Da Vinci's Legacy Part 1: Lost Legacy (PG: Language and Violence)

[$tormin]

OOC: Remember to flag all out of character notes with OOC. Notes more than a couple lines long should go in the OOC/signup thread. Remember to check here (http://www.guforums.com/showthread.php?p=239297#post239297) in the OOC thread often for major news.

IC:

The Rusted Cog was one of the cities many taverns that catered to military and mercenary customers and was decorated to reflect that. A centuries worth of rusted weaponry hung on the walls and was incorporated into several of the more prominent pieces of furniture. The most unusual one was the bouncer, a decades old restored French war Clockwork that stood nearly 8 feet tall.

Erwin Thompson flagged down a serving maid and ordered another round of drinks before turning back to his companions. "Well here we are a rather sorry lot I must say. Most of the others have already moved on and yet here we sit without any plans. We all still have money left but I don't want to just sit around until its gone and be forced to take whatever I can. I say we should think ahead."

[Soria]

Dani nodded, " Agreed lad, but what the hell should we due? Its so blood choatic that it hard to find something to attach ourselves to. We dinnae want ta attach ourselves to a sinking ship now due we?"

[$tormin]

"Its not like we need to tie ourselves to anybody. If we form a small company we can hire out wherever we wish. I know we will never be a front line group like the Deathsworn or any other major mercenary company but there is always a demand for policing and training.
"Da Vinci or the Papal State are good destinations. With the constant low scale warfare there they are having to hire people to train peasant levies while professional soldiers with assured loyalty are placed on the hostile borders.
"Hell we could even hire on with some merchant company as guards. I am not going to advocate either over other choices but I don't think going solo is a good plan these days.
"I for one do not wish to get pressganged, have to hire on with some small piss pot country or group or even worse get hired by some madboy that sticks me on a table and I wake up a brain in a jar."

[Rookie]

David thought over their words, "The mercenary business has been more profitable than hunting, for sure. Animal populations vary with the season, but it seems like there will always be war. Maybe it would be worthwhile to go on at least one more job together, for the right people of course. If it's slaughtering innocents, I will have no part of it."

[Soria]

Dani raised her mug of beer, " Hear, hear. I want no innocent blood on me hands either. I think Erwin is right though, our best chance of work is in the South, with the constant warfare and the machines needed, we can all find work."

[$tormin]

"Indeed. I have seen too much innocent death to want to spill much of it myself." Erwin spoke as he lifted his stein and was about to take a deep drink when he paused and looked at the people who just came in.
The four people had the same military bearing as most of the others already inside but these ones seemed to have a more serious purpose.
"Watch out, those coming in look like recruiters." Fortunately Normandy wasn't using press gangs like several other nations but it was best to watch oneself when the recruiters were nearby. None at his table were drunk enough to be the usual targets.

[Gumblackwood]

"I think it's agreed then" Antonii said under his breath, "but I think we'll have to wait until these ones head out, we don't want to draw any unwanted attention."

[Soria]

"Aye.." Dani nodded, feeling more relaxed then the others. Not many armies considered recurirting women.

[Rookie]

David watched the uniformed men warily, not letting his guard down a bit. He lowered his voice, "The first thing to do then, assuming we are all in agreement, would be to find somebody who would want our services."

[$tormin]

Erwin waited until the two uniformed men were on the other side of the room talking to people at another table before coughing slightly to get his friends attention. Opening up his coat, he pulled out a leather pouch and pulled several pieces of parchment from it. The papers were unsigned escort contracts from a well known Norman merchant lord.
"I didn't want to seem like I was pressuring anybody so I wanted to know if we were going to stick together or not before I mentioned these. The man lost several of his normal escorts and is putting out several short term contracts until he gets more retainers. This particular contract is a trip through France to the Alpine States for reasonably good money considering we wont go anywhere particularly dangerous.
"I gave the mans agent no promises but this might be what we are looking for. A trip South and we get paid for it."

[Soria]

Dani grinned. " I like it. A paid trip South sounds almost to good to be true... What's he trading?"

[$tormin]

"I don't honestly know, and it probably does not matter much. Not a huge load, the man told me it would be only five trucks or one rail car." Erwin pulled from his drink when the two "recruiters" came behind him and spoke.
"Excuse me sir, I am from Provincial Security. Would you please come with me?"
"What is this about?"
"Just come with us sir and there will be no trouble." The sec men made a motion for their weapons.

[Soria]

Dani flicked her eyes at the men then at Erwin, he gave her the signal not to react and she relaxed a little.

[Shayd]

Chris walked into the bar, late from taking care to make sure his horse was secure. Smiling and taking a drink from his mug, scanning to find his comrades. His smile fading to a frown as he spots his friends and the two "recruiters" talking to Erwin.

One hand resting on his sword hilt, the other holding his Ale as he strolls up to the table. Looking to the faces of his friends. "So, what did I miss??"

[Gumblackwood]

"Ah," Antonii intoned, trying to calm the situation, "you've only just missed us offering these kind gentlemen a drink."

He opened his satchel and began rummaging.

"Now where did I put that pomegranate wine?" he grumbled, looking baffled with his hands hidden deep in his sack.

(/ooc there is no wine, Antonii loves code words and 'pomegranate' would indicate that he has a grenade ready if this situation gets any worse)

[Soria]

Dani readied herself.

Oh shite, here we go again.

[Rookie]

David pushed his chair back nonchalantly and glanced at Antonni and then to their tall Germanic companion.
"Chris, I've got an empty seat over here. They probably wouldn't like to drink with you hovering over their shoulders?" David said motioning to a chair he pulled up. He hoped that Chris would take the hint, shrapnel was bound to fly and if he was behind the "recruiters" there was no guarantee he wouldn't get hit.

[$tormin]

"It's okay guys. I doubt these men have the time to stop and drink." Erwin took out his room key and put it on the table. "Just watch my stuff while I am gone"

[Shayd]

Chris claps David on the shoulder "My thanks Friend, I suppose your right." Smiling confidently as he sits and quirking an eyebrow at Erwin. "No time for a drink, thats too bad." Turning a cold stare at the two strangers. "Do be carefull with your new friends Erwin. If would hate for anything unfortunate to happen to you." He eyed the strangers, allowing the threat to linger and took another sip of his ale.

[Soria]

Dani watched as Antonii eased his empty hand out of his satchel ad smile.
" You lads play nice.. " Dani said, watching the recuriters uneasily.

[Gumblackwood]

"I was hoping to save that for a much more special occasion anyways," Antonii said in a relieved tone.

[Rookie]

The tension eased as Erwin left with the two men. David said to Chris, "We were just deciding whether to take this contract deal. The guy is going south towards the Alpine States. The pay seems reasonable, but we don't know what he's transporting. Temporary job from what I understand, but far enough that it ought to bring us some decent money."
He was leaning strongly towards taking it. The life of a hunter had not been very kind to him, but this mercenary business had its perks not to mention it wouldn't vary from season to season.

[Soria]

"Somethings bothering me. Erwin said this lad already lost some guards, right? What exactly is he transporting? You don't lose and need guards for candied fruit." Dani leaned back in her chair, biting her lower lip. Maybe she was being paranoid, but something smelled fishy.

[Rookie]

"Maybe we should take it up with the man himself?" David suggested, "Anybody know which one he is?"
He would ask Erwin if he hadn't been taken away. He quickly scanned the room. The ever faithful clockwork soldier at attention, the bar-goers mingling and drinking, the servers bustling about, but he couldn't discern anybody who might be their would-be employer.

[Soria]

" Are we sure he's even here?"

[Rookie]

"He might not be here, but his name is on the contract. Nathaniel Drapeau, he might have an office nearby or a room where we can find him. Once Erwin gets back maybe he can lead us to him?" David said after a quick examination of the contract in front of him.

[Gumblackwood]

"As much as I'm interested in following those thug recruiters or finding the man with the contract," Antonii looked thoughtful for a moment, and picked up Erwin's key, "I think Erwin wanted us to head to his room. He keeps most of his stuff on his person, like all of us, so why would he hand us his room key unless he wanted us there and the recruiters out?"

"I'm headed up there, you can follow me if you want," Antonii got up with the key in hand, "Be careful on the stairs Chris, they seem to creak and groan more every time you tread on them in that armor."

[Rookie]

David looked around at his companions and then hoisted himself from his chair to follow Antonii. He was apprehensive, but was decided that whatever was in Erwin's room couldn't be as bad as waiting for the recruiters to come in and grab them.

[$tormin]

Erwin's room was one of the larger single occupant rooms available and everything inside was neatly placed as someone with his background would have had the habit of making things.
Before, Erwin had admitted that he disliked cramped sleeping areas because of his time serving in the British Navy being crammed into the tiny sleeping area of one of the walking minotaur war vessels.

On the table beside the bed was a box made of dark wood gilded in a pattern none could recognize. Opening the box would reveal it to be a music box with slots for hard wax cylinders of recorded music. Any other personal effects would be in the locked chest that was attached to the bed (permanent part of the bed provided as a locker).

[Soria]

"Me mum would have loved Erwin. David, whatcha say we have a look see in the chest?"

[Shayd]

Chris had been rather quiet, nodding to his companions and drinking the rest of his ale, watching as Erwin left. Listening to his comrades discuss the events and smirking at Antonii. Following behind them up to Erwin's room. "Ja, Dani, Don't believe I've seen a cleaner room." A curious glance to the Chest Dani had indicated. "Couldn't hurt I suppose"

[$tormin]

The room key will work on the chest. Inside there is Erwin's clothing, bedroll and other essential items for traveling. You will also find a study but small locked box similar to the type most people use to keep their personal effects in. The entire box is about the size of a shoebox and is not heavy enough to indicate being filled with coins or other metal. Shaking the box slightly will give the sound of some of the heavier items inside shifting around a little bit.
The lock looks fairly unstandard and no key that anyone currently has will open it.

[Soria]

"Great, he wanted us to find a box we couldn't get into... Maybe we should hide in case those lad come back and screach Erwin's room?"

[Rookie]

"It's small enough we can keep it in one of our packs. Maybe we should keep it with us until we can open it somehow." David suggested as he held it carefully in his hands as if it might explode if it were treated in an ill manner.

