[Date: July 30. Time: 1600 GMT] [Weather: Underground] [Jonathon stops by the detention facility after receiving his reward. There's a construction crew on the top and a group of armoured military personnel, and a few APCs and soldiers with missile launchers] [After they quickly checking a list Jonathon is allowed through] [After a half minute walk down the hallway, he comes to another security station] [There's a three people in suits standing impatiently by the station. Female with an assault rifle, female with a briefcase, and a guy in a suit, but with a shaved head and what look like prayer beads around his neck] Ah, we had word you were coming. Unfortunately, you'll have to check weapons and special equipment here before visiting the prisoners. [Start] * Jonathon walks up to the security guy and pulls off his shades for a moment. "Actually, I didn't bring it with me. I never intended to." (He have his Duffle bag?) (Nope. Just his stylish clothes and charming smile. Oh and his shades obviously.) (And a small notepad.) Then just step through here please (indicates a metal detector looking thing) and you'll be on your way. * Jonathon opens up his jacket to reveal that, indeed, he has no holster and then nods, slipping his shades back on and steps through the detector. [Another security guard at a screen nods as Jonathon passes] Which one do you want to visit? I'd like to visit Maelstrom if I can. * Guard nods and gives Jonathon directions. * Jonathon knows how to follow directions (we hope) so he does so! [He also snickers slightly when Jonathon walks off] [Jonathon has to pass through another security checkpoint before he gets to her block. Once their he notices Dame Eckerd talking with a reddish/tanned skinned man wearing a pinstriped suit and a gray hat. They seem pretty involved in their discussion.] [A security person there walks up to Jonathon and informs him that he'll need to change before he can enter. She indicates a set of curtains setup to provide a private changing area] * Jonathon glances slightly at Eckerd's direction. His expression is mostly hidden by his shades, then he looks at the security person, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Are you certain it's necessary?" The rates we play are already exorbitant, how can you raise them further. If you're going to skimp on the teams you use to defend your facilities and expect Lloyds of London to pay for repairs, than yes, we're raising rates. * Security woman gives a slightly flirty smile. "Unless you're hoping she'll rip the clothes off you, I'd rather advise it." * Jonathon shakes his head. "Nothing of the sort...but I did sort of intend to do a demonstration of sorts. But if you feel you must..." * Eckerd sounds genuinely annoyed "Am I supposed to deploy a squad killer team every time we get a jailbreak threat?" "No, but how about another two agents to keep them from passing the door in the first place." I'm afraid we must insist. Given her power, we're afraid of what she could do with so much as a ribbon. * Jonathon sighs slightly. "Very well. Do what you have to." [Inside of the changing area, there's a robe made of what looks like woven Spanish moss. It looks like it was intentionally grown as clothing, but even so, probably itchy.] * Jonathon changes into the robe and, reluctantly, gives up the shades, speaking out of the changing area. "You do make personal relations bloody difficult sometimes, you realize." We'll see if we can get you a set of leaf sunglasses should you return. * Jonathon blows out a whistling breath and puts his hands where his pockets would be. The robe probably doesn't have any pockets. "It's not that it's...oh never mind." Show of faith in her? Understandable tactic, unfortunately while I would enjoy trying to rescue you if you're wrong, we aren't willing to take that risk. * Jonathon smiles slightly. "Well, as long as you understand..." You're impossible. Feel free to find another company that will pay out in case of attacks by tekes, or acts of any given god or demon. But it wasn't exactly that either.. * Jonathon finishes changing and steps out. Oh? Well.. As much fun as it would be to chat, I don't think you're here to see me. ::she gives the smile again:: The Greenlock doors are right that way. Good luck, no one's really reached her yet. * Jonathon nods and walks with his hands behind his back down to said Greenlock doors. [Jonathon enters a small chamber covered in what seems like thick kudzu over a hedge mage. After the door and kudzu closes behind him another door opens in front.] [He can see Maelstrom standing in the middle of a 5m cubic room. The walls are covered in plant life and a strange sort of weeping willow has grown behind her, the thick vines hanging from it are tied to her wrists and ankles] [She does not look pleased with the setting, she's got a reasonable amount of freedom of movement, but would find it trick to go farther than a meter or two from the tree] [It seems