. "I know…Just seeing her makes me lose my will to study, the little that is left."
[19:57:40] <~Oxford> Given that the girls were accepted purely for their 'unique capabilities', the exams may well be pass/pass. But that's beside the point.
[19:58:01] <Caitlin> That's fine. Caitlin might end up checking out just one from the library, but she's going to keep a nice stack of backups to work through at the table from now. Crack them open, find what they have to say about it. This probably will not account for more than a single question on the tests, if that, but having caught her interest, Caitlin's aggressively pursuing the subject.
[19:59:49] <~Oxford> It is, in its own way, a fascinating subject. The Council of Machavia was assembled in 1645 by a group of clergymen representing the district of Munstershire during the period known as the Dunholme Rebellion…
[20:00:49] * Elsa doesn't know they will be pass/pass but frankly she doesn't care at this point.
[20:01:29] <~Oxford> And so on. One reference leads to another, telling the tale of a jumbled decade in Albaea's early history, when the island was still governed by feudal lords and their knights.
[20:01:33] * Elsa grabs a spare piece of paper, a pencil and begins doodling.
[20:03:47] * Joslyn just waits for something to happen - be it mealtime or a call to the office.
[20:03:57] <~Oxford> The Council itself is significant as the earliest formal agreement between the chivalric knights and the Church, independent of and in contradiction to the orders of their masters, the nobility.
[20:05:40] <Caitlin> Fascinating. Caitlin digs deeper into the subject, oblivious to her friends' displeasure. There might be something she can take from this to apply to the present. Failing that, she can at least become a more well-learned author some day. She particularly keeps an eye out for any kind of "sorcery" or "magic," even though it could very well be just legend if it comes up.
[20:06:50] <~Oxford> The particular dynamics of the meeting are of great scholarly interest, but fortunately for anyone who isn't Caitlin, there's also a highly readable fictionalization titled "The Paladins". The dust-jacket touts it as thorougly-research, and a page-turner to boot.
[20:07:09] <~Oxford> *researched
[20:09:10] <~Oxford> With the immediate question as to the Council's significance resolved, though…was there anything else that needed to be looked up?
[20:09:48] * Elsa is surprisingly good at drawing and after about half an hour of Caitlin nreading she has pretty much drawn Joslyn and Cait in their transformed costumes.
[20:11:53] <Caitlin> Half an hour? Has it really been half an hour already? Caitlin hardly noticed the time passing amidst her flurry of research. Next subject to look into: the history of Albaean-Gaulian relations.
[20:14:22] * Elsa is done drawing and then slams her haid against the desk as Caitlin goes get another series of books. "Hey Jos, lets go do something moe interesting…like dunno, wander around, thats always fun.
[20:16:24] <~Oxford> The short answer to that question is: bad, and always have been. It begins with colonization and the suppression of Albaea's native peoples by Gaulians, nearly a millenium ago, through rebellion, a long series of decade-long invasions and counter-invasions, all the way up to the current state of affairs. With the number of wars the two countries have fought, it is almost easier to name the periods of relative peace.
[20:17:10] <Joslyn> "Okay, sure."
[20:17:52] <~Oxford> Caitlin's comrades are starting to wander off. She'll have to grab a few books quickly or risk being left behind.
[20:19:02] * Elsa stands up and decides to wander around the grounds whether the others follow her, its their decision.
[20:19:30] <Caitlin> Caitlin urgently turns her head from the books to her friends and back to the books a few times. They can't even wait for her to put it all away? Feeling terribly guilty and making a note to come back and return the books to their rightful locations later, she grabs the stuff she had when she entered and hurries off after the others, "Hey! Don't leave without me!"
[20:19:49] <Joslyn> "Then make sure you can catch up!"
[20:21:27] <~Oxford> In her hurry to leave, Elsa runs straight into a small underclassman. The girl looks vaguely familiar. "Waah! Um, sorry…"
[20:21:57] <Caitlin> "You could've at least given me a warning a few minutes in advance so that I'd have time to clean up!"
[20:22:23] * Joslyn puts away her glasses. "Sorry, she just decided to leave…and I didn't want her to be alone so…"
[20:22:30] <Joslyn> "Are you two okay?"
[20:22:32] * Elsa trips up and lands on her butt, "Hey be careful where you're going."
[20:23:28] <Caitlin> Caitlin looks up ahead. Hmm, would that happen to be the young girl from the first night?
[20:24:20] <~Oxford> "Mnh…sorry, ma'am." The skinny little girl stands and looks around, making eye contact with Caitlin. It is indeed the girl from the air raid on the first day of school.
[20:25:30] <~Oxford> "Ah, Ms. O'Connell?" She has a crumpled note clenched in one hand.
[20:26:52] <Caitlin> Well, making her even more uncomfortable would be rude, so Caitlin just smiles at the kid. She hadn't planned to speak to her and possibly embarrass her in front of two more upper classmen, but now not speaking would be rude. Well. Caitlin nods, "Yes, that would be me."
[20:27:58] <~Oxford> "Lt. Westfield told me to give this to you. He said it was urgent."
[20:29:02] <Caitlin> Caitlin holds out her hand to presumably accept the note, "Oh, I see. Thank you."
[20:29:58] <Joslyn> "What's it say Kate?"
[20:30:44] <~Oxford> The wrinkled paper bears two terse lines in Westfield's cramped cursive script: "Urgent briefing, all personnel. My office."
[20:31:39] * Joslyn sees it and instantly dashes off to Major Westfield's office. "Thanks!"
[20:32:11] <Caitlin> "It seems Westfield needs to speak to us. Thank you, miss!" Caitlin hurries off after Joslyn; there might be some kind of attack incoming, so no time to waste.
[20:32:38] * Elsa hurries to the history teacher's office
[20:36:25] <~Oxford> When the girls arrive at the Major's office, it initially appears empty - likely the first time they've seen it that way. Westfield is standing against the wall in the near corner of the room; he closes the door with startling force once they are all inside.
[20:37:02] <Joslyn> "Air raid?"
[20:37:52] * Elsa jomps and fliches, her wings buldge outwards against her coat.
[20:38:02] <~Oxford> The Major's hat is pulled low on his brow. He seems to have been pacing the small room while he waited. "No," he says, shaking his head, "something much more serious."
[20:38:11] <Caitlin> "Ah! Er… What's going on?" Caitlin squeaks a little bit when Westfield slams the door but recovers quickly.
[20:39:05] <Elsa> "Don't scare us like that!" Elsa complains, shifting unconfortably under her coat, trying to get her wings in a more confortable position.
[20:40:37] <Joslyn> "…are we in trouble?"
[20:41:04] <~Oxford> "I've just received a briefing from headquarters. Please, sit down." He walks behind his desk, but remains standing.
[20:41:18] <Caitlin> At the word trouble, Caitlin's mind flashes to the piles of books she left sitting in the library out of their spots. Oh god, karma's going to kill her.
[20:41:51] * Joslyn hesitantly sits, looking for Westfield's briefcase.
[20:42:11] <~Oxford> "At 0800 this morning, Major Rolph Donalds failed to make his morning check-in call to headquarters. You all met Maj. Donalds before last week's mission, if you recall?"
[20:43:03] * Elsa tries to recall, "The one that was with Flauri?"
[20:43:04] <Joslyn> "He's Flauri's CO right?"
[20:43:29] <Caitlin> "I believe so, yes."
[20:43:35] <Joslyn> "He's the last person I'd expect to go UA…or has something worse happened?"
[20:46:03] <~Oxford> Westfield nods. "An internal investigator was dispatched immediately at 1000, after two hours had elapsed. The circumstances of his disappearence are highly suspicious. He was last seen by one of the faculty leaving Bruinham's at approximately 2300 last night in the company of a student there."
[20:46:27] <Caitlin> "…Was it Flaurentine?"
[20:46:57] <~Oxford> "This student has subsequently been identified…" he nods to Caitlin, "as Warrant Officer Flamenca."
[20:48:53] <Joslyn> "…Our orders?"
[20:49:14] <Caitlin> "Do we know their objective or where they went?" Caitlin's visibly worried about Flaurentine's safety. The idea that they might have fled or turned traitor does not even cross her mind.
[20:50:15] <~Oxford> "Needless to say, the investigator was hesitant to question WO Flamenca on his own without a better understanding of the situation. Your orders are to go to Bruinham's School for Talented Youth… and bring Flamenca in for questioning."
[20:50:50] <Caitlin> "I see. Well, we shouldn't need the pendants, then."
[20:53:33] <~Oxford> He gives her a hard look. "Pendants will be mandatory for this mission."
[20:54:21] <Joslyn> "…Just on the off chance she tries to run, or he does something?"
[20:55:39] <~Oxford> "We have no way of gauging Flamenca's present mental state. There's no telling what she'll do."
[20:55:48] <Caitlin> "Joslyn can hold onto mine in the case, then. I'm certain there'll be no need for its use."
[20:56:28] <Joslyn> "I'd rather not take the chance - you don't have to wear it, but at least have it on you okay?"
[20:56:34] * Joslyn frowns a little.
[20:57:31] <Caitlin> "The only danger I'm concerned about is a sudden air strike, and I'm sure that I can trust you to get it to me in such an event, can't I?"
[20:58:19] <Elsa> "I wouldn't worry about Flauri, she's not the kind of person to try and attack us directly, she would be to scared to do it." Elsa say seemingly unaware of the horrors that happened inside he submarine. Not like she hasnt done terrible things either
[20:58:44] <~Oxford> Maj. Westfield raps a knuckle against the heavy wooden desk. "I'll give you a more detailed breifing on the way there. We'll leave in my car in 5 minutes. You're dismissed."
[20:59:33] <Joslyn> "Yes sir." Joslyn nods to pack a few minor things before returning to the car lot.
[21:00:31] * Elsa salutes and and goes to the parking lot
[21:01:31] <~Oxford> - - -
[21:03:42] <~Oxford> Three young women in suddenly out-of-place school uniforms wait outside a door in the Girl's Dormitory of Bruinham's School for Talented Youth, ignoring the odd looks they draw from passing students. The name on the door reads: Flaurentine Flamenca.
[21:04:38] * Joslyn knocks timidly on the door. "Hey Flauri, you in there? It's me, Joslyn!"
[21:04:42] * Elsa knocks on Flauri's door, not too hard nor too soft.
[21:05:05] <Caitlin> Caitlin doesn't touch the door, there are enough people hitting it already. "I'm here, too!"
[21:06:24] <Flaurentine> "Um… I-I'm coming." It's a few seconds of a wait and the response is a little mumbled, but after another somewhat-short pause the knob twists.
[21:07:40] * Flaurentine peeks out, still in uniform; still blushing as well but that may as well be part of her uniform at this point. "Oh, ah… um… I…"
[21:08:09] <Joslyn> "Sorry we had to just pop in like this…can we talk a little?"
[21:08:29] * Elsa nods, "Hey Flauri, noce to see you again."
[21:09:18] <Flaurentine> "Oh… p-please do. I didn't expect to see… everybody… come here like this. B-But I'm pleased to see you all, too!" With a polite gesture the door is completely opened. "I'm… sorry if it's a little messy." An exaggeration of course; her room is totally neat, albeit somewhat bare in terms of possessions.
[21:10:21] * Joslyn thanks Flauri as she comes in. "It's fine. Now…you remember Major Donalds, right?"
[21:10:49] * Elsa keeps quiet, she's not very good with this kind of things.
[21:11:38] <Flaurentine> "Major…?" In a completely innocent fashion, her tiny head cocks to the side while staring back. After moving backward to allow the others in, of course; she leaves the single bed to them though, instead of sitting on it herself or something like that.
[21:12:07] <Joslyn> "He was the man who drove you to Cheswick…when we had to go to the research facility."
[21:12:18] <Caitlin> "Could you tell us about how you spent last night?"
[21:13:09] * Flaurentine just gets more and more flustered at being drilled. "Ah… um… driving… last night? I… t-there isn't something wrong again, is there? If something happened I extend my deepest apologies and, um…"
[21:13:42] <Joslyn> "Well…we aren't sure where he went."
[21:14:16] <Elsa> "People are looking for him, he's lost apparently."
[21:14:54] <Flaurentine> "So a… person's missing?" Tilt, to the other side. "I'm… very sorry, I don't remember meeting anyone last night who went missing if that's what you mean… I don't think…"
[21:15:44] <Flaurentine> "Ah… is… is there anything I could do to help? I'm really sorry I don't know much…" The blush gets stronger the more apologetic she gets.
[21:16:38] <Joslyn> "well…can you explain everything that you did yesterday? Like what we did with Erica on that island."
[21:17:07] <Caitlin> "…See? She doesn't have anything to do with it." Caitlin's voice is a little bit strained. It's pretty clear that she DOES have something to do with it, and not investigating goes against her instincts, but the idea of pushing it makes her feel sick.
[21:18:05] * Joslyn taps her head and subtly points to Flauri.
[21:18:09] <Flaurentine> "O… Oh…." Her face shoots straight down in embarrassment again. "Just like the other day… does… does that mean I did something wrong again? I apologize, I didn't mean…"
[21:18:25] * Elsa doesn't suspect anything, "But…people saw you with him yesterday."
[21:19:24] <Joslyn> "Just do it for me please?" Joslyn does her best to smile.
[21:19:34] * Flaurentine headshakes. "When I got back I… um, went to sleep, and… woke up… went to class…" A long pause before her hand lifts up and points to indicate the room, or maybe herself. "And… then I came back here."
[21:20:12] <Caitlin> Caitlin gives Joslyn her best (read: worst) I have no idea what you could possibly mean face.
[21:20:46] <Joslyn> "Got back from what?"
[21:21:19] <Flaurentine> "And yesterday… ah, I-I mean, got back from disarming the bombs and cleaning up Miss Erica's vegetable garden… I hope she knows I'm very sorry that happened."
[21:22:22] <Joslyn> "So you never met with Major Donald last night?"
[21:23:07] * Flaurentine still gives a slight look of puzzlement, but headshakes again. "Not that I know of, I only remember immediately coming back to bed…. I'm sorry."
[21:24:20] <Joslyn> "…okay…" Joslyn frowns - that's gonna mean they'll need to bring her back for interrogation…dammit.
[21:25:09] <Flaurentine> "I'm sorry I couldn't help more… i-if there's a missing person, should I help you look?" Still as curious and innocent as ever. And getting places is something she knows she's able to do, at least.
[21:25:26] <Joslyn> "Yeah…hey, I have an idea!"
[21:25:37] <Joslyn> "How would you feel about a sleepover?"
[21:25:55] * Elsa sighs, not getting whats going on at all. Or what Joslyn is planning.
[21:26:08] <Caitlin> Swallow. Big, nervous swallow. "Flauri. May I have permission to try to read through your mind to find more information about last night? I think there might be something you're missing."
[21:26:25] * Flaurentine can't resist clapping her hands together in excitement. "R-Really? But… I would want to bother you with something like… like…" Suddenly, it stops.
[21:27:28] <Flaurentine> "Read… my…? O-Oh, you… um…" Shuffle, shuffle. "O-Okay. I'm scared I might've forgot something too… I-I hope you don't see anything embarrassing." Not like she knows HOW to avoid embarrassment.
[21:28:22] <Caitlin> "I wouldn't do it without your permisssion, of course!" Caitlin closes her eyes to prove a point. A point that might be lost on Flauri, if she doesn't know that Caitlin's mindreading requires eye contact. "…Are you sure it's alright?"
[21:29:33] <Flaurentine> She really doesn't, but she's polite enough to not be looking away during a conversation anyway. "Is there… something that would be wrong with it?" She tries to force a mild smile as if to show permission being given, but there's still worry on her face. Lots of it.
[21:31:28] <Joslyn> "We just don't want to invade your privacy if you don't want us to." Joslyn smiles.
[21:32:10] <Flaurentine> Headshake! "N-No! It's okay because you're all my…" Caitlin had better hope she doesn't activate it right at that second because of the f-word that shows up first thing in her eyes.
[21:33:32] <Caitlin> "I wouldn't want to invade your privacy." Deep breath. When Caitlin's eyes open, they're… glowing green. That's new. They're also attempting to look into Flauri's mind, flipping through the pages to last night, if possible.
[21:34:26] <Flaurentine> … After FAMILY it starts scrolling. 'sonervousIhopethere'snothingembarrassingIreallywanttofinishthatstorylunchwasdelicioustodaypeopleshouldn'tgomissing…' Well, that's the first result; as it flips it's more detailing the vegetable garden fiasco and Elsa missing the mission. But most of it's all on finishing that story.
[21:35:16] <Joslyn> "…anything?"
[21:35:17] <Flaurentine> Contrary to popular belief, apparently, the specific section on last night is just 'wenthome' with nothing additional to it.
[21:36:55] <Caitlin> Caitlin lets out a sigh, "I told you that she didn't know anything. She just went home, I don't think she has anything to do with this, or at least if she does, she doesn't remember."
[21:37:30] <Flaurentine> "I… I'm sorry." She looks like she's almost about to cry… well, she always looks like that.
[21:38:00] <Joslyn> "It's not your fault." Joslyn pats Flauri on the back. "How does that sleepover sound?"
[21:39:01] * Flaurentine instantly jerks away before giving a gesture of apology once she lands on her own bed and sits on it… very timidly. "Ah… I… sorry… I-I'd really like to do it!"
[21:39:47] <Caitlin> "No, Flauri, that's exactly what I was hoping I'd see. Thank you, I feel a lot better. Doesn't a sleepover sound fun? We can even finish our story, if you like."
[21:40:18] * Elsa looks at Cait, "Well, that solves the mystery." The circus girl says with no worries at all ignoring the fact that there is a person missing, "At least the sleepover should be better than studying for exams."
[21:40:19] <Flaurentine> And then a huge smile. "Yes, please! If… if you all don't mind, that is…"
[21:40:30] * Joslyn heads over to Maj. Westfield, wherever he is. "I'll be right back!"
[21:41:46] <~Oxford> He's waiting in the parking lot in his black sedan, engine still running. His sidearm rests on his lap.
[21:42:26] <Caitlin> What have you done? Caitlin's face turns to panic, "Exams! I've spent all this time not studying… How am I going to make this up!?"
[21:43:20] * Joslyn knocks on the window and waves. "We did a cursory questioning…she doesn't know anything. Not even Kate's mind reading - she wasn't with Donalds last night - at least not consciously."
[21:43:28] * Elsa stares at Caitlin run off, "She never relaxes about these things doesn't she?"
[21:44:54] <Joslyn> "…We're still gonna have to bring her in, aren't we…"
[21:44:55] * Flaurentine shakes with only a whisper. "… Sorry."
[21:45:21] <~Oxford> The Major nods. "Did she have a pendant on her?"
[21:46:26] <Caitlin> "…That's alright, Flauri. Do you have your exams coming up, too?"
[21:46:48] <Joslyn> "I…don't think so?"
[21:47:20] <Flaurentine> A timid nod. "I've had to study a lot since I… since I forgot it all…"
[21:47:40] <~Oxford> "Hmm…" Westfield strokes his chin once, then nods again. "Right. Make up an excuse and pat her down, then. We have to be sure."
[21:48:37] <Joslyn> "We got her to agree to return to Cheswick, as long as she can take the fourth bed in our dorm - we kinda promised a sleepover. But I'll try."
[21:48:52] <Caitlin> "You can study with me as best we can."
[21:49:24] <Flaurentine> "Okay! I… I'd like to read all sorts of other books together, too… if… if there's time."
[21:49:40] * Joslyn heads back to the dorm room. "Okay, I think we're about ready to go!"
[21:50:04] <Joslyn> "Do you want us to help you pack or anything?"
[21:51:08] <Flaurentine> Headshake headshake. "No… I have everything. A-Are you really sure it's okay?" As peppy as she is, the 'everything' is actually nothing but that tiny flipbook of hers. And a pen of course.
[21:51:41] <Joslyn> "Yeah, it's not a problem. but…do you have your focus pendant with you? Like, just in case?"
[21:52:02] <Flaurentine> "No… should I… try to find it?"
[21:52:07] <Elsa> "Are you sure thats all? No extra clothes?" She sounds worried, everyone should have at least 3 sets of clothes because its a pain to was things too often.
[21:52:18] <Joslyn> "Oh, don't worry then, I'm sure Major Westfield will have a spare if we need it."