[Shayd]

"Im sure we could keep it with us. Perhaps we could go to another room away from possible searches from Erwin's friends. And if the need arises, I haven't seen a lock yet that could hold up against my sword. But I would hate to destroy any contents during my lock picking"

Chris smiled and let out a soft chuckle despite the situation.

[Soria]

" Knowing Erwin, he probably has it rigged for that." Dani smirked.

[$tormin]

It was a few hours later when Erwin returned looking tired but unharmed. Noticing some of his friends at a table, he stagged a drink off a passing barmaid (dropping more money on the tray than the drink cost to stave off any protests) and sat down.
"I don't think I ever needed a drink more than now." He spoke and took a long pull of the ale.

[Soria]

Dani arched an eyebrow, blowing smoke out of her nose from her long stem pipe.

"Anything we should know about?"


( OOC: Yes I know smoking is gross, but I've always wanted a female character that smoked a pipe.)

[Gumblackwood]

"I guess I should be glad that recruiters would never find a cripple useful," Antonii indicated his obvious leg braces, "unless of course they had you in mind specifically Erwin, in which case my condition wouldn't have mattered."

[Shayd]

*smiled* "Tis True Antonii, but then again, recruiters were never that bright. Obvious talents seem to escape even thier most diligent searches. Although, something tells me they were after fresh conscripts, unless I missed my guess" *raising an eyebrow to Erwin*

[Shayd]

*smiled* "Tis True Antonii, but then again, recruiters were never that bright. Obvious talents seem to escape even thier most diligent searches. Although, something tells me they were after fresh conscripts, unless I missed my guess" *raising an eyebrow to Erwin*

(OOC: Edit, hit the button before proof reading)

*smiled* "Tis True Antonii, but then again, recruiters were never that bright. Obvious talents seem to escape even thier most diligent searches. Although, something tells me they were after more then just fresh conscripts, unless I missed my guess" *raising an eyebrow to Erwin*

[$tormin]

"Not recruiters, internal security. A couple years ago I hired on with a French merchant who needed a bodyguard for a trip up here to Normandy to oversee the construction of some warehouses. Turns out he was a spy and got caught and stuffed into one of those glass jars outside some of the main cities.
"I got lucky. It wasn't the first time this happened and they knew the hired muscle was usually uninvolved so they let me go with a warning that I would have to repay. I figured they had forgotten about me." Erwin spun his mug on the table then he lowered his voice even further. "They want me to keep a look out for a few things that have cropped up lately. The threat was that if I didn't, I would end up in a jar. If I did, I could stand to make a good amount of coin from it."
"What exactly?" was asked from across the table.
"You know the so called Ghost Fleet that was lost about half a century ago?" Erwin noticed atleast one confused look so he went into the background. "Before old Da Vinci died he supposedly sent out some ships laden with who knows what to who knows where. None were heard from again until now.
"Supposedly some stuff has been washing ashore in Western France, stuff that can be traced to atleast one of those missing ships."

[Soria]

Dani shivered, removing her pipe to take a needed glup of her ale.
"I dinnae like this at all Erwin. Missing pieces from the Great Thinker himself and a man who wants us to help him move mysterious merchandise. It all sounds like great adventure, but if I hear a Banshee singin' me death while we're helpin' this land, I'm takin' one of yew lot wit me."

[Rookie]

David had heard the story before. He never really considered what it would mean if it were found. But his most immediate concern brought his first question, "If we were to help, would we also receive a portion of this lost treasure, assuming we found it?" He asked somewhat hopefully.

[$tormin]

"Well assuming it was treasure and assuming it was somewhere we could get at it and not a mile beneath the Atlantic or washed up against the Western Continent." There was a chuckle. The Western Continent had been discovered a while ago but early exploits into it had been pulled back because of the European wars. Later, all other attempts to make way there had been turned back by strong opposition from a ready native population.
"Wouldn't it just be great if we did go out and find it and it turned out to be the newest greatest and now fifty years out of date thing?"

[Shayd]

"Ghost ships?... Nonsense... sounds more like too much rum and bad navigating to me. But ghosts or no ghosts, I'm in. I won't let my comrade end up in a jar, thats for sure. Besides, ghost ships usually are haunted by gold as much as spirits" (a wry grin coming across his face)

[$tormin]

"Well I must say I appreciate your vote of not wanting me dead. I expect that whatever we can find out will be good enough for these people even if we can't find the ships themselves, which I hardly have intent on searching for. I have had enough water to last a lifetime."


((OOC: By the way, if anyone still wishes to join you are still allowed to sign up. Just register on the forum if you haven't already and post in the OOC thread.))

[$tormin]

Aberly Terfith, Third Advisor to the Queen of England, was in conference with several other very important men and advisors to even more important people. Their latest topic of conversation regarded something very old.
“These relics that washed ashore are no longer in doubt. Fragments of the so called “Skip Ray” of Da Vinci's secret fleet were confirmed against records taken from the shipyard that constructed it. Unfortunately we are not the first to come to that conclusion and currently treasure hunters from all over are combing the beaches of the area.
“We have an area we believe the wreck to lay based on our knowledge of the currents. I regret to say though that the depth there is far beyond our current ability to actually go to the wreck and recover anything.”
Another man spoke. “It may be beyond our ability but I would not trust that to mean that our enemies cannot get to it. Tobenkoff is a master inventor and Da Vinci contains the most brilliant people in the world. Even if we cannot make use of it, we must secure the area and prevent others from gaining access.”
Another laughed. “Secure an area without drawing attention to it would be a tough proposition. I say that too much heed has been paid to these worthless chunks of wood and iron over the last half century since we sank the damned ships.” An uproar came from many, some of whom could even remember the last days of Da Vinci's empire.
Though Aberly did not add anything to the discussion he paid is great interest. Few other than himself knew the true importance of the original fleet that had been dispatched to the heirs of Da Vinci's disciples and benefactors.
The Queen didn't need to be bothered by this news, not that she would care. Aberly thought through some of the preparations he would have to make soon.


((OOC: needless to say, nobody in the group knows what happened here))

[Gumblackwood]

"Though I don't particularly trust anyone that would manhandle one of us just to get us to agree to go somewhere, I have always been interested in DaVinci's lost fleet. My mentor, Dr. Barretta, may he rest in peace, always believed that as the Great Inventor lay dying, he regreted the wars that his inventions caused and loaded his ships with contraptions beyond imagination that could somehow end them."

"I for one don't care if we find anything on our travels," he added, "I'd just like to get moving. It may be that I grew up constantly moving, but I don't like to sit in one place for long, especially once the spring airs get things in motion.

[$tormin]

"My name is Teriluian Mondragon and I am in charge of this expedition." This Teriluian man wasn't tall but he had presence. Clearly he was a veteran who was used to command. "You know your individual duties. As you have your own command structure it will not be my job to decide who does what, but I expect professionalism.
"Our charge is the three trucks, their cargo and the drivers as well as our passenger. If any of them is put in unnecessary risk I will have Tweety shoot you." He motioned towards the construct behind him.
The machine seemed a typical clockwork soldier. Tall and armored it looked to have overbuilt optics and it carried a scoped long rifle as its primary weapon with various guns, grenades and a hammer as backup. Like most of the newest clockworks it was able to respond to spoken orders from set individuals and had a vocabulary of about thirty short phrases or words.
Appraisal of the machine was ended when Mondragon spoke again. "The first part of our route will be given when we disembark from the train. It is nearly a days journey to the border and you all will be riding with the cargo. Do you have any questions?"

[Soria]

Dani rubbed her chin, listing, trying to think of a question to ask, other than
"What is the cargo?" She doubted she'd get a straight answer from them anyway, but it couldn't hurt.

[Rookie]

David leaned against his rifle lightly, listening to their apparent manager. It was apparently straightforward to him.
Dani asked, "What is the cargo?" and he suddenly realized something he had overlooked.
He added, "And who is the passenger, if i may ask?"

[Shayd]

Chris looked over the Clockwork soilder, grinning, waiting for a response from the "manager". "Nice Toy... " Inwardly wondering what and who was so important...

[$tormin]

Mondragon answered both questions at once. "The cargo will be primarily textiles. Our passenger is to be a trade factor from another trading house, I have not met him but I am sure he cheats at dice.
"Now, if there are no further questions I will leave you to prepare. The train leaves an hour after dawn."


OOC: This is everyone's last chance to do what they need to around town. Go shopping etc.
And everyone's horses will be going with them. On the train they will be in the livestock cars.

[$tormin]

At the Tobenkoff Estate:

Jorel Tobenkoff was standing on the balcony waiting for his carriage to arrive to take him to the aerodrome when his father arrived. “Are you here to see me off, Father?”
Heinrich gave a half smile. “Yes I have. I still beg you to reconsider, actually going to Da Vinci's heirs in person will probably not work to persuade them any further than all of the previous attempts through messengers. You risk yourself needlessly.”
“Not needlessly, our need is great as you have long since convinced me. I don't have to tell you what will happen if the Alpine states join against us in the great war and you already know that our only hope is for them to be too afraid of a Da Vinci expansion to strike.”
“I understand all that” Heinrich spoke softly. “I just wish you could send someone else. Besides my desires for your well being you ARE the only one left that the entire nation will follow after I am gone.”
Jorel was torn but he felt his duty was clear. “You said you would never directly order me to do anything I did not wish to do. I am going to hold you to this.” Then with a small bow he spoke his departing words before walking down the the waiting vehicle. “I will miss you and mother and I will return as soon as I am able.”

[Gumblackwood]

Antonii had most of his equipment ready. His aviation canvas had already been sewn into two usable tents; a luxury when most militaries had requisitioned the best material for their own tents, airships and sails. His medkit was well stocked for travelling by road, overstocked even considering his distrust for the people with the contract. He'd spend the night after the group's time in the bar cleaning his flintlock.

[Rookie]

David was already well enough supplied, but he felt extra powder and ammunition may be helpful. He added some rags for binding wounds to his simple med kit. He also bought a small food supply of non-perishable foods and saved the rest of his finances for a later date if they went to another town and he needed provisions by then.