like whoever built the room tried to make it seem pleasant adding a great number of flowers and other flourishes] * Jonathon steps through the door slowly, hands still behind his back and looks around the room, sighing. "It'd be beautiful if it weren't a prison. Good afternoon, Miss Maelstrom. I had more of a plan when I came here but apparently security doesn't like bloody cleverness." He gives a faint smile, but it only lasts for a second. [Oh, Maelstrom's also wearing a Spanish moss robe. It looks more tailored to fit her comfortably than the generic one Jonathon's wearing is.] * Maelstrom doesn't return the faint smile and comments in a bitter tone. "How good of you to come. Care to shoot me again now that I can't defend myself?" * Jonathon , for once, drops his usual composure and looks seriously on at Maelstrom. "How is your wound healing? I'm dreadfully sorry about that..." It was just too difficult to shoot the shoulder or someplace else with so much around you. They do good work, only hurts when I smile. I suppose they can't have valuable property like myself harmed. * Jonathon shakes his head and mutters under his breath, before turning back to her with a cool gaze. "Do you recognize me, Maelstrom?" * Maelstrom looks for a while. "Sorry, no. Can't say I see much television though." * Jonathon takes a deep breath and looks at her. "I'm not quite as much on television. Jonathon Marlyne. Perhaps you've heard the name, perhaps not. It doesn't matter if you haven't though." * Maelstrom thinks for a moment. "Can't say I have. Let me guess, you're some sort of famous photographer commando, hoping to charm me with your words after subduing me with your weapons." * Jonathon paces around the room. "Well, what I wanted to do when I came here is take off my jacket and show you I wasn't wearing a wire. And yes, I'm fully aware that you could have just lifted it around my neck and choked the life out of me. Why do you suppose I'd do that?" Because your a clever man and the chance to control me is worth the risk. * Jonathon snorts slightly. "Oh please. Do you really think that I even COULD control you if I wanted to? Look at you, you're fighting as we speak. If I'm as clever as you say, then I wouldn't think I even had a chance. No, no, try again." * Maelstrom smirks slightly. "Flattery now? Next I suppose you'll be telling me about my eyes or whatever your favorite lines are. But no, I'm not going to guess. Play your games with someone else." [Maelstrom's eyes for the record are a mix of navy blue and dark grey. ^_~] * Jonathon tilts his head towards Maelstrom, slightly looking affronted. "Flattery? You think I'd be foolish enough to try such a shallow tactic?" * Maelstrom frowns slightly less. "Alright, you didn't say 'flattery will never work on such an intelligent person as yourself' so I'll grant you seem capable of some sophistication." * Jonathon paces a bit away from her. "But I don't have any lines, Maelstrom, not in the conventional sense. If you must know why I'd do that, then I can offer no other answer than to say it'd be a sign of amends. And I'm certain that that will relay a caustic remark, which I assure you, I deserve." * Jonathon smiles just slightly. "I figured I'd say it in that manner, because "I deserve that" after the fact is so cliché wouldn't you say?" * Maelstrom nods and then takes a few steps back and sits with her back to the tree and closes her eyes. "A good sentiment I'm sure, even better if you believe it, but I'll let you come up with your own reproach." Well, let's see. The next part of this would be where I apologize for Mister Wilson's behavior towards your sister, isn't it? I won't do that. Frankly because it was unnecessary, rash, and....stupid. I'm certain I could have stopped your sister with less...brutal tactics. And if I couldn't, I was perfectly willing to let her go." And how would you know that? You don't. I don't really care if you choose to trust me or not. You make your own decisions in this life. * Jonathon sighs and faces the greenery, back to Maelstrom. * Maelstrom opens her eyes. "That's a start. We'll skip the part where I rage and demand some reason to believe you, because it's an impossible request. Go on." * Jonathon shakes his head. "This whole mess is so bloody unnecessary. They even gassed you before I had a chance to speak with you. Completely unprofessional. It's a wonder this facility isn't coming apart at the seams." He smirks and looks over his shoulder at Maelstrom. "And no, before you start, I don't mean that literally. You certainly got a good portion of it at that, though." * Maelstrom sighs, she sounds tired more than anything else. "Yes, I'm sure you're the friendly one who's on my side and that is bloody sorry about this whole affair, why should I care?" No. I'm the one who's on my side. If you think I'm the friendly one, I'm a bloody bastard when you come right down to it. * Maelstrom adopts a neutral expression. "Alright, you still