[21:53:09] <Joslyn> She knows that with elsa not needing one, there would effectively be a spare, but best not to point that out.
[21:53:11] <Flaurentine> "I really… hope something dangerous like that doesn't happen. And… I'll be fine!" She knows she can use her powers for silly touhou bullshit to scramble her own clothing around or such nonsense.
[21:53:31] <Joslyn> "I do too. Now let's go!"
[21:54:15] <Flaurentine> "O-Okay." Standing straight up, the timid girl keeps her best smile on while walking behind the group. She… actually does bring pajamas, on second thought.
[21:54:51] <Joslyn> When they get to the car, Joslyn quietly tells Westfield that she doesn't have her pendant before taking a seat.
[21:56:54] * Joslyn nods.
[21:57:10] * Elsa its on the back but decides to take a nap. Too bad portable music players havent been invented yet.
[21:57:13] <Joslyn> And gulps too, but mostly nod.
[21:57:30] <Flaurentine> "I… I hope I'm not too much of a bother for coming back with you all o-or anything." She flips her flipbook out first thing and starts scribbling along. It's studytime.
[21:57:59] <Flaurentine> 2d6+3 Hey, am I a bad enough loli to cheat the car along the road?
[21:58:00] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, Hey, am I a bad enough loli to cheat the car along the road?: 11 [2d6=4,4]
[21:58:10] <Joslyn> <If she does have it, she isn't aware that she has it.> is the note on Joslyn's paper.
[21:59:08] <~Oxford> The ride back to St. Cheswhick's takes about two hours. It is well past 8 o'clock when they reach the school, just as vespers begins.
[22:00:21] * Joslyn hands over hers and Caitlin's pendants once they arrive back on the grounds. "…will she at least get tonight with us?"
[22:01:38] * Elsa hands over her own pendant of course, not like Westfield would let her keep it, not like it really matters.
[22:02:05] <Caitlin> Objective: have nothing to do with pendant while picking Flauri up. Status: completed.
[22:02:48] <~Oxford> The Major frowns, whispering his reply. "The ID was practically certain. If she has gaps in her memory, they may be a side-effect of her powers. We'll have to get her to recover those memories if we want to find out where Rolp- where Maj. Donalds is."
[22:04:40] <Joslyn> "She didn't seem to have any Noticable gaps…but we'd need someone who could dig a bit deeper than Kate could. And I swear on my life, she doesn't have a pendant that she knows about."
[22:13:06] <~Oxford> "I don't really have any advice for that," Westfield replies, "but people say if you bring her to somewhere emotionally significant, there's a chance her memories will unlock. Do your best, Parnocus."
[22:14:01] <Joslyn> "…yes sir."
[22:16:28] <Joslyn> "By the way, Sir…Merovin Welks…does that name mean anything to you?"
[22:18:02] <~Oxford> "Merovin… it's Sachsen, I believe. Fairly common name. There was a famous one, Otto. He led the revolution there a couple years ago."
[22:18:55] <~Oxford> The academy is quiet as the girls head for their dorm. Most of their classmates are either at vespers or studying quietly in their rooms.
[22:19:27] <Joslyn> "Well, that's the name of the experimental aircraft pilot that we ran into - seems to have a good deal of knowledge about the program."
[22:19:39] <Joslyn> "you don't…think there's a leak, do you?"
[22:21:14] <~Oxford> "A leak?" He frowns. "That's intelligence's job, but I appreciate you keeping an ear to the ground. It's natural that the enemy would gain some information just by observation, though."
[22:23:07] <Joslyn> "Perhaps…and in a roundabout sort of way, he did give me a present." Noticing the Major's inevitable look of confusion, she explains.
[22:24:11] <Joslyn> "He was at the Keller's Isle bombing. He tried to shoot me, but my metallic power took the lead and decided to turn it into a sword. And it stuck around even after I took off the pendant."
[22:25:36] <~Oxford> "Hm. Handy. He'd be worth looking into, though I'm more interested in that fighter of his." The Major gestures for her to follow the other girls to the dorm. "You might try researching the name yourself. The library has some excellent volumes…"
[22:26:33] <Joslyn> "Yeah. I think I might stay away from there for the next week or so - don't wanna get stampeded."
[22:27:46] <Joslyn> "Well then, good night, Sir."
[22:35:33] <~Oxford> /session
[http://pastebin.com/534A4dbL]
[19:10:59] * Oxford changes topic to 'All guests must SIGN IN with the student affairs director! Visiting hours end at curfew.'
[19:12:32] <~Oxford> The sleep-over is off to a rocky start. Elsa has excused herself, hurrying to the water-closet with one hand on her stomach and the other over her mouth. Perhaps it's something she ate…?
[19:12:46] <Flaurentine> Drank.
[19:12:59] <Flaurentine> She's an alcoholic, you know!
[19:14:42] * Joslyn just shakes her head. Elsa's really gone off the deep end since the sub mission. Belligerence, wanton abuse of her powers…part of her would be surprised if she survived her court martial.
[19:15:16] <~Oxford> How inconvenient. At any rate, the two other girl have been tasked with keeping a certain suspicious amnesiac under surveillence for tonight.
[19:15:35] * Flaurentine only stares in silence, fretting a bit but tries desperately to veil her worries. It doesn't work well at all, being Flauri as she is, and the poor girl's face just gets redder as she shuffles in the presence of the other two.
[19:16:03] <Caitlin> Caitlin shakes her head too, but in a much less harsh manner. "Maybe she should visit the medical wing…" Well, she'll surely be back later. Right? Right? …PROBABLY NOT. "Are you hungry or anything, Flauri?"
[19:16:46] <Joslyn> "I can only hope she does…in the meantime, we could play cards or something…"
[19:17:34] <Flaurentine> "Ah… um… I… ah…" The question one would probably ask looking at her- has Flauri EVER eaten before? "I… I'm fine, please don't worry about me."
[19:18:34] <~Oxford> The deck of cards is the traditional 61-card set, used in a variety of games.
[19:18:48] <Caitlin> "Well, please bring it to my attention if you'd like something to eat. In the mean-time, what would you like to do?"
[19:19:36] <Flaurentine> Obligatory joke about number of aces? Obligatory joke about number of aces. "Oh… I-I'm sorry, I don't really know much about activities for situations like this, and last time…" Well, the look on her face says she really doesn't want to talk about LAST time. When she disappeared and everything.
[19:20:21] <Joslyn> "Well, you have it all under control right? And even if not, you can't really do anything without your focus pendant, right?"
[19:21:21] <Flaurentine> "I… ah… I could still move places faster, i-if it would be convenient… I think…." Timid shuffling all day. "But I'm worried… if I got stuck in a wall…"
[19:21:55] * Flaurentine shivers, realizing she really hasn't given very much thought to getting stuck in walls yet. Fortunately she's enough of a pro to where it hasn't happened already.
[19:22:45] <Joslyn> "Oh, you'll be fine. Maybe you and Kate can play that game you were doing at Erica's little cabin some more?"
[19:23:25] <Caitlin> "Let's avoid getting anybody stuck in the walls, alright? We can continue our game if you like."
[19:23:47] <Flaurentine> "… Oh!" Little Flauri perks up, though her blush increases in size. "B-But… it's not nice to leave somebody out of it like last time… um… would you play too if we did?"
[19:24:46] <Joslyn> "Nah, I don't want to butt in like that."
[19:25:00] <Flaurentine> "O… Oh… ah… w-we can do something else then."
[19:25:15] * Flaurentine timids like a fiend.
[19:26:06] <Joslyn> "Oh come on. I insist."
[19:26:30] <Caitlin> "I don't think Joslyn would mind… Would you? It'd be alright, I'm sure."
[19:27:02] <Flaurentine> "But… But then you'd be…" Without finishing her sentence, assuming it's around this is the point where she'll flip the notebook containing the writings open and note the last word she wrote. Alone.
[19:27:09] <Joslyn> "…oh okay, for you then." how can you say no to those levels of timid?
[19:27:34] <Caitlin> "None of us has to be Alone, Flauri."
[19:28:04] <Joslyn> 2d6+9 oh by the way
[19:28:05] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, oh by the way: 18 [2d6=6,3]
[19:28:08] <Flaurentine> "Okay! But…. I don't want to be alone either. I'm… I'm not sure where to go from here." Sniffle. "I-I don't understand why I'm alone."
[19:29:00] <Joslyn> "Well…we can figure that out together." Joslyn waves her hand, hoping to materialize a pen into her hand
[19:29:40] <Caitlin> "Whose turn is it to write?"
[19:30:56] <Joslyn> "I suppose I should do it." Joslyn's pen is solid steel, liquid metal seeping into the page with every stroke.
[19:31:03] <Flaurentine> "I… I hope so. Thank you very much." Sitting down, she notes the magic-use and doesn't want to fall behind! So, with a small motion, she herself will… well, moving a pen to herself is a bit much right now. Is it worth an attempt? Looking around the room, she apparently thinks so, stretching a hand out.
[19:31:11] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 bad enough dude etc
[19:31:12] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, bad enough dude etc: 11 [2d6=3,5]
[19:32:36] * Flaurentine looks silly. With a nervous tremble she stands up and grabs a pen on her own instead, blushing even harder before sitting back down. "Um… please do. I-I'm not sure how to finish mine."
[19:33:27] <Caitlin> "Don't think terribly hard, just write down how you feel."
[19:34:34] <Joslyn> "I'll do my best." Joslyn reads over and begins to write whatever comes to mind - Flauri didn't leave her much open-endedness, but there was something.
[19:36:23] <Flaurentine> Shuffle shuffle. While Caitlin tried to seem sisterly and almost motherly at times, Joslyn is a much more blunt figure so nervousness takes over. The little girl has no idea what to expect, even IF she has no suspicions about the reason why she was brought for a sleepover.
[19:37:01] <Joslyn> Alone. Even with all the good she did, some of her people were still afraid of the strange adventurers she had become friends with. She couldn't tell the king or queen, or any of her subjects - she was too scared of what they would say. But then one day…
[19:37:13] <Joslyn> "…Uhh, who do I pass it to?"
[19:38:08] * Flaurentine timidly points to the other redhead. "I-I think it goes that way."
[19:39:04] <Joslyn> "Oh, okay." Well, hopefully Caitlin has an idea…
19:40:00] <~Oxford> Westfield's final instructions to Joslyn before sending the girls to bed were to see if they could get Flaurentine's memories back. And while he'd been a little fuzzy on the 'how', he was probably depending on the group's resident mind-reader.
[19:42:28] <Flaurentine> What he probably considered a little less was how the mind-reader wouldn't need to mind-read so much as she'd need to… you know, normal read. On paper. Psychology works in such silly ways- one of them being that Flaurentine blushes every time… oh wait, she blushes any time anything happens ever. Nevermind, carry on!
[19:43:24] <Caitlin> Caitlin takes the book from Joslyn. Of course she has a pen of her own. Where to go from here? The kingdom's enemies came up with a dastardly plot; they kidnapped the Princess! Her friends could have easily fled the problem, but instead they fought their way to rescue her because…
[19:44:13] <~Oxford> It's the perfect defense. Really, she should've opted for poker - with that unreadable blush, there'd be no stopping her.
[19:47:37] <Flaurentine> A gasp! This one takes a ridiculously long time to even start on, but Flauri's determination shows to not cut it short again. Princess Flaurentine and herself aren't the same person, she was told… so what should we do from someone else's perspective? How would her friends - her family - act? After a moment to pause, the pen she manually grabbed goes to work. … They weren't alone either. The people in the village were worried about their Princess and learned that these strange people wanted the same thing as them, so they didn't need to be scared or fight with them anymore! The King and Queen sent their best men too. But when they reached the tower she was held in… Slowing down, she finishes the ellipsis and passes it on with an expression that asks 'does this work?' Truly, it was a pretty ridiculous twist, and she knew that she didn't feel she herself deserved the treatment the character in the story got. But maybe a princess…?
[19:49:46] <Caitlin> Caitlin's yet to read it, it not being her turn yet, but nods approvingly anyway. "Joslyn's turn?"
[19:51:03] * Flaurentine nods, handing it over. She doesn't even notice the smell from Joslyn's 'ink,' and happily awaits her addition. Though, in her heart there's a little terror that the ending won't turn out well. If it's even far enough along to be to the climax yet… well, it is, and having Joslyn write the climax considering how she just jumped in is pretty worrying too. Worry, worry.
[19:52:29] <Joslyn> "Yeah, I'm thinking." Joslyn scratches her head as the pen scratches the paper. She was sitting there, unharmed and confused why the adventurers stormed her Grandfather's castle. She was perfectly fine, if not a little confused. The king had escorted her, even. That's when one of the adventurers asked… and pass. If Caitlin can figure out Joslyn's angle…that might help them.
[19:58:38] <Caitlin> We're so happy to see you safe… But what's been bothering you, lately? Our group and even all the kingdom wants to help you! After all, you're like part of our family. And then she passes it back to Flauri for a "response."
[19:59:34] * Joslyn shoots Kate a look. She'll have to be less subtle next time.
[20:00:00] <~Oxford> Tricky game, this one.
[20:04:32] <Flaurentine> The response, as in directly, is a bit of puzzlement at first. How did the twist change so much? Why would the king send his best men against… himself? … Who is the king? It's already a bit too real at this point considering that she has no idea who the King she'd partially written is anymore, hint hint. Especially with the Queen and miscellaneous villagers getting almost completely ignored now. Still, picking up the pen, it keeps going. … "I'm not really helping!" The Princess said, with tears in her eyes. "Even if we are together, even if we all are family… all I've done is wish I could be as strong and brave as you all are! So I asked to be locked up until I was strong enough to save me." Another pause. Is this really things she'd say, or just the character? … Flauri really can't tell anymore. She was rescued by them again, and the Princess knew that… Pass.
[20:08:23] <Joslyn> She knew that she was as strong as her friends…but she couldn't get over her fear of herself. The villagers had always been frightened by the adventurers' magic. She was afraid that with her own power, the people that used to love her might not. She needed to be brave. And the way to do that was… And pass
[20:12:27] <~Oxford> Aside from rustle of the notebook making its way around the circle, the room is silent. Eerily so.
[20:12:59] <Flaurentine> When you invite a timid girl over for a sleepover, things get dangerously quiet. It's natural!
[20:14:05] <Joslyn> Well, Joslyn seems to be staring into space, deep in thought about *something*…
[20:14:57] <Caitlin> To prove herself. Not just to the world, but to herself. She felt like she wasn't good enough… But she could be. They all knew she could. Yet, how could she prove this? …Would it be through leading the charge against the main body of the enemy force? Or did she know another way?
[20:21:03] <Caitlin> After some deliberation, it gets written along with But the others disagreed with her. They insisted that she was far stronger than she realized and had saved all of them at one time or another, even if they hadn't realized! What was the Princess to do?
[20:22:38] <Flaurentine> Another lengthy pause. Flauri's confusion and writer's block is evident until all of a sudden, DETERMINATION completely takes her over. She only writes briefly. … She knew one way. And her friends did too. Fighting wasn't what Princess Flaurentine wanted to do- she knew that she and her friends could bring peace to their kingdom if they worked hard enough together. That way was to trust each other, because the Princess learned that being able to have real friends whom she could really trust in with all her heart was the bravest she'd ever been. And the villagers, even the king and queen, knew they could trust her too… and her family. The pen rests at the end as her face blushes the reddest it's ever been. "Um… s-should I pass it on? I… I might've accidentally ended it."
[20:23:33] <Joslyn> "Hmm?"
[20:24:10] <Flaurentine> "I don't read many stories, but…" It's displayed publically for the other two to read.
[20:24:35] <Caitlin> Caitlin peeks over to read it, "No, no. That's an excellent ending. Just like a professional author. It makes me really happy to read, how about you both?"
[20:24:38] <Joslyn> "Oh, sorry…I was just thinking about something else. I just…I can't shake how Elsa was able to do that!"
[20:25:16] <Flaurentine> "B.. But she's not feeling well! I hope she gets better soon… and… um…"
[20:26:17] <Flaurentine> "I really… I really liked writing it but I don't feel I'm anything like the character who used my name at all… is that how it's supposed to be?" A quizzical head-tilt, she gives.
[20:26:30] <~Oxford> Come to think of it, this isn't the first time Elsa has been suddenly unwell recently. That time on Keller's Isle, a week ago… And now this.
[20:27:58] <Joslyn> "I just…there's just too many things that just don't add up. The pendants, the Major's word versus Lt. Stranahan's…and then there's Elsa smack dab in the center of it. I fear for her, I have to say."
[20:28:06] <Caitlin> "Oh, no. The name was just a coincidence. Flaurentine's a wonderful name."
[20:30:07] <Flaurentine> "O… Oh." The littlest girl doesn't really know much about this, only that she had… some goal she wanted to do. What was it again? "But I think she's a good person and want to help her! I really do hope she feels better soon."
[20:31:02] <Joslyn> "I mean, think about it. You have about a hundred or so soldiers who are all but invincible in traditional combat, and the pendant is the only restraint they have over our magical use. What do you think is their greatest fear?"
[20:31:51] <Caitlin> "I think the best thing you could do for her is to do the best for yourself. Even if she's not exactly like you, I think she'd care about you, just like we all do. That's something you two have in common: family."
[20:32:49] <Flaurentine> And then the other two go in totally different directions. Oh boy. Well, only one of those Flaurentine is familiar with. "Oh… I… I understand a little more. Thank you. I… don't think I'm brave, though."
[20:33:27] * Joslyn facepalms
[20:34:40] <Caitlin> "I must politely disagree. Bravery is not a matter of never being afraid, worried or nervous."
[20:35:06] <~Oxford> One has to wonder what Maj. Westfield would make of the story in the journal. Expressions of sympathy for the enemy? Pleading to be trusted? And who was the King supposed to represent?
[20:35:32] * Flaurentine tilts in a direction she hasn't tilted in yet. "Then what is it? When I was writing I just… um… made it up."
[20:36:44] <Caitlin> "Bravery is… it's…" Caitlin slows down to give herself time to think, "It's being able to do things even when you are afraid or things like that."
[20:38:37] <Flaurentine> "But I'm always afraid…" After a few seconds she starts perking up in an 'Oh!' kind of way. Apparently she's getting it. Maybe.
[20:39:42] * Joslyn sighs. Looks like no one cares about having to possibly be fighting against Elsa in the near future. "You don't have to be afraid, you know."
[20:40:07] <Caitlin> "You're always afraid? Don't you know what that means?" Dramatic pause. "You must be incredibly brave, then."
[20:41:42] <~Oxford> First Elsa, and now Flaurentine. The girls who are in trouble with the programme nearly outnumber the ones that aren't.
[20:42:40] <Joslyn> Only if you totally ignore Maddie and Paige, and who knows how many others there are in various other academies?
[20:43:11] <Caitlin> Well, Caitlin isn't yet, but she will be someday. That exposé of sorts is coming along nicely.
[20:43:14] <Flaurentine> "R-Really? But I don't feel like I am… but… um… I really hope I get to do brave things to help people who need it sometime… d-does that count?"
[20:44:23] <Caitlin> "That definitely counts." Caitlin nods proudly. What a good kid. even though she murders the fuck out of enemy soldiers
[20:44:33] <Joslyn> "I don't see why not…" Joslyn peers out a window.
[20:46:07] <Flaurentine> … Shuffle shuffle. Now what? Her mouth opens briefly to ask before instantly shutting itself up, leaving the redfaced little girl sitting in her own part of the room staring at nothing.
[20:47:15] <Caitlin> "Well, that was certainly fun. What would you both prefer to do next?" This sleepover's coming along nicely~
[20:48:13] <~Oxford> There's a sharp knock at the door. A tall, busty blonde swings open the door before anyone responds. "Mail call," says Ms. Darlington, tossing a thick folder bound with twine at Joslyn. "History prof made me bring it. The nerve…" She makes a dismissive gesture as she turns to leave.
[20:48:17] <Joslyn> "You want the truth, or a lie so you can have plausible deniability?"
[20:48:37] <Caitlin> "…I don't see why you would need to lie."
[20:48:53] <Flaurentine> "Lie? Is… is something wrong?"
[20:49:07] * Joslyn catches the parcel and opens it. "I almost wish something would happen that would give us an excuse to get airborne."