[Soria]

Dani grumbles softly, checking to make sure she had gotten everything she needed. She had to replish some of her supplies in town, like bandages, some tools, ammo for her pistol and parts, the last three were a pain in the ass the minute the shop clerks realized that Dani was female.

"And they wonder why I don't wear skirts.." Dani sighed, making a mental note to hit anyone who pinched her ass with her wrench.

To calm herself down, Dani checked over her well used pistol. While it was true, she knew very little about gun craft, David had been nice enough to teach her how to clean the pistol. It looked pretty good to Dani at the moment. Just to be sure though.

Dani tapped on David's door.

"Can I come in lad?"

[$tormin]

Erwin made his preparations as well. He had sufficient powder and ammunition as well as traveling rations for emergencies. Emergency medical supplies were still packed away and free of any tainting from moisture.
He did go out to a money exchanger and got coinage for the areas he expected to pass through and he went into a nearby apothecary to buy some water cleaning filters for times when he couldn't boil water. It wouldn't do to get down with the flux or something nastier. On an impulse he also bought a deck of cards and a simple spyglass.
Returning to his room, Erwin placed everything neatly away and took out his small locked box. One of the gears in the music box beside his bed was the key to the trick lock and it opened with a snick.
A bottle of black ink was removed first, the only actual trap in the box it would shatter if the box was forced and ruin all the documents inside. Setting the ink bottle perfectly square on the table Erwin removed the last letter he had received from his family back home.
He had gone over it many times and knew the words by heart already but it felt special to hold the parchment itself in his hands. Pouring over his mother's neat writing he fell back into memory.

[Shayd]

Chris went thru his supplies, having already bought most of what he needed after getting settled in town, he had picked up a new travel chess set. Should help to pass the time while on guard duty. After rechecking his supplies, caring for his arms, he settled back into one of his several books he kept with him.

[Slarethorn]

"This is the man you are assigned to guard. Sir Coffin, may I present your bodyguard for the trip, Jason Kendrick."

Jason shook the man's hand in greeting, saying, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Coffin. I assure you, you will come to no harm while I am protecting you."

Terrance Coffin smirked slightly at this bold statement, retorting, "Quite the claim you have made, Jason. Yet, I cannot help but notice that you are armed with only the heaviest of weaponry." Coffin gestured to the rocket launcher strapped to Jason's back, the long barrel of the weapon jutting over his shoulder. "While it will no doubt make short work of any constructs or large vehicles we may encounter, you will be hard pressed to deal with something as simple as a gang of highway robbers with rifles." Terrance raised his eyebrows inquisitively, awaiting Jason's answer to this apparent problem.

"No matter, Terrance," he replied casually. Coffin frowned at being addressed by his first name, but Jason paid no heed to his annoyance, and continued with his solution. "I have a...friend who can deal with those sorts of foes. Buddy, get in here." Jason turned toward the entrance to the train car and beckoned over a tall man standing in the section between cars, and the door to the room slid open.

In lumbered not a tall man, but a giant, grotesque construct, made up of both flesh and machine alike. the right half of its jaw was replaced by a wire frame of metal, and the left half of its scalp was a plate of steel, dull and scratched from many encounters. The arms were lined with various rods of iron in brief patches, obviously meant to support their failing muscular systems, and the legs were almost purely machine, the only human portions remaining being the upper thighs and kneecaps, which stood bone white against the surrounding metal. it wore a heavy suit of armor inlaid with half a dozen spinning gears, the rotating pieces never slowing in their cycles. The creature was easily over six feet tall, and had a strong, powerful build, and it was apparent that it had no shortage of physical power.

"This is Buddy, Mister Terrance," Jason said with a grand flourish of his hand. "Rest assured, if any fool robbers with their toy rifles dare to assault this train and its passengers, this will take care of them."

Terrance still scowled, however, saying, "He looks strong, sure, but they could still shoot him to pieces, given the time." Buddy gave no sign of noticing Coffin's words, nor that its name had been spoken.

Sighing, Jason motioned over one of the train's guards. He drew the man's pistol and put it in the bewildered man's hand, saying to him, "Shoot Buddy in the head." Appalled, the man stammered, "N-no, sir, I couldn't, it would be..."

"Oh, shut up, you won't hurt it. Now do as I say, and shoot!" Jason flared, a hint of frustration in his voice. When still the man hesitated, he yelled, "Fire, NOW!" With a yelp, the man leveled his pistol, aimed for Buddy's face, and opened fire.

The bullet caught Buddy in its nose, sinking into the flesh with a bang. While everyone in the car was panicking over the sound of the gunshot, Jason calmly walked over to Buddy, standing in front of it, waiting for the commotion to clear. When the car had finally regained a sense of calm, Jason pointed to Buddy's face. The bullet had lodged itself in Buddy's flesh, yet had not penetrated its skull. It sat there, embedded in its nose, with Buddy giving no sign of pain or even acknowledging the bullet's existence. Jason simply stated, "Buddy, remove the bullet." Buddy immediately moved its left hand up to its face, and with slow, steady movements, pried the bullet from its face and dropped it on the floor, where it hit with a light thud.

Picking it up, Jason looked Coffin in the eyes, saying, "You see, Terrance, even when you think Buddy has a weak point, it doesn't. No bullet will be hurting it, you have my word on that." Motioning to the construct, he said, "Well, my friends, I must see to Buddy's face. While it will not pose a serious risk, the last thing I need is for my ally to get a lead infection. I shall see you in a few hours, Mister Terrance."

With that, Jason moved to the exit of the car, Buddy looming after him. He needed to find a car with people who would not recoil at the sight of his monstrous friend, and so began to search the train for a suitable place to repair his "friend."

[$tormin]

The trains horn bellowed in the post dawn light as everyone got ready to board. The vehicles, horses and cargo had already been loaded as well as the larger baggage.
"So, when are they going to stop doubling the size of these things every year?" Erwin remarked to the person standing next to him. The engine car was huge. With the exception of ships, zeppelins and the Black Fortress Erwin could not recall ever seeing anything larger that moved on its own power. The steam boiler alone could house a large family and was probably copied directly from some of the largest ships in the Norman Navy.

[Rookie]

OOC: I'm going to say Soria's character knocked while on the train.

IC: Dani's knock at the door had pulled David from his reverie. He had been contemplating the coming journey as the train began to churn forward. He blinked and then said, "Yes, come in."

[Soria]

"Hello David, I was wonderin' if you could make sure I cleaned me gun properly. You know I'm not great with these things."

[Slarethorn]

Entering a train car, Jason was relieved to find that none of its inhabitants gave more than a second glance to his looming construct follower. The last three cars had been episode after episode of screams, shivering panic, and, worst of all, crying children. While he tried to stay polite when necessary, Jason was nearing the end of his wits with the never-ending high-pitched wails following him through each car. He had heard enough tears to last a lifetime.

Moving to a bench, he ordered Buddy to sit, then took a seat beside him, opening up his pack to reach for his clockwork repair kit. Although he had primarily tools for repairing the fleshier versions of clockworks, the training he had gained back in Moldavia had taught him to have at least the basics on hand for maintenance of any sort. Pulling out a pair of thin scissors and trio of leather straps, he began to work on Buddy's face. He almost reached into a small pouch on the side of the kit, then pulled back, saying, "No, I need to conserve that stuff, at least until I can harvest more."

Grasping the damaged flesh in the blades of the scissors, he trimmed away the more ruined flesh, leaving a small patch of exposed bone and metal. Holding the straps in his teeth, he applied them to the construct's nose one by one, tying them into the flesh on each side of it's nose, then tightly tugging the pieces together to force the skin to somewhat compensate for the exposed area. When he had finished, Buddy's face was much uglier than before, with a thing strip of bone showing through the straps, and the unattractive brown leather standing out from it's other features. The area was clear, however, and so the opening had been successfully sealed.

Putting away his things, he mumbled to himself, "Don't have to look pretty, thing just needs to do it's job." After he had repacked the bag, he said to Buddy, "Buddy, go watch Coffin. If anyone attacks him, kill them." Looking at him, Buddy stared for a moment, then nodded, slowly rising from it's seat and leaving the car.

Noticing the astonished gaze of one of the passengers, he grinned and said, "Don't worry, it won't hurt you unless I tell it to." Leaning closer, he dropped his voice and said, "So don't give me a reason."

Settling back into his seat, he pulled a book from a holder on the wall, and began to read, softly humming to himself.

[$tormin]

Coffin laid down the six of staves and Mondragon dealt him another card. Erwin visibly winced as his hand went from possibly match winning to a major liability.
With a slight sigh, Erwin set down The Lovers. With a couple more passes the hand was over and Mondragon pulled his modest winnings.
As the deck was reshuffled Erwin looked out the open side of the cargo car at the countryside. It was spring and the fields were being planted, teams of farmers worked hard and several times Erwin saw steam powered vehicles working.
"Amazing isn't it?" Coffin spoke noticing Erwin's object of interest. "Usually a mere two days away from the rail lines people still have to till their fields with sticks but closer they don't have to pay the teamsters to move their goods and now they can afford equipment undreamed of just decades ago."
"I knew that but living in the cities makes one forget. We are building so much so fast that so many are simply being left behind." Erwin turned his attention back to the cards.

[Soria]

Dani arched an eyebrow as the construct left, giving him a look over.

"So ye built that Construct?" he didn't look like the type to be raid the corpses of enemies to make perfect little servants, but then again, many people were surpirsed Dani could sing.

"No.."

"But I thought they had to follow the orders of their creators...?"


"Listen Miss, all I know is Buddy followed me and only obeys my command."

[Rookie]

David looked the weapon over carefully and looked down the barrel, which thankfully wasn't loaded. He took his cleaning rag and carefully ran it down the barrel and rubbed slightly around the trigger.
"Alright, just some minor things. Probably wouldn't have made much of a difference, but you never know." He handed it over and watching the expression on her face he said, "Did i miss something?"

[Gumblackwood]

Antonii had spent a good deal of time staring at buddy while the others played cards. Most of the others knew at least enough about Antonii to know that the country he had been born in had been overrun by Moldovia, people he knew had been slain by flesh constructs, and Antonii himself bore the scars of the diseaseful tactics that the Moldovians used. No one would have been surprised if Antonii showed some anger at their new companions.

But he didn't.