haven't given me a reason to care." But...why should you care...well...I don't know what you feel, but a jail break isn't the answer. There are ways about this to work through the system....do you want to make the crimes WORSE on your sister for an attempted breakout? * Maelstrom frowns, "I want to be free, I want a chance to raise her, not for her to become a pawn again only for a different side in the months it takes me to free her. And that's the optimistic scenario." Yes, yes. Jolly good. And how exactly does a failed breakout attempt accomplish that? * Maelstrom doesn't answer, she just looks down and closes her eyes again. * Jonathon closes his eyes too and sighs, turning around and walking back towards her. "There's two reasons I asked you if you knew who I was at the beginning. One was to assuage you of any fear that this would actually go to press. I'm a reporter. But I didn't take this assignment for the story. Looking at it now, I'm not sure why I took it, but at least I tried to prevent the damage from getting too serious, as much as I could. * Maelstrom still doesn't answer. * Jonathon opens his eyes again. "And the second was for you to realize that I could actually have some pull to try and get you out of here. Your crimes aren't that serious from my standpoint if we can actually keep them from escalating." * Maelstrom looks up and opens her eyes, rubbing them with the back of her arm. "And what price freedom? Some agency I can serve? Build something, wreck something else, kill a few people for King and Country." * Jonathon turns aside and blows another breath into the air, looking aside. "How about a pound and 50 shillings?" Don't tease me. Well, it just wouldn't sound right if I said something stupid like "out of the goodness of my heart" or some bloody rote fairytale stuff, wouldn't it? I figure I need to charge SOMETHING. * Jonathon shrugs slightly and turns around a bit. "Dinner and a movie then?" * Maelstrom exhales sharply for a moment. "Trying to get in my bloody plant robe, Mr. reporter?" You make the assumption that I want to use you for some horrible experiment or some rot. I feel it's only fair to get you to jump to another conclusion. And I'm sure this is where you say something along the lines of "I'm sure you do. They all do. You're all the same." * Jonathon turns around and smirks slightly at her. "Am I right?" * Maelstrom stands up again. "Yes, I know what I am and what I was made for and that their are two people in this world I can trust to not be part of some damn mind game." Your siblings. Of course. * Jonathon shrugs slightly and puts his hands in non-existent pockets. "Very well. Thought I'd make the offer though." * Maelstrom smirks faintly. "I'd pay that for our freedom. I may even trust you sometime after." * Jonathon chuckles slightly. "Shall I keep the champagne cold for if you do?" * Maelstrom blushes slightly. "That part of the price too?" * Jonathon smiles. "It's a joke. If you'd like, I could keep one in reserve, but remember, I did say you had the full choice." One more thing. Do I have permission to speak to your sister? I'm not sure what I would say to your brother, but if I can talk to her as well, I'd appreciate it. I'll keep that in mind. What would you ask her? * Jonathon smiles slightly. "You'd actually believe me to tell you the same questions I would ask? Perhaps I'm making more progress than I thought." But I only wish to inquire on her well-being. That werewolf attack was vicious stuff. And she already thinks us bad agents. Perhaps, in some instances, she's correct in that assumption. And maybe...sing her a little song? * Maelstrom smiles faintly. "If you were going to lie, there'd be little point in asking for my permission." Touché. * Maelstrom smiles faintly and frowns, "She didn't mean you, and she's survived far worse than that attack, but yes, you may speak to her." * Jonathon whistles low and turns his head aside. "Well, at the very least, I hope my visit alleviated some of the obnoxious boredom of being stuck with plant life. I pray you have a good night." He walks out of the room. * Maelstrom calls after him. "Oh, one thing." * Jonathon stops at the door and looks over his shoulder. "Hmm? ( ... skip all the security stuff? .. yah, that'd take something like half-an-hour with Ren, anyways. ) Should you ask her how she manifested her powers, I will be most displeased with you. * Jonathon smiles faintly. "I intend nothing of the sort. I've interviewed ghosts before, Miss Maelstrom. These things simply don't interest me as they should, I'm afraid." * Maelstrom nods. "Farewell then." She then adds in a slightly pleading tone, "And if you keep anyone else from asking, I'll be grateful." * Jonathon gets a slightly neutral expression and heads out. * Maelstrom goes back to sitting against the tree. [As Jonathon exits the Greenlock he sees Ren just arrive from the other direction] [Dame Eckerd and the man in the pinstriped suit now seem to