[20:49:51] <Caitlin> "There's the danger of someone getting hurt every time we go up. I don't want to do it more times than necessary."
[20:51:19] <Flaurentine> "I… um, I agree. I meant what I wrote… that I hope we can have peace soon. B-But I want to help you all too!"
[20:51:35] <~Oxford> The first page is a note, hot off of Westfield's typewriter: "Parnocus - Enclosed is the file from the inspector headquarters sent down. Information on Maj. D, WO F., etc. PS - Air raid siren in about ~15 minutes. We're on stand-down; ignore it."
[20:52:39] * Joslyn frowns. "The air raid siren will be going off in about 15 minutes."
[20:53:28] <Caitlin> "Why? Should we be getting ready?"
[20:54:33] * Flaurentine nods along, shuffling even more furiously than before.
[20:54:57] <Joslyn> "The major said we shouldn't be…but I'm not so sure just yet. Let me know when ten minutes have passed."
[20:55:47] <Joslyn> With that, Joslyn is gonna do her best to skim the report for anything that may garner clues they can make use of.
[20:55:52] <Caitlin> "Why should we be if he said not to? That sounds like a typical, regulation drill."
[20:56:22] <Flaurentine> Another nod. "He's a… um… superior officer, so shouldn't we obey him?"
[20:56:36] <Caitlin> "…Oh, Flauri, you probably don't know your way around here. I presume we'll be expected to take cover in the air raid shelters with everyone else, so do stay close by to us."
[20:56:52] <Joslyn> "This late at night? Sounds a bit dodgy. I'm not saying we need to disobey it, but if it was a drill he'd have said as much right?"
[20:56:56] * Flaurentine spaces out for a second, before going back to shuffling. "Okay! I will, thank you."
[20:58:04] <~Oxford> The folder contains several multi-page reports on loose pages. The first is a collection of eye-witness testimony regarding "Lt." Donalds' wherabouts leading up to his disappearence. A second report gives the same information for Flaurentine. The third has detailed personel information on both victim and suspect.
[20:58:41] <Caitlin> "If it's not a drill and we're not to fly, then logically, we should take shelter."
[20:59:21] <Joslyn> "We should…but why is he grounding us? The next nearest squadron is at least 20 minutes out…"
[20:58:14] <Joslyn> 2d6+8 speed reading sharp -fury
[20:58:15] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, speed reading sharp -fury: 16 [2d6=5,3]
[20:58:37] <@Oxford> That's some furious reading. Anything in particular you're looking for?
[21:00:12] <Joslyn> How ironclad are the identifications, where did they go, and how flauri got back.
[21:02:20] * Flaurentine starts to speak up but shrinks down- this isn't her school, meaning logically it's an argument she has no place in. The blush just gets even redder.
[21:03:21] <~Oxford> The identifications, as reported, were air-tight. No fewer than four witnesses - a janitor, a teacher, and two students on hall-monitor duty - reported seeing Donalds and Flaurentine leave through the athletic field exit at or around eleven o'clock. Their descriptions match up on all the significant details.
[21:03:45] <Caitlin> "I don't know, but… You're the expert. What happens to them if aviators were to fly while told to remain on ground?"
[21:04:36] <Joslyn> "They'd get in trouble. But if they were told to remain on the ground, they'd at least get a reason."
[21:04:42] * Flaurentine directs her worry at the big lump of files Joslyn seems to be reading, eyes full of curiosity. Though staring, the look on her face says she wouldn't dare say anything.
[21:04:50] <Joslyn> "…Hey Flauri, did you stay up late last night?"
[21:06:51] <~Oxford> By the clock on the desk, Caitlin notes that ten minutes have passed. Joslyn doesn't seem to have noticed.
[21:07:02] <Flaurentine> "Um… no, I didn't." She looks even more worried about having been asked this multiple times.
[21:07:13] <Caitlin> "…Are you sure? I don't feel that our government or military are terribly keen on sharing every little detail with their soldiers." Caitlin clearly does not approve of this. "But I'd prefer not to find us being court martialed as well."
[21:07:33] <Joslyn> "Do you remember about when you did go to sleep, then?"
[21:07:39] <Caitlin> Cough. "Five minutes to siren."
[21:08:19] <Joslyn> "I'm not saying we go up in defiance of the Major's orders. I'm just saying I'd like to know why. Walk with me, please."
[21:09:12] <Flaurentine> "Ah… right when I came home. It was before curfew…" With a nod, Flauri stands up and prepares to walk too.
[21:09:57] <Joslyn> "It's gonna get crazy in here really quick, so even if we have to stay down, I'd rather be closer to the bunker so there's less traffic to contend with."
[21:10:09] <Caitlin> Joslyn better walk fast. Though still not necessarily convinced, Caitlin follows Joslyn.
[21:10:27] <~Oxford> The file is clear: 2254 - Professor G_ sees D. & F. leaving D.'s office from across the hall. 2301 - Students A_ & L_ speak briefly with the two outside the locker room. 2308 - Janitor H___ notes individuals matching D. & F.'s descriptions from across the practice field, heading toward the swamp walkway.
[21:10:33] <Flaurentine> "Should…" Outstretching a hand, she shakes her head and cuts off her own sentence, realizing warping in public is probably not a good idea at all.
[21:12:37] <Joslyn> Well, those are the people who need interviewing then - a three hour time discrepancy? That doesn't add up.
[21:13:47] * Joslyn raps on Major Westfield's door as soon as she gets there.
[21:14:10] <~Oxford> The halls are deserted, even for as late as it is. From the other side, a voice replies: "Come in."
[21:14:51] <Caitlin> Wait, what are they doing there? The siren's about to sound! Sigh. Caitlin will probably be the second one in after Joslyn.
[21:15:17] <Joslyn> "I probably only have about two minutes before everything goes up, so I'll be quick - why are we sitting this one out?"
[21:15:22] * Flaurentine timids behind, raising a hand before realizing this is still a school and he's apparently a history professor. So a curtsey instead, trailing behind.
[21:17:37] <~Oxford> Westfield raises an eyebrow at her. "The orders came down from above, Warrant. We're on stand-down until the situation with… ah…" He suddenly notices Ms. Flamenca, timiding away. "…Until the internal affairs situation is resolved."
[21:18:49] <Caitlin> "Is it a real attack or a drill?"
[21:19:19] * Flaurentine blinks, giving a completely cheerful gaze to the Major.
[21:19:39] <~Oxford> "Oh, it's a real attack. Our next scheduled drill is…" He flips through a pocket calender. "Thursday after next, I believe. Why do you ask?"
[21:19:54] <Joslyn> "Great. Just great…do we at least have a capable squad covering for us?"
[21:20:30] <Caitlin> …Mental note. Thursday after next. "What will happen to everyone if we're not protecting them?"
[21:21:40] <~Oxford> "Capable? As in, a Programme Flight? No, I wouldn't expect we do. This is our sector, after all." He sighs. "Of course, our conventional interceptors will do their best…"
[21:21:40] <Flaurentine> Nod! "I'm worried too… aren't people going to be in danger?" Then a gasp. "Ah… um… please forgive me, Sir, I-I didn't mean…"
[21:23:27] <Joslyn> "Yeah. Like what happened at Welham? I know that this is a bad idea…but I'd rather be written up for insubordination than have to burden the losses we will inevitably take."
[21:24:55] <~Oxford> "While I understand your con-" The major is cut off by the wail of the air raid siren. He raises his voice to be heard over it, practically shouting. "-concern, you have to understand this wasn't my decision."
[21:25:09] <Joslyn> "Permission to speak freely, sir?"
[21:25:50] <~Oxford> "What?" he asks, voice still raised. But after wrinkling his brow, he nods swiftly. "Speak."
[21:25:58] <Joslyn> Even if it isn't granted she'll say it anyway. "This sounds like a setup! An attack on our sector the day after the order to ground us comes down? No one gets that lucky!"
[21:26:51] * Flaurentine shrinks down with worry again. This isn't going to end well.
[21:27:15] <Caitlin> Caitlin joins Flauri in the shrinking down. Joslyn and Westfield can have this fight one on one.
[21:27:56] * Flaurentine notices her comrade and leans over to Caitlin for a whisper, "Um… w-will this be okay?" A whisper that's barely audible during the loud sirens, no less.
[21:28:29] <~Oxford> "If you're implying we have a leak, Warrant," he bellows, "I'd say that's all the more reason to sort out the Flamenca mess!" He instantly recoils, realizing what he's said.
[21:29:31] <Joslyn> "I've been implying that for a while. Can I make a request of you, sir?"
[21:29:53] <Caitlin> Caitlin scribbles onto a notepad, I'm not sure, but it'll all work out alright. She kind of points the pen Flauri's way, should she choose to write a response.
[21:29:55] <~Oxford> The leather briefcase, Caitlin notices, is sitting on a chair in the corner. Both the Major and Joslyn seem too preoccupied to notice.
[21:30:16] <~Oxford> "Ask away, Parnocus!"
[21:30:41] <Flaurentine> It doesn't get one, only a nod. And behind Caitlin she goes, prepared to follow wherever the mature redhead may lead them.
[21:30:48] <Joslyn> "The next time you see whoever issued the stand down, make sure you chew him out for it!"
[21:32:04] * Flaurentine has also jumped to the conclusion that her surname could be being used to refer to somebody else, or possibly the dance style. Though curiosity's in her eyes, like always, the poor girl wouldn't dare say anything.
[21:32:38] <Caitlin> "What if we were to… Stay near the pendants in case the raid took a turn for the worse?"
[21:32:52] <~Oxford> That at least draws a grimace rather than a glare. "That's my CO, Warrant! '..always rolls downhill', you understand."
[21:34:42] <Joslyn> "And any casualties we get will be on him, because HE is who is having YOU keep US from doing our job!"
[21:35:20] <Flaurentine> "Ah… uh… pl-" Not like this is going to go anywhere, the sirens are far louder than her timidgirl voice.
[21:35:49] <~Oxford> The siren finally cuts off, indicating everyone (else) is accounted for and sealed in the shelters. The Major adjusts his collar before continuing, voice returned to normal. "I wouldn't worry about the raid, O'Connell. It's only passing over us; this straight from EW." He gives Joslyn a small shrug. "That's just the burden of command, I'm afraid."
[21:36:56] <Joslyn> "Well, it's stupid. Keep us from fighting, then blame us for the damage. That makes bloody perfect sense…" Joslyn sits down next to Flauri and Caitlin in a huff.
[21:38:00] <Flaurentine> "Ahm… it really isn't nice to say those sorts of things…" Shuffle, shuffle. Like that opinion is going to do anything. Plus she only speaks it in a tone slightly above a whisper.
[21:38:04] <Caitlin> "…Who's blaming us?"
[21:38:57] <~Oxford> "Nobody blamed you for the damage, Parnocus. We're all appreciative of your efforts. All thr-four of you." He nods, sitting in his own chair. "But orders are meant to be obeyed, even when we disagree with them. This isn't a street-fight: it's a war, and central planning is the key to victory."
[21:40:26] <Caitlin> "Joslyn, please listen to me. This situation neither calls for us nor needs us. We should just stay out of the way and observe for now, okay?"
[21:40:30] <Joslyn> "I know - doesn't make it any less a pain. Even if El-" whoops. Probably not a good idea to finish that particular thought.
[21:41:21] <~Oxford> "Think of it this way: Right now, we're grounded until Maj. Donalds is found or Warrant… Ef is cleared. If you all devote yourself to that task, I'm sure we'll be cleared for combat again in no time."
[21:41:56] * Flaurentine keeps staring, without speaking up. Cluelessness is magic.
[21:42:13] <Joslyn> "Speaking of which…Flauri, you said you went to sleep about what, half an hour before curfew, right?"
[21:43:53] <Flaurentine> Jolting up in surprise, Flauri quickly composes herself and nods. "Um… yes. I was really tired."
[21:44:39] <Joslyn> "And about how long had you been awake when we showed up?"
[21:47:55] <Flaurentine> "I… ah… woke up early in the morning and went to class… so, all day I think, but…?" The sentence doesn't get finished, only a questioning look is sent Joslyn's way with yet another tiny head-tilt.
[21:48:35] <Joslyn> "Right. But you never went to the swamps or anything recently?"
[21:48:54] <Caitlin> "…O-oh, no. I've got to go stop Elsa from doing anything rash. She wasn't with us when your message arrived. Be careful you two! Flauri, stick by Joslyn." Caitlin takes off to find Elsa and stop her from transforming and attacking. That'd worsen their situation.
[21:49:39] <Joslyn> "…She might try blowing them up even without a pendant…" Joslyn mutters.
[21:49:47] <Flaurentine> "I understand! Please be care-" Oop, she's gone.
[21:50:54] <~Oxford> Westfield nods to her as she leaves, somewhat confused by her urgency. After all, without a pendant…? Never mind that. He leans back in his chair, content to let Joslyn take the lead in questioning Warrant Officer Flamenca, aka Suspect F.
[21:52:35] * Flaurentine darts her eyes back and forth between the two, SORT of suspecting something's up. But not enough to speak, of course.
[21:53:05] <Joslyn> "Isn't there like a swampy patch near your guy's athletic field? I thought I saw it earlier today when we went and got you, but I wasnt sure."
[21:55:34] <Flaurentine> "I… think I heard of one and saw it a few times, but I haven't actually been there myself… I've been inside studying. I apologize for not being able to be of more help." … And then a pause. "Something… serious didn't happen, did it?"
[21:57:15] <Joslyn> "Well…yes. You remember Major Donalds, right?"
[21:57:39] <Joslyn> "The last time you and he talked, when and where was that?"
[21:57:46] <Flaurentine> "… Who?"
[21:58:06] <Joslyn> "The man that drove you here when we went to see Elsa in that lab.
[21:58:36] <~Oxford> Westfield raises his eyebrows. Never been to the wetlands? He's almost sure students at Bruinham's get a tour their first day. Not to mention… "…'who'?"
[22:00:17] <Flaurentine> A couple blinks, then her head slowly shakes. Some more blinks, like something's in her eyes, before comtinuing. "Man… who…. um… I don't remember who the driver was that day. I-I'm sorry." Not like Westfield wasn't totally there to see it confirmed that her first day's memories were totally wiped… and everything for a pretty long time. Then again she also doesn't talk about it much either. Or… a lot of things.
[22:02:14] <~Oxford> The Major exchanges a meaningful glance with Joslyn, but lets her continue the questioning.
[22:02:57] <Joslyn> "…right…" Amnesia. Means nothing she says can be taken on its face.
[22:03:29] <Joslyn> "Do you think a picture would jog your memory?"
[22:04:13] <Flaurentine> Worryworry. "I'm very sorry… um, I could try, though." Her eyes blink furiously now, for some reason.
[22:04:37] <~Oxford> Westfield is already rummaging through his desk for a photograph to supplement the one in Joslyn's folder.
[22:05:13] * Joslyn shows Flauri the one she has anyway. "does he seem familiar at all to you?"
[22:06:27] <@Oxford> Flauri: roll Cool or Sharp, your call
[22:06:51] <&Flaurentine> I love how that's a choice between roll intentional fail or guaranteed success
[22:06:57] <&Flaurentine> …
[22:06:58] <&Flaurentine> 1d2
[22:06:58] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, 1d2: 2 [1d2=2]
[22:07:05] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+8 k then
[22:07:06] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, k then: 16 [2d6=6,2]
[22:10:32] <Flaurentine> With a long glance, it's a little more apparent why she's blinking so much. At least from the first tear that runs down her face all of a sudden, then the second, beyond her notice even. Not like it isn't red all the time. "I… I think this is familiar… but I… I don't think I know this person." Her struggling is far too evident, only followed up by a whisper of "Why am…?" afterward. Confused, a hand reaches up to wipe her poor superred face off.
[22:11:44] * Joslyn sighs and leans back. "It…it's okay. It's all gonna be okay. We'll get through this, okay?"
[22:13:18] * Flaurentine finishes wiping and looks just as puzzled as ever, as if that was a natural reaction and not an emotional one. At least she doesn't seem very emotional, only a little worried. "Um… if you don't mind me asking, what exactly is wrong? Is this the missing person from earlier? If so, I'm sorry I can't help, but…"
[22:13:19] <~Oxford> Maj. Westfield taps Joslyn on the shoulder and passes her a second photograph. It shows a much younger Maj. Donalds, wearing a captain's uniform, shaking hands with a lieutenant who looks barely out of college.
[22:14:27] <Joslyn> "Yeah…what about this? Do either of these people look any more familiar?" She's got a shrewd idea as to who the Lieutenant is, but keeps that to herself.
[22:15:00] <&Flaurentine> Do I like, need to do it again?
[22:15:30] <@Oxford> Nah, though you might get some details from it.
[22:15:47] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 I just want an excuse to cool
[22:15:48] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, I just want an excuse to cool: 11 [2d6=2,6]
[22:16:18] <@Oxford> Intradasting.
[22:16:39] <@Oxford> On second thought, go ahead and gain a good bit more.
[22:18:41] * Flaurentine focuses specifically on the man's hands, and her own starts twitching a little. "Um… I… I've met this person, I think… I-I might have…" Blink, sniffle. "I… didn't forget something again, did I? Oh no, I'm… I'm inconveniencing people, aren't I? I deeply apologize, I…" And then the little girl freaks out.
[22:19:56] <~Oxford> Westfield prudently leans back from his desk, an uncomfortable look on his face.
[22:26:05] <Flaurentine> THAT MEANS TALKING REALLY FAST.
[22:27:53] * Joslyn sighs again as she returns to photo to Westfield. "I really don't think there's much more we can do today…"
[22:28:43] <~Oxford> The Major looks at Joslyn and nods. "Warrant Flamenca, I'd like to thank you for answering our questions today. You've been very helpful."
[22:29:46] <Flaurentine> The poor girl trembles severely while managing a gulp+nod combo. "I'm very sorry if I'm missing something… I-I hope you accept my deepest apologies…"
[22:29:50] <Joslyn> "Kate was right - you really are brave."
[22:29:59] <Flaurentine> Sniffle.
[22:30:12] <Joslyn> "We'll figure it out together, okay?"
[22:30:30] <Flaurentine> "O… Okay. I promise I'll try my best to help."
[22:31:03] <Joslyn> "Good. D'you think we can get back to our dorm?"
[22:32:59] <~Oxford> Maj. Westfield waves the two girls out of his office. "Thank you, ladies. Good night." He gives Joslyn an approving smile.
[22:33:43] * Joslyn doesn't return it - her face is full of concern and confusion. Just what exactly kind of mess are they in right now?
[22:34:44] * Flaurentine follows up the concern, but still gives a weak salute on her way out.
[22:37:10] <~Oxford> In the halls of St. Cheswhicks, the silence has been replaced by excited chatter as girls return from the bomb shelter to their dorms. Nobody seems ready to sleep yet. Nobody except an emotionally-exhausted young girl in the wrong school uniform.
[22:37:14] <~Oxford> /session
[http://pastebin.com/JLaVD7yh]
[19:04:50] <~Oxford> By the next morning, Elsa seems to have recovered from her bout of stomach flu. Since today is Friday, everyone gets a reprieve from morning exercises, meaning they have some time to kill between breakfast and classes.
[19:08:10] <~Oxford> Today is especially lucky for Caitlin, though: It seems she's received a rare letter from her parents! It was sent fairly recently, which is fortunate - civilian mail often takes several weeks to work its way through the system.
[19:09:43] <Joslyn> "You sure you don't need to be in the infirmary?"
[19:09:59] <Caitlin> How exciting! Caitlin can't wait to open it, and in fact won't. As soon as it's in her hands, she hurries to read the letter's contents. Absentmindedly, Caitlin asks, "Have you been staying up late?"
[19:11:35] <Elsa> "I'll be fine I just need to take it easy…Its wierd, I never get sick. And I haven't been staying up late, you should know that."
[19:15:09] <Flaurentine> … Flip. The little girl next to them - who spent the whole morning expressing how glad she is that Elsa's sickness is gone - finishes her scribbling and closes the flipbook she's always carried around, smiling at it. "Um… but… the food here is very tasty. I'm a little jealous."
[19:15:20] <Joslyn> "It doesn't hurt to ask. By the way Flauri, have you remembered anything more?"