Antonii actually looked a little happier with buddy around. He went back to watching out the train at the fields and the workers while tapping out a tune on his braces that he had heard once as a boy.

[Soria]

Dan laughed. " Only you David would pay more attention to a gun then a flesh construct being repaired." Dani shook her head laughing a bit.

"Any road, I'm goin' to find the head mechanic and ask him about them motor bike things." grinning, Dani bows to the Jason, " A pleasure to meet you sir."

[Slarethorn]

Jason tilted his head as Dani left, saying back, "Same to you, miss."

Turning his gaze on the others, he said, "By the look of your gear, you folk don't seem to be any ordinary passengers. You wouldn't happen to be hired help, would you?"

[$tormin]

Coffin cursed and threw in his hand as Erwin raked in the pot. The game had been going on for hours and still there was no clear winner, everyone was still quite close to where they had started. "Get used to seeing them... they work for Nathaniel Drapeau, the man who is sending out this caravan." Coffin picked up his new hand and began to arrange the cards.
Nic Arvosh, one of the Motorcycle scouts, set the bet and began the play. He had joined the game well in progress after seeing to his men and the teamsters who would be driving the trucks. He spoke up to Dani before she turned away. "Mechanic's name is Joshua and he's running a dice game in the back car where they got the cargo locked up."

[Soria]

Dani nodded and head to the direction.

[$tormin]

Mondragon gave a quick glare at Nic. "You could have warned her or something." he spoke after Dani had left.
Nic spat out the open door of the car. "She's a big girl and she can either take it or she has no place here.
Erwin set his cards down. "What is going on?"
Mondragon answered. "This trip is punishment detail for most of us here. Got this detail by pissing someone off. Least important run going right now supposedly so the company's guards couldn't be spared for it. The ones back there in the cargo car are the pure jackers. Your round Mr. Thompson."
Erwin flipped his cards and got up. "I'm out." He then went to the others and quickly told them that there might be some slight trouble before going after Dani. He would hang back but be ready to jump in.

((OOC: The people won't start a fight but won't back down easily either. They are essentially jerks who will mouth off, especially when they think they outnumber those they are confronting.))

[Soria]

Dani moved with an air of caution, it was hard, considering the idea of the motorbicycles excited her, but the men had an air about them like they really didn't want to be here. Politely, Dani knocked on the door.

[$tormin]

The car smelled of foul smoke and stomach churning brew. The car itself had only a small space between the cargo and this area was packed. Everyone was either playing dice or noisily watching.
"Well well, look what we have coming in. Here to keep us entertained wot?" One of the rougher looking men noticed Dani coming in and spoke, nudging his fellows to attention.

[Soria]

"Nay lad, I'm lookin' for Joshua... I heard he was the head mechanic with them Motorcycles." Dani did her best not to appear threatening, nor weak. But part of her was glad she kept one of her heavier wrenches with her at all times.

[$tormin]

"y'don't want Jo, I am all you will ever nee...OOF." The speaker got a strong elbow in the gut and he went down gasping. The man who struck him was wearing some sort of breathing mask which was taken off.
"I am Joshua." The man moved towards Dani, who backed up. Joshua turned for a moment and stared down the rest of the men who were moving closer to the woman then he turned back and held his mask to his face for a couple of deep breaths and he rasped. "What do you want of me?" His breath was horrible, it reeked of decay. It seemed to come deeper than mere mouth rot, as though the mans lungs themselves were purifying.

[Rookie]

David watched the game from the corner of the room. He had learned from past experiences that his skill as a card player was lacking and his luck with the cards wasn't very favorable. He just watched quietly with his arms folded while the rest tried to win each other's money.

[Shayd]

Looking for anything to take his mind off the cramped quarters, Chris moved up behind Erwin who was watching Dani. Glaring at the man who had uttered the indignant boast. He picked up the smell of the man Dani was talking to. Smelled almost as bad as "Buddy" looked. Leaning to whisper to Erwin. "They dont look like much. And the Head mechanic smells of death." Chris fingered the hilt of his sword. Wondering if he would need to punish anymore "boasts"

[Soria]

Dani glupped but smiled. I will not puke... became her mental chant.

"They motorcycles.. I'd like to no more about them." smiled again.

[$tormin]

"Ah the motorcycles. And what is your interest in a few bits of noisy metal?" Joshua placed the mask back onto his face and took a few deep breaths. His lungs had been ruined while working in a French chemical weapon plant, he could live without the mask but he used it to filter out the sooty air.
Things seemed to be getting out of hand. The teamsters were all quite drunk and something bad might have already happened except for the appearance of the huge looking Germanic and the skinnier redhead. "Bah, the air is rank in here. Let us go to someplace quieter and talk."

[Soria]

Nods. "Sounds like a good idea."

One of the men grumbled, " Come on Josh! Let us play with 'er a bit."

Dani arched an eyebrow, " Lad, I chose me own bed mates, and to fit into that criteria, yew'd need a bath."

[Shayd]

Chris couldn't keep a straight face, snickering at Dani's remark. Smiling and throwing Dani a wink "You are too kind Dani, I think hygene is the least of their worries. It's ashame really, they don't know what a real women is, let alone how to speak to one. But if you are looking for someone to play with, perhaps I could oblige. Although, I doubt you'd enjoy it, friend." Stepping aside to allow Dani and Joshua to pass, squaring again to face the teamsters, daring them to do anything but go back to their game. "No? Pity, come on Erwin, lets leave our new friends to their games. All this talking has made me thirsty."

[Soria]

Dani shakes her head, laughing slightly, still a bit worried. " I hope we diannae make new enemies there.. otherwise this wee trip is gonna be a bitch."

[Slarethorn]

Jason turned the page, still humming to himself.

This book sucks, he thought miserably.

[Shayd]

Chris smiled and nodded "Dont worry Dani, just a bit of healthy fear to keep them in line. Besides I wasn't going to kill them, who else is going to carry around all this Cargo?"

[$tormin]

Joshua went to an empty corner of the car occupied by the more civilized members of the expedition. "So what is it about motorcycles that would make you willingly go through what you did and put up with being around me?" Joshua kept his mask on but he had, unnoticed, triggered a catch on it that turned off the sound distorting. Even speaking through the mask, his speech was completely clear.

Erwin pulled out a bottle of French wine and yanked out the stopper. "Normally I can't stomach this stuff but I need to wash out my mouth after breathing that." He held the bottle out to Chris. "You want some of this?"

[Soria]

Dani smiled, " I find them amazin', they're so bloody fast, but so much smaller than other machines like them. And with a bit of thinkin', they could probably be much quieter.. maybe. I'd havta have a wee look at the plans." Dani grinned again.

[Slarethorn]

As he continued the card game, Terrance Coffin's face took on an annoyed expression, frequently shooting gazes to the giant half-robot standing over his shoulder. Buddy never took its gaze from the man, following Jason's orders to the letter in his watch over Coffin.

Looking to Jason, Coffin declared, "Mister Kendrick, would you be so kind as to ask your construct to move? He is quite distracting, hovering behind my back like that."

Meeting Coffin's gaze, Jason replied, "For one, it's an it, not a he. Secondly, I am only doing my job as your bodyguard. For all I know, someone in this train could be plotting to kill you, and I cannot risk not being able to stop such a person in time. As you have seen, Buddy moves rather slowly, but when combat arises, it wastes no time in moving to action. Thus, it must be as close to you as possible. I apologize for the inconvenience." With that, Jason dropped his eyes back to his book, whispering to himself, "Now back to this sh*tty story."

Coffin took a final look back at Buddy, looking into its unblinking eyes for a moment. With an unhappy expression, he returned his attention to the card game.

[Soria]

Dani glanced up for a moment and looked at Jason, " Lad, yer readin' a Bible."

[$tormin]

Joshua ignored the distraction. "If you want quiet, you use clockwork. These are built for reliability and range." Joshua considered for a moment then turned back. "I will let you help maintain the motorcycles if you wish provided you do not get in the way and it does not interfere with your more important duties." He turned and walked back to the car where the teamsters were.
Dani seemed puzzled by his rudeness and was about to say something when Teriluian stopped her. "Just let him go. He has always cared more for machines than people so that's about as polite as I have ever seen him."

[Soria]

"Ah.. Understandable." Dani sighed and sat down, lighting her pipe, finding her own book to read.

[$tormin]

The train slowed to a stop and pulled into the station at the Norman border town. There was a hustle of activity as the steel beast was unloaded. French inspectors were on site checking every crate so when the caravan got moving there were no problems at the border fort. The two motorcycle scouts staggered two hours ahead of the caravan, cycling back regularly to report and all clear to the mercenary guards on horseback that stayed between half an hour and 10 minutes ahead.
(OOC: If anyone has any actual knowledge of how the scouting should be set up realistically, pm me -_-. Just guessing here)
Clearly though there were problems. The teamsters were drinking more often than not and wearing hard on the trucks resulting in countless delays for repairs. This drove Joshua to anger and nearly resulted in a fight before Teriluian and Tweety stepped in to separate the offenders.
Things stewed at the boiling point for a few days before the first real problem showed up.

Nic rode back at high speed, catching Dani and Chris who were the mounted fore guard at the time. "Problem ahead" He shouted over his bikes noise. "Trees and debris across the road and part of the road itself has slid down the hill. I am not an expert, but it doesn't feel natural. I left Neihart ahead to rush back to report if anything happens there."

[Gumblackwood]

Antonii wasn't enjoying the caravan portion of the trip very much. The horse he had picked out at the beginning of the trip turned out to be spooked by the motorcycles and trucks, and he had traded it in at a small town along the route for some additional medical supplies, of which he was running through quicker than he had anticipated. The teamsters were rowdy even when there wasn't a fight breaking out. Because of Antonii's ability in binding wounds, setting breaks and even removing a couple of teeth from an arm on one occasion without infection, the teamsters got along with Antonii fairly well and he had been allowed a rooftop guard position on the trucks for the trip. The wind at that height on a good day was wonderful to Antonii and he sometimes imagined he was back in an ornithopter seat, but lately the air had been stale and moldy from the new spring and it reminded him more of the smell buddy emitted if some of his innards were exposed for long.