be going over some paperwork and discussing figures.] * Jonathon walks back to the changing room and drops his composure again, no longer resisting the urge to scratch. "God, this thing is bloody itchy. I can't wait to get back in my own clothes." * Ren waves nonchalantly. "Got here first, huh? How'd it go?" * Jonathon shrugs slightly. "Who can say?" * Security woman grins. "Aww.. but you look cute, in a sorta earthy way." You're welcome to talk to her too, if you'd like. You have to change first though. [Jonathon for the record is wearing a robe made of what looks to be woven Spanish moss] * Jonathon goes behind the curtain to the dressing room. Bloody moss. * Ren eyes Jonathon's current outfit. "I'll pass." * Jonathon smiles slightly at Ren from around the edge of the curtain as he changes. "Oh come now. You'd look bloody smashing in the earthy look. It's the latest rage." Of course...you wouldn't know much about that, would you? I can recommend a good hair gel if you'd like... * Ren rubs his (messy) hair with one hand. "Somehow I doubt that." * Jonathon steps out from behind the curtain, back in his fashionable suit. He flicks his shades closed and puts them in his front pocket. [Eckerd and the man finish singing papers] I really ought to have you arrested for these prices, perhaps some variant on the usury law. Good luck with that, I believe you'll find I haven't broken a single rule in any of our dealings. Of course, if you didn't play fair, we wouldn't have this arrangement. * Ren , for the record, is dressed rather casually. A slightly-large grey long- sleeved shirt with a coffee stain on one shoulder, and a pair of worn jeans. * Security woman seems to be paying more attention to Jonathon. She's got shades though, so she can get away with it. * Jonathon smiles a bit at the security woman. "Excuse me, but could you tell me the directions to Magnie's cell as well?" [Man nods, puts some papers in his briefcase and walks off] * Security woman gives simple and precise directions. [Eckerd puts a few papers into her own briefcase and then slumps down in a chair. She seems distracted enough that she hasn't noticed Ren or Jonathon.] ( I wonder... is it a good idea to have all three teke's in the same place? ) * Jonathon follows the simple directions. Simple is good. If Eckerd's going to notice anyone, it's going to be Ren. ( They've only got one facility, and each cell as a separate security system. So it's a trade off, there are obvious risks. ) * Eckerd duly doesn't notice Jonathon. * Ren glances at Eckerd for a moment, shrugs, then heads to Magnie's cell as well. [Different cell block this time, you hear repairs coming from the direction of the old one.] [There's a security station you have to go through. Signs clearly stating rules such as "Absolutely no running. Throwing or dropping items is strictly forbidden. No loose attire in the cell.] [There's a decided lack of loose papers and the like around. Other items are strapped down] * Jonathon blows out a breath. 'They sure pull out all the stops for a simple little kid, don't they?" * Ren nods. "Poor girl." [The cell has a slightly different arrangement this time, more chains, but it's arranged to allow Magnie to control her position by shifting her weight. They've also set up a bit of a wind tunnel inside the cell.] It's be so much easier if she just got some sense in her head. [Magnie's hair seems like it was made to be windblown, but even with that she doesn't seem very cheery] [She's not singing at the moment] Will you both wish to speak to her at once? Sense? How would you react to being chained down and kept captive? * Jonathon looks at the security guy and turns to Ren. "It's your choice." Probably the same as her. But the 'sense' part would be not flinging around expensive planes to get here in the first place for the hell of it. * Ren shrugs. "Both at once." I don't have a lot to say myself, I just want to see how she's doing. [There's also one poster on the wall for suggestions to improve her condition. There's discussion of a few different types of chains, and appears the fans got put in because of the poster] * Security guy nods and opens the door. * Jonathon walks into the cell and looks up at Magnie. He waits a bit to see if she notices him before he says anything. * Magnie suddenly brightens for a moment. "You're back. Does that mean someone else is going to try to rescue me? Are brother or sister free?" * Jonathon sighs a little and shakes his head. "No, I'm afraid not Magnie. Though I talked with your sister. You all seem very close." * Magnie looks down sadly. "Oh." She then looks over. "Is she alright?" * Ren finds a nice spot against the wall to lean against lazily. They tell me she's alright, but I think she most be very angry. She's better. But I think you're right. It's a shame that they wouldn't tell you the truth. But perhaps they think just physical wellness is "alright" To say nothing of the emotional state is bloody silly