[19:16:03] <Flaurentine> Her head shakes. "I'm sorry… I tried all night until I went to sleep. I wish I could've been of more help."
[19:17:15] <Caitlin> Caitlin puts the letter away slowly. Her face is much paler than before and she withdraws from the conversation silently.
[19:17:39] <Joslyn> "…What's wrong?"
[19:17:45] * Elsa is ravenous she could eat one of the girls beside her if the somehow managed to look appetizing, and since she has been sick for a while its even worse than it should be, She puts on her coat to hide her wings, "If I don't eat I'm going to get a hole burned through my stomach, who'se with me?"
[19:18:33] <Flaurentine> "B-But I'm glad I could stay with you all! I had a great time… it's nice to have friends." The blush on her face reddens a little more- she almost stumbled with the f-word and said something else, but didn't. "I think I'd need to go home before it's too late for class…"
[19:19:27] <Caitlin> Caitlin's response comes a few seconds late, "Oh. It's nothing. I need to go… read something." She scurries off to the library.
[19:19:33] <Flaurentine> "…?" The ellipsis actually is trailing off, in that last sentence. It's like poor Flauri realized she was talking to nobody as she turns around, looking curiously at Joslin. Caitlyn.
[19:20:08] <Flaurentine> … Now just Caitlin as she's gone. "It… It wasn't something I said, was it? Oh no, I should apologize, shouldn't I…"
[19:20:45] * Joslyn quickly hurries after her. "H-hey! Wait up!"
[19:21:16] * Elsa ate a lot but she is still hungry…somehow. "I think it was something in the letter, its best if she's alone…bad news are hard to swallow sometimes.."
[19:21:47] <Caitlin> If Caitlin heard, she doesn't indicate as such. Nothing's stopping her on her journey to the library.
[19:22:18] <~Oxford> The library is almost completely empty this early. The librarian is shuffling about, reshelving books, and looks up in surprise as Caitlin bursts onto the scene, followed closely by Joslyn.
[19:22:18] <Flaurentine> "Oh… y-you might be right. I'm scared to say goodbye to them both, too. Um, would you mind telling them for me after I go home?"
[19:23:46] <Joslyn> "Dammit Kate, I can't have you just running away from whatever! Talk to me!"
[19:24:14] <Caitlin> With all the time she's spent here, Caitlin surely knows her way around well enough to find where medical books would be kept. "Shh! Please be quiet in the library."
[19:24:16] <Elsa> "Well, I'm not sure if you might be able to go back, classes start soon and you're still here, right?"
[19:25:25] * Joslyn follows and does tone it down. "At least tell me what's going on!"
[19:25:25] <Flaurentine> A tiny gasp. "O-Oh no, but I'm not supposed to miss classes at home, am I? They'd scold me if I did that, so I thought somebody would be here…" Her fingernails approach her teeth, dangerously close. It's very fortunate that she's not enough of a biter to tear them off, but the risk of her becoming one is close.
[19:27:05] <Caitlin> "Please don't trouble yourself with my private affairs." Caitlin's stiffness has returned.
[19:27:09] <~Oxford> The medical section is a full aisle, two tall shelves facing one another. The organization is strictly alphabetical by topic, and it's just her luck that 'pneumonia' falls right in the middle. The books are at the top of the second shelf - she'll need to climb the ladder to get to them.
[19:27:25] * Elsa puts her hand on the tiiiiimiiiiid girl's shoulder, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure its been dealt with…I mean considering it was Westfield's idea for us to go see you."
[19:29:15] <Flaurentine> But her timidness is a destroyer of planets! It's even more apparent that this is so when she looks Elsa in the face, eyes almost tearful. Well, they're always like that. "But… But! I… um… maybe I should ask him later. A-And write an apology report in case I don't make it. But it doesn't feel like it's really okay… everyone's acting like I did something wrong…"
[19:31:07] <Caitlin> Well, fine. If the ladder's right there, Caitlin will climb it after the book. Otherwise, she hunts down the ladder.
[19:31:56] <~Oxford> It is, fortunately. And once at the top, she finds several dozen volumes that seem most promising.
[19:32:14] <Elsa> "I don't really think you did, I'm sure its all a big misunderstanding. YOu should cheer up and enjoy your stay while it lasts, why not come to class with me?" Elsa is of course planning to steal part of the girl's lunch to help appease her hunger.
[19:33:01] <Caitlin> She'd like to take all of them. ALL OF THEM. But instead Caitlin just takes about 6, taking multiple trips up and down.
[19:34:01] * Flaurentine peps up. "You'd… You'd really be okay with that? I-I'd love to learn what you're learning… if… if that's okay with everybody here…"
[19:34:35] <Joslyn> "…Who…?" Joslyn can just ask. She knows pneumonia is bad shit.
[19:35:05] <~Oxford> 'Everybody here', in the strictest sense, is just Elsa. And her next class is History, with a very familiar professor…
[19:35:44] <Flaurentine> 'Everybody here,' in the speaker's sense, refers to the professors and other students. Vaguentine. Not like she'd clarify anyway!
[19:35:53] <Elsa> "I don't think it'll be a problem. You can ask westfield about it, history lesson is next."
[19:36:28] <Flaurentine> "Okay! I will. Thank… you very much for your help."
[19:37:16] <Caitlin> "Not someone that you know. Please don't concern yourself; I'm simply informing myself on the matter of this affliction." So very stiff, both in speech and movement.
[19:38:31] <Joslyn> "Bullshit. This involves everyone in our unit, whether you like it or not. So stop being selfish."
[19:38:35] * Elsa grabs the timid girl by the hand and leads her to their next classroom. No idea whats going on with the other two but at least Joslyn is gonna get a good earfull.
[19:40:14] * Flaurentine sure doesn't resist. In fact, any observers in the halls would probably catch the extremely red-faced girl smiling.
[19:40:46] <Caitlin> "…My own research has nothing to do with you." Caitlin takes her collection to the nearest table and cracks open the first book.
[19:42:25] * Joslyn puts her hand over the open book. "It does now. Start talking or I'll read the letter myself. And tell Westfield about it."
[19:42:43] <~Oxford> The first book contains some excellent background information on pneumonia in Albaea. The mortality rate is approximately 20%, depending on age and health. While some strains are little worse than the common cold, others are extremely dangerous.
[19:44:12] * Elsa keeps leading the girl to history class. She is, surprisingly, going into a classroom earlier than Caitlin.
[19:44:27] <Caitlin> Caitlin clutches her bag (where the letter is kept) closely to herself. "No. This doesn't concern you. You're interfering with my studying."
[19:46:06] <Joslyn> "Right, and I can conjure metal wings to fly to Gualia. You're being stupid, Kate!"
[19:47:28] <~Oxford> Westfield's classroom is a strictly-ordered affair. The desks are set out in straight columns perpendicular to the blackboard at the front of the classroom. Today, as is often the case, the world map is pulled down over the board. Westfield waits behind his desk, pensive.
[19:48:17] <Caitlin> "…That's irrelevant. Just as my personal affairs are irrelevant to you all."
[19:49:14] <Joslyn> "It became relevant when you decided to bail Westfield's History class. You're gonna have to tell him about this, you know."
[19:49:40] * Flaurentine makes sure her gesture is the politest as possible upon entering the room after the psychotic firebi- I mean, fine upstanding youth of a comrade. While she'd like to ask BEFORE the class starts, as well as request to sit-in on the class, only silence comes out of the timid girl as she hopes to have made a good impression on the man by not being disruptive. But in doing so she'd probably just come off as invisible, probably. Then again, Elsa is an attention-getter who's still holding her hand and everything.
[19:50:18] <~Oxford> Caitlin's other books seem to focus on the various different kinds of pneumonia: bacterial, viral, fungal… The letter never said which.
[19:51:50] <Caitlin> "I…" Is she really missing class? That causes a pang of guilt. "I happened to have a headache and found myself not in condition to attend class. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I will manage with a bit of private studying."
[19:52:13] * Elsa leads the girl to a desk near the back of the classroom and sits on the next row, same desk.
[19:53:59] * Flaurentine looks around almost apologetically in case she's taking the seat from somebody before sitting, a little shakily.
[19:54:06] <Joslyn> "How about no?" Joslyn sits down opposite Caitlin. "In the air, I need to know that you're covering me on my wing. It's my turn to return the favor, to make sure you're covered."
[19:56:27] <Caitlin> Stiff gesture to the books she's accumulated. "I'm already sufficiently covered. Any attempts to provide further assistance would be to needlessly inconvenience yourself and delay my studies."
[19:56:45] <~Oxford> Elsa's fellow classmates are filing in, and though the shy underclassman draws a few odd glances, nobody seems to be making a big deal of her presence. Westfield makes a few marks in his attendence sheet - next to two names, specifically - and rises to address the class.
[19:59:10] <Flaurentine> No mention, not even a glare? Flaurentine blesses her luck, continuing to remain silent though sitting at an empty desk. Her feet kick back and forth in the seat for a while before she notices it as potential disruptive behavior and stops that, focusing and watching the class. With determination.
[20:00:23] <~Oxford> From an intriguing graph (Figure 23-4b), Caitlin learns that bacterial pneumonia seems to be the most common among adults.
[20:00:54] <Elsa> "See? No problem." She whispers to the girl that is totally out of place.
[20:02:48] <Flaurentine> Eek! … She motions in silence without and noise, following with a nod before whispering back. "I hope nobody's mad… or if he doesn't mind that I write his lesson down." Because she's been doing that with every word he's spoken if he's spoken any yet.
[20:03:05] <~Oxford> "Good morning, class." He waits for the traditional "good morning, Lt. Westfield," then launches into his lecture. "Today, we will be learning about the Hispalian Civil War, from 1923-1930…"
[20:05:27] * Flaurentine jolts up and mouths along with the rest of the class in the latter half of their sentence, trying to fit in. The sheer nervousness on her face shows it doesn't work, and throughout the lesson the poor girl tries her hardest not to lock eyes with Westfield lest he be giving back an angry glare in response to her presence.
[20:06:32] <Caitlin> …Bacterial pneumonia, huh? That's definitely not the MOST lethal, but they're all dangerous, and that may not be the one Caitlin needs to be worrying about, anyway. All that knowledge does is leave her feeling conflicted and worried. At least the most dangerous variety isn't the most common.
[20:07:57] <~Oxford> No such glare. If anything, he seems to be acting like he's never laid eyes on the young girl before. "Following the succession crisis that resulted from the death of King Feygault IV, the nation of Hispalia split along roughly socio-economic lines…"
[20:09:58] <Joslyn> "…" Joslyn cracks another book and starts reading. Anything good she can glean will be useful.
[20:10:43] <~Oxford> Of course, there's no mention in the letter of the type…it /could/ be fungal, which is much more serious. And there's a book devoted entirely to something called 'diffuse parenchrymal pneumonia'…even the name is scary.
[20:14:12] <~Oxford> The two girls study in silence for several minutes. Westfield's lecuture drags on. After a half hour, Caitlin notices a cross-reference and reaches for the book in question - only to notice it's the same one Joslyn is reading from.
[20:16:02] <~Oxford> 'Toxoplasma gondii in Immunocompromised Adults', by Dr. Barksen Walker, M.D.
[20:16:50] <Caitlin> Really scary. The more she reads, the faster her heart thumps. Every description of how bad something can be just makes everything worse, and the more mild ones can't counteract that effect, because even the ones that aren't as bad can still be horrible. Visions of what could be fill her eyes.
[20:16:56] <Caitlin> "I need to refer to that book, Joslyn." Somehow, she manages to speak very quickly and nervously without bending in her stiffness.
[20:18:05] <Joslyn> "Right, right. Though if whoever is coming down with this has a normal immune system, it wouldn't be a valid read."
[20:19:33] <Caitlin> "But what if there's an underlying problem weakening their immune system? I don't intend to refuse information that could potentially be useful."
[20:20:40] <Joslyn> "Point. Go ahead." Joslyn still goes to the big scary book, hoping there'll be something there that'll give her a good enough reason to have bailed.
[20:23:29] <~Oxford> They're all pretty scary. The disease is widespread, and one of the leading causes of death in Albaea despite concentrated research by doctors.
[20:24:23] <Caitlin> Caitlin looks up the cross-reference from the previous book. It doesn't seem like she intends to stop any time soon, despite the panic quietly building up inside.
[20:24:54] <Joslyn> "…You know, if I knew a medical history of whoever is sick, I might be able to take a guess at which strand it is."
[20:25:09] <~Oxford> In fact, it ranks just above heart disease and tuberculosis, coming in at number one.
[20:26:09] <Caitlin> "I doubt you could tell me anything the doctors and books can't."
[20:28:01] <Joslyn> "Which implies a doctor has seen the patient - they ought to have identified the type."
[20:28:48] <Caitlin> "They didn't provide me with that information. Only that the case appears severe."
[20:32:35] <Joslyn> "Okay then. Then let's assume it's the worst strand that isn't always fatal. Simple."
[20:33:38] <Caitlin> "But what if it is? And even the ones that aren't can kill! That doesn't solve anything!"
[20:33:42] <~Oxford> A certain passage makes mention of serotherapy, a process which has proven popular in continental Novgoraad, but achieved little success in Albaea. None of the books Caitlin pulled mention it except in passing, however.
[20:34:26] <Caitlin> Serotherapy? …Worth taking a look. If this book doesn't have anything to say on it, Caitlin will delve back into the shelves to find something on the subject.
[20:35:34] <Joslyn> "Can. That's the operative word. If it was one of the strands that was for sure fatal, that would have been worth mention. So this is the worst case scenario you can have."
[20:36:58] <Joslyn> "You assume the worst, and if things turn out better than expected, you can take solace in that. If it is what we assume, it isn't any more damning as we already took that to be correct in our initial prognosis."
[20:37:16] <~Oxford> It takes some looking, but she finally sees the book she's looking for. It is balanced carelessly on top of the shelf; she'll have to stretch to reach it. Meanwhile, she's left her bag - and the letter within - unguarded at the table with Joslyn.
[20:37:58] <Joslyn> Is Caitlin within a line of sight?
[20:39:06] <~Oxford> She's visible through the high shelves, but seems to be preoccupied.
[20:39:50] <Joslyn> If she can see Kate, Kate can see her. As much as she wants to get more information, it's not worth getting caught that easily.
[20:40:50] <Caitlin> Caitlin retrieves the ladder and climbs to the top, stretching as necessary after the book. Hopefully it's not too precarious, but she'll go for it anyway.
[20:42:32] <Caitlin> 2d6+6 let's say cool
[20:42:32] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, let's say cool: 14 [2d6=6,2]
[20:43:03] <@Oxford> s-t-r-etch! She makes it.
[20:43:38] <~Oxford> Caitline stretchs full-out for the book. If Joslyn is going to have an opportunity, it's now.
[20:45:50] <Joslyn> Nope. Not doing it
[20:48:34] <Caitlin> Caitlin returns with the book on this serotherapy thing. Time to crack it open and take a look.
[20:49:55] <~Oxford> As Westfield's lecture is drawing to a close, he brings up a few grainy photographs on the slide projector. A bombed out city, a few guerillas holding rifles, a collapsed Southern-style church. Something about that church makes Flaurentine feel…
[20:50:11] <Flaurentine> Excited? … No, that's probably not it.
[20:52:12] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 I remember…
[20:52:13] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, I remember…: 7 [2d6=1,3]
[20:53:49] <~Oxford> Serotherapy is a process by which toxins drawn from animals are intentionally injected into a human patient. In theory, it seems to invoke some kind of an immune response to the disease. The majority of the studies on the technique come from Novgoraad, where pnuemonia is an even bigger killer than in Albaea.
[20:54:31] <Flaurentine> Well, it might as well be. Elsa, provided she isn't asleep, is probably the first to hear a gasp come from nearby. The rest of the class, on the other hand, would be greeted by the single reddest face the world is capable of holding without blowing up.
[20:55:09] <Caitlin> But what's the danger? Caitlin digs deeper, looking for the possible side effecs and consequences of the method.
[20:55:40] * Elsa LOOKS like she's almost asleep, seems like twiddling with a pen between her fingers is the only thing keeping the short haired girl awake.
[20:56:14] <~Oxford> Westfield raises an eyebrow to the brim of his cap, but the bell rings before he responds. "Ah, class, finish reading through chapter 17 by next class. Elsa, I'd like a word before you leave…"
[20:56:48] <Elsa> Well, THAT wakes her up, "Uh, yes sir." She says nervously.
[20:57:27] <Elsa> Oh damnit what did she do this time…well at least it can't be NEARLY as bad as the other things she's done.
[20:57:29] <Flaurentine> That was an awfully loud gasp, too. As least Elsa not getting angry over it is nice enough for poor Flauri, but that doesn't stop her from shooting apologetic glances at strangers.
[20:59:02] <~Oxford> The side-effects are… difficult to determine, it seems. Several of the studies - the book is esentially a collection of them - list severe reactions to the injection, though others were less harmful.
[20:59:25] * Elsa waits untill the class is over…she doesn't get up from her seat…she draws a really angry stick figure while she waits, trully a future artistic prodigy.
[21:00:22] <~Oxford> "Elsa," Westfield says, once the classmates have cleared the room, "I'd like an explanation as to Caitlin & Joslyn's wherabouts. While it's alright to skip class sometimes, you're all grounded at the moment, so I don't know what could possibly…"
[21:00:36] <Flaurentine> Gulp.
[21:01:54] <Caitlin> …That's rather vague. Still, it's something to remember. Serotherapy. Note made. It would appear to be rather obscure; it might be hard to find someone capable of giving such a treatment here, so it'd be best to exhaust other options first.
[21:02:09] * Elsa crosses her arms, "I think Caitlin recieved some bad news from home and went to the library, Joslyn followed her. Sometimes I think tis best to be left alone."
[21:03:09] <Flaurentine> "Ah… um… I…." Whispering, a timid head peeks out from behind Elsa. Well, to the side, anyway. It's not like she isn't telling the truth so there's nothing to add THERE.
[21:03:43] <~Oxford> "That's as may be, but understand you have certain responsibilities. Skipping another teacher's class might just land you detention, but…" He thinks for a moment. "No, if it's serious I should speak to her. The library, you said? Let's go." He walks briskly from the room, fully expecting to be followed.
[21:05:00] <Flaurentine> "Ah… Sir, I…" Not noticed? Well, that's for the best, she thinks. If that's ignored it'd be for the best too, though maybe not for Elsa having a little girl clinging to her back. Especially considering what's ON her back.
[21:06:10] * Elsa makes sure to grab Flauri on the way out lest she gets lost in the building and encounters one of the less friendly girls, unlikely since mostly everyone is friendly.
[21:07:19] <~Oxford> The Major arrives back at the library a few moments later, immediately striding to the table where Caitlin and Joslyn sit. "I heard you received a letter?" he asked pointedly.
[21:08:35] <Joslyn> "She wouldn't show me, but yes. I'd been trying to help her but…well, it didn't work out too well."
[21:09:39] <Caitlin> Ohgodohgodwhydidsheeverthinkitwasagoodideatoskipdefinitelyexpulsionordetentionorgettingdockedgradepointsthisistheend. Caitlin's eyes are huge, like a deer in headlights. "Uh, y-yes sir."
[21:10:28] <Flaurentine> "Oh… Oh no…. there wasn't a real problem, was there? I'm so sorry, I should've been…" Who's she whispering to? A wall?
[21:12:01] <~Oxford> She might as well be, if she's talking to Westfield. His attention is firmly on Caitlin. "I should like very much to hear what was in it that made you spend all morning in the library." Judging from the titles, he already has a pretty decent guess.
[21:13:13] <Flaurentine> Talking at. With all the distraction in the poor teleporter's head she may as well not be in a room at all. So, only an apologetic stare that maybe shows more from the exaggerated redness of her face.
[21:14:11] <Caitlin> "…A s-sickness in the family, sir. I, uh, thought it would be appropriate to study up. IknowIshouldn'thaveskippedclassI'msorry."
[21:15:10] <Joslyn> "Apparently a very serious strain of Pnuemonia, sir. That's all she was willing to tell me."
[21:16:39] <~Oxford> Westfield pauses a moment, then awkwardly puts a hand on her shoulder. "I…understand. Have you considered going home to see them?"
[21:17:46] <Caitlin> "Yes, sir. I'd like to very much."