Even though the truck below him drown out Nic's shouting, Antonii still noticed the commotion at the head of the caravan. Knowing his position wasn't critical and fearing Nic's companion must have been hurt, he started climbing down the moving vehicle; a run would get him ahead of the lumbering beast of a machine anyways.

[Soria]

"Ah 'ell.. I dinnae like the sounds of this at all. Whatcha think we should do about this Chris?"

[Rookie]

David sat atop his horse as the others investigated ahead of the train. As far as he could gather something was going on up ahead. He had left the train earlier to go scouting on his own, but ended up near the others. He rode up next to Dani and Chris, "What's happening up here?" he asked.

[Soria]

"Accordin' to a scout, Nic, there be 'unatural debris' in the road ahead. Sound like somebody's either tryin' to slow us or devert us. Either way, I smell a trap.. I think." Dani sighed, shifting on her horse, feeling more than just a little out of her element.

[Slarethorn]

OOC: reply to the top of the page

Looking at the cover, Jason exclaimed, "Well I'll be damned. I was wondering why it sounded so archaic."

***
OOC: present time

Jason noted a guard come into the truck and whisper to Coffin and his companions urgently. The look on the men's faces told him that something was amiss.

Walking over, he interrupted their little chat, asking, "There a problem, gentlemen?" Looking slightly nervous, Mondragon answered, "It would appear that there is some, ehem, unnatural debris littering the path ahead. According to our scouts, it appears to be a trap. However, I'm sure the man is exaggerating, and it is simply some branches that have blown onto the road." By the tone of his voice, he was trying to convince himself more than he was anyone else. Jason knew better.

"Buddy, watch Coffin. You know the drill: anyone hurts him, kill them," Jason said to Buddy, the construct nodding in comprehension. "I'm going to head to the front and check this out for myself. While I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," he said with a glimmer of sarcasm, "I'd like to see the situation firsthand."

Jason headed to a side exit from the vehicle, moving to a position where he could see the surrounding area.

[$tormin]

Mondragon took a look at the hastily sketched map Nic gave him. ((OOC: Map (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=roadmapmm5.gif)))
"This is no damn good. You say the trees were not cleared away from the road more than ten feet?" Nic nodded and Mondragon set the map down. "Going back would cost us four days and there is a chance it might not be an ambush. You keep watch ahead, we will stop the trucks half an hour away and have the mercs send a team to check the area."

((OOC: Next post is 100th in thread. Make it a good one :P
Also, we passed the Low Fantasy RPT's post count. woot!))

[Shayd]

Chris scanned the area near the road. Looking to Dani," It smells of a trap, they want us stopped. If its an ambush its going to happen soon, so we dont have time to clear the road to get moving again. We need to get some scouts into the surrounding area." Again looking to the surrounding area, looking for and easily defended areas. "Antoni, I want you to get back to the trucks, anyone able to shoot needs to be armed and in position. And get Mr. Coffin in the most armored car along with buddy. Let the Teamsters know that when we stop they will be put to work removing the debris. If no attack comes when the trucks stop we will provide cover for the teamsters so we can get moving as soon as possible." Checking once more for any sign of an attack and then turning to Dani. "Come on Dani , lets get back to the Caravan and get the rest of the group together."

Stopping as David rode up asking what was going on. "Possible Ambush, seems something has conviently blocked our road. We were heading back to regroup with the rest of our comrades, nodding to David, which you have made a bit easier. Come on, Time is critical, lets get the rest of the group together and find out if we are going to earn our pay."

[$tormin]

Neihart's bike was to the woods side of the road and the man had taken cover near it, a scoped rifle in hand and his grenades within easy reach.
The person the mercs had sent ahead arrived and asked for a report, saying that the rest were following soon after.
"For sure people there. Couple tried to flank my position but a couple shots made them pull back. Can't be more than six in the woods there and I would not be surprised if there were more around the corner ahead. If they have anything heavier than small arms, it will be on the road past the blockage just out of sight. My guess is that they were hoping someone would run straight onto their little impediment."

[Gumblackwood]

Antonii found his way to the back of the convoy and climbed the last truck, still moving, as well as he could. As this was looking more and more like a trap, the best defense for the rear would be a man who was good with a grenade. Antonii loaded his flintlock with spread shot; he wished he were better with a rifle, then he might have been able to get a good shot or two into the woods, but his gun would do better if anyone actually got close to the trucks.

[Rookie]

David heard the conversation relayed and took a breath to steady himself. Combat loomed ominously in his imagination. He knew his weapons were ready, but the question was if he was ready.

[jep'ray]

near the back middle of the convoy of vehicles, Jep'ray halted his truck as everything seemed to stop. some of the hired guns went past his rig and one went back to the lasst truck. After some minute of waiting, he called out to a passing driver.

"Whats the hold up?"i asked, curious as to why we would stop so soon, the next layover was some miles ahead of this place.

"Der's somathin blok'n the road ahead." said the red bearded driver "looks tah be trouble"

trouble? bandits or raiders wanting to attack this train of trucks. they could know something about the people who attack his family.

A surge of rage suddenly came out, the images of the death that was droped upon him. The cries that haunted his dreams. he would get his answers, even if he had to kill every bandit to get it. Jep'ray pressured up and threw the truck in gear, as left his place in the line of vehicles and raced to the front.

[$tormin]

Erwin was ducked down with most of the guards and mercs, watching as Mondragon sketched out a plan.
Mondragon had drawn a crude map in the dirt and was pointing out the likely locations of where he believed the enemy was holding up. "Nic pushed ahead as far as he could safely and he found a few foxholes, so we know they are well dug in. David, I think it would be best if you and one or two others slunk around above them and gave a good crossfire support. Chris, take as many as you think you need and try to knock them out once David has them pinned down. On your call I can bring in the teamsters for mop up. They will be good for volume of fire but I wouldn't count on them to be able to push out someone dug in and ready.
"Simple plan, anyone have anything better?" Suddenly there was the sound of one of the trucks being started and moving around the other vehicles. "What the bloody hell is going on?" Mondragon yelled.
"I will see." Erwin spoke and took off running at the moving truck. Reaching it, he jumped up to the cab and yelled at the driver. "What do you think you are doing? Stop this truck before you get in range of any heavy guns they might have."

[jep'ray]

One of the merc's jumped onto his truck, as it bounced down the road. he could barly hear him, but the intent came through. Jep hit his brakes hard, nearly throwing off his new passinger. It stoped just before the bend in the road, from here he could now see the road blocked just beyond the bend. geez, he would have gone right into that if he kept going the way he was, and get his truck hung up on it. Muffled cursing could be heard as the passanger door opened.

[$tormin]

Erwin screamed. "Get the truck back NOW!" Suddenly he jerked forward and less than a second later the crack of the gun was heard. Erwin fell to the ground, a red stain spreading across the top of his back.
"SNIPER" Someone yelled and there was a call to take cover. Mondragon, running past his machine, spoke a couple of quick commands. "Scan. Kill."
Tweety raised its rifle and began to execute the order. "By your command." It spoke in a tinny voice as it searched where it was directed. The large rifle gave a crack as it fired, striking the sniper.
Knowing the danger the clockwork machine would pose, two rockets were fired from hidden positions at Tweety. One missed by a small margin but the second, seeming to move with glacial slowness, struck the robot's side and glanced off for a very short distance before exploding knocking the machine over.

[Rookie]

David heard the shots and turned around, "Alright, two of you come with me!" He said as more shots filled the air. He dismounted and took his rifle and began running up the hill without seeing who was following. He began going up the slope and began to loop around to come behind one of the foxholes Erwin had expected.
The report of weapons grew louder and more frequent and as he dodged through the trees he heard the explosion that had knocked Tweety over. As the hill flattened out he finally looked behind him to see who followed.

[jep'ray]

Gorram it! i really steped on it this time! Jep was cursing himself, as he jumped out of rig, and ducked under the chassis to grab the downed Merc. dragging him to safty behind his truck.
He jumped up onto the bed of the truck. climbing over the crates that he was transporting he got to the space between the cab and the cargo bed. Above the steam engine he opened a lock box built into the back of the trucks cab.
More wanting to redeem himself than acting brave, he didnt notice the rounds zinging over his head. Pulling out a shiny Long Rifle with a scope, he set up behind the crates. scanning the opposite tree line he saw a man arming another rocket.
Breathing slowly like his father taught him, he aimed at the figure. Making it a simple target in his head, he calmly centered on it and squeesed the trigger. the roar of the shot suprised him, like it always did. watching his handy work, Jep stared as the target spit up blood, now that was new. The shot had spun him as his bandit friends around him started to turn and run as he fired the rocket back to ther own lines. expecting to ambush a large convoy they had ammunition piled up near them. The rocket went right into a stack of rockets. A 5 meter section of tree line suddenly erupted in a fire ball. The shock wave knocked Jep off the back of his own truck.

[Soria]

Dani took a deep breath and moved with David, willing herself to be calm.

I shouldn't be doing this. I'm mechanic, not a warrior. Oh hell, now is no time to chicken out. Dani readies herself and muttered a prayer that she could do this without needing to kill.

[jep'ray]

finding myself looking at the sky came as a suprise, i got knocked off the back of my truck! picking myself up, i crouched back over to the wounded Merc, and pushed him into the back seat of the truck.
I need to get my rig outa this fight before someone thinks to blow it up...
climbing back into the cab, i started to build up pressure,and slowly started to back away from the fire fight. my windshield now cracked and broken from being shot. i duck outa sight...

[Slarethorn]

Cursing as he heard the sound of gunfire and explosives, Jason jumped off his position next to the middle truck of the caravan, moving slowly towards the source of the combat. Pulling his rocket launcher off his back, he came into view of the clockwork laying on the ground, its machinery damaged, steam hissing from its body as it struggled to rise. Jason knew now that the enemy had heavier weaponry than just a few rifles, and these weapons needed to be neutralized.

Going to one knee, he scanned the trees, hoping to spot a cluster of bandits he could take out. He saw two men with rifles amongst the foliage, but they were spread out, and his ammo was limited. Shouting to the teamsters nearby, he pointed out the targets, telling them to take out the men in the woods. Noticing David taking a back route to ambush the bandits who were more entrenched, he hurried after him in order to take out the explosives-wielding foes so he could get Buddy into the melee.