in the least. Speaking of which, how are you feeling, Magnie? * Magnie looks down. "It's my fault... Mael and Manic freed us, but I got separated and managed to screw it all up." * Ren raises his eyebrows at 'us.' Don't blame yourself. You weren't to know. You just wanted to play in the air, didn't you? * Magnie keeps looking down, "I was childish, brother and sister love me, I didn't need to prove myself, no matter what they said." * Jonathon looks up at her, curiously. "They said something to you that made you feel you needed to prove yourself?" * Magnie looks over at Jonathon, her eyes look more than a little red. "They never said anything else, or when they did it was just a trick; but brother and sister said I didn't need to listen, we were free, it didn't matter." Ah...I see. [The security people outside have noticed the amount of conversation (although it's not really broadcasted) and seem to be chattering excitedly.] * Jonathon lets out a little sigh and puts his hands in his pockets, craning his neck up to look at her. "I could ask who you didn't need to listen to but I won't. All I want to know is..are you hurt?" * Ren spares a glance over at the security people off to the side, then shrugs, and resumes watching Jonathon and Magnie. * Magnie shakes her head, "They helped a lot, even the wolf guy. And they let brother finish the job, they asked if I was willing to be knocked out again first and I said yes, and he must have healed me then. I can tell when it's him." * Jonathon raises an eyebrow. "He did?" * Magnie nods. "Maybe they made him promise not to escape then, Manic is very honest, he thinks it's important." Indeed. But I'm not surprised by your brother helping. I meant more for the werewolf. I dunno, I guess he's a doctor wolf. I don't really like him, but he was helping when I came to. Perhaps. I wasn't expecting that from him. Perhaps he's a little sorrier than I gave him credit for. Although I'm sure you didn't need to be knocked down in such a manner. I must say, flying with quadruple density chains on your back is bloody impressive. I guess he was sorry, they were never sorry. Although the gray man gave me a CD once, but I never did memorize the words. * Ren frowns at that, shifting his gaze to the ground. * Magnie then grins over at Jonathon. "When it's in the air, it's mine. Although I did wonder why they got so heavy." * Jonathon smiles slightly. "Special watch, you see. It acts as an amplifier. But that's beside the point." Neat. * Jonathon smiles at her. "You're impressed? I'm working on a few other things at the moment. They're not quite working out to my specifications though but since when has anything?" * Magnie nods "My wings worked well, I got 'em by letting their inventor fly for real. The guards say they may give them back soon." Well that's nice of them. So they're trying to treat you well, I see. * Magnie then looks down. "I didn't say anything back to them, I guess that was rude. But I think I'm going to be her a very long time." Oh, I don't know about that. You were scared, you panicked a little...and there's extenuating circumstances I'm assuming. Could get time off for good behavior at the very least. * Magnie looks a little hopeful. I'm sure the worst of it is paying for the damages caused. I don't think there was really any serious HARM done. * Magnie nods. "But, I think they're afraid of me. They try to be nice and hide it, but it shows through." See, that's the problem with a lot of bloody people. Ever heard of a "self-fulfilling prophecy"? * Ren glances up at Jonathon, then at Magnie. "So talk to them." People are less afraid of someone that they can engage in conversation than someone who's more powerful than them. You're a good enough kid, I'm sure talking to people would help. * Jonathon looks at Ren and smiles faintly. "Oh I'm sorry. If you wanted a chance to speak, all you needed to do is say something." * Magnie blinks for a moment. "A set of beliefs which has the consequence of making the object of the belief true. Sometimes when it wouldn't have been otherwise." * Jonathon quiets down and watches Magnie for a bit. If all they see are your powers and not you, of course they'll be afraid of you. * Magnie smiles a second. "Sometimes my memory works." She then looks over at Ren thoughtfully. * Magnie nods. "But I'm worried about Mael, she had to deal with it longer. She won't accept being a captive again." * Ren glances at Jonathon. "Sorry about that. Had to say it, though." * Jonathon waves his hand and head nonchalantly, brushing it off. "Quite alright. We're both here to visit. I don't mean to hog all the conversation." * Jonathon then turns to Magnie. "But you're quite right. I was going to say that, if someone fears you, the feared person often feels threatened themselves because they don't know how the other person is going to react. That, in turn, scares them too and they react rashly, causing the other person's fear to be justified. It's an