[21:17:57] * Elsa stays quiet, not her place to butt in here.
[21:18:23] * Flaurentine does the same, despite having the ability to take somebody home with ease if asked. It just… feels wrong doing so.
[21:21:14] <~Oxford> He thinks for a moment, weighing the options. Then he nods. "I'm…sympathetic to your situation. It would have to be a short stay, but… I'll fill out the forms. Get your bags packed, and I'll take you to the train station."
[21:22:26] * Flaurentine smiles in the background, being background material as she is. Maybe a tiny shiver or two? Still, at least little Flauri's face shows that she's glad it's not so much of an emergency that she'd have to actually do something. Speaking up now? … No, but soon.
[21:23:23] <Caitlin> Caitlin's mouth hangs over for a moment, "Yes sir! Thank you very much!" …That's really convenient, she'd already started thinking about how she could sneak out if he wouldn't let her.
[21:25:10] <~Oxford> "However…" he grimaces, hands behind his back. "I'll have to send the rest of the unit with you. 'Buddy system', so to speak. Will that be a problem?"
[21:25:17] <Flaurentine> "… I'm glad. P-Please forgive me for being insensitive, I didn't realize it was something so…." … Oh.
[21:26:07] <Caitlin> "B-but, I…" Nope, not worth risking him taking it back, "No sir."
[21:27:06] <Joslyn> "Well, we're grounded anyway…so I suppose so."
[21:29:05] <~Oxford> "Ah, good. Hurry along, now. Joslyn, a word?" He pulls her aside, simulataneously shooing the other girls to their rooms.
[21:29:32] <Flaurentine> "Ah… excuse me, Sir, I…" Well, there it goes again, not working. The timid little girl shuffles behind the rest while leaving.
[21:29:40] <Joslyn> "Sir." She has a shrewd idea of what he's going to ask. And she already has an answer."
[21:32:08] * Elsa heads to her room to pack up taking flauri with her she has to pack as well.
[21:32:09] <~Oxford> "Needless to say, this diversion means putting a large portion of our fighting force out of commision. And regardless of whether you're grounded or not, I can still authorize you to fight in an emergency situation. You understand?"
[21:33:03] <Joslyn> "Of course…does that mean you want me staying here, or bringing something there?"
[21:34:03] <~Oxford> He nods. "The briefcase. Stow it in your baggage. Just as a precaution, of course…"
[21:34:09] <Caitlin> Caitlin packs quickly and efficiently. Her suitcase or equivalent thereof is nice and neat.
[21:34:27] * Elsa doesn't need the pendant but WESTFIELD DOESN'T KNOW THAT
[21:34:46] * Flaurentine waits outside the library- immediately outside, that is. Not like she has a room to get shooed back to.
[21:35:15] <Joslyn> "Yes sir. Though with one more…eh, we'll find a way to make it work should the need arise. I pray it doesn't."
[21:36:32] <~Oxford> "As do I." He starts to leave, then stops. "You understand, you're the only one I would entrust with this. I know I can depend on your judgement." And with that, he leaves.
[21:37:25] * Joslyn blushes a little as she goes to pack, sliding the pendants into her suitcase, though one is loose in her bag - with her luck their train will get bombed.
[21:37:31] <Flaurentine> Exits the library? Because somebody's waiting right there. "Um… excuse me, sir? I hope I'm not bothering you…"
[21:37:55] <~Oxford> "Hm? Ah, I thought you were packing… May I help you?"
[21:39:00] * Elsa finishes packing and heads out with her duffel bag hanging around her hand, she can't wrap it around her back for obvious reasons.
[21:39:06] <Flaurentine> "I… I apologize for intruding your classroom without permission, Sir, and being disruptive, and… and…" Here, it's time for a small breath. "Ah… no, I mean, I have a question… could you please tell me the locations in those slides?" Her face is inquisitive. No, that's not the right word— but she's inquiring!
[21:42:53] <~Oxford> "The slides? I sent away for them after I saw the photographs in a book. I'll loan it to you, if you like - a bit of reading for your trip? Though the subject matter is a bit morbid…" After a quick stop by his classroom, he retrieves a copy of "The Reaper of Nations: Hispalia, 1923-1927."
[21:44:20] <Flaurentine> A soft smile. "Thank you very much, Sir; I promise I'll return them. Actually, I…" Morbidness isn't a good sign. Especially a word like 'reaper' isn't one that she really wants to see. But cutting off a sentence is something she desperately wants to stop doing. "… I think I may remember being in one of those places."
[21:50:57] <~Oxford> He raises an eyebrow, but shrugs. "Where'd you say you were from, again? You're about the right age…"
[21:52:22] <Flaurentine> "Age?" Before her head tilts she realizes the superiority of the officer she's talking to and straightens right up. "No, I mean…. I'm sorry, I haven't seen or been told the records of that either. I-I don't remember where I'm from."
[21:53:53] <~Oxford> "Huh. Well…I hope the book helps, at any rate. Get those bags, though; you've got a train to catch."
[21:55:34] <Flaurentine> Confusion is everywhere… and she didn't get to ask about missing school either. Strange? Strange. But, Flauri isn't the type for suspicion, giving only the man a salute. "Yes, Sir!" And the bags would find themselves moving faster than humanly possible, not to mention her own trip to the room to get them. From a bathroom or something of course.
[21:57:18] <~Oxford> - - -
[22:00:16] <~Oxford> Barely an hour later, Westfield is waving them off at the train station. He watches them board as the rusty engine blows off excess steam in preparation - Elsa, Flaurentine, Joslyn, Caitlin, Flaurentine…
[22:00:18] <~Oxford> He blinks quickly, then shakes his head. Probably just his imagination.
[22:03:12] * Flaurentine pays no attention boarding, only scribbling. The reading comes for when she's NOT walking. A seat next to Caitlin? … That'd be nice.
[22:04:15] <Caitlin> Caitlin takes her seat, offering Flaurentine the one next to the window. How are seats arranged, anyway? She brought one of the book on pneumonia with her.
[22:04:49] <~Oxford> Despite its age, the passenger car has decently-nice seats and ample leg-room. The seats are arranged in groups of four that face each other, two looking forward, two back toward the end of the train. Convenient.
[22:05:49] * Joslyn sits down and stares at Elsa
[22:06:24] <Flaurentine> A nod of thanks. taking the seat, she's annoyed enough at the reflection of her face in the window to not look straight at it. Provided there is any, that is. Also being terrified at the pseudo-nightmare of an idea she has of said window suddenly talking to her or something, she flips the book straight open and starts reading.
[22:06:53] * Elsa looks around, obviously still a bit hungry despite her hearty breakfast, "You think theres a cafeteria cart?" But then she remembers she doesn't have much m oney to spare…poorfags gonna poor.
[22:07:36] <Joslyn> "Doubt it. We do need to talk about you, though…"
[22:08:50] * Elsa sighs and sits down "What about me?"
[22:09:44] <~Oxford> After a moment or two, the train starts to move. A conductor comes by to punch the girls' tickets, and inform them of the ammenities. Only a lounge car, rather than a full diner, is available. Car six is off-limits, as it is reserved for recruits en-route to Fort Marcel. Unless there are other questions, the conductor continues on his rounds.
[22:10:46] <Caitlin> Caitlin flips open her book and gets to reading again. It's unlikely there's any significant details she hasn't already gotten to, so she slogs through the minutia.
[22:10:57] <Joslyn> "The whole 'not needing a pendant' thing. Could be a lot more trouble than its worth."
[22:11:54] * Flaurentine doesn't have the slightest thought of using her power to cheat into something like that, anyway. What reason would she have? Still, it takes a bit of effort to shake off the thought of wanting to use it, and the thought of talking windows too. Book… open. The first thing she does is try to find where the image of the church was and just stare, though. Possibly even for the full trip!
[22:12:00] <Elsa> "Why? I have it completely under control. I think it can be a lot of help." She says, oblivious
[22:13:06] <Joslyn> "You can't tell anyone about it. Period."
[22:13:50] <Elsa> "I know that, we already talked about this, remember?" she sighs, obviously annoyed at having things repeated at her.
[22:14:26] <Joslyn> "It bears repeating. I like you and would rather not be told to have to kill you."
[22:16:49] <~Oxford> Caitlin's book yields several tantalizing details of the Novgoraadi studies, but the most expansive ones - those carried out by their military - seem to be classified. Flaurentine, on the other hand, gains little by staring at the photograph. She can't place the familiarity of it. Perhaps photographs are only effective the first time she sees them?
[22:18:17] <Flaurentine> The focus makes her seem dense, but at least she's the only one watching herself so it's not a massive deal. She reads any text around it provided there's any, maybe having a little difficulty placing difficult words that hadn't been relearned yet, but for the most part just keeps staring with the thought that eventually something'll come back. Even if she knows it won't.
[22:18:58] <Elsa> "Don't worry about it, as long as no one else finds out its ok, right?" She leans forward a bit, "Though I think I would be sent to the frontlines or something if that lets out…at least there I would be able to properly stretch, I get cramps more ofthen thatn I would care to count like this."
[22:19:57] <Joslyn> "It's my job to worry about it…" Joslyn sighs, leaning back in her seat.
[22:20:27] <Caitlin> What's the relations like between Albaea and Novgoraad? There's just so much it's impossible for her to find out in this given instant. How frustrating!
[22:20:55] <~Oxford> It is an old, Southern-style church, with broad, arching ceilings and a sloping spire. The caption reads: "The Church of the Resurrection, near d'Lancia Portado. The church, one of the oldest in Hispalia, was destroyed during fighting in 1926, and remains unrepaired."
[22:21:16] <Joslyn> Well they've been bombing us so chances are they wouldn't be willing to spoil any secrets.
[22:22:27] <~Oxford> The relations between Albaea and Novgoraad? Not too good, it turns out.
[22:22:39] <Flaurentine> Frustration = felt. Flaurentine takes it upon herself to be a silent comfort tool, shooting Caitlin a worried glance every now and then as though to tell her it's okay. Who knows if it works or not? She sure doesn't. Still, taking out her flipbook, some minor notes are taken. Even a little sketch just to get the outline of the area for memory later.
[22:24:19] <Flaurentine> Even for poor Flauri of all people boredom eventually takes over, and during the remainder of the trip she flips through the book, studying it due to being convinced that it's a wasted borrow if she doesn't memorize every single word of it. And after all, having a freshly-wiped memory means there's SO MUCH MORE space to take new information in. And that's the best thing she could ask for.
[22:24:56] <~Oxford> A man in the uniform of an army lieutenant walks by their seats, turns around, then walks by again. Finally, he stops. "Excuse me, girls…?"
[22:25:09] <Joslyn> "Yes?"
[22:25:19] <Caitlin> …That'll make it even harder to find stuff out about serotherapy and pneumonia treatments, then. She's too engrossed in her reading to notice Flaurentine's glances and sighs defeatedly. No, that's not right! It could blow over on its own, or the doctors might be able to cure it. Maybe even she'll find something. It's far too early to give up.
[22:25:42] <Flaurentine> "Oh! I… I'm sorry." Book, down, her worried eyes shoot the man a look.
[22:26:05] <~Oxford> "You wouldn't happen to know if…er, are you girls on a field trip or something?"
[22:27:05] <Elsa> "Know what?" She won't pass up the chance to talk with someone new.
[22:27:36] <Joslyn> "You could say that…what's the issue?"
[22:27:37] <~Oxford> "Well, were you missing anyone from your group?"
[22:28:39] <Flaurentine> Look to the right… to the le- whoa, that's a window! Back to the right. "I… I don't believe so, sir." Not like she doesn't speak in a whisper.
[22:28:49] <Caitlin> Headcount. "No, everyone in our party is present, sir."
[22:29:06] <Joslyn> "…Is there someone else with our uniforms onboard?"
[22:30:06] <~Oxford> "Well, yes. I'm not sure how, but this girl got into our car and she's bee-"
[22:31:00] <~Oxford> A tremendous explosion rocks the car, throwing the officer forward into the aisle. It is followed by the roar of propellors, low above the train.
[22:32:25] <Flaurentine> "-Aah!" The littlest clutches her book, clamping her eyes shut during the tremor and just hoping for the best. Not like her whole body isn't registered to instantly warp out in reaction to any impact, but… there's no way that wouldn't go badly for her.
[22:32:33] <Joslyn> "…Dammit…" Just her luck, right. "Stay there, Sir! We're Albean Air Force."
[22:32:41] * Elsa groans loudly, "Can we get a normal trip just once?"
[22:33:04] * Joslyn throws out pendants to Caitlin and Flauri before taking one herself.
[22:34:06] * Flaurentine grabs it. "Ah… t-thank you. Um…" Throwing it on her neck, a hand extends to Caitlin for when she's gotten hers on. An offering to move them to the skies, from the look on her face.
[22:34:32] * Elsa takes her coat off revealing her wings of several shades of orange, taking the opportunity to strech for a second before running off to the nearest car exit to see exactly what is going on.
[22:34:53] <~Oxford> A smoking hole gapes through the passenger car just a few seats ahead of them. Close call - and a convenient exit.
[22:34:56] <Caitlin> "Why do you have these?" Then again, not important. Caitlin grabs the pendant and transforms, gently taking Flauri's hand. Wasn't she bothered by physical contact before?
[22:35:14] <Joslyn> "In case of an emergency like this one! Come on!"
[22:36:17] * Elsa slams open the car door and looks up to the sky.
[22:36:26] * Joslyn transforms, twin rapists in her hands as she looks at what blew them up
[22:37:08] <Joslyn> Rapiers, even
[22:37:33] * Flaurentine only brushes Caitlin's hand, warping them to the sky and letting go. Her outfit changes but her hair not much, only swirled mocha at the tips.
[22:38:50] * Oxford changes topic to 'Jos->Cait->SV-44s->Els->Flauri'
[22:41:01] <~Oxford> The train races through a thick forest, tracks running along one slope of a gentle valley. The sky above is overcast.
[22:41:22] <Caitlin> That's definitely movement in the right direction! Caitlin casts her glance around in search of their attacker.
[22:42:43] <~Oxford> Four ugly, twin-engined fighters swoop and turn above the train, taking turns to strafe it with their heavy cannons. They are larger and more powerful than the familiar escort fighters, and each bears the crimson axe of Novgoraad.
[22:42:45] <Flaurentine> Once in the air… clap! Vwoop. Able to focus enough to use pseudo-sonokinesis, Flauri zips around searching out their opponent as well, without a single moment in the air being spent stalling.
[22:44:26] <Joslyn> "Follow my lead girls! We take them all down!" Joslyn races towards the first fighter.
[22:45:02] <Caitlin> …Novgoraad? Really? Goddamnit. Well, it's not like some random fighters would know anything about serotherapy or even have any of the necessary materials on them.
[22:45:26] <Flaurentine> "Un… Understood! Please be careful!"
[22:48:19] <@Oxford> 3d6+7 Just wanted to be sure it wasn't a multi or something.
[22:48:19] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, Just wanted to be sure it wasn't a multi or something.: 21 [3d6=5,4,5]
[22:52:01] <~Oxford> The fighter Joslyn is targetting rolls and ascends in a lazy spiral, but its powerful engines give it enormous thrust. It pulls away faster than she can follow, gaining altitude to set up for the next strafing run.
[22:53:12] <Caitlin> 3d6+9 here guys I'll do all the damage since you got so much OC
[22:53:13] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, here guys I'll do all the damage since you got so much OC: 24 [3d6=6,5,4]
[22:53:18] <Caitlin> 1d6 no problemo
[22:53:19] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, no problemo: 6 [1d6=6]
[22:53:22] <Caitlin> 1d6 told you
[22:53:23] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, told you: 2 [1d6=2]
[22:53:51] <&Flaurentine> you, uh
[22:53:51] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +7 afterward
[22:53:52] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +7 afterward: 18 [3d6=6,6,6]
[22:53:56] <&Flaurentine> You know you should've declared a targWHOA
[22:53:58] <Caitlin> WAT
[22:53:59] <Joslyn> …
[22:54:06] <Caitlin> I'm going to just
[22:54:09] <Caitlin> go cry
[22:54:09] <Elsa> check those trips
[22:54:11] <Caitlin> somewhere
[22:54:11] <SeianVerian> …Oh god
[22:54:15] <@Oxford> Wish I'd clashed; didn't.
[22:54:32] <@Oxford> 3d6
[22:54:33] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 9 [3d6=1,6,2]
[22:54:41] <@Oxford> 1d6
[22:54:41] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[22:57:27] <Caitlin> 1d6+6 SORRY
[22:57:28] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, SORRY: 10 [1d6=4]
[22:59:01] <Caitlin> Caitlin closes in on the nearest fighter, massive quill pen in hand. She quickly writes the word Sickness on the plane before falling back.
[23:01:27] <~Oxford> Inside the cockpit, the pilot retches violently and sprays the windshield with blood and phlegm. His plane tumbles low above the trees, regaining control at the last second, and sending a flock of crows screaming from their roosts.
[23:02:33] <Caitlin> Bookworm's face turns a little bit green, seeing what she did. That had better not be what it's like back home.
[23:03:40] <@Oxford> 3d6; 3d6 it'll be +10 on each, Jossypoo
[23:03:41] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 16 [3d6=4,6,6]; it'll be +10 on each, Jossypoo: 9 [3d6=3,1,5]
[23:04:00] <@Oxford> 2d6 first one's an 18, second is a…
[23:04:01] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, first one's an 18, second is a…: 5 [2d6=3,2]
[23:04:10] <@Oxford> 27
[23:04:34] <@Oxford> 18 and 27; you can roll a single defense roll.
[23:04:58] <Joslyn> 3d6+8
[23:04:59] <DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 3d6+8: 14 [3d6=1,4,1]
[23:06:16] <~Oxford> The four twin-engined heavy fighters swoop around, breaking into pair with perfect synchronization. Each pair bears down on its own target: Joslyn for the first two, Elsa for the second.
[23:07:03] <@Oxford> 4d8 damage, don't freak it isn't so bad
[23:07:04] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, damage, don't freak it isn't so bad: 16 [4d8=3,2,3,8]
[23:07:17] <@Oxford> take 3 and 8, so 1 and 6
[23:08:24] <Joslyn> "Graah!" Joslyn gets hit in the only unarmored part of her body - the head. And those bullets hurt like hell
[23:08:03] <&Flaurentine> And Elsa's?
[23:08:15] <@Oxford> 3d6; 3d6 I'm glad you asked, +10
[23:08:16] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 13 [3d6=6,3,4]; I'm glad you asked, +10: 15 [3d6=6,6,3]
[23:08:29] <Elsa> oh boy
[23:08:32] <@Oxford> 1d6; 2d6
[23:08:32] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]; 2d6: 2 [2d6=1,1]
[23:08:48] <@Oxford> 24 and 23
[23:08:53] <@Oxford> +9
[23:09:09] <Elsa> 3d6+9 taking 1 OC
[23:09:09] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, taking 1 OC: 22 [3d6=5,3,5]
[23:10:05] <@Oxford> 2d8; 2d8
[23:10:06] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2d8: 3 [2d8=1,2]; 2d8: 15 [2d8=7,8]
[23:10:19] <@Oxford> 2 and 8, so 10 total.
[23:11:42] <~Oxford> The 20mm cannons roar as golf-ball sized rounds fall like hailstones around the two girls.
[23:12:49] * Elsa managed to transform instants before a rain of bullets rained down on her, she didn't even have much time to lift off. "Agh!" They hurt like hell and she's pretty sure she's gonna get some bruises later on
[23:15:33] * Elsa lifts off high above the train and decides to pay them back for the pain they caused her, she holds out her torch, aiming for one of the planes and lets loose a torrent of spiraling flame.
[23:15:40] <Joslyn> "Go after that wounded plane!" Joslyn barks. "We need to thin the herd as fast as we can!"
[23:15:54] <Elsa> 2d6+7 mahou stat attaku
[23:15:55] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, mahou stat attaku: 10 [2d6=2,1]
[23:16:09] <Flaurentine> "A… Are you both alright?" Hand up to her mouth again, Timid Flauri is alight with worry. If you say that out loud enough times it'll start rhyming.