[Gumblackwood]

Antonii had realized his mistake in rushing back to the rear of the convoy as soon as he heard the shouts up ahead. If this was meant as a trap, this convoy was larger than the bandits' usual targets, and as soon as he heard the shout about a sniper, he knew he'd be needed at the front. It would take well over thirty men to successfully surround these trucks, especially if his companions managed to take the fight into the woods. Using the trucks as cover, he made his way past the teamsters again as several were attempting to back the trucks away. The situation where the others in his group had been was a mess. Most of his companions had already rushed off into the woods; Antonii knew he might be needed there at some point. He got to Erwin just as a fireball erupted from one of the bandits' foxholes, the shockwave knocking many of the people in its vicinity down.

It was a clean wound, through and through, and Antonii only felt the slightest pulse, but the wound wasn't bleeding as bad as if the bullet had opened up deep internal bleeding so he worked hard at stabilizing his companion. Antonii got his cleanest bandages and stuffed them into the bullet holes, then wrapped a pressure bandage around Erwin's torso. He felt for the pulse again, shallow but regular. Erwin would need a good hospital stay and he wouldn't likely be conscious again for this fight, but it was the best Antonii could do. He ordered one of the teamsters crouched behind the same truck to watch over Erwin and he rushed off to some others who had been burned by the various explosions.

[jep'ray]

one of the Merc's i saw earlier had suddenly poped up behind the truck, as Jep locked the brakes.
his truck wasn't going anywhere, he had lost all pressure from the boiler.
He patched up his team mate and quickly shouted at me to keep an eye on the wounded. then just as quickly he disappeared around the back of the truck.
Throwing a blanket over the injured man, i went back to the back of the truck to retreive my rifle.

[Rookie]

Seeing Dani and Jason close behind, David pressed on along the small ridge. Thin trees were on all sides of it and the foliage was dense. The weapons fire was gradually increasing. When his two companions caught up they were overlooking a foxhole off the road with a group of bandits inside and some of their companions moving off to join the fighting.
David whispered, "Alright, when Jason fires his rocket into that foxhole, the two of us" he indicated himself and Dani, "Will start picking them off if we can. The goal is to draw them off so that truck can get away right now. But let's not try to be heroes. If we start to get overwhelmed we'll fall back. Alright?"
David raised his rifle to his shoulder and looked down the sights and waited for Jason to fire.

[$tormin]

The ambushers were not having a good time. They had planned to only sting the convoy and fade back and grind them against the bunker, maybe even get some on the road where they would be clear and easy meat for the big gun.
"Merde, where is that big bastard with the armor?" The sniper that had opened the confrontation yelled to his distant companions as he reloaded. Losing the small stockpile of rockets had hurt the attack, the remaining rocketeur was saving his ammunition, unable to be sure of destroying the trucks he made ready to fire at a small cluster of enemies who were firing from cover. After he fired, they all agreed to move back and let the second team take over.

[Soria]

Dani nodded, readying her pistol. Ah damn.. "Lets try to keep one or two alive, I dinnae about you David, but I wanna know who these lads are working for."

[jep'ray]

Putting his rifle in the front of the cab, jep dove under his truck to find out what had happened to all his steam pressure. as he had throught a bullet had torn through one of his hoses, letting the pressure vent out under the cab of the truck. sliding back out from underneath, he once again climbed into the back of his truck to retreive a patch kit.

[Slarethorn]

Jason nodded. "Gotcha."

Lining up the shot, he aimed for the dead center of the foxhole, intending to flush as many ambushers out as possible. When the sight was properly aligned, he pulled the trigger, and sent a rocket wailing down into the foxhole. It detonated with a kaboom, sending several men flying out of the cover from the explosion, one of which didn't get back up. Their cover blown, the bandits were easy targets for David and Dani's weapons, and the two began to pick them off as they scrambled for cover once again.

[$tormin]

Things turned from bad to worse in an instant. With that rocket attack, they lost any chance of maintaining a cohesive front and now it was just a scramble to stay behind cover as they retreated to the fall back bunker.

[Shayd]

Shaking away the clouds in his head, where had that bloody rocket come from. David, Dani, Jason, running... Erwin falling... it all seemed like a jumble as his mind started to recover. Standing to his feet fully aware, looking to the cowed Teamsters, "Get on your feet, the battle is almost over and my sword is still sheathed." whistling shrilly, "Hans!!" His warhorse still closeby trotted to him, mounting and pointing towards the retreating bandits "Follow me as closely as you can. Just look for the bodies" with that, Chris pulled his sheild and sword from his back, giving a nudge to his horse, galloping at best speed to the enemy and his friends.

The teamsters just shrugged and jogged to keep up to the large horse.

[Soria]

( OOC: WTF Shayd?)

Dani growled, firing at the running ambushers. She aimed mostly for legs and arms. One though was aiming an impressive weapon at Jason, and before Dani could really think she aimed and shot him in the head. Not taking time to think about it, she reloaded her pistol as quickly as she could, and started again.

[Shayd]

(OOC: Just trying to catch up. Celebrated Sisters B-day this weekend.)

[Shayd]

The scene became clearer the closer he got. The would be ambushers were in retreat, he could see Dani, David and Jason dispatching bandits on the fly. Riding fast to the bandits Flank, one leveled a rifle, fired answered by a loud clank as the armor held fast, unfortunately for the bandit the response was to have his arm lopped of at the elbow from the keen bastard sword. Dismounting and removing any other weapons from the prone man. "I wouldn't try to run if I were you, or I will add your head to your arm" throwing a cloth to the man "Keep pressure on it if you want to live. And hope our medic isn't too busy to with our own wounded, Hans will be here incase you get a mind to run. Hans, watch him" Hans wasn't overly smart but he did understand a few commands, snorting in response.

cleaning his sword and resheathing, Chris pulled his recoiless rifle from his back, loading a round and running to catch up to his comrades.

"Dani! David! I hope I didn't miss too much." Aiming at one of the fleeing bandits and firing, grinning as the man came apart from the well placed rocket.

Dani cried," Leave one intact lad, we've got a mind to question'em" Chris shrugged in response "I already left one back there, minus an arm, but otherwise still alive, Hans is keeping an eye on him"

Dani just looked incredulous as Chris smiled knowingly, reloading his rifle...

[Soria]

"That 'orse of yours is as good as a watch dog..." Dani chuckled softly, firing almost blindly at a retreater, killing him as well. It was getting hard to focus, bile climbing its way up her throat.

"Please tell me we're almost done..." Dani said through gritted teeth, looking a bit green.


(OOC: Sorry, wasn't sure if you were trying to hijack. :D )

[Shayd]

"Aye, that he is. I think its just a few more stragglers Dani. Im sure the teamsters can mop up whats left behind. We are going to need your talents. I think one of the trucks might need some attention. (clapping Dani on the shoulder) Go on, you've done more then enough here already. I will make sure the teamsters don't get themselves into anymore trouble."

Turning again to the fleeing bandits sending another rocket into thier midst and running to catch up to them. "David, Jason, you are more then welcome to join me if you like!"

[Soria]

Dani nodded, heading back to the vechiles, looking for ones that needed repaired. Seeing the truck that had led a charge, Dani hollered, "Need a hand lad?"

[Slarethorn]

"I'll be back, lads," Jason said, turning to head back to the trucks. "I think I've got something that won't mind getting it's hands dirty. If you see any heavier weaponry left, give it first priority." As he walked back to the trucks alongside Dani, he held out his hand, saying, "I don't believe we ever formally met. Jason Kendrick, pleased to meet you." Alarmed at such a sudden gesture, Dani shook his hand after a moment, saying, "Dani. Nice to meet you."

Arriving at the middle truck where he had left Buddy to guard Coffin, he snapped at the giant construct, saying sharply, "Buddy, time to move. Follow me." With a glance at Coffin, Jason added, "Please keep yourself safe for the time being, Terrance. With luck, this should be over soon." Waving his arm, he jumped back out of the truck, Buddy already trailing after him.

[jep'ray]

Climbing out from underneath the truck, his fine vest now covered in grease and grit, he heard someone call out, asking if he needed help.

"no , no its ok, i have her fixed well enough untill we can stop for parts."

Walking around the front of the truck i removed a canvas bag, now full of holes. Inside was my rough terrain brush clearing equipment, a hedge row cutter.

hearing someone else talking, he finally looked up. He heard the other merc say his name was Jason ken-somthing i couldnt hear the whole thing. What I did see was a pretty red head, and she said her name was Dani...

*coughing* "Um hi, you can call me Jep" i said rather nervously turning before she could answer. opening the door to climb in, i remembered to check on the fellow in the back seat, he was still out cold. I started up the boiler and my steam pressure was building up again. I was back in buisness

[Soria]

Dani arched an eyebrow a shrugged. Gotta love the men folk... okay, need to get busy.

Dani quickly moved along, finding a fallen motorcycle, she found its rider was dead, gun shot wound to the chest. Sighing, Dani set to work on patching the bike up until they could get more parts.

[$tormin]

Only two ambushers made it back to the roadblock and bunker. The cannon had already been brought around and was placed so the gunners would have cover to fire and reload at anyone coming down the road.
The commander had seen part of the battle and had made a decision, it would be better for word to get back about this rather than dying in a last stand. He gave the order that the cannon was to be spiked ((OOC: destroyed)) and all the powder and rockets were to be blown up. A pair of sharpshooters would stay behind and hold the merchants and mercenaries off and give everyone else time to get away.