ongoing cycle." * Ren eyes Jonathon amusedly. "That works too." I wouldn't worry so much about Mael. I wouldn't go far as to say she's completely alright, but she's at least being treated well. Hopefully, that's some comfort." * Magnie looks over at Jonathon and then Ren. "Maybe talking will help. I talked to Erin, but they said he can't be back for a few more days." * Magnie nods at Jonathon's comment. She doesn't quite seem convinced though. * Jonathon nods slightly. "I'm hoping so. You like talking to Erin?" * Magnie nods and then grins. "He was nice, and almost as smooth as you are." * Jonathon chuckles and smiles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh dear. Do I really come off that way? I assure you it is not my intent." * Magnie giggles. But I'm glad to see that talking to me too is not a total chore. I even believe I saw a hint of a smile from your sister when I visited her. * Ren grins. * Magnie smiles at that. May I ask you a question? * Magnie nods. Who taught you that song you were singing earlier? The gray man gave me a CD. He was scary, but he said it was in thanks for the training Mael had give him. It's a very pretty song. I'm glad you like it. Have you heard "Wind beneath my wings?" * Magnie shakes her head. "The rest of the CD was just God stuff, but nothing else about wings." * Ren 'hmms' thoughtfully, and starts humming the tune to that softly. * Magnie then stops to think. "My memory has some songs... but I'm not so good with the words." Perhaps I'll sing it for you sometime. Or, do they allow you to have a CD player? I haven't asked. I'll inquire for you. It looks like, in spite of everything, they're trying to make you more comfortable here. Is there anything you want to ask me before I leave? Ask if they could hurry up in letting us talk. They seem to be trying to find a good system so we can't plan an escape, but until then I'd like if they could pass more notes. To your family? * Magnie then smiles faintly. "Who else silly? Oh.. and freedom would be nice soon, but I don't think you can get that." I'll do what I can. Anything else? No, I guess I'll listen to him ::looks over at Ren:: and ask if I need something. Alright... * Jonathon turns to Ren. "Do you have anything?" Oh, me? *looks taken aback a bit* I just wanted to know how you were doing. You seemed like a good kid. * Magnie smiles faintly again, "Thanks, sorry for hanging you over the water." * Ren grins. "That gave me a good scare." * Magnie grins back. "Didn't bet on you teleporting away." * Ren pushes himself off the wall, and approaches the cell. "You hang in there, okay? You're a good kid. Don't go flaunting your powers every chance you get, and just talk to people, you'll probably be out a lot sooner." * Magnie glances around at the chains and smiles wryly for a moment. "The hanging won't be too hard." * Jonathon smirks slightly at her. "Before we came in, you were horribly sulking, and now you're cracking bad puns? Whatever has become of you?" * Magnie grins "I can also do a terrific intimidating laugh and curse like someone in the movie's, but I don't really think that's appropriate now." Indeed. You guys got her talking more than we did all day. How's she doing? * Security guy also closes the door after you head out. Well enough. Any chance we could get her a mini-CD player? I've got one in my car if she'd like to use it. She seems okay. If a bit lonely. We were actually discussing music, we don't need a mini-CD player, we can just set up the computers to play some over the PA. Might even be able to get some speakers if she'd like that. Perhaps, but if she'd like some privacy to her own thoughts...might be nice. That's why I prefer a portable to a car stereo. [Other guards nod and one seems particular cheered as he puts a checkmark by one of the smaller ideas written on the poster and goes to work in the security booth] Also, she was wondering if you could pass more notes to her family. She likes to keep in touch. * Guard nods "We've let them send a message or two too convince one another they're alright, but we could do more I suppose." The crew over Maelstrom's cell is working on a permanent connection, but it's hard to make one out of living material. * Jonathon looks over at the guard who was cheered and smiles a bit at him. "I take it you like the girl?" She's a nice break in the rotation. We have some real bastards in here. Some would charm your pants off even. But every now and then I remember she can take out an air force if she wanted. It's hard to reconcile. Just make sure she doesn't want to then. It's as simple as that. * Ren sighs. * Jonathon shrugs slightly and sighs wistfully. "I don't know why people have to make things a lot more bloody difficult than they really are." * Guard nods and keeps at what he's doing. * Ren turns to Jonathon. "How about you? Gonna talk to Manic, too?" * Jonathon puts his hands back in his pocket. "I think I'm done here. Not sure what I can say to the