[23:16:40] <@Oxford> 3d6+7 nahhh
[23:16:40] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, nahhh: 16 [3d6=3,3,3]
[23:17:48] * Flaurentine takes a deep breath and claps her hands together. Distortions in the air to throw off all their flight patterns… she's done this before. Just put aside all the thoughts about what that church is, going home, etc etc… and whoever's face that is that keeps popping into her head. "I'll…"
[23:18:27] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+4 Multiattack on all 4 of them, though her usual 5,4 won't turn out that great probably
[23:18:29] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, Multiattack on all 4 of them, though her usual 5,4 won't turn out that great probably: 8 [2d6=1,3]
[23:18:58] <~Oxford> The fire races after the attackers, but they're gone too fast; already wheeling for another run at the girls.
[23:20:09] <Flaurentine> Before finishing that sentence, she trips in midair, distorting only her OWN position. Being a decent altitude above them doesn't give her much advantage, she realizes when looking down at her comrades being fired on. Still… a wicked thought crosses her mind.
[23:23:37] * Flaurentine focuses and claps, setting off the distortions in the air she'd set up. Though, instead of warping, there's only an ominous aura in the air as abstract concepts and ideals are scrambled. Flauri's own goal is to exchange her fighting spirit and her fears for calmness and bravery… something her allies have more than she does, no matter what they say to her.
[23:26:02] * Oxford changes topic to 'Jos->Elsa->Cait->SV-44s->Flaur'
[23:26:54] <Joslyn> "Damn…do we pull back? I can't take many more hits like that one!"
[23:27:34] <Caitlin> "Flauri and I can see this through if you need to fall back."
[23:27:42] <Flaurentine> Deep breath. With a hand-clap, the twintailed girl in her color-changing uniform takes the front lines. "Pl… Please don't worry! I'll make sure you're safe!"
[23:28:12] <Joslyn> "Alright, if you're sure…" Joslyn dashes towards the injured plane.
[23:28:19] <Joslyn> 3d6+10
[23:28:19] <DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 3d6+10: 19 [3d6=1,4,4]
[23:28:47] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +8
[23:28:48] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8: 11 [3d6=4,3,4]
[23:28:54] <@Oxford> 16, you hit
[23:29:06] <Joslyn> 1d6+2 thank god
[23:29:07] <DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, thank god: 3 [1d6=1]
[23:29:08] <Elsa> "I'll make sure to shoot them all down." Elsa yells out and she begins chanting, readying herself for something big, looks like she is changing the way she attacks for a now, it'll take her a few more moments though.
[23:30:48] * Joslyn raced toward the bloodstained cockpit and uses her rapiers to bash through the window!
[23:31:42] <~Oxford> Shards of glass shower the stunned pilot. He blinks blood from his eyes and stares into the face of death.
[23:31:50] <Elsa> 4d6+9
[23:31:50] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 4d6+9: 27 [4d6=6,2,5,5]
[23:31:54] <Elsa> 1d6
[23:31:55] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]
[23:32:59] <@Oxford> 3d6;3d6;3d6;3d6 and +8 all
[23:33:00] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 14 [3d6=5,3,6]; 3d6: 13 [3d6=6,2,5]; 3d6: 5 [3d6=1,2,2]; and +8 all: 15 [3d6=3,6,6]
[23:33:42] <@Oxford> 1d6;1d6;2d6
[23:33:43] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]; 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]; 2d6: 8 [2d6=2,6]
[23:34:41] <@Oxford> 1d6;1d6
[23:34:42] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]; 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]
[23:35:25] <Elsa> 1d6+6 delicious damage from 3 OC
[23:35:25] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, delicious damage from 3 OC: 9 [1d6=3]
[23:37:48] * Elsa twirls her torch in her hand until its spinning blazingly fast, "BURSTING INFERNO!" She yells out before the sky itself seems to burst into flames as hundreds of tendrils made of fire stream out in all directions shortly before homing into the enemy planes and setting all of them on fire…except one that is, lucky bastard.
[23:40:28] <~Oxford> The plane Joslyn is standing astride is swept with flames, both engines lighting like bonfires. The pilot cranks the cutoff frantically. Two of the other planes take a beating; one loses an engine, the other gushes fuel from one wing. The flight leader, however, slips past unharmed.
[23:43:46] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 Attacking nearest wounded one.
[23:43:46] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, Attacking nearest wounded one.: 21 [2d6=6,6]
[23:43:53] <Caitlin> 2d6 holy god I'm glad I didn't take OC
[23:43:54] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, holy god I'm glad I didn't take OC: 10 [2d6=5,5]
[23:44:36] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +8, sorry I'm mathed out for today
[23:44:37] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8, sorry I'm mathed out for today: 6 [3d6=1,1,4]
[23:44:57] <Caitlin> 1d6+4 3
[23:44:58] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 3: 10 [1d6=6]
[23:44:51] <Flaurentine> "Ah… it…" Flauri bites her lip, watching the flight leader before stretching her hands out. "Please, um, trust me, okay? I… I want to stop that one." Pure confidence echoes in the little girl's eyes.
[23:50:25] <Caitlin> "Yes ma'am! That one's all yours." Seeing Flaurentine with some confidence boosts Caitlin's morale. Chaaaaarge. Then again, the charge kind of slows down when she gets near the semi-wounded plane. After all, the writing has to be nice and pretty if she's going to try something more complex than usual. Disable Controls. That's right. Two words.
[23:53:16] <~Oxford> It takes a moment for the pilot to notice anything is wrong. But as the plane turns further and further from its designed course, his actions get more and more desperate. He finally regains control as the fuselage starts to scrape the treetops - and promptly sends one wing straight into a large oak.
[23:54:14] <@Oxford> 3d6 Coming back in. First up, most-wounded is going to give Jos the brush-off. +7
[23:54:15] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, Coming back in. First up, most-wounded is going to give Jos the brush-off. +7: 15 [3d6=5,6,4]
[23:54:21] <@Oxford> 1d6
[23:54:22] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]
[23:54:46] <Joslyn> 4d6+8
[23:54:46] <DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 4d6+8: 26 [4d6=4,5,3,6]
[23:55:15] <Joslyn> 1d6 why can't I clash this?
[23:55:15] <DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, why can't I clash this?: 5 [1d6=5]
[23:56:37] <@Oxford> Next, one at each of you, Flauri/Cait/Elsa
[23:56:49] <@Oxford> 3d6; 3d6; 3d6
[23:56:50] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 14 [3d6=5,3,6]; 3d6: 6 [3d6=2,2,2]; 3d6: 9 [3d6=1,5,3]
[23:57:02] <&Flaurentine> … that was in order, wasn't it
[23:57:24] <Elsa> 2d6+7…to magic oh god please don't roll a 6
[23:57:25] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, magic oh god please don't roll a 6: 12 [2d6=1,4]
[23:57:41] <@Oxford> 1d6
[23:57:42] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]
[23:58:23] <&Flaurentine> … So if I theoretically redirected, could it do the 'same roll for multiple attacks' rule and keep Joslyn's from the last one?
[23:58:35] <@Oxford> Nope.
[23:58:43] <@Oxford> Good thought, though.
[23:58:51] <&Flaurentine> okay, well I'm redirecting Elsa's to myself then, then could I do that?
[23:59:04] <&Flaurentine> one for both I mean
[23:59:20] <@Oxford> ohh… yeah, okay.
[23:59:23] <&Flaurentine> k~
[23:59:36] <&Flaurentine> 5d6+5 WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK I AM
[23:59:37] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK I AM: 24 [5d6=5,1,6,1,6]
[23:59:43] <&Flaurentine> 2d6 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
[23:59:44] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA: 5 [2d6=2,3]
[00:00:35] <Caitlin> 3d6+3 I hope your magic doesn't fuck me over, Flauri
[00:00:35] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, I hope your magic doesn't fuck me over, Flauri: 16 [3d6=4,5,4]
[00:01:35] <Flaurentine> "… Ack! No, please don't…" With a deep breath, sonokinesis activates at mach speed as Flauri herself takes point in front of the phoenix-winged girl, rapidly distorting the air so as to make every bullet and whatnot fired move in every direction.
[00:02:06] <~Oxford> The fighters are scattered, out of position. They turn to dive in on their targets, but the formation never comes together. The shots are panicked and off-tempo, and nothing makes contact.
[00:03:39] * Flaurentine turns and spins in the opposite direction, practically freefalling and clapping her hands once having fallen far enough, only increasing her velocity… something like that. This time her plan's to catch up to the leader, swirling around through the air like some sort of bizarro loli-missile.
[00:03:53] <&Flaurentine> 4d6+6 yeah, you know how I roll, dog, gimme dat big plane
[00:03:55] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, yeah, you know how I roll, dog, gimme dat big plane: 17 [4d6=1,2,4,4]
[00:05:41] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +8
[00:05:42] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8: 7 [3d6=1,5,1]
[00:08:09] <Flaurentine> And getting a good position, she uses that speed to grab onto separate parts of the leader's plane, one at a time, swapping their positions and scrambling them to render each part unusable. Turning guns backwards, etc, etc. Removing the engine with a touch would be nice too, but on that finishing touch she hesitates, giving the crippled plane time to get away.
[00:10:39] <&Flaurentine> … wait a second
[00:10:45] <&Flaurentine> I forgot to roll for redirect didn't I
[00:10:48] <&Flaurentine> or did I change that
[00:11:05] <&Flaurentine> … no, it was the OTHER one I changed
[00:11:08] <&Flaurentine> I still need to do that
[00:11:15] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+4 waiting warmly and tea time
[00:11:16] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, waiting warmly and tea time: 6 [2d6=1,1]
[00:11:21] <&Flaurentine> …
[00:11:22] <&Flaurentine> Oh.
[00:11:24] <&Flaurentine> uh
[00:11:25] <@Oxford> …
[00:11:26] <@Oxford> well.
[00:11:32] <Caitlin> ;_;
[00:11:32] <&Flaurentine> 1d6-2
[00:11:33] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, 1d6-2: 0 [1d6=2]
[00:11:39] <Caitlin> ;___;
[00:11:39] <&Flaurentine> okay, so gone this whole turn
[00:11:48] <&Flaurentine> because it's a minimum of 1
[00:11:55] <@Oxford> Minimum of 1? Fluff a mysterious ^ yeah.
[00:12:16] <&Flaurentine> that should've retconned the whole turn I did actually
[00:12:18] <&Flaurentine> opinion?
[00:12:26] <@Oxford> Nah, miss this turn instead.
[00:12:43] <Flaurentine> But what's it getting away from? Nobody's there.
[00:13:33] <Elsa> 2d6+7 hitting the most damaged pplane
[00:13:33] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, hitting the most damaged pplane: 14 [2d6=5,2]
[00:13:42] <Elsa> err thats a +9
[00:13:45] <Elsa> so 16
[00:13:59] <@Oxford> 3d6 more like missing the most damaged plane, amiright DM? +7
[00:14:00] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, more like missing the most damaged plane, amiright DM? +7: 7 [3d6=2,1,4]
[00:14:09] <@Oxford> No, I'm mistaken.
[00:14:14] <&Flaurentine> I laughed.
[00:14:16] <@Oxford> Hits, roll damage.
[00:14:20] <Elsa> I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am
[00:14:25] <Elsa> 1d6 damagii
[00:14:26] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, damagii: 1 [1d6=1]
[00:16:07] * Elsa tries to make a flyby at the most damaged-looking plane with a sword made out of what looks like super concentrated fire…she hits it but only manages to give it a gash on a non-critical area since it dodged at the last second.
[00:20:33] <~Oxford> The plane Elsa hits has had enough. Its pilot is coughing up blood, he's had his windshield smashed into his face, and he's only now managed to get both of his engines to stop burning. He heads for the hills, up out of the valley and back to base. His three comrades cover the retreat; each one makes a head-to-head run on one of the three remaining girls.
[00:20:58] <@Oxford> 3d6; 3d6; 3d6 F/C/E and +8
[00:20:59] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 14 [3d6=5,3,6]; 3d6: 11 [3d6=6,4,1]; F/C/E and +8: 10 [3d6=5,2,3]
[00:21:10] <@Oxford> 1d6;1d6
[00:21:11] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]; 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[00:21:13] <&Flaurentine> >F
[00:21:16] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:21:17] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[00:21:20] <@Oxford> Meant J
[00:22:25] <@Oxford> 23, 25, 16
[00:23:16] <&Flaurentine> 3d6+10 I think Joslyn's manly enough to cover this, right?
[00:23:17] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, I think Joslyn's manly enough to cover this, right?: 26 [3d6=6,4,6]
[00:23:20] <&Flaurentine> 2d6 yeah she is
[00:23:22] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, yeah she is: 6 [2d6=1,5]
[00:23:22] <Caitlin> so manly
[00:23:31] <&Flaurentine> you're welcome, charm
[00:23:44] <@Oxford> clash, yeah?
[00:23:47] <&Flaurentine> was
[00:23:48] <Elsa> 2d6+7 in during burst
[00:23:49] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, in during burst: 15 [2d6=5,3]
[00:24:07] <&Flaurentine> 1d6+6 this much on dat plane
[00:24:08] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, this much on dat plane: 10 [1d6=4]
[00:24:53] <@Oxford> 2d8;2d8
[00:24:53] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2d8: 8 [2d8=7,1]; 2d8: 10 [2d8=4,6]
[00:25:09] <@Oxford> 7 + 6, so 13
[00:30:31] <~Oxford> The three planes come in with guns blazing. The first stitches a line row of blast-marks across Elsa's chest, sweeping past before the girl can react. Joslyn sees the second coming in and darts out of the way, hurling a rapier at it from behind. The weapon lodges in the plane's engine, and after a moment it bursts into flames.
[00:31:34] <~Oxford> The final plane, the flight leader, comes in dead-center on Caitlin, taking his time to line up a shot. The girl hardly flinches as she stands tall and takes the devastating firepower of his twin 20mm cannons. Instead, she prepares her reply.
[00:32:29] * Elsa instinctively clutches at her chest and begins breathing heavily. Looks like shes not been doing too good lately. These planes are really a tough nut to crack this time.
[00:32:30] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 but really no sixes please I already have 5 heart
[00:32:30] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, but really no sixes please I already have 5 heart: 15 [2d6=3,3]
[00:33:03] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +7
[00:33:04] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +7: 10 [3d6=3,3,4]
[00:33:12] <@Oxford> 14, nice one.
[00:33:41] <Caitlin> 1d6
[00:33:42] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 5 [1d6=5]
[00:34:58] * Elsa turns around and readies a counterattack
[00:35:02] <Caitlin> Her reply? 30mm.
[00:38:19] <~Oxford> The flight leader's head whips around as a massive hole rips through his right wing. Snarling foreign curses, he yanks the aircraft around to dogfight his persistent foe.
[00:40:46] <@Oxford> Jos->Cait->Elsa->Flaur
[00:41:00] <@Oxford> oh yeah, SV-44s somewhere in there.
[00:41:04] <&Flaurentine> 3d6+10 I'm putting her in a possibly dangerous situation with OC just to multiattack the two damaged planes
[00:41:06] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, I'm putting her in a possibly dangerous situation with OC just to multiattack the two damaged planes: 19 [3d6=1,2,6]
[00:41:12] <&Flaurentine> 1d6 could be more dangerous
[00:41:12] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, could be more dangerous: 4 [1d6=4]
[00:42:22] <@Oxford> 3d6; 3d6 and +7
[00:42:23] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 3d6: 10 [3d6=1,5,4]; and +7: 9 [3d6=6,2,1]
[00:42:45] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:42:46] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[00:42:49] <&Flaurentine> Oops.
[00:42:49] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:42:49] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[00:42:52] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:42:53] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[00:42:53] <&Flaurentine> It pressed it.
[00:42:53] <Elsa> I
[00:42:55] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:42:55] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[00:42:59] <&Flaurentine> Is… Was that a clash?
[00:43:04] <Elsa> jesus christ
[00:43:14] <@Oxford> 'Twas.
[00:43:21] <@Oxford> <3
[00:43:24] <Elsa> that pilot is a living god
[00:43:30] <@Oxford> 2d8
[00:43:31] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2d8: 5 [2d8=2,3]
[00:43:38] <Caitlin> that pilot's about to get a kissing tic
[00:43:41] <@Oxford> 1 damage. He is a merciful god.
[00:44:13] <@Oxford> Roll the one hit, though.
[00:44:35] <&Flaurentine> 1d6+4 oh yeah
[00:44:36] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, oh yeah: 9 [1d6=5]
[00:45:23] <Flaurentine> METAL LESBO ACTION. JOSLYN TRIES TO BE A HERO AND SEDUCE CAITLIN BY CUTTING SOME PLANES UP. IS ANYONE PAYING ATTENTION? NAAAH, THEY'RE TOO BUSY LOOKING AT THE OTHER PLANE.
[00:45:55] <Flaurentine> Also with a vwoop - or was it pomf? - a little girl spirals down facefirst from the sky before regaining her bearings and managing her position in the air.
[00:47:12] <~Oxford> She darts to the fuselage of the plane she skewered and grabs the rapier by the handle, ripping it backwards through the engine block. The entire piece falls away, leaving the aircraft to spiral to a fiery crash in the forest below.
[00:48:07] <~Oxford> His comrade sees him go down and howls curses at the girl as he sends round after round richoetting off of her armor, to little effect.
[00:50:35] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 wounded guy
[00:50:36] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, wounded guy: 18 [2d6=4,5]
[00:51:19] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +8 we'll se-nah, don't jinx it
[00:51:20] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8 we'll se-nah, don't jinx it: 11 [3d6=1,5,5]
[00:51:28] <@Oxford> 18, ties.
[00:51:28] <&Flaurentine> jinx'd
[00:51:30] <Caitlin> 1d6
[00:51:31] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]
[00:51:37] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:51:37] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[00:52:13] <Caitlin> 1d6 god I'm a master
[00:52:14] <DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, god I'm a master: 5 [1d6=5]
[00:53:42] <Elsa> 2d6+7 hitting the really fucking wounded plane
[00:53:43] <DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, hitting the really fucking wounded plane: 13 [2d6=2,4]
[00:53:58] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +8
[00:53:59] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8: 12 [3d6=5,4,3]
[00:54:42] <Caitlin> Caitlin bobs and weaves her way through the air towards the injured fighter. Upon closing the distance, she quickly scribbles out the word Spiral before taking off again.
[00:56:39] * Elsa tries finishing off the last very wounded plane with a torrent of flame as it spirals out of control but her shot is completely off target. Seriously…who is she trying to impresonate today? Caitlin? Seriously.
[00:56:57] <~Oxford> The entire tail section of the heavy fighter twists and rotates, metal screaming in protest, as the rudder ends up facing straight down - tail forming a twisted spiral shape.
[00:57:25] <Caitlin> H-hey! Caitlin's had pretty great accuracy, today!
[00:57:39] <Flaurentine> Even timid girls have to speak loudly during loud airplane noises. This time is especially so as Flauri stalls in the air approaching victorious Joslyn, clutching a hand to her chest in nervousness. "Um… excuse me, I'd like to borrow this… I promise I'll return it," is what can be heard echoing before the airplanes' engines roar some more. And with a CLANG, the plane's days seem to be numbered. Maybe.
[00:59:08] <~Oxford> The stricken craft turns toward the valley walls, barely making it out over the rim to head out to sea. Only the flight leader remains, and he points his nose at the smallest girl for one final pass.
[00:59:05] <&Flaurentine> 3d6+10 bye-bye big plane
[00:59:06] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, bye-bye big plane: 22 [3d6=5,4,3]
[00:59:36] <@Oxford> 3d6 and +8 bye bye little girl
[00:59:36] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8 bye bye little girl: 8 [3d6=6,1,1]
[00:59:39] <@Oxford> jk.
[00:59:45] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:59:46] <DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 2 [1d6=2]
[00:59:51] <@Oxford> 17
[00:59:56] <@Oxford> Flauri hits.
[01:00:29] <&Flaurentine> 1d6+2 too bad it's only this much
[01:00:31] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, too bad it's only this much: 5 [1d6=3]
[01:00:23] <Flaurentine> "Stay calm… measure the distance… please, listen to me…" Closing her eyes and standing directly in front of the plane, the borrowed weapon in her hand instantly disappears. Only loud noises can be the judge of where it ended up.