[jep'ray]

a flash of light and column of smoke suprised Jep, as he waited for the steam pressure to reach its max. Something big exploded ahead in the forest ahead, Jep eager to lend a head, once again put the truck in gear and rounded the bend. His passinger stired in the back as the truck bounced across somerough ground.
A small flash caught his attention as a snipers bullet struck his windshield adding yet another hole to his truck. He ignored it and centered on where the flash came from. working hard to find the person that shot at him he finaly saw him as he rasied a rifle up to his shoulder, Jep ducked just in time, as the bullet passed right through where he was sitting. the windshield was next to useless as jep franticly hit it with the stock of his rifle to beable to see again.
The truck rumbled on down the road, straight toward the forest. Finally knocking the glass out of the frame, jep could see again. as he saw the sniper much closer than before, he started ot slow the ruck down as the forest was coming on alarmingly fast, ans another flash and boom rang out. Jep felt a burn on his shoulder as all the power left his left arm. A hot wetness ran down his side as his vision started to blur he centered on the bandit as he started to turn and run.
It was far too late for that sniper, try as he did to run, Jep's truck was now too close and going to fast. the sharpen spikes that made up his now lowered and deployed Hedgerow tool Impailed him to the front of the truck. Jep didnt even realise what he had just done, as he struggled to stop the truck as it started to moe down the under brush of the forest. he was finaly able to stop it, slowly taping into a tree.
His are was covered in sticky blood, but his passinger was alright. Feeling light headed, he managed to shut down his boiler and vented the steam in a cloud of white. Then he simply slumped over his stearing wheel...

[Shayd]

Chris lowered his weapon, his shot spoiled by the Antics of the foolish truck driver. Shaking his head and cursing as the truck came to rest against the tree. "Foolish boy, someone has to teach him a lesson." Stopping just before heading off to do just that Chris spotted the other sniper. Following the line of his rifle to the now prone and unconcious Jep. Shouldering his weapon, taking aim at the snipers head he fired. Fortunately for Jep, the sniper hesitated just long enough for the rocket to take him fully in the head.

Looking back, spotting a teamster. "You there, do you know how to operate a steam truck" the man on nodded in response. "Get down there and get that man and that truck back to the convoy. Let Antoni know there are more patients."

Not seeing anymore immediate threats, understanding you only blew up guns when you are in full retreat, Chris turned back to find his horse. "Hmm, time to go check on the prisoner."

[Gumblackwood]

The crackling of guns and the explosions had died down as Antonii searched the woods for injured. The bandits' bunkers and foxholes were mostly still smoldering and the bodies there were in no shape for rescue. The attackers certainly weren't prepared for a trained guard.

One of the teamsters came through the trees towards Antonii, out of breath. "You're needed at the road... convoy's headed back and a truck's off the road... plenty of injuries for ya... that merc you patched up was innit... think that last explosion... took out the road for a good long time."

As soon as it dawned on Antonii which "merc" the teamster was talking about, he dashed off back toward the road, nearly busting a brace.

[$tormin]

Joshua Mondragon took a few minutes after the battle to get a good look around. Coming to the side where the road met the downward slope he squatted and gazed around for something out of the ordinary. He quickly found it, several patches of dying vegetation. Bringing his spyglass to one eye he got a closer look and saw that it was netting and bush thrown over at least three steam vehicles and several horse drawn ones.
Terulian came up beside Joshua. Josh put down the spyglass and turned to his brother. "Tweety is relatively undamaged, the brain just got a bit scrambled with the explosion."
"What about the road? Can we use it?" Terulian asked.
"Get the teamsters to cut down a few trees, if we are passing that safely we will have to construct a makeshift bridge. If we unload the heaviest trucks for the trip over it will be completely safe."
Terulian yelled out. "We need a patrol out to make sure the ones that got away don't double back. The rest of you not busy with the wounded or machines get to be lumberjacks. We need some of these trees down."

[jep'ray]

still dazed from the gunshot wound, Jep slowly woke up. looking ahead of him he saw that he had run into a tree, looking for possible damage from the drivers seat, he saw something odd. A human looking hand attached to a human looking arm was sticking out from between the truck and the tree. Trying to work the door handle, Jep fell out of the cap of the truck, gasping for air as he lay on his side. He was looking at the tree from the ground and found a human looking leg infront of the same tree, although it was straight like it should be. It was more like a broken zig zag.
Jep gritted his teeth against the pain as he got up to his feet, and slowly made his way to the front of the truck. What he saw made him sick to his stomach, and could barly turn away fast enough before his breakfast found itself in the floor. The sniper had tried to run when the hedgerow cutter impailed him from behind, before becomeing crushed against the tree. His face frozen in twisted agony, but a bitter thought forced its way to the front.
This is what they did to your family, to your little sister, they died like he died, in pain and suffering...No! he didn't like what was going through his head. All he could hear was screaming, his screaming...and then nothing but black...

[Slarethorn]

By the time Jason had fetched Buddy, he knew the battle was already over. A large explosion had sounded on the road ahead, and he knew that there was no one left to take care of. "Stick behind me, Buddy, I need to see what I can get off the dead ones." While most of the slain ambushers had been back near the site of the explosion, there were one or two who had foolishly approached the caravan, and their still forms were lying out on the road. As he moved towards the corpses, he was caught by David, who said, "I heard an explosion up ahead. Any idea what happened?" Shaking his head, Jason replied, "Not a clue. When it went off I was still back getting my construct up here," pointing back at Buddy for emphasis.

"I'm Jason Kendrick, by the way. We saw each other on the train ride, but I didn't quite introduce myself." David replied, saying, "Name's David. Thanks for helping out" Jason shrugged, responding simply, "It's my job. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do. If any of your companions have a particularly weak stomach, I advise them not getting too close." Jason continued his movement toward the two bodies, David wondering what he meant by his remark.

OOC: Jason constantly introducing himself to everyone might seem a little awkward, but I realized he never said much of anything on the train ride, much less who he was, since he had a different assignment than the rest of the characters.

[Soria]

Dani slammed down the hood of motorcycle, satisfied with the repairs for now and climbing, placing the former rider in front of her.

"Ye deserve a proper funeral lad." Dani said softly, shaking her head gently. Kicking the bike to life she sped off, coming to a quick stop seeing the crashed truck, and its driver, Jep, unconious on the ground, muttering to himself. Dani quickly checked him over. Seeing that any medical needs were beyond her meger abilities, Dani set him up on the bike so that he was behind her, hands tied around her waist.

I hope this wee lady can take all these. Kicking the motorcycle to life, Dani headed towards the main caravan.

[Gumblackwood]

(OOC: Sorry, meant to get Antonii to the scene quicker)

Antonii passed Mondragon as he worked his way down the caravan. He interrupted the man as politely as he could.

"Even though we didn't sustain many bad injuries, we're going to need a triage tent setup while the teamsters work on the road and I'm going to need space on one of the trucks if you don't want to lose some of your men on this trip. Don't worry, I won't let it become an excuse for your men not to work and it won't slow the trip."

A couple of the teamsters were recruited to set up one of Antonii's tents on the road while Antonii went to check on the crashed truck.

He found it to be the one that he had worked on Erwin at, and was terrified to find that Erwin had been inside. Erwin's chest wound was bleeding through and he was pinned but still breathing, so Antonii checked on the others around. The gunman pressed against the tree was definitely gone, but he found the driver passed out nearby. Antonii turned him over and started removing glass and dirt from the shoulder wound. He couldn't find the bullet, but knew this wasn't the best point to attempt to remove it and bandaged the wound to prevent more loss of blood. He could perform surgery at the tent before the bullet would cause metal poisoning.

Antonii recruited more of the teamsters to try to get the men to the tent; the driver was carried away by makeshift stretcher, but Erwin was pinned badly.

[Shayd]

Chris found his prisoner where he had left him, Hans still hovering nearby. The man was floating at the edges of conciousness. He had managed to use his belt for a turnakit. Calling Hans over he layed the man across Hans ahead of his saddle. "I hope you are in a talking mood. I wonder if that Jason fellow could use this?" Grabbing up the discarded arm... a momentary shudder. Then he just shrugged. "Its not like you can still use it." Climbing atop his warhorse, allowing Hans to trot at a fast pace toward the convoy and his friends.

[Soria]

( OOC: Pssst! Dani has Jep already.)

[Slarethorn]

Approaching the bodies, Jason saw that there were indeed only two, the ambushers having been shot in vital areas, one in the heart, the other in the head. Sighing at the lack of materials, Jason ordered Buddy, "All right, hold that first one steady. Let's get to work."

Kneeling next to the corpse as Buddy gripped it by the arms, Jason pulled out his clockwork kit, opening up the section he kept his flesh construct supplies in. He pulled out a long, thin knife, and with precise cutting, began to skin the man's arm, pulling the flesh along gently as he separated it from the body. Blood began to ooze out from the exposed area, the raw red muscle of the arm showing underneath. Mopping the blood up with a cloth as he cut, he never took his eyes off his work, being sure he did not angle the cut wrong and ruin the skin. Finally, he had reached the man's shoulderblade, and ended his cut with a quick slice. The bloodflow had slowed, and was now merely settling along the man's arm, where it would cake in place after a time.
Repeating this procedure on the other arm, Jason harvested skin from the man's chest as well before deciding he had enough from the body. Most of the flesh on the other parts of the human form were too thin and soft to be of much use, and would perform poorly as repair supplies or even as material for creation. The only exception was the upper legs, which was often used by creators who wanted their flesh constructs to look a littler prettier in facial appearance, yet did not have intact facial features to use. Jason cared little about appearance; vanity was not something you tended to look for in a minion.
Nodding to Buddy, he said, "Now to the other one. I got a fair amount from this guy, but I could use a little extra. Hold him down, as before." Buddy, nodding slowly, moved to obey his command.
When Jason knelt beside the corpse, however, he realized the man was not yet dead. The bullet he had thought was buried in the man's heart had apparently missed its target, and so he was slowly bleeding to death. His chances looked slim, but it might be possible he could survive, if given immediate medical attention.
Casually, Jason pulled a thicker knife from his set. Putting it to the man's throat, he quickly slit it, making sure to go deep so that the cut severed his windpipe. He pressed a cloth up against the wound to stop the blood from spilling onto his skin, then began to work on flaying the body.

[Gumblackwood]

(OOC: see what I get when I do a hasty read in the morning. We'll just assume that Jep has been delivered to the triage tent. Antonii was going to be there in the next entry anyway.)

[Soria]

Dani jumped into helping and patching the injured the best she could, although they weren't many, and most were beyond her skills, so soon Dani found herself with nothing to do. Going behind the tent, the vomit that had been trying to force its way out all day finally came out. Dani whimpered, when the contents of her stomach were finally all gone. Now, Dani decide is a good time to break out my whiskey I've been keeping.