brother really that hasn't already been said. He's just someone who's worried about his sisters." Feel free to talk to him on your own if you'd like. Give him my regards, and I hope getting stuck as he did wasn't too disorienting. * Ren shrugs. "Don't have a whole lot to say to any of them. Was just wondering how Magnie was doing." Very well. I have to say I had my reservations, but it's not so bad working with you. * Jonathon is, indeed, heading out. [As you get to the intersection from which one can head to any of the three cells or out the door, Dame Eckerd is there pacing.] * Ren shrugs again. "That's good to hear." (Is heading out too.) * Eckerd glances up as she hears you approach. "Mr. Marylne, Mr. Ran. What's your assessment?" * Jonathon puts on his shades as he passes and tries to keep going, but turns and smiles at Eckerd. "Fancy seeing you here. Assessment of what?" * Ren frowns. "Assessment? I didn't come here on business." * Eckerd shrugs, she looks fairly visibly tired. "You've fought thm and talked more than I or my people have managed to. But if you don't want to offer an opinion on a way out of my mistake, I wouldn't hold you." * Eckerd steps so as not to block the way to the exit. Or at least you assume it's the exit, they don't really label it. * Jonathon tilts his head to the side. "Mistake?" * Ren keeps the frown, and finds something to lean against. "Mistake? What's this about?" * Eckerd wipes her forehead with a hand before straighten up and regaining her composure. "I should have emphasized dialog over capture, not that it would necessarily have worked either, But I've got two more angry tekes in the prison, and I don't know how to free them safely, and I don't want to keep them either." * Ren raises an eyebrow. "I ... see." They came to free Magnie, right? * Eckerd nods. * Jonathon hmms. "Well...I think at this time you may only have one angry teke. What's keeping them from being freed? If you don't think they'll cause anymore trouble if you let her out, let them out when you let her out. And suck up a lot, too. Wish they'd just agreed to a dialog, but Mael seems to have a real grudge against us for some reason I haven't been able to work out. Oh, that's simple. She thinks you're trying to use them. * Jonathon opens his eyes and pads his pockets for a cigarette. "Just tell me. What do you want out of this dialog?" * Eckerd "I'd love to have them on our side, but, it's more than that... " She sighs. "But that's not your concern." Magnie's not quite stable, I don't think any of them are, but Mael hides it better. I just need assurances that the public will be safe, and I'd like to know who they're gunning for. * Eckerd "We don't have the manpower to mentor them if they don't accept it voluntarily, and the Americans are equally tied up at the moment." * Jonathon finally finds a cigarette and sticks it in his mouth, then searches for a lighter. "Is that all it will take?" * Ren raises an eyebrow. "Smoking can kill you, you know." * Eckerd smiles faintly, "Yeah. I'm thinking they might be willing to trust the Templars, who'd have enough power to hold them back if the need arose, but their leadership might not be moderate forever." * Jonathon grins at Ren. "Going against tekes can kill you too. I'm still alive to talk about it." * Ren hmphs. "Just talk to them honestly." * Eckerd nods. "I'll keep trying." I don't wanna see that girl in a group that's all about flaunting their powers. * Jonathon nods. "Too much attention. Bloody bad show for publicity." He lights up and takes a first puff, taking care to blow it away from the others. "So, I have Mr. Ran's advice, what would you do in my shoes Mr. Marlyne." (Note to self, drop those "s) * Jonathon holds the cigarette between his fingers and smiles a bit at Eckerd. "What I'd do if I were in your shoes is to not press them. Treat them as if they're people and the rest should follow. * Ren nods solemnly. But as far as what I'm personally going to do is look for them to be set free. If their only crime is wanting freedom, then I hardly see the trouble. * Eckerd nods. "Thank you. Victor's working on some research right now to answer a few other questions that have been nagging at me. I'll make the report available to you if you want it. Good day gentlemen." Please do. The more I have to work with, the better. * Eckerd nods and walks down to see Manic, you guess, as you aren't sure where she's going. "Maybe he can tell me why they look so damn familiar..." * Jonathon shakes his head and puffs out on the cigarette, walking towards the exit with his thumbs in his pockets. "But I gather that he won't." * Eckerd doesn't seem to here Jonathon's comment. * Ren watches Eckerd go, watches Jonathon go, then shoves himself off the wall. "I hope they didn't scratch any of my guns." And heads off to go pick them back up. [Guns are returned and the crew Jonathon (and also Ren when he reviews the log) saw walking in aren't loitering there anymore] [End]