[01:04:01] <~Oxford> The enemy fighter races past Flaurentine, not a single sign of damage. Then a hairline crack spreads across the cockpit, originating from a tiny hole no bigger than a rapier's handle. The pilot blinks and looks down at the sword jutting from his chest.
[01:07:31] <Flaurentine> "He's already…" With a tiny sniffle, Flauri's eyes clamp themselves closed as she appears behind the plane, facing away from whatever fate it may have brought upon it. Following that is another clap, if she could really control the distortions in the air enough to bring the whole sword BACK, solely for the fatality of removing it from the wound. Well, that and giving it back to Joslyn, which she's thinking about more.
[01:07:43] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+10 uh, if there's another turn, this is what happens
[01:07:44] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, uh, if there's another turn, this is what happens: 19 [2d6=4,5]
[01:08:47] <@Oxford> statics; roll damage.
[01:08:53] <&Flaurentine> 1d6 time to go to bed
[01:08:54] <DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, time to go to bed: 3 [1d6=3]
[01:11:09] <~Oxford> The sword reappears in her hand with the faintest of pops. The enemy aircraft sinks lower and lower above the trees, for a second looking like a motorboat upon a sea of green. Then, almost without sound, it disappears beneath the leafy canopy. Several moments later, a thin plume of smoke rises.
[01:11:34] <Flaurentine> "Here you go. You… may need to clean it. I'm sorry…"
[01:12:59] <~Oxford> /session
[http://pastebin.com/Sa6hUiYC]
[19:30:03] <~Oxford> The train has come to a stop, a mixture of smoke and steam rising from its damaged engine. With the enemy fighters driven off, the passengers have disembarked and are waiting to be evacuated by the treeline.
[19:33:49] <Flaurentine> "Thank you… very much." Saluting to Joslyn in the air, the littlest of the grew slowly claps her hands together, using the noise to port herself forward to reach the train. She'll ensure a safe landing while at it.
[19:34:24] * Joslyn is still above the forest, one of her rapiers coated in blood. "…we should grab our stuff and drop down somewhere out of the way."
[19:34:36] <Caitlin> "…Shouldn't we retrieve our belongings?" Caitlin floats along after Flauri, still keeping an eye out in case ROUND TWO, FIGHT.
[19:34:39] <~Oxford> Nobody seems to have gotten a good look at the dogfight, the train having moved on. Now the four girls wait in a forest clearing with the other passengers, guarded by a band of jumpy recruits.
[19:35:08] <Joslyn> "That's what I meant."
[19:36:34] <Flaurentine> "Please." Flauri's first action upon landing will be to assure the safety of her diary and assorted materials she brought along, including the borrowed book.
[19:37:13] <~Oxford> None of the civilians - or the soldiers, for that matter - seem to want to be too close to the train, on the off-chance that the enemy returns. But it's also unguarded.
[19:37:51] <Caitlin> Time to quietly go grab everything, then. Caitlin gives all her belongings a look-over to make sure nothing's been lost or stolen.
[19:37:55] * Flaurentine timids around, looking in every direction, before turning to the others with a whisper. "Um… Would you like for me to retrieve everything?"
[19:38:39] <Joslyn> "If you could, please."
[19:39:05] * Elsa scratches at several spots on her chest where she was hit by bullets, damn those things sting, she's flying right above the treeline, making sure to keep an eye on the horizon.
[19:39:36] <Flaurentine> Anoter mini-salute. "Yes, ma'am." Taking a small step behind a tree or something, little Flauri ascertains the exact amount of distance to the train interior before patting her hands together with a vwoop.
[19:39:41] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 stuck-in-wall check
[19:39:44] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, stuck-in-wall check: 8 [2d6=3,2]
[19:39:52] <Joslyn> "We need to see if we can find a radio or a telephone - the Major will wanna know what happened."
[19:41:24] * Elsa floats up to Jos, "Maybe the train has one."
[19:42:06] <~Oxford> If there was, it would probably be in the caboose. The soldiers also have a handheld set, but they probably wouldn't allow schoolgirls to use it.
[19:42:52] <Joslyn> They might once they flash military IDs. But it's probably safer to check the caboose.
[19:43:33] * Flaurentine vwoops out in front of the group with armfuls, her own book/diary at the top of everything and quickly grabbed after setting everything on the ground and stepping back. While no civilians are looking, of course!
[19:45:03] <Caitlin> "Does everyone have all their possessions again?"
[19:45:12] <~Oxford> The caboose is at the back of the train, a short walk away. It seems to have escaped the battle without taking any serious damage.
[19:45:50] <Joslyn> "I've got everything."
[19:45:51] <Flaurentine> A nod. "I was worried about what I'd do without this…" She seems to give the borrowed book a little less notice than the notepad+pen combo.
[19:45:52] * Elsa grabs her duffel bag, "yeah…Lets go get the radio."
[19:47:55] <~Oxford> The rear door to the caboose is unlocked, and leads into a small compartment with a desk covered in maps and charts. A wall-mounted radio sits on the opposite side of the car.
[19:48:12] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+8 from everybody?
[19:48:12] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, from everybody?: 19 [2d6=6,5]
[19:48:24] <Elsa> 2d6+6
[19:48:24] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 2d6+6: 10 [2d6=1,3]
[19:48:40] <&Flaurentine> I'll fix it for you, lovely
[19:48:53] <Caitlin> 2d6+8 fabuloso
[19:48:54] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, fabuloso: 13 [2d6=2,3]
[19:49:58] <~Oxford> And underneath the table, Flaurentine sees the crouched form of a small girl, no larger than she is. None of the others seem to have noticed.
[19:50:40] * Elsa is too busy looking for the radio equipment…maybe its inside some locked cupboard.
[19:50:43] * Joslyn picks up the radio. "Testing, testing…This is Albean Air Force Warrant Officer Parnocus. Any friendly units, please respond."
[19:51:16] * Flaurentine triples - quadruples, even - the redness of her face while entering, looking side-to-side as if baffled the others didn't see anything. "Ah…"
[19:51:18] * Elsa is obviously blind or stupid at not recognizing the radio.
[19:51:22] <Joslyn> 2d6+6
[19:51:23] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 2d6+6: 13 [2d6=6,1]
[19:51:39] <Caitlin> Caitlin hangs back to keep watch. It could be a little awkward to explain if they got caught seemingly screwing around.
[19:52:19] <~Oxford> It takes some adjusting to get to the proper channel, but Joslyn quickly finds the right band. "This is Echo-Whiskey, go ahead," comes a familiar voice.
[19:52:57] * Flaurentine opens her mouth but quickly shuts it up before the importance of radio communication, looking to the side and shrinking down under the weight of MORALS.
[19:53:21] <Joslyn> "Oh thank god, Erika. We're on a train near Cheswick, the novs just shot it to hell."
[19:54:03] <~Oxford> The girl under the table just shrinks back further, peering out hesitantly at the girls. Flaurentine in particular.
[19:55:22] <Flaurentine> "Um… excuse…" This time she reaches out to Elsa, but pulls back midway through considering the circus girl's taking her search very seriously, apparently.
[19:55:58] <~Oxford> "Copy that. Ground personnel got in contact with us; didn't know you were over there." As usual, Stranahan is business-like on the radio. "They're diverting a steamer to shuttle everyone to the next station," she adds.
[19:56:56] * Elsa looks back at Flauri, no longer looking for the radio.."Whats wrong?"
[19:56:57] <Joslyn> "Okay. Can you relay to Westfield that we had to engage the enemy flight?"
[19:57:38] <Caitlin> Caitlin looks back over towards the others. Particularly the smallest girl. "Is something wrong, Flauri?"
[19:57:42] <~Oxford> "Roger, wilco. Anything else, Iron Maiden?"
[19:58:05] <Flaurentine> "Ah… there's a… person…" Her finger aims toward the table, though a little shakily. "They… might be scared…"
[19:58:28] <Joslyn> "Nothing comes to mind as long as he gets that message."
[19:59:04] <~Oxford> "Not a problem. Good hunting, Flight. Over and out."
[19:59:49] * Joslyn hangs up the radio. "Were you saying something Flauri?"
[20:00:08] * Flaurentine nods in silence, finger unwavering. Well, for the most part.
[20:00:14] <Caitlin> Caitlin leaves her watchdog position to go take a peek over by the table. First, she whispers, "A person?" Her voice raises to conversation level, "Hello?"
[20:01:28] <~Oxford> She can't see anything from where she's standing; Caitlin would have to get on her hands and knees to check under the low cardtable.
[20:01:45] * Elsa looks under the table, "Oh hey, she's right." She thinks for a bit "…now that you mention it, didn't a soldier tell us that there was a girl doing…something?"
[20:02:11] <Joslyn> "He said something about another Bruinham student…"
[20:02:33] * Flaurentine tilts her head to the side before moving it upright and, of course, shaking it. "Should I… help them? But if I use my…" Trailing off midsentence, she slinks back.
[20:03:14] <Caitlin> Have to get down like that? That's a bit of a bother, but this is probably a scared, small child. It's surely the right thing to do. Caitlin gets down for a better look, "Excuse me, are you alright?"
[20:05:23] <~Oxford> "Eek-" comes the response. For a split second, Caitlin gets a good look at the little girl. Long, black hair, a Bruinham school uniform, and a very familiar face. Then the girl disappears with a pop.
[20:06:06] <Joslyn> "What happened?"
[20:06:23] <~Oxford> The black-haired girl looked exactly like Flaurentine. And the distant *pomf* in the forest outside gives a good indication of where she's escaped to.
[20:06:36] <Caitlin> "…Why didn't you tell us you have a twin, Flauri?"
[20:07:31] <Flaurentine> "I… ah…" Bending down, her eyes gaze under the table only to see nothing, provoking the very confused little girl to stand up, almost panicky. "E… Excuse me? I don't… um…"
[20:07:49] <Joslyn> "…wait a minute…" Joslyn gets back on the radio. "Echo Whiskey, this is Iron Maiden. We need a patch to Westfield NOW."
[20:08:42] <Flaurentine> Shuffle shuffle. Now she's frantically looking side-to-side. "M… Miss Caitlin, w-what happened? Was… Was there really somebody there?"
[20:09:06] <~Oxford> "Whiskey, copy. Stand-by." And after a brief burst of static: "Negative, Iron Maiden. Whiskey-Foxtrot is out of comms."
[20:09:31] <Caitlin> Nod. "Yes, there was a small girl who was strikingly identical to you. In fact, the only real difference I could describe in her appearance was black hair."
[20:09:46] <Joslyn> "Is it just relay distance, or are we all out of range?"
[20:10:17] <Flaurentine> "Th… That's not possible, is it? I'm right here…. and I don't remember any of my…" Her hand approaches her mouth with a loud gasp at the potential realization there.
[20:10:25] <~Oxford> "Negative; seems he's just not at a radio right now. I'll try HQ, see if they can get him on telephone?"
[20:11:02] <Joslyn> "Please do. I don't care how you get him, this is urgent."
[20:11:17] <Elsa> "There really was someone there." She sits on top of the table the girl was on, "Its strange, she really looked like flauri."
[20:11:29] <~Oxford> "Roger. Could be a few minutes, though. Standby."
[20:12:41] <Flaurentine> "Ah… I…. I think I'll go try to find them." Blushing, her face is more full of determination than cowardice as she approaches the door and throws it open.
[20:13:01] <Joslyn> "Thanks Erica. I owe you one." Joslyn turns to Flauri. "Hold off on that just yet!"
[20:13:14] <Caitlin> Caitlin hesitates in thought for a moment, "No, it couldn't have been you, that's obvious, but why would this girl look so much like you if you've never seen her befo-the reports! Joslyn, witnesses who saw Flauri leave campus, could it have been this near-identical girl?"
[20:13:33] <Joslyn> "Kate, Elsa, you two are positive it looked exactly like her?"
[20:13:33] <Flaurentine> "B… But! I-I'm worried about who that person could be… They couldn't really be me…. could they?"
[20:14:17] <~Oxford> "-estfield here!" cuts off a gruff voice, heavily distorted.
[20:14:27] <Elsa> "She looked a lot like Flauri and it seemed like she had a similar power." She starts heading out the door, "Maybe it would be good to look for her."
[20:14:47] <Joslyn> "It's Parnocus. We had a breakthrough with the investigation."
[20:15:08] <Flaurentine> Nodalong. "P… Please. I'm scared." Provided Elsa actually manages to get out, she follows first-thing.
[20:15:19] <Caitlin> "Everything other than the hair."
[20:15:28] <~Oxford> "Copy. Is it safe to say on an open channel?"
[20:16:16] <Joslyn> "I believe so. We've identified someone who seems to be a dead-on match to Warrant Flamenca."
[20:16:44] <Joslyn> "Both Elsa and O'Connell will swear to it, sir."
[20:17:16] * Elsa steps out of the car in look of the girl, how far could she have gone?
[20:17:50] <~Oxford> "A match? As in a twin or something? Parnocus, if that's true, she knows where Rolph is! Bring her in immediately!"
[20:17:50] * Flaurentine follows the charge out, making a note to move multiple feet at a time to cover extra distance while getting even more frantic in her search methods.
[20:18:15] <@Oxford> Elsa and Flaur: Sharp it
[20:18:23] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+8 where could I be?
[20:18:25] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, where could I be?: 17 [2d6=6,3]
[20:18:49] <Joslyn> "We're doing our best, sir. But…well, she seems to have Flauri's ability to teleport seemingly at will. We'll do our best."
[20:19:42] <Joslyn> "Also, the novgaardi bombing of the train…who else knew that we were taking that train?"
[20:19:43] * Elsa immediately takes off and looks around for the black-haired girl
[20:20:16] <Elsa> 2d6+6 sharpan
[20:20:17] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, sharpan: 13 [2d6=1,6]
[20:20:54] <~Oxford> "Nobody. I saw that there was a car full of recruits toward the back, though - they were likely the target."
[20:22:02] <~Oxford> They don't have to look long. Flaurentine sees a long black twintail dart back behind a tree as they approach.
[20:22:21] <Flaurentine> "O-Over there!" Her finger marks it.
[20:22:23] <Caitlin> "Joslyn, I'm going to go follow Elsa and Flauri and try to locate the unidentified girl!" Caitlin hurries to follow, lagging a ways behind due to her delayed departure.
[20:22:50] <Joslyn> "So just bad luck…great. I'm sure we have a leak, though, but finding Flamenca's clone is first. We'll call back when we have more. Over and out." Joslyn follows the rest of them, still transformed.
[20:23:01] * Elsa dives to where flauri pointed and looks around again.
[20:26:10] <~Oxford> Elsa's tackle comes out of nowhere, eliciting a shrill squeek from the other side of the tree. As the other girls hurry over, they see Elsa grappling a small, black-haired girl bearing a striking resemblance to one Flaurentine Flamenca.
[20:27:39] <Flaurentine> "Ah… um… who are…" The redhead's blush is legendary.
[20:28:27] * Elsa struggles against the little dopleganger, "Calm down, we're not going to hurt you! Just stop hng…kicking."
[20:28:46] <Joslyn> "Hey, just…keep calm, okay?"
[20:29:21] <Caitlin> "Please relax, Miss. None of us intend to hurt you, but it's necessary that you identify yourself now."
[20:30:17] <~Oxford> The little girl struggles a little, but gradually gives up, instead looking from one face to the other. Tears well up in her eyes.
[20:31:08] <Joslyn> "Shh…it's okay. It's all gonna be okay, got it?" Joslyn tries to calm the girl down some more. "My name's Joslyn, what's yours?"
[20:31:14] * Elsa sighs, she's just like her twin…
[20:32:32] <~Oxford> "I…its…" The rest of her response is mumbled so quietly as to be inaudible.
[20:33:01] <Flaurentine> "Who… are you?" Flauri trembles, off to the side. With no idea what to say, really.
[20:35:07] <~Oxford> The little girl clears her throat and seems to make an effort into speaking up, blushing furiously all the while. "I…I'm Flaurentine." She shrinks back against the tree.
[20:35:34] <Joslyn> "…"
[20:35:58] <Elsa> "Wait, no, what?"
[20:35:59] <Flaurentine> "I… I was always told it's not polite to tell lies."
[20:36:11] <Caitlin> "If you think you're Flaurentine, who are we? And who is she?" Caitlin points first at the roommate trio and then at real Flaurentine.
[20:37:58] * Joslyn taps her head and motions towards the black-haired Flauri.
[20:38:30] * Flaurentine shrinks down and listens.
[20:39:30] <~Oxford> "Wh-what?…" The little girl trembles, turning from one girl to the other. "You, you're Caitlin. And that's Joslyn and Elsa. And you are…" The quiver in her lower lip becomes too much, and she bursts into a fresh wave of sobs.
[20:40:22] <Flaurentine> "You're not… my… t-twin, are you?" Her own lip quivers.
[20:40:34] <Elsa> "Now I'm confused."
[20:40:59] <Joslyn> "…What do you know about Rolph Donalds?" Joslyn presses the issue.
[20:41:11] <Caitlin> That catches Caitlin off-guard. It takes a few moments for her to take in what just happened. In the meantime, she just stares.
[20:41:37] * Flaurentine nods. "I… I'm worried about him, too."
[20:42:12] <~Oxford> The little girl tilts her head, blinking tears from her eyes. "Who?"
[20:44:03] <Flaurentine> The red Flauri shakes slightly. "You… You can't be me. I… I'd never forget him… right?"
[21:06:31] <Joslyn> Ho boy. This is gonna be fun to sort out. "…what were you doing two nights ago?"
[21:07:45] <~Oxford> "I-I was with you! No, I mean, I was at school… b-but you asked me already…"
[21:08:07] <Flaurentine> The passionate one still looks on slightly poutily, a little offended. And when the attention's on the other one she starts scribbling furiously in her flipbook.
[21:08:47] * Joslyn sighs. "We're gonna need you to come with us."
[21:09:56] <Caitlin> Caitlin tries to whisper to Flaurentine without disturbing the investigation, "Are you alright, Flauri? I really don't know what to tell you about this development."
[21:10:44] <~Oxford> "Come…with you? But that's…" She falls silent and starts to struggle awkwardly to her feet.
[21:10:47] * Flaurentine nods and whispers back. "That… That isn't me. I-I don't know what to do…"
[21:11:26] * Elsa is still holding her tightly.
[21:11:55] <Caitlin> "Hold on." Time to disturb the investigation. Caitlin whispers to Joslyn this time, "It'd be alright if I attempted to see what she's thinking, wouldn't it?"
[21:12:27] <Joslyn> "I'd hoped you had done so earlier. But yes, this could be a vital piece of information."
[21:14:01] <Caitlin> "…Sorry. Miss, please look at me for a moment." Caitlin attempts to probe into the black haired Flauri's mind for the truth.
[21:14:16] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 6,4
[21:14:17] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 6,4: 11 [2d6=1,1]
[21:16:42] <~Oxford> The black-haired girl looks at Caitlin's face, and the mind-reader peers deeply into her eyes. Within, tiny letters scroll past: w-atsgoingonwhoisthatgirlwhyseverybodyactingsostra-
[21:17:15] <~Oxford> It cuts off almost as quickly as it started. Something seems to be interfering with the effect…
[21:19:05] <Caitlin> "I'm having a really hard time, but from what I can see, she doesn't seem to be lying, at least so far as she is consciously aware… I hardly managed a peek, though…"
[21:19:39] <Flaurentine> Sniff. Sniffle. Redface starts becoming even redder with some wet new additions. "Why… Why are you pretending… to act like me? It's… it's not fair to scare everybody like that…" SNIFF.
[21:20:31] <Caitlin> "Flauri, I don't know who this girl is, but it seems like she really thinks she IS you."
[21:20:45] <Caitlin> 2d6+8 sharp to realize this could be magic side effects
[21:20:46] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, sharp to realize this could be magic side effects: 17 [2d6=3,6]
[21:20:53] <~Oxford> Flaurentine has met her match in the sniffling department. "But…I'm not pretending…why would I…"
[21:21:48] <Caitlin> "Ah… I don't mean to imply you could forget, but I'm sure we all remember just how Elsa's wings came to be?"
[21:22:17] * Elsa sighs, "This is going to wierd, I hope none of them are taken away."
[21:22:24] <Joslyn> "yeah, she used way too much…magic." Joslyn pauses. "What, you think this was magic too?"