[jep'ray]

(OOC lol fine by me, just be gentle...and my trucks in one piece btw, i didnt smash the tree, I just touched it with a corpse...)

[$tormin]

((OOC: Erwin's wound is to the shoulder. Fortunately the bullet missed the bone so he won't have to have an amputation.))


Terulian never found out who put up the "Road Out" sign, but it was an apt description. Without the bridge it would have been impossible to continue, as it was it still took most of what was left of the day getting all the vehicles across one at a time. Joshua had vanished after the bridges completion, having hiked down the slope to examine the hidden vehicles. He had come back already saying that anything of use had been taken or wrecked already.
Once the cargo was reloaded onto the vehicles the only thing holding the trip back would be waiting for the wounded to be given a clean enough bill of health that they could travel again.

[jep'ray]

Jep awoke inside a tent, his arm was throbing and he felt light headed. What had happened...he tried to think about what had passed before he awoke here. he remembered an explosion, and then the pain of the bullet hitting his arm...then the man that he had hit with the truck. He wanted to throw up, but found that nothing was in his stomach. Then he remembered his passinger...
What a fool, I should have gone to find help for him. Jep tried to get up, but soon found the world spinning around his head, as he fell beck down on his wounded arm. he felt a stitch pop, and a spot of red started to grow on his bandages. trying again more slowly, Jep managed to get on his feet and left the tent, in search of that wounded Merc.

[Gumblackwood]

"Up already?" Antonii stopped the driver outside the tent. "You're quite the fighter."

Antonii read Jep'ray's face for a reaction.

"Looking for the wounded man you drove off with? His name's Erwin and he's behind you in the tent. I think he may be awake now too. My name's Antonii and I'm the one who patched you up. It was a nasty wound you got, but I managed to remove the bullet while you were in there. If you want it, it's next to the stretcher. I doubt you'll do well driving the rest of the way, but I think we've got some extra drivers anyway. We've got to get going and now that you're up, I think we can manage."

"I don't recall meeting you on the train, did you join us at the station?"

He got the man's name, Jep'ray, and left him to his own devices. Antonii saw the trickle of blood from a popped stitch, but there wasn't much he could do about it unless it got worse because he was running out of gut.

Antonii heard the retching from behind the tent and found Dani.

"I wanted to thank you for your help in there. I'd tell you that you'd make a great nurse if I didn't already know you hate taking the womanly role." He laughed, trying to brighten the mood.

"You'll want some water to rinse your mouth out and some to drink if you don't want to feel rotten the rest of the day. Whiskey might be good to make you forget, but it will just make you sicker later."

[Shayd]

Having cleaned his gear and attended to Hans, Chris made his way to the triage tent. Spotting Antonii and Dani he waved to them both. "Antonii, any news of my prisoner? Was hoping we would have someone to question."

Smelling the hint of bile and whiskey he clasped Dani on the shoulder. "You did good today Dani, don't feel so bad, even I made a mess the first time I was forced to kill. Would love to say it gets easier, but it doesn't. But your stomach will grow accustomed in time. Perhaps, if Antonii here is done, we could get something to eat to refill your belly, and perhaps share a drink. It's been a long time since I have tasted a fine Irish whiskey."

[Soria]

Dani smiled at the both of them. "Thank you lads, I appericate your kindness. Don't Worry Tonii, was just going to have a wee dram, if you want to join me and Chris. With some food of course, I'll go get the whiskey." Dani grinned, heads to where she kept her bags. Pulling out the carefully wrapped bundle Dani grinned, looking over the 25 year old 'water of life.' "Lovely." Dani paused, finding an old, but fine smelling cigar. She shook her head gently, she fished out her pipe and tobacco and headed back towards then men. I;'m sure I kind find some to take the cigar.

[Slarethorn]

After he had finished, Jason told Buddy to dump the bodies in the woods, mostly so that no one would find them and see their mutilated forms. While he didn't really mind the act of body harvesting, he knew few other people would share his view.

Arriving at the caravan with Buddy, who had the skin slung over his shoulder, he returned to the car he had been watching Coffin in, to make certain the man was alive and in good shape. He found him sitting in the truck impatiently, angry at being trapped in the vehicle while so much was going on outside. "Why am I forced to remain inside this wretched machine while so much is happening?" the outraged Coffin shouted at a nearby teamster, a man Jason had told to confine Coffin to the car until he returned. Nodding to him, Jason gave him permission to leave, and the man did so gratefully, obviously happy to be away from the unhappy Mr. Coffin.

"I thought I explained this before, Mr. Coffin. I am charged with your well-being, and therefore it is in my best interests that you stay somewhere where the enemy- who had snipers, I might add- cannot see you. At the time, that place was here. Now that the threat has been nullified, you can leave the car if you wish." Relieved, Coffin rose to leave, but fumed when Jason added, "Buddy, go with him." Angry at once again being tailed by the disturbing construct, Coffin furiously left the car, Buddy lagging behind him.

Alone, Jason laid out the patches of skin Buddy had brought in. He still needed to shave off the hair from the arms, and so got to work.

[Rookie]

The others had gone back to the train long ago, but David wandered the battlefield beyond the bend in the road. The wreckage of the cannon made him shake his head in disbelief and relief. It was a good thing they hadn't come around that corner.
He was scouting, meditating. He didn't like killing, but it was sometimes a necessity that he had accepted. This was his way of dealing with it. He had taken a dropped flask of gunpowder and slung it over his shoulder to add to his personal stock.

He eventually made his way back to the train and looked over the wounded and missing. He saw Mr. Coffin storm out of one of the cars angrily, accompanied seconds later by Buddy.

[jep'ray]

Jep found the Merc medic outside the tent, he found that the other bed in his tent was in fact the wounded man he had in his truck earlier. Now that he knew that he was safe Jep made his way to his truck. That Doc said he wouldnt beable to drive, but he would drive his truck. Looking down at his arm all bandaged up and sliped into the sling he had around his neck, the pain eased up alittle. his truck was a mess, blood in the cab, broken glass everywhere, and he had scratched the finish on his rifles stock trying to get the broken glass away from him. going around the front of his rig he could see that the body had been removed but the gore was still there on the hedgerow cutter, a crimson stain of dried blood...Suddenly Jep doubled over and vomited...he had to get a hold of himself...

he climbed up into the cab and started to clean his truck, and warm up the boiler so he was ready when they group was set to steam away from his place of death.

Grabing a wet sponge he started to whip down the front of his truck, fighting how stomach the entire time...

With the cutter once again stowed away under the cab, and the front glass removed at the hinges, Jep was ready for the road...eager to get away his hurt arm slowed him down, but never stoped him...

[$tormin]

((OOC: Being wounded, you might wanna take things easier. You don't have Toughness so the pain might make you crash or something.))

[jep'ray]

(OOC: yeah i know hes about ready to faint but the urge to get the hell outa there is greater than his pain...i'm sure someone will show up to help drive the truck)

[Soria]

Dani stopped, seeing the driver.

"Easy Lad, Jep right? Ye can't go anywhere right, okay? Come on, have a drink with me and me friends."

[jep'ray]

Dani stoped Jep's frantic pace of geting ready, and suddenly he felt how weak his strength was. He followed Dani over to the next truck over where two other Merc's were talking. Introductions were quick as someone put a tin cup into his hand, with out really thinking jep took a drink, thirsty like he was.
He nearly choked as the fire water burned its way down his throat, tearing up and coughing all he could hear was laughter from the others. He had never had whiskey before, the family had always drunk wine. But even as he coughed for once since the event that changed his life, he felt good standing here doubled over as his throat burned. With these people, laughing like they were, it was a good sound. He gathered his strength and finished off the cup...
It burned going down...

[Soria]

Dani laughed softly, "Lad, fine Irish whiskey should never be glupped like that. Ye've gotta taste it." Sips from her own cup, placing it aside and begins filling her pipe with tobacco.

[Gumblackwood]

Antonii divided his time between checking the triage tent and his friends. At one point he reported to Mondragon that the tent was being taken down, and the last patient (OOC: Erwin) would be loaded into one of the trucks, as he was stabilized and would be fine despite the loss of blood.

[$tormin]

Two tense days of travel saw the caravan reach the coast. Stopping at a small fishing town built the supplies back up but Mondragon decided not to hire any more people since casualties had been lighter than he had first thought.
From what was learned in the town, nearly all of the roads were being blocked by some unknown group marked by the green sashes they all wore. It had seemed an unimportant detail in the aftermath of the failed ambush.
There was bigger news though. Some days ago there had been a battle within sight of the shore between what looked like British and French ships against a smaller group of Tobenkoff vessels. No one could tell whether any ships were sunk or not and there had been very little debris washed ashore.

[jep'ray]

feel much better after some rest Jep was at the local Smithy geting some work done on his truck before the caravan moved on. His front glass repaired, the bullet holes pluged and the hedgerow cutter reset and sharpen, his truck was almost ready, the only addition was a folding steel shield mounted to his roof. It would stay flat to the top of his truck, but would give him protection when folded up, incase he had to shoot from there again. the pressure line was replace and all exposed engine bits had mtal plate welded infront of them to prevent them from becomeing damaged in a fire fight. Jep was happy with his repairs and it did not happer his trucks performance at all.
Toping off on fuel and water he was once again ready to go.

[Soria]

Dani busily helped Josh work on giving the motorcycles a proper look over and fixing.

[$tormin]

Erwin was checking out the town when, in a small curio shop, he found something rather interesting. A copper plate with somewhat familiar designs etched into it. Paying for it, he brought it to show the others.

[jep'ray]

Jep, once again dressed to his high personal standards look rather dandy in this little fishing village, the only person here that was better dressed was the man holding everyones money. he tried to look around the town, but it just wasnt what he was used to. So again he found him self at the smithy, bouncing ideals off the local blacksmith who now looked out of his element. Getting nowhere trying to discribe a unit to help raise the pressure in his current engine, he settled for buying up what high pressure hoses he had left, and a few spare tires and tools. On the way back to the camp where everyone was parked. Jep saw the Merc tha had been shot next to his truck coming out of a store. Slowing down he offered him a life back to camp, he climbed into the cab with a small metal plate in his hands...

[$tormin]

((OOC: Sorry, should have mentioned it. The metal plate is about 7 inches across))