[21:22:31] * Flaurentine silences herself and musters a timid pseudo-glare some more.
[21:23:14] <Joslyn> "Wait a minute…when we were with Paige and Madison…you remember what happened, right Kate?"
[21:23:41] <~Oxford> "I…don't remember," the little girl manages meekly.
[21:23:48] <Caitlin> "…Yes. I can't say this factually, but… Flauri, I believe your magic may have created a twin you." Nodnodnod, "I remember perfectly. Something… similar happened to me."
[21:24:17] <Flaurentine> "Ah.. I…" She casts her eyes to the ground. "That's… r-right…"
[21:24:31] <Joslyn> "But it was if your magic self just…split off. Where this one is just a clone with darker hair."
[21:25:13] <Caitlin> "The other me was some sort of extension, I could control both bodies. This doesn't seem to be the case here."
[21:25:19] <Flaurentine> "So how do… I… um… get… rid of it?"
[21:25:57] <Joslyn> "Not sure. But before you do, we have to show Westfield - it's the only way we can clear your name."
[21:25:59] <~Oxford> "Clone… you mean I'm a… wh-what's happening to me?" The little girl wails, suddenly struggling in Elsa's grasp.
[21:26:39] * Elsa keeps a tight grip on the little doppleganger, "Look calm down, we're all very confused."
[21:26:48] <Caitlin> "Miss, I believe you two are parts of each other."
[21:26:49] <@Oxford> In fact, Aggro to resist, Els
[21:27:23] <Elsa> 2d6+7
[21:27:24] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 2d6+7: 14 [2d6=3,4]
[21:27:44] <@Oxford> 2d6+9 but can you beat this?
[21:27:44] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, but can you beat this?: 13 [2d6=3,1]
[21:27:55] <Flaurentine> "R… Right. I'm very worried people think I hurt the Major… but… but what if she doesn't admit to it?"
[21:29:29] <Joslyn> "Then it's impossible to tell which one of you was actually with Major Donalds. They wouldn't be able to mount a case against either of you…and it would remain unsolved."
[21:29:35] <~Oxford> The little girl almost gets away, but quick as a flash, Elsa has her by the wrist. And with a *pop*, the girl's arm comes off in her hands.
[21:30:31] * Flaurentine crouches and lets out a loud shriek. An "Eek," even.
[21:30:41] <~Oxford> "Eek!" She grabs at the space where her arm would be, landing on the forest floor with a plot. No blood comes from the joint; just an empty sleeve.
[21:31:31] * Joslyn bears down on the girl and does her best to pin her down with steel
[21:32:33] <Joslyn> And now blackhair Flauri is in a steel straitjacket.
[21:32:38] <Caitlin> Caitlin's face turns completely green at seeing that the arm detaching. "O-oh god…"
[21:32:41] <~Oxford> The arm hangs limp in Elsa's hand, but strangely doesn't bleed. The place where it attaches to the shoulder is just a round, flesh-colored ball.
[21:33:03] * Flaurentine keeps her eyes closed, hunched over. "W-Why… Why is this happening…?"
[21:33:07] * Elsa stares at it, shocked…what the hell is going on…
[21:33:52] <~Oxford> The girl with black hair sniffles pathetically in her straight-jacket. "H-hey…give that back…" she manages.
[21:34:09] <Caitlin> 2d6+6 cool check not to hurl
[21:34:09] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, cool check not to hurl: 14 [2d6=3,5]
[21:34:12] <Caitlin> I'll take it
[21:35:09] <Joslyn> "In a minute. Now. We're going to have to bring you to see our boss to sort all of this out."
[21:35:52] <Caitlin> "I-I think I'm gonna be sick…" As pale green as she may be, Caitlin manages not to spill her guts (not literally, in this case) everywhere. "Areyouokaysomeonefixher!"
[21:35:54] * Elsa is gripping the arm…hard. "How did this…"
[21:36:29] <Joslyn> "I'm going to guess magic was involved. Elsa, can you give it to me?"
[21:37:02] <~Oxford> The arm feels like normal flesh, but seems to have been attached to the little girl's torso by a simple ball-and-socket joint. Definitely unnatural.
[21:37:26] * Elsa 's gaze wanders between Jos and the doppleganger…she gives it to Joslyn, hand shaking.
[21:38:08] <Joslyn> Once she has the arm, she'll try to re-affix it in the same spot. It's weird as fuck, sure. But power over steel seems to have steeled Joslyn's nerves as well. She's strangely calm through this.
[21:38:30] <Flaurentine> "Ah… why… if…" Still shaking, Red looks at her own hands and back up at the clone before going back to a trembling fit.
[21:38:48] * Elsa faints as Joslyn takes the arm, falling limp on the forest floor.
[21:39:47] <Joslyn> "…Oh dear." Joslyn opens the metal coat just enough to pop the arm into the stump of a socket. And then back into straightjacket.
[21:39:51] <~Oxford> Joslyn has to roll up the little girl's sleeve to find the socket, a perfectly-round hollow sphere just below her shoulder. The arm reattaches with a sickening pop.
[21:40:06] <Caitlin> Caitlin shuffles over to take care of the unconscious Elsa. Must not throw up, must not throw up on the fainted girl.
[21:41:23] <Joslyn> "Well…that was relatively painless, though I'd hate to have to live like that. Now then…Where were you last night?"
[21:42:24] <Flaurentine> "Ah… um… I-I'll… help her…" Flauri shuffles over to Caitlin, noting her worry, and places a hand on the fallen Elsa.
[21:42:31] <~Oxford> "Last… I wasn't with you? It's all so…" The girl blinks, chewing her lip nervously.
[21:43:00] <Joslyn> "Okay. What about the night before? What time did you go to bed?"
[21:44:10] <Caitlin> Time to return to whispering while Joslyn handles the investigation. Her reliability is appreciated. "Flauri, you didn't feel anything when she, ah… lost her arm, did you?" Telepathic connection and what not.
[21:44:45] <~Oxford> "I…um, early. You asked me already!" the little girl protests.
[21:45:09] <Flaurentine> "No… I didn't… It was just scary to look at." Assuming Caitlin's actually making contact with the body, she tugs at Elsie a little, trying to set her upright.
[21:45:19] <~Oxford> "And I think… we played a game, right? Or was that last night…?"
[21:46:51] <Caitlin> With Flauri's (minimal) assistance, Caitlin leans Elsa against a big wood. Hopefully nothing bursts into flames.
[21:47:00] <Caitlin> 2d6+8 THE TREES KNOW WE'RE HERE
[21:47:01] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, THE TREES KNOW WE'RE HERE: 10 [2d6=1,1]
[21:47:03] <Joslyn> 2d6+6
[21:47:04] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 2d6+6: 13 [2d6=6,1]
[21:47:37] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 k
[21:47:38] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, k: 10 [2d6=6,1]
[21:48:42] <Flaurentine> Much more than minimal, actually. Flauri takes charge grabbing Elsa under her arms and gently setting her down, with a good deal of closeness.
[21:49:05] <Caitlin> Caitlin is suitably impressed~
[21:55:33] <Joslyn> "…Flauri." Joslyn glares.
[21:55:39] <~Oxford> The little girl struggles in the straight-jacket, more to get comfortable than to try to escape.
[21:56:06] * Flaurentine stands up after smiling at the comfort she was able to provide for the poor girl, turning around. "Y… Yes, Ma'am?"
[21:56:37] <Joslyn> "I know you're scared…but do give back Kate's pendant, okay?"
[21:57:16] <Flaurentine> "Ah… um… I'm sorry, I-I don't understand…" Painfully red.
[21:57:28] <~Oxford> Pendant? What's she talking about? Caitlin has it right… oh, where did it go?
[21:58:12] <Caitlin> "W-what? …My pendant was just right here…?" Caitlin's a bit red, too. Losing one of those pendants would be a big deal.
[21:59:47] <Joslyn> "This isn't funny. Give it back. Now." She isn't fucking around now. Srs business indeed.
[22:00:16] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 Mindreading Flauri
[22:00:16] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, Mindreading Flauri: 18 [2d6=5,4]
[22:01:08] <Caitlin> Caitlin subtly peeks at red-Flaurentine's eyes. Something is definitely weird, here. Possibly taking a pendant, and then again, touching people like that is not normal for her.
[22:02:01] <Flaurentine> "I… but… I didn't…" With a blink she moves her hand around in her pocket and looks into Caitlin's eyes pleadingly…
[22:04:52] <~Oxford> The words inside read: -almostalmostalmostgotthemconvincedilltakeherplaceandtheyllgetridoftherealoneandthemajorandmecanbetogetherforeveralmosttimealmost-
[22:06:49] <~Oxford> Flaurentine blinks her eyes, breaking the connection. "So…are we…done?" she asks, blushing innocently.
[22:07:28] <Flaurentine> The black-haired Flaurentine stirs in her position, turning into a full-on rolling as opposed to the previous tremble.
[22:07:30] <Caitlin> Swallow. Feel terrible. "It's alright, Flauri. I know you didn't. Joslyn, I need to ask you something urgent about fungal pneumonia, though." She shuffles over to Joslyn and whispers super quietly to her ear, "The red one's an imposter planning to kill and replace our Flauri, the black one."
[22:08:47] * Joslyn nods. "No, the fungal one shouldn't be contagious unless you actually eat the fungus."
[22:10:13] <~Oxford> Flaurentine has wandered over to the black-haired girl, and gives her a pitying look as she bends over to pat the girls pockets.
[22:11:12] <Joslyn> And it's at this point that Joslyn calls the steely straightjacket off the black haired girl and on to the other one.
[22:11:14] * Flaurentine only tears up more, her face infinitely redder than the other girl's hair. "P… Please… I-I'm sorry…"
[22:11:28] <Joslyn> 3d6+10 dodge this
[22:11:28] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, dodge this: 19 [3d6=2,5,2]
[22:12:22] <~Oxford> The red-haired girl snickers as she shoves Flaurentine's pendant in her pocket with Caitlin's.
[22:13:07] <@Oxford> 3d6+5 two can play at this game, Joslyn
[22:13:08] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, two can play at this game, Joslyn: 11 [3d6=1,2,3]
[22:15:19] * Joslyn bounds over to the crimson-haired teleporter, now bound by her metal coat, and delivers a wicked punch with a steel gauntlet.
[22:15:42] <Caitlin> Caitlin, meanwhile, at least tries to grab back their pendants.
[22:16:35] <~Oxford> The girl with the red hair transforms at the last second, costume forming around her in a prismatic burst just in time to absorb Joslyn's attack. She doubles over as the punch hits her in the gut, but comes up grinning, and bounds away with a clap, appearing again above the treetops.
[22:18:31] * Oxford changes topic to 'Joslyn->Flauspawn->Caitlin->Flaurentine'
[22:19:10] <Flaurentine> "I… I… What's… but aren't… I…" Terrifiedly, blackhair looks at her own doll-ish hands, shaking.
[22:20:04] <Joslyn> "Don't worry. I'll get her for you." Joslyn tears off after the magical twin, launching a steel cannonball at the girl.
[22:20:28] <Joslyn> 3d6+10
[22:20:28] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 3d6+10: 23 [3d6=2,6,5]
[22:20:32] <Joslyn> 1d6
[22:20:33] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[22:20:44] <Joslyn> 1d6 oh boy
[22:20:45] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, oh boy: 4 [1d6=4]
[22:20:55] <Joslyn> 33. Get some
[22:21:03] <@Oxford> 5d6+5 She clashes for realz, this time.
[22:21:03] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, She clashes for realz, this time.: 15 [5d6=1,4,2,2,1]
[22:21:24] <Joslyn> 1d6+6
[22:21:25] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 1d6+6: 7 [1d6=1]
[22:25:38] <~Oxford> The fake Flauri claps her hands in rapid succession, disappearing and reappearing at random. Unfortunately, she reappears directly in front of the cannonball. The impact sends her hurtling from the sky.
[22:26:49] <&Flaurentine> 3d6+5 I'm gonna use heart to attempt to pull an Elsa in a last-ditch effort
[22:26:50] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, I'm gonna use heart to attempt to pull an Elsa in a last-ditch effort: 18 [3d6=5,2,6]
[22:26:55] <&Flaurentine> 1d6 and heartful it is
[22:26:56] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, and heartful it is: 1 [1d6=1]
[22:27:03] <&Flaurentine> hey there DC20
[22:27:29] <@Oxford> A valiant effort, but no luck.
[22:28:52] <Flaurentine> "I… I can't let…" The poor girl's eyes shoot to the ground as she realizes there has to be something she can do, but at the same time she looks and feels so… fake. "Please stop… you.." With a multitude of sniffles, she looks up to the sky, requesting help from some invisible deity.
[22:29:14] <Flaurentine> "Don't… Don't hurt my family!"
[22:29:49] <Caitlin> 3d6+9 Okay, 1,1,6
[22:29:49] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, Okay, 1,1,6: 20 [3d6=4,5,2]
[22:31:38] * Oxford changes topic to 'Joslyn->Flauspawn->Caitlin->Flaurentine'
[22:31:58] <Caitlin> "I'm sorry, Flauri! I should've realized sooner, but I'll find a way to make it up to you!" That way is not transforming suddenly. She tried hard, but no luck.
[22:32:36] <Flaurentine> "But I…" The sobbing is out of control. "What if I'm… what if I'm really not real after all?"
[22:33:46] <Joslyn> "You come into our lives, leave the real you behind, and then you try to KILL her?!?" Oh yeah, Joslyn's gone off the deep end here. "That poor girl DIED because of what you did! And I'm going to make sure you spend the rest of your life thinking about the REAL Flaurentine Flamenca, and how you stole her LIFE!"
[22:34:00] <Joslyn> 5d6+6 finisher, stand the fuck back.
[22:34:00] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, finisher, stand the fuck back.: 31 [5d6=5,6,6,5,3]
[22:34:05] <Joslyn> 2d6
[22:34:05] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 2d6: 8 [2d6=4,4]
[22:35:18] <Caitlin> "Trust me, Flauri. I went inside both of your heads. I know you're real."
[22:35:30] <@Oxford> 3d6+4 But what's the point also, I think it's perma.
[22:35:30] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, But what's the point also, I think it's perma.: 18 [3d6=6,6,2]
[22:35:39] <@Oxford> 2d6
[22:35:39] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2d6: 8 [2d6=2,6]
[22:35:50] <@Oxford> 1d6
[22:35:50] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[22:35:50] <Caitlin> 26 so far
[22:35:51] <Caitlin> 32
[22:35:54] <@Oxford> 1d6
[22:35:55] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 5 [1d6=5]
[22:35:58] <Caitlin> oh so close
[22:36:02] <Caitlin> that's a legendary battle
[22:36:04] <Caitlin> 39 vs 37
[22:36:28] <@Oxford> Punish the imposter
[22:36:34] <Joslyn> 3d6+10 die monster!
[22:36:35] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, die monster!: 25 [3d6=5,5,5]
[22:38:57] <Flaurentine> "But… I can't see inside my own head anymore, i-it feels like…" MegasnifWHOA WHAT JUST HAPPENED UP THERE
[22:39:23] * Joslyn 's eyes are filled with pure rage as the entire local area is coated with a glimmering coat of steel. With barely a conscious thought, every inch of steel ripped itself off and flew like daggers towards the imposter.
[22:40:36] <Joslyn> Where the crimson teleporter was, there is only an orb of solid steel, folding upon itself until it's compressed into a baseball-sized orb, melting into the ground.
[22:40:48] <Caitlin> "This thing's probably just messing wi-look! I think Joslyn won!"
[22:42:21] <Flaurentine> "Ah…" She tries to muster a gasp at the sheer terror of seeing herself be killed in such a gruesome manner, but only stares wide-eyed at it.
[22:43:21] <Flaurentine> "… Nng." Blackhair shakes about as she falls to her knees, eyelids closing upon themselves. After a few seconds she starts gasping for air.
[22:44:01] <Caitlin> "…Flauri?" Caitlin hurries to the smaller girl's aid, "Flauri, what's wrong?"
[22:44:59] <Flaurentine> "Aa… aaaaah!" PULSATING, both her hands find their way onto her own head, digging into her own lap as she hunches over on the ground. "I-It… hurts… help…"
[22:47:34] <Caitlin> "Joslyn! Come help!" Caitlin loudly calls for the only conscious one with magical power to return while frantically looking Flaurentine over. "Your head? It's your head? What can I do?" Is this thing somehow attacking her mind? Caitlin tries another mind reading glance, looking for an invasive or attacking presence.
[22:48:18] * Joslyn limps over, two focus pendants in hand. "What's wrong?" she feels…fuzzy, but can't place it.
[22:49:25] <Flaurentine> When her eyes open, what's in them is FLOODS AND FLOODS AND FLOODS of information that the poor girl looks like she isn't able to even process herself all at once. "I… rem…"
[22:51:54] <Caitlin> …Ah. Something about the creature must've triggered memories. "You'll be okay, Flauri." She seems much less freaked out than a moment ago, though still concerned.
[22:52:23] <Joslyn> "Come on…breathe in…breathe out. Just keep breathing, okay?" Saying it aloud was mostly for Flauri's benefit, but also hers as well as an upwelling of psychic energy discharged through her body.
[22:53:34] * Flaurentine does so, still looking pained, and only opening one eye at a time. "I'm… so… sorry… I'm so sorry… I'msosorryI'msosorryI'msosorry…"
[22:55:09] <Joslyn> "Why are you sorry?"
[22:55:17] <Caitlin> "It's not your fault, Flauri. I should've noticed."
[22:56:51] <Flaurentine> "I couldn't… my…" It's just going to be inconsistent until poor Flauri really DOES take a deep breath. She does so. "I couldn't remember… I was scared…"
[22:57:22] <Joslyn> "…couldn't?"
[22:57:35] <Joslyn> "…does that mean you do remember now?"
[22:57:39] <Caitlin> "There's nothing wrong with being scared. I was scared just now."
[22:57:43] <Flaurentine> "What I looked like… what I did…" After a few sniffles she goes back into full-on bawling. "I-I miss him!"
[22:58:07] <Joslyn> "…do you know where he is?"
[23:00:19] <Flaurentine> Sniff. "I… I'm sorry…"
[23:00:53] <Joslyn> "…" Joslyn sighs. "Where is he?"
[23:01:27] <~Oxford> Something that appeared in the imposter's mind is bothering Caitlin. "…the major and me can be together forever…" Did she kidnap Major Donalds so that they could be together?
[23:03:11] <Flaurentine> "I… I mean, I'm sorry, I.. I don't know…"
[23:03:45] <Flaurentine> "I…" Sniff. "Hope he… never forgives…" Baaaawwww.
[23:04:06] <Caitlin> Caitlin takes the GM's hint, "The fake Flaurentine was apparently motivated to replace you and be with the Major forever. She might've taken him somewhere."
[23:05:56] <Joslyn> "…Flauri was framed by a magical clone that kidnapped Major Donalds. His status is MIA, assumed KIA unless further evidence shows otherwise. Flauri was merely the victim of mistaken identity. That's what my report's gonna say."
23:06:50] <Caitlin> "No, I don't believe he's dead. She wanted to be with him, so I doubt she'd kill him."
[23:06:50] * Flaurentine can't pretend to not know what KIA means, only bawling harder at the mention. She makes an effort to muffle herself but it's mostly unsuccessful.
[23:08:07] <Joslyn> "Right then. I'm not sure calling him a prisoner of war makes sense…so let's just say kidnapped, MIA."
[23:09:11] * Joslyn finally detransforms and sits next to Flauri. "We'll work through this together. We're a family, right?"
[23:09:18] <Flaurentine> "I… I'm very sorry for how much I put everyone through…" It takes all the poor kid's effort to muster that up.
[23:09:35] * Flaurentine still follows it up with a nod through all her tears.
[23:10:09] <Caitlin> "Please don't apologize, Flauri. You're just a victim to these circumstances."
[23:11:01] * Joslyn sits down, and closes her eyes. "Well, we ought to get moving once Elsa comes to - we still need to get to Caitlin's place before it gets too dark to see."
[23:14:36] <~Oxford> Elsa rests peacefully under the tree, oblivious to the emotional gathering nearby. The breeze through the trees sets the leaves a-rustle, the soothing noise drowning out the last of their tears.
[23:14:39] <~Oxford> /session